Hi Friends, How’s your September? Have you been cheering your favorite teams, running kiddos to various activities, or adjusting to an empty nest (the grief is REAL!!)? I’m assuming the leaves are flashing their colorful autumn displays SOMEWHERE (send pics!), but they haven’t started dancing yet in Houston. Whether your summers last 10 months or three, I bet you’re like me—trying to make the most out of every drop of daylight. The problem is, sometimes we can focus too much on DOING and not enough on BEING. BE THERE is the theme of this month’s letter, which is always offered as a personal DOSE of JOY and POSITIVITY from my heart to yours. This one's a little LONG, so let’s dive in. Shall we? |
|
IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: - Happy Updates: SO MUCH JOYFUL NEWS + New Opportunities for YOU!
- A Dose of Balance: Life-Changing Wisdom from Marcus Brotherton and Kris Verdeck
- A Dose of Positivity: This Teacher Uses Writing Lessons to DO GOOD in the World
- A Dose of Story: How to Launch a Family Book Club + A Few Thoughts on Banned Books
- A Dose of Light: Lost & Found in the Library
- A Dose of Kindness: All Dogs Go To Heaven Thanks to This Special Priest
- Reader Spotlight: Random Acts of Kindness by Readers Like You (Becky Nelson, Nancy Bass, & Felicia Ferguson)
- A Double Dose of Resilience: Gail Hollingsworth & Pris Nason Shartle Offer Two Stories to Encourage YOU today
- Share YOUR Story: Make Us Smile
- Reader Love: THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
- Book Club Love: Shoutouts to United Women & Night Harbor Book Clubs (Plus, Let's Chat!)
- What I’m Reading: Solito by Javier Zamora (and more)
- Out & About: Girls’ Days Scoop + Cozy Reads to Bring You Comfort This Fall
- A Dose of Confidence: Have You Heard? Amanda Pittman Tops the Charts (Hooray!)
- A Dose of Hope: A Special Message by Wynonna Judd & Brandi Carlile (Suicide Prevention Month)
- Be There: How to Respond to a Friend in Need
- A Dose of Joy: It’s All in the Clouds (Let's Get Happy!)
- Before You Go: Love and Be Loved
|
|
Oh, my goodness, do I have TONS of exciting news to share with y'all. First, check out the adorable cover for my upcoming children's book DOG SAVES DUCK. Stay tuned for more information about this sweet story COMING SOON! |
|
This year's workshop will feature New York Times’ bestselling authors, Saturday Night Live legends, Emmy Award winners, Thurber Prize winners, a Moth GrandSLAM winner, and a slew of celebrated comedians and authors. |
|
Even if you can't join us in Ohio, there's still time to register for my MENTOR-LED SMALL GROUP through STORY SUMMIT. Fall quarter begins in early October. |
|
The photo above was taken with my mentor-led small group this Fall. As you can see, they made me laugh so hard my eyes disappeared! We definitely have fun in this small groups. We also dive deep as we write, edit, and elevate one another. But don't take it from me. Take it from my students. Julie is a cut above the rest. She understands the importance of preserving the integrity of a manuscript - in terms of voice, intent, and diction - while at the same time she knows how to polish each chapter until it shines. As an additional perk, she’s one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Amid the cutthroat world of writing, Julie Cantrell is a rare jewel. -- Anna Dykema, novelist |
|
ANNOUNCING YEAR OF THE NOVEL! I am EXTREMELY excited to be partnering with international bestselling author friend Sadeqa Johnson ( Yellow Wife) to offer a YEAR-LONG course to help YOU write your novel. You're among the FIRST to know about this new opportunity through Story Summit, so stay tuned to learn how you can write YOUR story with us in 2023. Registration and course details coming soon. |
|
Whew! Do you ever look at all the balls you're juggling and think … Gosh, I hope I don't drop any! That's exactly what my author friend Marcus Brotherton mentioned recently when we disussed the daily circus that is LIFE! |
|
Marcus (pictured above with his beautiful family) is not only a NYT bestselling, award-winning author whose books are definite MUST READS, he’s also a phenomenal human being who understands the importance of BALANCE. This week, he's sharing his wisdom with all of us. |
|
