Dear friends,

March. Am I right?

A part of me doesn’t have much more to say than that.

Joking. Thanks to the Italian and Cuban ancestors, I always have more say. In fact this issue of the newsletter is a celebration. One whole year of the Bold & Bookish newsletter. More than a celebration, it’s a thank you note.

I’ll also tell you what I’m excited for in April, give you a few updates on my road map to publishing and roll out the latest Bold & Bookish offerings.

So open the window and let some of that spring air in. Grab some tissues por que allergies and let’s get to it!

This is the 12th edition of the Bold & Bookish Newsletter, which is to say the one year anniversary. 

A year ago I gave this a shot in the hope that it would help me build an audience of folks who would get interested and excited about my writing journey and then one day want to buy my book. 

A part of me felt silly. I told myself, “Who is actually going to read this? My mom?” She does in fact read this and if you are lucky enough to know my mom you know she follows up each issue with a text telling me she is proud. Thanks mom.

I actually have 67 subscribers, most of which I know and many of whom are close family and friends. There are also friends of friends, friends of family, writers I met on instagram, co-workers and even people I haven’t talked to since high school. 

In a society that measures worth in numbers–followers, views, likes, subscribes—this past year reminds me to center quality over quantity, and that care and connection are the values that guide me. I’m deeply proud to craft something thoughtful for the people in my life once a month. I like to imagine that when you read my newsletter I get to spend a few moments with you no matter how far away you are or how much time we’ve been apart.

I’m sitting with you on the subway, standing next to you while you rock your new baby, sharing a cafécito on Monday morning or just reminding you to take a deep breath in the middle of your day. 

Thank you for holding these thoughts with me, for ruminating on questions, for moving slowly when my heart was heavy and for cheering me on when I took the swing to start the Bold & Bookish writing space. Y'all are the best and that’s why I tell you each and every time…

I’m so glad you’re here.

You might be thinking, Cat, your map has not moved. Correct. We’re taking the time it takes to make structural edits. Pacing is key to reader engagement and my gut tells me this story works better with shorter chapters and alternating plot lines. This past month I rewrote two scenes, changing the point of view from which they were told.

When my editor—Christine…y’all know Christine by now—suggested this I was like, ::insert huge groan:: but it actually was a lot of fun. I know my characters well enough and developed their voices to the extent that it flowed naturally whereas in the past I had to fight for it. This was a cool little writer win to celebrate. Also Christine is right, the chapters are better now. Friendly reminder to get yourself some smart friends.

We’re excited to launch out 3rd B&B program, Sunday Sprint. This is a free drop in space for writers that will take place on the second Sunday of each month.

This space is for:

No experience necessary! Click here to register and learn more.

Twelve-year old Catherine spent a lot of emotional energy collecting stickers. So it’s no surprise that the first piece of business swag at Bold & Bookish is a sticker.

This design celebrates the moment when someone says, “I am a writer!” loud and proud. If you’ve read my past posts you know how long it took me to do that. Now I can never shy away from it again.

Stickers are available for purchase on our website.

I hope this newsletter is an invitation to put care into the people around you, to embrace quality when your nervous system screams for quantity and to dream about what might be possible a year from now if you take your ideas seriously.

I’m rooting for you. And if you’re doing something small and brave and cool, please reply and tell me about it. (Then go tell everyone else!)

Much loves,

Cat