Category Archives: JT Ellison

Sunday Smatterings

By J.T. Ellison

Morning, gentle readers, and happy Sunday. How was your week? We’re still recovering from the World Series at Chez Ellison. We’re a baseball house, and Dodgers in particular—DH has been a lifelong fan. I found it so amusing when people started using the diminutive DH to refer to their “darling husband” online—for a long while, I wondered why people were calling their partner the designated hitter.) But what a thrilling series it was. Congrats to you Astros fans—y’all should be proud, and I am so happy to see Houston back in the hearts and minds of the country.

Nearing the end of the first draft of Brit #5 (it has a new name, which I announced in this month’s newsletter: THE SIXTH DAY!). This is the craziest part of writing: all the threads come together at a clip, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I pound away at the keyboard… and cooking dinner has becomes the best form of procrastination. Plus, with the new chill in the air, the recipes that don’t work for summer (I’m looking at you, chili!) come back into the rotation. This isn’t DH’s first deadline rodeo, so he’s been surprised when I want to make dinner. Such is being married to a writer; we are mercurial beasts!

And without further ado…

Here’s what happened on the Internets this week:

This is how a word gets into the dictionary. Admit it, you’ve always wanted to know. Personally, I spent an awful lot of time with my Webster’s growing up…

Anti-frantic. A great message as we head into the busy holiday season. I don’t get twerped out about the holidays. Decorating takes an hour, I know all my recipes by heart, I do my cards early and my shopping mostly online from fun indie retailers. Let’s all take a breath, shall we?

Actors and actresses who write, from Tom Hanks to Molly Ringwald. I think we’re sometimes led down the path that artists are one trick ponies, but if you think about the way actors need to interpret the writer, it’s not surprising many of them take up the pen.

How I read 100 books in a year (and you can too). With all the distractions floating around, it’s hard to get through one book, let alone 100. If you’re eyeing a book challenge in 2018, you may find this article useful. I’m behind on my count right now, but I’m gaining steam going into the winter months!

These Golden Snitch-Topped Butterbeer Donuts Are What Potterhead Dreams Are Made Of. Holy sugar rush, Batman. 😍

The new decluttering trend is called Swedish Death Cleaning and we tried it. Sounds scary, but perhaps a great way to clear the clutter once and for all. It’s a bit morbid, though, so be warned.

Let Me Count The Ways. ATTENTION WRITING DATA GEEKS: Scrivener 3.0 will give you MORE than you can possible handle. (What’s Scrivener, you ask? Only the best writing software ever. And add in some Scapple for brainstorming, too!)

And closer to home:

A WORD ON WORDS Season 3 is here! Click Play to watch the latest episode.

I recently sat down with the author of THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (yep, like the Oscar-winning movie), Matthew Quick. His newest book, THE REASON YOU’RE ALIVE, is one of the best I’ve read this year—so nuanced, so poignant. And Mr. Quick himself is delightful: I could have talked to him all day.

I like to ask each author I interview a few of the same questions, just to get different perspectives. One question I ask is if the writer is creatively satisfied. Mr. Quick had one of my favorite answers to that question, which you get to see in this video.

That’s it from me! Y’all be good, rake someone’s leaves, light a cinnamon candle and watch a good movie or two, and we’ll talk again soon. Speaking of movies—what’s your favorite for the season ahead?

xo,
J.T.

Via: JT Ellison

    

Sunday Smatterings

By J.T. Ellison

Hello, dear readers, welcome to Sunday. How was your week? We turned on our heater for the first time a few days ago. The season is starting to show its colors here, on the trees and in the weather. Lots of clouds and cooler temperatures—it makes for great porch weather. I don’t mind one bit.

I am this close to finishing the first draft of Nicholas #5. True to the writer cliché, I had a middle-of-the-night epiphany a few nights ago, which was great because I hadn’t figured out how to tie a few threads together quite yet. But boom, I have a problem, and my Muse delivers! Such are the pitfalls of being a pantser, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s fun getting surprised by the ending… even if I get a few gray hairs along the way. And the cats sit begging for play time. And the laundry isn’t folded. And I have to have DH bring home food. Am I whining yet? OK, maybe a little. Deadlines are hard!

Without further ado, here are your links:

Here’s what happened on the Internets this week:

Only an avid reader can name all 22 books with just 3 clues. How many did you get? I happened to get all 22. BECAUSE I AM A NERD.

‘Our minds can be hijacked’: the tech insiders who fear a smartphone dystopia. Very interesting read. Watch how much time you spend with technology. (I’m preaching to the choir on this.)

Ernest Hemingway’s first work of fiction which he wrote aged 10 found in freezer bag. Crazy!! Included for all other Hemingway buffs. Can you imagine if the lost manuscript were to appear as well? You know someone has to have it, stashed away in an attic.

Maison Bergdorf. Um, can you say writer’s retreat? This place is gorgeous! Sign me up… 😍

What I learned about minimalism in Poland. A very good lesson here. I found the concepts quite profound and powerful. When you have had nothing for so long, it’s easy to overdue.

11 literary-inspired accessories to gift your loved ones. Because ’tis almost the season. 🎄🕎

15 Fantastic J. R. R. Tolkien-isms to Live By. We all need a little Tolkien now and then.

And closer to home:

LIE TO ME is at Target!

LIE TO ME is new at Target! I’m thrilled my book baby is at one of the greatest stores in all the land. Stop by and get a copy for yourself. (and a friend!) This book is great for bookclubs, too. I assure many glasses of wine and disagreements — especially about that ending!

You can also find LIE TO ME at airports across the country. Because what’s better than sinking into a story as you jet into the air? Thanks, Hudson!

That’s it from me! Enjoy the trick-or-treaters, eat some Halloween candy for me, watch out for ghosts and goblins, and we’ll talk again soon.

xo,
J.T.

Via: JT Ellison