Hello, Reader,
I write this newsletter for published and aspiring authors and for writers who want to improve their craft. Today, I want to address the aspiring authors in the room.
As I write this, I am gearing up for a big trip to Basque country with my family. We’re doing it American-style, via a big road trip, stopping in some incredible Spanish and Portuguese towns along the way.
I can say with absolute certainty that this would not be possible if I hadn’t written my first book—and continued to bring books and writing into the world.
Writing, and specifically book writing, is one of the most deeply introspective, transformative, life-changing experiences one can undergo. With every one of the eighteen books I’ve contributed to as author, coauthor, or ghostwriter, I’ve transformed in small and big ways. But I believe it was my first book that really set this life in motion.
Like it was for me, perhaps your book feels really, really, really big. Like it’s such a big goal that you don’t even know how to get started, or perhaps you’ve gotten started and don’t know how to finish. I see you. I get you. I was you.
But the truth is that writing a book is like any other endeavor in life. You set a goal, create a plan, and work consistently toward that plan—and you achieve it. Sometimes you need a guide along the way to make that journey simpler. But the fact is you can achieve your goal.
If a book has been on your heart and mind as something you know you both want and need to contribute to the world, I hope this message is your sign to take action. You can do it. You can write not just any book but a book you’re proud to share with the world.
If you feel committed to that goal, hit reply and share. I love hearing from you and cheering you on.
To authorhood and beyond,
Stacy
The real reason you can't write consistently (it's not you)
You’re struggling to write consistently. Or when you do sit down to write, the words just won’t come—or they come slowly. I get it. I used to struggle with the same challenges.
Consistent, committed daily action over time—that’s the secret to writing success.
Over five days, I’ll give you activities to help kick-start a new writing routine and achieve writing success. About 20 minutes each day. But here’s the thing—you have to show up. You have to do the work.
Get the workbook now and get started toward your writing dreams.
Book 2.0 Lisbon | September 2026
I'm so excited to be joining Book 2.0 Apel, this September 15–16, at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon.
This isn't just another conference. It's a gathering built around a mission I believe in deeply—preserving books, protecting literacy, and remembering why reading still matters in a world pulling our attention in a thousand directions.
This year's theme, "Back to Basics. Back to Books," feels like a quiet act of rebellion. A return to depth. To stillness.
Over two days, authors, publishers, educators, and readers from around the world will come together to talk about the issues shaping the future of reading.
If you're in the Lisbon area, I'd love for you to join us. It's a free, public event—all you have to do is register.
