An author’s heart is all in

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Dressing as a character from one of my own books? An author’s heart is all in!
Who is she?

Say hello in the comments – you know I love to hear from you!

Still by Authoress Michelle Novak
Costume: Lita Lockhart (the authoress’s mama)

For a list of my works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Bookish Love And Support

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The Kenosha Book Festival yesterday at Studio Moonfall was an incredible event! Thank you to all the readers that came out to show your bookish love and support, with so many signed adventures from wonderful local indie authors carried away! I’m still smiling!

Happy reading! Stay inspired!

A Real Blessing

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Being a part of the Evanston Farmer’s Market as one of the Home Grown Artists has been a real blessing to me these last three Saturdays. Great conversations, with so many interesting, intelligent, kind, generous people in my own community. Thank you for supporting this indie author!

Next Sunday, June 25th – I’ll be at the Kenosha Book Festival at Studio Moonfall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Can’t wait to see so many of my fellow indie authors, and Kenosha friends!!

Spicy Radishes!

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A delight of setting up my books as one of the Home Grown Artists at the Evanston Farmer’s Market? Taking home fresh bread and veggies!

Radishes are one of my FAVORITE things God ever invented. I could eat radishes for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. Okay, maybe not breakfast. That’s reserved for blueberry muffins. You ever spread butter on radishes?! I’ve seen that. I used to drink milk with spicy radishes (I can’t take heat…at all…and yes, some radishes have a serious kick). LOVE them!

Stay Inspired!

Made My Heart Smile

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I was one of the Home Grown Artists at my local Evanston Farmer’s Market yesterday. To the new readers I met, you made my heart smile ~ and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading your new tales!

To my bookish friends ~ I regrettably had to miss a handful of my planned events in April and May, a very first in all my author years. And a sting, as my book days mean everything to me. I’ve therefore decided to schedule this summer a bit more impromptu than usual, rather than ahead. One glorious week of books and sunshine, at a time. I’ll keep the schedule up-to-date here at InspiredByVenice.org

Keep Smiling! Keep Reading! Stay Inspired!

Kenosha Book Festival tomorrow!

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Kenosha Book Festival this Sunday, May 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Studio Moonfall!
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I’ll be selling and signing my tales! But what’s better? I’ll be alongside the MOST amazing company of indie authors! Come out for this bookish blast and pages of inspiration!
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For a list of my works, please visit:
https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Heading To The Kenosha book Festival!

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All organized to head to Studio Moonfall in Kenosha, WI next Sunday May 28th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the Kenosha Book Festival!

I’ll be selling and signing my tales ~ but more importantly, I’ll be seeing YOUR smiling faces and enjoying a lovely bookish day!

For a list of my tales, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Wow!

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What an adventure yesterday! Thank you @magicalmenageriemarket for the party! Wow!!!

Met some awesome people and lovely new readers! Thank you for all the magical and bookish conversation! Sincerely hope that anyone who went away with one of my tales will be wonderfully whisked to my imaginary worlds! All, all, ALL the best!

Stay Inspired!

Tomorrow!

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Tomorrow! Magical Menagerie Market – Stan Mansion, Chicago – March 26th – 12 to 7 p.m.

I’ll be selling and signing my tales ~ Sincerely looking forward to the music, food, smiles, fellow artists, and good cheer! See you then!

https://www.instagram.com/magicalmenageriemarket/

My Pet Orchid

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I replanted Lemmy. She’s my pet orchid. Her name is Lemmy for lemonade. Because her flowers bloom in shades of pink and yellow, reminding me of pink and yellow lemonade. I gave her a bigger pot with a fresh bag of orchid potting chips. Now that she’s got more room to grow, let’s wait for those pretty flowers to come out again.

If you like lemonade, do you prefer pink or yellow? I love a pink lemonade with lots of ice on a sweltering day!

Stay Inspired!

Nanners Or BlueBerries

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I get a kick out of other people’s grocery haul photos. So here’s mine for this week (I’m a vegetarian).

Plain oatmeal with nanners or blueberries for breakfast. Apple, celery sticks, raw veggies for lunch. Salad, or steamed veggies with brown rice for supper. Grapes or orange for sugar tooth.

(I also love cheese, crackers, pastries, cookies, chocolate…but I had a lot of those last week and my cravings tilt one way or the other. I listen to my body. This week it’s veggie love.)

Stay Inspired!

Save The Date!

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I’ll be selling and signing my tales! Save the date for The Magical Menagerie Market! @magicalmenageriemarket
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March 26th ~ 12 to 7 p.m.
Stan Mansion ~ Chicago
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Flyer artist: @thesinisterrex
Event host: @theapothecarycupboard
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For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Couch. With Vogue.

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Couch. With Vogue.

