If Galentine’s Day is your kind of holiday, then this list is for you. I’ve gathered my favorite books 📚 and films 🎬 that celebrate strong female friendships, joyful chaos, and the kind of love that isn’t romantic but is absolutely soul–shaping. From ride-or-die besties who support each other through heartbreak to chaotic friend groups who refuse to let life dull their sparkle, these stories remind us that romance is lovely, but friendship is magic. So grab your girls, grab

January arrives like a sleepy friend in mismatched pajamas, but I have learned to love its quiet charm. Winter slows everything down in a way that feels strangely perfect for writing romance. I settle in with a blanket and something warm to drink, and the stillness helps me slip into deeper emotional scenes. I also give myself a softer routine. Shorter writing sessions and small wins feel much more natural this time of year. Even a few hundred words can spark momentum.

As I look back on 2025, I’m reflecting on the lessons that shaped me as a romance author, from creative growth to the importance of rest and connection. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m setting a mix of personal and writing goals designed to nurture my creativity, strengthen my routines and bring new stories to life.