Laurie's Journal

There is a unique kind of magic that happens when the stories we write begin to mirror the life we are actively building. Lately, I've been pouring my heart into drafting my memoir, exploring the tangled roots of my childhood and the winding path of personal growth that has brought me to where I am today. It takes a lot of vulnerability to map out those early acts and sit with the heavy moments of the past, but every word feels like laying down a stepping stone toward a deeply intentional future. That future has a very distinct landscape. When I close my eyes, I don't see the familiar roads of northern New Jersey—I see the high desert mesas of Sandoval County. I see wide-open spaces and the absolute peace that comes with finally finding a true anchor. The process of building an independent creative life isn't just about putting words on a page or running a publishing imprint; it’s about authoring the next great chapter of reality. As I look toward the horizon and that targe...

       Well, here I am, right in the thick of the November Novel Writing Challenge. The official tally sits at 5,000 words so far. It’s a solid start, but I’m ready to up my game with another 5, 000 words over the next stretch to hit my 10, 000-word weekly quota. To say life has been a wee bit hectic would be an understatement. Between work shifts, daily obligations, and the usual everyday demands, the hours fill up quickly. Yet despite the rush, I’m holding my own—and the best part is, the words are flowing like crazy onto the page once my hands hit the keys. A huge reason for that momentum comes down to boundaries and where I choose to direct my energy. Cutting down on the distractions I can actually control—stepping back from unnecessary family drama, choosing peace over conflict, and actively letting go of old bitterness and any unforgiveness—has made a world of difference. When you clear out emotional clutter, mental space instantly opens up for...