2024 Report Card

Another year, another report card. Were there challenges? Lord. Next question, please.

To be honest, it was a very hard year to gauge and maneuver, let alone grade. So many ups and downs. So many curve balls. So many surprises. Yet somehow we made it through.

After some thought, I gave myself an A- though A+ for effort and resilience. So let’s break it down to see why I didn’t give myself a solid A or more…or less. I usually focus on things I got done, but there’s a variety of aspects that deserve a closer look and a proper run down.

Health. Health in your 40s is quite the adventure. I'll tell you that much. You can do everything right, but one strong sneeze or cough or even a bad movement, and your back can quit on you…completely or partially. I was lucky that last year it was only a partial ARGHHHHH versus 2023’s end-of-the-year adventures in feeling my age and having to visit urgent care. For 2024, I was also able to steer clear of burnout for the most part, but just barely. There were three very close calls. But this is a win, because I didn’t land in burnout (or crash, as it were). Luckily, I learned from past experiences and spoke up. Could it have been better? Yes. Oh, definitely yes. But it could have been so much worse. In short, I allowed myself to be human and asked for help, resources, or time and got what I needed for the most part. And when I felt off, I didn’t push through, I took time off. I did notice that my stamina took a hit because I went from more intense workouts to mainly walking, but these walks and yoga helped me in other ways. Was I a bit sluggish surfing at the end of the year? Yes, and we can blame that on the conditions I actually surfed in, or the fact that I was Hanseled to oblivion with foods, desserts, beer, wine, and all sorts of culinary delights from people happy to see me and happier to feed me. But that’s something to address in 2025 and give myself some grace. I was tired and mentally a bit burnt out, sure, but I didn’t go into a full burnout or land in a crisis. And though there’s always tomorrow, for yesterday and the whole of last year, I worked hard and made sure I was as OK as I could be. Anyways, next topic!

Books. You might have heard, but I did a thing. I finished a series. Part of the burnout I mentioned above was due to the effort I put into finishing Beyond Human which finishes the Human Cycle.

This not-so-little book was a not-so-little beast and it took much-more-than-not-so-little to get it edited, proofread, and finalized on time for the Puerto Rico Comic Con. Although I won’t know how well I did until I read the whole series from start to finish, what I can say is that in the reading department, I finished several series and I feel more comfortable with how I did than say, the City of Ember Series or His Dark Materials. “But JD, those are best-selling series!” I’m well aware of that fact. I’m not talking about relevance, reach, or sales. I’m talking about story and craft and although I can’t say I did better than either of those series in general or particularly in regard to their high points (which are VERY high), The Human Cycle was more consistent as a series than both of the ones I mentioned and I would put money on that claim. Book One isn’t the sole driver in a series. Main driver? Yes. Sole driver? No. Books 2 and 3 don’t feel like a major drop in quality. Actually, either quality remains consistent, or it improved. I also worked very hard to make sure most of a hearty list of characters got a proper send-off while also leaving a couple of doors open in case some of these characters want to come back for another adventure. But I didn’t leave any cliffhangers. I left open doors. I also didn’t half-ass explanations or skip BIG chunks of the narrative (Looking at you, City of Ember). I also didn’t put every single idea I had in my head (Looking at you, His Dark Materials). I’m sure once I read it, I will think of things I could have included, tweaked or, dare I say it, “improved”. But I’m at peace knowing I gave my absolute best and that this project is truly and deeply a solo project. No beta readers. No editor. Only me. For better or worse. More than wanted, I needed a project like that. It had to be as human as I could make it and it’s done and so far, reviews are positive, with a lot of people praising the series as a whole. Did I get the sales I wanted? Not really, but I did much better than I’d thought seeing combination of numbers in events, from book sales in Puerto Rico thanks to collaborating with Letras Distribution, and thanks to Amazon. As for awards, I got two honorable mentions in the International Latino Book Awards and though I would have preferred a win, it’s just an invitation to push myself more. Can I do better? We can ALWAYS do better. In sales and in my writing, but I’ll once again choose to focus on the fact that I gave my best and did my best. 

