Small Joys & Slow Moments: A Peek Behind My Writing Days

Look at this gorgeous view from my window! It's a wonder I'm getting any writing done!

Life has been so busy lately. I feel like the months are flying by and almost as if the year will be over before I realize it. Between writing deadlines, coffee refills, and plotting new swoony heroes, I sometimes forget to pause and take a deep breath. Lately, I’ve been trying to slow down and notice the little things that make everyday life feel a bit more magical.

Like this gorgeous summer day. The most recent heat wave has broken. The sky is full of puffy white clouds and the breeze through the trees behind my house are making the most wonderful sounds.

☕ Morning coffee in a favorite mug

I'm loving this new Judyisms mug I bought while writing GHOST OF A CHANCE. Coffee is one of my earliest scent memories which I strongly associate with my maternal grandmother. When I'm holding the mug in my hand I'm surrounded by her presence and her strength.

Whenever I would stay at her house overnight I'd wake up early to climb into bed with her and my grandpa would bring us both coffee. Mine was served in a demi-tasse (half mug) and was mainly milk and sugar with the tiniest amount of coffee.

My morning java always makes me smile!

🕯️ Candles while writing

Every time I start a new book I buy a new candle to help set my ritual for writing the book. When it's lit my brain gets the signal that it's time to write.

My current manuscript is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina so I needed the scent of the beach to get me inspired for this book.

And I love Yankee Candles.

🎶 Playlists that inspire

This playlist is giving me so much great energy for the book I started yesterday. I try to find songs that really speak to my characters and the plot. I think I've got a pretty good one here but if you have any songs you are currently loving, please let me know!

I’d love to hear what small joys are brightening your days right now. Maybe it’s a morning walk, a book you can’t put down, or that first sip of coffee before the world wakes up. Let’s celebrate these tiny moments of magic together.

Thank you for pausing here with me. Whether you’re a longtime reader of my books or just love cozy corners of the internet, I’m grateful for this small moment we’re sharing today.

👻✨ ARC Readers Wanted! ✨👻

Looking for your next cozy, spicy, spooky season treat? My upcoming opposites-attract romance, Ghost of a Chance, is now on NetGalley, and I would love for you to grab an ARC!

This book has:

🖋️ A mystery writer who pretends she can talk to ghosts

📚 A cinnamon-roll one-night stand who is actually haunted

👻 A ghost with a Judge Judy obsession

🔥 Steamy tension + warm banter

💀 A dash of spooky season vibes

💘 An emotional, romantic happily-ever-after.

About the book:

Kirsty Henson’s life is built on faking it—until she meets Jasper, whose college roommate’s spirit is stuck in an old physics book. When Jasper turns to Kirsty for help, neither of them expect the supernatural (or romantic) sparks that fly. Between a ghost who won’t quit, Kirsty’s big secret, and a mystery tied to Jasper’s past, they’re in for more than a flirtation—and may just discover that love is the one thing stronger than life or death.

If you love:

✔️ Cozy paranormal rom-coms

✔️ Found-family ghost chaos

✔️ Steamy slow-burn romance

✔️ Fall reading that pairs perfectly with cider + a blanket

📚✨ Then Ghost of a Chance is for you!

Interested? Grab your ARC here.

Thank you for helping this book find its ghost-loving, romance-hungry readers. I can’t wait to share Kirsty and Jasper’s story with you!

🖤👻✨

2025 GRW Maggie Finalists Announced!

Happy Monday!!! I have some good news —two of my books are finalists in the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie Awards.  If you've been reading my books for a while you might know I have previously won two Maggie Awards.

I'm thrilled to share that both The Bookbinder’s Guide To Love in the Contemporary Romance category and  Christmas Bodyguard in the Romantic Suspense category are finalists this year.

Maggie Award Finalist 2025

THE BOOKBINDER'S GUIDE TO LOVE is my book about books and journal making. These two passions have saved my life more times than I want to admit. But there is something about writing that has always been so healing for me, whether it's fiction or the deeply personal things I share in my journal.

I've kept a journal since I was thirteen. Boy let me tell you it's eye opening to go back and read how dramatic I was especially when I was 18-19. Girl, calm down!

Reading has been my escape since I was old enough to hold a book. I have too many favorite titles to list here but I did include them all in THE BOOKBINDER'S GUIDE TO LOVE.

CHRISTMAS BODYGUARD allowed me to delve into my passion for art and antiquities. There are so many items that were taken by invading armies after a siege that rightfully belong back in the country they were taken from. This is my version of righting that wrong. I love being able to go into a museum and see both art and antiquities that comes from other cultures.

I picked some factually contested items that are currently housed at the British Museum and then wove a fictional story around it.

This book has my heart...Kenji and Daphne are star crossed lovers who get a second chance at love!

I'm so flattered to be a finalist in the prestigious Georgia Romance Writers Published Maggie Awards. The books I write are like children to me and I could never pick a favorite. These two titles are so different and reflect different parts of my personality.

Have you read either of these books? Do you have a favorite? Comment below and let me know!