Cozy Reading – Write on the World

Valley of the Bees is the book that taught me I could actually finish a novel—or at least something very close to one. I wrote it right after finishing my creative writing graduate program, at a moment when I had plenty of ideas, plenty of ambition, and absolutely no completed long-form fiction to show for it.

*Get your copy of Valley of the Bees from my independent online bookstore today!*

Up to that point, I considered myself a pantser. I wrote by instinct, followed my curiosity, and trusted the story to reveal itself as I went along. The problem was that nothing ever made it to the end. Clearly, my preferred method wasn’t getting me where I wanted to go.

So, I set myself a challenge.

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Writers on Writing

Reading a lot of books is a skill, not a personality trait

January 22, 2026January 10, 2026 Mandy Webster

By the end of 2025, my social feeds were flooded with book-count roundups. Fifty books. Eighty-seven books. One hundred books, neatly stacked in Canva graphics and celebratory captions. Mixed in among them, especially on Threads, I kept seeing the same question pop up again and again: How are people able to read 100 books in a year?

Reading isn’t a race. It’s a skill you build, a habit you choose, and a joy that looks different for everyone.

The tone of the question always felt half-amazed, half-defeated—like asking how people finish marathons when you can barely make it around the block.

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Find Your Next Read

Books to curl up with this late fall: cozy, reflective reads for Thanksgiving break

November 13, 2025October 30, 2025 Mandy Webster

As the days grow shorter and the first hints of winter settle in, it’s the perfect time to slow down and curl up with a book that invites reflection, connection, and comfort. Late November in the northern hemisphere carries a special energy—between the flurry of holiday preparations and the quiet of bare trees and crisp evenings, readers often crave stories that soothe, inspire, and remind us of the bonds that matter most. This year, I’ve rounded up four titles that capture the spirit of the season, each in its own way offering moments of introspection, warmth, and hope.

It’s that cozy time of year—curl up with a good book, a warm cup of tea, and watch the world turn golden outside your window.

Valley of the Bees by Amanda L Webster (oh hey, that’s me!)

Set in a world where honeybees are nearly extinct, Valley of the Bees follows Valley as she navigates family, friendships, and self-discovery in a rural community. Her life changes dramatically on her sixteenth birthday, when she must balance tradition, duty, and personal choice amidst a backdrop of plague and village intrigue. At its heart, this novel is about family bonds, connection to the land, and the courage to chart your own path—perfect for readers looking for reflection and emotional richness as the season turns.