Christine Rees's Blog

Photo by Nong Vang on Unsplash

Do you enjoy reading at night?

Some of the busiest and most successful people in the world find time for reading. Why? Because it helps them to wind down as well as gain new information and knowledge.

People chose to read for a variety of reasons, but how can reading before bed lead to a positive impact on your life? From nurturing creativity to improving attention spans, it has proven to offer numerous health and wellness benefits.

This is what can happen if you dedicate time to reading before bed:

Better Quality Sleep

Do you need to fall asleep faster? Try reading! Immersing ourselves in a fictional world allows the tension to ease from our bodies. Basically, we relax. It is an optimal way to achieve restful sleep. In fact, you have probably found yourself dozing off while reading in the past.

Consider how children enjoy bedtime stories as part of their nightly ritual. This is because it helps them to get a good night’s rest. There is no reason why we shouldn’t continue this ritual into adulthood.

Decrease Stress

It is easy for stress to build up during the day. Therefore, it is important to take our minds off of our racing thoughts, tomorrow’s to-do list, and everything else we have ahead of us so we can unwind.

One study in the UK found that reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%. In fact, these 6 minutes of reading can slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. It does not matter what you are reading, so pick up a romance, fiction, biography, textbook, or whatever you have available. All that matters is that the subject is interesting to you.

Improve Wellbeing

Books are quiet and peaceful. When we have a bad day and wish that we could be anywhere else, reading can offer us a mental vacation. It is inexpensive and an easy way to escape our responsibilities for a few hours without being limited by our current location. After all, you can pick up a book whenever you feel like it, no matter where you are.

Develop Emotional Maturity

Reading offers us an opportunity to get lost in a new world, but it can also cultivate emotional awareness. Most days, we focus on ourselves. How we are feeling, what we are thinking, etc. By engaging with a story, we place ourselves in someone else’s situation. We consider their perspectives and issues, and by doing so, we begin to understand the emotions of those around us a little better. We become more empathetic as we discover and understand how others act and feel.

Nurture Creativity

Books invite you to think. To problem-solve. To have that Aha! moment.

Reading opens up the imagination and broadens our minds, which paves the way for creativity. Stories take us on a journey. They offer us new information and introduce us to different people that provide a variety of perspectives about the world we share.

Boost Concentration

Regardless of our age, reading can help us focus and strengthen our vocabulary all at once. Have you heard the phrase, “The more you read, the more you learn”? Books build and shape our learning capacity.

When we focus on a book rather than scrolling through social media or emails before bed, that single topic or plot becomes our center of attention. This can lead to better concentration and an improvement in our attention span beyond reading.

Relaxing

Take this time for yourself by engrossing your mind in a book and let your troubles fade away for the night. Allow yourself a moment of peace before bed, so you can have a good start tomorrow.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name Last Name Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you! [image error]

Do you ever feel like you aren’t in the mood to write?

There are days when we have the time to dive into our story, but we are feeling too stressed to get down to business. This fun discovery helps me deal with stress when it gets in the way of my storytelling. Have you tried watching ASMR videos?

What are ASMR Videos?

These are videos that simulate an environment that helps with stress relief, concentration, or focus.

ASMR stands for an autonomous sensory meridian response. They commonly use placid sights and sounds such as crackles, whispers, and accents to create a calming sensation.

ASMR videos have been proven to offer people feelings of relaxation. The sensation experienced is often described as a tingling, warm, or pleasant feeling that begins at the crown of the head and spreads down the body. Many times this sensation is referred to as “brain tingles”.

YouTube is host to more than 13 million ASMR videos. These results are comprised of haircuts, massages, folding towels, medical examinations, and more. People use these videos to relieve stress, sleep better, or relax in general.

Which ASMR Videos do I Watch?

My favourite ASMR videos are usually connected to fandoms that I know and love. Many times I find myself listening to the pitter-patter of rain inside Forks, Washington. When I’m not trying to live out my favourite fandoms, I search for ASMR videos that mimic the sounds of a storm or the crackling of a fire in a library. Here’s an example:

Another example I can share is what a fellow author friend prefers: ASMR videos of being on a train. The train rattling on the tacks is subtle enough to keep them focused. I admit I’m starting to enjoy the train ASMR videos since I tried them out too.

Why Did I Start Watching?

I’m an overthinker who gets stressed out easily. ASMR videos calm me in a way that makes plotting my stories clearer. I also find that I can put on an ASMR video that cultivates a creative work environment that gets me into the right headspace. Basically, it’s so I can always write.

