This week we are discussing core values. We'll share our results from the Values Bridge quiz, as well as our thoughts on how defining core values can improve your life. And in our hot take debate, we're discussing separating art from the artist and rounding it out with whether or not we refrigerate our butter. All the important things that you need to know.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm

https://thevaluesbridge.com/

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com

Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.

In honor of Emma's 40th birthday, this week we're doing an official midlife crisis episode. Our experiences didn't go exactly like the movies, and we have a lot to discuss. It's going to be fun!

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

Try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess

Head to Talkiatry.com/mess and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

Guilty Pleasure Treasure:

Emma: Cinnamon dragons

Elsie: Watch a period piece while on period

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com

Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.

We get a lot of questions from people starting on their very first novel. So in this week's episode, we're giving you all the advice that we wish we could time travel back and give ourselves on the day we started our first novels. There's so much writing advice out there, and no matter who you are, it's not all going to work for you. So in this episode, we'll share things to think about and consider as you plot and plan to begin a draft of your very first novel. And the bottom line is, you can do it, and we are here to cheer you on.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

You can try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm

Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home

Tips for new writers:

Give yourself a writing assignment

Just write your first novel

Immerse don't tell

Read

Get really comfort drafting unpolished

Be a joyful student

Invest a lot of time in ideation

Learn about the business of publishing

Your writing routine matters

Resources:

Show Don't Tell by Sandra Greth

Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

Write your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell

The Author's Publishing Playbook by Carly Watters

https://www.laurenkaywrites.com/

You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com

Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.