Author Life Update: Newsletter Launch, Packing Tips, and Delving into AI

April showers bring May flowers. That’s what everyone says, right?

Well, I really hope they’re right—even if the idea of everyone agreeing on something feels wildly unrealistic these days. But I digress.

When I say “April showers,” I’m not just talking about the weather. I’m talking about the deluge of writing- and career-related plans I’ve made for 2025. With a little hard work and a sprinkle of luck, I’m hoping this will be the year I crush some major personal goals (like buying our first home, maybe?)

Let’s catch up on what’s new since my last blog.

Author Newsletter

I’ve been putting off creating an author newsletter for years. First, I told myself I didn’t have enough writing-related news to justify one (false). Then I thought, “People don’t need any more emails” (possibly false). Then, it was, “I’m too busy to set up a newsletter” (absolutely, irrevocably false).

Well, guess who’s fresh out of excuses?

You can sign up for my newsletter on my homepage. As a thank-you for joining my mailing list (and putting up with my silly little author ramblings), I’ve created something special just for you.

Character Crossroads is a collection of mini-stories that explore the 'what ifs' of the characters from my series—the paths they could've taken and the lives they might have led.

To One Bag, or Not to One Bag… That Is the Question

I’ve always loved the idea of travelling light (also known as “one bagging”). Not having to haul multiple suitcases around the airport or worry about lost luggage seems like the perfect way to start a vacation, doesn’t it?

Personally, I think most of us could do with less stuff. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your comfort while on vacation. Here are a few space-saving tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Roll, don’t fold

Folding clothes takes up more room than rolling does, especially with thin items like t-shirts and leggings. You can even stack and roll like-items together. Think burger… then sushi. Burger-sushi? (This is why no one lets me name things.)

2. Make use of every available space

Packing an extra pair of shoes? Stuff them with socks or small items. Efficient packing can make your carry-on feel like a suitcase. While I haven’t personally tried them, many travellers swear by packing cubes—like this set from Eagle Creek.

If you’re on a budget, extra-large Ziploc bags work just as well as any name-brand packing cubes, allowing you to keep your clothes and other essentials organized and waterproof.

3. Keep toiletries at the top

This one seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Having quick and easy access to things like deodorant, toothpaste, and medications can make a world of difference—especially during long layovers when you will definitely be tempted to freshen up.

Artificial Intelligence for Dummies (aka, Me)

As a self-published author, one of the biggest challenges I face is juggling multiple roles.

I’m not just an author—I’m an editor, publisher, social media manager, web developer, blogger, graphic designer, fact-checker, accountant, and publicist. When you’re doing so many things at once, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Now, I know many creatives have strong opinions about AI. While I don’t think it will ever fully take the place of human creativity, I think it can be a valuable tool when used effectively.

Admittedly, I was reluctant to dive into AI when ChatGPT made its debut. I thought, “There’s no way this can benefit me as a writer.”

Then one day, my curiosity won out. I stopped thinking of AI as a threat and started thinking of it as a personal assistant—one that could help me organize ideas, fine-tune blog posts, craft compelling blurbs, and so on. Because if I’m being honest, marketing myself has never been my strength. I’d rather be writing books than selling them, and I still don’t understand what a “story” is on Instagram. At this point, I think I better let AI take the wheel.

Let me know what you’ve been working on in the comments below! Has April been treating you kindly, or are you holding out for better weather in May?