6.5.16 - Sunday Smatterings

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Welcome, my dears, to another edition of Sunday Smatterings! I’m very happy it’s Sunday, because my right hand, the adorable Amy, has been on vacation this week, so I’ve been holding down the fort. I’ve missed her dreadfully, and can’t wait to welcome her back tomorrow. I promise to give her a soft reentry to the working world.

On to the links!

 

My buddy Meg Gardiner debunked several well-known writing myths including the old canard that you need just the right setting and time to write. Trust me, chickens, you don’t have to buy your Muse dinner and give it roses.
 


I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear I’m excited by this great news, Outlander has been renewed for Seasons 3 & 4! I’ve enjoyed the show so far, though as a connoisseur of the books (that’s a nice way of saying I know most my heart) I wish they’d let Jamie be a little more… Jamie. You know, Jamie Fraser, King of Men…

 

If you think you don’t know someone who’s struggling or struggled with fertility, you’re wrong. It’s a pervasive problem, and I was so struck this piece. This is exactly what it’s like. Exactly. And even better, it comes from the husband’s point of view. I wish them all the luck in the world.

 

Did you ever wonder when Americans lost their British accents? Mental Floss has the answers, and it’s fascinating.

 

Lastly, I think we all need to ask for this umbrella for our birthdays, yes???

 

And on the home front:

 

The pre-game has started for FIELD OF GRAVES! I did a fun interview with the awesome Alex Segura in The Big Thrill.

 

It was a HUGE week on the Tao, where I welcomed two incredible artists with whom I’m lucky enough to be friends: Singer/songwriter Alissa Moreno and musician and author Daniel Palmer. Daniel’s is in two parts: One and Two.

 

And from The Wine Vixen, Amy and I covered some remarkable wines we remember fondly.

 

 A last thought....

That’s all, folks! Have a great rest of your day!

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J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of thJoss Walkere literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

5.29.16 - Sunday Smatterings

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Welcome to Memorial Day weekend, chickens! It's been a quiet one at Chez Ellison, as the mister and I contracted some sort of plague which includes a lovely low-grade fever. Which is okay, actually, because we've been going so hard and fast the past few months, a weekend off is agreeable to us both. The renovations are done too! We have new floors throughout the house, and finally have some peace.

Anywho, off to the Smatterings!

Here's what happened on the 'Net this week:

 

It's no secret I am a fan of Steven Pressfield, and his blog this week, "The Blitzkrieg Method" on writing first drafts is stellar. Just vomit them out, people. You can fix the rest later. 

 

I love the short form, and was excited to see the awesome list of 17 Stellar Short Stories You Should Read Online This Month.

 

This list of resources on furthering your education, called How to Make the Time to Learn, is priceless. I joke that I get a new Ph.D. every book, but it's true -- and now, here are some seriously awesome links to get you started on yours! 

 

Because what is Smatterings without talking books: What Your TBR List Says About Your Personality. Full disclosure, I am adventurous. I know, you're shocked. 

 

And since we all need a little zen in our lives, I highly recommend a cuppa and ten minutes ruminating on this lovely, peace-filled essay: Calling on the Muse: A Meditation for Writers

And on the home front:

 

There is 1 day left to Win 11 Signed Thriller Novels PLUS a Brand New Kindle Fire! ENTER NOW!

 

I was blown away to hear NO ONE KNOWS on Modern Mrs. Darcy podcast, and then even more excited to learn it had been chosen for her exceptional 2016 Summer Reading Guide. You'll find it in the Gripping Novels section! 

 

From The Wine Vixen: 9 Wines for Barbecues & Beaches This Summer Because it's that time of year, peeps. 

 

And we've got a sleek, exciting new newsletter coming your way next week. If you're not a part of the list, join us!

That's it from me, darlings. God Bless our fallen heroes, and be safe out there!

XO,

JT

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J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of thJoss Walkere literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

5.22.16 - Sunday Smatterings

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Sunday Smatterings 5.22.16

Hello, dear chickens!

How are you this fine Sunday? I'm riding high this weekend because I finished my editing on the next Nicholas Drummond book!!!!!!!!! 

Current Mood

This is how I feel now that the book is in Catherine's capable hands. It's a fun, epic adventure I think you guys are going to dig. 

On I go to write Sam #5!

 

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

Fulfill your kitty's wildest dreams, and let them become a tiny astronaut.


 

This is how to order wine like you know how to order wine. Impress all your dining mates!

 

Oh, my fellow book nerds, LOOK at this Etsy shop! Literary candles and original fiction? I am so there.
 

Y'all know that I basically worship the ground Diana Gabaldon walks on. So imagine my sqee when I read this article she wrote about her process—because this is very near to how I write.
 

This is the stuff introvert dreams are made of: How to Host a Silent Reading Party.


 

For those of you who have or are thinking of selling your creative efforts, this piece on non-compete clauses by Kris Rusch is a must-read.