I always liked reading Vogue for the essays. Not particularly for the fashion. Michelle and the word fashion will never appear in the same sentence (except the one I just wrote). Though, I have always liked a beautiful pair of high heels…

I stopped reading the magazine some years ago however, when I just felt like all the flashy expense exhibited in the pages was…well, not my style. But, I had a craving for a copy yesterday. I really do enjoy those essays. And I admit…a pair of heels on one of the pages did make me stop and gaze for a while.

Ancient by Michelle Novak

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At the close of one sweltering day’s journey beneath Egypt’s unrelenting sun, a young woman and her nomadic parents lead their flock into the calm of an unexpected and flourishing oasis. It is a place of ideal refuge in the desert, at least for one night along the family’s annual passage through a barren land…

Taking advantage of what little light remains, Hem trails away to search for nabk berries by her mother’s command. Only, finding a verdant spot right for fruit, this single child of Amosis and Oila will soon discover that she and her family are not alone. Someone else has also discovered the sanctuary in the wilderness. Someone who is about to endanger all of their lives, and alter each of their fates, forever.

There is a place where the sands run deep. High above, a scorching sun beams. Far below, the ancients sleep. Scorpions scuttle, and the ibis stalks. People chant, while the gods, they watch…

Sleek statues stare, and vipers slither. Incense streams like a gentle whisper. Hem has a perilous journey ahead, with no choice but endure. Whether or not she will live, no one’s destiny is sure.

Available on Amazon

Cover Artist: https://selfpubbookcovers.com/Viergacht

Nerd Out On New Ideas!

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For about a year, I’ve been reading business books, listening to podcasts, researching, reading articles, exploring, testing new ideas, all around my author life, in ways I never had before. It’s been fun! And interesting! At the core of it, I just want to learn…stuff. Just nerd out on new ideas!

Currently reading MicroFamous by Matt Johnson. Sure to gain a new pondering or two, I gather.

https://www.instagram.com/microfamous/

Happiness!

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For my traveling book display, I have a tiered cardboard stand that breaks down flat in my bag. It works well to present height, rather than the books filed down a table.

One downside of my train-hopping display is that I can’t pack the weight of my sample copies. And one thing I know about book lovers is that they like to flip the pages…reading the cover alone just isn’t enough.

Me and my traveling books! Happiness!

Keep Trying!

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So I’d gotten this teeny kiosk that I can carry on the L train to events around Chicago. And I’m already rethinking it. It’s fast to set up, and so perfect. But still too bulky for L hopping. For close to home, it will still work. I’d also designed that ad board twice, and didn’t like either! So ran out of patience and left it blank (awkward!) this particular day. Let’s see what else I come up with for my city adventures…

Keep trying! Stay Inspired!

Next Up…

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Thank you for hosting the Cupid’s pop-up last Sunday @missioncontrolarcade (https://www.facebook.com/missioncontrolarcade)! Next up for me, The Magical Menagerie Market March 26th! @magicalmenageriemarket, this authoress is looking forward to the fun!

Stay Inspired!

Look It Up In The Dictionary

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I think dictionaries are ridiculously entertaining ~ just flip the pages and point to a word. Did you know that word before? Do you know how to pronounce it? Is its meaning curious or does it make you laugh? My grandma used to tell me to “look it up in the dictionary” when I used to ask how to spell something. I didn’t like that. I was a kid. I thought that was a chore. But not now. I love words. Words. Words. Words. Sometimes I make them up in my writing and can’t believe they aren’t in the dictionary when I edit my work. I might start leaving some of them in my books instead of correcting them. My little secret. See if anyone notices.

Go flip the pages of the dictionary. What was your word?

Twinkle-Twinkle!

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Everything in twinkle lights! All year long! ALL the twinkles! That’s what I say ~

How are you, Friends? Events starting up for me again next week, which is my joy! My bookish days are my best days. Really looking forward to it, and will share my adventures here with you!

Twinkle-twinkle! Stay Inspired!

Next Sunday!

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I’m looking forward to joining the Cupid’s Pop-up at Mission Control Arcade Bar in Chicago on February 12th, selling and signing my tales from 12 – 4 p.m.! Thank you @missioncontrolarcade ~ https://www.facebook.com/missioncontrolarcade/ ~ for this graphic, and for welcoming this authoress to the fun!

For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Cupid’s Pop-up! Mission Control Arcade Bar!

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I’ll be joining the Cupid’s Pop-up at Mission Control Arcade Bar in Chicago on February 12th, selling and signing my tales from 12 – 4 p.m.! Thank you @missioncontrolarcade ~ https://www.facebook.com/missioncontrolarcade/ ~ for this pretty pink graphic, and for welcoming this authoress to the fun!

