Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

books to read

5 of Our FAVORITE Feisty Redheads

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Horizontal image with laughing redheaded girl with messy hair in the wind. Text: Our FAVORITE Feisty Redheads

The Magic of Red Hair

Have you noticed a love in literature for a feisty redhead? I have started take note of them, and see that they have been influencing me for a long time. Once upon a time I was a plain, ordinary teenager with dull brown hair. When I became chronically ill with migraines, my normally conservative parents decided to let me try something new and different. I got to dye my hair. Red! And you know what? It did something for me. It changed how I viewed myself. I didn’t get well overnight, but you can ask my best friends, I became feistier. Those migraines weren’t going to hold me back forever!

Now, what on earth does this have to do with books, right? Well, like I said, I think my love of red hair can be traced back to some of my favorite literary heroines. I’ve been talking to other bookworms like me, and there does seem to be a great love for our favorite feisty redheads.

Feisty Redhead: Anne of Green Gables

Anne Shirley of L.M. Montgommery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books, is almost everyone’s favorite feisty redhead. The incorrigible orphan with an overactive imagination is constantly bumbling through one mishap or another. Her well-documented temper causes no end of trouble, but her sincere loyalty and devotion win us over.

What I found great was that even as an adult, I could pick up Anne’s books and begin to enjoy them all over again with a new appreciation. Having my own redhead made me think, what is it about redheads that makes them so fun and irrepressible?

Feisty Redhead: Molly or Genny Weasley from Harry Potter

I’m not sure that anyone else has this debate going on in their homes, but the question remains here: Molly or Ginny Weasley? My children love Ginny Weasley. I agree, Ginny is wonderful, but when compared to Molly Weasley . . . I just can’t see anyone being better than Molly Weasley. Fierce, devoted, it is Molly Weasley who not only raises a house full of mischievous redheads, but takes in orphan Harry Potter who is in desperate need of a mom. She is constantly feeding someone or arguing with them. And, spoiler alert, it is Molly Weasley who takes down one of the nastiest villianesses in the climatic conclusion to the whole series.

Feisty Redhead: Scarlet from The Lunar Chronicles

As much as I enjoyed the different take on fairy tales in Marissa Myer’s Lunar Chronicles, the series didn’t really take off for me until book 2, aptly named Scarlet for the red-headed heroine. As a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Scarlet was everything a feisty redhead should be:

  • strong
  • sassy
  • fiercely loyal

I loved her complicated relationship with Wolf and the twist that Marissa Myers did to keep us guessing as to whether or not we should root for him.

Redhead with text: Aren't Redheaded Characters Feisty and Fun?

My Newest Addition: Lady Gwynndolen in honor of my daughter

Now, I need to admit something. When I first began writing my retelling of Rapunzel long ago, I was newly married and had no children. But as the story grew and grew, my family did, too. My golden-haired Rapunzel came to resemble my dry-witted, introverted eldest daughter. In Beyond the Tower, we discover a young woman unsure of herself. She doesn’t know how to respond to people or God when she is cast out from her tower.

As the series progressed and Rapunzel matured, I found myself looking forward to telling the stories of the found family she develops. Not surprisingly, Lady Gwynndolen loudly asserted that she wanted her story told. Should it shock us that she resembles my red-haired, middle daughter? Not really. And when her ladyship is teaching swordplay to the difficult Prince Edmund, did I have my daughter help me stage the fights? Of course I did. With her own prowess in martial arts, it was fun to put some of that know-how to use and finally write action scenes that would cause Rapunzel to pale.

You can begin your own adventure traveling through The Journey series by downloading the free origin novella here or skip ahead to learn more about Lady Gwynndolen in book 4, Under the Curse.

Long, vertical image with Under the Curse book over ocean and cliffs

Your Turn

Now, I trust I’m not the only one who has cheered for redheads in different books. Maybe you’re a Pippi Longstocking fan. Maybe you adore the Weasley twins or another character I’ve left out. If so, share below or on social media who your favorite redheads are and what you like best about them. I’d love to hear all about it!

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.

Photography: Johnny McClung, Christopher Campbell, Brad Lloyd, Jenna Anderson, Gabriel Silverio.