 Writing events and activities. In person, I participated in the Puerto Rico Comic Con to celebrate my tenth anniversary as an author (another reason why I NEEDED to finish the Human Cycle). I kept my end of the bargain and brought a new book for readers. I was very happy to see that readers also kept their part of the bargain and came to say hello, catch up, and I was very happy to see that my book was still a must buy for many people. Actually, this went for several of my books. In addition, it was beautiful to see the author community in PR continue to flourish and I’m so proud of all my writer friends. 

 

Other than that, the other events I attended were as a civilian to scope the land, evaluate the prospect of participating, saying hello to a ton of writer friends, and picking up quite a few new books. Online, I continued to participate in a wide variety of interviews on several channels and that’s always fun. I spoke with friends I hadn’t been in touch with for a while and it was great to chat and catch up. I also gave chats to classrooms in Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, two writing classes, and I participated in the AuthorTube Writing Conference giving not one but two presentations: a panel on Healthy Writing Habits with Heidi Angell and Joe Compton and a webinar on Collaboratingfor the Perfect Cover. All in all, not bad at all…and I’m ready to do more, so if you are a teacher or would like to round up a group of friends for a class on creativity, then let’s make it happen.  

 

My First Writing Course

Students from Mr. Weimann's class

Me talking about writing to 4th/5th graders

Reading. 44 books was the goal and we got the 44 though I did rush in the last week as if I were in a competition. I was happy with the variety of books, from kids books, to poetry, to whole series, in both English and Spanish, and for the most part reading what I wanted to and enjoying. The main thing is to keep it steady and find a book or two where you really hook into it. I do plan on reading more this year, but I kept my base goal the same because life happens and 44 isn't bad at all.

 

Work. The usual roller coaster asked 2023 to hold its beer and 2024 at times felt like a bull hellbent on bucking me off or goring me. High points include presentations I gave to clients, projects we finished that had everyone involved happy, and participating on a panel for a company-wide event. I was also involved in a film production at the end of the year in Puerto Rico, got to know a program I wasn’t aware of called TechosPa’ Mi Gente (Roofs for my People) and it was a very special experience and I will be sharing more information about this cause soon. That’s the good, the bad was crazy work volume at times and life offering me plenty of lessons and more than one slice of humble pie in regard to situations and dynamics. I did my best to learn from the experiences and speak my truth. Did some things affect me more than I would have liked? Sure, but hey, I’m Only Human. ;) Still, we forged ahead and all I can say is that I gave my best and that’s enough for me because no matter what adversity I faced or unpleasantness I was offered, I kept giving my best regardless. 

 

Friends and Family. I did my best to be in touch, to be present, to make time, and to work around things as best as I could, but I learned that sometimes winging something works endlessly better than planning. This goes for friends, family, and even projects. Making time for something isn’t always easy and sometimes every will work against what you want to do. But on other occasions, a small silly little thing can lead to making true memories. So, here’s to more of that. To those I wasn't able to get to, I'll keep doing my best though feel free to give me a hand so we can make more awesome moments together ;)

Is there more to unpack?

 

Of course, but this gives you a pretty decent idea of the year I had. The grade is because things did affect me that I wish wouldn’t have. But the grade is also because I avoided a full crash and honestly, I got dealt a lot of rough hands and made due and forged ahead. Did I absolutely crush everything? No. I sold less than I wanted. I’m still eons away from author sustainability. Reviews are still not as often as I'd like them. I need to continue to focus on work-life balance. But I did pretty good and the note to see after class is to remind myself that for being indie, for having a high demand job, for being tossed a bunch of challenges and some dirty deeds, I did good and was stubborn for the good things. I didn’t push things. I stayed true to who and how I am. I was human. And that deserves praise, even if the extra credit doesn’t get me the full A.

 

Still, there’s always next year. Thanks for joining me for the recap and til next we meet in words.

 

Peace, love, and maki rolls.

 

The Cake Guy

I’ve lived in Atlanta for almost 9 years and people still write to me or mention my Mom’s cakes in conversation. In my life, I’ve had many names: Jorge, George, Jorge Alberto (if I heard that, I knew I’d done it), Cheech, Giogio, Gio and in the last decade JD. Still, there was a recurring name I was given in many a job I had back home: the Cake Guy.