Marcus writes: My friend, Mike, is a terrific gardener. “One of the biggest dangers in gardening,” Mike said, “is overplanting. You think you’re being prudent by planting a lot of seeds, or planting them close together. But an overplanted garden is imbalanced. You have to prune more. And reduced airflow to the plants causes rot.” Every September, I remind myself about overplanting. There’s a huge temptation to say yes to many good things. But too many yesses seldom produces the best kind of success. We want a rich and purposeful life, where commitments are fulfilled, and excellence is achieved. Not a harried and overscheduled life, where things are done halfheartedly. Years ago in graduate school, a professor offered the following axiom, worth remembering: “Do fewer things. Do them well.” ____________________________ Thank you, Marcus, for sharing this wonderful wisdom with us all. It’s a good reminder for me to slow my roll. Learn more about Marcus’ fabulous books and watch for his upcoming release with another of my talented author friends, fellow NYT bestselling author and Tall Poppy Writer Tosca Lee. I just had the privilege of reading a very early copy and let me just say … YOU'LL LOVE IT!! |
|
Marcus isn’t the only positive influence nudging me this direction lately. Another talented writing friend, Kris Verdeck (pictured above), got me thinking during a recent Zoom chat when she told me about scheduling a “Being Day.” Thankfully, she agreed to share her wise advice with us all. Kris writes: Once a week I give myself a "Being" day that is free from the need of "Doing" or feeling as if I have to constantly be productive. I start the day as I do most, with meditation, journaling, and some inspirational reading. Then I walk my pup and pay attention to the soothing sights and sounds of nature—a single feather, a vibrant flower, the changing colors of the sky at sunrise. But afterwards, I might spend the day reading or watching movies, bike riding or napping. No laundry. No yard or house work. No work work or checking of emails or returning of calls. If I'm unable to take a day each week, I'm sure to take many "being breaks" throughout each day. By giving myself time to "be" I've noticed that I have less anxiety, more energy, and my overall wellness is improved. And, as it turns out, I end up being more productive on my "doing days." ____________________________ Thank you, Kris. I love this concept of a “BEING” Day. After all, even the Bible tells us to honor a Day of Rest or a weekly Sabbath. So I think you’re on to something GOOD. To learn more about Kris and to see photos she posts from her morning walks, follow her on Instagram. And watch for Kris' fabulous debut novel which I hope will be hitting shelves soon! (Grab your tissues! It's an emotional heart tug.) Kris' morning journal and recommended reads pictured below. |
|
I’ll be honest with y’all. I have always been a “yes” girl. This tendency to make the most of every moment has been in my bones since birth. I blame Louisiana (just kidding). But seriously, in my home state, hard work is a matter of pride. “Work hard. Play hard.” That's the unofficial state motto. (Second only to “Geaux Tigers!” or "We Love Joe Burrow!") But thanks to wise friends like Marcus and Kris, I’m learning to “Do fewer things.” And to schedule time into my hectic schedule to “JUST BE.” |
|
That's what Kensey Jones, a second-grade teacher at St. Michael’s Episcopal church in Richmond, VA. did recently. Learn more in the video below by ABC News |
|
Banned Book Week artwork courtesy of the American Library Association, www.ala.org A few of you wrote after last month’s newsletter and asked me why I would be against book bans. While trying not to get too political here, let me try to clarify my humble opinion (which is in no way meant to discredit anyone else's opinion). But since you asked… I do believe school librarians and teachers should curate age appropriate content for their students. However, I do not believe in broad-sweeping censorship that strips us of our fundamental rights to freedom of expresson or freedom of thought. |
|
As with any issue, we don’t all have to share the same opinions about book bans -- or about anything. That’s what’s so wonderfully beautiful about FREEDOM. Ideally, we should all feel safe to express our own opinions in kind, honest, and open ways while still respecting one other -- even those who disagree with us. |
|
