Pure Rage Makes for Good Writing Motivation, Apparently.

Don’t get me wrong – writing is also a lot about healing. And that’s exactly what I did with my latest concept The Rewind Duology all about time travel, coming of age, and romance. And oh yeah – the unresolved pain and frustration I had leftover from my less-than-satisfactory grade school years. Obviously, I’m 25 years old now and that feels like a lifetime ago, but this story concept felt like it was on fire inside me. I can’t explain the feeling of having to get a story out or else I was sure I would burst, but that’s how I felt.

As for my next book concept Breakup Queen, I’m having a lot of trouble actually sitting down to write. Sure, I could maybe blame it at least partially on the fact that I’m a professional content writer and editor now, so it’s not unheard for me to spend basically the entire day at my laptop. That’s super draining even though I love it and know I’ll be financially set with this career path someday.

But I later realized, there was another variable as to why I haven’t felt motivated to write this story. Where The Rewind Duology was a burning fire in the pit of my stomach, Breakup Queen was a barely-lit ember. I know my story, I know the characters, I even know the multiple layers I want to add to it.

And yet, there’s something still that’s missing from it. That thing, apparently, is known as rage. In the Rewind Duology, I was so angry at my past, and knew that the only way to heal was to write about it. Part of it also, was that reading and writing romance helped me cope with being single. Well, you know what else? I’m not single anymore – I’m in an extremely committed relationship with my boyfriend and I’ve never been happier.

Throwback to that time I scored press passes to Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour!

So now, it seems the magic is gone with my writing. My real life has, quite literally, gotten more incredible than any story I feel like I could write. I mean, I actually fell in love with the shy, quiet drummer I met in band camp about 11 years ago. Can’t make this shit up! I’m almost like the fans critical of Taylor Swift for writing an album about being happy in a relationship for once. Since she got together with Joe Alwyn, fans were skeptical of her ability to produce an album that hit quite as hard as her angry breakup anthems. But she did – Lover may not be my favorite album of hers, but I thoroughly enjoyed many of the songs on there, and it was nice to see the lighter side of Taylor after the grit and angst of the previous full-length album Reputation.

But back to Breakup Queen… I’m not angry anymore. And I’ve met (or rather, re-met) someone who truly loves me. So what right do I have writing a fake-dating rockstar romance with a bitchy protagonist?

Luckily, creative writing isn’t about obligation – as Simon Cowell on American Idol would say, it’s just indulgent. But that’s entirely the point, and that’s entirely okay. I think I have to take the pressure off writing for myself. Yeah, I do hope to traditionally publish this one, but first, I gotta tell myself the story.

I hate resorting to the typical cliché of “you can’t edit a blank page” but it’s so true! Somehow, some way, I hope to hit some kind of rhythm with my writing where it doesn’t feel like pulling teeth putting words onto the page anymore. It’s not writer’s block, it’s more like a lack of focus and motivation. But at least I’ve diagnosed the issue. It’s funny how much emotions fuel writing – especially when it’s an intense emotion like rage or longing. Now, I have almost everything I’ve ever wanted in life, so it’s hard to be angsty enough to write an angsty character.

Fingers crossed something happens to inspire me soon (but hopefully not, because anything negative would also really suck).

If you’d like to chat about writing or freelancing, drop me a line on my website angelinasinger.com (I promise I don’t bite). Thanks for reading this far, if you have 💜

P.S. – Come meet me THIS WEEKEND at the Scituate Farmer’s Market in RI (Peep my events page for all the deets on that). Hope to see you there!

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I Turned 24 Yesterday (and I’m Happier than I’ve Ever Been)

I know, not the most scintillating headline ever. Similarly to the way people say Taylor Swift’s newer music isn’t as great as her older stuff because her whole marketing scheme is built on heartache, this newest era of my life is looking really promising even if it’s lacking in the tabloid department.

Drama is so overrated, and I’m so thrilled that I’ve finally started to manage the complications in my life in stride. For my birthday yesterday, I got to spend the day at my cousins’ house, and amidst a lot of yummy food, bakery cookies, and a delicious homemade strawberry mascarpone cake – I felt so loved.

