Media Moment
It happened. I received my very first ARC!! What’s an ARC, you ask? It’s an Advance Reader Copy of a book that hasn’t been released yet. Basically, someone trusted me to get an early look. I know. I’ve peaked.
The book is called Sunny Side Up by the amazing
, author, entrepreneur, founder of MEGABABE, body acceptance advocate, and all-around badass human. It’s a work of fiction, centered on Sunny, a mid-thirties divorcée who dives back into the dating pool in hopes of landing a date to her brother’s upcoming wedding. Along the way, she rediscovers herself, launches a swimsuit line for women with actual bodies, and starts living life on her own terms.Confession: I’m only halfway through the book, but spoiler alert, I’m obsessed. It’s light, funny, and full of heart. The kind of summer read that sneaks up on you, tugs at your emotions, and leaves you feeling empowered without even trying too hard. Sunny’s confidence practically scorches the pages in the best way. As someone who is not 22 or a size 2 and is currently wading through the emotional landmine that is online dating, this book is giving me life. I find myself cheering for Sunny and accidentally cheering for myself in the process. Katie, thank you for writing the book we didn’t know we needed and for being the kind of cheerleader who shows up with pom-poms and real talk.
And here’s the very fun part: if you're in the Charleston area, or honestly, even if you're not, Buxton Books is bringing Katie Sturino to town to celebrate her novel, published by Celedon Books. She’ll be in conversation with
(yes, THAT Grace Atwood), and I will 100% be there, probably crying and clapping at the same time. The date is Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 3:30 pm at Halls Signature Events. Join me in fangirling over these two legends and this phenomenal book!
Click here for more info and tickets!
The Story
Today is my 47th birthday. Happy Birthday to me! I’ve got to say, 46 was a damn good year. I’m so grateful for everything it brought me… including my first published book! Wait, did I say first? That means I plan on publishing another? Only time will tell, you ambitious little freak. (That’s me talking to me.)
Honestly, my forties have been really good to me. I mean, despite losing my soul dog and my dad, which were two of the hardest things I’ve ever faced…something happened to me in this decade: I started to thrive. I stopped worrying about all the little, ridiculous things we waste far too much time on, and I started actually living.
Hold on... is this what people call a Midlife Crisis? I don’t know. I don’t care. I’m here for it.
There’s a freedom that’s landed in my forties that I didn’t know was possible. Like a deep, unshakable happiness that lives in my bones (right next to the joint pain and mystery ailments I wake up with most mornings). So, to all the younger ladies (and gents) out there—hear me when I say:
IT. GETS. BETTER.
If your life feels good now, it gets even better in your 40s.
If your life feels like a dumpster fire, it gets better in your 40s.
To celebrate this 47th trip around the sun, here are some of the most important things I’ve learned in my forties—little gems of truths from yours truly…
If it’s not bringing you joy, it’s not meant for you. Let that shit go. Immediately. With gusto.
You are one of a kind. Full of magic, flaws, strength, and sparkle. Stop comparing yourself to others. Nobody else was built like you, on purpose.
Nobody is watching. Do the damn thing. Dance. Speak up. Make a fool of yourself. Live big.
True friends are everything. If you’re lucky enough to have even one, hold them close and don’t let go. Water that friendship like your favorite houseplant.
Comfort is queen. Stop wearing clothes or shoes that make you want to scream. We are far too old for blisters and evenings of sucking in.
Fear is not the enemy. Growth happens in the scary places, not in your comfort zone. Do the things you’re afraid of. Then high-five yourself.
Celebrate everything. Big wins, small wins, showing up, making it through the day. Treat yourself like someone you love.
Be kind. Always. Help others when you can. Volunteer. Give blood. Donate money. Make the world suck a little less.
Do what makes you happy, even if no one else gets it. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, you do you. Loudly.
You’re not for everyone. And that’s a blessing. Be your weird, wonderful self anyway. Your people will find you.
Take the damn nap. Rest isn’t lazy, it’s sacred.
If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. Boundaries are beautiful.
Family matters, if they’re not toxic. Keep the decent weirdos close.
Love yourself. Date yourself. Learn what makes you happy and give it to yourself often. Happiness is an inside job.
Don’t let politics ruin your relationships. Those politicians don’t care about you, but your people do. Lead with love and accept differences in opinions.
The Update
I’m absolutely over the moon to share that I’m Sorry I Cremated You is officially on the shelves at one of my all-time favorite Charleston gems, Mildred Newberry! This dreamy little gift shop on Broad Street is full of magic, heart, and hands-down the best cards and gifts in town. Go visit and soak it all in…you won’t want to leave empty-handed. Huge thanks to the wonderful team at Mildred for making this dream come true!
You can also find the book at several other amazing local spots: Barnes & Noble in Mt. Pleasant, Buxton Books, Itinerant Literate, The Village Bookseller, and Main Street Reads! And hey—if there’s a bookstore in your neighborhood that needs a little cremated chaos on the shelves, I’d be honored if you requested it.
Also, some incredibly exciting news from last month…BookBub featured I’m Sorry I Cremated You as one of their top humor recommendations! That was such a huge honor for me and honestly, a total game-changer. The feature helped catapult the book right back to the top of the Amazon bestseller charts, which is just bananas in the best way. Thank you, BookBub!
And more fun ahead—I’m recording a podcast this week! I’m so excited to be a guest and dive into some great conversation. As soon as I have the air date, I’ll share all the details with you.
Thank you for being part of this wild, beautiful ride with me. I appreciate you more than words can say.
Love,
Jaclyn
Thank you for sharing your sparkle with us and inspiring others to shine!
Happy Happy Birthday!