Oops and Daisies

Connection & inspiration for people who want to create

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Family & Lifestyle
    • Life With Kids
    • Parenting
    • More than Mama
    • Personal Development
    • Self Care
    • Travel
  • Work From Home
    • WAHM Life
    • Interviews with Creative Moms
    • Inspiration
  • Writing, Books, & Resources
    • Book Reviews
    • My Stories and Books
    • Path to Publication
    • Quotes
  • Shop
  • Work With Me

My 10 Favorite Books From the 59 I Read in 2025

January 1, 2026 by Liz SanFilippo Hall Leave a Comment

Favorite Books of 2025

I almost hit my Goodreads reading challenge in 2025: 60 books read in 2025! (I was only one shy, and I blame the fact that I typically read two to three books at a time). Even so, as usual, I read a huge variety of books, from middle-grade fiction with my kids to lengthy fantasy books based on incredible worlds.  So, out of these 59, which were my favorites? Keep reading for a round-up and why … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Uncategorized, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: book reviews, books, historical fiction, inspiration, middle grade fiction, young adult fiction

Recent Posts

  • My 10 Favorite Books From the 59 I Read in 2025 January 1, 2026
  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.M. Guilfoyle December 3, 2025
  • 5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids November 28, 2025
  • Network Marketing was a Mistake… But I Don’t Regret It (Completely) November 7, 2025
  • Oops, Daisies, & Dreams: An Interview Series with Creative Moms October 30, 2025

Categories

Newsletter

oopsanddaisies

Developmental Editor | Creative Writer & Author | Coach
Just an imperfect mom trying to inspire and support women who want to write and create 👇

