Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

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Why Dread Writing Newsletters?

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I recently became aware that my time writing and researching the author business has enabled me to be help other entrepreneurs. I thought I would begin posting monthly a short blog about best current practices, often reviewing a helpful book you may want to add to your arsenal. The first resource I want to review is Newsletter Ninja, which helped me answer the question, Why do I dread newsletters?

Why should you write newsletters?

If you dread writing newsletters, you may easily convince yourself to skip it. I have done so myself. As an author, I spend my time writing words and making my words tell stories in a book form that will help others by either entertaining or teaching, sometimes both. Why on earth would I want to take out time from that important endeavor? Other tasks in each of our businesses take enormous amounts of concentration and stopping to write an email seems superfluous–maybe even outdated. Isn’t everyone sick of spammy newsletters clogging up their inbox?

But, I have become convinced by experts that I need to have an authentic way to connect with my ideal readers. After all, social media, one of the ways I originally connected with readers, has become increasingly pay-to-play. Platforms like Facebook have buried organic reach, making it harder and harder for people to see a post unless we are spending money to create ads.

But, good grief, I have spent years overthinking every newsletter I was writing. I was working hard, but getting no-where. So when I heard this awesome interview with Tammi Labreque about her book Newsletter Ninja, I decided to spend a few dollars and check it out. And you know what? Things are starting to come together for me.

Do you dread writing newsletters?

If you are convinced that you need a way to develop a relationship with your ideal readers or customers, this book has some amazing insight into how to do so. Tammi uses her great sense of humor (and some profanity, if that bothers you) to share years of helpful experience.

While reading the book, I realized why I’ve been dreading writing my newsletters. I’ve been viewing them as a frustrating and useless interruption to writing. But Tammi’s suggestion to re-imagine my perfect reader and invite them into a fun conversation each month changed my perspective.

So, I did. I thought of who would love to purchase my product, in my case, my current series. What would we have in common? What other things would this imaginary-but-not-imaginary-friend enjoy that I might be able to discuss monthly?

This month’s encouragement: Stop dreading writing newsletters

There is so much wonderful information in this book, that I highly recommend it. It can literally help you stop dreading writing newsletters and instead enjoy it! Tammi shares criteria to help you choose an email provider, how to keep your newsletters from going to the spam folder, why and how to create an automated onboarding sequence, and most importantly, she reminds us to always provide something worthwhile to your reader. I have not yet implemented everything in the book and it may take another business year to get it all right. But you know what? I’m not dreading writing my newsletter anymore!

So, this month, I want to encourage you to have a little fun. Make a date with yourself and create a profile of your favorite kind of reader. Don’t just imagine yourself with a new name. Tammi is pretty adamant that though we may like our own writing, we are not our ideal reader.

Dive deep and think about the kind of super-fan you would love to connect with. You might even poll your current readers through social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Stories all love polls right now). What kinds of shows would this ideal reader be drawn to? Is it mainly men or women? Single or married or divorced? With or without children? A person who binges Hallmark Christmas movies, or stands in line for hours to get the newest Apple product?

Ask those random questions and some targeted ones. See what comes up! Think it over carefully and then, write your newsletter to that very specific person. Have fun, ask at least one question that kind of person is dying to answer, and share something to make their life better.

Newsletters to check out

Now, I don’t know that I would have picked up the book Newsletter Ninja if the timing had not coincided with discovering two very different, but wonderful approaches to newsletters. I highly recommend you check out Susan May Warren and Erica Baldwin to see helpful and fun examples of writers who make it a pleasure to open your email. Also, if you know of a writer whose newsletter you love, share it in the comments or on social media so we can follow along and learn.

Of course, I’d love to have you on my newsletter if you enjoy fairytale retellings, or just want to subscribe for a few months to see how I’m implementing what I’ve learned. My onboarding sequence will first take you to my freebie, which is a novella you can find here.

Next month, I will be reviewing another helpful resource. What would you like me to tackle next?

JacQueline Vaughn Roe

JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author consultant, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free author assessment to learn what steps you should take next now.

Author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, and  Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, which chronicles her battle with chronic pain and depression, JacQueline uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy.

JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. It should never be substituted for a professional therapist.

photography: Kaitlyn Baker and J. Kelly Brito

Graphic Design for Social Media: JacQueline Vaughn Roe. Contact her for help with graphic design or other author services.

