Making the Most of Your Time

I feel like every year November and December grow more chaotic. Is it just me? I mean...between trying to write for NaNoWriMo, my own writing work, photography, and then thinking about Christmas shopping, holiday parties, and...well, the list goes on...it's overwhelming.

As I was going to pick up something from a friend the other day I started to think about how much I had to do that day. You know what I started to feel? Sheer panic. I mean, my list of "to-dos" grew by five items just in the space of a minute of thought. And the worst part? I knew there was absolutely NO way I could accomplish all the things on that list. Talk about defeating.

Even worse? I never seem to accomplish my to-do lists. I mean, never. This reality has me ending each day disappointed in myself and feeling a little a lot like a failure. It's like trying to scale a mountain that keeps growing. Or maybe the mountain is made out of sand? Let's go with snow, for the season. The snow continues to fall and you keep sliding back...further and further. I'm afraid that one day I'll stop and look around me and think...I didn't go up at all, just backwards.

After this moment of panic, I mentally slapped myself and started speaking some truth to "inner Emilie". I began to recount all the things I already had done that morning. It was a long list. Then I thought of what I could reasonably accomplish that afternoon. Again, it was more than I realized. And the kicker? I thought about what life would have been like a hundred years ago. I imagined a woman my age and what she'd have to accomplish. Her list was probably something like: gather eggs, milk a cow, make food, do laundry. For the WHOLE day. Forget a trip to the store, forget visiting friends, forget updating her multiple social media outlets...nope, her focus would be on the tasks in front of her and do what she could. Though, to be fair, I'm sure she didn't get everything done either.

That may seem like an odd thing to think of--well, I'm an odd person 😉 But, really, it helped me put a few things in perspective.

We hold ourselves to a standard that is unattainable (most days). Sure, our to-do lists probably look impressive and exciting, but what they are (if not made with reality in mind) is a ball and chain dragging us down to disappointment.

Putting our time in perspective is the only way we'll be able to end the day feeling accomplished.

I'm not good at this, I'll be the first to admit it, but I'd like to encourage you (as I encourage myself) in this season to make plausible to-do lists. You probably can't bake 3 different types of cookies, visit 9 friends, and write three chapters, all while doing laundry, posting on Instagram, and practicing for church choir. Believe me, I've tried this...

Instead, plan out 2-3 things you know you can accomplish each day. Do those things well, and save the rest for the next day. You may not get as many things done in a day, but I've got a feeling what you do get done will be done well. And you'll also end the day feeling much more accomplished.

What about you? Do you have any tips or tricks to ending the day feeling satisfied? Share in the comments below! 
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Spread the Christmas Joy - Always

For those of you who have followed my blog for some time you'll know that I always do "Spread the Christmas Joy" here on my blog. I love it - I really do - but I've found myself without any time to organize something like that again this year. At least not in the way I did it in the years past.

Instead, I've decided to do something a little different. I'm going to focus on trying to blog more this month. Like--me, actually blogging! What a concept! I'm not sure what things will come out - some will be writing-focused, some social media posts, and some just thoughts on Christmas this year.

Me out getting our family Christmas tree!

As you can tell...I've already missed the first of December! But I think Christmas really isn't about getting things perfect so much as understanding who you are, what you've been given, and how truly beautiful the season can be if you stop and really see that beauty.

I will still do some giveaways this month - I've got some awesome books (doubles of the ones I already have) which means YOU all will get the chance to enter to win them.

But, aside from that, I hope that you'll enjoy this December on my blog. There'll be book reviews as I have time to read, book recommendations from my reading this year, and probably all manner of random thoughts and hopes for the future (as the end of the year always leaves me feeling introspective).

Lastly, as the part of my blog that is MOST important to me--I want to connect with YOU dear readers. I would love to hear from you via email, through Facebook, Instagram, or a comment here. Tell me what you're thankful for this season, what you're looking forward to in this coming new year, or maybe something you're thinking through during this holiday season. I'd love to hear any and all of it. YOU are why I write and why I have this blog.

In the mean time, check out my thoughts about feeling something this season over on the Putting on the New Blog, and have a lovely rest of the week!

Total Christmas Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra | Re:View

Are you looking to "makeover" your Christmas? Maybe you're like me and you weren't really sure what that means, but you know your busyness this Christmas isn't healthy? Either way, this book is the answer.

Melissa Spoelstra set's out to help us "makeover" our Christmas in this 31 day devotional that is perfect to read before, during, or after Christmas with an eye toward assessing our traditions and why we hold to them.

Going in to this book I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved that it said "practical approach" on the back cover. To me, there's nothing better than assessing something practically. Our lives are too bogged down as they are with what Christmas is "supposed" to look like. Lots of busyness, expensive gift purchasing, and a commercialized approach to the season, but Melissa gives another way.

