Issue No. 3 | A Season for Gratitude
Writing updates, horror recs, and a sweet surprise from my creative crypt
From the Shadows
As I looked out the window and saw our first snowfall of the season, I was reminded of the beauty in change. I can say with confidence that the last few blooms in my garden won’t make it after today, but that’s the beauty of seasons. They remind us that, just like nature, our lives ebb and flow. Some seasons are full of sunshine and color, others are cloudy and stormy. If you’re in a hard season right now, know that it will pass. And if life feels good at the moment, be fully present in it, because that too will eventually shift.
This past year, I’ve been working on being more present and practicing gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing or what’s next, but when we focus only on what’s wrong, that’s all we see. So I encourage you to take a moment each day to find one small thing you’re grateful for.
Here’s mine: I’m grateful for every single person who took time out of their day to read this. Time is the most valuable thing we have, and it means the world to me that you share some of it here. I’m also grateful for my boys, Armando and Nicholas. I’m lucky to have a partner who supports me wholeheartedly and makes it possible for me to write, and a son who’s a huge nerd like his parents. It’s an honor to be your mom and watch you grow (even if I’ll never understand what 6 7 means). Don’t ever change, kid.
The Monster Grows (Book Progress Update)
🩸 Progress so far: 29,377 words
🎃 Recent win: Writing a messy chapter of the book without editing it.
🕯️ Biggest challenge: Continuing to believe in my story and writing everyday.
I’ve learned a lot about the world of writing this year, and one thing that keeps popping up is NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It’s a challenge to write a 50,000-word manuscript in 30 days. And if you know me, I love a good challenge. So naturally, I wanted in but with some modifications to fit my life and schedule. I started a a week late but my plan is to write daily for the next month and finish Act II.
When I first decided to turn this idea into a novel, all I really knew was the middle of the book, which I now know is Act II. I had no idea how it started or ended. Now that I’ve finished Act I, all I have for Act III is a concept of a plan. I’m hoping that by the time I finish writing Act II, the characters will tell me how it’s supposed to end. Right now, I’m deep in the parts I already knew for Camila, which has been fun. Izzy’s POV, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. She’s holding the pen herself at this point.
I keep reminding myself that my only job right now is to get the story out. Even if it’s messy and ugly (and let’s be honest, it 100 percent will be). That’s the beauty of edits. Finding the gems and adding color later. For now, the story just needs to exist. These are the bones. The rest will come together in the oh so many rounds of edits. I’m doing my best to stay present and grateful for this stage because I know I’ll miss it when it’s gone.
A Bloom of Terror
Every month, I’ll plant a little horror here. Sometimes it will be a short fiction story, other times a personal essay from my haunted garden.
The Haunted Shelf 📚🎬📺
This is where I’ll share book, movie, and show recommendations. I’d love to know what you’re reading and watching, so feel free to reply with your own favorites.
This month’s theme is coming-of-age horror. I’ve always loved stories that explore what it means to grow up, especially when it’s messy, emotional, and a little bit dark. These picks all have that in common, characters on the edge of adulthood, learning who they are, and facing the monsters that come with it, both real and imagined.
📚 The Book – When Devils Sing
A YA horror debut by Xan Kaur. When Devils Sing is dark, poetic, and in my opinion, a reflection of what’s happening in the world right now. The rich and powerful stay that way by sacrificing those less fortunate. Beneath the horror, it’s really a coming-of-age story about an unlikely group of teenagers who come together to investigate a local teen’s disappearance. Each one is carrying their own trauma while trying to figure out who they are and how to move forward as they step into adulthood.
🎬 The Movie – Hellbender
If you like witchy vibes, this movie is for you. It follows a mother and her teenage daughter who live deep in the mountains. After being sheltered her entire life and only ever interacting with her mother, the daughter, Izzy, starts to get curious about the outside world and befriends another teenager. As she begins to explore life beyond their home, she learns the truth about herself and her mother. It’s a slow but beautiful burn, and the music is fantastic. Easily one of my favorite witch movies of all time.
📺 The Show – Stranger Things
I’m going to assume everyone reading this knows about Stranger Things. The final season starts dropping November 26 and will be released in segments throughout the year. Armando and I have watched the show since it first premiered and have loved it from the beginning.
What made this year special is that we rewatched the first four seasons with our 10-year-old son, Nicholas. Seeing it through his eyes and watching him fall in love with the story is something I’ll always treasure. I was so aware in the moment that we were creating a core memory, the time he became completely obsessed with Stranger Things.
His favorite character is Dustin, and he’s gotten emotional during a few scenes (no spoilers here, just in case). I can’t wait to experience the final season together as a family, even though I’m pretty sure it’s going to emotionally wreck all three of us.
From My Creative Crypt
This is my little corner for fun extras. Come take a peek in my crypt and you might find things like an exclusive first look at a photoshoot or book cover. Sometimes I’ll share a playlist, a mood board, or a quote from my book. Other times it might be gardening tips, fun recipes, or something totally unexpected.
This month’s fun extra is something sweet…literally. I’m giving away a baker’s dozen of Armstina’s Cookies holiday-decorated classic vanilla sugar cookies to one lucky subscriber. The winner will be announced in my December 13th newsletter, and I’ll reach out by email afterward to get your mailing address.
If you’re not subscribed yet, there’s still time! Subscribe to The Dark Petal by December 10th to be entered into the giveaway. Consider it my way of saying thank you for being part of this little haunted corner of the internet. 🎄🍪
The Last Whisper
Thank you for making it all the way to the end of my haunted little newsletter. If you enjoyed it, I’d love if you replied back, shared it with a friend, or just let me know what you’re reading and watching. Your support means the world to me as I start this author journey.
Before I go, here’s your reminder:
As all the stress of the holiday season begins, make sure you’re prioritizing your well-being. Move your body. Do something that brings you joy. Be present. And take a moment each day for gratitude. And I don’t mean gratitude for material things. I’m talking about the little moments we often take for granted, like a warm cup of coffee (or if you’re like me, an iced one). You get the point.
I shared some of my gratitude earlier, and now it’s your turn. What is something or someone you’re grateful for? Write it down. Tell them. Just promise me you’ll look for one good thing each day to be grateful for. There’s beauty all around us, even in the storms.
One last thing:
“But I know you’re getting older, growing, changing. And, I guess, if I’m being really honest, that’s what scares me. I don’t want things to change.
So I think maybe that’s why I came in here, to try and stop that change. To turn back the clock. To make things go back to how they were. But I know that’s naive. It’s just not how life works.
It’s moving, always moving, whether you like it or not. And yeah, sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s sad. And sometimes, it’s surprising. Happy.
So you know what? Keep on growing up, kid. Don’t let me stop you. Make mistakes, learn from ‘em. And when life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. It means you’re out of that cave.” — Jim Hopper, Stranger Things
Until next time,
Christina
