January 17, 2016

1.17.16 - Sunday Smatterings

January 17, 2016/ J.T. Ellison

Hi, lovelies! How are you? I'll admit, it hasn't been the easiest week. But here's a bright spot: thrillercat Jameson has been cleared to resume normal activities, so she's out of her cone! Thank goodness. It was hard on all of us to keep the poor bunny confined.

And without further ado . . .

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:

First of all, I'm heartbroken that cancer has taken two of our most talented men. I'm talking, of course, of David Bowie and Alan Rickman. I wrote about Bowie here on the Tao. And there's no question: Alan Rickman was Snape. I think one of my dearest friends, Laura Benedict, summed up our collective grief quite well:

Careers have highlights and low places. When someone dies, most everyone remembers the highlights. The best of people. They forget that the person was a work in progress, a work that was different from project to project, day to day. The day after that person sang/wrote that favorite song, or acted in that favorite film, they probably went on to do something less, well, remarkable. They went on living their lives, working because it meant something to be working, whether we cared about it or not. Their possibilities were still delightfully possible.

Rest peacefully, sirs. We will certainly miss you.

Some writers have a ritual before they put pen to paper. I get it — getting words on the page takes discipline. But Hunter S. Thompson's pre-writing rituals were more more unconventional than even I had originally thought . . .

It's no secret that I love Dani Shapiro. Her writing is so beautifully lyrical and resonates so deeply with me—like this piece about the friend that got away. I know we've all had that person. Dani articulates this situation so well, it's like she was inside my brain.

Go read AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE. Just trust me on this one.

I love a tool that helps me get the job done. I have a well-documented love of Wunderlist, so I was intrigued by this article—it explains why I love the melodious ding! that sounds when I check something off the list.

Speaking of handy tools: Mac people, do you long for a Gmail app so that you don't have to contend with yet another tab cluttering your browser? Here you go.

I dunno about you, but I'd much rather buy something once at a premium than keep replacing a cheap product. Turns out, I'm not alone—and there's a website to help people like me.

And score 1 for the indies: my hometown store, Parnassus Books, is expanding!

And here at home base:

Um, I nearly fell out of my chair when BookBub named NO ONE KNOWS one of the "15 New Books to Read If You Love GIRL ON THE TRAIN!" And a few other people have been passing around ARCs of NO ONE KNOWS, and they've been saying some really nice stuff!

Two more months, you guys! I can't wait to talk about this one with you . . .

Also, you need these potatoes in your life. OK? I can't stress to you how delicious (and easy!) these are on a weeknight. Want more recipes? Sign up for the newsletter, and get a new one every month. Spoiler alert: next month's is a killer slow cooker recipe . . .

And on The Wine Vixen, Amy learned an important life skill: how to find delicious white wines at restaurants AND stay on-budget. And I indulged in a delicious Cabernet, brought to you by the same folks who make Grand Marnier (what!?).

Want some free book samples? Every product page on Two Tales Press is now equipped with a handy link that'll let you peek inside the books. Happy reading!

That's all from me. Y'all keep warm, make some soup (or, better yet, those rib-sticking potatoes!), and we'll talk again soon!

Xoxo,
JT

January 10, 2016

1.10.15 - Sunday Smatterings

January 10, 2016/ J.T. Ellison

Hi, chickens! How was your week? I'm hunkered down, writing away on the next Nicholas Drummond book, THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE. I won't say much here yet, but I think you're going to like this adventure!

Without further ado . . .

Here's what happened around the Internets this week.

Guys. The frisson I got while watching this . . . it's overwhelming. I am one giant goosebump after watching this Outlander Season 2 sneak peek on STARZ. The first season was excellent, but this looks like it's moving into magnificent territory.

And speaking of Outlander, designed Terry Dresbach talks at length about how she goes about creating the Least Patriarchal Costumes on TV. Seriously, more is . . . well, more.

According to Nashville novelist and bookstore owner Ann Patchett, the indie bookstore isn't dead. In fact, Patchett says in The Wall Street Journal that they're coming back. This is nothing but great news for all of us.

Hey, MacNerds, listen up: Griffin Technologies has introduced a BreakSafe Magnetic USB-C Power Cable for the 12-Inch MacBook. Thank goodness! I was thinking about this MacBook, but not having the MagSafe stopped me.

Thriller writers should read this for accurate research: Oregon Militia Occupation and Tamir Rice: The Facts.

Oh, if you're looking for some reading material, you should check out my buddy Jeff Abbott's newest, THE FIRST ORDER. Killer! Also, Lisa Gardner has a new short story out, Three Truths and a Lie. Great title, great story!

And closer to home . . .

I'm thrilled to announce that NO ONE KNOWS was selected as a 2016 Winter Okra Pick! I was so honored to be selected. I also posted my 2015 Annual Review, and chose my path for 2016 -- the Year of Lent.

And for those of you wondering, thrillercat Jameson is feeling much better after her medical debacle last weekend. Here she is, locked in her cage, posing as the Caped Catsader. Thanks for all your warm thoughts and well wishes!

The Wine Vixen gave us two new bottles this week: a sexy Shiraz from Amy, and a deliciously classic Barolo from me.

Two Tales brought us 16 Resolutions Only Book Nerds Can Relate To, as well as a bookish Valentine's Day gift to nag your honey for.

That's it from me, peeps. Stay warm, keep reading, and I'll see you soon!

Xoxo,
JT

January 03, 2016

1.3.16 - Sunday Smatterings

January 03, 2016/ J.T. Ellison

Hello, chickens, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you rang in 2016 exactly the way you wanted to: with gusto and bubbly, or lots and lots of sleep. Both are perfectly acceptable methods of facing the year ahead.