Social Media images: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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Grief, Book Week, and Our FAVORITE Portal Fantasies

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How We Turned Grief into Book Week

Grief anniversaries pile up for our family in the fall and early winter. Last year, even as summer was coming to an end, I realized I needed serious help. I had become debilitated by chronic pain and sorrow that had me contemplating suicide. One of the things that got me through that dark time was my grief counselor helping me recognize that though I missed my beloved sister and mother, it was okay to keep living and enjoy the things I love. Like books. In fact, Book Week is all her fault.

With much prayer and my rekindled desire to begin living my life again, I set aside time and energy for two important parts of my life; my business as an author and (of course!) my children. I write my books with my children in mind, creating worlds that I want to share with them. When I realized how grief had overtaken our lives, I tried to think outside the four walls of our home. Though I couldn’t always drive places due to chronic pain and vacations were (at that time) outside my ability, maybe I could celebrate something fun with them over Fall Break. Something we all like to geek out over.

book stack

Book Week is Born!

And so, we had our first Book Week. We played quidditch in our yard while raking leaves celebrating our love of Harry Potter. Neighbors saw us run around chasing each other in a hide-and-seek with cyborgs versus Lunars celebrating our love of The Lunar Chronicles. We had sword fights and scaled the walls of our home in celebrating The Ascendence Trilogy. For fun, we invited friends over and ate blue food all day, celebrating Percy Jackson. We concluded the week by going on a short hike with a picnic lunch to celebrate Rapunzel’s misadventures in my books, The Journey series. I was exhausted and fighting pain through the week, but it was so worth it. I was beginning to live life again.

This year, vacation is out of the question for a whole new reason. Though most Americans have hated 2020, I have progressively gotten better as I’ve processed grief, slowly lost some of my grief weight, reduced my number of anxiety attacks, and increased my exercise and outdoor time exponentially. Oh, and that reading and writing thing? I’m about to release another book in my series and I’m sharing more books than ever with my kids.

My kids are now schooling at home because we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. When Fall Break rolled around again with no opportunities to travel, we decided to celebrate several books whose worlds we have loved visiting. Almost literally. Because this year, Book Week is all about what 2020 has lacked: secret portals that take us to different worlds.

Girl reading book with coffee

The Chronicles of Narnia

One of the places I have found solace in is a “secret” passageway between one side of our neighborhood to another across the creek. My son and I first started taking walks back when I was struggling with suicidal thoughts. I was in desperate need of sunshine and movement and we found this little path to what felt like a magical world. When I told my grief counselor about it, she said we had discovered Narnia.

As a family who loves not only the world of Narnia, but the allegorical message of redemption contained within its story, it seemed perfect to create a book week of portal worlds with a visit to Narnia. You should have seen the looks on our neighbor’s faces as they saw us walking down the street with one of my daughter’s wearing a beard playing a dwarf. What hilarious fun! We each played a favorite character and filmed a sword fight in slow motion that we laughed at later.

The Inner World Series

I first became aware of The Inner World Series when I hopped on Instagram to find out if connecting with the readers in the #bookstagram community would be a good fit for me. Oh, WOW! Talk about geeking out. There are millions of Instagram users daily sharing images and stories all about the books they love. Everyone is a reader and several of us are also writers.

When reader/writer @spacheships_and_dragons began following me, I checked in on her. A young mom, R.L. Medina generously shares upcoming releases of authors she knows as well as fun stories about her family. I loved each time that she gave a sneak peek into her series about a half-elf princess. A high schooler with an anxiety disorder? I can relate. Besides, who doesn’t want to find out they belong to a high caste of elves?

I had fun getting into the series, but I warn all who read them, books 1-2 in this trilogy end with a cliffhanger. The best characters are the ones I’m not sure should be trusted and I love seeing how Medina is growing as a writer. My kids and I had a fun Fae War in our backyard!

Nevermoor

Like most of the books we celebrated, Nevermoor is middle grade fantasy, a secret world of magic that the real world is unaware of. Morrigan Crow is a fascinating little girl who has lived her entire life believing she is cursed. When she is rescued from the normal world, she is taken to Jupiter North’s hotel. Her bedroom recreates itself overnight, always surprising her with what she will wake to. She meets fascinating creatures, discovers hard truths, and makes friends for the first time in her life. But she’s not convinced she isn’t still cursed. Jupiter is determined to be her patron in the Wondrous Society, but Morrigan doesn’t think she has the knack that requires.

