The last time I wrote, I told you I was going to a concert. These tickets had been in limbo since April 2020. It was a fantastic show: Joel Plaskett and Mo Kenney playing side-by-side, each taking turns to sing their own songs, rather than doing the regular opener/headliner routine.

But it was also a hot show. Summer went long this year, well into October, and I was sweating before I got into the crowded venue. A handful of us were wearing masks. I kept mine on as long as I could. Then I sat down with a drink for about 15 minutes.

The next day, I was coughing. But also, there was wildfire smoke in the air, so I figured that was why. Monday morning, my throat was raw, and I had to go to work, so I took a test. It was negative.

By Tuesday, I had a fever. I stayed home. Still negative. It was Wednesday before the line popped.

And I’ve done a lot of nothing since then. I’ve gone to work, of course, (my students and I have been wearing masks since March 2020, and we’ve never stopped) but the rest of the time, I’m mostly in bed.

I listened to a lot of audiobooks (finally read The Parable of the Sower: WOW). I drank a lot of water. I didn’t sleep as much as I probably could, but it was real rest. It’s been no guilt rest.

You know that idea about how if you don’t take a break, the universe will take one for you?

So now it’s December, which is usually when I take a break for the year. But I’ve missed writing to you. I’ve missed you. So this hiatus is going to be a little different. Because while I was gone, I also published a book.

​The Magic of Pockets is officially out in the world! I’m hearing from people who bought it for themselves, for their library, for their kid’s sewing class. And earlier this month, I recorded a podcast with my publishers, Elly and Joe. You can watch it today.

We talked about where the idea came from, how pockets have changed over the years, and lots about pitching and publishing. There’s also a written interview with some questions I answered a while ago—including my favourite book I read this year.

So this month, I’m gonna try and write a little more often, catching you up on all the stuff that’s been happening since my book came out. I'd love to do a Q&A. What do you want to know about writing and publishing a book?

I hope you’re finding some time to rest. I hope you’re doing what you love.

❤️‍🔥 Jess