I may have already posted my 2025 wrapped, but I I  may have already posted my 2025 wrapped, but I feel like I need to give a special shoutout to the things I was up to in December specifically. Because, if I’m being honest, I’m spending a whole lot more time focused on writing projects… both paid and (currently) unpaid ones (like drafting and editing my New Adult manuscript). 2026 is the year I publish more… which means I’m pitching more. Writing more. Editing more. More of everything I love to do!So, what work-related “accomplishments” did I have in December? Here are some of them: * Completed my first editing project for a Big 5 publisher* Launched my 28-Day Creative Spark Workbook digital download for moms who want to write* Drafted a poetry collection (43 pages and counting!)* Started conducting interviews with people about creativity and how they fit self-expression into their busy lives (if you want to chat, message me)* Wrote myself an editorial letter and started to dive into developmental edits for my NA contemporary manuscript* Published one post over on OopsAndDaisies.com* Inched forward on my content audit of all my past publications (this is taking longer than I expected, because, let’s be honest, it’s at the bottom of my list right now)* Sent out multiple pitches for literary essays to a variety of publications and anthologies* Applied to multiple grants to scale Oops & Daisies* Announced Sparks & Scribbles, a free 12-week writing challenge over on Bluesky - we started today; come join us!So much writing and creating is going on! Cheers to the new year and giving ourselves permission to carve out time for the things that fire us up.*** Hi, I’m Liz, and I’m a creative writer who is learning to step out of her own way. I’m also an editor and creativity coach who helps people and companies tell and share their stories. Interested in working with me? I’d love to hear from you.#WritingProcess #CreativeWriting #LizsWritingJourney #WorksInProgress
Why yes, I did write an editorial letter to myself Why yes, I did write an editorial letter to myself. Before I dive into developmental edits for my own New Adult contemporary book this week, I wrote a letter similar to the ones I write for my clients. I always start off with what I like about a manuscript, and, not gonna lie, it felt pretty nice to compliment myself and what I like about the book, even if it was a super messy draft zero!#WritingLife #BookInProgress #AmEditing
I filled six journals in 2025. Most of them are fu I filled six journals in 2025. Most of them are full of random musings, small moments in time I wanted to remember, nuggets for stories and poems, and anything and everything I felt called to record. And most days? I only wrote in these journals for 15 minutes a day! (With the occasional late night hour-plus sprint). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: journaling is a lifeline for me, my way of figuring out what I think and why I think and the list goes on. Do you journal? Why or why not? #MomLife #Journaling #2025Wrapped #WritingLife
It felt like just about nothing went as planned th It felt like just about nothing went as planned this year… so I have some thoughts as we close out 2025. #2025Wrapped #MomLife #NewYear #WritingLife #DreamBig
What ‘mode’ are you in right now? With my kid What ‘mode’ are you in right now?With my kids home on winter break, I’m in 100% creator/artist mode. We’re doing art projects, making vision boards, doodling, painting, and, of course, I’m working on my creative writing. Sometimes together, sometimes side by side, sometimes in totally different rooms. But either way, this ‘quiet’ week is one of creation, making messes, and having fun.Next week, I’ll return to CEO mode and dive into client projects as well as growing my blog/writing & editing business.I love this concept of balancing artist mode with CEO mode. Amy Suto @sutoscience talks quite a bit about it in her motivational book, “Write for Money and Power,” which comes out in January. As she says, “Love alone won’t sell your book, build your audience, or fund your next creative sprint. Passion without systems equals burnout. Enter the dance between Artist Mode and CEO mode.”So, which mode are you in right now?#Creativity #ArtistMode #MomLife #AmWriting
When did I write when the kids were super young??! When did I write when the kids were super young??!?!🤣******But seriously, I learned how to make baby steps with my writing, in 10-15 minute blocks of time. #MomLife #WritingGoals #WritingCommunity
“Are you… okay? Are you having trouble at home “Are you… okay? Are you having trouble at home?”That was what one of my sixth grade teachers asked me after they read a short story of mine that had been published in the school newspaper. TBH, I was so confused. Why wouldn’t I be okay? I was on cloud NINE! Me, little old me, had a story published. That was not something many of my peers could say at the time. It took some questioning to figure out what she was getting at.My story about ghosts and a ghost swapping places with a girl through a mirror made her worried. She said my story was dark and troubling… but it was well written. You can guess what my young mind latched onto. My writing was dark? I didn’t understand the concern. The story wasn’t some insight into the state of my mind. Looking back, I suppose I can see why she thought that. But, at the time, it made me realize that people would perceive me differently based on what I wrote about. In middle school—a time where we’re figuring out who we are—it made me want to hide parts of myself and not share some of my ‘darker’ stories with the world. What was your first publication? What was the ‘aftermath’ of your story being shared?#LizsWritingJourney #WritingLife #Shortstories #MiddleSchoolDays #Writing
What am I doing over “winter break”? Reading t What am I doing over “winter break”? Reading through my New Adult contemporary manuscript and writing myself an editorial letter! I wrote this “zero draft” last spring and summer. It poured out of me in about four months, and while I know it needs a ton of structural work before I share it with my writing partners and readers, I can’t wait to dive in.So what’s my revision process like for self editing?1. After I’m done with a draft I put it to the side for at least a month so I can read it with fresh eyes. 2. I read through the manuscript like a reader, paying attention to what I like and what I don’t. 3. I write myself an editorial letter, focusing on the top 3-5 macro edits I need to make, and even give myself some actionable steps to take. 4. I dive into editing! Again, I focus on the structure and filling in gaps. (For instance, I haven’t forgotten I added a character halfway through that needs to appear at the beginning too 🤣). 5. Throughout my self editing, I work with some trusted critique partners to give my feedback. These are my “alpha readers.” 6. After I incorporate the critique feedback into my ms, it’s ready for beta readers! Outside feedback, to me, is critical to making sure my story is resonating with readers the way I intend. But the self editing process? It’s important too! #AmEditing #WritingCommunity #MomLife #AmWriting
My kids are officially on winter break for the nex My kids are officially on winter break for the next two weeks, and I’ve created my schedule/routine to account for them being home…JUST KIDDING.My next two weeks will be chaos. A delightful chaos, but chaos nonetheless.Will I still be working? In bits and pieces, yes.But will I largely be offline to enjoy the holidays? Absolutely.Now, please go ahead and excuse me while I figure out where the last of their gifts are in the mail… and if they’ll be here in time for Christmas.#MomLife #AmWriting #HappyHolidays
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in