Thank you to this month’s gracious cohosts: Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray!
January 7 question – Is there anything in your writing plans for 2026 that you are going to do that you couldn’t get done in 2025?
At the moment, I’m feeling rather discouraged about writing due to anemic reader response to my latest novel. Sales have been pathetic despite the wonderful support of this group. I wish reader response didn’t affect my motivation as much as it does, but that’s my reality.
I am enjoying a break from writing including the freedom to travel, entertain, and catch up on streaming TV over the weekends.
First was a drive to Orlando to meet my friends’ poodle Franklin, then to Key Largo to join my bestie on her college swim team’s training trip, where we swam with manatees.
Then my sister, niece, and I traveled to nearby Charleston, SC to visit the aquarium.
Back home, I always have fun assembling breakfast for my niece!
Finally, I’ll host book club to discuss Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere, a story about female astronauts, and I found this hilarious Space Cats wine from a book club guide:
Here’s to a great 2026, writers!
Jennifer Lane Books 
I’m sorry that sales for your last book haven’t been as good as you’d like. Taking a break and having fun is important too and may help you feel motivated again.
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That wine bottle made me chuckle.
You swam with manatees? How cool!
Don’t let low sales get you down.
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What great pics, looks like a fun time. We all suffer from low sales at times. Part of being a writer is becoming immune to that but it’s not easy.
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Cute dog!
Sometimes we need a break from writing to fill the creative well. The right reader will find your book and it will make all the difference to them.
Ronel visiting for IWSG day An Author’s Goals for 2026
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I think you found the perfect solution to your woes. 🙂
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I want to swim with manatees! We got to see some in a tank at Disneyworld, which was so fun. Don’t get down about your sales. I think it’s tough for all right now, and there’s still time for it to take off and find an audience.
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The poodle photo is fantastic. I couldn’t help smiling. I wonder how this wine tastes?
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Sorry to hear sales are not going well for you. I’m reading Building a Story Brand 2.0 by Donald Miller. It’s funny thinking about building a story brand to sell a story.
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