Give ASMR videos a try!

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name Last Name Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you! [image error]

Photo by Amanda Vick via Unsplash

Since many people have their own answer to this question, there isn’t a set definition for what it means to be a “mood reader”. For example, some people believe that “mood reading” means choosing to read a book based on how you are feeling such as reading a sad book when you are feeling down. To me, “mood reading” means that you are choosing to read whatever gets you excited to pick up a story at any given moment. Without lists or to-be-read (TBR) piles.

The general concept is that it’s the act of choosing to read based on how something makes you feel in the moment rather than out of obligation or pre-choosing.

Are You a Mood Reader?

Ask yourself these questions first:

How do you typically make decisions? Are you an emotionally-driven person? (Or analytical?) Do you pick up a book because your brain is telling you that this is the story you need to read today? (Or do you work off of your reading goals?)

Either way, you don’t have to be a mood reader in order to pick up a book that emotionally connects with you. Many readers compile TBR piles that they hope to get to, so there is no correct way to read. The purpose is to enjoy it.

Am I a Mood Reader?

I totally am, but I’m also more productive when I develop lists and action plans that I can check off along the way. Therefore, I write down a list of books that I would like to read throughout the year and aim to choose stories from the list based on how I’m feeling. However, I still veer away and grab something from my bookshelf that isn’t on my TBR pile simply because I feel like it.

When Does The “Mood” Strike?

I don’t know about most people, but I think nostalgia is a powerful incentive to reread books. It’s those moments that I find myself picking up books like Twilight or Vampire Academy or The Mortal Instruments even though I’ve already read them (and they are not on my TBR pile!). Basically, my mood reading can be heavily swayed by an urge to reread something that I haven’t picked up or thought about in years.

However, sometimes the “mood” strikes because I’m reading too much of the same genre and I’m craving a change. Anyone else?!

What If I Like To Plan My Reading Lists?

Go for it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with TBR piles. In fact, creating lists can help you sort through books you already own but haven’t read yet. This can be great for your wallet.

At the end of the day, reading can improve our mental health and give us a sense of enjoyment. No matter how we get there.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name Last Name Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you! [image error] [image error] The Broken Rivalry won Evernight Publishing’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best YA Book! 🎉 __________________________________I always dreamed about winning an award like this, so thank you to everyone who made this a reality! This would not be possible without you all. I’m both humbled and grateful for your constant support on this writing journey. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds. What a great way to begin my birthday celebration! 🥰__________________________________#bookishcanadians #canadianauthor #evernightteen #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookaward #readerschoiceawards #christinerees #readersofig #readersofinstagram #readersgonnaread #booklover #booknerd #authorcommunity #authorlife #authorssupportingauthors #canadianbookstagram #canadianbookworm “I like to read. I cannot survive without reading.” - A Court of Silver Flames 🔥 ___________________________________Hello book charmers! I’m sorry I’ve been away from Instagram for so long. Things have been a bit chaotic lately but I’m sure many people feel that way right now. I am falling behind on my reading goals for this year. I haven’t had a chance to read A Court of Silver Flames yet, but I ADORE these candles from @timelessprintsca . The Cassian candle is my favourite! 😍___________________________________QOTD: what are you reading?

Photo by Amanda Vick via Unsplash

Since many people have their own answer to this question, there isn’t a set definition for what it means to be a “mood reader”. For example, some people believe that “mood reading” means choosing to read a book based on how you are feeling such as reading a sad book when you are feeling down. To me, “mood reading” means that you are choosing to read whatever gets you excited to pick up a story at any given moment. Without lists or to-be-read (TBR) piles.

The general concept is that it’s the act of choosing to read based on how something makes you feel in the moment rather than out of obligation or pre-choosing.

Are You a Mood Reader?

Ask yourself these questions first:

How do you typically make decisions? Are you an emotionally-driven person? (Or analytical?) Do you pick up a book because your brain is telling you that this is the story you need to read today? (Or do you work off of your reading goals?)

Either way, you don’t have to be a mood reader in order to pick up a book that emotionally connects with you. Many readers compile TBR piles that they hope to get to, so there is no correct way to read. The purpose is to enjoy it.

Am I a Mood Reader?

I totally am, but I’m also more productive when I develop lists and action plans that I can check off along the way. Therefore, I write down a list of books that I would like to read throughout the year and aim to choose stories from the list based on how I’m feeling. However, I still veer away and grab something from my bookshelf that isn’t on my TBR pile simply because I feel like it.

