It's all about Love, Love, Love, Love LOVE!

We all come into the New Year, usually, with something stirring in our brain.


Maybe it is a few resolutions (that statistics show we will renege on fairly quickly) or one word or just some goals you'd like to achieve this year. Maybe it's a special trip you'll go on this year for the first time (last year, we were looking forward to our FIRST trip to Disney!) or a milestone you'll look forward to.

Last year, I decided on the word HOPE. My book, A Side of Hope, was releasing that spring, and I just had a LOT to look forward too. New releases, ALLEYCAT new releases, trip to Disney, trip to SEE my alleycats, and my youngest who had been on a feeding tube since birth was---hopefully--- going to get her feeding tube taken out.

All of that happened, too!!!

But this year, I was contemplating the year and just really had no clue. I had no big plans (aside from book releases) and have a few really big writing decisions to make that I was (read: am) stressing over a little.

"Indecision" seemed to be the right word, but BOOOOOOOO on making THAT the word of the year.

Then it hit me.

Last year, A Side of Hope was releasing, and HOPE was my word. And while the correlation hadn't hit me until after the word felt spoken to my heart, it was like confirmation that it was supposed to be my word.

So this year, my next book to release will be A Side of Love, planned for February.

So could Love be my word?

The more I thought about it, the more right it felt.

It encompasses everything I really want to strive for this year.

I want to WRITE about the Love of God and the beautiful dance that is romantic love.
I want to LOVE OTHERS more, getting outside of my own comfort zone and desires.
I want to LOVE GOD more, maybe not MORE, but better, but putting him in priority over my life, instead of letting things of the world crowd in.
I want to LOVE MYSELF more, by taking care of my body, not eating so much junk.
I want to LOVE MY FAMILY more, be on my phone less and present more, to help make our home a cheerful place more where they feel loved and cherished (while still having important rules and boundaries.)

Maybe this doesn't seem super writing related. I'm sorry if not. But love is wrapped up SO much in my writing, and the theme is going to be a HUGE part of my books releasing this year.

So what about you? Do you have any themes of your year God is impressing on you for your writing this year?

Tackle Your 2016 Goals Like a Boss

Happy 2016! I know it's been 5 days, but I'm really excited about another new beginning. Today I'm posting some of my favorite apps and tools that might help you stay on track with your resolutions! 

There's an app/tool for that if your resolution is to...

...accomplish a longterm goal despite your busy schedule

Our very own Karen has created the amazing Dreams by Design Planner, available on her website. There's a video that explains this in more detail, but it includes so many ways to break down your goals, track your tasks, and get work done! You know how much I love planners, and I'm totally geeking out right now!

...write all the words

My friend Christen posted about this website called myWriteClub the other day, and I clicked over immediately. I think it's in beta, but the features sound amazing! You can track your word count, set goals, and make your progress a social thing for accountability. I plan to try it out when I start my next book, but I'm also a big fan of the tracking feature on Scrivener and creating spreadsheets I can access from anywhere.

...save money and stick within a budget

There are so many apps and budgeting softwares available, but this is the one I'm going to try -- Dave Ramsey's app. Since I have my own business, it's important to be cognizant of how our money is spent! If I don't like this one, Mint is next up.

...be more intentional about devotional time

I've fallen in love with the Bible app and She Reads Truth, two excellent resources for devotional time. But the selling point on this Proverbs 31 Ministries-sponsored app, First 5, is the alarm clock feature. I can set it every morning or certain time of day, and it will open the app to prompt me to do my daily reading. Love that!

...get a better handle on each day

I am obsessed with this Daily Notepad from Kristin Schmucker. It's gorgeous and definitely helps me stay centered throughout my day, though most of the time, one sheet will last me a few days. There are sections for Verse of the Day, Prayer Requests, Gratitude, various Notes, and a huge space for your to-do list. It definitely makes even the busiest days feel more doable.

...have less stress in your life

Part stress relief, part resource for more Bible meditation, spending time with Live Loved, Margaret Feinberg's coloring book for grown-ups is probably a better way to unwind and take some time for yourself than, say, an eleven-hour Netflix binge. (Not judging those, either, but you know!)

{I'm giving away a copy of the bottom two (Daily Notepad + coloring book) and assorted goodies to one of my newsletter subscribers this month. Enter your email address below if you want to win!} 

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What are you most looking forward to in 2016? What are the tools you swear by to reach your goals?

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Laurie Tomlinson is a wife and mom from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is passionate about intentional living, all things color-coded, and stories of grace in the beautiful mess. Previously a full-time book publicist, she owns a freelance copywriting, editing, and PR consulting business called 1624 Communications. 

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a two-time Genesis Award winner, and the runner-up in the 2015 Lone Star Contest's Inspirational category. Her work is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary.

You can connect with Laurie here:

Facebook - AuthorLaurieTomlinson

Twitter - @LaurieTomlinson

Web - www.LaurieTomlinson.com