Messages from Hobart

Hi ,

This weekend has been the Romance Writers Australia conference in Hobart, Tasmania. I've been looking forward to this as my first writing conference since my request for leave was approved last year and I have to say it was everything I dreamed of.

My motivation to write and creative energy has taken a massive hit this year. Between buying a house and planning a wedding, it seems I have time for nothing else. But listening to celebrated authors and learning in workshops has relit my spark. The final workshop I attended by Sarra Cannon hit especially close to home, and I want to share some of my favourite lessons from it:

1. You may never know the impact your work has on others
2. Fear walks into the room when you try to create something meaningful
3. People connect to your truth, NOT your highlight reel
4. Sometimes your wildest dreams are just as possible as the worst case scenarios you have imagined
5. Confidence doesn't come until after you've done the hard thing. The bravest step you can take is the first one towards your next adventure
6. When you focus on your passion and love for your work, there is no room for the fear of judgement from others
7. Your voice (art) matters more than any applause (compliments)

And it's not just these words of wisdom that have refilled my cup. It is wonderful to be around so many people who understand the struggle of being creative. Their presence reminds me of how much I've grown since joining my first writers group, and how I need to reach out to them when I am struggling. So if you're an Ipswich writer, you can expect to see me at the next writing catch up with all my annoyingly optimistic enthusiasm.

As excited as I am for what the future holds, I should mention that it will be a long time before I have a new book to share. I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as the destination, and will stick around while I slowly muddle my way through writing my next novel.

Now I know by this point in the newsletter I usually have a fr33bie treat to share. Unfortunately this month I haven't prepared a promo for you, but I can offer some recommendations.

Currently reading/read recently and LOVE:

• Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
• Heart of the Raven Prince by Tessonja Odette
• Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
• Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni

Next on my reading list:

• A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
• Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

If you've read any of these books and would like to chat about them shoot me a message via [email protected]. I love talking about books, especially the ones that make me swoon.

If these books aren't for you, you can find me here, chatting into the void again next month.

Monica

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