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3 Reasons for a Bookworm to be a Friend

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If you don’t love books or have a voracious reader in your home, this is not the blog for you. However, if you need tips to make friends because you keep getting lost somewhere inside your favorite story, this will all make sense. Instead of escaping reality for a short time in a book, you might be dragging the fantasy into real-life just a little too much. And maybe you’re relying on it to fill up your friendship tank. No judgment here. I’m an author and I have book-crazy children. Here are some of our struggles sprinkled with a few suggestions that we should all be able to laugh about together. Let’s chat about 3 reasons a bookworm should be a friend.

Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf

Catch up on Bookworm Problems 1-3 here and 4-6 here.

Bookworm Problem: Small Talk

This is probably hardest to understand if you are an extreme extrovert–someone who gets their energy from being with and around people. If that’s you, you likely have no problem with coming up with small talk and chatting about things of a very simple nature that are on eye-level. How’s the weather? How are you? If you are outgoing, it may not faze you to shake a hand and use easy questions to get to know someone.

But, my friend, if you are deeply invested in books, chances are you might a bit more introverted. You may get your energy from time spent alone or just one-on-one with a person who completely gets you. You probably enjoy discussing things that are more complicated. I have plenty of extroverted friends who enjoy discussing things of a deep nature as well, but they typically don’t mind the round-about casual way of getting there.

Reasons for a Bookworm Friend - authorjroe.com - Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf

#1 Reason for a Bookworm Friend: You care about deeper issues

Wouldn’t it be easier if we could just discuss books we liked instead of anything else? *sigh* Wouldn’t that be grand? Ummm, maybe, but we don’t live in that world. And it can get lonely just tucked inside a book all the time. People get to know us by how we greet them. Online conversations with #bookstagrammers about their Insta-stories can be fun, but we all need real-life friends. So how about this?

What if you look at the books you enjoy as fodder for the conversations you want to have. Think of the kinds of people you find interesting in your books. Imagine the things in those books you find intriguing. Maybe at the next gathering, you feel forced to attend, you introduce yourself with your name and mention that you love to read stories about ________. Ask your new friend {think of them that way, it helps} if they like stories of a similar nature. They may prefer their stories in Netflix form or in a podcast, but you may stumble onto some intriguing commonality. What’s more, you’ve shown interest in someone else and that makes the other person feel good {and takes that scary spotlight off you}.

Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf

Bookworm Problem: Finding and Making Friends

I remember when I was very young, I could make friends anywhere and everywhere. It cost me nothing to walk up to random strangers no matter their age, ethnicity, gender–whatever–and talk to them. Some of my favorite people were quiet and shy, but I had no idea what that was like at that age.

And then I entered adolescence and I became self-conscious about EVERYTHING. What was worse, my family moved from Houston, Texas up to Chicago, Illinois. For all my friends who don’t live in the United States, those two places only share the same language, and it might as well be two different dialects. I was incredibly lonely and literally wrote 28 poems about my loneliness while listening to sad soft jazz (don’t judge me too harshly) for the rest of my seventh-grade year.

My parents took us church hunting and one Sunday I was discovered by some girls. They were fun and funny and we connected. It wasn’t long before we found we not only shared the same faith with a love of the Bible (we are Christians), but also the same favorite novel. It was like a secret riddle they had the answer to and I knew we were kindred. There are times I have pictured what my life would have been like if I hadn’t connected with anyone during that vulnerable year. Because of my faith, I believe God used books to bridge the gap.

#2 Reason for a Bookworm Friend: Working harder makes your friendship stronger

Finding and making friends can be incredibly difficult. It may seem as though the effort just isn’t worth it–but what if you don’t just think of it being about you? What if you could be someone’s best friend, someone they need to be silly with, share dreams with, to tell secrets to. It takes time to get from here to there, but I know from experience that the harder you work at friendship, the more durable it becomes. None of my best friends live in the same state as I do anymore, but when my sister died last year, each of them was there for me in special ways. We need friends in good times and in rough times. It’s worth the effort and you will be better for it.

So, here’s a fun idea. Check your local library or bookstore and see if they have a book club. If so, you know that when you go, they will be discussing the book they have advertised and probably more like it. Also, go to your library or bookstore when there isn’t a club going on. You will meet readers and writers there, people who understand the worlds you enjoy stepping inside of. They, like you, may be a bit shy but feel strongly about the books they love. That can be your in to making a new friend. Introduce yourself as we talked about above, inquiring what they love about your location. Is it the atmosphere, the selection, perhaps the coffee? (I highly recommend becoming addicted to coffee and coffee shops, this puts you in good with a whole bunch of fun people who may like to read and write, also).

Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf

Bookworm Problem: Socializing steals from reading time

There is only so much time in each day. We each get approximately twenty-four hours each day, seven days a week. In it we have to cram the essentials of living: eating, working, exercising, and (of course) reading. “But if I have to go spend time with people, then I have less time to read.”

Okay, so I have to admit, I’m not great at math. I write books for a living and they are not the least sciencey or mathematical in nature. I wrote one sci-fi-dystopian novel, but I am rewriting it as dark fantasy because my math didn’t work. But there is some math even I get: 1+1=2 while 2-1=1

Here’s the real problem, if you are looking at your life as a math equation and friends as a negative in that equation, you’re missing the point.

Reasons for a Bookworm Friend - authorjroe.com - Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf

#3 Reason for a Bookworm Friend: You add infinitely more than you can imagine!

This is going to sound strange. You need friends because they need you. That’s right, you amazing bookworm, people need you! They need your love of story, your love of characters, your love of adventure. They need your intense analyzing, your sense of wonder, your ability to be quiet and listen. You are necessary. And honestly, some of my favorite times with my favorite people, guess what we were doing? Sitting around reading. I’m serious. What if you become friends with people and discover that sharing your precious time actually frees you to enjoy time reading? Friends don’t subtract, they add and you can be a friend who adds!

I honestly believe that if you reach out and sincerely want to share the best of yourself to build others up, you’ll find your people and those people will build you up, too. Perhaps there won’t be a pajama book party tomorrow night, but before you know it, there will be friends.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Bookish photography: Ed Robertson, Ben White, Hannah Rodrigo, Kinga Cichewecz, and Thought Catalog.

Graphic Design for Social Media: JacQueline Vaughn Roe. Contact me here for help with graphic design or other author services.

Reasons for a Bookworm Friend - authorjroe.com - Can book love and all the things to read get in the way of true friendship? Or is being an introvert, especially a bookish one with a need to read, actually an asset over friendship troubles? Click through and read 3 reasons for a bookworm to become a friend. #book #books #booknerd #bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #booklove #introvert #friendship #truefriendship #friendshiptrouble #bookwormproblems #thingstoread #bookstoread #bookhumor #bookfunny #bookquotes #readmore #bookasthetic #bookshelf
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Can I Recover from Grief and Ambition?

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Parting

In our minds, a timer is ticking. It’s ticking off moments, letting us know how long we have to sort through things. We find ourselves rushing through tasks, meals, conversations to get to the next thing. We have planners and calendars stacked with appointments, meetings, chores. And always the clock is counting down. But what do we do with ambition when parting takes place? Can we recover from grief?

What do we do when the clock is broken? When we have lost someone we love and they are taken from us forever? All that is left seems to be an empty, breathtaking pain and we wonder, “How do we continue?”

Recover from Grief - authorjroe.com - Many of us are defined by our ambition, but what do we do with losing someone when we have chronic migraines or illness? Can we recover from grief? #grief #illness #chronicpain #chronicpaininspiration #chronicmigraines #chronic #chroniclife #spoonies #spoonie #spoonielife #ambition #grief #grieving #loss #comfort #healing #Jesus #God #JesusChrist

Recover from Grief: Waiting

I sit on the couch after breakfast most mornings with a journal, my Bible, and my favorite pens. I snuggle beneath a blanket and heating pads and ache. My head radiates pain from the daily debilitating migraines while my soul writhes from missing my sister.

It has been ten months since Joy was killed by a truck. Even before this fatal accident, she had a brain-injury and I was her caregiver. At some point in our lives, each member of my family was depended on to care for her most basic and intimate needs. It’s been ten months since I’ve brushed her hair, taken her for a walk, helped her get showered. After ten months, you would think that the timer would have reset, that grief would have resolved and I would have moved on. But only now as I receive therapy am I beginning to process her loss. And so, here I sit, staring in front of me, waiting and waiting and waiting for the emotions I buried to surface so we can at last deal with them.