As an author, I know my books aren't for everyone. But I also know my books are for SOMEONE. So I try my best to bring as much truth and authenticity to the page as possible because somewhere out there at least one reader needs to know they aren't alone. Personally, I don't want someone else to decide which books I can read, which opinions I can hear, which stories I can access, or which thoughts I can think. I want to open my mind, explore ALL different kinds of opinions and stories, and then decide for myself what I believe. And why. If I want that for myself, then I want it for others too. And that's why I trust librarians and teachers to curate stories that are appropriate for their students. It's also why I trust parents to steer their own children to alternative assignments if necessary (without dictating what materials all the other students can access). |
|
I know I'm not the only one whose heart has been healed by a book. If a story can make a hurting kid feel valued in this world, then I want it in their hands. Even if it carries a different opinion, belief, or lifestyle than the one I subscribe to. In a broken world where our children are reaching for all sorts of harmful things (guns, drugs, alcohol, etc.), I say … let the kids read more books. My suggestion? I encourage parents to read what their kids are reading and to use the book as a connecting point, engaging in open-hearted conversations about the tough issues teens are struggling with in today's culture. Perhaps start a family book club. Each month, a different family member chooses a book to read and to discuss as a family. The goals of Family Book Club: READ. THINK. LISTEN. SHARE. LEARN. LAUGH. LOVE!! |
|
(Image source: NPR Morning Edition)
Speaking of libraries … isn’t this a fun project by librarian Sharon McKellar of the Oakland Public Library? She snaps photos of various items that have been left behind in the pages of returned books. Then she adds them to her “Found in a Library Book” collection on the library’s website. |
|
Image Source: Upworthy The smallest acts of kindness really can add BIG love to this world. |
|
While we’re talking about KINDNESS, let’s shine a light on some of YOU who have generously shared your own stories of KINDNESS and ways you're finding JOY in your own lives. TWO of you are teachers who go out of your way to make children feel loved. I bet we can all remember that one special teacher who saw the light in us – and taught us to see it too. Let's honor these two superhero teachers today: Arizona reader Becky Nelson and Colorado reader Nancy Bass. |
|
Becky writes: I work as a Before Care and After Care teacher all All Saints Catholic School here in Sierra Vista, Arizona. As the last child was picked up by her mother, the sweet little girl asked her mother if next time she could stay longer to play with Miss Becky. I am sharing this story because it makes me smile. (It makes me smile too, Becky. Thank you for sharing!) _____________________ Nancy writes: A new couple recently moved to Castle Rock from Texas and put their oldest son in preschool where I work. The mom was anxious about what other preschoolers would think of her son who has special needs. She didn’t know have any friends yet to even have a play date for her kids. I showed her some pictures of her son playing on a teeter totter at recess last week with some classmates and she teared up and thanked me. He is making friends and it makes her mama heart so happy. I'm happy his classmates are embracing inclusion! She and her husband came over last night and I introduced her to some of my friends. She said this morning that she feels like she finally found her tribe. It takes a village! Nancy Bass pictured below. |
|
THANK YOU, Becky Nelson and Nancy Bass for sharing these heartwarming stories with us. Our world is a better place because of kind souls like YOU. |
|
Felicia Ferguson enjoying a “Girls' Trip” to Denver, Colorado with friends she met on Twitter Author Felicia Ferguson is sharing her story of kindness and an unexpected friendship that surfaced through Twitter. ____________________________
Felicia writes:
We’re spread across the country and are each in different decades of our lives, but we bonded on a soul level through our mutual faith and a love of the show, creating our own sisterhood. After months of tweets, texts, and video chats, we met up in Denver, Colorado, the show’s setting, for our first in-person gathering and tour of the show’s sites. And oh, was it a blast! Between the laughter, the heartfelt discussions, and our general love of being together, my joy bucket was filled to overflowing.
____________________________ THANK YOU Felicia for sharing this fun story with us. This show must be WONDERFUL if it draws good souls together to share kindness, friendship, and JOY with one another. I love seeing your stories hit shelves! |
|
A DOUBLE DOSE OF RESILIENCE |
|
This month’s first story of resilience comes from reader Gail Hollingsworth.
