Hello, chickens! How was your week? I'm safe and snug by a warm fire, resting after a fun week with my partner in crime, the brilliant Catherine Coulter, in California. We ate lots, went to the Apple campus, signed what felt like a million tip-in sheets for THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE (you can enjoy the fruits of our labor and pre-order a signed copy), had an author Christmas party with some of my favorite people (and boy did we party—Catherine knows how to do Christmas, y'all). Oh, and we might have talked about some upcoming Nick & Mike books.

It was lovely, whirlwind trip... but it's always good to come home to kitties and a kind hubby.

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:
 

Around the Christmas season, we typically buy things we don't normally need. This is why—and what we can do about it. (this article is utterly fascinating)

2016 was tough for many reasons, and especially when you consider some of the brilliant minds we lost. Book Riot curated this Reading In Memoriam of sorts that can help us learn about and honor the legacy of these fine humans.

Fellow writers: these are four traits of a master writer, and how we can develop them. Good stuff, right here.

And closer to home:
 

Stumped on what to get your bookish loved ones? I curated a list of my 10 favorite books of 2016, plus a few other gifts for the nerd in your life.

It's almost time for my favorite time of year: Annual Review time! As a numbers geek and productivity nerd, this is one of my favorite exercises. If you're ready to look ahead to 2017, jump on my bandwagon and follow my handy guide that lays out how I do my plan every year.

That's it from me! Wrap those presents, take a few minutes to breathe in the blessings of the season, and we'll talk again soon.

xoxo,
J.T.