When Does The “Mood” Strike?

I don’t know about most people, but I think nostalgia is a powerful incentive to reread books. It’s those moments that I find myself picking up books like Twilight or Vampire Academy or The Mortal Instruments even though I’ve already read them (and they are not on my TBR pile!). Basically, my mood reading can be heavily swayed by an urge to reread something that I haven’t picked up or thought about in years.

However, sometimes the “mood” strikes because I’m reading too much of the same genre and I’m craving a change. Anyone else?!

What If I Like To Plan My Reading Lists?

Go for it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with TBR piles. In fact, creating lists can help you sort through books you already own but haven’t read yet. This can be great for your wallet.

At the end of the day, reading can improve our mental health and give us a sense of enjoyment. No matter how we get there.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name Last Name Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you! [image error] [image error] “His amusement lit a rage inside of me that was hungry for revenge. When I was free of this cage, I’d make them pay.” - The Hidden Legacy ✨ __________________________________Hey book charmers! These gorgeous character tarot cards were designed by the incredibly talented @myvalenstyles based on the three female leads in The Hidden Legacy series. Faye is the Death card due to her ability. Rachel is the Chariot because of her confidence and overcoming of conflicts. And Hannah is the Star because of the inspiration and hope she offers her friends. Would you be interested in a giveaway for character art in the future? _________________________________If you haven’t had a chance to yet, you can still vote for The Broken Rivalry in the Evernight Readers’ Choice Awards! It’s category # 19 under “Evernight Teen”. The link is in my bio! Thank you, friends! 🥰 _________________________________QOTD: if you had to choose one book genre to read for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? The Broken Rivalry was nominated for the Evernight Reader’s Choice Awards! 🏆 I’d be SO appreciative if you could vote for The Broken Rivalry with the link in my bio. The category is ‘Evernight Teen’ #19 (the last question). BONUS! All voters will have a chance to win a gift card at the end. Thank you to everyone who is helping to make these dreams a reality. I couldn’t do this without you all! 💜

Photo by Edu Lauton via Unsplash

Our world is evolving. When there is so much change, it is easy to settle into what we already know and burrow ourselves deeper inside of our comfort zone. But how can we grow when we are staying rooted in place?

Comfort Zone = Routine

Moving beyond our comfort zone does not need to be a massive life-changing decision. It can be as simple as walking a new trail or reading a book genre we may not usually pick up. The goal is to decide that today will be DIFFERENT. Something that is outside of our typical routine.

Because that same routine every single day can drag us into a rut. When that happens, we find ourselves lacking motivation and imagination. This is writer’s block, no matter what creativity we are working with.

The Impact of New Things

The way we view things can spark an idea. From inventing to painting to writing something into existence. These are all new. They are all a risk. And they could all fail.

But they can also lead to more:
innovation, creativity, inspiration.

We can't always make something “new” but we can challenge what's already there. For example, fairytales are being re-written and modified — becoming something unique — and they challenge us to see beyond the notion of “happily ever after”. Even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has been re-told and re-imagined for decades.

These versions take on a new perspective — an approach no one else thought to try. So why did they do this?

Because they’re thinking outside-of-the-box.

Learning To Grow

At the end of the day, our comfort zones are just that — a comfort. They do not aid us when it comes to self-improvement, inspiration, and skill development. The best way to grow is to open ourselves up to new experiences. To see the threshold of our comfort zone and stride beyond it. Even a baby step can make a difference.

If you don't leave your comfort zone, you are already behind.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name Last Name Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you! [image error] “His amusement lit a rage inside of me that was hungry for revenge. When I was free of this cage, I’d make them pay.” - The Hidden Legacy ✨ __________________________________Hey book charmers! These gorgeous character tarot cards were designed by the incredibly talented @myvalenstyles based on the three female leads in The Hidden Legacy series. Faye is the Death card due to her ability. Rachel is the Chariot because of her confidence and overcoming of conflicts. And Hannah is the Star because of the inspiration and hope she offers her friends. Would you be interested in a giveaway for character art in the future? _________________________________If you haven’t had a chance to yet, you can still vote for The Broken Rivalry in the Evernight Readers’ Choice Awards! It’s category # 19 under “Evernight Teen”. The link is in my bio! Thank you, friends! 🥰 _________________________________QOTD: if you had to choose one book genre to read for the rest of your life, which one would you choose? The Broken Rivalry was nominated for the Evernight Reader’s Choice Awards! 🏆 I’d be SO appreciative if you could vote for The Broken Rivalry with the link in my bio. The category is ‘Evernight Teen’ #19 (the last question). BONUS! All voters will have a chance to win a gift card at the end. Thank you to everyone who is helping to make these dreams a reality. I couldn’t do this without you all! 💜

Photo by Jordan Christian via Unsplash

What inspires you? Are you struggling to write ANYTHING? You are not alone. This has been a weird year for all of us and finding your writing inspiration is not always a top priority. The important thing to remember is this:

Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. You simply have to be open to its call.