Life is what you make it.

Aside from the cheesy Hannah Montana reference, this sentiment is still really true. For my 24th year, I’m dedicating myself to trusting God over anything else. So much of my life (scratch that – most of my life is pretty unknown at this point, but that’s okay because I know He has a plan for me). And in the meantime, I’m gonna take it easy. Let life happen as it comes, stop overthinking, and let energy in any kind of relationship expand and develop as it should. Anxiety no longer has a hold on me, because I’ve become very mindful of my bad patterns and I do my best to re-route whenever I feel myself slipping again. Not that it’s easy – but it’s an important skill to develop. I literally can’t say enough about how mindfulness is such a game changer.

No – that’s not my motorcycle. I just took a picture on my uncle’s just for fun!

Family is the most important thing.

Not necessarily people you share genetics with (although it often can be). Family refers to anyone who unconditionally cares about you and supports you no matter what. As for me, I have both actual family and “found family” that add so much to my life.

Me and my cousins who made my day so special yesterday 🙂

But on the flip side of my life, I’ve also given myself permission to cut ties with people that don’t contribute to my life or my peace any more. No bad blood here though – but in my 24th year and beyond, I’ve decided that I simply no longer can afford to expel energy where it’s not returned. Something else I’ve learned with this, is that sometimes you miss that person even after making the right decision – but that doesn’t mean you were wrong. Your gut is king here, and honing that skill will only serve you as well as you let it.

Self-Care Matters.

This isn’t a revelation by any means, but I’m including it here anyway. If you’re anything like me – a chronic workaholic – then you know this is something that’s all-too-easy to avoid. But this is me starting my 24th year better. I’m committed to listening to my body and mind, letting my energy and mindset dictate how hard I push myself in my freelance work, as well as my author work.

Yes, the cake was exactly as good as it looks!

And yes, I know you’re probably wondering when you can expect to read the sequel to Forgetting What I Couldn’t Remember (Forgiving What I Couldn’t Change) – but I swear it’s coming! I’ve hit the 90k mark, and I fully intend to have it ready for a summer release. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll probably get why that’s a hilarious marketing opportunity. Or, if you haven’t yet, you can take a peek at it on Amazon HERE. This book, and its sequel, are a major part of the reason I’ve been able to kick my more unhealthy mindsets and set my past to rest.

As you may know, I was bullied and ignored by my peers a lot as a kid, and that’s something I had to come to terms with the only way I knew how: through my writing. So that’s why I wrote a whole time-travel concept about my current self going back in time to revisit old bullies (while navigating the pitfalls of twenty-something romance). It’s been a tricky challenge but the more I publish about it, I feel lighter and clearer. There’s no better therapy then writing how you feel and launching it out into the world (or maybe I’m just weird that way, LOL).

Anyway, thank you so much for following my author blog! There’s so much I’m looking forward to sharing with you soon. Up next is Forgiving What I Couldn’t Change, and after that… will be a rockstar romance I have brewing. And I can promise you, it’s nothing like you might expect.

At 22, I dyed my hair pink. At 23, I got my nose pierced. So there’s no telling what 24 will bring. But I’m so ready – bring it on.

My Top 10 Best Reads of 2020 (Based on My Goodreads Profile)

I’m going to preface this by saying that in no way is this limited only to books published in 2020. I just thought it would be fun to chat a bit about my ten favorite books that I read this year and awarded the 5-star rating to, presented in the order I read them in.

Since it was a pretty slow year for everyone, and my in-person events were temporarily suspended, I found myself reading a lot more. As I’m a YA/NA writer primarily, I consider this to be critical research for my stories as well. Fair warning: that means I read predominantly romcoms, so skip ahead unless you’re into those too.

If you want to peruse my entire Goodreads page, and take a gander at the books I’ve written, you can find that HERE.

But without further ado, let’s go!

#1: 100 Days of Sunlight (Abbie Emmons)

This one is a great riff off of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars in the sense that there’s acquired (not genetic) blindness, and the characters have an interesting romantic relationship that develops over time. You’ll just have to read it yourself, because it’s incredibly sweet and poignant.

