Tao of J.T. is the online blog of New York Times bestselling author and EMMY-award winning television host J.T. Ellison.
Hello, chickens, and Happy Friday!
Let's talk about books. I just finished a book by a writer friend this week (sneak peeks = perks of having writer friends), and it was so great. I just can't tell you about it yet.
Why won't I tell you? Because I am SO MEAN. 😂But cross my heart, I'll let you know about it soon. Promise.
What are you reading this weekend? Let me know in the comments!
I met a woman recently who personifies everything I want to be when I grow up.
She was effortless. Do you know how hard that is? From her clothes to her hair to her demeanor to her sense of humor, everything she did and said was… effortless.
Blew. My. Mind.
I mean, I read her, so I know she’s awesome simply through her words, and I will admit, way back when, my debut year, I fan-girled all over her, then gave her my card — why, I’m not sure. Did I think she was going to email me and we’d meet up for drinks? That we’d start exchanging letters or manuscript pages? I have no earthly idea why I did it other than sensing peace emanating from her like a fine perfume, and it attracted me.
Can we bottle peace as a pheromone? Hmm…
Anyway, as a woman who is now solidly into middle-age, seeing someone so settled within her skin gives me hope. Too often, I still find myself mired in the typical female worries: What will they think of me if I I wear my hair up instead of down; my stomach is bulgy in those pants; oh my God did I actually just SAY that?
I’m mellowing with age, truly, I am, but I still have a lot of what we now so glumly call social anxiety. Happily, though, I care less about the aspects I have no control over — fitting in, getting people to like me, concern about what people think of me as a person. Obviously I worry about what people think of my work, but not so much about whether they think that I am cool.
My friends think I’m a decent person. My cats think I hung the moon. My husband still digs me. My parents don’t stay up late into the night worrying if I’m going to amount to anything. I have a career I love, a car that’s paid for, and comfortable shoes that look snazzy. I’m not the most stylish creature, but I can pull off a red lip like a champ, and I know what clothes work for my body. I drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.
Really, can a girl ask for more?
Well, yes. When you’re settled in who you are, when you have your own point of view of the world, your work will automatically be stronger. Something to aspire to, for sure.
Have you ever met one of your inspirations? Did you talk to them about how they’ve changed you?
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By Wednesday, we're all getting ornery. Monday and Tuesday have come and gone, but the fatigue from each remains, and the weekend still seems lightyears away.
Clearly, this is the day we need some talk therapy.
You never know what will happen on Open Thread Wednesday.
For me, it's my bff coming to visit. If she weren't coming, I'd probably say my beloved Damman Frères Earl Grey. Because it is the perfect way to start the day.
Tell me your pep-giver in the comments!
Who doesn't want to be as suave as Nicholas? As badass as Mike?
I know I do.
That's the magic of these stories, isn't it? The idea that maybe you could slip on the skin of an an FBI agent and catch the people harming innocents around the world—or even someone you love.
But do you have what it takes? Could you catch a killer?
Then tell me how you did!
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Hello, chickens, welcome to Sunday. How are you?
It's been quite the week at Chez Ellison. I don't know if a little bird told you, but THE SIXTH DAY released on Tuesday, and our world has been abuzz ever since. It's equal parts fun and frightening, watching your book baby leave the nest. Catherine and I dreamed up the plot over tea and bacon in a Manhattan hotel suite, pored over research and pounded out the story on our keyboards, but it doesn't belong to us anymore. It's yours, that's how this goes.
But, oh, I do hope you love it.
10 Easy Ways to Support Your Local Library. It's National Library Week here in the US, and I have to give a shout to these incredible people. To any librarian who has recommended my books, and to the many who have recommended gems to me, thank you. I know you do so much more than we realize—you are the champions of so many. And I humbly present this list that we can all, myself included, use as a to-do list.
4 Foolproof Ways to Fit Decluttering into Your Schedule. Minimize the overwhelm as much as you can. And get a Roomba. (mine is a lifesaver...)
There is nothing wrong with your house. A fascinating look into our obsession with updating our spaces and the world HGTV hath wrought.
10 Surprising Facts about Ernest Hemingway. I am obsessed with Hemingway (see here and here) so any click-bait with him name on it will snag me hook, line, and sinker.
How to Prune Your Book Collection, According to Professional Book People. Right now some of you are clutching your pearls, but hear me out: sometimes it's good to let papery friends go (and find a new home!) and let new ones in. Just a thought...
9 Stoic Practices That Will Help You Thrive in the Madness of Modernity. Because we all need help with our zen every now and then.
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken. This looks sooo easy and delicious, especially for busy writers...
11 Books Elon Musk thinks everyone should read. Book recs from one of the great disrupters of our time! How many have your read?
Co-Authors With Cred. I leaped for joy on Tuesday for many reasons, but this was one of them: Audible featured me along with some crazy talented co-writers you know and love (Kyle Mills, Mark Sullivan, Mark Greaney...). Surreal! If you're not reading their books, don't miss out—go get them now.
That's it from me! Y'all grab a copy of THE SIXTH DAY for yourself and a friend, send one to your mom, buy one for your mailman, and we'll talk again soon.
xo,
J.T.
P.S. You only have to leave your name to comment! The adding your email address and URL is optional.