For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Periwinkle – Periwinkle – Periwinkle

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It’s snowing! And I also wear prescription glasses on walks or if I must drive somewhere now. Because one day I was looking at a Halloween blow-up figurine in a neighbor’s lawn and I just couldn’t make out if it was a dog, or a dinosaur? Or like, maybe a rat? My glasses are periwinkle. Periwinkle helps me see better. And also, if you say periwinkle three times real fast, it makes wishes come true. A fairy told me that once. Or at least, I think it was a fairy. I couldn’t see real good because it was before I got my new glasses.

Stay Silly! Stay Inspired!

The Magical Menagerie Market

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I’m very excited to be joining The Magical Menagerie Market on March 26th from 12-7 p.m. at Stan Mansion in Chicago!

I’ll be selling and signing my magical tales! Thank you @magicalmenageriemarket & @theapothecarycupboard for hosting and for welcoming this authoress to this incredible event!

Flyer art – @thesinisterrex

Bring Me A Lucky Stretch!

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Recent weeks (months really) have felt all out of sorts. I’ve never been one to believe that star alignment throws off the days, but I’m just about to holler out my window and tell those heavens to untangle! And to bring me a lucky stretch while they’re at it. And some focused writing. And some cookies. Chocolate chip.

Wishing you good health and fortune today. And cookies!

Still by Michelle Novak

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Still by Michelle Novak:

Roe works as a backer, a jack-of-all-trades in one of New York City’s oldest museums. Housing a legion of ancient treasures, its dim and mysterious halls have been venerated for long over a century. Her father before her, an esteemed historian in the museum for decades. It was from him, that she learned everything.

In this place, Roe’s whole life has been spent. Exploring every shadowy corner, gazing over every priceless piece, sneaking a glance inside every creaky drawer. So, she thought she had discovered all of its even most secret of secrets. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In a museum, there is always more to find. Or more to find you. And here, something has been hiding in the basement for a very long time. Something that has now begun looking, for Roe.

To find Still, and my other tales, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

My Best Days

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I’ll be updating with a few events shortly, and what a fun project it’s been planning a new bookish stand to take along on my outings! Really looking forward to meeting new friends and readers soon. As I always say, my bookish days are my best days. But not just because of the books. It’s because of YOU. The incredible, kind, artistic, interesting, creative people I meet. I’ll be seeing you soon!

My Pop-Up Bookstand!

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My pop-up bookstand is coming along! And it all fits in a few bags easily carried. I make my own magic, man! And you may think those are twinkle lights…but they’re fairies. They flew by to approve my shop.

See you soon, Chicago!

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Just a mock-up…but this little kiosk collapses into a bag to go over my shoulder! Tiered cardboard bookshelf on the way will sit on top. Need batteries for lots more twinkle lights! Let’s see what I do with the sign. Storage in the back for extra tales. Starting February, my little mobile bookshop and I will be L hopping. I owe you some visits, Chicago! Come along on the adventure with me…

The Imagination

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Still was the first fully contemporary book I’ve written, and the first that felt like I might pass by one of my characters in a museum, or on a city street one day. The people I created felt so real. Maybe because they live in my world. Or maybe, that’s just how powerful the imagination is.

For a list of my stories, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Sparkle-sparkle!

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Wishing your holiday season filled with fairy tale moments! But if you need some…this fairy godwriter can point you in the ‘write’ direction! Tee-hee! Sparkle-sparkle! Stay inspired!

For a list of my magical works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Scratching Pages

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The writing has been difficult these weeks. Words? I have them. They are on the page. I always have words. I’ve been scratching pages. Which isn’t like me. But that’s because I know. They just aren’t the right ones.

This coming event season when a reader asks for my newest novel, I want to hand them something that is going to make them gasp, revolt, smile, laugh, cringe, drop a tear…need to stay up for just one more chapter. But that takes more than words. It takes heart.

~ Stay Inspired ~

A Dragon Tale!

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Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a dragon tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!

For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

A Little Inspiration

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Hello My Bookish Friends!

If you’ve enjoyed a little inspiration from my writing corner over the years, please consider…


~ Following me on Goodreads, and adding some of my tales to your Want to Read shelf!

~ Submitting an Amazon or Goodreads review for one of my books (this means THE world to an author)!

~ Ordering one of my stories for yourself or a special gift (and if you bring it to one of my events, I’ll be so happy to sign it)!

~ Following my author journey on Instagram, Facebook, InspiredByVenice.org, YouTube

~ Coming by for a signed copy at one of my outings. 2023 is going to be special! Schedule announcing soon on InspiredByVenice.org!

~ Sharing your inspired words, likes, and follows. This keeps me lifted and fuels my pen!

Thank you sincerely – for the inspiration you give, to me!

~Author Website: InspiredByVenice.org

~Amazon Author Site: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

~Authoress Michelle Novak on YouTube

~ Goodreads Author Page

Book Bins!

