Dear Lovely Human,
It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long since I sent my December newsletter—and yet, as this season always is, it’s been completely jam-packed.
We did our usual holiday road trip: a stop in Williamsburg, VA to see my sister and her family, Christmas at Lake Hartwell with my husband’s side, and then down to Kiawah Island, SC—our happy place. We ring in every New Year there with a big New Year’s Eve party, a great funk band, and a dance floor full of our chosen family (also known as the Pink Pony Club). New Year’s Day brings the polar bear plunge in the ocean for a fresh start, followed by my husband roasting oysters for a crowd of families.
Some days were chilly. Some were downright lovely. I wouldn’t trade any of it.
And then—back to real life. A dentist visit to repair chipped teeth from my 11yo daughter’s accident over break. My husband still battling a head cold. HVAC issues lingering. Christmas décor still up. No clear starting point.
So January has begun with me trying to get my footing so I can launch the year right. Thankfully, travel slows down a bit…until a girls’ getaway to Naples at the end of the month to visit a dear friend. Balance.
I’ve now heard back from 7 of the 10 agents I queried. All have passed, but the most recent feedback was actually helpful.
One agent noted that the manuscript “reads more like a category/series voice”—which is fair, because when I first conceptualized the story, that was exactly what I was writing.
So now the real question is:
Is that one data point enough to warrant any tweaks to my submission materials? I’m not convinced yet—but it’s worth considering.
That’s a conversation I’ll be having with my story coach, Dawn Alexander, as soon as we can get a call on the books. If you’re curious about her, she’s wonderful: https://www.dawnalexanderbooks.com/meet-dawn
In the meantime, I’ve been doing some intentional goal-setting. This year, I’m not chasing productivity.
I’m choosing regulation.
I shared my Word of the Year for 2026—and why I chose it—in a short video:
Free Books!
If your January reading stack needs a little love, here are some great free romance collections to explore:
All available for a limited time—perfect for cozy winter reading.
Happy Book Birthday to my dear friend Pru Warren! 🎉
Her new release is out today, and if you’re craving laughs to start the year, this one’s for you.
TIMOTHY is the fourth book in her Bad-Attitude Billionaires series—a spicy rom-com available in Kindle Unlimited.
Here’s a taste:
Strings of polo ponies, black-tie galas, too much money…what could go wrong?
A morally flexible international playboy.
A lady ranch hand with a secret wish.
Two people with absolutely nothing in common attempting a very bad idea.
It’s funny, fast, and full of sharp banter.
A few things I’m loving this month:
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (audiobook) — listening with my long-time girlfriends as part of our quarterly Zoom book club. Early chapters are solid and thought-provoking. https://a.co/d/hU9bs9X
- NV Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut — the champagne my neighborhood friends are ordering by the case. Delicious and surprisingly well-priced. https://www.b-21.com/NV-Henri-Giraud-Esprit-Nature-Brut/productinfo/FRHGBRNVEE/
- Quince European Linen Bedding — I sleep hot, and these are soft, cool, and beautiful. Huge fan. https://www.quince.com/home/linen-duvet-cover & https://www.quince.com/home/sheets/linen-sheet-set
- Feast & Fettle — trying out a new heat-and-serve meal service. Early verdict: generous portions and genuinely good food. https://www.feastandfettle.com/
- Tin Can — highly controlled “landlines for kids.” Limited contacts, limited hours. Service has been a little spotty post-launch, but we’re hopeful. https://tincan.kids/pages/about-tin-can
(FYI: I do not receive revenue for any links I share.)
Post-bath Sasha: sopping wet, towel over her head, deeply unimpressed.
The dogs spent two solid weeks with our favorites at Indigo Dog Training while we were away. Reunited and very happy—but yes, first came baths.
So… steady does it.
We’ve been re-watching the original Star Wars with the kids now that they’re old enough to really get it—and we’re channeling calm, focus, and the Force as we move into the new year.
As I joked to a writer friend recently after she started quoting odds:
“Never tell me the odds.”
There’s plenty of work ahead—on my book, my routines, and my patience—and I’m taking it as it comes.
No chocolate for a few weeks.
No promises beyond that. 😉
Skye
Originally sent to newsletter subscribers on January 8.