Recover from Grief: Persevering

After living for years with a chronic illness, I thought I understood what it took to process difficult things. But, I bet you understand when I say that as soon as you think you have life figured out, you find out you don’t. Maybe something horrible happens and you have to scramble to learn a new way of living. Just a few years ago, I struggled with a depression so deep that even though I trust in Jesus Christ for my salvation, I despaired of life. I wanted to die and contemplated ending my life. A good Christian girl shouldn’t struggle like that, I believed. I felt like a failure, a horrible wife and mother and sister.

God met me in that deep, dark place, just like He is meeting me now. I even wrote a book about it. Here I am again, though, because as I am processing the loss of Joy, I am struggling with suicidal thoughts. But I have learned that I don’t have to, nor should I, try to fight this battle alone. As I said before, I am receiving counseling. I am also checking in with trusted friends and letting them know how I’m doing. They are lifting me up in prayer and it is amazing how this simple thing is so powerful. In those dark, bleak moments when I want to find a way out of this life to escape the pain, God reminds me He is with me through His people who love me.

Recover from Grief - authorjroe.com - Many of us are defined by our ambition, but what do we do with losing someone when we have chronic migraines or illness? Can we recover from grief? #grief #illness #chronicpain #chronicpaininspiration #chronicmigraines #chronic #chroniclife #spoonies #spoonie #spoonielife #ambition #grief #grieving #loss #comfort #healing #Jesus #God #JesusChrist

Recover from Grief: Loving and Affirming

The most amazing thing about this group of people is the way they accept where I am. The way they aren’t pushing me to produce something out of my grief. I do. I look at my 30,000-word manuscript “Life with Joy” and feel the pressure to make it into something beautiful, something that will make all the pain worthwhile. But I can’t. Every time I think I can try, it’s like I break a little more.

I won’t say no one has said that they don’t expect something beautiful to come out of all this sorrow. I’ve said it here before, I know that God uses these things for good. (see Romans 8:28) But let me be clear and painfully honest, I can’t see that right now. In this moment, the clock has stopped and I hang by a slender thread to the grace of God. No words reach the loss I feel and even though my head knows something wonderful is being worked out in the eternal realm, my temporal self cannot tolerate the stretch. I can’t get from here to there. For the first time in my life instead of pushing myself to make it happen, I’m going to accept where I am.

Ambition

So, ambition, back off, back down, back away. I can’t yet.

Maybe you are here with me in this rocky place where we cling to faith. We can’t see ahead or behind. Our lips recount blessings while crying over our loss. We use each moment of each day to continue to breathe.

And that’s enough. For now, my friend, it has to be enough.

JacQueline is the author of Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope as well as The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures. She uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy. JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. It should never be substituted for a professional therapist.

A special “thank you” to Sheryl Chan for offering the link-up for those suffering from chronic illness.

Photo Credit: Dylan Nolte, Kinga Chicewicz, Nathan Dumlao.

Graphic Design for Social Media: JacQueline Vaughn Roe, contact here to receive help with your social media images.

Recover from Grief - authorjroe.com - Many of us are defined by our ambition, but what do we do with losing someone when we have chronic migraines or illness? Can we recover from grief? #grief #illness #chronicpain #chronicpaininspiration #chronicmigraines #chronic #chroniclife #spoonies #spoonie #spoonielife #ambition #grief #grieving #loss #comfort #healing #Jesus #God #JesusChrist
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3 Tricks for Bookworms

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There are issues, Bookworm Problems, if you will, that can cause all manner of mischief in our “quiet” lives. What’s a nice book-loving person to do? Well, I’ve been a bookish type for a very long time, my friends, and I have 3 tricks for bookworms that I think might help in the following scenarios. (Bookworm Problems 1-3 can be found here.)

Bookworm problem: you’re holding a grudge

I remember my father rolling his eyes at me. “It’s just a story,” he might say, which would frustrate me to no end. Didn’t he have friends? Didn’t he worry about those friends and get upset if something bad happened to them? Well, these were my book friends and some evil author had arbitrarily wrecked their lives or even ENDED THEIR LIVES! I was distraught with good reason. Other bookworm friends and I would quietly (or in our most dramatic voices) wail over the loss.

