The first Sunday in December, and I have all my decorations up! This has NEVER happened before. I did a massive purge of old Christmas items, broken ornaments, funky gifts, and the like, and we are only using/keeping the pieces that speak to us the most. It was quite liberating! I hope your December is starting strong too, that you're decorated (if you dig that kind of thing), and spent your weekend curled up under a blanket with visions of Hallmark movies (or a big book!) dancing in your head.

It's been all about revisions this week at Chez Ellison. Catherine and I are beavering away at Brit #5, THE SIXTH DAY, polishing to make it gleam. Revision is writing, my friends. This is when the book really comes to life, in the editing: plots are tightened, dialogue sharpened, descriptions refined. The editing is just as important as the writing – it's not something to be taken for granted. Meanwhile, I'll get back to work on my new standalone novel on Monday. More to come there! When I have news to share, you'll be the first to know.

Anyway...

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

How to make the best gluten-free shortbread. Navigating the holidays as a gluten-free eater can be tricky. It's not only dangerous, it's hard not to feel left out this season when there are baked goods galore that you can't eat. The best way to remedy that? Make your own! I can't wait to try this recipe for GF shortbread, and dunk it in my tea. (and for those of you who don't want to bake, Walkers does make a gluten-free shortbread, though I find it a bit grainy.)

Two for one: I'm also a big fan of King Arthur almond flour -- here is their recipe as well. I'm trying this one today!
 

VetDog Charlie drops puck on Islanders' Military Appreciation Night. This is just wonderful. What a fantastic program! I wish the Predators would get involved!
 

Choose holiday traditions that serve you. The holidays are here—and with them come hustle and bustle galore. Celebrating with family and friends is so much fun... but it can easily become exhausting. But you know what? It doesn't have to be that way. 
 

Louise Erdrich, Great American Novelist, is just getting started. Such an inspiring woman. Go, Louise! (and if you'd like to check out her interview with my TV show, A WORD ON WORDS, click here)
 

To cure affluenza, we have to be satisfied with the stuff we already own. If you don't read any other Smats article today, read this one. Sobering, thought-provoking stuff, especially for this time of year. 

And closer to home:

The Omen Days ebook is on sale for $0.99. If you're looking for something with a little edge this holiday season, try my Christmas ghost story. Here's a bit more about it: 

Zack Aukey hates Christmas—despises it, actually. December carries painful memories of his first love Autumn Cleary, who left him during the holiday season. But when Autumn mysteriously shows up in Nashville on Christmas night bearing gifts and apologies, Zack knows this is a holiday he won't soon forget. 

And then he sees the police report.

 *shudder*

That's it from me! Y'all enjoy this first full week of December, stay warm, drink a cup of hot cocoa with c reamy cocunut milk, and we'll talk again soon.

xo,
J.T.