On My Bookshelf: The Very Short Story Starter by John Gillard

If you're an aspiring author like me, then you're constantly grappling with what to write and how to write it. It's a daily struggle for me, a person who knows she wants to write, but doesn't know where to start. Enter: The Very Short Story Starter.

I stumbled across this workbook of sorts one day while perusing the university bookstore for as many pieces of varying writing styles and subjects as I could.  I had magazines, literary journals, and a memoir or two all in my possession at one point or another when I wandered over to the "Writing and Publishing" section. There I found this book, unlike any I'd seen before, just filled to the brim with creative writing prompts with unique starters, and limits. If the prompt says keep it to 500 words, you need to figure out a way to make that happen. If there's one thing I know about myself, it's that I often struggle with brevity, with getting to the point as quickly and effectively as possible. As I thumbed through to land on prompts such as "Imagine you are on a train or at a train station when a murder takes place" and "Go to a local coffee shop, order your favorite drink, and write a story inspired by an incident in a coffee shop before you finish your drink" I knew it was coming home with me.

NOW, let's talk about the book's effectiveness. This is not necessarily a quick activity book. While you are prompted to write short works of prose, the assignments you choose are meant to make you sit down and write. And that's a good thing. Many of the prompts provided are entertaining and thought provoking, and really help to get the creative juices flowing. And if you're worried about whether or not this book may lean heavily on the side of fiction or non-fiction, rest assured that there are plenty of prompts that can benefit anyone. My advice? Write in pencil. You never know how very small a number 500 is until you're writing in pen and getting dangerously close to 430 with no story ending in sight.

The good: This book offers an enriching opportunity to hone your writing skills and think creatively. If you're struggling to get started in the world of writing, or just want to jump-start a stagnant writing project or two, this book does wonders to get your brain back in the proper mindset.

The bad: While the book's introduction section does go into detail about why flash fiction has started to gain in popularity (we live in a busy world, and people like short reads they can easily digest on their daily commute, or on a park bench while sipping a latte), the book sort of throws you right into the deep end without easing you in with some simpler prompts to get you ready.

Bottom Line I've thoroughly enjoyed this book so far. It's forced me to put down my phone, turn off the television, and just write. Some prompts have been more compelling to follow-through on than others, but overall, it's done exactly what it has promised: get me problem-solving my writing projects in a way that makes me feel creative and productive. All my aspiring writers should TOTALLY take advantage of Gillard's fantastic resource.

You can buy The Very Short Story Starter: 101 Flash Fiction Prompts by John Gillard HERE.

32 Life Lessons I Have Learned

I'm in my late twenties and there's still plenty of living to do, but here are some things I've learned so far:

1. If someone wants to talk to you, they will find a way. Don't sit around waiting for a text that may never come. Live your life.

2. Take people at their word. If they say they're not ready for commitment, or kids, or anything else, believe them.

3. Never stop trying to improve yourself. Learning new things is the best and should never be taken for granted. It doesn't matter how "nerdy" it is. Learn about it. Do it for you.

4. Try to sit down and think about how you would want to be remembered. Live that life right now.

5. Only show up for people who show up for you. If you don't respect your time, no one else will either.

6. Give second chances. People screw up (including you). But if it happens a third time, take the message they're trying to send.

7. DO NOT compare your life to others because it will only drive you mad. Be happy for their successes and know that you're going to get some success of your own.

8. Just. Be. Patient.

9. Don't play games. Put yourself out there and hope for the best. The worst they can do is not reciprocate, and that's fine, too. You'll get your answer and the ability to keep it moving.

10. Just because a person is older than you does not mean they're wiser.

11. Just because a person is younger than you does not mean they can't add something to your life.

12. You may get a thousand "no's" and that's okay. When you get that "yes" you'll appreciate it even more.

13. Some people can go through life flying by the seat of their pants and succeed, but that's not for everyone. Don't be jealous, you do you.

14. Call your grandparents just to say "hi" before it's too late.

15. Don't find someone to complete you, find someone who makes you want to be better.

16. If you want to go back to school and you have the means, for heaven's sake, do it. Don't think, just do it.

17. Speak up more often.

18. Learn to play an instrument. Learn to sew. Learn to cook. Write that book. Do something. Do anything.

19. Be more open.

20. Your screw-up is NOT the end of the world, even if it feels like it in the moment. You'll get over it I promise.

21. You are NOT too much. You are NOT a lot. You are enough.

22. Mourning a relationship that could've been is real. Feel your feelings. Feel them.

23. Stay close with your family, and don't just show up when you need something. They're always on your team.

24. Keep a journal. Even if you don't write in it every day, or even every month, you'll be happy one day to see just how far you've come.

25. WHO CARES if that song or movie or tv show or book is "embarrassing"? Do you like it? Then enjoy it. You like what you like, and that's that.