________________________
Gail writes: I was born premature in 1954. At age 7, I was in the hospital over a month with a near fatal kidney disease. And 10 years ago I had breast cancer. But none of those health battles compared to what happened on February 6, 2020 when a man pulled out in front of me in a truck. I T-boned him, which sent my car spinning across 4 lanes. My injuries included a crushed right femur, a cracked pelvis in 2 places, and a crushed left humerus (which wasn’t funny). Because of the pelvis injury I spent 3 months in a hospital bed. I’m so thankful to God and for all those who cared for me. I’ll never be like I was before, but after months of therapy I can walk again. I have a slight limp, but still that’s a minor thing. I recently went through airport security and set off all kinds of alarms with all the metal in my body. Let’s just say I got a very through pat down by a female security officer, LOL. _________________________ Gail, thank goodness you are here today to share you love of reading (and your sense of humor) with us all. I’m also thankful you were surrounded by loved ones who cared for you when you needed it most. Here’s to YOU and your new bionic body. Super woman! Pictured below, Gail healed and enjoying her Little Free Library. |
|
Our second Story of Resilience comes from reader Pris Nason Shartle. ________________________ Pris writes: I have been sick since early March which led to a severe allergic reaction to some prescribed medications. This resulted in a three-day hospital stay which caused more complications (and then more meds as a result). In the meantime, I had an epiphany from God that my troubles had all started about the same time I’d started taking blood pressure medicine with HCTZ. I mentioned this to my doctor who confirmed that HCTZ can indeed cause my health problems. After a few more issues with meds, I’m now happy to report that I’m on a totally new BP pill and every day my condition improves. My recovery the last six months has been filled with ups and downs, but I couldn’t have survived without my very dear friends in Louisiana. We are in a group text, and until this summer met once a year in Baton Rouge for lunch to celebrate our birthdays. This summer I could not travel, but I have never felt so loved and supported. I have remained strong because they have been with me throughout this journey. I am looking at three months before I can maybe be safe to travel. You can be assured, back home to Louisiana is the first place I plan to visit. “The God behind you is greater than any problem in front of you.” ~ Episcopal Presiding Bishop Rev. Michael Curry Pictured below, left to right, lifelong friends Carol Fenton Butler, Pris Nason Shartle, Janet Nolan Stevens, Ellen McGraw Lieux, and Debby Burge Cartwright |
|
Thank you, Pris, for sharing your encouraging story with us. I’m glad you’re feeling “in tune” with your body and that you trusted your own instincts enough to ask the right questions. I’m also glad you’re surrounded by such loving, supportive, life-long friends. Nothing better than a sisterhood. Here’s to you and your "girl gang" in Louisiana. |
|
Do you have a story of kindness or resilience that will bring hope, healing, or joy to our 15K+ readers? If so, email julie@juliecantrell with your story. Please aim for 100 words (ish). And feel free to include photos and links as well. You're invited to send anything that adds a little light to this world! |
|
Thanks to all of you who have taken time to FOLLOW ME ON BOOK BUB, review my books, or share my work with others. This month's social shout outs go to: |
|
I love stumbling across the sweet tweets and supportive posts you all share about my books. It's so kind of you to tag me when you share the love, so I can enjoy the smiles too. THANK YOU, Vicki and Ali! |
|
BIG thanks to the United Women Book Club in St. Martin who gathered on their beautiful Caribbean island to discuss THE FEATHERED BONE. I love seeing my stories reach across the sea and remind us all we are ONE. For inspiration, check out there FABULOUS book club rules in the image below. Their mission: “Bringing together women through the sharing of knowledge.” OH, MY GOODNESS. THIS MAKES MY WHOLE SOUL SING!!!! Thank you, UNITED WOMEN (fabulous name, by the way). |
|
Night Harbor Book Club member Dee Stogdill wrote a lovely thank you note and follow-up question: "We all rather wondered why Chief did not take his errant son-in-law to the ‘woodshed’.” I LOVE this question and thought it was worth sharing here with you all. Especially since Dee isn't the first reader to ask about this issue. |
|
It seems most daughters would love to have a father protect them from the dangers of this world (no matter how old the daughters may be at the time). But in reality, not every daughter gets that kind of fatherly protection. In my opinion, Chief cared for his family dearly. He was a good father and husband. He was a good MAN. But he wasn't perfect (as none of us are), and one of his flaws was that he preferred to overlook the painful parts of life. Chief and his wife Laurel liked everything to look good on the outside, and they failed to stand up for their children when they were being devoured. They weren't bad parents. They just weren't emotionally equipped to protect their girls as much as their daughters may have needed at the time. And as a result, both of their daughters suffered various pains that were never properly addressed as a family unit. |
|
