☕ Cozy Catch-Up + A Secret You’re Getting First
Creating in the margins, following the creative spark, and building something cozy together
Hi friends. Come sit with me for a minute.
I wanted to do a proper little check-in because a lot has been happening lately, both creatively and quietly behind the scenes. If you’ve felt a little flurry of content coming your way… you’re not wrong.
I’m on a roll right now.
I don’t know if it’s the beginning-of-the-year energy, a burst of creative mojo, or just a deep pull toward building something safe, warm, and loving in the world we’re living in. Probably a mix of all of it. What I do know is that I’m creating a lot right now, and I’m doing it with the time I actually have.
Sometimes that looks like filming during my kids’ morning shows. (Sorry if you hear screaming, I promise my kids are fine…me? Not sure. 😂)
Sometimes it’s recording in my car before work.
Sometimes it’s squeezing creativity into the cracks of a very full life.
My videos have been a little more frequent lately and maybe a little different from my usual rhythm. That’s not a grand strategy shift. It’s me choosing to live and create honestly in this season instead of waiting for the mythical “perfect time.” I’m making things where I can, when I can, and letting that be enough.
With that said, here’s what I’ve been up to lately.
📚 What I’ve Been Making (and Loving)
First up… yes, I’m reading five, actually six, books at once. No, I don’t recommend this for everyone. But shockingly? It’s working.
📖 I’m Reading 5 Books at Once (and it’s actually working)
This one is all about mood reading, multiple formats, and letting go of the guilt that comes with “doing reading wrong.” If your brain likes options, this might feel validating.
Then there’s something that’s quietly become one of my favorite ways to think about reading and hobbies lately.
🌿 A Gentle Life Sim for Readers | Hearth & Side Quests
This is about stepping out of productivity mode and into a softer, more playful way of living. Reading as side quests. Hobbies as joy, not output. Very much a permission slip video.
Because I can never resist a mystery…
🕯️ Small Town Secrets: Cozy Mysteries That Hide Everything
You know the towns. Quaint. Friendly. Everyone smiling. Everyone absolutely hiding something. These are the cozies that look harmless and then quietly wreck you.
And finally, a peek ahead that has my TBR mildly panicking.
📆 Q1 2026 Cozy Mystery Releases I’m Obsessed With
Future-you will want to know about these. Present-you might want to start clearing shelf space now.
🧶 A Soft Launch Just for You: The Cozy Community Discord
Okay. This is the part you’re getting first because you’re my Substack people.
I’ve quietly soft-launched a Discord community, and you’re the first ones I’m inviting in.
👉 https://discord.gg/bf2XdhMaS
This space is meant to be cozy, low-pressure, and genuinely welcoming. A place for books, hobbies, side quests, gentle check-ins, and real conversation. Not loud. Not overwhelming. Not another platform that demands constant attention.
And I really want your feedback.
What channels feel good?
What feels like too much?
What would make this a place you’d actually want to return to?
This community gets to grow with you, not just for you. Once it has been going for a week or so I plan on making a guide video on all of the things, so don’t worry! ♥️
🌟 Looking for Two Cozy Humans
One last thing before I send you back to your reading nook.
I’ll be choosing two moderators from the community to help keep things kind, answer questions, and generally help people feel at home. No boss vibes. No pressure. Just thoughtful, warm humans who like helping others.
If that sounds like you, or if you’re even a little curious, hop into the Discord and let me know, or message me anywhere we normally talk. We’ll keep it simple and gentle.
Thank you for being here. Truly. Thank you for supporting my work, watching my videos, and letting me show up as I am in this season of creating in the margins.
Now go read something cozy. Or suspicious. Or both. 💛📚
XOXO,
Courtny