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My book bins were sassing me today. They said they haven’t been out to an event in weeks! I told them we had to take a break so I can write new books for them to tote. But they talked back, told me they were missing out on the holiday market fun! I told them I don’t drive in the snow in winter. It gives me anxiety. They said it’s not snowing yet. I told them we take a break every winter. They said that’s ridiculous and that I’m a bore.

I mean – what to do when your book bins are giving you attitude?

A Mysterious Tale!

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Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a mysterious tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!

For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Thank You Studio Moonfall!

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Thank you, as ever, to Studio Moonfall in Kenosha, WI ~ This magical bookstore endlessly supports indie authors and makers! They host wonderful bookish fun and carry so many titles by independent authors, mine included! Check it out with a visit in-person, or online – You can even take a virtual tour on the website! https://www.studiomoonfall.com/

Keep Going!

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My first book was published in 2015 and I’ve been on an adventure ever since. Growing as a writer, indie publishing, event attending, small business skills, marketing, social media. I love it all – I never get tired of it – I’m always inspired by it – and every day I’m growing. In fact, I feel like I’m just getting warmed up!

I wanted to say to all the writers, artists, creators, and small business owners out there. I see it now – one must KEEP LEARNING. Read, watch, listen, research, ADAPT, get excited, get inspired, keep going, KEEP GOING! It’s the ones who keep learning, and do not stop, that actually make strides to get where they want to go! Common sense? Then tell me why it’s so easy to become stagnant and let go of one’s hopes for one’s craft?

I’m very, VERY excited for 2023 in my bookish life. Some exciting new fun is approaching! And I believe that if I continue to take my own advice, the future is really looking very magical!

Stay Inspired!

Gifting This Season

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Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a magical tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!

For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

A Magical Tale To Gift This Season!

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Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a magical tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!

For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Please consider a magical tale!

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Wonderful Readers ~ Please consider a magical tale to gift this season! Reading is such an adventure and so incredible for the imagination! Please also consider supporting indie authors, independent bookstores, small creators and small businesses, who strive to bring the world unique goods and special experiences!

For a list of my independently published works, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Here we go!

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What I wrote: “And then she knew, it would be up to her to save the kingdom.”

What I was thinking: “Michelle. You drink four cups of coffee in the morning just to make it to lunch. But you expect your character to save an entire kingdom. I bet you’re going to give her a sword, aren’t you? Could YOU wield a sword? One who is wary of toenail clippers. Just so you know, you have to write this thing. So actually YOU have to save this kingdom. Did you think about how you’re going to do that before you decided to put the weight of the world on this character’s shoulders?! Better sharpen your pencils! Here we go!”

Glitter

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What I write: “And then the fairy twirled about, dusting them all with magical glitter to make their wishes come true…”

What I think: “Wait. Michelle. Remember that time glitter got in your eye from that makeup you were wearing when you were eating at that fancy restaurant. And it ruined dinner because it scratched your eyeball. Like, really bad. And the server tried to lend you their eye drops but you were too scared to use them when you scurried off to the bathroom because you’ve always had a strange terror of eye drops. And then how you looked like a wreck instead of a glittering beauty because the tears wouldn’t stop gushing from that eye to try and expel it. And how the other tables probably thought you were having a breakdown. But you weren’t. It was just one-single-evil-fleck of sparkle. So…are we sure about the glitter?”

Every fairy godwriter knows this.

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Okay – I’ll let you in on a secret. If you want to see vibrant stories in your imagination, you have to wear colorful eyeglasses. And then to capture those bright words, you must use a rainbow of ink. It’s the only way to write a fairy tale. Every fairy godwriter knows this.

I won a book giveaway!

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I checked my email this morning and saw that I had won one of the book giveaways on Goodreads! I post giveaways for my own tales, but I never expected to win a book myself! I’ll share the title when it arrives in the mail! How fun!

To join me on Goodreads – and to see when I post a giveaway – please visit here.

A Growing Indie Author

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~ Dear Readers ~

If you have read and enjoyed one of my tales, please consider showing your support with a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews mean so much! Especially to a growing indie author, like me. My very sincerest, and thank you for reading!

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

Author Website: InspiredByVenice.org

Venice’s Cover Artist: https://selfpubbookcovers.com/Daniela

Beautiful

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I heard geese migrating overhead, opened my window to the cold and listened to their cries so high up in the sky. All just talking, one to the other. I thought it was so beautiful.

I saw a tiny weed sticking up in an alley on my walk, wrapped round with a thin piece of gold tinsel. Maybe the wind caught the tinsel there. Or maybe someone made a tiny Christmas tree with one thread of gold. Either way, it was beautiful.

I smile for my bowls of fruit, remembering how lucky I am to have what I need. Every small blessing – beautiful.

Ghost Stories

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Top three I’m currently reading, bottom three to be read…

Ghost by Alan Lightman is fiction, and I usually like ‘true’ ghost stories, but I’m enjoying how a writer can elicit a feeling, an atmosphere. I admire it. I’m more of a ‘help you SEE the scene’ writer, not a ‘make you FEEL the scene’ writer. I think.

