Amara Hartwood’s Official Website
Amara’s Letters
Echoes of the Heart
Welcome to Amara’s Letters, a monthly reflection on the rhythm of creativity, storytelling, and the words that shape both fiction and life.
I’m Amara Hartwood, a writer drawn to the poetry of human connection, the intensity of emotions, and the quiet revelations found in everyday moments. This newsletter is a space for me to pause at the end of each month, to take stock of the stories I’ve written, the characters who have whispered their truths to me, and the chapters, both literal and metaphorical, that I’ve explored.
It’s also a place to share what has inspired me: the books I’ve devoured, the voices that have resonated, and the insights gathered from the writing communities I cherish. Writing can be a solitary act, but stories are meant to be shared, and so this newsletter will be just that, a gentle unfolding of where I’ve been and where I might be going next.
Above all, Amara’s Letters is an experiment in creativity, a way to step outside the familiar and embrace something new. I have no expectations, only the joy of creating, of letting this evolve naturally over the next twelve months. Perhaps it will become something more; perhaps it will simply be a collection of echoes from the heart. Either way, I invite you to journey with me, to see where the words take us.
If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming edition of this newsletter, reply below and share your thoughts, stories, or creative work. Let’s build something beautiful together. ✨
Thank you for being here. 💫
January: A Month of Writing, Reflection & Flow
The month unfolded like the first few pages of a book, filled with promise, momentum, and unexpected twists. Sitting here now, tea in hand, the scent of lemon curling into the air, I feel the weight of words well spent. January wasn’t just about writing; it was about listening, to my stories, to feedback, to the subtle shifts in my creative rhythm, and to the evolving voice within me. Each day, I showed up, not just to put words on the page, but to be present with them, to shape them, to let them reveal something deeper.
The Writing Desk & Beyond
I started the month leaning into the heartbeat of storytelling. In “Writing from the Soul,“ I explored why I write, peeling back layers of expectation to rediscover the joy in crafting something just for me. It was a practice in remembering that my words don’t have to be for anyone else first, they can simply be. “Trusting My Evolving Process” became a mantra, a gentle reminder that structure and flow don’t have to be opposites, they can dance together. I let myself explore outlines, only to discard them when a new spark took over. I let inspiration override the rigidity of planning, and in that, I found a rhythm that felt natural.
Mid-month, “Navigating the Storm: Mastering the Middle of a Book” reminded me that even the most tangled narratives have a way through. The tension of The Monarch Brothers and Dear Sister isn’t just in their plots, it’s in my own process, the balancing act of knowing when to push and when to let go. Writing, like life, isn’t always linear, and I let myself embrace that in “Balancing Two Worlds: The Art of Dual Projects.” Some days, I switched between books fluidly, finding that each world offered something different. Other days, I struggled with the weight of too many stories. But within that struggle, I found expansion, I could hold space for multiple creations at once, and they could co-exist in ways I hadn’t expected.
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The Vulnerability of Creation
Writing isn’t just about putting words on the page; it’s about the courage to share them. This month, I opened myself to feedback, some of it uplifting, some of it hard to swallow. “Embracing Feedback: The Writer’s Journey” captured the moment I let others into my world, while “Finding My Voice Amidst Doubt” wrestled with the feeling of not being “enough.” But through it all, I kept writing. Because at the end of the day, this is mine first. Before it belongs to readers, it belongs to me. That understanding gave me strength, it allowed me to take what served me and let the rest drift away like autumn leaves in the wind.
Life Between the Lines
I learned, too, that writing doesn’t just happen at the desk. “Writing Without Writing: Finding the Flow Beyond the Page”was a revelation, how inspiration lingers in the way a stranger sips their coffee, in the rhythm of a long drive, in the quiet of a conversation. And as “The Path, Not the Finish Line” reminded me, the journey itself is the destination. I found stories tucked into unexpected places, the laughter of my children, the hum of a favorite song, the stillness of an early morning before the world fully wakes. Writing is not just about producing; it is about absorbing, experiencing, and allowing those moments to filter into words when the time is right.
Stepping Away to See More Clearly
Taking a breath of fresh air, both literally and creatively, was a necessary part of the month. In “Writing on the Road: Finding Flow in Unexpected Places,” I realized that distance from my usual routine didn’t disconnect me from writing; it deepened it. Watching the ocean stretch toward the horizon reminded me that stories, like waves, keep rolling in, whether I’m at my desk or on the road. I found comfort in knowing that creativity is not bound to a single location; it follows me, whispering its ideas when I least expect them. Sometimes, stepping away is what allows the next chapter to reveal itself.
“Creativity is a conversation between the heart and the page.”
Looking Ahead
This month was a reminder to trust the process, to hold space for both doubt and excitement, and to let words arrive as they will. It was a month of balancing ambition with presence, of realizing that I don’t need to rush the creative process but rather allow it to unfold. February waits with blank pages, and I step into it knowing that each sentence, each revision, each moment of stillness is part of something bigger.