My daughter pointed out to me the other day that there are characters that she doesn’t get upset about dying because she could tell from the beginning their only purpose in the story was to upset everyone with their unjust death. She did not attach herself because she knew goodbye was inevitable. But what about the beloved characters in Harry Potter, or the Hunger Games, or . . . please don’t tell me you’re a fan of Maze Runner! Good grief! If so, your heart may be in shreds. In such a series, it feels as though the author was intentionally killing people off to get a reaction out of us. And, they were. In certain genres, lots of people die.

Now, I write books and sadly, just like in real life, people die. My husband came home one day and asked how my day was and all I could do was complain about my frustrating characters. He reminded me that I was the author. I should just make them do what I wanted them to do. But I’m not that kind of author, my characters seem to possess their own free will.

Tricks for Bookworms #1–take your temperature

I guess the trick is as both an author and/or a reader to kinda recognize where you are emotionally–maybe even spiritually. Can you handle the type of story you are investing in? Maybe as readers we should beware certain genres when we are particularly vulnerable. Since I deal with depression and anxiety on a daily basis I have to monitor what I am reading. I take little breaks from different genres and switch it up with some cheesy romance or predictable mystery when I’m feeling down. It can act like a reset button.

But I’ll admit it. The best part of reading is the emotional roller-coaster. After all, my best friend is still mad at me for “killing off” her favorite character. (Like I said, sometimes people die. And it was the first novel I finished writing, so I might have been looking for a reaction.) I guess it can be satisfying to be angry at the author.

Bookworm problem: you might be a bit dramatic

This probably goes without saying, but most people think of bookworms as quiet librarians who sit silently turning pages. They think of us as shy, perhaps smart, but incapable of expressing emotions. (These are people who have never discussed authors we are angry at with us.) But the truth is, even my quietest, most introverted child is loud and dramatic about the plights of her favorite characters. She rages over poor decisions, unjust deaths, and hateful antagonists.

Since she is shy, I will not share her name, but I imagine her teachers saying something like, “________, loud? I can’t believe it!” Believe it, buster! All of us get loud and dramatic about whatever our characters are going through. We are connected to them, and honestly, I must return to this again, it’s not just a story.

Tricks for Bookworms #2–use storylines to explore feelings with family & friends

We recognize ourselves in the pages of the books we love. We see our own struggles, though our circumstances are different. (I sincerely HOPE your circumstances are not the same as those of Tobias in Divergent). We may make ourselves a wee bit scary when we express our somewhat violent feelings, but maybe if we tone it down slightly, we will find that what we are upset about has to do with something going on in our own lives.

The other day, when everyone was supposed to be getting ready to run out the door for karate, my daughters and I had a huge heart-to-heart about some choices that characters were making–because my daughters saw their friends making the same choices. It scared my daughters, they weren’t sure how to react. I’m glad they felt comfortable talking about fictional characters problems so we could also discuss real problems, namely, how to love and support your friends even when you don’t agree with everything they do. (Here’s a hint, if it’s legal and not hurting anyone, you can express your opinion, why you feel that way, and still show unconditional love. Tricky, but worthwhile. It doesn’t get easier when you’re an adult).

Bookworm problem: you discover you’re impatient

I would like to say that I have mastered this issue. But I haven’t. I loved the first two books in The Traitor’s Game. Waiting for number three due out spring 2020. Loved Nevermoor, can’t wait to read Wundersmith as soon as I can get it (update, it’s out now!), but there are three more after that she hasn’t even written yet. Is Jessica Townsend trying to kill me?

I know you know what I mean and that you have been here. You’re longing, you’re yearning, you’re waiting. And Netflix is no help since every series has less and less episodes, right?

Tricks for Bookworms #3–develop a long-term perspective

Here’s the funny part. Well, kinda funny. I now get it. It takes time to write books. Some authors are speedy, some are not. Would any of us want J.K. Rowling rushed when she was untangling a mess she had as she rewrote Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire? Certainly not! That series hinges on book 4. I’m grateful they pushed back the publication date to maintain the integrity of the work!

I am currently working through a series and I’m feeling a bit of that reader impatience. While I’m editing book three (update, it’s out now and you can start at book 1 for free!), I’m also outlining the next trilogy in the series. You see, I’ve already written the last book in the series and part of me just wants to hurry up and jump ahead there–but really, do I want to miss out on the adventures between here and there?

What if stressing about things we don’t have right away, we savor what we do have, enjoy the anticipation, take the time to discover new authors and different stories. Good glory! Since independent publishing became so popular there are literally millions of books in the English language to choose from on Amazon alone. And experts are predicting that AI will make translation so inexpensive and convenient that we will have millions of new titles very soon. Imagine that!