Why do I like true ghost tales? It’s peoples’ stories. Their life and the context around some strange thing that happened to them. A handful have really blown my mind. I never get tired of reading them. But do I want to SEE a ghost? No. No I DO NOT. No – no! Nope. No. I only want to read about them in books.

Support Independent Authors

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Happened upon an Evanston bookstore I’d never been to before yesterday. AND THEY SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AUTHORS. So I supported them with a purchase, a few titles that were on my to-read list. Thank you for lifting up self-published authors, @pageonebooks !!!

All of those things…

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Where’s your life adventure taking you right now?

I’ve been all about my little bookish business, planning for 2023. Writing, considering new ideas and goals, planning my hopes for an exciting book season in the new year. All of those things that make me really happy!

Support an Independent Author!

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Amazon has a sale on my Queen of the Elves and Delight (not sure for how long)! Please consider reading and supporting an independent author. Happy reading!

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

The squalling of his wild cry…

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Handwritten pages just before I slipped them into the shredder. I prefer to handwrite my youth adventures, but I don’t keep the paper pages after they are eventually typed up.

I just love writing these tales! Can you hear the fump-fump-fump of the dragon’s wings? The squalling of his wild cry? Feel the heat in the fire from his snout? I can.

EEEkkkk!

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How many of my bookish friends out there, like me, seem to always be reading a stack of books at once? Why can’t I just pick one? And how many titles am I reading right now with the word ‘ghost’ in it? Read after read, scaring myself silly. I can’t explain it. But what if a ghost floated right past you right now?! EEEkkkk! Anyone know of a good ghostly tale?

Stay silly! Read a story! Stay Inspired!

For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

A Mysterious and Thrilling Journey!

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Veleno – one of the loves of my life, and my most popular tale. Amazon’s got it a little discounted today (not sure for how long) – please consider supporting and reading an indie author! And if it’s my Veleno – I sincerely wish you a mysterious and thrilling journey!

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

What a smile that brought me…

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I spotted this painting above a business while walking to my L stop in the city last weekend. It instantly took me away to a faraway castle, as in one of my tales. And what a smile that brought me.

For a list of my stories, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Haunted Dolls

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My best friend and I are meeting at the Chicago History Museum tomorrow to see the ‘Haunted Dolls & History’s Horrors’ exhibit. I will then proceed to have a very sleepless Saturday night, terrified a doll will peek out from under my bed and pinch my toes. But it’s going to be great!

https://www.chicagohistory.org/dolls

PURE Happiness

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After setting up for a bookish day a few Sundays ago, I grabbed a coffee and muffin, and sat enjoying the sunshine, looking forward to the day. I had all four of my favorite things – I was outdoors, with my books, drinking coffee, eating a muffin. PURE happiness.


What makes you happy like that? Go do that. And I suggest a blueberry muffin while you’re at it. Or pumpkin. Or banana.

Stay Inspired!

This Author Journey…

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Where my pen will be traveling these next chilly months. One of several new tales that will be available for my next bookish season – plans for which are already looking exceptional. Announcing soon!

Thank you all for being on this author journey with me! Stay Inspired!
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Cover Design: https://selfpubbookcovers.com/DesignsByDaylin

Reading Means So Much To Me

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For those of you who have read a tale or two of mine, what was memorable about one of them?

Reading means so much to me. I was thinking today about how a book I’ve been reading, just a sweet story, has several times quelled my stress. I’m thankful for that. Books have so many purposes. They are a getaway, excitement, make you dream, are educational, calming, and many many other things. When I write a book, and let it go, I know it has a life beyond me that I never see. And sometimes I’m curious if and what it might have meant, to someone else. The way books I read by other authors, make impressions on me!

Stay Inspired!
For a list of my stories, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Super-squirrel burning rubber!

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Happy Autumn! May you have peace and light in your life today!

Had an exciting moment on my walk at dusk last night. I stopped to chat with a raccoon in a tree, who peered down at me curiously. And what do you know but a RODENT flew in from somewhere into that same tree and ran up the trunk and then effortlessly transported itself from one branch to another. Friends – it was a southern flying squirrel. And I can’t tell you how wildly fast they can run up a tree trunk! Like, super-squirrel burning rubber!

Once many winters ago, my mom and I were terrorized by a rodent-creature flying in at night onto the tree in the backyard. We had no idea what it was. A monster evidently. We did some lady screeching, because that’s what you do when there is a mystery creature and it keeps making an appearance. Much later, I wondered if it wasn’t a flying squirrel. But I’d never seen one that I knew of. They are nocturnal, so no wonder! And they don’t snooze all winter, so, there you have it. Two women frightened SILLY because of a flying squirrel. But imagine. A winter’s night, some creature flying in from where? Clawing up the tree and peering out with its big eyes in the darkness. What WAS that thing?! Eeeek!

