This week is all about fall, what our dreamiest autumn days look like, and what we were like as kids.

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Elsie's cozy Fall dream day:

Wake up at 5am and work on her novel

Paint for an hour and listen to audiobook

Take a fall walk

Have the best sandwich in town for lunch

Paint some more

Pick up kids from school and talk with other parents

Halloween movie and baking project

Family dinner

Make popcorn

Watch TV show with Jeremy

Emma's cozy fall dream day:

Wake up at 6am with kids and have coffee in a Halloween mug

Workout/Go on a walk

Do paint by numbers and listen to audiobook

Wear a cozy sweater

Thifting

Activity with the kids

Make bread with Oscar

Read a Halloween book with the kids

Make soup for dinner

Book Report:

Elsie - The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza

Emma - Margo's got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

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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.

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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.