 

Now, although I’ve learned to bake some of Mom’s cakes although to a lesser degree (albeit still respectable), Mom was always the Cake Queen. The amount of birthdays, weddings, sweet sixteens, quinceañeros, parties, gatherings, and all sorts of festivities that included one of Mom’s cakes was easily in the hundreds and possibly in the thousands. Beyond that, I’d often tell Mom to bake a certain amount of cakes and that I would sell them for her in the office, thusly becoming the unofficial (but probably quite official) distributor for Marietta’s Sweets, in addition to my duties as a creative copywriter in advertising and public relations. To keep things on the up and up, I would often talk with a supervisor or someone from HR to make sure everyone was OK with this sweet side hustle, although I mainly got paid in cake and love. Fortunately, I never encountered any “buts”. Quite the contrary actually. They’d thank me and in the same paragraph ask me when I could bring some cakes. Please note, cakes. Plural.

 

So for monthly birthday celebrations, I’d bring, one or two (even up to three) of Mom’s cakes. At some offices, I had a part of my desk dedicated to the storage of cakes. As a promotor, I was always beyond confident in the product because not only did I know the chef, I had the privilege of trying those cakes from batter to bundt, sometimes with only enough time out of the oven to be able to de-mold.

 

On more than one occasion people would ask me if I worried that someone wouldn’t take me seriously at work for selling Mom’s cakes or if I thought it would affect me in any way. I’d reply that I always deliver what I have in the pipeline and that one thing has nothing to do with the other. Besides, it was for Mom and I’d do anything for her, and this especially since it brought Her joy as well as anyone fortunate enough to snag a piece of cake. That’s how I was in four different jobs I had. With either days dedicated to the delivery of cakes or with a cake (or several) available at my desk, ready to go to anyone who had heard stories or wanted to confirm their in-depth flavor theories of the levels of deliciousness contained within those cakes, while I delivered every task I had been assigned. Her heart was always full when she knew her cakes were a hit and that people often fought for a second piece (never violent, but plenty insistent).

 

Nowadays, although I no longer sell cakes, they live on in my stories. Mrs. Fawn is one of my absolute favorite characters to write because she’s inspired by Mom. She appears in several of my books because she’s not bound by any rules, literary or otherwise. She has a universal magic that is welcome in any story she wants to step in and she’s with me in everything. Aside from her pivotal role in the cosmos, Mrs. Fawn doesn’t limit herself to that type of magic. There’s always a slice of lemon cake nearby to offer weary travelers sweet nourishment with a side of smiles.

 

As I mentioned above, I was witness to the entire process to make one of Marietta’s cakes. From the batter, I knew it’d be on point. From how it looked, to how it flowed silkily into the mold and the Elysian aromas that would hug every corner of the house as magic did its thing within the oven. But beyond the recipe, there was something she included in each and every cake of which there was no shortage in her pantry: love.

 

Today would have been 76 and although we toast to you today, the fact is that every time I raise my glass, your name is there apart from having it tattoed in my soul. With my stories, the legacy of her cakes continues in a way, because although I may be many things, part of me shall always be the Cake Guy and Marietta’s youngest.

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Peace, love, lemon cake and Cheers Mama Estrada.

 

 

#CheersMamaEstrada

El muchacho de los bizcochos

Llevo en Atlanta casi 9 años y todavía hay gente que me hablan de los bizcochos de mi Madre. He tenido muchos nombres en mi vida: Jorge, George, Jorge Alberto (uy de mí si escuchaba ese), Cheech, Giogio, Gio y en la última década, JD. Ahora hubo un nombre por el cual me conocieron en muchos trabajos cuando estaba en Puerto Rico: el muchacho de los bizcochos.