My Fingers Are On Fire

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Thank you @napervilleartisan for a wonderful event this last weekend! And to all the new readers and friends who made it so memorable for me ~ I sincerely appreciate all of you so much!

And now ends my 2022 event season until the spring. My fingers are on fire for a winter of writing!
Stay Inspired!

Kind Of Like A Movie

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First of all – am I an artist, or am I an artist?

True story. I was just out on my evening walk, at dusk. I notice all these bats (maybe two dozen) swirling around in the sky. But then! One at a time they all started diving down into this chimney, until not one bat was left in the sky! It was kind of like a movie, but real. BATS!

Set Your Goals

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My current writing habit is to chip away on one of my stories every day. I’m working on 3 tales at the moment (next out – Dragons at Dusk). Energetic writing goals don’t work for me. I prefer to simply pick up my pen once a day – even if that means writing only a sentence. It still means more words than I had down the day before!

Set your goals to work for YOU! Stay Inspired!

Can’t Wait To See You!

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I’m so looking forward to my bookish day this Sunday at the Evanston Made Maker’s Market! I’ll be selling and signing my tales, and can’t wait to see some of YOU!

Thank you Evanston Made for this lovely graphic!

Fall Fairies

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Are you watching for the fall fairies, hiding in the leaves?

To catch my silly fairy videos, please visit: Authoress Michelle Novak on YouTube
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For a list of my fairy tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Just Two Events Left!

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Just two events left in my bookish event season, then it’s time to give the bookmobile a rest and concentrate on writing projects! I hope to see some of your smiles yet, in October!

Stay Inspired!

You Make Your Own Magic!

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How do you make your own magic?

I like to take walks and dream about my little bookish plans, or browse book cover art and imagine stories I’d like to write. And of course, I pen tales that take me far away and then share them with you!

Take time to dream ~ you make your own magic!

Such A Sweet Treat!

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What a lovely read! Only a quarter the way through, but such a sweet treat!
{check out the author at: https://jenturano.com/}

One of the interesting things about being an author, is discovering different writing styles and genres than your own through reading. Once, I only read books. Now, I both read, and consider the writing with the eye of an author. Reading is even more inspiring to me now, if that could even be possible!

Stay Inspired!

Celebrating Creative Works

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Less than two weeks away! Evanston Made Maker’s Market! I’ll be selling and signing my tales ~ Always a great day celebrating creative works in my community of makers! I hope to see you there!

Thank you @evanston_made for this lovely graphic!
For a list of my titles, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Indie Author Podcast Interview!!!

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A special share! The ArtSpace Podcast covered the Kenosha Book Festival several weeks ago, speaking to the guest independent authors! I’m the first author interviewed after the introduction – and this episode is just an indie author gem! Thank you to the podcast’s creators – Jake and Shelby! Have a listen all of you, my bookish friends!

The ArtSpace Podcast: Episode 21 – https://open.spotify.com/show/0HYIVXq1q7Dcksx7GSbbV7

Everything I need!

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Walked to the Evanston Farmers’ Market this morning! Economize while eating well? This will do the trick for this vegetarian! Everything I need!

Love yourself ~ stay inspired!

Very Special Plan Brewing

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I love my simple home. My simple pursuits. Simple as they are, this summer felt yet again – busy!!

As fall makes its way in, I’m looking forward to slowing down. To reading and writing more, being on-the-go less. I still have several events yet for October, so I hope to see some of you yet. Then it will be back to my writing season, and planning ahead for next year! I have a very special plan brewing – but nothing confirmed yet!

For a list of events and my works, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

My Kind Of Birthday

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It’s MY BIRTHDAY! Just me, a couple of sprinkle donuts, taking an easy day up in the treehouse (the name a neighbor called my unit when I moved in…it’s up in the trees like a treehouse). Maybe write some words, make some pasta, take a walk, do at least one or five silly things and then laugh at my ridiculous self, watch a scary movie and then jump at my shadow, eat too much sugar. My kind of birthday! LOVE YA!

What a day!

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What a day! Thank you @donovanscherer of Studio Moonfall for hosting the Kenosha Book Festival yesterday!

Incredible meeting so many other independent authors!!! And it was yet again, such a joy sharing time with readers, both old and new! These bookish days, and the people I meet, bring so much inspiration and happiness to my life. It’s everything to me – thank you!

Forget Magic Wands

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Forget magic wands. This is my magic pencil.

Stay Inspired!

For a list of my works, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/mnovak

Where’s The Snacks?!