Wrapping things up

So, in conclusion, these pesky annoyances need not deter us from reading or enjoying our lives. They can actually be part of the fun. Now, it is very possible that most “normal” non-bookworm people won’t understand our brand of bookish fun, but that’s a whole different bookworm problem blog. And I’m sure I can dig up some more tricks for bookworms. Hmmm, we’ll have to see. Till then, have fun reading! And let me know what I should add to my TBR stack.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Bookshelf photography by: Ed Robertson, Janko Ferlic, and Henry Be

Graphic Design for Social Media: JacQueline Vaughn Roe (contact here to receive help you with your social media images.)

3 Tricks for Bookworms - authorjroe.com - Book nerd humor is essential when authors kill off your favorite characters, don’t write fast enough, and no one in your family understands your pain. Those in book fandoms will understand these 3 bookish problems too well. Let’s cry over amazing books and discover silly tricks to help us enjoy life. #bookwormproblems #booknerd #books #bookaddict #bookasthetic #bookspines #bookster #readabook #readingaddict #booksaremylife #booksbooksbooks #bookstack #booklover #bookishphotography #readersofinsta #fortheloveofreading #readmore #bookreader #alwaysreading #ilovetoread
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Books about Books for Bookworms

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For this month’s bookish blog, I feel the need to give a shout-out to all the other booknerds out there that love books about books. Bookworms, unite! (And by that, I mean, go grab your book and find a cozy spot by yourself with something warm to drink as you inhale the fragrance of book pages or your favorite bookish candle…whatever that is…)

What are the best ya books to read about books? I’m discussing the type of book where a reader, usually a child, finds their way into the book itself or maybe a character of the book finds their way into real life. This concept is not unique, there are dozens of books out there with this premise. There are even movies that have this premise (I’m looking at you, Never Ending Story—book I should really get around to reading!) What I discovered surprised me. Instead of the premise being overused, there are many unique ways to tell this story. The plot advances and characters develop while real readers, like myself, wish this could really happen.

C’mon, if you call yourself a bookworm . . . Don’t you occasionally, perhaps frequently, want to cross from real life into the pages of a favorite book? Who doesn’t want to bring a favorite character we think of as a friend into our homes?

I think that young adult literature does this particularly well because as adolescents, most of us become a little cynical. But there is a hope for something pure and beautiful beneath that cynicism! I believe that’s why I love the young adult genre and write in it. I’m speaking to that snarky me that is stuck in high school still wishing for the fairy tale. If that’s you, then I bet you will love the following books.

Books to Read About Books: The Great Good Thing

A precious college friend of mine sent me a package in the mail after the death of my sister. She knew I was hurting, and her card and sweet gifts showed a tenderness that I was able to receive like a hug across the miles that separated us. (Especially since the package included a good book!)

I’d never heard of The Great Good Thing, but was immediately intrigued by the adventures of Sylvie. The little princess spent her time trying to find a way to climb out of its pages and then restoring order to her story when things got shuffled the wrong way. Though the parents come across as foolish, I enjoyed the story and how Sylvie transforms to become the heroine of her own story.

Books to Read About Books: Between the Lines

This book was great fun and had me confused as to what I, the reader, actually wanted to happen. Did I want the character who was so unhappy with his “boring” story to be set free from the confines of the page? Did I perhaps want him to pursue a real relationship with the reader? I’m not kidding when I say that I wasn’t sure what I wanted until I read the end. Still debating whether to pick up the sequel because I’m a little nervous about getting conflicted again. I know, I take this too seriously!

But I think that’s a sign of an intriguing story, one that doesn’t have clear-cut answers to difficult questions. There are times in life where we need to reconcile ourselves to the lives we live and find contentment there. There are other times (and, God, help us know the difference!) when we must fight our way out of the mundane to faithfully do what is right and uncomfortable.

This book was a collaborative work of a well-known author, Jodi Picoult, and her daughter’s debut, Samantha Van Leer. The mother-daughter relationship in the story is very interesting as a result. I wish I could have read this book with my own mother before she died. I think the discussions of real-life versus fairytale love have a great deal of merit and I’m glad I can talk about it with my girls. There is also a strong element in the mother figure with the son and I’m looking forward to discussing this with my boy. Father figures are sadly lacking in this tale.

