And making peace with life’s clutter
Ahhh… January, the first month of the year. Decorations are down, the house feels clean and open, the last of the cookies have vacated the premises along with your college-aged kid. In checkout lines, austere magazine covers beckon, promising a worry-free future where matching bins and stacking pantryware and color-coded shelf labels boost your productivity threefold. And you vow: “Never again will I lose shit! I’m going to be so f#&%ing efficient in 2026! I’ll get through all my To Do lists with time to spare, so come next November, there’ll be nothing left but to sit back and bask in the glow of the season while visions of the coordinated wrapping supplies I preordered dance in my head.”
Who isn’t a little enamored with Firsts? The first day of vacation, the first crack of a long-anticipated book, the first whiff of a fresh box of crayons.
In my case, the first out-in-the-world, yes-you-can-buy-it, actual bona fide BOOK. Which, as I write this, is seeming to require me to do the work of three people—writer, publisher, and promoter. Folks, let me tell you, it’s a journey. Daily, I’m learning new skills. I’m meeting new people—editors and other indie authors—and reconnecting with people I haven’t been in touch with for years (hmmmm, maybe there is some value in social media). Though I’ve resolved to be more productive, I know it won’t be anywhere near threefold. Alas, I remain one anxiety-ridden, semi-obsessive, check-it-seventeen-times perfectionist—i.e. the firstborn.
At the moment, I’m tracking for a March release, and because I revel in life’s little serendipities, I’m planning it to coincide with my firstborn’s birthday. (Not because he’s my favorite. I don’t have a favorite, though now that it’s come up, I’m curious to know if my kids think I do.) After a lengthy gestation, the thought of finally holding my book is exhilarating and, like many first experiences, scary as hell. Will the PDF I sent to the printer translate to a bunch of gobbeldy-gook behind that gorgeous cover? Will something get overlooked in proofing, resulting in a glaring error? Will I get lambasted in the reviews (a lot of authors never read their own reviews, for this very reason). Still, I know I have to see it through. Because the only thing worse than failing is giving up because you were afraid to try—which is, in fact, one of my novel’s themes.
So, as January gets into full swing, I’m willing myself to push through the anxiety, to remind myself there is no such thing as perfect. But there are missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and squandered hours of the day. Increasing my productivity threefold may be a pipe dream, but if I can let go of “perfect”, I’m pretty sure I can raise it twenty or thirty percent.
To get the book launched in March, I’ll have to. Because in February, I’ve promised my husband to set aside some time to clean out the garage.
I won’t lie. I’m kinda stoked imagining all those pretty new labels.
Here Ye, Here Ye
Want to be among the first to read Little Pink Houses? Apply to be an ARC reader! ARC stands for Advanced Review Copy, and their function is to generate some buzz about a book ahead of publication day. Those chosen to be part of my ARC team will receive a free, advance copy of the novel (in ePub or PDF form, as printing would eat up too much of my meager marketing budget). In exchange, you agree to A) read it; and B) post a fair and honest review on one or more sites. Get all the specifics on the application form, available by visiting this link. (Note: opening the application does NOT obligate you, so click even if you’re the least bit curious!) AND please forward this link to anyone you know who might want to be part of the team.
Second, if you didn’t see it on social media, my astonishingly gorgeous cover snagged a spot on “The Ten-nish Best Covers of 2025” list, put out annually by cover designer, Damonza. (Ten-nish because this year’s list ran to sixteen.) I am beyond thrilled! And choosing to see it as a harbinger of many good things to come. After all, people do judge books by their covers.
And finally, the part you’re really here for…
What I’m reading: Recommended by a writer friend, Tartuffo by Kira Jane Buxton, transported me back to the Tuscan countryside. An omniscient narrator follows a quirky cast (even getting into a few animals’ psyches). It’s a sweet, laugh-out-loud story with touch of magical realism and a ton of heart. Every bit as fun to read as its cover portends. (It was one of the sample covers I sent my designer for inspiration.) Coming in 2026 – more indie author recommendations.
Pair with: What else but a playful Sangiovese, the gem of Tuscany! For my AZ friends drinking local, like me, Javelina Leap does a luscious, berry-full one, vintage after vintage. But several other Arizona wineries also do lovely Sangios. If you’re shopping elsewhere, you can’t go wrong with a good Chianti or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, or try a Super Tuscan (generally a blend of Sangio with other red grapes).
Cheers!
Lisa Binsfeld author 