Nevermoor has some of the best descriptions of delicious food, so we decided to celebrate the series by going to one of our favorite magical places: Barnes & Noble bookstore and cafe. We ordered rainbow layered cake which was almost to sugary to eat. We also got dark chocolate cupcakes and vanilla bean mini cupcakes. Then we treated ourselves to wandering along the magical aisles of books and dreamed about taking all of the books home. The third book in The Nevermoor series was scheduled to come out in spring 2020, but was rescheduled because of the pandemic. Sadly, we could only order it, but now eagerly anticipate the call that it has come in. That isn’t all bad, anticipation will make us enjoy it that much more!

book, candle, rocks, coffee

The Haven Series

If you love Harry Potter and miss his world, I highly recommend diving into the world of Haven. Author S.J. Howland recently came on the scene and has proven just how amazing an indie author can be. She introduces us to a boy named Xander who discovers his talent with crystals when he accidentally uses a travel-ling (yes, I used two “LL”s on purpose, that is the UK acceptable spelling for the first book “The Traveller’s Stone“) stone.

He is whisked away to a world where brownies are tiny people who clean houses (as long as no one is looking). Gnomes control the network of crystals that supply the land with energy. Xander feels very, very lost at first. Taken in by a large, quirky family while the “travellers” try to determine how he is able to use the crystal, he finds his way. Though he misses his mother, he discovers a kinship he’s never known before. This doesn’t stop him from worrying he might be the source of trouble that has come to Haven. Why are the shadows growing? What can he do to help?

Oh my goodness, my children and I devoured this book and eagerly await the upcoming sequel. For our celebration, we went on our favorite hiking path and made sure to take brownies (the kind you can eat) with us. We each played a different character from the series and had a crazy day full of fun misadventures (like getting stuck in the mud!) as we traveled miles due to the fact that our crystal orbs weren’t working. Sigh. We need more magic.

Book Week Collage

Alice in Wonderland

While all of this fun book craziness was going on, I was also planting a garden. I call it Rapunzel’s Garden and in it is a section in memory of my mommie, whose birthday was on our second book day. I planted a couple of decorative cabbages at the base of her transplanted roses with some memorial stones. Beyond the Tower, my first novel, was dedicated to her. Unlike Rapunzel’s mother, mine would never trade me for a head of lettuce or cabbage.

Despite this solemn note of sorrow, we decided that transferring my mother’s roses would take place on Alice in Wonderland day. My mommies would have loved this. We joked that we should “paint the roses red” to keep the Queen of Hearts from getting angry. Of course, we didn’t, which meant during our mad tea party the queen, played by me, had ample opportunity to declare, “Off with his head!”

My eldest played Alice, my middle daughter the Cheshire Cat, and my son played the White Rabbit who was running late. It was a fun and silly day and I let the kids enjoy a great many cookies. The weather was gorgeous and it was wonderful to look over and see my mother’s roses while we played.

Is Book Week Right for Your Family?

Would book week work for your family? I don’t know. If you have found that certain books minister to you, cause in-depth discussions, or are a great source of entertainment for your family, I say “go for it!” It doesn’t have to be an entire week, it can be a weekend or just one day in which you celebrate the overarching theme or characters from a book or series of books. Go do something fun together, celebrate the life you were blessed with, enjoy time with the people you love. If you need to, spend a little time remembering someone you miss. Whatever you do, allow books to remind you how good life is. You don’t need a secret portal to reach that conclusion, even if you are living in 2020.

My gift to you: If you love clean young adult fantasy and are looking for books to read, sign-up for my newsletter and receive your free copy of Before the Tower, a tale of two sisters, greed, and what led to Rapunzel’s tower.

Girl with 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.

Photo credit: Chris Lawton, Jenna Anderson, JacQueline Vaughn Roe, Debby Hudson, and girl.

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Why Prequels and Origin Stories are Our FAVORITES

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Have you given thought to why prequels and origin stories are some of our favorites? The beginning fascinates us, doesn’t it? The world’s best-selling book, the Bible, opens with, “In the beginning . . .” and we are introduced to the God of heaven and earth, what was good–and what went horribly wrong.