 

Aunque he aprendido a hacer algunos de los bizcochos de Mama con un nivel de éxito inferior, pero al menos respetable, la de los bizcochos siempre fue mi Madre. La cantidad de cumpleaños, bodas, quinceañeros, fiestas, reuniones y festividades que contaban con un bizcocho de Marietta fácilmente raya en los cientos y posiblemente en los miles. A menudo yo le decía a Mama que hiciera cierta cantidad de bizcochos que yo se los vendía en la oficina, así volviéndome en distribuidor oficial de Marietta’s Sweets aparte de mis labores como redactor creativo en publicidad y relaciones públicas. Esto quiere decir que a menudo tenía que hablar con un supervisor o alguien de recursos humanos para que estuvieran bien con esas actividades ya que no me quería quedar con los bizcochos y sin la soga ni la cabra. Nunca tuve un pero. Al revés, me lo agradecían y me preguntaban para cuándo pudiese traer bizcochos.

 

Para la celebración de los cumpleaños del mes a menudo traía uno o dos (o hasta tres) bizcochos de Mama. En otras oficinas tenía una parte de mi escritorio dedicada al almacenamiento de bizcochos. De promotor, siempre hablaba confiado porque no sólo conocía a la chef, sino que tenía la dicha de probar los bizcochos desde las paletas de cuando estaba lista la mezcla hasta literalmente minutos salido del horno.

 

En más de una ocasión me preguntaban que si me preocupaba que en el trabajo no me tomarían en serio por vender bizcochos o si me afectaría. Contestaba que siempre cumpliría con todo lo que se me pediría porque una cosa no tiene que ver con la otra. Además, es mi Madre y por ella lo que fuera y más esto, que le traía felicidad a ella y a toda persona que se llevara un pedazo de sus bizcochos. Así fue en cuatro oficinas que trabajé. Con días dedicados a traer bizcochos o con un bizcocho o una bolsa de bizcochos en mi escritorio, listo para vender, aunque siempre cumpliendo con mis labores. Ella siempre le llenaba el corazón saber que sus bizcochos eran un hit y que la gente a menudo no se conformaba con un pedazo.

 

Hoy por hoy, aunque ya no vendo bizcochos siguen vivos en mis cuentos. Mrs. Fawn es de mis personajes favoritos para escribir porque es inspirada por mi madre. Aparece en varios de mis libros que no están relacionados porque ese personaje carga una magia universal y ella está conmigo en todo. Además de su rol importantísimo en el cosmos, Mrs. Fawn no se limita a ese tipo de magia, ya que siempre tiene un pedazo de bizcocho de limón listo para brindarle a alguien en su camino, para endulzarle la vida y traerle una sonrisa con cada bocado.

 

Como mencioné arriba, era testigo del proceso entero de la creación de un bizcocho de Marietta. Desde la mezcla ya sabía que iba a quedar en su punto, aunque también el semblante de esta, la delicadeza como pasaba la mezcla al molde y sus aromas encantadores que permeaban la casa entera mientras la magia se daba en el horno. Pero más allá de la receta, había algo que no podía faltar y que se incluía en cada bizcocho y que siempre hubo en sobreabundancia de su parte: amor.

 

Hoy hubiesen sido 76 y aunque brindamos por ti hoy, la realidad es que cada vez que levanto una copa, tu nombre está ahí y lo llevo tatuado en el alma. Con mis cuentos, sigo el legado de los bizcochos porque aunque seré muchas cosas, parte de mí siempre será el muchacho de los bizcochos.

 

Gracias por acompañarnos hoy.

 

Dos abrazos, un pedacito de bizcocho de limón y Cheers Mama Estrada.

 

#CheersMamaEstrada

 

Regresa la Marcha de los Escritores, Edición 2025

El año pasado mucha gente me agradeció que les traje los temas de la Marcha de los Escritores con más tiempo porque hay quienes les gusta estar más organizados. 2025 comenzó y wow, desde ya promete el año en mantenernos entretenido así que este esfuerzo es también para mantener el balance y darles la oportunidad a escritores a darse a conocer y a conectar con lectores y otros escritores.

 

Si esta es tu primera vez en este blog o escuchando/leyendo de la Marcha de los Escritores, no te preocupes. Estaremos hablando mucho más de esto en las próximas semanas en lo que nos preparamos. Pero aquí una pequeña definición para que sepas que es.

 

La Marcha de los escritores es un evento para escritores o en realidad, cualquier persona creativa que tiene temas para cada día del mes. Su intención es darte a conocer a lectores y escritores para que conectes para que conozcamos a la persona más allá de la persona que escribe.

