I found these posts on Instagram from hopeprize and I’ve been saving them. This goes along perfectly with our theme from the January 2026 Fireside Chat.

I often say that fiction is the art of slowing down time. For our readers to be able to experience a thing, we have to experience it first. As Marcel Proust said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

You as a writer are built for epiphanies. You are containers for awe and wonder. ♥️

Here is a FABULOUS video unpacking the Rule of Three. Enjoy!

Registration for our February 7th-8th, 2026

Writing Away Refuge Zoom Pitch is OPEN!

Agent pitch slots fill quickly, so registering early is recommended.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.writingawayrefuge.com/copy-of-writing-away-refuge-pitch-ret

In these in between days, you might be tempted to lament what didn’t happen in your writing career in 2025. It’s okay to reflect, but I also want you to be proud of all the ways you fought and got through. Every action is a “marble in your jar” and one day that jar will be full.

Just keep moving forward! And if you throw enough stuff against the wall (spaghetti rule from my workshop 😂) something’s bound to stick! 🍝

Don’t forget the fullness you have now. 💖Reflect on the million graces and the joy you’ve experienced in 2025.

I’m thankful for every conversation I’ve had with YOU. I’ve loved hearing about your dreams and your stories. I’m excited to see where the road takes you!

Yes, continuing to hope can be hard, but this journey is worth it. I’m seeing true friendships being made, and that’s one of the biggest blessings of the writing road.

I ponder a lot over early and late night tea. Often, I’m thinking of many of you. Just wanted you to know that I see you and I regularly pray for you all. Thank you for being a part of this community! You are not alone!

Last night I was even doing a bit of dreaming. One day I just might do an in person retreat. Who knows where we might find ourselves. But hey—Charleston, SC has some amazing houses that we could rent right on the beach. 🌊🐠🦀🐙🐬Time will tell! 🕰️

What are you feeling as 2025 comes to a close? What are you hoping for in 2026?

Would you like some feedback from a literary agent? Here’s your chance!

On January 7, 2026 at 6PM EST I’ll be on Zoom in a virtual cafe. Bring a cup of tea or coffee and some pages. You can read up to 5 double spaced pages and then you’ll get live feedback from me and others.

If you would like to read, here are the steps:

Go to Patreon.com/brandyvallance

Use this coupon for a FREE month. Limited to 5 people. ⬇️

https://www.patreon.com/BrandyVallance/redeem/8E064

Find the Fiction Feedback post and sign up on the Zoom link. Then send me a direct message on the Patreon platform.

Depending on how many are interested, the page count might go up. 📈✍🏻

We’re going deeper in 2026. Are you ready for this? 🙂

All welcome! Even if you’re not reading, come support the brave ones stepping up to the mic. It’s going to be a fun night!

Patreon is my teaching platform where I do live monthly mentoring and more. You can access hundreds of behind the scenes conversations about publishing and author land.

Did you miss the coupon and you really can’t afford to join? It’s $25 for The Chain Breaker tier. Send me a message on Instagram and I’ll give you a scholarship. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

November 2025 Patreon Fireside Chat with Brandy Vallance. Come join the conversation! Monthly live Zooms and access to hundreds of behind the scenes conversations.

>>> Patreon.com/brandyvallance