You’re probably thinking, yeah, okay, Christine, if only it were that easy.

When we are feeling stressed out and exhausted, it’s difficult to think beyond our to-do list. We aren’t open to anything new, which hinders our imagination and blocks our creativity. This article aims to equip you with ideas for finding your writing inspiration so you can dive back into your fictional world.

What Inspired You to Write in The First Place?

This is a question I’m asked often, so here’s the short version of this story:

I’ve always loved writing, but I never thought about writing my own book right away. I was a teenager up North on a rainy weekend with no Internet. After I finished reading the books I had with me, I listened to music. Music helps me to visualize scenes as if I’m creating a movie in my head, so I was using this as a form of entertainment. I remember the moment when I thought, “Why don’t I try to make sense of these scenes and turn them into a story?” I picked up my laptop at that moment and began working on my first novel.

Sometimes all we need is a bit of spare time. Not everyone can afford this, so if the reason you aren’t writing is because of a busy schedule, check out #AmWriting Everywhere: How to Write With a Busy Lifestyle.

If this isn’t your first story, think back to why you started writing in the first place. Did someone or something inspire you? A specific book? A movie? Pick it up again and see if it does the same thing.

Tips and Tricks:Listen to Music

From personal experience, different genres of music can inspire writing. I’ll listen to a song on repeat while working on a single chapter because the two are deeply connected in my mind. For example, a rock song will help me to visualize an intense fight scene or an emotional ballad provides the background for an important moment. Close your eyes and see where the music takes you. It might evoke something you didn’t know was there.

Watch TV

I know this is not usually a tip for summoning inspiration (in fact, it’s recommended to keep away from the TV to find your writing groove), but an excellent script can empower you to write something amazing. Consider the emotional impact that a TV show or movie has on you and why. Find a way to bring that same emotion into your writing and build on it from there.

Go Outside

Get away from your laptop and go for a walk. Take out your earbuds and listen to the world around you. Sometimes you need to get out of your own head for a while and the best way to do that is to pay attention to the sounds of nature. The change in scenery may be enough to get you out of your writing funk.

Read, Read, Read

This is a huge one. You have to find time to read, especially in the genre you are writing. This will give you a sense of writing styles, overdone tropes, and help you figure out if there is a gap in the market. What’s something new that you can bring to the genre? Tailor this idea into an actual story concept and play with it until you are excited to start writing again.

In The End…

Inspiration can come from anywhere. If something ignites a creative spark within you, let it burn and grow into something beautiful.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name



Last Name









Email Address








Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

















































































































































































































[image error]
















































































[image error]

If this is your first time participating in NaNoWriMo (the National Novel Writing Month that is held in November), then you might not understand this slump… yet. You will, dear writers. Mark my words.

At first, your story is strong and exciting. There are endless possibilities! Until you enter the final third of your novel. Then you notice your momentum slowing as your plot stalls and your characters start to feel … well, dull. Basically, it’s at this point that you grow frustrated and exhausted.

But this is when things can get really good! This is usually where parts of your story begin to intersect. Questions are answered. And most importantly, things are amping up to a thrilling climax.

So, here’s the ultimate question. How do you battle through that 30K word slump?

photo by Emma Matthews Digital Content Production via Unsplash

Give Yourself An Entire Day

Rather than avoid writing altogether, which is what your procrastinating mind will want to do, dedicate an entire day to pushing forward. Setting aside a whole day for writing can remove the stress of writing under pressure, so you power through that writer’s block. This, in turn, can alleviate that constrained feeling that’s associated with writing in short bursts of time, so you can get those creative juices flowing again!

Put Down That Outline

Yes, it’s true that outlines can work miracles. However, if something in your outline is no longer working, drop it. Explore a new option. Don’t force something into your story because you initially thought it was a good idea. Stories and characters have a way of evolving as you write, so work with them. Not against them.

