Annika Dane

Question for fellow writers here:
          When you’re actively working on your book, do you still read other authors’ works?
          
          I’ve been wondering about this a lot lately.
          I’m fully immersed in the world of my own story right now, and I realized I’m barely reading anything outside my manuscript. Not because I don’t want to, but because all my creative energy goes into writing, daydreaming scenes, and living with my characters in my head.
          
          Part of me feels guilty sometimes... like wanting readers when I’m not reading much myself, but the other part knows that writing takes a different kind of energy, and maybe that’s normal.
          
          So I’m curious:
          What do you do while drafting?
          Do you read other books? Avoid them? Mix genres?
          How do you balance creating with consuming?
          
          Would love to hear your experiences.

Most days, people probably think I’m glued to my phone checking gossip or scrolling through nonsense.
          Meanwhile it’s just me, a woman with a job, stealing whatever scraps of time I can get to write on my lunch break, coffee break, or those rare blessed moments when the office internet dies.
          I’m not refreshing anything, I’m typing as fast as I can because the characters won’t shut up and I don’t dare lose the line they’re whispering.
          
          If you’ve ever wondered how Nook was written… yeah. Mostly in stolen minutes with cold coffee and coworkers thinking I’m addicted to my screen.

          One of my favorite things while writing "Nook" was sending a fresh scene to my beta and getting that tiny message that said, “I actually laughed at this bit.”
          There’s something addictive about knowing a line you wrote alone in your room made someone else react out loud. It’s the kind of small win that carries you through the tougher scenes.
          
          If any of my chapters, scenes or lines, ever got a smile or a snort out of you, feel free to tell me. Those reactions are pure gold to writers like me.

          I had to take a break after writing the grief reveal because it hit harder on the page than it ever did in my head. You know those scenes you plan out thinking you’re totally fine, then suddenly you’re sitting there blinking at the screen like… okay, that landed way deeper than expected.
          
          "Nook" is full of moments like that for me, the kind that sneak up while I’m writing them and leave me needing a minute before I keep going. Thought I’d share this one because it’s the first time a scene stopped me in my tracks.
          
          If you’ve reached that chapter, you know exactly what I mean. Let me know if it hit you the same way.

Hi everyone,
          As I'm currently writing its sequel, I wanted to leave a small note for anyone who has started, is reading, or has finished 'To The Framing Nook.'
          
          This story means a lot to me. I put years of thought into Brian and Becca, and seeing that even one person has spent their time with them truly matters. If you’re a silent reader, I get it. Most of us are. And I appreciate you just as much.
          
          But if at any point something in the story made you feel something, if a scene warmed you, irritated you, made you laugh, made you think, or simply stuck with you, I’d love to hear it.
          Even a single sentence like “this part hit me” helps me understand how their world comes across on your side of the page.
          
          No pressure, no expectations.
          Just gratitude that you’re here.
          
          Thank you for giving Brian and Becca a little space in your day.
          It means more than you know.
          

To whoever reached this last chapter: thank you. You didn’t have to stay for all forty-five, but you did, and that means more than you could ever know. Maybe you read in silence, maybe you meant to leave a comment and didn’t. Either way, you’ve spent time with Brian and Becca, and that’s the greatest gift a writer can get.
          
          If you ever want to tell me what stayed with you, I’d love to hear it.

It’s finally here!
          
          All chapters of Nook are now live, fully uploaded and edited. Every scene, every twist, every late-night thought from Brian and Becca is ready for you to read start to finish.
          
          Thank you for sticking with them through awkward first meetings, dark talks, kitchen counter cravings, and all the little moments that make this story theirs.
          
          I hope you enjoy the final, polished version as much as I loved revisiting it and smoothing out the edges. Now, the whole world of Brian, Becca, and the rest of the "gang" is ready for you… and there’s a little hint that their story isn’t quite finished yet.
          
          Happy reading.

Hi everyone,
          
          I just wanted to give you a quick update. 
          
          I’ll be temporarily unpublishing my story because it’s gone through some major edits. I’m really excited about the changes, but I need a little time to polish everything and get it all lined up before I republish.
          
          Thank you so much for your patience and support, it means the world to me. I promise the updated version will be worth the wait, and I can’t wait to share it with you soon!
          
          Annika

Chapter 21 is live! 
          
          Yes, I may have gone a little overboard this time… not only did Brian and Becca have their usual chaos, but I also invented an entire board game just for this chapter. That’s commitment, right?
          
          Come check it out! You might laugh, you might yell at the characters, (I'm looking at you, Damiano) and who knows, you might even want to play the game yourself.

Brian and Becca are settling into the quiet, cozy rhythm of their relationship, but Christmas is just around the corner. 
          Plans, surprises, and family dynamics are starting to stir. 
          Expect a mix of warmth, a few tender moments, and one carefully crafted secret that might just change the holidays.
          
          Stay tuned, and get ready to feel all the quiet comforts and little sparks that make this chapter unforgettable.
          
          It drops tomorrow!