11 Comments

"Friendship is an active verb" — loved this! Building community was also a big theme for me in 2023. I feel you on #5 — spent a lot of time this past year querying my first novel and learning a lot about how to handle rejection/keep writing/be creative just for the joy of it.

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I'm glad I'm not the only one learning these lessons! Hope you're 2024 is off to a great start. :)

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Chrissy, #5 is the spirit in which I enter 2024. I'm reassessing the value I've given to publishing vs writing, working to detach from the former and become more intentional with the latter. I recognize the near-miracle of having two novels in the world and the near-agony of all the years spent trying for more. I lost something of myself along the way and I'm determined that this is the year I reclaim me. Good for you for recognizing you are whole without "the book deal". xoxo

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It's a tough lesson but such an important one. I'm interested in a sustainable creative practice that can enrich my life, not detract from it. Good luck to us both on finding that balance!

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Chrissy Montana is my favorite state! Cool that you got to visit this year. What part did you go to?

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Montana is now one of my favorite states, too! We flew to Bozeman and stayed mostly in Livingstone. We also hit up Yellowstone for a day, which was absolutely majestic. So different from the coast where I live!

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#5 is so good! And something I’m still working on. It’s easy to put my worth into one thing. And of course, it’s not true.

Where did you go in Montana? I live in Montana! ❤️

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We were in Livingstone mostly - our dear friend got married on a ranch and it was incredible!

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Oh yes, Livingston is a beautiful area! We farm & ranch in central Montana. I'm glad you had a good time! Happy New Year, Chrissy!

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What a beautiful year! I admire the intention with which you live your life, and your generosity in sharing what you’ve learned with us. Let the 2024 Super Bowl begin!

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Thanks so much, Kara, and right back atcha. Also: if New Year is the Super Bowl, then my summer birthday is the half time show. This metaphor has more potential than I thought!

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