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January… A Perfect Time To Make A Wish
Happy New Year!
January, 2018, here we are. Are you ready?
It’s been four years since THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my Tarrin’s Bay series, was released. I’ve made a few wishes myself since then, many of which have come true. š
January is a perfect time to not only look back on how far you’ve come, but also look forward to where you want to be, what you want to experience, how you want to feel.
I love the new feeling of January, the ideas that inspire me from within, and knowing that it’s a fresh start.
When I wrote THE JANUARY WISH I not only wanted to make a great story, but show readers that anything is possible. That no matter what has happened in your past… grief, loss, regret, illness… you can rise above it all and become the best version of yourself and find happiness and peace in your life.
Some of the story mirrors my own journey, and as I’ve risen above many challenges and made a few wishes, I’m grateful to what has manifested in my life, both personally and professionally, including my rewarding creative career.
I love inspiring others to do the same with their own life, through the pleasure of reading fiction that entertains and empowers, or through direct guidance and support with my coaching and online courses that I run. I’m holding a special 2 week online course just for the new year, called New Year Mojo! – The Secret Letters System for Releasing the Past and Manifesting the Future, based on my book The Secret Letters Project and on the techniques I’ve used myself to overcome challenges and create the life I want to live. If you’d like to take part in this small supportive group and be guided directly by me to step forward into an amazing new year and new life, I’d love to have you on board! You can find out all the details and register right now by clicking onto this page HERE. šĀ
And if you haven’t yet read the bestselling and award-shortlisted book THE JANUARY WISH, it is available in ebook from all online ebook retailers, and also in large print, and in print as part of the Time For The Beach anthology.
From Escape’s queen of ro-magic comedy comes a sweet, emotional contemporary romance about the pleasures of making a wish and seeing it come true.
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrinās Bay Wishing Festival, it’s the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparationā¦of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.
A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia’s small coastal town with secrets that can’t be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia’s well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.
They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.
Published by Escape Publishing.
Have an amazing new year!
~ Juliet xo
P.S. – Connect with me on Facebook here:Ā https://www.facebook.com/JulietMadisonAuthor/Ā
Real Life Experiences of the #SecretLettersProject
Dear Readers,
August was āSecret Letters to Strangers Month – Global Kindness Initiativeā, to tie in with the release of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT book. People around the world wrote uplifting letters to strangers (using the Official Template or including the hashtag & website), and left them in public places for people to find. I did this too, and had a great time finding sneaky places to leave them! Many of us shared our experiences and photos in the Secret Letters project Facebook group. If you havenāt yet joined, you can do so HERE.
August may be over now, but secret letters to strangers will continue for all who want to keep writing and making this a regular part of their life. I hope to run the same event next August to make it more of an āofficialā annual event to get as many letters out to the world all at once in a shorter space of time, and encourage new people to participate.
Iād like to thank every person who got involved in the project, itās so rewarding to see people getting benefit out of not only finding these letters, but writing them as well. Some wonderful stories came through of people finding a letter just when they needed some encouragement or were having a difficult day.
Here are just some of the real life experiences and feedback I’ve received from recipientsā¦ (click each image to read up close)
“I recently lost my mum and one day a friend and me where in a second hand shop in Te Awamutu (New Zealand) looking for a special tea cup and saucer for a special friend when I came across this white envelope addressed
Dear Stranger – open me!
Yes you! If you found me, I’m yours! š
Finding this envelope came at a time where I really needed it. The letter was so lovely and very befitting with how I was feeling and grieving the loss of my mum.
Thank you kind stranger! xox”
“So last week I received this secret letter. I cannot begin to tell you how much I needed these words particularly right at that moment. Last month I had a miscarriage my husband and I have been trying for our 2nd child for some time now without any luck. Finally we get that positive test only to lose that hope in a few short weeks.
It all happened so quickly I found out on the Tuesday had procedure done Friday and was back at work the Monday. Bring me to last week. After a rough week at work not having systems working and wasting a lot of time trying to get them fixed adding unnecessary stress coz I’m falling behind the work that needs to get done.
On Thursday we had to take my son to hospital we got home at 3.30 am in the morning and I was up at 6:30 am for work.
On less than 3 hrs sleep I worked a full day only to have more system issues and fall more behind with my actual work. When I spoke to my boss there was not even a care that I had showed up to work that day rather than call in sick like I should have. I walk out of work to find this letter. Everything that was written was exactly what I needed to hear.”
