Julie Artz helps writers who dream of a life spent telling stories that matter slay their doubt demons so they can send their work out into the world with confidence. An active member of the writing community, she has volunteered for SCBWI, TeenPit, and Pitch Wars and is a member of EFA, the Authors Guild, and AWP. A social and environmental justice minded story geek, Julie lives in an enchanted forest outside of Seattle, Washington, with her husband, two strong-willed teenagers, and a couple of naughty furry familiars. Check out her weekly newsletter, Wyrd Words Weekly, and subscribe today.
A holiday reading list...
Hello Reader,
I talked about how worn-down I'd been feeling last week. So this week I want to share one of my favorite ways to get myself out of a slump--reading!
You've heard me talk about the importance of reading like a writer before. But this newsletter isn't about that. It's about reading for pure pleasure. Afterall, story is why we're all here, right?
Here are some of my favorite reads from 2022. I'd love to hear about your favorites too!
Upmarket Fiction/Memoir/Romance
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall - A hilarious romance set in contemporary London. The voice slayed me.
Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory - Romance with a winery setting, yes please!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry - A agent/editor romance with tons of book geekery. This one was a delight!
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado - This memoir told in vignettes that play with literary devices, genre, and more, blew me away.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty - A mystery full of voice, dysfunctional families, and tennis, this one was perfect for me!
Fantasy
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune - One of the main characters is a six-year-old anitchrist. What else do you need to know?
The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir - I'm obsessed with this series, which is basically queer necromancers fighting baddies in space. It's mind-bendingly delicious.
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill - An unappologetically feminist reimagining of the McCarthy Era. With dragons. This book was written for me.
The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin - This follow-up to The City We Became continues the magical adventures of New York City personified.
Book of the Ancestors series by Mark Lawrence - Queer magic murder nuns. Need I say more?
YA
The One True Me and You by Remi K. England - Fandoms meet pagent hopefuls in this adorable romance.
See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon - A Seattle-based romance with a Groundhog Day setup. This one was unputdownable!
Greywaren by Maggie Stiefvater - If you haven't met Ronan Lynch, get thee to the bookstore. This series will slay you.
A Curse on the Wind by Joni Sensel - A historical fantasy with a curse, a tenacious teen, and the diabolical wind as an antagonist.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir - The National Book Award-winning multigenerational story of love, regrets, forgiveness, and what it means to belong.
MG
The Last Cuentista by Donnna Barba Higuera - This year's Newbery winner spins a tale of the power of story set in (post apocalyptic) space.
The Rabbit's Gift by Jessica Vitalis - A reimagining of an old French fairytale in which children come from cabbages, this story is a delight.
How to be a Goldfish by Jane Baird Warren - Family secrets come to bear on the next generation in this charming historical.
Etta Invincible by Reese Eschmann - Friendship, a magical train, and nefarious gummy worms!
While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown - The true story of a summer the author spent in Japan with her grandmother as a child, this one is guaranteed to make you cry.
Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas - This dual-POV explores the power of friendship and found family in a heartbreakingly lovely story.
Happy reading and see you in the new year!
Warmly,
Julie
Julie Artz | author, editor, book coach, dragon
Julie Artz helps writers who dream of a life spent telling stories that matter slay their doubt demons so they can send their work out into the world with confidence. An active member of the writing community, she has volunteered for SCBWI, TeenPit, and Pitch Wars and is a member of EFA, the Authors Guild, and AWP. A social and environmental justice minded story geek, Julie lives in an enchanted forest outside of Seattle, Washington, with her husband, two strong-willed teenagers, and a couple of naughty furry familiars. Check out her weekly newsletter, Wyrd Words Weekly, and subscribe today.
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