Her suggestions, broken down into easily readable devotional chapters, are both heartwarming and actionable. She talks about how we can assess the things we currently do for the holiday's and focuses in on the fact that the traditions that stay should be those that honor Christ and the true meaning of the season.

I love that at the end of each section there are questions to help you think through what had been said and then a section called "A Practical Approach" at the end of each devotion.

I highly recommend this to anyone looking to dig deep into the reasons behind their traditions and business this season. It's an easy read and worth the time to readjust your focus to the One who truly is the reason for the season.

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Total Christmas Makeover

Book Description
(from Amazon)

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.

Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.

In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

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I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. 

Bell Renshaw | Author Chat

It's December and you know what that means? Christmas movies and books ALL the time! I've got debut author Bell Renshaw visiting today and she's just released a sweet Christmas novella (which I got to create the cover for)! Check out her interview below and then go grab a copy of her release (it's only $0.99!) 

Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story. She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that--no matter what--love will always find a home. You can connect with Bell on her website: www.bellrenshaw.jimdo.com

Author Chat with Bell Renshaw

What prank would you play on your main character? 

In keeping with the Winter theme, I would probably find a way to ambush Hoyt with a snowball fight. Probably with a bunch of kids from Winter. How neat would it be to see him walk out of the Diner and get attacked by a bunch of children with snowballs!?

If your main characters were animals, what would they be? 

This is a tough question. I think Reba would be a horse because they are beautiful and strong creatures but can also be stubborn. For Hoyt, I think he would be a wolf. They are pack creatures (like how he loves his family) but they are also cautious and protective.

What is your favorite mode of transportation: plane, train, or car? 

While I like traveling by car and plane, I think train is my favorite. There is something very magical about slowing down and taking the train somewhere. I have a dream to ride a train cross-country and write. Fingers crossed it happens 😉

If you could morph two books together, which would you choose? 

Another tough question. I'd love to see a mashup of Sense and Sensibility and anything written by Melissa Tagg! Maybe a 6th book for her Walker Family series. (I suppose I didn't quite answer the question - teetee).

Cats or dogs or both? 

Both!

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on? 
I think you'd expect me to say Hoyt - and I sure do have a good-sized crush on him - but...I've got to say his brother Beau (the main character of the next novella in the series) is quickly becoming my favorite as I dive into writing his story during this Christmas season (hehe).

What's one thing you would like to impart to your readers about your books and being an author? 
This is my first release so I'm a little new to being an 'author' but I would say that the best part about all of this so far is sharing my little fictional world with the real world. Hoyt and Reba have become dear to me and to share their story with others makes my heart burst. As for my books, I always want them to be encouraging and (hopefully) something you want to share with others. This isn't about "my book" being shared, but more about the idea and the experience being shared. If someone can tell their friend about "this book they read" and then they can talk about it together, I see that as them creating community. That's really big for me. 

One Christmas In Winter 

by Bell Renshaw

Reba Farwell is finally getting a chance to live out her dreams. Sent to Winter, Montana to direct filming for a crucial, on-location shoot, she knows the next two weeks will make or break her career. And she could definitely use a break. As if that isn’t enough, she’s got a secret that none of her crew knows. All she’s asking for is two weeks of small town, Christmas beauty and a little bit of on-camera sizzle.

Five years ago, Hoyt Bradley’s heart and future shattered in one fell swoop that landed him back in Winter. Thankfully, making lemonade—or his father’s famous lemon meringue pie— out of lemons is what he does best. Running Bentley’s Diner has filled the gaps left in the wake of his heartbreak, even if it hasn’t healed him completely. Not wanting to relive memories of his rocky start in the film industry, Hoyt does his best to steer clear of the dreaded film crew, but Winter has a way of bringing people together.

After one fateful delivery and a score of icy bad luck, Reba finds herself in a bind and at the mercy of what Winter can offer. Will she pull the film together in time to salvage her name as a director? Or will the sparks flying off-camera create more of a distraction than she knows how to handle?

Come visit Winter, Montana in this Christmas Novella where the Christmas lights are always on and the snow falls most frequently when loved ones share a kiss.

Purchase: One Christmas in Winter 

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KJV Know the Word Study Bible | Re:View

Including Topic by Topic text, detailed introductions at the beginning of every book, and detailed notations and notes, this study Bible is truly a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to study through the Bible.

At the beginning of every book there is something that says "How to Study" and then lists the book. I think it's such a fantastic idea because you can go into each book with a plan. It's too easy to look at the Bible of a bunch of verses rather than a cohesive book made up of smaller books. This portion of the Study Bible helps you to understand what questions to ask as well as what questions you'll find answers to in each book.