Books to Read About Books: The Book Jumper

Of all the books, The Book Jumper is the most controversial. There is more profane language in it, if that concerns you. Of all the books I am recommending here, it is definitely intended for an older young adult audience. This story is more of a mystery than the other two and I love the plot twists that have you guessing till the end how things will turn out. I adore the way Mechthild Glaser has created this story world, where book jumpers come from two prestigious family lines whose job it is to keep plots progressing properly.

This is another book with a strong mother-daughter theme running throughout, whispering to readers, “Are you keeping secrets from each other? Secrets can lead to hurt.” Yes, expect it to lead to great discussions! There is another book in the series, but I haven’t picked it up yet.

What are you reading?

So, of all the books above, have you read any? I’d love to hear what you thought of them. If not, what books with this theme have you found intriguing? If you are a writer, like me, I’m curious to hear how such books impact your writing. I suppose it is many of our dreams for readers to long to climb within the pages of our books.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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How to Survive the Summer with Kids and Chronic Illness

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There seemed to be a bit of a panic in America as the school year ended. Did you feel it, too? Maybe it was just me, but I felt a sense of wide-eyed fear that soon I would have my three home ALL DAY LONG. I wasn’t ready. I write for a living and my work-in-progress was lacking some serious progress. Is there a book on how to survive the summer with kids and chronic illness?

As I have struggled to balance life with chronic illness, I have wondered how to keep everything under control. How do I take care of my family, myself, and contribute financially? As grief over the violent death of my sister has set in, this has become an even greater concern.

How to Survive the Summer with Kids and Chronic Illness - authorjroe.com - When parenting ideas for the summertime clash with chronic illnesses, the question of how to live with chronic pain and grief often comes up. My parenting isn’t perfect, but I have found that God has something for each of us in difficult seasons. #friends #friendships #motherhood #momlife #chronicillness #spoonie #spoonies #spoonielife #summertime #parenting #inspirationalquote #devotional #Biblestudy #joy #hope #quotes #bestquotes #Biblequotes #grief #depression

How can anyone do it all? There’s a fundamental flaw in this question. Can you see it? No one can or should try to do it all. And the more we try to control things, especially when we have chronic or grief issues, things are going to go wrong. The first couple of weeks of summer found me sweating with the effort of not screaming everyone into silence. (Not recommended when you have daily migraines.)

Pain and Fear had Begun Controlling Me

There was something vital missing. Can you tell what it was? I was missing perspective–lacking wisdom. The first step was to recognize that cowering in my house in pain and fear wasn’t controlling these emotions–the pain and fear had begun controlling me.

My best friends from college and I used to get our families together every summer, but the last few summers we haven’t been able to. When the invitation came for us to travel to help for a week at their church, my family decided we would make whatever sacrifices were necessary to make it happen.

How to survive: Moving Forward

If I were to write a book on how to survive, I would say, “Go spend time with wise friends.” Armed with painkillers, sunglasses, and earplugs, we descended on their unsuspecting home for a week of fun and chaos. We crammed five adults and eight children into one house and one camper. In the mornings I took painkillers and headed to the chapel of their church. While others were bouncing in and out of loud activities, I was literally pacing in circles and praying.

Years ago, I had been the song leader and the drama teacher. I had kids shouting and jumping. But this summer I just couldn’t. I could still hear more noise than I have recently been able to tolerate, and I tried to use the week to desensitize myself. And you know what? I loved the time alone with God. We talked about what the kids were learning about Him that week and a great many other things. I’ve never made myself be quiet and pray for three hours at a time and the exercise was calming.

How to Survive the Summer with Kids and Chronic Illness - authorjroe.com - When parenting ideas for the summertime clash with chronic illnesses, the question of how to live with chronic pain and grief often comes up. My parenting isn’t perfect, but I have found that God has something for each of us in difficult seasons. #friends #friendships #motherhood #momlife #chronicillness #spoonie #spoonies #spoonielife #summertime #parenting #inspirationalquote #devotional #Biblestudy #joy #hope #quotes #bestquotes #Biblequotes #grief #depression

In the afternoons, I retreated with my friends to the back porch, letting the kids take over and sprawl around the house. Like my time with God, I found comfort and wisdom. I found healing. I discovered that I needed to relax, and I remembered that I needed to enjoy this hectic season. Sure, I wouldn’t be as productive business-wise during these few short months, but I could learn to live in the moment, use this time to reaffirm my love for each member of my family and knock out work in the afternoons or evenings.

