Get Lit(erate). with Stephanie Affinito

I'm doing something different today.Normally, my podcast episodes focus on the what, why and how of restorative reading and writing, bibliotherapy and notebooking. But today, I'm interrupting my own podcast calendar with a step-by-step description of my own process of bibliotherapy with a book that you MUST read.We'll talk about what bibliotherapy and restorative reading is, how some of the best books are INCIDENTAL forms of bibliotherapy and the personal reflections I had while reading this book. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/04/29/incidental-bibliotherapy-with-the-frozen-river/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Let's build a writing calendar to sustain you all year long!A few weeks ago, I shared how you could create a thematic year-long reading calendar to sustain joyful reading life all year long. In this episode, I'm diving into the power of creating a year-long calendar for WRITING all year long: harnessing the power of the page to plan and dream, reset and heal, grow and change.Whether you want to explore renewal in spring, creativity and adventure in summer, or gratitude and deep work in fall, I'll share why you need to create a year-long personalized writing plan and how you can do it in the most joyful way possible. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/04/22/a-years-worth-of-writing-invitations/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we're exploring three new ways to practice bibliotherapy that have never been talked about on the podcast….or anywhere else that I can find. Typically, bibliotherapy focuses on the book, specifically the text in the book, and how it can help you grow through what you're going through. But what about the other text-adjacent forms of bibliotherapy? They matter, too!Come listen as I talk about three new ways you can practice bibliotherapy in a new way. You won't want to miss this one!You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/04/15/three-new-ways-to-practice-bibliotherapy/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

One of the best outcomes of this podcast is the chance to connect with others who share my love of reading and writing and understand the powerful role they play in wellness, healing, creativity and living a life well-lived.Today's guest is one of those people.Sharon Frances is an author, illustrator and mental health advocate who embraces, embodies and celebrates the power of writing and creativity to promote healing of all kinds.Come listen as we talk about her personal journey of healing through writing poetry, the essential role of creativity in our lives and how her simple recommendations for living a creative life instantly melted all of my excuses away and I shared a hidden creative passion. We laughed, we cried, we connected and now, we invite you to join us.You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/04/08/the-healing-powers-of-writing-creativity-with-sharon-frances/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Back in 2020, I started a reading adventure that has sustained me through the best of times and the worst of times and I'm inviting you to do the same. In this episode, I'm diving into the power of creating a year-long calendar for thematic reading all year long: curating monthly themes for yourself that inspire creativity, reflection, growth and whatever else you can dream up.Whether you want to explore renewal in spring, adventure in summer, or deep work in fall, I'll share why you need to create a year-long personalized reading plan and how you can do it in the most joyful way possible. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/04/01/create-a-thematic-year-long-reading-calendar/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Spring is coming and that means many of us have our eye on growth, renewal and learning in the coming months. It's the perfect time to take a closer look at our reading and writing lives and how they can help us move into this new season with purpose, intention and joy. Today's guest is going to help us do just that. Bijal Shah, owner of Book Therapy and author of Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading, is back to explore the life-changing magic of reading and how to pair it with a practice I've been exploring in my own reading life ever since our first conversation: literary reflective journaling. Come listen as we catch up on what Bijal's been up to, explore the role of bibliotherapy, especially in a season of renewal, and take a deeper dive into how writing in relation to our reading can magnify the positive effects. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/03/25/literary-journaling-reflective-practice-in-bibliotherapy-with-bijal-shah/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Do you have a morning routine yet?Today, I'm tackling the research behind morning routines: what they are, why they're important and what you should fill them with.I'll share the three stackable aspects of my morning routine and why they matter, offer clear research on why reading, writing and movement should be in your morning rituals and offer you a few ways to get started, too.You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/03/18/the-perfect-morning-routine-reading-writing-yoga/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, we are tackling a true bookish dilemma: what do we do with the piles of unread books that we have on our shelves, but never seem to read?Yup, I'm talking to you. There's some good research behind why we need to have books in our home, more books than we could read….but there's also research on why it's important to read the books we already have, too.Come listen as I explore why and how we should read the books we already have and how we can have a lot of fun doing it, too. I'll even share a couple of the books on my own shelves gathering dust that I finally plan to read. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/03/11/the-why-how-of-reading-books-you-already-own/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

