Welcome to my final newsletter of 2023. This has been an incredible year. In February I launched this newsletter. In April I sold my debut novel. In September and October I attended two writing conferences, WFWA and Writer Unboxed, where I connected with so many talented writers.
Also in 2023, I was selected to be a 2024 Debutante in the Debutante Ball. The Ball was formed in 2007 by a group of debut women authors who wanted a way to support each other through the ups and downs of the their debut year.
I’m honored to be sharing this journey with Kristin Owens, Eileen Vorbach Collins, and Christine Gunderson.
I will have more news about the Ball in January. But in the meantime, check out the Deb Ball Substack below.
My debut novel, The Pelican Tide is coming June 11, 2024. I’m bursting to share all the news in January along with my gorgeous new author website.
And what would a research newsletter be without some research goodies. Over the past few weeks I’ve found some fun resources. My parting research gift of the year.
Are You Tired of Goodreads?
Well, of course you are. If you haven’t been following the latest review bombing scandal you can read about it here. If like me you like to keep track of your reading, set some goals, and have an online resource to find that book you once read about mushrooms, check out StoryGraph. This is a Goodreads competitor site that I’ll be playing with in 2024.
Because This is a Thing We Need (Not Really)
For my new work in progress, I needed to name a housing community. I found a website that generates subdivision names. This was such a fun tool to play with as I imagined what these places looked like.
What Color is That?
Here’s another not necessary but fun tool. Have you ever debated with someone about a color? Or maybe you’re a creative looking to replicate or create a color. What Color is That? is a tool where you can upload an image and it tells you the colors.
This One is Useful
The INCI Decoder tells you what’s in your skincare products. Before you slather on that next miracle serum, find out if it’s actually safe.
I hope you’ll spend some time visiting my archives of articles. I interviewed some interesting experts this past year. Thank you to all for being part of my first year.
Tzivia Gover, Dreaming on the Page
Melissa Lanning from the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust.
Kimia Madani
Dr. Annie Fenn from the Brain Health Kitchen
Gavin David O’Reilly, Fashion Designer
Joni Cole, Party Like It’s 2044
Bella Ellwood-Clayton Weekend Friends
2024 Will Bring So Much More…
I truly appreciate you coming along on this journey. The new year will bring new research news, ideas, interviews, and give aways.
Do you have a need for a last minute gift? Share Research for Writers and Other Curious People. It’s free and it’s priceless.
Thanks for resources. I’m definitely going to try story graph! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
I just started playing around in Storygraph over the holidays! I’m excited to hear more about the Debutante Ball. Sounds fun and intriguing.