Some of the best loved literature, though, does not begin at the beginning. The authors published their stories and only later went back and published what set everything into motion. Those prequels, or origin novels, are cherished by the raving fans who adored the originals.

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Hobbit

If you love fantasy books, chances are you are familiar with The Lord of the Rings. Perhaps you traveled with Frodo and his companions on that fateful journey to destroy the ring. You know Middle Earth, tried to learn elvish, and despaired when the fellowship of the ring had to separate.

I like to imagine what it was like for the first readers to get their hands on the massive tomes written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Were there book clubs in little pubs all over the United Kingdom? And as they closed The Return of the King, how many of them had questions about Bilbo Baggins and his journey?

Tolkien was a brilliant, wordy man. The world-building he created for his series was vast in breadth and depth. Each character so well-formed, each people group so complete, that it wasn’t difficult to see the backstory was just waiting to be told. And so we were gifted with the origin story, the tale of how the ring came into the possession of Bilbo, and what began it all.

I, for one, am so grateful this prequel was shared with the world, aren’t you? Who doesn’t want more about the world’s best mentor, Gandalf?

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Magician’s Nephew

The beloved writer and theologian, C.S. Lewis, was not only a contemporary of J.R.R. Tolkien, but a close friend. I love hearing stories of their literary and writing group, The Inklings. Though the men differed in how they thought stories should be told, many of their readers like to group their fantasies together.

Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, in which the Pevensie children discover the world of Narnia and help free it from the curse of the White Witch by the aid of Aslan, the lion and ruler of Narnia. Written as an allegory to lead readers to see the story of Jesus’ Christ sacrificial death and resurrection in a new light, the book has become a perennial classic.

But how did Narnia come to be? And how did a wardrobe in our world become a portal to carry children to Narnia? C.S. Lewis, a man of great thought, decided to answer these questions when he penned The Magician’s Nephew. The story was so powerful that a controversy arose as to how the books should be numbered, since this prequel was actually number six in the series. But I enjoy reading it as number six, right before the end. I love how Lewis put it there intentionally, as part of the allegory that leads people to think of their own “in the beginning” and who created them.

Prequels and Origin Stories: Before the Tower

I suppose it should be no surprise that these great men, and others like them, eventually inspired me to write my own prequel or origin story. My series began with what happened to Rapunzel after the witch had cut her hair and thrown her from the tower. I had always wondered, how could she survive in a world that was unknown to her? How would she make friends? What would she think of the God that the witch had taught her to hate?

In answering some of these questions while writing Beyond the Tower and the sequels, I found other questions. Who was the witch and why did she hate God so much? What could have twisted the woman to become the type of person who would incarcerate a young girl in a tower and isolate her from the world of men?

While most people have heard one version or another about Rapunzel, Before the Tower focuses on the relationship between two sisters whose lives are unraveled by greed.

Sneak Peek

“Give it to me now!” The old woman leaned close to Eufemia’s face, grabbing her hand. Katterina watched her sister instinctively step back. The putrid smell wafted near the two sisters as the old woman gave a gruesome smile showing her rotting teeth. “You think you smell better, little brat? You think you’re a beauty? It will be your curse! All you long for you will never be able to hold, all you reach for will be taken from you. You will die alone and lonely. All your birds will have wings and they will leave you crippled. Mark my words, child.”

Get your free copy now

One curse. Two secrets. Betrayal in the garden will lead to Rapunzel’s tower.

Once upon a time there lived two sisters who imagined their lives would be simple. They would spend their days in their small, little village keeping their father’s goats until they wed.

But not all stories have a happily-ever-after and beneath the fairytale’s sunshine lurks the shadowed side.

Once grown, Eufemia leaves home to be drawn into a life of powerful dark magic. She’s always longed to be special, to undo the curse placed on her when she was just a child.

Katterina grows wary of who her sister is becoming. And temptation calls her, will she steal the one man Eufemia has always wanted?

Two sisters, once each other’s refuge, will lay the foundation for Rapunzel’s imprisoning tower by their greed and betrayal.

My gift to you is this free book you can get here.

Your turn: share a favorite prequel you have enjoyed in the comments here or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and tag me.

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.

Social Media design by JacQueline Vaughn Roe, cover design by Sara Oliver Design.

Photo Credit: Wen Photos, Mira Cosic, Ricardo Helass.

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Who are Your Favorite Bookish Characters?