 

Las reglas del juego:

 

A. Interpreta los temas como quieras. Aquí la única regla es pasarla bien, disfrutar y conectar.

 

B. NO tienes que participar todos los días. ¿Te perdiste un día? ¿No entiendes o no te gusta un tema y lo quieres brincar? ¿Quieres hacer todos los temas por semana o de una? Pa lanteeee. Aquí mandas tú y de nuevo, la única regla es que disfrutes. ¿Quieres hacer poemas, audio, videos de YouTube o TikTok, arte, o ensayos? Con TODO el gusto.

 

C. Puedes unirte cuando quieras. La Marcha es INCLUSIVA no exclusiva y la idea es de conectar.

 

Lo más importante es pasarla bien.

Eso sí, cuando hagas un post, recuerda hacerme un tag y usar los siguientes hashtags:

 

 

#MarchaDeLosEscritores

#MOTW

#MOTW2025

 

Ahora, sin más espera, ¡los temas!!!

 

1.         Introduciendo…

Esta es tu introducción de autor. Cuéntanos, ¿Cuánto tiempo llevas escribiendo? ¿Ya publicaste algún libro? ¿Qué géneros escribes? ¿De dónde eres? Y cualquier otro detalle para que tus lectores te conozcan mejor.

 

2.        Defínete.

¿Si fueses una definición de un diccionario, qué diría?

 

3.        ¿Musiquita o silencio?

¿Escribes con música puesta? ¿Esto influye lo que estás escribiendo? ¿O prefieres el silencio? ¿Has visto el pleilist de March of the writers? ¿Tienes canciones que crees que serían perfectas para incluir?

 

4.        Rituales autorísticos

A veces necesitamos motivarnos para escribir. A veces sólo nos hace falta sentarnos para poner manos a la obra. ¿Cuáles son algunos de tus rituales?

 

5.        Tierra sagrada

¿Hay algún sitio que haya inspirado tus obras? ¿O es que hay algún sitio cuya existencia permitió que te diera de lleno la inspiración? ¿Dónde son y cómo te inspiraron?

 

6.        Recovecos

Cuándo y dónde se escribe a menudo depende de la persona que por X o Y razón permiten que las palabras fluyan. ¿Cuáles son algunos de tus sitios favoritos para escribir?

 

7.        Método a nuestra locura

El escribir es un proceso de lo más curioso y todos tenemos tácticas para evitar problemas con la trama, mejorar nuestra escritura, evitar errores ortográficos y mil otras cosas. Danos algunos consejos o describe tu proceso de escritura.

 

8.        Manantial de ideas

Como escritores, una de las cosas más importantes que nos toca hacer es capturar las ideas. Sea usando un proceso, meditanto o utilizando múltiples herramientas para capturar ideas, cuéntanos: ¿cómo conectas con tu creatividad o te aseguras que no se te escapen las ideas?

 

9.        Hábitos saludables

Cada año incluyo este tema porque hay tantos consejos excelentes para mantenerse saludable en cuerpo y mente, que necesitamos este espacio para compartir ese conocimiento. ¿Has hecho algo que haya sido un cambio radical para tu salud, ya sea en la escritura o en la vida? ¿Has establecido un calendario o un horario para escribir? ¿Has eliminado aplicaciones? ¿Has dejado o comenzado a hacer cosas para tu bienestar que crees que podrían ayudar a los demás? Pues comparte la riqueza.

 

10.      Distanciamiento social

En el último año, MUCHAS personas han decidido no participar en algunas plataformas de redes sociales o algunas plataformas han sido o serán prohibidas. Esto puede ser preocupante para algunos, pero para otros, es un cambio bienvenido de cosas que podrían no valer la pena. ¿Qué piensas de esta tendencia? ¿Has dejado de participar en algunas plataformas o eventos?

 

11.       Haciéndolo personal

¿Incluyes cosas únicas y particulares en tus historias o tus escritos en general para premiar a tus lectores, especialmente a aquellos que leen más de uno de tus libros, poemas o historias?

 

12.      ¿Por dónde todavía andas?