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Who is ready for the Kenosha Book Festival tomorrow?!? (www.kenoshabookfestival.com)

I mean…not me! I just finished my oatmeal! I’m only on coffee 2 of 4! I haven’t even packed the bookmobile! Where’s the books?! I hope I have some books! Do I have gas in that car? You’d think I wanted to get stuck on the side of the road – I always ignore that silly tank! Wait – gas is less expensive in Wisconsin than Illinois, right? I’ll wait till I cross the state line. A near-empty tank will get me from Evanston to there, right? (just kidding!) Where’s the snacks?! Just as important as the books! I need my snacks!

Thank you for being there on my author journey, Friends! It means everything to me. I hope to see some of you tomorrow – I’ll be selling and signing my tales, including my newest Still, from 10 – 2 p.m. (Sunday August 28th). STAY INSPIRED!

Having a Bookish Blast!

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Who is coming to Kenosha to visit the Kenosha Book Festival?! I’ll be joining the fun this Sunday, August 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I’ll be the one with the endless smile while having a bookish blast!

Thank you @donovanscherer for this graphic!

Raining Authors and Books!

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Friends! The Kenosha Book Festival is going to be THE place to be this Sunday August 28th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.!

It’s going to be raining authors and books, and I am just so excited to be a part of this! I’ll be selling and signing my tales, and basking in the bookish fun! See you there!!!

Thank you to @donovanscherer for this wonderful graphic!

New Facebook page!

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Back in this spot I wish I could be more often than not…

Who loves coffee? I LOVE coffee. Black, no stuff in it. That muffin is vegan. I just finished it and it was so wonderful. Oh, blueberry muffins. I love you. I LOVE you.

So – I prefer to write my short adventures by hand. I feel like a kid with a giant pencil, my tongue sticking out the side of my mouth, eraser bits everywhere. Writing anything I want, anything I can imagine.

My novels – computer only. My brain operating more like I’m in some darkened corner of a vast library, studying hard. Oversized glasses falling down my nose. All my reference books splayed around me. Deeply focused on the scene I am creating.

They feel different. And I love them both. That’s why I write both novels, and tales. Two sides of my personality. I bet there is some place in your life you can to relate to feeling like that.

Oh! New Facebook page in case you prefer your updates there! https://www.facebook.com/inspiredbyvenice

Kenosha Book Festival!

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Friends! Kenosha Book Festival! Next weekend! I’ll be a guest author at Studio Moonfall on Sunday Aug. 28th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is going to be an INCREDIBLE bookish blast!

I can’t wait for the fun, and I can’t wait to see YOU!

I’ll be selling and signing my tales. For a list of my works, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

Kenosha Book Festival: https://www.studiomoonfall.com/kenosha-book-festival-year-zero/

Something Bookish and Wonderful

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Nothing makes me more optimistic than a piercing blue sky with bright green trees! What a view!

Just this moment, I have something special on my heart I’m hoping and waiting about. Something bookish and wonderful. But as it’s just not sure, I can only be hopeful and patient right now. I must believe that the best will happen, right?

What inspires you to be optimistic?

That’s my place, man.

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Authoress Advice – # 1

When coming up with a plot for a novel, you’ll consider one or even a hundred wonderful ideas. Tales that would be amazing, and which you and others would love to read! But there needs to be something much more.

Writing, editing, publishing a book is a marathon. Imagine it. That you are running, for a very, very long time. In spite of the reasons you are running, even that you love to run, you’re going to get tired. Maybe even want to give up along the way. Because while you’re in it, in spite of the love, it’s a lot of work.

When deciding your project/idea – consider which will inspire you, drive you, keep you going, until the book is one day in your hands. Great ideas are great! But is it one that will endlessly fuel you?

My Still, a mystery in a New York City museum…I love it so much. I could stay there forever. Write another and another in that world I made up. That’s my place, man. Let me go THERE. Those people, they are real to me.

Will the idea you are considering make you feel that way too? Trust me, you’re going to need, and want it to. Look for THOSE bright stars.

Stay Inspired!

My Eyebrows Know

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Today I got in a few minutes of writing during my lunch hour and realized I was doing the funniest thing! My expressions were totally reacting to what I was writing. I mean, do I do that? Eyebrows going a little crazy every time a dragon screeches on the page?

This can only mean one thing. Dragons at Dusk is turning out an awesome adventure! My eyebrows know.

With Sparkle and a Smile!

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Upcoming bookish fun!!! Selling and signing my tales with sparkle and a smile! I hope to see you there!

A September event may yet sneak in, and there’s a December event that is quite likely, but I’ll update when I’m certain.

For a list of my works, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

As if I’m not already awkward enough.

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 I ordered this one for my Dad, and then he mailed it my way after he read it. We’ve been mailing each other books for several decades now.

This one is REALLY good. I was reading while walking on a sunny evening and something moved – probably a bird in my side vision – and I jerked. I mean, that bird could have been a ghost for all I knew!? So sure, I was a little jumpy. And that bird did that on purpose. I know he did. Just to make me look weird in public. As if I’m not already awkward enough.

That bee was a hunter!

