October 2025 Newsletter

🎃 HARVEST SUCCESS: Three books launched successfully in September
📚 BESTSELLER MOMENTUM: Paul Brodie campaigns driving strong sales
🌙 OCTOBER MAGIC: Hunter's Super moon and spooky season celebrations
🍂 MISSION FOCUS: 14 months until retirement and full-time advocacy
❤️ CORE MESSAGE: Every child deserves to know they are enough

"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." - Lauren DeStefano

Figure 2 - A Child Discovering Magic in Autumn Woods

October arrived like that moment when you realize your dreams aren't just dreams anymore—they're happening.

September exceeded every expectation. But here's what October has taught me: success isn't measured in Amazon rankings or review counts.

Real success with the books you write manifest in how readers connect with your stories and they impact them in the most wonderful of ways.

Take the recent Amazon reviews for "The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed."

One reader named Bookdragon noted the "unique feel" of this "reverse monster" story and praised the illustrations. And another reader, Susu gave it five stars, highlighting how the story "discusses tolerance and coexistence" and calling it "unique and entertaining."

And I especially appreciate readers who recognize the deeper themes. Susu also wrote: "It is an adventure book about dust bunnies and a kid who learned about each other and became friends... I liked it because it discusses tolerance and coexistence."

What a perfect way to sum up this aspect of the story which shows children that understanding and friendship can grow from the most unexpected places.

The five-star editorial review from Literary Titan Reviews was one of the best tugged-at-my-heartstrings Sally Fields "You like me, you really, really do" moments—Check out their review: https://wp.me/p3cyvH-DPm

These authentic responses prove that the divine calling from October 2021 was real.

I woke to a voice telling me to write a book about butterflies for children, which led to a zany butterfly road trip across America.

That wasn't just research; it was the first step preparing me for something bigger than I didn't understand at the time. But I do now.

With fourteen months remaining until January 1st, 2027 retirement, I'm not waiting to live my mission. Every day I wake grateful for another opportunity to get books into the hands of children who need to see, read, and think "I am enough."

Sometimes the universe plants seeds before you're ready, and with a little faith and trust, autumn's harvest arrives.

That road trip led to a manuscript that sat untouched in a laptop folder for two years. I never imagined those stories would inspire, spark imagination, and feed another person's soul. But that's what all those reviews tell me.

October also brings bittersweet reminders of those we've lost. After losing so many loved ones in 2024—my step-mother, older brother, favorite uncle, best friend, and my two little sister cats, Tiger Lilly and Dusty—October feels like a month when their presence is especially close.

I saw an online meme that made me think of my best friend who passed away last year. Sometimes when I glance out the window I spot a red cardinal that appears on a tree branch, and remember appearing red cardinals can be a sign a person you care about in heaven is stopping by to visit.

So, whenever I glance out the window, and a red cardinal appears on a tree branch, looks at me, and nods. I think, it's my best friend stopping by to say hi, watching over us from heaven, and nod back and say “Thanks.”

And it’s a wonderful reminder those we love are never forgotten and always remembered, living on in our hearts long after they've moved on to whatever's next.

"October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup." - Rainbow Rowell

"Bella Brown's Messier Than Messy Room" launched August 21st ahead of schedule and hit Amazon's paid bestseller list on September 10th. The early launch created perfect back-to-school timing and earned a Literary Titan Gold Book Award recognition.

"The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed" went live September 8th and reached bestseller status on September 21st. This reverse monster story is receiving enthusiastic responses from parents, teachers, and young readers who love its message about friendship growing from unexpected places.

"Bella Brown—Grandma's Missing Butterfly Locket" launched September 27th with a heartwarming story where Grandma Yetta telephones Bella to ask for help remembering where she last saw her precious butterfly locket during their butterfly adventures around the globe.

Paul Brodie's Bestseller Campaigns deserve full credit for these achievements. As a 21-time bestseller author who's helped 206 authors reach bestseller status, Paul's expertise drove sales beyond projections—thank you, thank you, Paul.

"Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm" launches October 1st, perfectly timed for harvest season. This third book explores how Bella's fear transforms into fascination as she discovers where honey comes from and why bees matter to our world.

School Visit Program Development accelerates as National Authors Day approaches and educator interest grows in confidence-building programs.

Holiday Planning begins for autumn festivities around the globe. Mine includes filling 70+ trick-or-treat bags with the top twenty candies trick-or-treaters love best, because nothing says Happy Halloween like little Jimmy crashed out after his sugar rush.

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

October teaches us about choosing perspectives. In a pumpkin patch, children don't see "imperfect" pumpkins; they see potential jack-o'-lanterns, pie ingredients, or simply beautiful orange globes. Here's how to cultivate that pumpkin patch perspective:

This month's practice: When facing a challenge, ask yourself: "How would I see this situation if I had everything necessary to successfully tackle and overcome this challenge?"

"I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

October gave the world literary voices who understood that being different isn't a flaw—it's a gift:

Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854-1900) - Irish playwright and novelist who celebrated wit, individuality, and the courage to be authentically yourself. His "The Happy Prince" remains a favorite fairy tale for many for its message about true beauty coming from kindness.

Ursula K. Le Guin (October 21, 1929-2018) - Science fiction and fantasy master who wrote, "We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings." Her courage to challenge systems that don't serve humanity can inspire others to question and create change.

Anne Rice (October 4, 1941-2021) - Gothic novelist who transformed how we see monsters, proving that sometimes those who seem scary are simply misunderstood—much like my own "Monster Above the Bed" story.

