My husband and I had a delightful trip to Victoria, BC this month (you might remember from previous newsletters that we are trying to do an adventure each month in 2026). We visited most of the “must-sees,” The BC Royal Museum, The Parliament Building, Chinatown, The Empress (for afternoon tea), Butchart Gardens, Oak Bay, Roger’s Chocolates, MUNRO’S BOOKSTORE (if you haven’t been – it’s a gorgeous space). Simply put, Victoria is a stunningly beautiful city, full of stunningly beautiful architecture, art, music, cuisine, views, and if we could have convinced anyone to adopt us, we might have stayed forever.
While there were many highlights on the trip (all of those listed above were an absolute treat), one unplanned interaction hovers near the top of the list. We accidentally stumbled upon a weekend, waterfront market while strolling one day and approached a couple selling glass windchimes. The conversation started simply enough, us gushing about how gorgeous their creations were, considering which one we needed to take home with us, while they told us more about their process. But then the conversation took an unexpected turn. The couple opened up about their decision to make a midlife transition from longtime corporate jobs to newly explored creative jobs – and how satisfying it had turned out to be.
Some of you might know that I was a psychotherapist for over twenty years, and I decided a few years ago that I needed to make my own transition, as I was really burned out (and doing damage to my physical and mental health by continuing in the role). When I started sharing with friends and family about my decision to close my practice and pursue writing full-time, many of them were confused. "But you had an established business." "You did so much schooling to be a therapist." "Are you sure you won't regret it?"
The truth is that I had known I needed a change for a while, years in fact, and after completing my first book, I realized I wanted that change to include more writing. I wanted to return to one of my first loves. And, yes, that did mean closing my business, starting a new educational journey, and taking a leap of faith. But it was time. And I felt excited about hopping fully into learning the craft of fiction – and continuing work on a novel in progress.
As we chatted more with the couple in Victoria about their creative business plans, which is a place I continue to feel a bit stuck, I could feel their excitement feeding my own. I started making a checklist in my head about my own plans. I want to publish my YA book, find a home for my short stories, maybe pursue a few additional editing jobs, perhaps even do some teaching in the creative writing space. And as I allowed myself to be fully present in that moment, with those creative kindreds, I trusted that our shared excitement was a sign that we were doing what we were meant to be doing (at least for now). Them, making and selling beautiful, glass windchimes – and me, writing stories and attempting to launch them into the world.
This chance encounter on the Victoria waterfront offered me validation I didn’t realize I still needed, so I wanted to share it with you all – in case any of you might need a bit, as well. If someone is reading this newsletter looking for permission to start (or continue) a new chapter... permission granted. You’ll have plenty of company.
P.S. We also bought some really nifty Swatch watches on our trip – a throwback to our adolescent years (and a perfect souvenir).
P.S.S. For those who sent the good juju our way last month, I am happy to report that the vegetable garden is thriving. We even used some of our homegrown cilantro to make guacamole this week.
What I'm Reading
See You YesterdayBy Rachel Lynn Solomon
This was a really fun, easy YA read, reminiscent of the movie Groundhog's Day. I thoroughly enjoyed the voice of the protagonist, Barrett, delightfully quirky. And I also thought the relationship dynamic between Barrett and Miles (her friend and love interest) was well developed. I was not sure the physics aspect of this book quite worked, and to be blunt, I think Rachel could have shaved about fifty pages from the narrative and delivered a tighter overall story. Still, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to quite enjoying this read (even if I admittedly engaged in a little “skimming” during the repetitive bits).
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9781665901925
If you haven’t already read Rachel’s novel Weather Girl, it is my favorite of her books.
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9780593200148
[Also read this month: The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, Dear Henry, Love Edith, Toe to Toe, This Is Happiness, and Everything’s Coming Up Rosie]
[Please note: The links for purchasing books are affiliate links and will offer me a small percentage of the purchase price if you choose to grab your copy of recommended books through their site. If you choose to utilize, thanks for the support!]
What I'm Watching
Have you seen the show Abbott Elementary? If not, run, don’t walk, to your nearest couch, get comfy, and start binge watching. The characters are delightful and quirky (and perfectly cast), and the storyline about the trials of teaching in an inner city school is as educational as it is hilarious (thanks to a fabulous group of writers). If you are looking for a show that is taking on the current challenges facing our educational systems, while still making you laugh out loud, this is the one. Highly recommend.
Side Note: My husband and I realized on our most recent trip to Victoria that we have a vacation show-watching ritual. Almost every day of our vacations, we watch Let’s Make a Deal and The Price is Right before starting our adventuring. Such a hit of nostalgia! Anybody else?
What I'm Writing
I have spent much of this month polishing a short story about the mysterious appearance of killer wolves wreaking havoc in the life of a terrified protagonist and her equally bewildered partner - while also completing pieces for two different writing contests (both of those stories a little less intense).
Oh, and for those who are following along with my novel news, I submitted my manuscript to two more agents this month - and received at least that many rejections from my previous months’ submissions, confirming what we all already know… that this process is not for the faint of heart. I certainly continue to ask for all of the hopeful thoughts/vibes/juju/prayers – and any agent or publisher referrals you might want to toss my way.
What’s Making Me Smile
I absolutely love these Harry Potter inspired music and ambiance videos! After visiting Hogsmeade (at Universal Studios in Hollywood) a couple of years ago, I have tried to convince my husband that we should probably move there asap. He’s tried to explain the complications, but much like my persistent requests to move to Stars Hollow, I am immune to his reasonable input.
https://youtu.be/k8rbVqiOLIM?si=paRzpw4tLOZsnLsr I
f you have stumbled upon anything extra delightful lately, I am always looking to add to my "happy" files!
A Little Unsolicited Writing Advice
One of my best pieces of advice for friends and family wanting to improve their writing is... READ.
Nothing helps you internalize story structure, dialogue, and character arc like immersing yourself regularly in novels.
So, if you really want to write better, spend some time every day reading. Permission to put down the phone. Power down the laptop. Turn off the t.v. AND JUST READ INSTEAD.
If you need some ideas for books, https://bookshop.org/shop/ginahandley.
BONUS: A Random Fact About Me (For Fun?)
While doing a small, PNW book tour to promote my first book, Friending, I was invited to speak to a mostly full house at one of the largest bookstores in the country, Powell’s Books in Portland (my name was even featured on their large marquee – what??!!). Such an unexpected (and humbling and terrifying and exhilarating) honor!
And for those of you who asked for photo evidence of my big, Southern hair and preppy clothes (mentioned in the April newsletter), I give you this. In case you were curious, no, the braces did not help in my transition.
Thank you, friends, for joining me on this leg of my journey. If you have other bookish friends who might enjoy my newsletter content, please feel free to share.
And don’t forget to hit me up with some of your responses to posed questions. I really would love to hear from you!
Gina