The next awesome feature is the "Study the Book" portions that break up portions of each book into sections/chapters with notes. For example, in Genesis the first instance of this breaks it up into Genesis 1:1 to 2:3 and talks about how "God declares everyone 'good!'". Including in the books as well are notes which include references to other scriptures in both the old and new testaments.

You'll find helpful, full-color maps, a concordance, and weights and measures diagrams. All helpful to further your study. Plus, the outside cover beneath the dust jacket is also beautiful! (See the photo below).

This Study Bible is incredible and would make an amazing gift for anyone who is already loves to study the Word or who is looking to dive in more deeply. I think the only thing of note is the fact that it is in the King James Version which, (to me) isn't always the easiest to read or understand. I think if you grew up with this version or are very familiar with it, this edition would be perfect for you!

From @createexplorereadwww.instagram.com/createexploreread

My rating: 5*
Purchase: Know the Word Study Bible

Book Description

Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.

The study of God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.
The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features include:

-King James Version Bible text
-Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
-Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
-Words of Jesus in red
-Beautiful two-color interior page design
-Comprehensive list of theological notes
-Concordance
-Full-color maps
-8-point type size

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I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Jaime Jo Wright | Author Chat

What better person to have a coffee with for Author Chat than Jaime Jo Wright aka Writer & Professional Coffee Drinker! I'm so excited to have her as my guest and I think you're really going to enjoy her interview! 


Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.

Let's get real...

If your book became a movie, who would you cast for your main characters?
Well, I’d definitely cast Tom Hiddleston for Joel (and then I’d be sure I was on set every day). Ivy would be played by me, because otherwise I’d be really jealous of anyone opposite Tom—ahem—I mean, Joel.

Grant would be played by Ryan Eggold from The Blacklist

Kaine would be played by Italia Ricci who is currently starring opposite Keifer Sutherland on Designated Survivor.


Name three places you’d like to travel to & why...
Well I love LOVE to travel. I’ve had the blessing of traveling many places around the world but three remaining on my bucket list are: Ireland (because it’s green), Norway (because my husband is Norwegian), and Russia (because I love cold and snow)

Share one pet peeve you have.
I’m pretty flexible with stuff, so not much gets under my skin. But I really hate arriving at the office in the morning being talked to before I get my stuff in order and coffee poured. I’m sort of the proverbial morning “crank”.

Which of your characters do you secretly have a crush on?
If I had a crush on one my of characters it’d be Joel Cunningham. But mainly because the model for his character was Tom Hiddleston. *Insert swoony-sigh here

Connect with Jaime on her website: www.jaimejowright.com

Pre-Order: The House on Foster Hill  (comes out November 21)

Enter the giveaway below: 

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How to Write A Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson | RE:View

This book is perfect! It's such a great way to think about plotting. I started it thinking it might take me a while to get through (most craft books do) but the way this one is formatted is AWESOME. It starts out as a story that then leads you into the second half (more like later 1/3) that breaks down the process for you.

If you're like me, learning through story and example is SUPER helpful. Randy starts out with a story of someone that could easily be you or I and then has her go through his snowflake process but in a story type of way. The story itself is a little cheesy, but I think that's the point. It's to instruct by example, not to be brilliant.

Then, what I like even more, is at the end he pulls apart THAT story and shows how he used his method (The Snowflake Method) to write the story. Brilliant!

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who is struggling with their plotting process or looking to streamline how they plot. It would even be great for those looking to 'think outside the box' as far as plotting technique goes. I've found it useful in my own stories but also as a tool. I don't do everything exactly as Randy suggests, but that's kind of the point. It's tool, not a rigid way.

All writers should do themselves a favor and read this book!

My Rating: 5*

Purchase: How to Write A Novel Using the Snowflake Method

Book Description 

(from Amazon) 

A Magical Key to Unlock Your Creative Wizard

@createexploreread

Are you writing a novel, but having trouble getting your first draft written? You’ve heard of “outlining,” but that sounds too rigid for you. You’ve heard of “organic writing,” but that seems a bit squishy to you.

Take a look at the wildly popular Snowflake Method—ten battle-tested steps that jump-start your creativity and help you quickly map out your story. All around the world, novelists are using the Snowflake Method right now to ignite their imaginations and get their first drafts down.

In this book, you’ll follow the story of a fictitious novelist as she learns to tap into the amazing power of the Snowflake Method. Almost magically, she finds her story growing from a simple idea into a deep and powerful novel. And she finds her novel changing her—into a stronger, more courageous person.

Zany, Over the Top, and Just Plain Fun