A Beautiful Mess Podcast

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:
Try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess.
Receive 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/MESS.
Get an exclusive 20% off their first order at pendulum.co/MESS.
 
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:
Head to Oakessentials.com and use code MESS for 15% off your first order at checkout.
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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Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20%
Head to LolaBlankets.com and use code MESS to get 40% OFF your order.
 
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.

Today's episode is about the rituals, recipes, and rhythms that make Autumn the coziest season — including traditions we repeat every year and the ones we're trying for the first time.
Thank you to this week's sponsor:
Visit ernesta.com and order five samples for only $10, and you'll get $50 toward any rug of your choice.
Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home.
 
Sign up for Emma's newsletter: https://www.emmachapman.com/
 
Favorite Annual Autumn traditions:
Elsie: Kitchen movies, decorating the house, and making fun recipes
Emma: Halloween sugar cookie decorating, decorating the house, and Halloween movie night
New Autumn traditions:
Elsie: Boo baskets and Halloween cookie boxes
Emma: Thanksgiving cookie box
Autumn traditions that flopped:
Elsie: Trying movies (keep trying theme very year)
Emma: Weather related activities (have a backup plan)
Autumn non-negotiables:
Elsie: Baked brie, decorating, and neighborhood witch's weekend
Emma: Orea truffles, pumpkin decorating, and wagon walks
Book Report
Elsie: Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Emma: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
 
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 we're sharing our Fall Bucket Lists and giving you ideas to make your own. We've also got a spooky season debate and a decor hot take that we're so excited to rage about.
 
Thank you to this week's sponsor:
Try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess.
Get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/mess
 
Halloween manifestos:
Elsie - Do what feels good to you
Emma - Loves fall
 
Elsie's Fall Bucket List:
Halloween Mouse House
Apple Cider Slushies
Pink House (Witch Theme)
Social Media Challenge (100 days)
Finishing my novel revision and query
 
Emma's Fall bucket List:
Family Halloween Costume
Fall/Halloween Activities with kids
Apple picking
Bake seasonal treats
Query children's picture book
 
Book Report
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
 
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.