Hi, everyone! Style-obsessed fashion fiction and chick lit author here. It’s about to be a new year and I’m ecstatic to announce, I’m not about to be a new me. It’s the fiercest feeling to realize that you already love who you are and actively try to live the best life you can at every moment. For example: I prioritize self care, am aware of how much I’m on my phone, spend time with my kids uninterrupted, break a sweat at hot yoga or on the treadmill at least four times a week, minimize processed foods and alcohol, surround myself with people I actually like. You know, not to brag or anything.

Looking back at this post from early 2023, I started thinking about what I’ve accomplished in the last two years, since beginning a new chapter of my life. First and foremost, I love living in LA. And in amazing news: we can officially stay at least a decade! Already I feel like we’ve really settled into a good life: friends, nights out, play dates, parks, delicious restaurants. But there is always more to see, do, experience.

Two years ago, I wanted to make more mom friends. And I’ve done that. Also, I wrote that previous post before making Los Angeles my new home and one of my goals was to explore the city. After all, I’d only been to LA once for 2 weeks a couple of months before we made the move. (Wild, right? But nothing compared to when I moved to Toronto having never been there.) It’s safe to say I knew absolutely nothing about the city and even what I thought I knew was wrong.

A few other chick lit author goals:

Invest in quality pieces. Yes, I have absolutely done this. I haven’t bought fast fashion for myself in over a year. At least. Even when I’m at the thrift store, I look for quality over quantity. If the label says Shein or Fashion Nova, I leave it on the rack. As one of my characters in my short story The Dream Life says:

I think I might die if one more polyester garment dares to brush against my supple skin. Shein? She’s out! 

Thrifting and buying vintage. I’ve actually taken this to a whole new level, even beginning to work with one of my favourite thrift stores in LA. If you haven’t been to The Council Shop before, go now! No, seriously. I was there the other day and scored the cutest chocolate-brown, low-rise trousers (very early 2000s) and a grey wool DKNY sleeveless top.

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Make my book successful. This is always a work in progress. What does success mean to you? And to me? It could be completely different. I’ve recently re-released my debut novel The Manhattan Mishap with a new cover that feels a lot more me. And this year I also published my second book, Thirteen Emotions—a collection of heartfelt, humorous, and sorrowful short stories.

Some things I’ve been doing as a chick lit author to make my books successful:

• Running multiple giveaways on Goodreads

• Creating captivating (at least, I hope it is) content

• Writing blog posts here and on Substack

• Engaging with other authors and readers online

• Posting about my books whenever I can

Eat clean and cook healthy meals. While I do love an indulgence every now and then, for the most part, I have kept up with this goal. Sundays are my “cheat day” where I’ll have some wine, maybe a few chips, a dessert, a big pancake breakfast. For the rest of the week, I’m pretty good about cooking at home and eating as cleanly as I can. We get HelloFresh three times a week to help with meal planning and usually get takeout once a week. (Sushi is my favourite.)

Goals of a Chick Lit Author: My Ins, Outs, and Goals for 2025

In:

• Sustainable shopping

• Reading books

• Drinking sugar-free wine

• Less screen time & more magazines

• Prioritizing health

• Wearing my wardrobe

• Writing at cute cafes

Sustainable shopping is always in style. And so is reading books! Even better if your book can fit into a cute purse—like paperback copies of Thirteen Emotions. Also, it’s not called “outfit repeating” anymore, it’s simply wearing and making use of your wardrobe. Ultimately, this year I’ll be maintaining my health, utilizing my closet, avoiding too much screen time, drinking Avaline wine, and getting out of the house with my laptop to write my next novel at a cute cafe. (Perhaps Stereoscope on Santa Monica?)

Out:

• Comparing to others

• Saving outfits for “special occasions”

• Negative self talk

• Dwelling on the past and things I can’t change

• Overworking myself

Ok, so my “out” list is shorter than the “in” one. I guess that’s because at this point in my life (a wife and mother in my early 30s) I no longer do things I don’t want to, hang out with people I don’t like, or put myself through habits that are toxic to my wellbeing. It sounds cheesy but I guess I’m “protecting my peace” or whatever you want to call it.

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Chick lit author goals:

• Sell 1,300 more books

• Finish writing The Fashion Girl Goes Home

• Meet more writers in LA

• Create characters with the most enviable wardrobes

• Pen a can’t-put-down romance

Chick lit authors, like myself, often aim to create relatable, empowering stories that resonate with modern readers. Our goals typically include capturing the complexities of contemporary womanhood while weaving in humour and romance. By exploring themes like friendship, career aspirations, and personal growth, we aspire to inspire our audience, all while providing an entertaining escape. (A few chapters on the beach, anyone?)

Additionally, we strive to develop memorable characters that readers can identify with! I’m sure you’ve been on a bad date like Gabriela Garcia in A Bold Woman. Or been unceremoniously sacked from a job like Margot Moss in The Manhattan Mishap. Or even felt like murdering your husband like the narrator in The Perfect Excuse. The ultimate goal? Fostering a connection that encourages readers to love and look forward to our work. Ultimately, chick lit authors want to leave our readers feeling uplifted and hopeful, reflecting the vibrancy of life and love in the current era.

What are some of your goals this year? Comment below, or write to me on Threads.

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