El 2024 fue un año para borrar aplicaciones y elegir no participar en ciertos eventos o utilizar ciertos sitios web. ¿Qué aplicaciones y eventos aún utilizas y participas y por qué?

 

13.      Adelante que tú puedes.

A veces necesitamos una bofetada y a veces necesitamos una mano amiga. ¿Qué palabras de apoyo has recibido y quisieras compartir o decirle a otros?

 

14.      ¿Dónde en el mundo…?

¿En cuántos países te leen o tienes seguidores? Este es un pequeño ejercicio para mostrarte tu alcance porque a veces tienes seguidores donde menos te lo esperas. Además, lectores, esta es su oportunidad dejarnos saber desde dónde nos leen. Y, escritores, ¿dónde más te gustaría que te leyeran?

 

15.      Mama IA

Uno de los temas que continuará siendo un gran tema de contención lo es la IA, su uso y abuso. Cuéntanos tu opinión a favor o en contra de la IA. Si te opones vehementemente, qué cosas buenas podría traer. Si estás a favor cuéntanos pero de paso dinos, ¿qué te preocupa?

 

16.      A evolucionar

¿Cómo te sientas que has evolucionado como escritor?

 

17.      Combustible de escritores Pt 1- gustitos

Antes de conquistar a veces necesitamos algo para comer. ¿Qué snacks son tus favoritos a la hora de escribir o leer?

 

18.      Las 3 Ps: Plotter, Pantser, Plantser.

¿Cuál eres?

 

19.      ¡Café vs. té!

¿Cuál gana y cómo lo tomas? ¿Mejor y peor té/café que has tomado?

 

20.     ¡Allá nos vemos!

¿Tienes algún evento en agenda? ¡Cuéntanos!

 

21.      Compinches.

Una de las mejores cosas sobre ser parte de la comunidad de escritores es eso mismo, la comunidad. Cuéntanos de tu experiencia con la comunidad y el impacto de algunas personas en tu trayectoria.

 

22.      Competitivamente competente

¿Alguna vez haz participado o participarías en una competencia de escribir? Si es así, cuéntanos tu experiencia. Si no te simpatizan, dinos por qué.

 

23.      Marcadores maravillosos.

Este tema es de los favoritos todos los años, así que luce tu colección de marcadores de libros.

 

24.      ¡Alerta escritores!

Otro tema muy popular es compartir cosas para que todos estemos pendientes. Hay estafadores a cada esquina y nos toca cuidarnos los unos a los otros.

 

25.      Saliendo de la zona de confort

¿Has pensado o hasta intentado escribir en otro medio? ¿Libretos, teatro, poesía o hasta una canción? ¿Posiblemente un género diferente? Si es así, ¿dinos qué te gustaría explorar y por qué?

 

26.      Combustible de escritores Pt 2: influencias

Como escritores, la influencia es inspiración pueden venir de muchos sitios. Por supuestos, algunas personas que nos inspiran nos pueden decepcionar, pero la influencia sigue aquí. ¿Quién sirvió de influencia para ti?

 

27.      Identidad secreta.

La mayoría de la gente que yo conozco no pueden vivir de sus libros y tienen trabajos cotidianos (y no tan cotidianos). A veces piensan que vivimos una vida doble y para algunas personas, pues ciertamente es el caso, ya que tienen una personalidad especial que es MUY diferente a su yo del día a día. ¿En qué trabajas y eres igual en línea y en vida real cuándo estás en tus actividades de autor o hay un tú diferente para esos eventos especiales?

 

28.     Recomendados por la casa.

TODOS tenemos nuestros favoritos así que comparte los tuyos en música, películas, arte, video juegos, libros y cualquier otra cosa que nos quieras compartir.

 

29.      Combustible de escritores Pt 3: Recompensándonos

Como escritores, podemos ser hasta crueles con nosotros mismos así que es sólo justo el que nos celebremos con el MISMO entusiasmo. ¿Cómo te premias?

 

30.     Lista de deseos.

Siempre está el miedo que compartir nuestros deseos pueden hacer que no se nos den, pero también pienso que compartir nuestra visión puede ser poderoso. ¿Qué son algunas cosas en tu lista de deseos para este año y el futuro?