#2: What are Friends For? (Sarah Sutton)

Another cute story of childhood besties-turned-lovers. It’s a tale that is equal parts creative and mystifying in its teenaged-frustrations, but it ends on such a good note. Bonus points for a very satisfying closet-make out scene.

#3: The Loneliest Girl in the Universe (Lauren James)

Ah okay, this one got mixed reviews from other readers but I was absolutely in love with this chilling coming-of-age narrative set in a futuristic, dystopian setting. It takes a really rapid turn toward the end that left me shaking, but I loved it and thought the concept was super clever and well-executed. The psychological elements were confusing and terrifying in the best way. Read this, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

#4: Aix Marks the Spot (S.E. Anderson)

And… back to the romcoms. This story is a lovely jaunt into the southern French countryside, where Jamie meets a cute local boy who takes her breath away. It’s culturally rich and beautifully depicted, and I loved being able to escape somewhere refreshing when I read it this past April.

#5: The Rose Gate: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast (Hanna Sandvig)

Here’s a fantasy for a change of pace now – a modern retelling of the classic. A cursed prince, who’s actually quite young, adorable, and in my mind, looked a lot like a young Luke Hemmings. But like, in a castle in a different realm, with an ever-shrinking portal that holds everyone there captive. Such a fun twist!

#6: As Much as I Ever Could (Brandy Woods Snow)

This one was probably the hottest of all the books I’ve read this year. Seriously, Jett is a locally-famous racer driver, and his casual friendship with CJ slowly but surely, turns into something else. CJ struggles from traumas involving an accident she was in years ago, and a summer with Memaw is just what the doctor ordered to get her out of her funk and embracing her reality, however bleak it may seem. In my head, I pictured Jett as a very blonde Patty Walters (from the band As It Is – what, I have a thing for guys in bands, don’t judge me).

#7: The Law of Tall Girls (Joanne Macgregor)

I really enjoyed this story about high school plays, following your dreams, and being honest with yourself and your friends. It also portrayed mental health especially well, given how difficult that topic can often be. With a sprinkling of incredibly embarrassing moments, and honest real-ness, this book is not one to miss. Also, love the body-positivity around Peyton’s relative discomfort with her height (even though she eventually learns to love it, and meets a tall guy who really loves it too).

#8: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist (Piper Bee)

Watermelons, bands, and summertime romance. What more could you want? With Jin’s good looks straight out of a K-pop band, compiled with Joy’s increasingly less-subtle crush, and friends Lena and Cale added to the mix, it’s a full-ride any YA reader would love. Be sure to check out the companion book as well, B-Sides.

#9: Alex, Approximately (Jennifer Bennett)

This book had my heart from start to finish! I adored the concept of Bailey’s online friend being the object of her affections, except for one major twist (that’s provided on the back cover so it’s not a spoiler, I promise) – she doesn’t tell him when she moves to his hometown. Then it turns out that she works at a museum alongside – you guessed it – Porter (who is actually Alex, the very same guy she met online but neither of them have any idea of it). So for the entire book, you just watch them fall in loathe, then fall in love, and neither of them have any real clue about it for a while. Jennifer Bennett is fantastically good at storytelling, and I’ve since checked out more of her work and loved those too.

Bonus: I was reading this shortly before I met my very own online friend after almost four years of talking, and it was nothing short of amazing. You can read about that experience on my blog HERE.

#10: Things We Know By Heart (Jessi Kirby)

This novel had a heart-wrenching plot (literally). The protagonist literally falls for the guy who received her dead boyfriend’s heart after he passed away. I know that sounds pretty dark for a YA novel, but it was handled with such care and taste that I honestly really enjoyed it. Totally worth the spontaneous book splurge at Barnes and Noble. Another story in the John Green vein of love-loss-growth, it’s a book any hopeless romantics like me would heartily enjoy.

There you have it! These are my favorite books that carried me through this crap-sandwich of a year. Here’s to a better and brighter 2021 – I’m hopeful that it’s going to be great ❤

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!