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A fun pastime of book worms and book nerds is to discuss characters, but what about favorite bookish characters? Which are your favorite? You know, the characters in a book that LOVE to read. Those who answer the call to adventure right away because at last a real-life story is happening to them! . . . Or maybe the ones who have to be persuaded, because life between the pages of a book is a bit safer. Let’s chat about some favorites!

Favorite Bookish Character: Hermione

What list would be complete without including Harry Potter‘s best friend and book nerd? Hermione Granger reveals her love of books when she hauls out the doorstop of a book she’s been studying and states, “I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). And when Harry and Ron need to find her, where do they go? The library, of course! Bookish? Book nerd? Book worm? I would say so.

Unlike some shy bookish folk, Hermione does get out a bit. Though she does spend gobs of time studying in the library, she also runs around enough with Harry and Ron having misadventures. While she is quick with her wand and magic, she’s never afraid to rely on her book smarts to solve the mysteries that follow Harry around.

Favorite Bookish Character: Lia Mara

Like many people who love the young adult fantasy genre, and especially fairy tale retellings, I had to check out Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse so Dark and Lonely. An interesting portal version of Beauty and the Beast, I was taken with several of the characters. While I liked the first book, my favorite bookish character didn’t show-up until the sequel, A Heart so Fierce and Broken.

Lia Mara is your quentiessential book worm. She has retreated into the world of words because she believes her heartless mother and queen is right, she isn’t worthy to rule. We learn early on of her loyal devotion to her younger sister, the chosen heir. But Lia Mara’s attempts at diplomacy fail, catapulting her into the greatest adventure of her life. It will require all she has studied and learned to survive, but there are some lessons she needs to unlearn to recognize her true worth. My favorite quote in this book is, “Ah, yes, the most dangerous person at the party is always the girl sitting alone with a book.” And yes, it’s because she has secreted away a book among the folds of her skirt so she could go hide and read. Haven’t many of us wanted to do that?

Favorite Bookish Character: Rapunzel

It was inevitable, I suppose, that I would write a character of my own who lives between the pages of a book. Having suffered from chronic migraines during high school, I spent a great deal of time reading and imagining life outside of my house, but not being able to do much.

My retelling of Rapunzel begins with her surrounded by a rounded bookcase that stretches across her tower’s walls. But although she adores reading, she is ready for something to happen. She needs something to change so that she can venture beyond the tower the witch has imprisoned her in. What was great fun in writing this story was exploring how such a bookish, quiet person would react to the world beyond after living her life isolated. How would this book nerd react to fairy tale mysteries and make friends? How on earth would she feed herself? Of course she made the list of our favorite bookish characters, and you can follow the links to get Beyond the Tower for free right now!

Favorite Bookish Character: Owen

This list of favorite bookish characters would not be complete without including one serious fanboy who seems to love reading more than life. He is Owen from James Riley’s Story Thieves series. At the very beginning of the series, we discover Owen bored with school. He is wishing his life were more exciting, and finding the adventure he longs for by reading books.

With a librarian mother, Owen spends most of his time reading. In fact, his bedroom is called a book graveyard, since he gets to take home all the mishandled books that the library rejects. Even better? His new friend, Bethany, accidentally starts teaching him how to jump into books. And thus, his bookish dreams come true. Owen gets to meet all the characters he has been longing to know and become the hero he’s always wanted to be.

Who is Your Favorite Bookish Character?

Alright, I’ve told you about our favorites, so it’s only fair if you were to tell us of yours. Maybe you’d enjoy joining such silly and fun discussions here by commenting, or follow me over on Instagram or FaceBook so we can be goofy and bookish together. For especially book nerdy friends, join my monthly newsletter for fun recommendations and writing updates and get a free novella that unravels the mysteries of Rapunzel’s origins.

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.

Who Are Your Favorite Bookish Characters? - authorjroe.com - Would you identify as a book nerd, book worm, bibliophile, or bookish person? Do you love libraries and bookshelves and even bookish candles? Do you find yourself wanting to find books to read about people like you? Look no further than this list of our top favorite bookish characters sure to delight you with their wit and misadventures along the journey.

Photo Credits: Ruben Garcia, Yuri Efremov, and Sincerely Media.

Social Media Graphics: JacQueline Vaughn Roe.