 

31.      A continuación…

¿Qué podemos esperar de ti en el futuro y cómo nos podemos mantener en contacto?

 

 

March of the Writers: 2025 Edition!

Another year, another March is on its way fellow writers! Like last year, I’m sharing the prompts with plenty of time so you can get ready, in case you want to record or do something bigger or that requires more planning or a bit more time. And like last year, you are free to interpret each prompt in your own way.

 

If this is your first time hearing about March of the Writers, no worries. There will be more posts and videos explaining what we do during March but for an elevator pitch version of the definition, here we go:

March of the Writers is a month-long event where you will have a prompt per day. The idea is for you to post on your preferred social media platform, newsletter, blog, or what have you and let readers and fellow authors get to know you a bit better.

 

The rules of play are simple:

 

A.    You can approach prompts however you want. The idea is to get creative, have fun, and connect.

B.    You do NOT need to participate every day. If you missed a day, no harm, no foul. You can either catch up or skip it altogether.

C.    You can join WHENEVER you want. Heck, want to do it in another month? Why not? But March is when most people who participate will do it.

 

Also, SUPER IMPORTANT, make sure to use the following hashtags when you post:

 

#MarchOfTheWriters

#MOTW

#MOTW2025

 

And now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to the prompts!

 

1.         Introducing…

This is your author into. Tell us, how long have you been writing, have you published any books, what genres do you write in, where are you from, and anything else your readers might want to know.

 

2.        Define yourself.

If you were a dictionary definition, what does it include?

 

3.        Tune up or enjoy the silence?

Do you write with music on? Does it influence your writing? Do you prefer silence? Have you checked out the March of the Writers Playlist? Do you have some tracks you think would be great to include in it?

 

4.        Author rituals

Sometimes we need to motivate ourselves to get our write on. Sometimes we just sit down and get things done. What are some of your writing rituals?

 

5.        Hallowed ground

Are there any locations that have inspired your work? Is there any place that for some reason allowed inspiration to hit? Where are they and how did they inspire?

 

6.        Nooks and crannies

Where and when we get our write on depends on the person and we each have places that for some reason let the words flow. What are some of your favorite places to write?

 

7.        Method to Madness

Writing is such a curious process and we all have things we do to either sort plot holes, improve our writing, catch typos, or what have you. Give us some tips or describe your writing process.

 

8.        Idea well

As writers, one of the most important things we have to do is capture ideas. Whether it’s a process, meditation, or using a variety of capture tools, how do you tap into your creativity or make sure that ideas don’t run away?

 

9.        Healthy habits

Every year I include this topic because there are so many great tips to stay healthy in body and mind, that we need this space to share the wealth. Have you done something that was a game changer for your health whether it's in writing or life? Have you gotten a writing schedule? Have you deleted apps? Have you stopped or started doing things for your wellbeing that you think could help others? Then share the wealth.

 

10.      Social distancing

In the last year, a LOT of people have opted out of social media or some platforms have been or will be banned. This might be worrying to some, but for others, it’s a welcome pruning of things that might not be worth the price of admission or yielding proper return of investments. What do you think of this trend and have you stopped participating in some platforms/events?

 

11.       Making it personal

Do you include unique things in your stories and writing in general to reward your readers, especially those who read more than one of your books, poems, or stories?

 

12.      Where are you still at?

2024 was the year of deleting apps and saying no to certain events, websites, etc. Which apps and events are you keeping and why?

 

13.      You’ve got this.

Sometimes we need a kick in the ass and sometimes we need a shoulder to cry on. What are some words of encouragement you’ve received, and you’d like to pay forward?

 

14.      Where in the world?

How many countries are you read in or have people that follow you? This is a small exercise to show you your reach and that sometimes, you have followers where you least expect them. Also, readers, this is your chance to let us know where you’re reading us from? Also, writers, where else would you like to be read?

 

15.      May I AI?

One of the elephants in the room continues to be AI, the use, misuse, enthuse, and abuse of it. Get your soap box out and make your case for or against AI. If you are vehemently against it, what are some good things that come from AI? If you are for AI, defend your stance but also share some of your areas of concern.