I've been researching the role of writing in my own wellness journey and have reignited my love for a practice that I did so often and so thoroughly so long ago, but didn't have a name for. Now I do: It's creating mandalas.Mandalas are circular, intricate and symmetrical designs that have been used for centuries across cultures. It's actually a form of meditation and mindfulness, blended with a dose of creativity. Come listen as I explain exactly what mandalas are, why they are important for mental wellness and the different ways you could create one today. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: ⁠https://www.alitlife.com/2025/03/04/mandalas-for-mental-health/⁠Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at ⁠www.getliterate.co⁠. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: ⁠https://amzn.to/44wELKN⁠If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: ⁠https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife⁠All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: ⁠http://www.alitlife.com/⁠ ⁠Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit⁠Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm sharing a new-to-me genre that might be a new-to-you genre, too. I stumbled upon it in a moment of food poisoning and now, I at least have something good that came out of that experience. =)In this episode, I'm exploring the genre of graphic medicine: what it is, why it's important, how it can help us heal, titles worth exploring and more. Come listen and add a new genre to your TBR with me!You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/02/25/exploring-the-power-of-graphic-medicine/https://www.alitlife.com/2025/02/25/exploring-the-power-of-graphic-medicine/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website: http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm sharing a therapeutic technique for your notebook: one that can be done at any time, anywhere and to anyone, to help you feel better, get more clarity and spark your creativity, too.What's the technique? Writing hand-written letters that you'll never send. Come listen as I explore the research behind this practice and offer many different ways you could bring this into your own notebooking.You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here:https://www.alitlife.com/2025/02/18/a-notebook-idea-to-get-clarity-move-on-spark-creativity/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more atwww.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try:https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store:https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website:http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter:http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram:http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

I love exploring ways to make our reading and writing habits more restorative. Small changes can make a big impact in our enjoyment of reading and writing AND in our productivity too.Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve our health and well-being and can elevate any experience we choose to engage in…especially reading and writing. In today's episode, I'm exploring how aromatherapy can enhance our reading and writing experiences: making us calmer, helping us focus, soothing our nervous systems and sparking our creativity, too. Come listen as I share all I've learned and recommend some of my favorite oil scents and blends, too. You won't want to miss this episode!You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/02/04/aromatherapy-for-readers-writers/Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more atwww.getliterate.co. Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try:https://amzn.to/44wELKNIf you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store:https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlifeAll earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!Follow Stephanie:Website:http://www.alitlife.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLitTwitter:http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLitInstagram:http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm playing an encore of my most downloaded podcast episode of all time as I recover from the flu. If this episode is new to you, then enjoy! If you've already listened once, I bet you'll enjoy a second listen to inspire your writing in the new year! I love books. I love reading. I love notebooks. I love writing.  But life is busy and sometimes, it can be hard to make the time for the kind of reading and writing lives we want to have.  Today's guest is changing all of that. ⁠Dr. Nicole Janz⁠ is a writer's coach on a mission to help book lovers and writers establish a creative practice that gives them joy.  And it all begins with The Write Habit: A Planner for Writers. Let me be clear: This planner is not just for writers who want to share their writing publicly with the world. It's for ALL of us who simply want to bring more writing into our lives….and in the process, make our actual lives better, too. Come listen as we explore how to create a writing life you'll love and how a planner can help you do it.  ⁠You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here. ⁠ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at ⁠www.getliterate.co⁠.  Get your own ⁠Get Lit(erate). notebook ⁠to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try! Follow Stephanie: ⁠Website  ⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

