Barb Roose

The pop culture of the ’80s and ’90s had such a huge impact on millennials’ childhoods. I should know—I’m considered a “zillennial” (between a Gen Z and millennial) and got as many quotes from true millennials as I could. In fact, ’80s and ’90s pop culture is still a big part of how I connect with my family, friends and partner. So when I saw all these Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments for millennials, visions of nostalgic fandom trees immediately danced in my head.

How long should it take to write a book? Hopefully, not forever. But, some unfinished manuscripts have hung around for so long that it feels like a family pet. If asked whether you’ve finished your book, you take a deep breath, hit them thank them for asking, and then walk away mumbling,  How do other authors actually finish their books?! It’s a great question.

What do popcorn kernels, song lyrics, and gum have in common? They get stuck, especially in places where we don’t want them to stick. If you’re an unpublished, aspiring writer, “stuck” might be the word you use to describe the frustration of working so hard and not sure how to move forward.