 

16.      Do the evolution

How do you feel you’ve evolved as a writer from when you started to where you are now?

 

17.      Writer fuel Pt 1- Snacks

Before we conquer, sometimes we need to snack. What’s a go-to fuel for you while reading or writing?

 

18.      The 3 Ps: Plotter, Pantser, Plantser.

Which are you?

 

19.      Coffee vs. Tea!

Which wins and how do you have it? Where is the worst coffee/tea you’ve had and the best?

 

20.     It’s a date!

Do you have events scheduled for the year or special meetups? Let us know!

 

21.      We go together.

One of the absolute best things about writing is the community. Tell us about your experience with the community and how some people have had an impact on you.

 

22.      Competitive drive

Have you ever or would you ever enter a writing competition? If so tell us about the experience. If it’s not your cuppa, tell us why.

 

23.      Bookmark palooza.

This is a favorite of a lot of people, so flex your swag and show us your bookmark collection.

 

24.      Writer Beware!

Another popular entry is to share things we should ALL keep an eye out for. Scammers are gonna scam and we gotta stick together.

 

25.      Beyond the comfort zone

Have you ever thought about or tried writing in a different form? Script, play, poetry, or even song. Maybe a different genre? If so, what would you like to try and why?

 

26.      Writer fuel Pt 2: influences

As writers, influence can come from many places. Sure, some of those might end up disappointing us, but the influence is still there.

 

27.      Secret identity.

MOST people I know can’t live off their writing and have a regular (or not so regular) day job. Some people think we live double lives and for some people, that is the case, having a creative persona that is starkly different to who and how they are. What’s your day job and are you the same online/offline and when you’re doing your authorly things, or is there a different setting for you?

 

28.     Author picks.

We ALL have our favorites, so share your faves in music, movies, art, video games, books, or anything you’d like to highlight.

 

29.      Writer fuel Pt 3: Reward time

As writers, we can be very brutal with ourselves, so it’s only fair to celebrate with the same verve. How do you reward yourself?

 

30.     Wishlist.

There’s always that fear that speaking our wishes out loud might make them not come true, but I also believe that sharing our vision can be very powerful. What are some things on your wishlist for this year and in the future?

 

31.      To be continued…

What’s on the horizon for you and how can we keep in touch?

 

Celebrating 3 Kings Day/Celebrando los 3 Reyes

Although 3 Kings Day was yesterday, I want my first post of the year to celebrate 3 Kings Day (which some countries observe as Epiphany). It’s a feast day commemorating the visit of the 3 Wise Men or the Magi to Jesus. In Puerto Rico and in Hispanic and Latino countries in general, it is observed nationally. For many people back home, the tradition includes putting shoe boxes full of grass for the camels of the 3 Wise Men to eat when they visit and the food traditions roam from big stews to eating a Rosca de Reyes. 

 

However you celebrate it, or if you don’t but want to partake in celebrations, I’m putting 5 of my books for sale this week. 

 

So if you’ve got $5 you can get 5 eBooks.

 

Daydreams on the Sherbet Shore Volumes 1 & 2

 

Given to Fly

 

Penumbra

 

Only Human – Book 1 of the Human Cycle

 

It’s my way of saying thanks to my readers and to celebrate a tradition a lot of people may not know or celebrate.

 

Peace, love, and Feliz Día de los Reyes

 

-

 

Por excelencia la gente recibe regalos más grandes y pomposos para la Navidad que para el día de los Reyes. Aunque ayer fue el Día de los Reyes, quería extender la celebración aún más así que puse 5 de mis libros a la venta en Amazon. Si tienes Kindle y quieres añadirle a tu lista de libros del año, en confianza aprovecha.

 

Es un pequeño detalle para celebrar nuestra latinidad ya que los Reyes no se celebran en los EE. UU. pero pues, en PR nos gusta celebrar y quería empezar el año con un detallito de agradecimiento a todos los que me leen. Mil gracias por el apoyo, el cariño y todo el amor que recibí en mi viaje más reciente a la Isla. Se les quiere y brindamos con coquito o pitorro.

 

Dos abrazos y un adiós,

 

J