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Loralie's thoughts about one of her favorite mystery writers of all time: Agatha Christie. You know that Agatha Christie had a lot of wisdom to share about human nature. "Very few of us are what we seem" with an emphasis on psychological over physical clues. She noted, "Every murderer is probably somebody's old friend." Interesting to keep in mind when a cozy killer is on the loose! Her practical writing advice such as "the best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes" resonated with me. I write a lot in my head when busy with mundane tasks as well. She was a keen observer, our Agatha, and remarked, "Two people rarely see the same thing" and "Courage is the resolution to face the unforeseen." I try to take her quotes about life and courage seriously as I ponder, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." 

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Jones and Lawless News: January/February 2026
Happy January fellow writers and readers!
There is so much going on within the literary communities to help promote and support new and experienced writers. Loralie and I are creating several new communities for all experience levels for lovers of cozy-type mysteries with fantasy elements, pure fantasy writers, and romances with fantasy elements. Send me an email to join, and we will send the meeting links for writing sprints, podcast interviews, fun coffee and cocktail parties while talking books and probably murder if Loralie is there too. We hope you will sign up. 
 
Prompts for January/February 2026:
Now that the holidays are over it is time to move forward with the latest prompts to help kick up some writing!
Send me your short 500-word write-ups, and you might just get published in our next newsletter. Feedback will be forthcoming! We are going to produce a magazine that will contain the best writing submitted this year through April 14, 2026. More to come on that  news.
 
New Year's Resolutions crazy, right? But check out these New Year prompts:
1. Create a story about all those crazy New Year's resolutions we are inclined to make, and how they went right or wrong!
2. Create a story based on a resolution to change, but magic interferes with even the possibility of change.
3. Create a story about a couple who meet on New Year's Eve and lovely magic is in the air!
 
Valentine's Day prompts:
1. Create a story about the best, or worst Valentine's Day ever. 
2. Magical chaos occurred at the park near your place, and you and your friends are trying to put a lid on it to save Valentine's Day! 
3. The spirit of St. Valentine visits you on the day to cheer you up because you have given up on love; but he shows you the power of love!
 
Seasonal Lent Inspired prompts
1. Yes, it’s just around the corner, so it is time to give up on some sins. What is your best friend going to give up for 40 days, and how do things go for you in the process?
2. A spirit visits you and asks you to help them in exchange for a favor you want more than anything. You sign up, but the consequences are unexpected. How do you survive the pending doom and get out of your contract with the devil?
3. A spicy magical recipe for a lean body over Lent is meatless, and the ad promises if eaten every day for
40 days works magic on your body. Magic promises gone wrong. What to do?
 
February Writing Contest Guidelines:
Enter date 2/1/26 to end entry 2/28/26 at 10PM EST. Keep it to 1000 words or fewer. I've always found that with word limits it really helps to focus on editing. Grab the reader's attention and keep them turning the pages! It can be harder than you think.
Genre should be romance, fantasy, or cozy mystery; combinations are okay. Prompts for January and February noted above may be used, but you do not have to use the
prompts and can provide your own original story. Have fun with your characters, add a few quirks, and make the location
somewhere Johnny and Loralie would love to visit! Keep content at a cozy level, please.
This can be a short story or a few chapters of a new story you are working on that keeps us wanting to turn the pages. Just stick to the word count!
Keep it clean, with a PG rating, at the cozy level! Submissions containing gory violence, profanity, abuse, over word limit, AI use, or otherwise outside of the guidelines will be eliminated in the screening process. Thank you. Prizes will be available to winners in first, second, and third place with publishing in the newsletter, and will compete for publishing in the magazine. Some free services may be additionally offered to writers who catch an editor’s eye.
 
Please make sure you join our growing community of new and experienced writers. We all have a story to tell and want to hear yours. We need assiduous readers for our groups as well. Don’t be anxious about your stories, stop second-guessing yourself, stay true, and submit your writing. Loralie and I believe in you!
 
Hey did I ever tell you about the time that I cooked 9 turkeys in one day?  It's one of Loralie's favorites.
 
Love to all,
Johnny Lawless
 
Kindly reach out and email me at services@joneslawlesshouseofbooks.com  and send your stories. I love a mystery and am partial to the ones with an air of romance, even if I am a simple working man.

Unlock creativity with journaling

Unlock your inner world and fuel your writing practice through the art of journaling. We share prompts, tips, and insights to help you cultivate a regular journaling habit, transforming your thoughts into powerful prose and discovering additional dimensions of your creative voice. Start your daily reflection today and learn something new about your craft.

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Every great story stands on a foundation of knowledge and community. Our blog helps you build a supportive network and provides valuable research resources, guiding you to reliable sources and expert advice. Dive into topics that matter to your craft and connect with fellow writers and specialists, and explore our services at Jones and Lawless House of Books.