How to Survive: Capturing and Exchanging Anxious Thoughts

That week gave me hope. I began listening to music again, which is healing even if somewhat painful. Returning home, my family and I tried to find creative ways to have fun together. But the grief was still heavy, the pain ever-present.

My thoughts were becoming too dark and I was returning to such a deep depression that there seemed no point to living. I know this to be a lie from the enemy, the one who longs to destroy those who love Christ. Still, the lie was making its nest in my thoughts and I needed to evict it. I found a local counselor and began the difficult process of sorting through this minefield of grief that has wreaked havoc with my already-tenuous health.

My counselor has already reminded me of the necessity of capturing and exchanging anxious thoughts in order to heal. Sounds amazing to us who struggle, right? But to do it, we have to look what we fear in the face. We must call it by name. I don’t want to. I guess I’ve been hiding in my house instead of facing the anger and pain of my sister’s horrific death.

How to Survive the Summer with Kids and Chronic Illness - authorjroe.com - When parenting ideas for the summertime clash with chronic illnesses, the question of how to live with chronic pain and grief often comes up. My parenting isn’t perfect, but I have found that God has something for each of us in difficult seasons. #friends #friendships #motherhood #momlife #chronicillness #spoonie #spoonies #spoonielife #summertime #parenting #inspirationalquote #devotional #Biblestudy #joy #hope #quotes #bestquotes #Biblequotes #grief #depression

How to survive: In This Together

If I say that I trust God is going to “work all things together for the good” even I cannot in my finite mind fathom HOW (see Romans 8:28) then I have to believe there is something here not just for me, but for you, too. Yes, you. You may not know me well, or you may know me very well, but you are reading this intensely personal blog because you are either a) struggling like me and searching for joy or b) just love me lots and lots. Whichever is the case, we are in this together. And I think we need that. Just like I needed to see my friends in Texas and work at something greater, I need us to connect and become stronger as we get through this.

Guess what my assignment is? She told me I have to go outside each day and face the sunshine. I know it will be painful, but yesterday (when my pain level was around a 5), but I was able to do it. My son, who is still young enough to want to, reached for my hand and walked me around our neighborhood to their various bus stops while we waited for my girls to get home.

How to Survive the Summer with Kids and Chronic Illness - authorjroe.com - When parenting ideas for the summertime clash with chronic illnesses, the question of how to live with chronic pain and grief often comes up. My parenting isn’t perfect, but I have found that God has something for each of us in difficult seasons. #friends #friendships #motherhood #momlife #chronicillness #spoonie #spoonies #spoonielife #summertime #parenting #inspirationalquote #devotional #Biblestudy #joy #hope #quotes #bestquotes #Biblequotes #grief #depression

I have other assignments including journaling and trying to return to my karate classes, too. Yes, that last one has a lot to do with getting me back in the company of good friends. Something as simple that and yesterday’s walk is like telling the grief, the depression, the migraines, ALL OF IT, “You’re not the boss of me!” Today I hurt a bit more, but I’m going to do my best to fight anxiety and get out of the house, go be with people I love and enjoy them. Allow myself to see and be seen again.

For Those of Us Hurting

For those of us hurting and wondering how to survive, we must allow good people, wise people to come beside us and offer their help. Bit by bit, we will become ourselves again. We won’t ever be exactly the same. The hurt has altered us forever and given us a different view. But, we can adjust and live a different life, capture these negative thoughts and discover what God has for us in this new and different landscape. We aren’t alone. This may sound simple, but I know it to be extremely hard.

So, friend, you’ve read all the way to the end. Why? Are you just concerned for me or do you relate to some of what I’ve been going through? I truly believe we are stronger together. We need one another to make it through this life, especially if we are in a season of struggle. Is there anything I can pray for you? I like to pray as I walk and since I have many walks in my future, it would be my privilege to lift you up. Let me know in the comments or on whatever social media platform or messaging system you feel comfortable using.

JacQueline is the author of Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope as well as The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures. She uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy. JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. It should never be substituted for a professional therapist.

How to Survive Graphic Designs by JacQueline

Photo Credit: Jason Blackeye, Paola Chaaya, Jared Erondu, and Levi Guzman

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