23 Comments
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Allysa Z's avatar

“politically inconvenient red clothing era” - feel this!!

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Carly DiBiase's avatar

Ok, you are a bad influence, because even on sale, I just spent the most I have ever spent on a candle. However, when I read what was in Summer Splendor, I decided that Julia Cameron would want me to treat my inner artist to it! 😆

I am writing my first novel, which is a family drama that takes place at an eclectic Italian restaurant in the 90’s, so I decided I would burn this candle when I write! Olives, white wine, and grilled artichokes feel like the perfect vibe, so I am very excited!!

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Becca Freeman's avatar

There's something kind of romantic to having a scent memory attached for each book. For my first one, it was a holiday/pine-y candle, for this one it will be a coffee candle.

Hope you love this one as much as I do... let me know!

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Carly DiBiase's avatar

Ok, first, I do not regret purchasing this candle at all, I LOVE it! Thanks for the rec!

Also, I came across a site this week that you might be into if your second book is potentially coffee shop based (just a guess based off the coffee candle). It’s called I Miss My Cafe and it mimics the background noise of being in a coffee shop, but unlike similar audio tracks, this is totally customizable. You can toggle on or off and adjust volume for a bunch of things like sounds of coffee cups, customers, coffee grinder, etc. it’s really good background writing noise, but especially if it has anything to do with your current premise.

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Becca Freeman's avatar

SO glad you love. And LOL, my book is not particularly coffee shop themed. I just like that the scent tells my brain to wake up. Though there is a diner as a repeat setting, so maybe in that way it works!

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Carly DiBiase's avatar

Agreed! I also figured that because my time to write will be a bit sporadic and inconsistent, I’m hoping using a designated scent will kind of transport me so it’s easy to dive right back in for a quick writing session!

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Donna's avatar

FWIW - you will not regret summer splendor. I am currently burning it. The new savant never ever misses.

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Carly DiBiase's avatar

You were totally right, it’s so good!!

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Donna's avatar

Yessssss! So glad you love it! I’m also a fan of Dreamgirl. I burned that allllll last summer.

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Carly DiBiase's avatar

Ooh I’ll have to check that out! I’m also very interested in Heatwave!

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Melissa's avatar

So excited for The Devil Wears Prada sequel! On a slightly related note: recently on the podcast you and Olivia were discussing spin-off side characters books that you wish existed and you named Emily from DWP — this book actually exists! It came out a several years ago and my memory is that I really enjoyed it.

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Becca Freeman's avatar

YES! I've been deluged with people telling me this. The funny thing is... according to Goodreads, I read it, too. I just have absolutely zero memories of it.

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Jocelyn Borde's avatar

Curse Carved in Bone series - read the first one earlier this year. It’s heavily influenced by Norse mythology. Your summary is generally pretty spot on. Woman with secret hidden powers is discovered as a shield maiden and is wed (under duress/as part of a bargain) to one of the main warrior lords who wants her due to a prophecy. She meets and reluctantly teams up with her husband’s son and you get the deal…. It’s pretty good. I would recommend

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Annabel Monaghan's avatar

I love that you took this weekend to work. My best work is when I take concentrated chunks of time when the rest of the world is doing something else. Can’t wait to read the end product!

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Becca Freeman's avatar

Inchworming closer and closer.

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Annabel Monaghan's avatar

Sometimes i inchworm further and further away, so kudos to you!

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Katie Hansen's avatar

I loved Shield of Sparrows, more than I expected to. Great character development and I loved the wild, rural, monster-infested setting!

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Ash W's avatar

I grabbed the Hamptons diffuser earlier this month when there was a HLC code floating around and am thrilled with the scent. If you have a Pura the Lafco Rosemary Eucalyptus scent is a great proxy for the HLC Hamptons.

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Kayli's avatar

I am simultaneously so nervous and SO EXCITED for The Devil Wears Prada return!!

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

YESS to that candle. 🤌 So glad you met your perfect summer candle match.

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Bhavna Sharma's avatar

I was not aware of any of the drama surrounding Silver Elite! Very interesting!

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Jaime Casta Mah's avatar

Re: Everlane tees. TTS or size up/down? Thanks

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Becca Freeman's avatar

I have mostly TTS but a couple a size up for a looser fit. (If you want it like the model on site size up.)

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