Remember Your Goals

Why are you writing this book? How amazing is it going to feel when you type THE END after? There’s a reason why you started this, so don’t let that 30,000 word slump wear you down. You can do this!

For more information on NaNoWriMo, visit their website. Also, Writers Helping Writers offers a great post with even more tips about powering through a 30K slump. Lastly, for advice on participating in next year’s NaNoWriMo, check out my post on How To Prepare For NaNoWriMo!

Good luck fellow writers!

[image error]

It’s almost that time of year!

For many writers, NaNoWriMo takes over the entirety of November. For those of you who don’t know what NaNoWriMo is, it is the National Novel Writing Month. Basically, writers commit to writing a full-length novel (50,000 words) during the month of November. So, what needs to be done in October to prepare?

Sign Up

If you are planning to do this, then COMMIT. Sign up for NaNoWriMo. It’s free! Most importantly, this is your one-stop shop for everything you need to get started and stay on track.

Find Your Tribe

Next, it’s time to find your people. There are local groups that get together for writing sessions during NaNoWriMo. However, due to COVID-19, in-person get togethers are not recommended. So focus on virtual writing sessions. There are forums available through the NaNoWriMo website.

Outline

Organize your ideas beforehand! Jot down plot points and stakes to develop a timeline. Even if you’re a pantser when it comes to writing, it’s good to have a direction for the story. You don’t need to use every detail.

Develop Characters

Determine who your main characters are, what they look like, their personalities and flaws, and how they get along (or don’t get along). What are their relationships? You need to have a solid foundation for your characters in order to develop the story in a short span of time. Understand your character and their goals, desires, and conflicts. This is SO important.

Create the Scene

Make an inspiration board or aesthetic to get you in the right headspace! Pinterest is great for gathering these images.

Prepare Your Workspace

Tidy things up! Clean your workspace in preparation for a hectic writing month.

Check Things Off Your To-Do List

What are your regular to-do list items? Obviously, there are some tasks that you cannot finish before NaNoWriMo, but do your grocery shopping and cleaning prior to settling in. This will help you to avoid distractions, so you stay on task.

Create Playlists

If you prefer to write with music (like me!), then put together a playlist specifically for writing. Some people prefer instrumental, top 40, indie, or even podcasts. This should be long enough to last the first few days until you settle into the rhythm of writing.

Identify The Stakes

What is driving your story forward? What’s at risk? By the 30,000 word range, most writers begin to lose steam. If you don’t identify your stakes, you can lose track of your story. In fact, knowing the stakes can help you plot out the remainder of the novel. Stakes should be constantly increasing!

Schedule Your Time

When do you prefer to write? Also, when do you have TIME to write? Schedule this into your routine to ensure you fulfill your daily writing obligation.

Get Excited

Now that you have things planned out, you can get PUMPED about your new idea!

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name



Last Name









Email Address








Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!











































































[image error]



































[image error]

How do you prepare for the Autumn season? Warm drinks? Candles? Decorations?

While you’re decorating for Halloween, pick up a tried and true classic tale that’s bound to send shivers down your spine. If you’re not sure where to begin, these 7 novels will get you into the spooky spirit!

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley's chilling Gothic tale tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, who plunders graveyards to create a new being from the bodies of the dead, but whose botched creature causes nothing but murder and destruction. Written after a nightmare when its author was only eighteen, Frankenstein gave birth to the modern science fiction novel.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

When Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase a London house, he makes horrifying discoveries in his client's castle. Soon afterwards, disturbing incidents unfold in England: an unmanned ship is wrecked; strange puncture marks appear on a young woman's neck; and a lunatic asylum inmate raves about the imminent arrival of his 'Master'. In the ensuing battle of wits between the sinister Count and a determined group of adversaries, Bram Stoker created a masterpiece of the horror genre, probing into questions of identity, sanity and the dark corners of Victorian sexuality and desire.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Living secretly beneath the Paris Opera House, 'The Phantom of the Opera', Erik has haunted those who work there with his demands and shrouded the opera house in fear with the legend of his disfigured face. When Christine joins the company, a young woman with a beautiful voice, Erik is instantly smitten and secretly teaches her to become a great singer. He soon develops an obsessive love for his beautiful protege, even though she has fallen for her childhood friend, resulting in her disappearance during a performance and sparking a tragic and terrifying chain of events.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

'All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.'