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Have You Become a Member of an Unofficial Book Club?

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There is a strange phenomenon that takes place among a group of bookworms given enough time–the beginning of an unofficial book club. Right now, you might be in denial that you’re even a part of one, but I believe the mere fact that you chose to read a blog with a category titled “For Bookworms” means you are attracted to all kinds of bookishness–including other bibliophiles.

Trouble Finding a Book Club? You may already be in one!

There are many signs you can start looking for in your daily life that may have previously slipped under the radar. I have recorded them to better highlight my point. Bookworms are everywhere! When they gather, they discuss books and influence each other to read the books they love. That is the beginning, just discussing what you love, why you love it, what you’ve learned. Before you know it, your texting each other questions, polling each other on ships . . . But I’m getting ahead of myself.

You say to me, “NO! I can’t be a member of such a club! We don’t awkwardly meet in someone’s living room with a book forced upon us by a slanted vote. I read what I want to read and enjoy it with my friends.” Well, good for you! That doesn’t make it any less an unofficial book club. I’ll give you just a moment to process that.

Unofficial Book Club

The first sign you should look for may be more reflective than you would like. Yes, my friend, you must take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself a difficult question. “Do I even say ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ to my friends anymore?” If you answer in the negative, and that in fact you have replaced a common greeting with something like “Did you finish it yet?” so that you can immediatly begin talking books with your friends, you are indeed a member of a book club. It very well may still be an unofficial book club, but it is still a book club.

In fact, at that time of writing this post, we are currently under lockdown due to COVID 19. For my family that means a great deal of extra reading and taking walks. It means a lot of people getting excited about other people hurrying up on their TBR’s so they can discuss it. Funny thing happened today while on a social-distancing walk. I overheard some kids getting exercise yelling back and forth. “You guys have to read this book!” one boy shouted. Bet the next time he sees them out he will be bugging them with whether or not they’ve finished it yet.

Shipping in an unofficial book club

To get into the next part of this, I must make a confession of sorts. I have kids, I’m in my forties, so I’m not the most up-to-date of all bookworms. When I was introduced to shipping, I realized I’d been doing it for-e-ver. I’m serious. I get bored with most stories that don’t have a vital love story going on. I just do. (FYI, for those who don’t have teens and tweens and #bookstagram educating you, “shipping” is a verb meaning “wanting two characters to fall in love and have a relationSHIP.” This definition is my own, but I am fact-checking with my kids, so it must be true.)

What I have discovered in my unofficial book club is that over time you begin to recognize that your BFF has a certain look on her face as she daydreams of the two characters finally getting together. And heaven help us if they don’t or if the author takes too long. There will be a different look and much drama. This part of the book club my husband despises, but I actually find it hilarious. Most of the time.

Are you covering your ears? You might be part of an unofficial book club

Now, by the very nature of our family enjoying books upon books upon books, we add to each other’s TBR piles. And as we get through the books, our members want to discuss. We chat about what we have loved, hated, what we may not have understood. My dear book friends, here is where we all must tread lightly.

You may find yourself cast into the outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth if you ruin an important twist or *gasp* the actual ending. Please, please, learn to develop some patience with your unofficial book club members! When one of us takes longer than you’d like, be kind!

The Verdict is: You’re a member

Now, by the very tone of this post, you may think that I don’t advocate book clubs, but that is not the case at all! No, no, let it never be said I feel this way. My purpose in writing all of this is to bring such unofficial book clubs into the light of day. There is no need to hide your participation in these wonderful book clubs. In fact, join more by following me on #bookstagram or FB where we have so much fun talking books. Let’s keep sharing those opinions. Keep cheering on our favorite ships! Watch out lest you spoil the twists and turns cleverly hidden in the plot. Yes my friends, embrace who you are and enjoy your bookish friends in your unofficial book club.

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.

Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Hope House Press, and Priscilla Du Preez

Social Media Graphic Design: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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Chronic Illness and the Best Book Life

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Can chronic illness actually lead to the best book life? I would venture to say that it can and, in my life, has. I won’t tell you exactly what you should be reading here. (Sign up to my newsletter and get a free novella or check out my Goodreads reviews for more of that.) But I do want to share how books have become self-care for me.