 

There's so much to love about Brainpickings every week. Maria Popova knows how to scour the zeitgeist and find some interesting food for thought. This week, she shared her commencement address to her alma mater, the school of communication at the University of Pennsylvania. There are so many stand-up-and-shout, "YES!" truths in here, it's so worth your time. Here's one especially good bit:


You are the creators of tomorrow’s ideas and ideals, the sculptors of public opinion and of culture. As long as we feed people buzz, we cannot expect their minds to produce symphonies. Never let the temptation of marketable mediocrity and easy cynicism rob you of the chance to ennoble public life and enlarge the human spirit — because we need that badly today, and because you need it badly for the survival of your soul.
 

Seriously, go read the rest.

 


And closer to home:

This week, Amy the Wine Vixen brought us a zingy white wine you're gonna take on all your beach trips this year (mark my words).



 

I continued my perfection series on the Tao this week, giving a positive spin on striving for perfection. Because striving for excellence isn't all bad, y'all!
 

 

That's all I have for you, my darlings. Be well, and we'll talk again soon!

Xoxo,
J.T.

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J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of thJoss Walkere literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

5.15.16 - Sunday Smatterings

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Sunday Smatterings 5.15.16

Hi, Chickens!

Whew, it's Sunday! Are you getting much relaxing done? I'm editing away on the next Nicholas Drummond book, making up for lost time, because instead of working...

I spent this week at Book Expo America (BEA) in Chicago, one of the biggest publishing events of the year. Industry folks come together and talk about the biggest books and trends in the market. I always like to see what other genres and houses are up to, it's such a cool convergence of creative minds. I love it! I signed 300 copies of FIELD OF GRAVES, met a lot of incredible people, talked tons of business with my team, and generally made merry. *

Anyway. You came for links. So here you go.

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:
 

These are 18 confessions only a book lover will understand.

 

QUIZ! Can you spot the real Shakespeare words? (this is harder than it appears)

 

"Should I help others be an artist?" An astounding answer, one I think we all need to hear. 

 

This is stunning: "I fly 747s for a living. Here are the amazing things I see every day."

And closer to home:

Oh! Wanna read the first chapter of FIELD OF GRAVES? It's in the Harlequin Thrills & Chills sampler, along with some work by other fab authors. (Mary Kubica, Tess Gerritsen, and Heather Gudenkauf, anyone?)
 

If you're looking for a cheap and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, try this one (brought to you by The Wine Vixen).

 

I'm doing a Perfection series on the Tao and aired Part II, on the lies we tell ourselves about perfection, this week. (Did you miss Part I? Find it here.)

 

* While I was at BEA, yours truly got to see a bunch of her Harlequin/HarperCollins team and some of her author friends! As you can see in this video, I wasn't having fun at all. 

That's all I have this week, favorites. Be well, enjoy some sunshine, and we'll talk again soon!

Xoxo,
J.T.

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J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of thJoss Walkere literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

5.8.16 - Sunday Smatterings

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Sunday Smatterings 5.8.16

Happy Sunday, chickens!

Happy Mother's Day! I'm sadly in another state so I don't get to see my mommy today. Give yours an extra squeeze for me. 

I'm gearing up to go on the road, and this time my travels take me to BEA (Book Expo America), one of the biggest book events of the year. Are you around the Chicago area? You should stop by! Click here to find me this week.

And now, without further adieu...

 

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:

 

I always love it when my bestie blogs. This week, author Laura Benedict wrote about coming to terms with a life going continually down the rabbit hole, something all writers do. So much brilliance and honesty in one post.


 

I probably relate to this a little too much: 15 Slightly Odd Things All Book Lovers Have Done.


 

So apparently New Jersey makes wine, and it's delicious.


 

YA author John Green talked about his book LOOKING FOR ALASKA, the most challenged book of 2015. I loved his response to censorship: it's respectful, articulate food-for-thought.


 

This is how to craft a better To-Do List (I love this so much!).


 

No matter how you feel about her, Amy Schumer makes a good point here: Amy Schumer’s ‘I’m Sorry’ Sketch Skewers A Culture That Makes Women Apologize Constantly.

And closer to home:

On The Wine Vixen, Amy found a delightful under-$20 zinfandel that pairs delightfully with pan-seared red snapper and mango-avocado salsa. And she included those recipes, too, because she's nice like that.


 

I started a new series on the Tao this week on perfectionism and creativity: two things that go hand in hand, but aren't necessarily good companions.

 

That's it from me! Hope you're having a lovely Mother's Day, American chickens, and enjoy the busy but beautiful May season. We'll talk again soon!

 

Xoxo,
J.T.

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J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of thJoss Walkere literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Her titles have been optioned for television and published in twenty-eight countries.

J.T. lives with her husband and twin kittens in Nashville, where she is hard at work on her next novel.