26. Sometimes being impulsive leads to some pretty stellar pay-offs...and sometimes it doesn't. You have to be ready for either outcome.

27. It's fine if you cry, and it's fine if you don't. Whatever you do, make sure it's a healthy way to express yourself.

28. When someone gives you the gifts of trust and vulnerability, do everything in your power not to squander them. It is an honor and a privilege to make someone feel safe.

29. Friendships ebb and flow, and sometimes they end altogether. Someone who was your best friend a year ago may one day be an almost-stranger. That's okay. People grow, and sometimes not in the same direction. If you love each other, you'll find a way to make it work. If not, wish them the best and keep the happy memories tucked away somewhere safe.

30. Be proud of where you came from, and don't let anyone knock it. It's a place that made you who you are. To forget your roots is to forget yourself.

31. If you say you are going to be somewhere, be there. Keep your commitments as often as you can.

32. You may not know who you are yet, and you may never fully, but don't rush the process. Be okay with the slow-burning reveal. You'll be happy you did.

Winter Favorites (So Far)

Winter has been kind of long, you guys. Normally, I love the cold weather, but I've been sick twice, and now I'm ready for spriiiiiiiiiing. But it hasn't been all bad: I've purposefully chosen to surround myself with some pretty things here and there, enrich my mind with some books that I really want to read (to counter all the books I have to read for class), and make a little time for my beloved television.

Here are some things I'm digging this winter:

I start my mornings VERY early these days. To get over getting up before the sun, I need my  trusty travel mug of green tea. And while any vessel would do (so long as my tea stays piping hot), I find that the commute is just more fun when lounging walruses are around. If you're new to S'ip by Swell bottles, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite way to consume temperature-sensitive beverages. S'Well is just a company that I very much enjoy for their focus not only on eye-catching patterns, but their promise of keeping drinks hot and cold respectively. AND THEY DO. My commute is two hours, and in those two hours, not a single degree changes from the time the tea is made to the time I'm being squeezed against a seat by a person with poor spatial reasoning, but determination to force themselves into a teeny two-person seat. I live for a fun pattern. My only gripe is that these travel mugs work almost too well: my first trip ended in a severely burned tongue. From that point on, exactly three ice cubes make their way into that boiling hot leaf-water as soon as it's steeped.

Life is just one big collection of important papers, isn't it? Syllabi, to-do lists, receipts, everything. And because I have a minor panic attack when I can't find a post-it note with nothing on it but the word "lunch" even though I can SEE the lunch in front of me and am unlikely to forget it, I desperately need my papers to all be in one place. But just because I need to stay organized does NOT mean that my office supplies have to be boring. As you'll soon learn, I am never one to turn down a good print. And when I found this SUPER CUTE accordion folder on Amazon (at such a good price), I threw it in the proverbial cart. And so far so good: every time I snap the little button in place, I silently congratulate myself on being a good adult who has access to all her documents.

Yes, target marketing works on me. I see Glossier videos every single day of my life on social media. EVERY DAY. And because I am a sucker for minimalist packaging with a pop of color, make-up videos, and persuasive positive reviews, I finally, FINALLY caved and bought two tubes of the utterly popular Cloud Paint. My thoughts? I WILL VERY LIKELY NEVER GO BACK TO PRESSED BLUSH AGAIN. I love these blushes. I love them. Just as the name describes, the teensiest dot of this gel-based blush feels like you're painting your cheeks with ultra-light paint; leaving this subtle, BEAUTIFUL tint to your cheeks. While the tubes look small, I reckon these will last for months because honestly, a little goes a long way. I bought "Pufff" and "Beam" and I use them interchangeably. Get some.

Oh, are you surprised that I own more than one of these S'ip by S'Well bottles?  You know I only enjoy my beverages out of novelty vessels!! This one is in the print "Crab Walk" and it has SEEN some things. I have banged it, dropped it, and scratched it, and my lil buddy is still going strong, keeping my ice water icy for hours and hours. Totally worth it.

This list would not be complete without a cookbook because my obsession has not waned, not even one bit. If you're a part of the food world, then you have seen Alison Roman's book everywhere; and for good reason. She is amazing, and this book is just an awesome extension of the talented former Senior Food Editor of Bon Appetit. Alison is like that cool teacher who wants you to learn, but doesn't pressure you or push you before you're ready, and adds a little humor while she's at it. I have been learning to cook from her for years now, and I can already tell I will be reaching for this book over and over again. This book passed the test, and is now resting comfortably on prime real estate on Sydney's bookshelf. Expect a fuller review in the coming weeks!