You can search social media for the hashtag #secretlettersproject to see other photos, stories, and experiences.
In addition to the recipient, writing these letters has also proved beneficial for the writer:
Ā “As I was writing each word, I was feeling connections being formed and developed with people everywhere. Every person I pass on the street or have contact with could be a recipient of my letter, therefore I started acting that way towards others more often too and the results were surprising. After writing each letter I felt lifted, positive and significant.” ~ Tina
“For me I felt like I was writing the letters to myself without realising until I read them back. Giving myself permission to feel things I didn’t realise I didn’t know I needed.” ~ Laura
“It helped me gain perspective and peace on dark days knowing I was potentially helping someone else. It is truly givers gain where you get something wonderful by giving without expectation of getting something in return.” ~ Traycie
And it was great to see people writing about the project on various blogs and websites:
- The Simple Life: Secret Letters Project on News Tribune.
- 9 Secret Letters to Write for Reflection, Growth, and Transformation on Popsugar.
- Blogs: Keeps Me Out Of Mischief and Anxiety Mum.
I would also like to thank everyone who has bought a copy of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT, which not only talks about writing letters to strangers, but talks about the secret letter writing process Iāve developed for 20 different types of letters, such as Dear Universe, Dear Me, Dear Ex, Dear Son/Daughter, Dear Past Event, etc.
I love creating books like this and hope to make many more, and every sale, every word of mouth recommendation, every review, makes a BIG difference for an author in being able to continue writing and publishing the books they want to write. So if youāve got the book and would be happy to leave a star rating and/or a brief review online, that would be very much appreciated! It doesnāt have to be detailed, just a simple āI loved this bookā or something similar is all thatās needed. The more reviews a book has the more visibility and exposure it gets in online stores such as Amazon. Thank you to everyone who has supported the book so far!
>> If you havenāt got a copy, you can get it from all online book retailers such as Amazon and B&N, and in stores in the US and Australia (Dymocks). The Book Depository has free fast worldwide shipping too.
And if youād like to leave a review, go to the online store you purchased it from to leave your feedback, and/or write one on Goodreads. Thank you! š
…Now onto something new and excitingā¦ Iām holding some fun and inspiring online courses about my secret letters process, and youāre invited!
The first course: Secret Letters for Self Empowerment, is starting soon on Monday Sep 18, through to Friday Sep 22. And the first course is FREE! But if you miss it thatās ok, you can go back to the group where the content is posted and do the activities in your own time. You donāt need a copy of the book to participate, but it is a good adjunct if you wish to get the most out of it. The course will help with your self confidence, self love, self acceptance, and self empowerment, and is a great starting point for the courses that will follow.
JOIN here! Itās free. š
The two follow-on courses (dates to be confirmed but probably during January) are:
- Secret Letters for Releasing the Past
- Secret Letters for Manifesting
These are a little more intensive than the first course and numbers will be limited so that I can guide each individual through the course as needed. The purpose of all is to free yourself from any limitations and past hurts and grief and allow you to move forward into the life you want to create for yourself. Once you experience the full healing and manifesting power of a secret letter, it will become a regular part of your life as it has for mine. š
If youād like to be notified when registrations open for the above two courses, please email jtmauthor@gmail.com and ask to be notified. And you can also join the group for the first course to take part. I look forward to seeing you there!
Ā CLICK HERE to take part in the Secret Letters for Self Empowerment online course!
Love, laughter, and light,
~ Juliet xo
Everything You Need To Know About The āSECRET LETTERS TO STRANGERS MONTH – GLOBAL KINDNESS INITIATIVEā
Everything You Need To Know About The āSECRET LETTERS TO STRANGERS MONTH – GLOBAL KINDNESS INITIATIVEā
During August, people around the world will be writing secret letters to strangers and leaving them in public as an anonymous act of kindness, to spread hope and inspiration and remind people that we are all in life together, and by connecting with each other we can make a difference and emphasise the good in the world.
By writing a secret letter, you could make someoneās day, or even change their life.
You might even find a letter yourself. How nice would that be?
So far over 3000 people have responded to the event invitation on Facebook, and it has been shared over 1000 timesā¦ Iād like to say a BIG thank you to all who have expressed interest and have shared and invited friendsā¦ all it takes is one person to make a difference, but with many, we can spread so much more kindness and inspiration, and I canāt wait to flood the globe with uplifting letters this August!
