Trees, Books and Branching Out

As if I needed more reason to love trees. 

I mean, we all know trees technically grow books, and from books grow connections, bringing readers together.

Sure, there are e-readers and audio books, but I’d be surprised if there was anyone out there who’d never read a paper and print book they didn’t love. Surely? Even a text book; research papers; medical journals, if not a bona fide paperback.

More than that; there are our book besties, book boyfriends, reading retreats - I mean, I could go on but you get the idea. You can’t have books without trees, and without books, we wouldn’t have any of the aforementioned. And that’s why I headed today’s article ‘Trees, Books and Branching Out’ because I just could not imagine a world without books. And trees. And the reading joy they create.

Recently, I had a four-day round trip to nowhere. Ha! Sounds odd, I know, but I was delayed by something unexpected. I immediately sought refuge amongst the trees, and they did not disappoint.

Here are some of my images:

This last one is my favourite: (Just don’t tell the others)

I touched the bark of this one before I saw the caterpillars because I was so drawn to it. And for good reason; it gave me a beautiful message to be patient because *the best is yet to be. And that transformation takes time; trust the timing.

In the spirit of this Earth Day - Wednesday 22nd April - I would love to know if you’ve hugged, or at least touched a tree with meaningful purpose and intent, to feel it’s strength, hear its message or simply to appreciate its magnificence. I have, many times, and it always calms me. Just don’t touch the creepy crawlies! Let me know in a comment below if you have.

If you’ve read this far I’d like to acknowledge you with a nod in solidarity of our shared love of trees and books 🙂‍↕️

You might wonder why I’ve ‘branched out’ with my blog topic today. Well, I asked my Facebook friends what type of articles they’d enjoy while I was on my supposed holiday, and the overwhelming feedback was for a combination of sightseeing, destinations, books and my writing. So, I’ve included some sightseeing of my beloved trees above, and some book related topics below for you.

Reading:

I’m currently reading ‘The Naturalist of Amsterdam,’ with beautiful natural elements described (just don’t read it if you have a fear of bugs though!). It is both a story of appreciating the beauty of nature, and of emerging as an expert and woman of standing. Written by Melissa Ashley.

My Books:

I adore including my love of trees in my own books as well, and there is a significant tree moment in Love & Laughter, which is the first book in my midlife romcom series. 

Then, I decided to be a little provocative and write a forest bathing scene into book two as well. Book two is called Marriage & Mayhem. 

Love & Laughter

Marriage & Mayhem

Neither are anything spicy, but are sweet wholesome romcoms, which would make them ideal for Mother's Day gifts, happening on 10 May this year. They're both quick-read novellas - linked below for you.

The third and final book in the midlife romcom series will be released toward the end of the year and is tentatively titled, Friendship & Fun (and romance undone).

Writing:

Right now, I'm implementing feedback from early readers for the romantic suspense book I'm currently writing. I chose to send it to early readers halfway through the manuscript so that I could pivot early on if need be. I took a chance on a risky plot and wanted early feedback, and I'm happy to say, so far, so good! 

Here are some early reader remarks: 

"The suspense is killing me, really enjoying." 

"Now I'm hanging on what happens next. I'm invested." 

"Definitely [carry on writing], I couldn't stop reading it."

I’m really happy with the feedback, but this is definitely not romcom material, as I said, it is a romantic suspense and should be available in early 2027. The working title is, When a blind date with a book becomes... A DANGEROUS LIAISON.

Well, that's all my news for now, remember to hug a tree on Earth Day, Wednesday 22nd and tag me if you take a pic:

Instagram (my favoured social media): @elora_canne

Facebook: Elora Canne

As promised, here are the links for Love & Laughter, and Marriage & Mayhem:

Love & Laughter: just follow the link to your country

Marriage & Mayhem: both are available in ebook and paperback

Bye for now, keep smiling ☺

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*the best is yet to be referenced in my tree image above comes from a poem by Robert Browning: Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. It also doubles as the subtitle of my memoir, EN ROUTE: The Best is Yet To Be.