Do you wish you had more time to spend in your notebook or journal? Do you want to grow a more consistent writing practice? Are you working to put pen to paper in the coming year to gain all of the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits? This episode is for you.  Today, I'm sharing five new tips to grow a joyful, consistent notebook practice. Whether you call it notebooking, journaling or writing, I'll share five new ways to help you to pen to paper more often. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/01/28/new-tips-to-grow-your-notebook-habit/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

I adore tracking my reading life and geek out with my bookish spreadsheet where I track important metrics around the books I read.  I browse these statistics each month and use them to inform my next month's reading choices. Plus, I do a deep dive into these stats at the start of every year as I plan the kind of reading life I'd like to have in the coming seasons.  But there's SO much more to it. Because here's what I've discovered: the important themes I uncover in my reading life ALWAYS point to parallel themes in my actual life, too.  In this episode, we'll dive deep into this idea and you'll come away with a pretty important insight: finding your reading gaps can help you find your life gaps and tending to your reading gaps can help you tend to your life gaps, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/01/21/when-our-reading-gaps-point-to-life-gaps/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Have you winterized your reading life yet? In today's episode, I'm sharing concrete ways to winterize your reading life: to protect and prepare it for the winter season of reading. We'll chat about how to winterize your reading habits, your TBR stack and the ways you connect with other readers over this season, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/01/14/how-to-winterize-your-reading-life/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

We are at the time of the year where we are setting intentions, making goals and looking forward to a new year ahead. This year, I abandoned my usual way of creating goals and it wasn't on purpose. A dumpster fire of a day turned into a therapeutic journaling session that naturally chose my intentions for me.  It was unlikely and unexpected, yet quite effective and exactly what my frustrated mind needed. If you are looking for a new way to set intentions, release pent up emotion and leave the page feeling like a better tomorrow is on its way, then this episode is for you.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/01/07/an-unlikely-way-to-set-intentions/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Substack community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

It's time for my annual notebook stack reveal! Today, I'm sharing my 2025 notebook stack: all the notebooks I'm using and loving and why. Right now, I've got a stack of 7 notebooks I'll use across the coming weeks and months…and maybe one or two more up my sleeve, too.  I'll begin by answering the top 3 questions I receive every time I release my annual notebook stack episodes: Why so many? Why are they so different? How often do you write in them? Then, I'll walk you through each of my notebooks: what they are for, what they look like and how they feel, how I'll use it and how often I'll write in it. Finally, I'll end with a mic-drop question that could change the way you think about notebooking and journaling forever. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/12/31/my-2025-notebook-stack-revealed/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

It's Christmas Eve! A couple of weeks ago, I released my gifting episode: Gifts for Restorative Reading & Writing. It was such a popular episode and everyone LOVED the homemade coupon I created for you to give to a friend and enjoy a reading and writing session together.  And now….I'm giving you to you! =) In today's episode, I offer a heartfelt holiday greeting and invite you to read and/or write with me for thirty minutes to the backdrop of beautiful, instrumental holiday music. Read a festive book, write in your notebook or simply savor the festive music and give yourself a well-deserved break. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/12/24/the-best-holiday-gift-ever/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

As we move through December, I find myself alternating between filling my home with holiday spirit and decluttering EVERYTHING as I think about starting fresh in the new year. Can you relate? And while I've recently sorted and refreshed my bookshelves, it's been a long while since I have done the same for my notebooks and I have a stack that's ready to topple over.  But it's not so easy to decide what to do with them. Do I keep them? Toss them? Do something else? In today's episode, I'm exploring four things that we can do with our old notebooks and journals in hopes that I can make a decision about my own pile. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/12/17/heres-what-to-do-with-your-used-notebooks/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

It's gifting season and our Inboxes and social feeds are flooded with gift guides and recommendations, often with the same overlapping recommendations.  That's why I have something different for you! Today, I'm sharing a collection of unique gifts for the reader and writer in your life (and YOU!) who is working to grow a restorative reading and writing practice. Come listen as I catch you up on what restorative reading and writing is and offer a collection of different ideas to gift yourself and others. You won't want to miss this first one. Trust me….it's FREE! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/12/10/gifts-for-restorative-reading-and-writing/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

