In this week's episode, Emma is telling the story of her querying journey and the path to traditionally publishing her romance novel. It's a great story, and we are very excited for you to get to hear it. We're also going to answer a listener question about holiday decorating and a hot take about potlucks.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

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On holiday decorations:

Elsie - complete but likes to buy 1 thing every year for fun

Emma - Adding to her collections

Check out The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Check out Query Bootcamp by Lauren Kay

What goes into a query letter:

A hook (very short one paragraph what your book is, don't give away the ending)

A synopsis

Some comparable titles

1-2 paragraphs about yourself

what your writing goals are

https://reedsy.com/

Tips for navigating rejections:

Talk about it with others

Find inspiration books

It's ok to feel sad

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.

This week's episode is a treasure-hunting guide — how to actually find the best antiques, vintage and handmade stuff online and off. We're also sharing our tips for starting and maintaining a Little Free Library.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

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Visit ernesta.com and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.

Tips for buying art on Ebay:

Put in the type of painting

Keep the words "vintage" or "antique" in the search to weed out all the new stuff

Be consistent

Give it good and different kinds of search terms

Find the fanciest stores that sell vintage

Tips for buying on Etsy:

If you are looking for art, you have to have the word original in your search

Go down your own rabbit holes

Save your favorite shops

Tips for a Little Free Library:

Check out littlefreelibrary.org

Clean out your library every once in a while

Book Report:

Emma - The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

Elsie - Understory by Chloe Benjamin

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 today's episode we're chatting about the pull of old houses and hometowns — the charm, the challenges and what it actually feels like to move home.

Thank you to this week's sponsor:

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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.