In abusive systems, we call this THE SECOND WOUND. The original trauma refers to the actual abuse (the assault, betrayal, manipulation, etc.) that the target endures. The second wound happens when the target's ‘support system' struggles to offer sufficient support in response to that trauma, leaving the target vulnerable and alone while navigating the most difficult (and perhaps dangerous) season of her life. Many survivors report that the second wound is far more painful than the first (even if it isn't done intentionally). That's one of the patterns I wanted to explore in PERENNIALS, which is ultimately a story about family – and the importance of loving one another in spite of all the pain. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Sutherland family. If your book club is discussing any of my books, please shoot me an invite and I'll do my best to hop in and chat with y'all. |
|
What I'm reading: What I'm Listening To: |
|
Author friend Ginger Smith and I cheered for author friend Johnnie Bernhard’s new release Hannah and Ariela at St. Thomas University earlier this month in Houston. (Again, where are my eyes?) Author friend Kathryn Casey and I shared our regular lunch date in which she mentors me on all things life and keeps my head above the sand. As a detailed investigative journalist and international bestselling author, Kathyrn is a petite little firecracker who isn't afraid to march onto Death Row and interview serial killers to get to the truth of a complex case. She's faced the darkest of the dark, always with the motive to shine LIGHT into this world and to counter the hurts. If you're a fan of true crime or mysteries, check out her work: https://www.kathryncasey.com/ |
|
In between a mazillion (Is that a word? Let's say YES!) projects, fun concerts (Lady Gaga and Pearl Jam), delicious dinner parties with neighbors, gatherings with friends, and walks/bike rides/swims/roadtrips, I penned a quick BOOKTRIB feature: Which ones will you read? |
|
The only thing better than seeing my own books reach #1 is seeing my clients' books land that coveted spot. |
|
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Many of you know we lost my beloved brother Jeff to depression when he was a senior in high school. His life -- and his death -- have shaped our family in ways I’ll never be able to put into words. My brother had a million positive qualities, countless friends, a strong circle of loved ones, a kind therapist, and definite reasons to stay in this world. But in the end, the disease won. His pain became too much to hold, and he could see no other source of relief. Jeff's struggles taught me that we can't always save the people we love, no matter how hard we try. Still, we should always offer kindness, empathy, and genuine support to those in our path, reminding them that they are not navigating this life alone and that they ARE unconditionally loved. My family speaks openly about suicide because we do not believe this issue should be stigmatized as a taboo topic. We want to help shift public perception about depression and offer hope to families facing this VERY common struggle. We believe strongly that our nation can make HUGE improvements in the mental health services we offer our communities, but I’m happy to share that our country has recently taken one important step in the right direction. Now, anyone nationwide can CALL OR TEXT 988 for support during a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis. This new number will allow you to be connected quickly and directly to mental health advocates rather than being funneled through our overburdened 911 system. |
|
Like domestic violence, substance abuse, addiction, and other issues I try to shed light on through my work, mental illness knows no barriers. Depression impacts people from every walk of life, gender, age, class, religion, and status, as proven by the recent loss of country superstar Naomi Judd. Despite tremendous grief, Naomi’s daughter Wynonna Judd performed one of the duo's most successful songs with singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, taking time to deliver a message of hope and resilience to us all. Wherever you are, however broken your heart may be at any given moment of time, I hope this song reminds you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. As Wynnona says, "Please don't give up. And if you do feel like giving up, please reach out to a friend. You are SO LOVED." |
|
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis can prove challenging. Even when we have the best intentions in mind, we can easily say the wrong thing or fail to offer the kind of support someone really needs at that moment.
As shown with my certificate pictured below, I completed this free, online training program and believe it could be useful for people across a broad range of ages and situations.
It takes less than two hours to complete and can be broken into smaller sections of time. |
|
If you are struggling, please know there are better days ahead. But more importantly, know that YOU ARE LOVED and that YOUR LIFE MATTERS. |
|
When's the last time you gazed into the sky and dreamed up imaginative cloud pictures? That's the sweet idea behind this fun instagram account: A Daily Cloud. If life is feeling a little heavy or you're overwhelmed by the constant juggle, I encourage you to take a deep breath, look high into the sky, and envision all the clouds as happy beings watching over you, reminding you there is SO MUCH MORE to this journey than we yet know. Then … exhale. And begin again. |
|
- Forward this dose of joy and positivity to someone who needs a heart hug.
- Email me your happy thoughts or stories of resilience to share with readers: julie@juliecantrell.com
- Follow me on BookBub for all things books.
- READ, REVIEW, AND SHARE MY BOOKS.
- Take a deep breath and begin again.
- And KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED.
|
|
Here's to finding the good. |
|
- Know someone who could use a little joy? Please forward.
- Did a friend forward this to you? Subscribe here.
- Never miss a letter: Add julie@juliecantrell to your contacts.
- Looking for past issues? I'm happy to send you links to any you've missed. Simply email: julie@juliecantrell.com
|
|
|