This might just be my favorite episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast so far. =) Today, I'm exploring all things cyclical living and notebooking with Rebecca Rankin of the Women's Moon Wisdom podcast. Rebecca is here to help us explore a sustainable, holistic and cyclical lifestyle to balance our mood, boost energy, beat overwhelm and feel good in our body while living with intention.  We talk about what cyclical living is and why it matters, how journaling and notebooking pair perfectly with cyclical phases and practices and much more. I even have a couple of my own aha moments that I'm incredibly grateful for, too. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/12/03/the-power-of-cyclical-notebooking-with-rebecca-rankin/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

I love talking about my reading rules and I have one particular reading rule that you might not expect: I cannot read holiday books until December 1st. Not at all. While I love anything and everything to do with the holiday season, I like to restrict my holiday reading to only one month out of the year so it is filled with holiday bookish anticipation. So now that December has arrived, it's time to bring out the holiday TBR stack. Today, I'm sharing 7 of the holiday books that are on my TBR stack. I'll share the title and author, the hook from the publisher and why I cannot wait to read it. Let's get into the holiday spirit together through books! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/11/26/books-on-my-holiday-tbr-stack/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm exploring a genre that I've never talked about on the podcast before: cookbooks! Traditionally, cookbooks were simply the keeper of recipes, but today, they are so much more. They're also part memoir, part non-fiction, part exploration and beyond.  In this episode, I'm diving deep into the micro-genre of cookbooks as self-help tools. We'll explore three things cookbooks provide (beyond recipes!) and I'll offer five of my favorites for you to explore. Let's kick off a season of winter wellness with some cookbook reading! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/11/19/reading-cookbooks-as-self-care/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Are you wondering how to stay healthy this holiday season and give your immune system a needed boost? Look no further than your favorite books and notebooks. Today, I'm diving into the benefits of reading and writing on our immune systems. We'll talk about 5 indirect effects of reading and 3 direct effects of writing that you need to know about during the upcoming cold and flu season. Once you're convinced, we'll explore three one-word questions to help you strengthen your literate life, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/11/12/boost-your-immunity-by-reading-writing/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Any time of the year is the perfect time to start a gratitude practice, but November offers a particular invitation to count our blessings, be grateful for what we have in our life and seek joy. Today, I'm sharing ways that we can show up to our notebooks in five different ways to embrace a season of gratitude. We'll explore gratitude lists, notes and letters, doodles and sketches, creative spreads and daily logs. There's something for everyone here.  Come listen and start your own gratitude practice today! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/11/05/5-ways-to-practice-gratitude-in-our-notebooks/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

It's time for my annual Holiday Notebook episode! Years ago, I created my first holiday notebook out of sheer desperation to better manage the holidays. Now, it's a tool that I cannot live without. Come listen to what a holiday notebook is, how you can make one and why you need to start yours today. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/10/29/my-holiday-notebook-2024/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm talking about something I don't do well in my reading life, but I want to: adding annotation and marginalia to the books I read. I'm quite comfortable with my sticky note and book dart practices, but something is calling me to explore more methods to leave tracks of my thinking in the books I read.  Come listen as I explore the how and why behind annotation, marginalia and what I like to call ‘bookish notes to self'. We'll discuss why it matters and I'll offer 5 ways you could bring the practice to your own reading life…which means you're more able to make changes in your actual life, too.  What do YOU think about annotation, marginalia and bookish notes to self? I'd love to hear more about your practices in the comments so I can give them a try, too! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/10/22/annotation-marginalia-bookish-notes-to-self/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm bringing three favorite aspects of my world together: reading, writing and yoga. First, I'll explore the wellness benefits of reading, writing and yoga separately and then together. Next, I'll share three ways that we can layer reading, writing and yoga together for maximum benefit. Finally, I'll share a book from my own TBR list that I'll be reading and writing about….while in a yoga pose. Really. =) You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/10/15/layering-reading-writing-and-yoga/  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Reading books can change our lives.  From the physical, cognitive and mental benefits that come with sustained reading to the ways that reading can spark new ideas and actions in our lives, a single book could change everything.  Today, I'm sharing 10 ways that we can take inspired action from the books we read to lift the lessons off of the page and into our actual life. From connecting with a friend to trying a new recipe, I've got an idea for everyone.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/10/08/ten-ways-to-take-inspired-action-from-books/  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