There are twp things I love: PRINTS, and pouches. I have many, many of them, and they're all being put to very good use. There's something else I love: finding new stores on Etsy to fawn all over! When I saw this GORGEOUS print from Flowiestyle. I added it to the cart. I think I'm going to make this lil guy my travel snack bag.

I think I got two paragraphs into Exit West before I was absolutely hooked. Mohsin Hamid is a poet, a true poet. Every line is romantic and captivating and unique. If you love romance novels with a twist, you'll love this book.

and last but not least...

THE OLYMPICS!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEAAASSEEEEEE tell me you're watching The Olympics, guys! I know, I know, the summer games are decidedly more exciting, but DANG do I LIVE for the competition. Particular favorites: figure skating, snowboarding, and SKI JUMPING! Everyone goes so fast, so high!! I lose my MIND every four years without fail.

What are some of YOUR winter favorites?

How to Make Your Home the Best Lil' B+B in Town

 

Holiday season is upon us, and I love, love, triple love having guests ( I inherited the hospitality gene from my Southern grandparents).  Nothing fills my heart more than having people in the house to bake for and dote on from the minute they put their bags down until the minute they leave. I want every single person who walks through the front door to immediately feel at home, and I've got a few tips on h0w to make that happen:

The Amenities Basket: I think this is one of my favorite things in the entire house, and something I'm really proud of. In the past, though it doesn't happen quite that often, I've been at a friend's house and totally unprepared. I didn't have my toothbrush, I didn't have my toothpaste, I didn't even have a tube of chapstick! It's a terrible feeling because you find yourself picturing exactly where each item you've left is, and wishing that you'd just packed it, just in case. That's why I came up with the idea for the Amenities Basket. I've got every miniature-sized item a guest could ever need: makeup wipes, toothpaste, fancy soaps and body washes, shampoos and conditioners, and even feminine products. Truthfully, my basket is tailored more for the female guests that arrive, but take the opportunity to tailor it to the needs of your specific guests. Maybe they like a certain aftershave, maybe they like a certain lotion. Nothing will make your guests feel welcome like a basket filled with their favorite things. And here's a good tip: try to double up on products if you can. If you've got multiple guests, you want to make sure that you have enough emergency items for everyone.

Baked Goods: Greet your guests at the door with a sweet treat! You can never go wrong with a warm batch of classic chocolate chip cookies like these ones from my favorite cookie lady, Dorie Greenspan!

Candles: Freshen up the guest room (or even the whole house) with a couple scented candles. Make sure to keep the scent warm, light, and crisp to create an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting, not overpowering; You never know what your guests prefer scent-wise until they've gotten there, so best to err on the side of less is more. (Side note: You can find a great selection of super inexpensive, delicious-smelling candles at Homegoods and Target!)

Fresh Flowers: Nothing brightens up the home like a bouquet of fresh flowers! Choose bright, seasonal colors to make the whole house pop. And to keep things extra fancy, trim a few and put them in a mason jar or small vase on the nightstand in your guest room.

Bedside Reading Material: You never know the sleep schedule of your guests. While you may be a night owl, they may be early to bed, early to rise. If that's the case, or they're just having trouble falling asleep in a bed that is not their own, it's always nice to provide a little reading material to pass the time. I like to tailor my picks to things I think my specific guest will love. Usually I'll choose one book that will make them think, one book to turn their brain off when they just want to relax, and one or two magazines for when they want to stare at beautiful pictures. It's good to have a variety.

Clear Space in the Closet: Depending on how long your guests plan to stay, it's always a good idea to clear a little space in the closet for them with a few extra hangers. We wouldn't want a beautiful dress or suit to get wrinkled!

Soft Blankets + Socks: I like a cold house, what can I say? And while this cold-centric gal doesn't mind putting on extra layers in the house, my guests may not always. That's why I'm always prepared with extra soft and cozy blankets and socks for when my guests feel a bit chilly. It's always good to have several available in case your guests don't want to share.

Fresh Linens + Towels: Wash your sheets, and wash extra towels. You never know when your guests may want to take a shower, or even a quick cat nap after a long journey. Be prepared.

A Beverage Basket: We happen to have a lot of baskets lying around the house from various holiday gifts, so I found a good use for one as a beverage basket.  If you've got an extra basket, or don't mind shelling out a few bucks for a small one, fill it with specialty teas, individual coffee packs, water bottles, and even a cocoa mix or two. It's good to be prepared for any tastes your guest may have.

Ask Ahead of Time: The most important tip of all is to always, always ask ahead of time. Ask about food allergies (VERY IMPORTANT), ask what snacks they like, ask what kind of movies they watch, ask how they like their coffee in the morning. Nothing shows that you care more than making sure your guests have the best stay possible. The goal is to make them feel as though they never want to leave, but of course they'll have to eventually! Always ask.

What are your best guest tips? Sound off in the comments below!