Maybe the next month will be filled with breakthroughs, or maybe it will be filled with quiet, reflective writing. Either way, I know now that all of it is part of the journey, the exhilarating highs, the uncertain pauses, and the quiet moments of realization in between.
✨ Here’s to another month of showing up, writing with heart, and following the thread wherever it leads. ✨
Book Spotlight: White Oleander ✨
This month, I want to share a novel that left an indelible mark on me, White Oleander by Janet Fitch. Poetic and heartbreaking, it lingers in the mind, intertwining beauty and devastation in a way few books do.
The story follows Astrid Magnussen, a young girl navigating the foster care system after her mother, Ingrid, a brilliant yet toxic poet, is imprisoned for murder. As Astrid moves from one home to another, she encounters women who shape her in vastly different ways, forcing her to confront love, loss, survival, and self-discovery. Through lyrical prose and evocative imagery, Fitch crafts a world where pain and resilience coexist, showing how we are molded by both the wounds we endure and the beauty we create from them.
This novel is raw, haunting, and deeply introspective, a perfect read for those drawn to stories that explore identity and human connection. Fitch’s writing, almost like poetry itself, captures emotions we often struggle to articulate. White Oleander reminded me why I write, why stories matter, and how they possess the power to transform us.
It’s one of those rare books that lingers long after the final page. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🌟 If you haven’t, consider this your invitation to step into a world as breathtaking as it is unforgiving.
Book Spotlight: A Little Life ✨
Some books don’t just tell a story, they change you. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is one such novel, leaving an unforgettable imprint long after the last page is turned. A journey through love, trauma, friendship, and endurance, it is as breathtaking as it is heartbreaking.
At its heart is Jude St. Francis, a man burdened by an unfathomable past, shaped by both the kindness and cruelty of those around him. As he and his three closest friends navigate adulthood, the novel delves into the profound ways pain and love intertwine. Yanagihara’s immersive prose crafts a story both exquisite and shattering.
A Little Life is not an easy read, it is heavy, raw, and deeply emotional. Yet within its darkness lies a testament to found family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of healing. It challenges readers to ask: What does it mean to truly care for someone? How do past wounds shape us? Is healing always possible?
This is a book that will break you, rebuild you, and leave you reflecting on the depths of human connection. Have you read A Little Life? I’d love to hear how it resonated with you. 🌟
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January Writing Progress:
Rewriting The Monarch Brothers
This month, my focus on The Monarch Brothers has been centered on refining the narrative, deepening character arcs, and strengthening the balance between drama, romance, and business intrigue. I’ve been navigating the complex middle section, ensuring that the pacing remains engaging while allowing space for emotional depth.
One of the key challenges I’ve worked on is making the connection between Alex and Sophie more dynamic, giving their interactions more tension and emotional weight, especially as they collaborate on the mentorship program for foster youth. Alex’s role is becoming more defined as a strategic contributor, while Sophie carries the heart of the project, which brings them closer despite their personal conflicts.
I’ve also been enhancing the stakes in the subplot involving Ethan Monarch, ensuring his storyline weaves seamlessly into the main plot without overshadowing Alex and Sophie’s journey. The rewriting process has been about cutting unnecessary elements and tightening scenes, all while ensuring the emotional beats resonate.
Editing Dear Sister
With Dear Sister, my primary focus in January has been on editing and polishing, fine-tuning the prose, refining the emotional arcs, and ensuring that each chapter flows smoothly into the next. The story’s depth is unfolding beautifully, and I’ve been paying special attention to the nuances of sibling relationships, grief, and healing that form the heart of the novel.
One of my key revisions has been ensuring that the narrative voice remains consistent, balancing poetic introspection with a raw, honest emotional tone. I’ve also been tightening up the dialogue, making it sharper and more reflective of the characters’ internal conflicts.
Structural edits have played a major role this month, particularly in the way past and present timelines interact. I’ve been refining transitions between flashbacks and the present-day storyline, ensuring they feel natural and build on the emotional impact rather than disrupting the flow.
Reflections
January has been a month of deep work, of rewriting with clarity and editing with intention. Both novels are evolving, revealing layers I hadn’t seen before, and that excites me.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue strengthening The Monarch Brothers by refining its emotional depth and pacing, while with Dear Sister, I will push forward in polishing the final draft, ensuring it’s as strong and immersive as possible.
Each word brings me closer to the versions of these stories that I truly want to share with the world. ✨
What Are You Creating & Reading? ✨
Before we close this month’s Amara’s Letters, I want to turn the conversation to you. As writers, storytellers, and creatives, we all have something simmering beneath the surface, whether it’s a novel in progress, a short story, a poem, or even an idea waiting to take shape.
What are you working on? What stories are unfolding in your world? I’d love to hear about your latest project, your creative process, or even the challenges you’re navigating right now.
And beyond writing, what are you reading? What stories have captured your heart this month? Whether it’s a novel, poetry, or something unexpected, I’d love to hear what has been inspiring you lately.
Hit reply and share what’s been fueling your creativity. Let’s celebrate the act of creating, the joy of storytelling, and the beauty of bringing new ideas to life. 💫