If you're listening to this episode of Get Lit(erate). on the day this episode is released, there are only about 90 days left in 2024. What?! Today, I'm diving into an intentional notebooking activity to help you end the year strong. It's called a 5 x4 Routine Map and it helps you plan for ANY season of life in an intentional way. Listen as I talk about the idea behind the #last90days movement, invite you to create a 5 x 4 routine map in your notebook to end the year strong and even share a couple of novels that will inspire you to get planning.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/10/01/a-5-x-4-routine-map-for-your-notebook/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm chatting about Banned Books Week, which happens to be NOW if you are listening to this in real time.  Come listen as I explore the statistics on book banning, step onto my own soapbox and talk about why you NEED banned books in your reading life. I'll also share some of the most frequently-banned titles and ways that you can get involved, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/09/24/why-you-must-read-banned-books/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

If you're listening to this podcast, then you love stories. You love reading them, living them and telling them. And guess what? We all have one.  Today's guest is here to explore how we can uncover, share and appreciate our wonderfully unique stories. In fact, his new book (which includes space to write!) is called 10 Little Rules for Sharing Your Story.  Come listen as Frank Winters and I talk about the power of stories, the ways we might tell our own and the rules that will help you do just that. Be sure to listen to the end. Together, we offer a little AND big challenge that you might want to go for. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/09/17/10-little-rules-for-sharing-your-story-with-frank-winters/  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today, I'm inviting you to create a book relay team for yourself: a group of readers who pledge to read and share books together, literally passing books to each other over a set period of time.  Book relays help us keep our reading habit high, introduce us to new books and strengthen our community of readers. Plus, it's PERFECT for this time of the year. Come listen as I share exactly what a book relay is and why you need one, how to get one started and what you might read, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/09/10/how-to-start-a-book-relay/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Do you have a stack of notebooks around your house that you haven't yet cracked open or only wrote a single page in? This episode is for you! Today, I'm sharing 20 different notebook ideas to start filling the notebooks you currently have (and maybe buy a new one, too!) with a topic that works for YOU. Listen as I share ideas like morning page notebooks, passion project notebooks, unsent letter notebooks and much more! After you listen, I'd love to know what you think. Share YOUR notebook ideas in the comments! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/09/03/twenty-ideas-for-your-empty-notebooks/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Do you have a busy bookshelf? You know, the bookshelves with double rows or books and books piled sideways on top of those books?! Me too. On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I'm sharing the process I use (guided by Marie Kondo) to minimize my bookshelves without hurting my reading heart. Come listen! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/08/27/tackling-your-busy-bookshelves/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we're talking about my favorite thing to do while reading: lift lines off of the page and into my heart (and notebook!). We'll explore why lifting our favorite lines from the books we read is so important, how you might choose to collect your own and what some of my favorites are. We'll even explore how to mine your own collection of quotes to inspire a morning writing practice, too.  Grab your notebook and come listen! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/08/20/lifting-lines-from-literature/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Today is a big day for me. I've collected enough questions from listeners to populate an entire episode with them and host my first Ask Me Anything episode. Listen in as I answer YOUR questions, like: What's your favorite notebook? How many books do you read in a year? How do you choose your one-word themes? What if I'm afraid to start writing? Who are your favorite podcasters and bloggers? Do you write digitally? Do you have any pre-reading rituals? How can we help our children and students become readers and writers? Today, I answer them all and even have plans to turn a couple of them into full-length episodes in the future. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/08/13/ask-me-anything-august-2024/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

