The Spill - 05.19.25
With Author Stephania Thompson
Mid-May Already?
Time has a way of standing still and rushing forward all at once, doesn’t it? This week has me reflecting on growth, gratitude, and getting back to the heart of why I write.
Let’s get into it…
Time is Weird. Beautiful. And kind of Rude.
We picked up our son from college this week. Standing in the same parking lot where we dropped him off nearly a year ago felt surreal. The lot looked exactly the same. Same buildings, cars, the whole campus, unchanged. But everything had changed. Especially him.
In my latest book, Tangled, Josh visits his old neighborhood and reflects, how “People change, but places don’t.” That line echoed in my heart this week. Same spot. Same family. Only now with a whole year of growing, stumbling, and learning behind us.
How does time do that? Stand still and race forward?
I felt flooded with gratitude, and maybe a touch of grief. Grateful he thrived. Sad the days flew by so quickly. Joyful to be reunited. Reflective, because we’re all quietly transforming, even when the world around us appears still.
Has time ever caught you off guard like that? I’d love to hear about it.
Launch Fatigue and a Writer’s Recommitment
We’re officially three weeks past the Tangled launch and...confession here: I’ve written more social media captions than novel pages. Please send help. Or chocolate. Or both.
I’m beyond thankful to work with a supportive indie press (shoutout to Arielle Haughee at Orange Blossom Publishing…you are a gem!). And I’m equally thankful for the many booksellers who’ve provided shelf space for my books (see this week’s cover pic of Woven and Tangled at the Columbia, MD, Barnes & Noble!) Still, when you’re not backed by a big machine, the hustle is real. Marketing, events, outreach…it’s a lot. And sometimes, the actual writing takes a back seat.
That said, I’m hitting reset. I’m publicly recommitting to the reason I started all of this in the first place: the stories. Whether it’s 10 words or 10,000, I’m diving back in.
If you haven’t met my book babies yet—Woven and Tangled—now’s the perfect time. I’d love to hear what you think. And if you’ve already read them, a quick review means the world. Just a line or two helps other readers find the series.
💛 Woven on KU: amazon.com/dp/B0DZYW3JJZ
💛 Tangled: amazon.com/dp/1949935914
Just for Fun
A few things that made me smile or helped me stay grounded this week.
Podcast Vibes: Instead of a whole podcast, I’m spotlighting a single episode. I’ll admit, I have a curious, slightly conspiratorial streak. Not in the flat earth/alien invasion kind of way, but I do like to question things and dig deeper. That’s why Ian Carroll caught my attention. He’s filling in for Candace Owens on her podcast, and his latest episode had me scribbling notes nonstop. If you’ve ever been curious about who’s really behind the food on your plate…faces, finances, and all, this one’s worth a listen (or watch). Check it out here.
Books I'm Reading: Do you have comfort books? You know, the kind you return to again and again, like an old friend? When life gets hectic and I don’t have the mental space for something new, I find myself reaching for familiar favorites. For me, the Harry Potter audiobooks are always on that list. I can listen a hundred times and still feel at home. That’s what’s been in my ears this week. How about you? What’s your go-to comfort read or listen?
Meme of the Week: Remember how I said I was trying to kick my Starbucks habit? Yeah… about that. Let’s just say I’ve not only fallen off the wagon, I built a drive-thru under it. No shame. A girl needs her caffeine. And honestly? So does her coffee cup. This meme had me laughing…enjoy!
Now, the Good Stuff: Books, Events, and More
Fall in Love with Charm City Threads
Charm City Threads is a New Adult Romantic Suspense series. A tangled thread of love, secrets, and second chances, all in the heart of Baltimore. Meet the characters you won’t stop thinking about! Start with Woven, get swept away in Tangled.
Poetry That Peels Back the Layers
Raw. Reflective. Rooted in faith and feeling. The Unveiling poetry series explores love, chaos, and motherhood with honesty and heart. If you’ve ever felt too much or not enough, these poems are for you.
Big Emotion in Bite-Sized Stories
From quiet tension to unexpected twists, Tiny Tales is a collection of short stories that linger long after the last line. Perfect for fans of suspense, heart, and a touch of grit…all in 100 words a tale.
Upcoming Events
In-store signings and book clubs, I'm hitting the road this summer, and I’d love to see you there! Check out the events below, mark your calendars, and come say hi (I’ll bring the candy).
That’s a wrap for this week’s Spill! Thanks for hanging out with me—same time, same place next week. Until then, keep reading, keep writing, and keep embracing life and all its chaotic beauty.