Dylan Thomas (October 27, 1914-1953) - Welsh poet whose "Do not go gentle into that good night" reminds us to fight for what matters, even when others don't understand our mission. I love this poem even more when Rodney Dangerfield recites it in the 1986 film "Back to School."

These October authors didn't just write stories; they championed the courage to be different, think deeply, and speak truth even when it was uncomfortable.

Speaking of ancient stories that still guide us today, October itself has deep roots in mythology and folklore.

"October seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of 1st September was crisp and golden as an apple." - J.K. Rowling

October's mythology runs deeper than decorative pumpkins and candy corn.

The Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter's darker half. Ancient peoples believed the veil between worlds was thinnest during this time, allowing communication with departed loved ones.

The jack-o'-lantern tradition comes from Irish folklore about Jack, a clever soul who tricked the Devil but was refused entry to both heaven and hell. The Devil threw him a live coal from hell's fires, which Jack placed in a hollowed turnip to light his eternal wandering. Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America, where pumpkins replaced turnips.

Celtic tradition also included divination practices using apples and hazelnuts—fruits associated with wisdom and the Otherworld.

For children, October's mythology teaches that it's natural to feel both excitement and nervousness about change, that our ancestors' stories live on through us, and that transformation can be beautiful even when it feels scary.

"Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year's end and day's beginnings." - Terri Guillemets

October brings unique mental health considerations as daylight decreases and temperatures drop. For children especially, the transition from summer's freedom to school's structure can feel overwhelming.

October is National Anti-Bullying Month, making it perfect timing to reinforce that every child is enough, exactly as they are. During school visits, I teach children the progressive "I am enough" affirmation—building from whispers to confident declarations.

Research shows creative activities, outdoor time (even brief), and gratitude practices can significantly improve emotional wellness during autumn months.

Crisis Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • For immediate danger: Call 911

Family Activity: October Fun for Everyone

"October, the extravagant sister, has left us again." - Henry Mitchell

1) Autumn Gratitude Tree

Create a large tree outline on wall or poster board. Throughout October, have family members write things they're grateful for on leaf-shaped paper in autumn colors. Watch your gratitude tree fill with beautiful reminders of abundance.

2) October Nature Science

Leaf Color Magic: Explain why leaves change colors: trees stop making green chlorophyll, revealing hidden yellow and red pigments that were there all along. Collect different colored leaves and discuss what colors are "hiding" inside.
Pumpkin Volcano: Hollow out a small pumpkin, add baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar for a spectacular eruption
Seed Counting: Count and sort pumpkin seeds, then roast them for a healthy snack

3) October Nature Detective Walk

Turn outdoor time into an adventure! October is peak monarch butterfly migration time—these amazing creatures travel up to 3,000 miles to Mexico, following ancestral routes they've never traveled before. Create a family nature journal and search for:

Monarch butterflies on warm afternoons (look for orange and black wings)
Migrating birds you don't usually see
Colorful leaves to press and identify
Animal tracks or signs of wildlife preparing for winter

Challenge: Can your family spot all four types of October wildlife in one week?

4) Celtic Apple Divination (Family-Friendly Version)

After exploring nature outdoors, bring some ancient Celtic wisdom inside! Try this tradition: have children peel apples in one long strip, then drop the peel to see what shapes or letters form. Discuss what the shapes might represent about hopes for the coming year.

5) Halloween Story Creation

Channel all that October creativity into storytelling! Help children write their own "friendly monster" stories using the perspective shift from "The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed." What if monsters are just misunderstood? What would they be afraid of?

October Apple Cinnamon Bread

Perfect for cozy autumn afternoons

Ingredients:

2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup melted butter, 2/3 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water
1 cup finely diced apples

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients, combine wet ingredients separately, fold together with apples. Bake in greased loaf pan for 60 minutes. Your home will smell like autumn magic.

October's Magical Celebrations & Cultural Awareness

Literary & Educational:

National Authors Day (November 1st approaches) - Celebrating storytellers who change lives
International School Library Month - Honoring the heart of learning
National Book Month - Perfect timing for our mission!

Cultural & Global:

Halloween (October 31st) - Transformation, imagination, and facing fears with fun
Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6) - Chinese celebration honoring the moon goddess Chang'e
Rosh Hashanah (October 3-4) - Jewish New Year, time of reflection and new beginnings
Diwali (October 20) - Festival of Lights celebrating victory of light over darkness
Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 14th) - Respecting diverse cultural wisdom

Seasonal & Fun:

World Mental Health Day (October 10th) - Supporting emotional wellness
National Dessert Day (October 14th) - Sweet treats for autumn comfort
International Artist Day (October 25th) - Celebrating creativity in all forms

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." - Emily Brontë

October is the month of transformation and courage. As we approach Halloween—a time when children embrace being different, mysterious, or magical—I'm curious:

What would you tell your younger self about the courage to be different? What wisdom would you share about standing out rather than fitting in?

Share your thoughts using #CourageToBeYou - I'll feature the most inspiring responses in November's newsletter.

"Every experience, every word written (even those you think you'll never use), shapes your unique style and voice." - J.W. Zarek

Thanksgiving gratitude practices, holiday book launches, school visit program expansion, and celebrating the progress toward our 2027 mission as we enter the final countdown months.

As October's golden light fades into November's quiet preparation, remember that every child—and every dreamer—carries seeds of their own harvest. Plant them with courage.

J.W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal bestselling co-author of "Writer's Success Secrets" and "The Happiness Code." His first three Bella Brown Books that all won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, additional Bella Brown books, The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed, Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt, and "The Devil Pulls the Strings."