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You know me and insects – I’m the bug whisperer…

So, there was this hornet-like angry buzzing coming from my bathroom window (which I always leave cracked). I see this bee and think he’s angry because he can’t find his way back out the window. I encourage him out. But the next morning, I hear that same angry bee.

You know, he’d been building a mud vessel in my window frame and secreting spiders in it for later – maybe for the eggs it intended to lay there too – or for a snack. I broke up the mud (no bees in my bathroom please), but it was too late for the spiders. That bee was a hunter!

The Magic Was Real

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The magic was real this weekend at the 18th World of Faeries Festival in South Elgin, IL! So was the heat and humidity – oh my word! But let me tell you, if you are local, and especially if you have little ones, visit this event in the future. It is so special!

Thank you to the incredible readers, old and new. You bring sparkle, inspiration, and blessings to my life – I was amazed by the incredible reception I had at this event! And thank you to my friends who came out to support me and my bookish business! It meant so much!!

ALL my best to all! Stay Inspired!

Break Out Your Glitter Wings!

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This book fairy is preparing for a magical weekend! Who will be joining me at the 18th World of Faeries Festival?!

I will be selling and signing my tales, filled with fairies, unicorns, dragons, elves, and every enchanted creature imagined! So break out your glitter wings and come out to dance a day in the sunshine with your fellow fairies!

Sat. Aug 6th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun. Aug 7th – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food – Music – Magical Merchants

Vasa Park – South Elgin, IL

https://theworldoffaeries.com/home

For a list of my tales, please visit: https://inspiredbyvenice.org/about/

And now I can go eat some candy…

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I took myself into the city yesterday for a spot of art and quite enjoyed my adventure! And have you watched the new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion on Netflix yet?! Oh my word, so lovely! I’m reading an eerie ghost book (when am I not) just now, and I’m also sort of convinced I might have caught something ghostly on camera yesterday (maybe I shouldn’t announce that on the internet).

I’m heavily deciding on new writing projects this minute, as well as heavily procrastinating on some important paperwork! Oh, and I had toast with lots of raspberry jam this morning. Isn’t jam so swell? AND! I went to the dentist Friday – love my teeth cleanings! Because I’m weird like that. And now I can go eat some candy. How’s that for an update?!
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Stay Inspired!

Mantidfly In The Wild

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As some of you know, I have a sincere passion for insects. I LOVE BUGS.

Tonight, I opened my window and a tiny creature moved in a way on my sill that made me believe I had just found a baby praying mantis. You should have watched this guy! But guess what it really is? A mantidfly, which hunt like a mantis. I feel so lucky right now…I wish I had caught him snatching out for a meal. But how special our paths crossed at all!

Reading Is So Wonderful!

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My Dragons At Dawn and Once Upon A Star on a shelf at Studio Moonfall in Kenosha, WI.

Nothing makes me smile more than to imagine the adventure someone is going to have when they pick up one of my tales! Reading is so wonderful!

Stay Inspired!

For a list of my works, please visit here!

Still is Available Now!!

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Still is available now!! And, up on Goodreads to add to your To Read shelf! Thank you for reading and supporting Indie Authors!!

Still on Goodreads

Still on Amazon

Still by Michelle Novak

Roe works as a backer, a jack-of-all-trades in one of New York City’s oldest museums. Housing a legion of ancient treasures, its dim and mysterious halls have been venerated for long over a century. Her father before her, an esteemed historian in the museum for decades. It was from him, that she learned everything.

In this place, Roe’s whole life has been spent. Exploring every shadowy corner, gazing over every priceless piece, sneaking a glance inside every creaky drawer. So, she thought she had discovered all of its even most secret of secrets. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In a museum, there is always more to find. Or more to find you. And here, something has been hiding in the basement for a very long time. Something that has now begun looking, for Roe.

Available Now!!!

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AVAILABLE NOW!

Still by Michelle Novak

Roe works as a backer, a jack-of-all-trades in one of New York City’s oldest museums. Housing a legion of ancient treasures, its dim and mysterious halls have been venerated for long over a century. Her father before her, an esteemed historian in the museum for decades. It was from him, that she learned everything.

In this place, Roe’s whole life has been spent. Exploring every shadowy corner, gazing over every priceless piece, sneaking a glance inside every creaky drawer. So, she thought she had discovered all of its even most secret of secrets. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In a museum, there is always more to find. Or more to find you. And here, something has been hiding in the basement for a very long time. Something that has now begun looking, for Roe.
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Click here to see Still on Amazon

Find The Happiness

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Books, coffee, and my morning treat…finding happiness in little things.

Yes – I’m reading six books at once. I pick which depending on my mood and never have trouble jumping right in where I left off. And, a new Studio Moonfall mug – a gift from my recent author visit. That mug is going to be seeing a lot of coffee!

~ Find the happiness ~ All my best ~