April
Monthly Check-in with Ali Noël
Happiest of April’s my lovely friends! Any other April birthdays out there?
After taking the month of March to step away from all social media, I’m feeling a bit refreshed and excited to get caught up on the reading I’ve missed along the way.
Today I thought I’d give (1) a brief writing update (2) a few shout-out’s to podcast’s I’ve been enjoying, along with my most recent recommended reads and (3) a poem.
Let’s get to it!
(P.S. We went to Disneyland for Spring Break and it was magical!)
Writing Update
I have been writing, writing, writing away and I have to tell you…no longer having Instagram on my phone and refraining from checking in/writing on Substack for a month and a half definitely played the biggest role in that.
The first draft of the Blind Knight Project is being graciously albeit ruthlessly dissected by one of my brother’s, who is a creative genius in his own right and I really hope he’ll write a book someday! He’s the smartest guy I know and should definitely bless the world with his ideas.
I’ve been in a deep dive on another project, and I have decided to stay mum on this until I’ve gotten it through my critique loop. For any other ADHD'ers out there, I have finally learned that talking about a project too soon = losing steam and/or interest. Not even my family knows what I’m writing about and I have to admit…it’s really helped me continue to put my booty in the seat and crank out words!
Podcast Recommendations
I wasn’t really a huge podcast person until this last year or so. I was slow to hop on the audiobook train too, but am absolutely hooked! If you have a commute or busy kids schedules and spend a lot of time in the car, or perhaps you work from home or are a stay-at-home parent, I love tuning into a podcast or audiobook!
Here are a few of my favorite writing-focused podcasts…
Underline That Podcast hosted by Stephanie Mack !
Stephanie is an Indie-turned-Trad author who recently signed a four-book deal with Tyndale House Publishers (Rom-com lovers, get ready!) Her podcast features a wide range of author interviews, insights into the fiction industry, and feedback from creative leaders. While I think men could enjoy her podcast, it definitely feels more geared towards women. Stephanie is refreshingly optimistic, a natural encourager, a go-getter, and absolutely hilarious. I love tuning in to her every Thursday!
Books & Such Literary Podcast hosted by The Books & Such Literary Management Team
I love love love these ladies! Published Author and Literary Agent, Jen Babakhan, takes the lead in hosting a panel of their agents in tackling the big questions of publishing. I had the pleasure of working with Jen in an intensive last fall and can attest she is the most wonderful and wise of humans! Once a month, the podcast tackles a specific area or question within the world of publishing.
Ice Cream with Authors hosted by Becca Wierwille and Amanda Trumpower
If you have a Middle Grade reader looking for a kid friendly podcast, are a parent looking for Christian books for your kids, or are a Middle Grade writer yourself, Becca and Amanda are incredibly charming hosts with an incredible line-up of author interviews!
Owl’s Nest the Podcast hosted by Karin and Beth Anne of Owl's Nest Publishers
Again, if you are a parent looking for clean, quality reads for your Middle Grade kid or teen, this is the place! If you are a writing, hoping to publish in this age range, Karin and Beth Anne offer wonderful insights into the industry and an upfront look into the world of publishing with a Small Press.
Some Favorite Reads
I’ve read a true hodgepodge of books so far this year, a blend of rereads and new-to-me reads! Here are the standouts so far.
I am making my way through Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s collection of novels. This was the second novel he’d ever written (meant for teen readers) and it was everything you could want in a historic, gothic novel. A spooky mansion. Secrets by the sea. A sweet romance. Magic. Set along the coast of France before WWII.
If you know me, you know I LOVE Francine Rivers. I am a loyal re-reader of her novels and she’s the kind of author I aspire to be. She is honest, she’s got grit, she’s unashamed of the Gospel and its healing work in her life. The Lady’s Mine is one of her lighter novels. Set during the 1870’s in a California mining town. It’s romanic. It’s funny. It tackles some hard questions and there’s even a bit of a murder mystery. Kathryn Walsh and Matthias Beck are characters I’ll return to time and time again.
(The Trials of Polly Bodine and the Cursed Birth of Tabloid Justice…incase it’s too blurry). This true-crime book is centered around a case in 1840’s New York City. It is insane. It is dark. It is heartbreaking. It’s bewildering. It will astonish you, confuse you, and leave you asking some hard questions about the role of public opinion.
A Poem
Writer Set down your pen Breathe in the day's sweet grace Watch the Saffron Finch, listen close Behold
There you have it! Until next month, my friends.
With hope,
Ali
Happy April! Great to hear that the break was a boon to your writing!
Welcome back!