This write-up is a direct repeat of the podcast audio for those who prefer to read. Whether you choose to listen or read, the content is the same—so go with what works best for you!
Welcome back!
Hey, hey friends,
As we step into 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect, share where we’ve been, and talk about what’s next for this mission. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the community, this post is for you—a behind-the-scenes look at the rebuilding process, some exciting updates, and how you can engage with Reading to Connect moving forward.
The Work of Rebuilding
Rebuilding Reading to Connect has been a journey. When I stepped away for personal reasons, it meant putting some things on hold, including submissions, podcast planning, and other parts of the mission. Coming back, I knew rebuilding wouldn’t just mean picking up where I left off—it would mean refocusing and realigning everything with our new vision.
For my authors listening, think about when you’re writing a book. It’s so much easier to say yes to ideas that come fully formed and clearly align with your vision. But when something isn’t an obvious fit, it takes time and research to figure out where it belongs.
That’s how my return to the mission has felt—head down, focused on finishing The ENGAGE Method course, and only popping up for things that were an easy yes. Now that the course is done, I can finally look up and start revisiting submissions and opportunities I had to pause.
Some will still fit beautifully, while others may no longer align with our focus. And that’s okay. It’s not about the value of the work—it’s about ensuring that everything we present deeply resonates with the families we aim to serve.
To everyone who’s waited patiently—thank you. Your understanding means the world to me.
Why The ENGAGE Method Matters
Let’s talk about The ENGAGE Method.
This course is something I’ve been working on for a long time. It’s a step-by-step guide to something we’ve been talking about for years: how to use books as tools for connection.
When I started this work, I noticed a gap. There are so many wonderful resources about what to read, and some touch briefly on how. Maybe a page or chapter here or there covers it, but not in enough depth. Families still had questions.
That’s the gap The ENGAGE Method fills.
Think about it like cooking. Giving someone a book and saying, "Read it," is like handing them a recipe and expecting them to create a five-star meal without showing them how to cook. Sure, the recipe might look amazing, but will your family—your child—experience the fullness of what that dish has to offer?
It’s not just about having the recipe; it’s about knowing how to measure, how to time it, how to bring out the flavors that make the meal unforgettable. When you teach someone how to use the recipe, you help them create something truly nourishing. That’s what The ENGAGE Method does for books. It’s the "how" behind the magic.
This course takes families on a journey beyond the book itself. It’s not a "read this book" course—it’s a "here’s how to connect using books that align with your family" course. My hope is that it transforms reading time into something much deeper—a legacy of connection and shared joy that strengthens families for years to come.
And I’m so excited to share this with more of you in 2025.
Why Author Services Ended
Now, I want to take a moment to reflect on why I stepped away from offering author services.
Working directly with authors was such a rewarding experience, and I gained so much from it. Many authors were struggling with a question I kept hearing: How do I help families connect with my book? Not just read it, but connect in a way that makes the book a treasured part of their bookshelf—something they return to again and again.
And that’s when it hit me: this is how the recipe becomes part of your family’s recipe book. Clear instruction on how to use the tools provided to bring out the fullness of the dish—that book.
Stepping away from author services allowed me to focus on creating something even more impactful for both families and authors: a framework that shows how to make those connections happen.
For authors wondering what’s in it for them, this is it: a way to ensure your book becomes a meaningful, lasting part of the families who read it. And for the families, it’s a way to make every book a deeper experience of connection.
What’s Next in 2025
Looking ahead, here’s how Reading to Connect is evolving:
Reading To Connect Episodes
We’ll continue featuring authors, educators, and specialists whose work aligns deeply with our mission. This year, we’ll also be looking to hear from parents like you, sharing their own stories about the power of reading to connect in their homes.Substack Engagement
Substack is now our home base for the show. Whether you’re here for free episodes or want to dive deeper into exclusive shared reading reflections for $5/month, there’s a place for you.Visit the About page on Substack to apply for the podcast or participate in discussions.
Facebook Group Opportunities
Check out the Guides section for ways to go live or even take over the group to share your work. Community collaboration is key, and I want to see more of your voices in 2025.
Closing with Gratitude and a Question
Before I go, I want to leave you with something to reflect on as we step into the new year. My word for 2025 is peace.
For me, peace means inviting more time for connection and less time for distraction. It’s about creating space to truly be present—with my family, my work, and myself.
So, what’s your word for the year? Or what theme or intention are you bringing into this new chapter?
Feel free to reply to this post, leave a comment, or share your thoughts in the Facebook group. Let’s start a conversation about how we can all grow together this year.
And a special thank you to author, June Akers, for letting me know about the issue with The 5 Simple Shifts to Reimagine Reading guide. If you’ve had trouble accessing it before, it’s fixed now, and you can find it below:
Because this post is public, I’m unable to drop a direct link as I did the other day for subscribed readers. If you need help finding it in the previous email, feel free to reach out! It’s also pinned as a featured post in the Facebook Community, so you can find it there as well.
Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and shared reading magic.
Talk soon,
Quinn
Happy New Year!
P.S. Extra special thank you to author June Akers. Check out more of her work here: https://juneakers.com/
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