If you havenāt yet responded as āgoingā or āinterestedā on the event page, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/events/465815260431665/
You can also join the private Facebook group for THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT, the book that inspired the idea to have a month dedicated to writing letters to strangers, as āDear Strangerā is one of the chapters in the book (there are 20 different types of letters included in the book, such as Dear Me, Dear Soulmate, Dear Universe, Dear Exā¦ all to help gain emotional wellbeing, forgiveness and acceptance, and self empowerment). Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesecretlettersproject/
To participate in the Secret Letters Month this August, all you need to do is the following:
- Download and print out the official Dear Stranger letter template. It is in the files section of the Facebook group, on the Secret Letters page of this website, and you can also download it RIGHT HERE. You can print 1 copy or 100, or however many you would like. You donāt need to explain in the letter about the secret letters month, there is an explanation at the bottom and a website address where the recipient can choose to share their experience or take part too.
- Write a positive letter to a stranger. It can be a few sentences, half a page, a full page, or several pages. You can write one letter or many. *See tips below of what you could write.
- Leave your letter or letters somewhere in public during August (although you can start earlier if you like, and you can continue after August). You can simply leave the letter as is, fold the letter, or put it in an envelope, or a plastic zip-lock bag (if leaving outdoors where it might rain). If using an envelope, be sure to write something on it that will encourage someone to open it, eg: For You, Dear Stranger, Open Me, etc. *See tips below on where you could leave your letters.
- Optional: Share in the Secret Letters group (or on the Facebook event page) about your experiences, your letters, photos, how you felt, etc. You can also share on social media using the hashtag #secretlettersproject. If using Instagram, you can tag me at @julietmadisonauthorartist …And if you find a letter yourself, please let us know!
And thatās it! Print the template, write a letter, and leave it in public. Simple, but powerful.
Tips on what to write:
Think of a tough day youāve had and what would have made you feel better. What words, phrases, or positive sayings come to mind? Imagine the person receiving your letter is having a bad day, or perhaps they are having a good day, and when they receive your letter, they are going to feel even better. Write about positive things you have learned in life, supportive words of encouragement, or a reminder that each and every person is special and a valuable part of life. You may even simply write something like āDear Stranger, I hope you have an amazing day!ā The letter can be as long or short as you wish. As you write, imagine the recipient with a big smile on their face as they read your words.
You may choose to leave it unsigned, write your first name, or write something like āfrom one stranger to another,ā āfrom anonymous,ā āfrom me,ā or āfrom a friend.ā
Example:
Dear Stranger,
You might be wondering what this is all about. Why would someone leave an anonymous letter for someone else to find? The reason is simple. There is a lot of negativity in the world, but I am choosing to spread joy and kindness. I would like to wish you an amazing day, and I hope all your dreams come true. Always believe in yourself, never give up, and keep smiling.
Love,
Your anonymous friend xo
Ideas for places to leave letters:Ā
- In a public park (weather permitting, or placed in a plastic bag)
- In a doctorās waiting room
- At the gym
- In a library on a shelf or inside a book
- At a bookstore
- Under the windshield wiper of someoneās car
- In a shopping cart
- In a payphone booth
- At an automatic teller machine
- In a strangerās mailbox
- In an elevator
Ā
Other tips/ideas:
- Put your letter in an envelope and write something on it to encourage the recipient to open it. You may wish to decorate the envelope too.
- Along with your letter, include a spare blank letter & pen for the recipient to write their own and save them printing it out
- Leave a gift with the letter, eg: a scratchie ticket, a bookmark, a small amount of cash, a book, a movie voucher, a cafƩ gift certificate, etc.
- Decorate your letter with drawings or stickers
- Have a letter writing party with friends and then go on a kindness spree together
- Get your children involved to teach them about the importance of showing kindness
- Blog about your experience or share in the Secret Letters Facebook group
CONTEST:
*I am also running a preorder contest during Julyā¦ if you order the book before August and send me your receipt or proof of purchase via email or Facebook message, youāll go in the draw to win a personal handwritten letter from me along with a special secret gift! This contest is open worldwide.
To enter:
- Order a copy of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT from your preferred retailer. Some options are: Amazon, Book Depository (free worldwide shipping), B&N, Booktopia, Dymocks.
- Send your proof of purchase to me by July 31 at jtmauthor@gmail.com with āSecret Letters preorder contestā in the subject line, or send via message on my Facebook page.