In high school and again in college, I ended up as a virtual shut-in, only venturing out for doctor’s appointments, usually driven around by my parents. I found solace in reading, but I needed more and I found that outlet in writing. Books were a blessing from God in the form of consuming and creating.

Recently I have had to abandon another preventative medication due to yet another allergic reaction. One more doctor has said told me, “That’s it. You’ve tried everything I know of to try.” To compound the situation two other medications that help regulate my depression and anxiety ended up running out due to a huge doctor office/pharmacy/insurance company issue. Those with chronic life issues will understand all too well. By now I have those medications, but the depression and panic attacks linger as my body readjusts.

Chronic Illness Means We Keep Trying New Things

I tell you all of this not to garner sympathy, but to share encouragement. This bookish spoonie has decided to forge a new path, one that I have been slowly moving towards for a while. I hope in sharing this news, we can each look at what’s not working in our lives and make adjustments to find a better way. I have come to the conclusion that if I want to get well, my body is not going to do it by conventional means.

Okay, so I’m not just staying here in this dark place anymore, I’m going to be a person doing something. I’ve spoken quite frequently here and on my Instagram account about how vital walking has become in the search for healing. There are many days that I can’t tolerate the light, but my routine is now to walk my son to his bus stop in the morning and let him jabber away. We laugh together until the bus drives away and after he leaves, I take off walking.

Allow Yourself to Be

I don’t go far or fast right now. My body just won’t let me, but I’m choosing to move, like my fitness instructor Beth Learn has encouraged me to do. She argues against the all-or-nothing mentality. In several of her spoonie-friendly workouts, she tells us that even stretching counts. “This is enough, this has to be enough.” I hear in her voice in that particular restorative yoga workout the frustration with a society that distills women down to what we can or can’t do, instead of being who we are. 

So, who am I being? I am a woman who lives a life riddled by pain and darkness, but I fight for the light. That makes me a warrior bookworm. Now I love being outside my house, going for those walks when I can, drinking in the sound of birdsong, and I stay home and stretch with Beth when I can’t. I am actually able to drive most days and spend time with my children getting them to and from places. This is more than just doing, it is fighting the battle of pain to be the woman I want to be.

Which leads me to the next life-giving practice I am experimenting with. Are you ready for this? Green light in a dark room. No really, green light in a dark room. In this article, there have been early studies linking a decrease in migraines from exposure to LED green lights. Like, from 24 migraine days a month decreasing to 7. What’s the treatment look like? 2 hours in a completely dark room except for a green LED light. My husband read the article and ordered a package of them immediately. Weird, right? And, good grief, who has time to sit in a dark room with a green light for 2 hours a day? What’s a bookish spoonie to do? READ!

Do Books Qualify as Self-Care?

So, now after my walk, I spend my time in the morning reading my Bible and journaling with a green LED light. I call it my green light therapy with God. His Word refreshes me and reminds of what is true and right. Writing to Him in my journal, I brainstorm how to apply what I’m learning, I give Him my frustrations, and I praise Him for at least three things each day.

I end my day taking a bath with a good book and green light. All those books that have been piling up in my To Be Read stack? I’m getting through them and my reading goal for the year will soon be reached. I’m discovering new authors, studying different writing techniques, and relaxing. I don’t know yet if the light is making a difference for daily migraines, but I do know I feel better during the therapy itself. It might be all the indulgent reading I feel justified in enjoying. (You can find my reviews here or sign-up for my newsletter for a more in-depth look.)

Chronic Illness and the Best Book Self-Care

I mean, I write and read for a living, right? So this should just be part of my life now. And I’m learning so much about how to relax and let go of things. I keep thinking I’ve learned the lesson of targeting my stressors and uprooting them, but it isn’t actually things that stress me. It’s toxic thinking. So I’m becoming ferocious in catching when I am stressing myself out and taking a step back.

Social media causing you stress? Start scheduling posts. Not enough time to schedule, you say? Take a little break. Breathe. Pray. Journal. Read a book. Enjoy a walk. Talk to a friend. All these things are helping me calm down and they might help you, too. And now that I have given myself permission to try different and unusual things to try to get well, I may actually get there. And even if my “well” doesn’t look normal, it will be my normal, a life I enjoy with the very best 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.

Photo credit: Joel Muniz, Nicole Wolf, and David Lezcano

Social Media Graphic Design: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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