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The Season of Darkness and the Light
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
- Mark Twain
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'Tis the season of ironies, a season of both darkness and light. As we enter the darkest days of the year here in the north, we surround ourselves with bright twinkly lights to lift our spirits and celebrate another year gone by. December often passes in a blur of parties, concerts, baking, shopping, and decorating.
But this season of joy and celebration can often throw into stark relief the griefs and losses of the past year. This is a season of connection. But what about those who have lost the connections that matter most to them? How should they to celebrate?
When you are hurting, it is often the most difficult thing in the world to reach out and ask for help or even just set up coffee with a friend. But at this time of year, it may be the most crucial to make that effort, to not hibernate when you really need someone to remind you why your life is good.
For while people might want to offer that help to you and may even have the best of intentions, they may also be too distracted with taking care of the more pressing, urgent, and louder demands of the season to notice your quiet pain.
In all my many seasons of loss, one of the most effective tools I found for healing was to help another through their pain. Another one was to verbalize when I needed something that someone could help me with. Those I connected with appreciated both.
And if someone doesn't, then ask someone else. Don't just stop there. It's when you are walking through those long winter nights of the soul that you find out who your true friends are.
Maybe you are relaxed and ready to ride out the season. Maybe you are bustling around to make the season joyful and perfect for your loved ones. Or maybe you just hope to survive the blizzard of social and commercial activity and make it through to January (or March!). No matter where you are on the spectrum, I hope you make time to connect with someone who matters in a way that will bless you both.
December presents more opportunities and need for help than perhaps any other season of the year. Ring a Salvation Army kettle bell. Donate to the food bank. Find a charity that lets you bless others in some way. Or just reach out to that friend you've been meaning to have tea with all year and finally make it happen.
I encourage you, no matter what season your life you may be in, whether it be a season of darkness for light, look for ways to connect with those around you. For it is through connection that we know we are not alone and find we truly do have something to celebrate.
As we close out 2019, may you make your days merry and bright, for both yourself and those around you.
"Kindness makes a fellow feel good, whether it's being done to him or by him."
- Frank A. Clark
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I'm going to keep this brief this month. For the long version of what's happening with The Sphinx's Heart, read my blog post about the Week of Epicness below. For the short version, I finished the zero draft, I'm 27k words into the first draft, and I'm on track to have it out by next July if all continues to go well.
Oh, and PLUS! The cover for this is on its way. SQUEEEEE!
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In other news, I've been working on some branding and marketing stuff and finally figured out what genre Finding Heaven really is: domestic noir. (Related to domestic thriller.) Who knew? #iwritethrillersnow
Anyway, to help readers who will LOVE this book find it, I'm having a new cover made. I'm looking forward to revealing that soon!
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I've now added a "Giveaways" page to my website. You can bookmark it to see what's on special here: https://www.talenawinters.com/giveaway.
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Deals:
The Undine's Tear is part of an eBook promotion to share the YA fantasy love. Check out the link to discover other fantasy books to keep you busy over the holidays. The promotion ends December 18.
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Special Bonus: For the month of December, I've put the ebook for The Undine's Tear on sale for approximately $1.99 everywhere. Find it on your favourite platform with this universal link:
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Mark Leslie Lefebvre Finds His Voice
Author, speaker, bookseller, and publishing industry expert Mark Leslie Lefebvre on overcoming personal fears to fulfill his passion—telling stories and helping other authors be successful.
Read the Post
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The Week of Epicness that will Change My Writing Life
This post covers a lot, from being featured on Mark's podcast (yes, the same Mark) to hitting the top 100 on Amazon, but mostly my adventures with learning to dictate and what that means for The Sphinx's Heart and my health.
Read the Post
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What I Read This Month:
Links go to Goodreads.
Nonfiction:
5,000 Words an Hour - Chris Fox (5/5 Stars)
Gotta Read It!: Five Simple Steps to a Fiction Pitch that Sells - Libbie Hawker (5/5 Stars)
On Being a Dictator: Using Dictation to Become a Better Writer - Kevin J. Anderson, Martin L. Shoemaker (5/5 Stars)
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Here's a blast from Holidays Past: our family dressed for a Masquerade Ball in December 2008. By the time our photo got taken, the boys were all played out! Mom and Dad look a little tired, too. (And the fly on those jeans of Jabin's never would stay up!)
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What I Want to Know Is:
What is your favourite holiday memory?
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Seek beauty, spread sunshine! (And have a safe and blessed holiday season.)
P.S. Did you read this in your browser? If you haven't already subscribed to this list, go here to make sure you never miss another newsletter: www.talenawinters.com/contact.
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