Iāll draw the winner at the beginning of August.
Thank you for taking the time to participate. Iāll also be writing my own secret letters! Have fun and enjoy.
~ Juliet xo
Ā Ā
*HERE is the letter template again.
Ā
Ā
A Secret Letter…
Dear Friends,
Imagine if you were going about your day as usual, or maybe even having a really bad day, and then the corner of an envelope poking out from behind a tree branch catches your eyeā¦ or maybe you arrive back to your car to find an envelope tucked under your windscreen wipersā¦ or youāre browsing the books in your local library and notice an oddly placed envelope between the spinesā¦
You pick up the envelope, wondering what it is.
It says āFor Youā.
You wonder if someone has dropped it, or left it for someone else who didnāt pick it up, or it as been mistakenly placed where you found it.
But still, it says āYOUā, so maybe you should open it?
You open it. Of course you do. š
You start reading. A small smile lifts the corners of your lips, when you realise the letter IS for you.
But you donāt know who wrote it. It could be anyoneā¦ a friend, a school student, a busy parent, a local doctor, or a stranger. Regardless, as you read the words, you feel a strange but exciting connection to the person who wrote these words. It was like they knew what you needed to hear, what would help you on this very day. Itās like a guardian angel whispered in their ear inspiring their words and guided them on where to leave it so you would find it. It seems somehow ā¦ magical.
The letter reminds you about what is really important in life. It reminds you that you are doing the best you can. It helps you understand that you are not alone. This letter, from an anonymous stranger, helps you feel connected. Special. Lucky.
You re-read the letter and then glance aroundā¦ is someone hiding, waiting to see your reaction? Or have they long gone, satisfied in the knowledge that the right person at the right time will find it? The right person did find it. You found it. This simple letter has made your day, and the warmth of gratitude fills your heart.
Imagine thatā¦
Now imagine if you were the person who had written the letter. You may not ever know who received it, but you would know youād done something great, however simple, that could either make someone smile, or even change their life. You just never know.
If you had the chance to do that, with only a few minutes of your time, would you do it? What if not only you did it, but lots of other people. Hundreds. Thousands. Maybe moreā¦ Imagine the effect on so many people, letting them know that someone out there cares, even if they are a stranger. Because weāre all in this life journey together, and one by one, and together, we can make a difference. By spreading kindness and support, we can bring more light to this world that is experiencing so many dark moments.
During August 2017 to coincide with the publication of THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT book and journal, I will be encouraging people around the globe to write secret letters to inspire strangers and leave them in public to be found.
And I invite you to take partā¦
Join the āSecret Letters to Strangers Month – Global Kindness Initiativeā here: https://www.facebook.com/events/465815260431665/ and letās make a positive difference in the lives of others.
*I would love to get as many people as possible to take part in this, and I need your help to spread the word. Please share the event page or this blog post with as many friends as you can, in your FB groups, and in any communities you belong to. Thanks in advance! š
~ Juliet xo
Cover Reveal! THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT…
I love the colours in this cover, what do you think?! š
THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT will be out in August 2017 with Sourcebooks, but is already listed on Amazon for preorder – click here.
You can also join the secret Facebook group for updates and to read real life secret letters and even submit your own – click here.
What are secret letters all about??
“Reclaim your emotional well-being, supercharge your self-empowerment, and create a magical life of miracles through the healing power of letter writingā¦”
Discover how an advanced form of journaling known as secret letter writing can help you become more positive and empowered in your life.Ā
Whether the letter is for your eyes only or shared with another, this emotional release and manifesting tool has the power to transform your sense of self and your relationship with difficult circumstances to embrace positive outcomes and opportunities.Ā
The Secret Letters Project is a practical and inspiring resource containing instructions and examples of 20 types of letters to write for various circumstances in your life, to help with things such as; dealing with grief, resolving resentments, releasing emotions and expressing yourself safely, asking for or offering forgiveness, uncovering answers, starting your life over or moving on from the past, providing clarity and closure, declaring your desires and intentions, aiding recovery from illness or addictions, giving gratitude, and expressing excitement and anticipation for what the future may hold.Ā
No matter what challenges, choices, or opportunities you are facing, a hand-written letter from the heart can help.
Join THE SECRET LETTERS PROJECT Facebook group to keep updated> –Ā click here.
JULIET MADISON 