My community. I will keep this one simple: it’s good to surround myself with good people. My wish for anyone reading this is that you are able to do the same.

History podcasts. I have always loved history as much as I do fantasy, and I’ve found myself reawakening this passion in recent months. Rediscovering my keen interest in the past has already shaped my latest manuscript, and I have a feeling it will continue to influence my writing in years to come.

Hawk sightings. This year, I’ve seen several hawks and, once, a horned owl (!!) in my neighborhood, and I get a thrill every time. Since Rora can shift into a goshawk, I think you already know how I feel about birds of prey.

Flowers in the kitchen. I operate on a very strict budget most days, but every once in a while, I treat myself—or my partner treats me!—to a fresh bouquet to adorn the table that week. I love working there and having the blossoms in the background. My favorite flower colors are blue and purple!

Running. Though I wasn’t able to partake in my favorite form of exercise for much of last year, I’m back at it now, and slowly rebuilding my strength. For me, running is not about speed. It’s the endurance I enjoy, and last summer I set myself a goal of running at least one 10K race every year.

Interior design. If I tell you my design style is “cozy cottage/English country with a modern twist,” would that mean anything to you? I have fully fallen down the home design/decor rabbit hole and am loving me some House & Garden, Architectural Digest, Pinterest boards, and interior design videos.

Reading. As a freelance editor, I already spend much of my days reading other people’s manuscripts, but this year I’ve also been on a roll with reading for pleasure. It’s nice to reclaim that younger self who could sit for hours with only a book for entertainment.

Spring weather. Chicago temps have risen into the 50s and 60s on a few occasions recently, and my WORD, the effect it has had on me. Like a facelift for my soul. The sun is shining, the trees are covered in buds, and all I want to do is be outside.

In the spirit of cultivating joy, below is the current prescription that’s working for me. Feel free to reach out and share what’s making you happy as well. Remember you’re not alone.

We need energy if we’re going to live each day putting into practice the kind of world we wish to see—one of empathy, kindness, moral integrity, health equity, climate mitigation efforts, and social justice.

These days, I’m learning in real time that making space for joy doesn’t mean I care less about the horrors. Quite the opposite—the practice boosts my capacity to deal with the bad. Joy offers respite, and respite gives us the energy we need to refill our tanks.

It can feel counterintuitive—disrespectful, even—to allow oneself to be happy in deeply troubling times. As though laughing on the same day one learns something bad implies one is ignorant of, or indifferent to, The Situation.

With Forestborn, the ms had a different title while I queried agents. After I secured an agent, she asked for a title change. I wrote out a list of words I thought felt fit the book & put them together into possible titles. She chose Forestborn from the list! The publisher liked it too, so it stuck.

Good Q! First an agent and author have to agree on what to call the book when the agent submits the manuscript to publishers in the hopes of securing a contract. If a publisher buys the book, they may then work with the author to change the title again if they feel it needs a better one.

Adding to the challenge, a title must also fit the genre; I want my novel’s title to convey “fantasy” to readers if possible.

Plus, in the age of digital searches, I try to be wary of overly complex or difficult-to-spell words.

Gah! I’ll take the 118K narrative over this.