Robert Louis Stevenson's dark psychological fantasy gave birth to the idea of the split personality. The story of respectable Dr Jekyll's strange association with 'damnable young man' Edward Hyde; the hunt through fog-bound London for a killer; and the final revelation of Hyde's true identity is a chilling exploration of humanity's basest capacity for evil.

Classic Tales of Horror by Edgar Allan Poe

This chilling collection contains some of Edgar Allan Poe's best known stories, including The Fall of the House of Usher and The Masque of the Red Death. The master of gothic horror transports readers into mysterious worlds, carries them on dangerous sea voyages, and investigates gruesome murders in tales such as The Black Cat, The Pit and the Pendulum and The Cask of Amontillado. Exploring the hidden depths of the human mind, these are tales full of thrills and intrigue.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

In love with the beautiful heiress Laura Fairlie, the impoverished art teacher Walter Hartright finds his romantic desires thwarted by her previous engagement to Sir Percival Glyde. But all is not as it seems with Sir Percival, as becomes clear when he arrives with his eccentric friend Count Fosco. The mystery and intrigue are further deepened by the ghostly appearances of a woman in white, apparently harbouring a secret that concerns Sir Percival's past.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

'Salem's Lot is a small New England town with white clapboard houses, tree-lined streets, and solid church steeples. That summer in 'Salem's Lot was a summer of home-coming and return; spring burned out and the land lying dry, crackling underfoot. Late that summer, Ben Mears returned to 'Salem's Lot hoping to cast out his own devils... and found instead a new unspeakable horror.

A stranger had also come to the Lot, a stranger with a secret as old as evil, a secret that would wreak irreparable harm on those he touched and in turn on those they loved.

All would be changed forever—Susan, whose love for Ben could not protect her; Father Callahan, the bad priest who put his eroded faith to one last test; and Mark, a young boy who sees his fantasy world become reality and ironically proves the best equipped to handle the relentless nightmare of 'Salem's Lot.

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name



Last Name









Email Address








Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!















































































































[image error]

Photo by @infinitexplorer via Unsplash

Autumn lovers rejoice! September is finally here. Even though Covid-19 impacts most of our plans, it can’t take away our Fall mindset. As the crisp weather approaches, there are TONS of Fall activities that we can do that are both safe and fun!

Apple Cider

Hot or cold, which do you prefer? I love hot apple cider with a pinch of cinnamon this time of year, but my partner prefers it cold (because he’s a monster).

Apple Picking

Keep your distance from others and pick some delicious apples that you can turn into apple pie or a crisp! If you have a sweet tooth, like me, then you’ll probably want to try making your own caramel apples. It’s super easy! If you’re not sure what you’ll need, search for recipes. It mainly requires dipping the apples into melted caramel and then allowing them to cool.

Baking Projects

From apple crisp to pumpkin pie, bake something warm and comforting. You can stay home to do it and there are tons of recipes available on Pinterest. Try something new!

Decorating

That Fall decor isn’t going to set up itself. Take a weekend to dress up your house, so it feels like the spookiest time of the year!

Halloween Costumes

Who says you need to go trick-or-treating in order to play dress up? You didn’t need an excuse as a kid and you certainly don’t need one now. So go ahead! Put on a costume and embrace Halloween.

Halloween Movies

From Nightmare of Elm Street to Hocus Pocus, there are Halloween-themed films for everyone! It doesn’t matter if you are interested in horror or family-friendly movies, you’ll find something to watch on movie night. And if that’s not your thing, try a show like Supernatural or The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Pumpkin Picking

Just like apple picking, this can be an enjoyable activity that you can still do safely.

Pumpkin Carving

Get out your carving knife and make those jack-o-lanterns for the front porch. There’s no reason you can’t make a night out of it!

Reading

Why not curl up with a good book that will get you into the spooky spirit? Pick up a classic thriller such as Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or The Portrait of Dorian Gray! Maybe you prefer a familiar gothic tale but with a YA twist such as The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White and Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco.

Walks

Do you enjoy the crisp scent that Fall air brings? Go for a long walk along the trails for that fresh air. Gaze upon the changing leaves and embrace the Autumn chill. Walking, at a safe distance from others, is still permitted.

In The End…

Covid-19 prevents us from taking part in most activities we enjoy, but it doesn’t need to dampen your Halloween mood. There are loads of safe ways to embrace the Autumn season. So enjoy!

Subscribe To My Newsletter

Sign up to receive quick updates, exclusive content, and info on current WIPs. Did I mention there will be GIFT CARDS?

First Name



Last Name









Email Address








Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!






























[image error]












































[image error]











































[image error]