The week between Christmas and New Year's is always a wonderfully slow, sleepy time. I catch up on lots of reading (The Between Week 2015 will forever be known as The Year I Binge-Reread Harry Potter), which means I stayed off the web and immersed myself in story, so there aren't as many links here.

But without further ado . . .

Here's what I found on the Internets this week:

USA Today named Paula Hawkins (of GIRL ON THE TRAIN fame) the Author of the Year. This was such a great read — you never know what'll become a smash hit.

A headline you didn't think you'd see today: Bob Vila is trying to save Hemingway's legacy. I think that's very cool.

If you don't know about the Nashville-based nonprofit Thistle Farms, you should. They continue to restore the lives of women who are victims of the sex trade. It's a hard, thankless work, and that organization does it tirelessly and with much compassion.

Every writer should read this wisdom-filled post on career from Allison Brennan. Allison has been a friend and mentor to me from the very beginning of my career, and this essay on her 10 year anniversary as a writer struck a LOT of chords in me, and I'm sure it will in you, too.

This is why authors need to understand their contracts: "Stop Forcing Authors to Take Unlimited Financial Risks." There is nothing that makes me cringe more than when an author tells me they let someone else read their contracts. Read them, and learn how to understand them.

Another great from Kris Rusch: "Writing During Storms and Holidays." I especially love her patchwork quilt analogy for writing a novel. One of the best I've heard.

And closer to Chez Ellison:

If you like emojis and literary classics, Two Tales Press has discovered the most delightful quiz for you.

This week, The Wine Vixen brought us the Kool-Aid of wines and a creamy, bubbly, delicious alternative to Champagne that'll save you a nice chunk of change.

And I was so excited that WHAT LIES BEHIND was selected as one of The Reading Frenzy's Top 20 Novels of 2015 (and the book, Deb says, "will scare the bejeezus out of you," which, of course, I just love). If you're looking for some good reads, there are some fantastic choices on that list! (I especially loved THE MARTIAN.)

And here's my Goodreads Challenge tally -- I read 62 books this year!

That's it from me, kids. Stay out of trouble, and I'll see you soon!

Xoxo,
JT

December 27, 2015

12.27.15 - Sunday Smatterings

December 27, 2015/ J.T. Ellison

Hello, chickens! How are you? If you've been celebrating, I hope you've been filled with the joy of the season and spent some well-deserved time with loved ones.

I'm here in sunny Florida with people, so the Smatterings aren't as extensive this week. But there's still some nuggets in there! So without further ado . . .

Here's what I found around the Internets this week.

It's that time of year: time to disappear and reflect on the year we're about to put to bed, and the new one about to dawn. Nothing gets me in the me in the mood to do my Annual Review (I've done these for the past few years, and I love them. You can find them here.) like different perspectives on bettering yourself and increasing your own efficiency. Here are a few of my favorites:

Are you besotted with finding the best pens, paper, planners, and notebooks? You're going to love this.
Here are 3 ways to boost your productivity, from one of my favorites, Tara Stiles.
The Passive Guy explores how to cultivate your creativity.
And here's one research-backed way to manage your stress and busy schedule.

P.S. Be looking for my 2015 Annual Review circa January 4th!

For authors: "Reading Between the Headlines" (re Barnes & Noble) - this is quite an important read. Always good to educate ourselves in the industry, especially when there are still buzzwords that upset people.

And watch this if you need a dash of inspiration.

And don't forget this:

And in my little corner . . .

At The Wine Vixen, Amy reflected on a Riesling she had at her best lunch of the year . . . which happened to be our Christmas lunch!

And don't forget to fill up your ereader with Two Tales Press goodness on the way home from your holiday travels!

That's all I've got, folks. Stay out of trouble, have fun on New Year's Eve, and I'll talk to you soon!

Xoxo,
J.T.

December 20, 2015

12.20.15 - Sunday Smatterings

December 20, 2015/ J.T. Ellison

Happy Sunday, chickens! How are you? Have you finished your holiday prep yet? I've got a few more words to write and a few more presents to wrap before I head out to see family. Nothing like the end of December to keep you hustling, huh? It's a big week this week. Fourth Sunday of advent, and Christmas, natch. Did you know we're having the first full moon on Christmas since 1977? And the first Star Wars came out in 1977? Interesting, right? Also Tuesday is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere: longest night, shortest day. Flip the earth, and it's the summer solstice: longest day, shortest night. Fun things to think about. Regardless of what you celebrate, sometime during this universally holy week, light a fire or a candle, think about the coming year, and raise a glass to those you love.

Here's what I found around the Internets this week:

Years ago, Chris Guillebeau put together a template for conducting an annual review, and I've been using it for quite some time now--I love it. And every year, Chris shares his own annual review. Here's his 2015 in a nutshell. (if you're wanting to get into goal-setting and tracking you progress, I can't recommend Chris' annual review template enough!)

‘Tis the season for gift guides, which are not only entertaining, but can also be super helpful in gaining ideas. Brad Thor’s gift list seems like it could double as Xander Whitfield’s Christmas list . . . I especially like that monocular...

Scarily accurate: This is hell for your Meyers-Briggs type. Over queso, my writer friends and I went through this, laughing our heads off at how spot on it is.

Speaking of the holidays, here is some classy, low-key holiday décor. Yum. I'll take the house, too. I'm a minimalist when it comes to decorating -- this is right up my alley.

This is why Scrivener is the ultimate blogging tool. What a great way to organize your posts in 2016.

It's always fun to get good advice from a master, like this: "A good writer is a good listener." That and other fab writing tips from author James Lee Burke.

Meanwhile, back on the homestead:

In case you hadn't heard, I wrote a Christmas novella! THE OMEN DAYS is dark, twisted, happy, and sweet, and I hope you love it. You can check it out from these ebook folks (or put it in your Goodreads!).