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Welcome to my blog, where I share stories, writing tips, inspiration, research, and whatever else sparks joy. Here, you'll find a little bit of everything from behind-the-scenes of my writing life to creative resources and random musings.

I'm currently reading The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. My husband and I watch his podcast, by the same name of the book, and Steven's reflections on growth really hit home. I'm at a time where I'm working harder in my own growth as an author, and so this book quote below seemed perfect to share a little book lesson with you all. I hope it helps you all grow as creators too.



When you're a new creator, it's easy to feel like you're not good enough. Not qualified. Not worthy of people seeing and buying your work. I get it. I was the same, and honestly, still am. It takes a long time for that to change.

And what I've learned is that only doing, only creating your work, will be what changes that.


There's no amount of studying the thing that will help you become good at it. Really, the only way to become good is by doing.


Showing up. Practising every day. Writing book after book after book.


I'll be honest. I wish I'd started with smaller projects. Got used to my voice. My writing style. Found my audience. Instead, I had this massive vision for a chunky trilogy, and while I had so much fun writing it, if I started over, I'd wait and make that maybe my third set of work. Try out a couple of shorter books first.


Just show up and practise writing books.


I've learned more about writing and publishing books by actually writing and publishing them than I could from anything else.


Each book I write feels smoother, more manageable, more fun, and I'm finding my systems.


Marketing and finding my audience is still the challenge. I've always been the sort of person who'd rather just write than to be on socials, but I know I need to do both now.


So I'm starting at level zero for socials. But that's okay. You grow by doing what you're unqualified for, right?


So if you're at the start of your book journey, or feeling stuck, I want you to embrace this book lesson from The Diary of a CEO.


Don't worry. You don't HAVE to be qualified yet. That's why you're doing to write. To create. To show up for yourself and your goals.


Come back in a year's time and tell me how you've grown. Guarantee it'll be more by doing.


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Honeycakes: Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar: book review by Serren Kassa


Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar is a cute book, and I loved the message it shares with the children about how to use gratitude to beat the 'green-eyed monster'. I was happy to hear from Medea and to be given the opportunity to write a book review to spread the message of this lovely educational kids book. See below!


Honeycakes: Counting All My Blessings by Medea Kalantar: book review by Serren Kassa of an educational kids book about gratitude

Book Review

When little Nala starts to feel nervous and 'icky' when her new baby brother is born, her grandma tells her she's feeling envious, and how Nala can learn to use gratitude.


Funnily enough, when I was a little girl, I also had the same experience when my little sister was born, and I ran out of the hospital as soon as I met her. My papa had to run to catch me so I didn't get lost! So, I chuckled at the similarities and knew other children would benefit from Medea's book. It's hard to know how to deal with these feelings (even as adults!), and we know we don't like how being jealous feels, so the examples Grandma gives Nala are perfect to model to children how to do it.


Starting young with gratitude? I love it. I think it will really help children feel happier and healthier mentally. And learning how to deal healthily with jealousy will lead children through a happier life.


Great job, Medea! One of my new gratitude points is that I feel thankful you gave me this opportunity to read and review your book, and I think it would be a great educational kids book for any school. This is a great resource for children's development and learning, AND a cute story for any bookshelf!







This review is also available on Goodreads. Want to connect on Goodreads or check out other book reviews of Medea's great kids' book?


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