Each month, I choose a one word theme to guide my daily living and then read, write and breathe that word into existence.  On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I'm giving you a sneak peek into my one-word theme for August 2024 and share my bibliotherapy book calendar for the month, too. The best part? I create a book calendar around a one-word theme EVERY MONTH inside my Patreon community and I'd love to invite you inside. Just click here to learn more and subscribe. It's only $5 per month and includes the monthly book calendar, book club, weekly First Chapter Friday episodes, bonus episodes and more! Here's a quick look at the book calendar for the month. Isn't it pretty? If you'd like the PDF version with clickable links and access to ALL the other book calendars that came before it, join my Patreon community and get instant access. See you there! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/08/06/a-bibliotherapy-book-calendar-for-august/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

I am literally going to blow your reading mind today. Seriously.  On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, I'm exploring the role that mirror neurons in our brain play in connecting our reading life to the way we show up in our actual life. It's fascinating. It's backed by science. It's something you can't unlearn, so get ready! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/07/30/the-role-of-mirror-neurons-in-reading/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this episode of the Get Lit(erate). podcast, we are bridging the mystical with science-based research to explore a new topic together: how to raise your vibration through writing.  You already know I love morning pages and you already know how I've grappled with their purpose and function over the years. Today, I'll share my latest round of learning and experimentation into this important daily practice and share how I've continually shifted my morning pages practice to make life feel better.  Come listen as I explain the science behind this idea and offer 4 ways to raise your vibration (aka feel better) through writing.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/07/23/write-your-way-to-a-higher-vibe/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

On this podcast, we believe in the power of reading and writing to make life better.  But before it can make life better, we have to say YES to ourselves and truly believe that we deserve this special form of self-care so that we can show up in our lives the way we want to. Today's guest is Wendy Harrop and she is here to help us say YES to ourselves in this summer season of life. She's the host of the Say Yes to Yourself podcast, runs a bed and breakfast on a flower farm in Massachusetts and takes women on international culinary adventures. She's here to talk about how to say YES to yourself in this summer season, whether overseas or in your backyard. This conversation is full of energy, light and laughter and you won't want to miss it. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/07/16/say-yes-retreat-yourself-with-wendy-harrop/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

One of my favorite things to do is to match books to the right reader. There's just something so special about really listening to a person and then selecting a book that's perfectly matched to them.  Today, I am talking all about my Snail Mail Book Project, a project I started during the holidays of 2023 to personally recommend a book to others by sending an old-fashioned postcard to them in the mail. But now, I want to go bigger.  I'm on a mission to send a personalized book postcard to 365 people over the next 365 days and that means I need your help. =) Come listen as I explain the project, why it's so important, how you can get involved and how you can help. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/07/09/365-days-of-book-snail-mail-project/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit

This might just be the most fun I've had on the Get Lit(erate). Podcast! Today, I'm chatting with Dupe Witherick of Thrive Alcohol Free. She is an alcohol free wellbeing and transformational coach, the author of A Cocktail of Clarity and host of the Thrive Alcohol Free podcast. Today, we are mixing mocktails with books. Dupe shares her top three favorite mocktail recipes and I pair each with a perfectly-themed book to match it.  But this is not just a fun episode, it's an incredibly important one. Taking time for yourself to read is an important form of self-care for your body, mind and soul. Adding just a few minutes of time to create a special drink to enhance the experience sends your heart a loud and clear signal: YOUR WELLBEING MATTERS. Come listen as Dupe shares her journey to being alcohol free and together, we explore three delicious recipes and add three books to our TBR stack, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

