Hello, friends!

It has been a big, bustling, bountiful summer. 

Nora is two years old, talking up a storm, and extremely into mermaids, bubbles, face paint, and listening to "The Happy Song" over and over. ("Again, mama, again!").

Work has been busy—in a good way! Writing, editing, and collaborating on projects with clients and publishers, including Penguin Random House, Chronicle, Union Square & Co, and Page Two.

Here's a round-up of recent articles, projects, and announcements that you might have missed...

22 Writing Residencies, Grants, and Other Opportunities That Might Change Your Life

Apply for a writing residency. If selected, you receive housing, meals, a beautiful space to work, and (in some cases) mentorship and funding to help you complete a writing project. 

You pay nothing. The residency covers everything. Dream come true!

I put together a list of 22 residencies (and similar opportunities) that you can apply for. Go for it! Someone will be selected. Why not you? 

How I Find Clients As An Introvert

I'm a massive introvert. I rarely attend networking events. I deleted all of my social media accounts 10 years ago. I lead a quiet life.

Yet, I've been self-employed—with a steady stream of projects—for the last 15 years. 

In this article, I explain how I create visibility for my work and find plenty of clients without exhausting myself. 

I hope it provides hope and inspiration to my fellow introverts out there!

What’s Next?

When my mom turned 40, she realized that she wasn't happy in her career anymore. She wanted to pivot into something new, but wasn't sure what this would look like. 

This is the story of how she got clarity and figured out her next move.

Inspiration for anyone who is feeling rumblings of change. 

The Bibliophile Oracle Deck

I collaborated with my friend Lindsey Smith to create this oracle deck for book lovers! Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Penguin Random House. Artwork by Gisele Murias.

Pull a card to set your intention for the day ... ask the Universe for guidance ... or spark creativity as you dive into a new project. 

Each card has a book-y theme, like the Anthology, the Bestseller, and the Bookstore Cat.

52 cards plus a booklet that explains how to use the deck and what each card signifies. The perfect gift for any book lover in your life! 

Meditation Dice

When Chronicle asked if I'd like to write the text for a meditation game, I said, "Yesss!" 

Meditation Dice includes wooden dice for Time, Type, Affirmation, Location, Sense, and Challenge. 

Roll one (or more) dice to create your meditation practice for the day. 

Six dice. Thousands of possible combinations. So many ways to practice presence and mindfulness. A great way to teach meditation to kids, too! 

The Hawaii Writing Retreat 

January 8-14, 2026

My annual writing retreat is back! 

It's happening at Amaui Villas, a luxurious property with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. 

You'll love the tasteful decor at the villa, meals prepared by our private chef, daily housekeeping, fitness center, pool, jacuzzi, yoga and meditation classes to declutter your mind, whale watching adventure, and more.

• Choose a project to work on during the retreat: your book, newsletter, podcast, marketing plan for the year ahead, or anything else. 
• Spend a week with me in paradise. 
• Enjoy a serene, distraction-free environment.
• Focus on writing and get important work done.
• Start the New Year feeling mentally clear, energized, and inspired.

January in Hawaii is sublime. Sunny, but not too hot. Breezy. Tropical bliss. 

This retreat is almost full. 

Check out the brochure to see everything that's included and pricing.

To reserve one of the last bedrooms, register here.

Don't want to pay the full amount now? Select "pay $1,000 now and pay the rest later" in the registration form.

Those are a few updates from my corner of the world. Thank you for reading! 

Whatever you're working on right now—whether it's a personal project that's just for you, or something for the whole world to enjoy—I'm wishing you the greatest success. 

xo.

-Alex

PS. I have another exciting announcement that I will tell you about soon (hint: Netflix!) but I will save that one for a future email!

PPS. Music I'm loving lately: Hang Drum Meditation Music, The Hunting Wives Soundtrack, Hermanos Gutiérrez, and this playlist: Peace Somehow.