So Many New Projects

Even though it’s been months since I’ve posted, it’s largely from lack of focus rather than lack of things to say. I always have plenty to say. Not sure if I should post here or my newsletter – I wonder what other authors do! I don’t know when I receive their updates if those are blog posts from their website, or their newsletter. Maybe both?

I have LOVED having my romance novel out in the world. When I got my copy in mid September, it was not unlike holding Thomas or Brennan for the first time. Same pain, different baby. Writing was a blast in November 2023. Editing and self-publishing and all those skills I had to teach myself were not always pleasant. But the end result is something I am very, very proud of. It brought me a ton of happiness. And still does today.

In October I participated in our Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite program. I was asked to consider speaking to a recent project (how I self-published my book, or how I started two podcasts), but I decided instead on a theme of “Following Your Dreams”. More motivational in style than informative. Again, the writing of the presentation was fulfilling, but the public speaking created some anxiety. Good anxiety though. I’m happy I participated, and was so thankful for David and my friends being there to cheer me on.

I have a couple of new projects I’m working on. The first is travel itineraries. I am asked regularly for information about trips that people remember I took – where we stayed, how many days you need somewhere, etc. I wondered if there was any way to sell this knowledge. But then it dawned on me – I LOVE trip planning, sharing my knowledge, and talking travel. Why ruin a good thing by monetizing it?! I am planning to have 20 thoughtful Itineraries available on my Bonnie Elise Books website by the end of the month. And more to come.

I’m working on a new book, from an old idea. “America Celebrates” is a project I started a few years ago and am re-launching this year. A record of the 203 patriotic, religious, and common holidays that we currently celebrate in the United States. It combines two of my loves – traditions and compilations – and I will need to learn some new skills. Publishing non-fiction is a different beast than a romance novel. More fun awaits! You can follow along on the America Celebrates facebook and instagram pages.

And finally, my word of the year – Nourish. It popped in my head over the holidays and I can’t replace it, even though I scoured other words for a suitable replacement, but this one just sticks. I want to focus on what nourishes me this year – among those – spending time with family, planning and attending events with friends, traveling, writing, reading, watching movies, focusing on my health, helping the animals in my community, giving my dogs their best lives ever, volunteering, decluttering, improving, challenging myself, and learning new things. If it doesn’t nourish me, I need to rethink it.

2023 was a great year after three difficult years prior due to Covid, work/life imbalance, and the loss of both of our moms. I have high hopes that 2024 will be a chance for those in my life to achieve their goals for themselves, and nourish their spirits like I plan to do.

Happy New Year, friends!