On the very last day of every month, I share a bonus episode of what I've been reading, writing, learning and loving throughout the last month. Today, I'm sharing the highlights of my literate life in June and there are some exciting nuggets in here. I've got six books to share (perfect summer beach reads), three fun notebook prompts, one VERY exciting surprise that I'm learning about and a few finds from the Internet that I adore.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

If you have a dream in your heart to write a children's book, or any book really, then this episode is for you.  Today, I'm talking with Victoria J. Coe and Cheryl Lawton Malone, children's literature authors with books we know and love.  Together, they have written two books designed to launch your writing dreams and fast-track your progress…and I can say from experience that their method WORKS. I've already written my first draft of a picture book and am happily revising and tinkering.  Come listen as they each share their own publishing journey, give us their top tips for taking action on our writing dreams and even give me a little personalized coaching on my own non-fiction picture book draft. You'll be ready to write in no time! You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

Over the last couple of weeks here on the podcast, we've celebrated the power, potential and joy of the summer reading season.  But what about summer notebooking? In this episode, I'm sharing the five different ways that you can show up to your notebook in a way that works for YOU. No matter what your days look like, I promise there's a way to notebook that will speak to you today and remember….just 3 - 4 sessions of 15 - 30 minutes of writing can spark a host of physical, cognitive and emotional benefits that our bodies need and deserve.  Come listen as I talk through why you need to start notebooking, the 5 ways that you could choose to begin and how to get started today. You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/06/18/five-kinds-of-notebooking/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

Books and reading can make our lives better in so many ways and we've explored a lot of them on this podcast: how to find more time to read, how to choose books to help us grow through what we go through, how to enhance the reading experience with the five senses and writing and much, much more.  But today, I'm talking about something I've never mentioned on the podcast before: how fictional characters can become real-life life coaches. I have the perfect guest to talk through this with, too: Gail Ward Olmsted. Gail is the author of multiple books I've loved and I cannot stop talking about her newest book because it has truly given me a fictional life coach that is helping me look at my actual life in a different light.  Come listen as Gail talks about her philosophy of writing, her newest book and helps me explore the idea that fictional characters can be real-life guides.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/06/11/book-characters-as-life-mentors/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

Many of us hope to have a beautiful, relaxing summer full of reading books that are perfect for us.  But that takes planning. =) Come listen as I share the ten things you need to do TODAY to have the best summer reading season ever starting TOMORROW.  These small, actionable steps will yield big results and will only take a few moments of your time.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.: https://www.alitlife.com/2024/06/04/ten-steps-for-the-best-summer-reading-season-ever/ Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

On the very last day of every month, I share a bonus episode of what I've been reading, writing, learning and loving throughout the last month. Today, I'm sharing the highlights on my literate life in May and exploring some DEEP questions, too. I'll describe the only three adult books that I read this month, provide an update on my magical combination of morning reading and writing, offer a POWERFUL realization about my daily routines (that maybe you do, too) and celebrate completion of my meditation training, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try: https://amzn.to/44wELKN If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website: http://www.alitlife.com/  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message

It's time to gear up for summer reading season! Everywhere I look, I'm seeing summer reading lists, checklists and challenges and I typically DON'T enjoy them because they don't always connect to the kind of reading life I want to have. So, I decided to create a summer reading challenge that I CAN get behind because it's the kind of reading that will help us create the kind of summer we want to have. Today, I'm talking all about my Get Lit(erate). Summer Reading Challenge to help you BE, FEEL and DO all that you hope for this summer….with a few notebooking ideas, too.  You'll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here.  Love this podcast and want more? Consider this your invitation to join my Get Lit(erate) Patreon community! Each month, we take a deep dive into one bookish theme and work to bring it to life in our own lives. You'll get bonus episodes, book calendars, live book club and notebook sessions, special events and much more. Learn more at www.getliterate.co.  Get your own Get Lit(erate). notebook to take notes on the books you want to read and notebook ideas you want to try! If you'd like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some Get Lit(erate). merchandise from my Zazzle store. All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support! Follow Stephanie: Website   Facebook Twitter Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/getliterate/message