Wintersβ Day In
Spilling the tea since 2006. Wanna cuppa?
Conversations on life, faith, stories, music, and creativity from author and songwriter (and aspiring mermaid) Talena Winters.
All Art Is Human Art, Part 2: The Consumer Decides the Value
A piece of art is worth exactly what someone will pay for itβno matter how much effort went into making it. Part two of a three-part series on why all art is human art, and why the βAIβ label puts a thumb on the scale before buyers can decide.
All Art is Human Art, Part 1: The Human In the Loop is Responsible
Thereβs no such thing as an AI artist, only humans using AI as a toolβand those humans are responsible for what they make. Part one of a three-part series on why all art is human art, from a career novelist and songwriter.
No Man is an Island: How Our Community Shapes Us
What shapes your worldviewβand what blinds you to it? Explore how our community helps us see the bigger picture, why isolation distorts our perspective, and why no one thrives as an island.
Everyday Heroes
Small acts of kindness, caring, and being true to yourself can change the world.
Does What I Do Matter?
In a world full of great voices, does yours matter? Reflections from a bookstore on why the small seeds we plantβin parenting, in creativity, in loveβmake a bigger difference than we think.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: How Fear Sabotages Goal-Setting (and What to Do About It)
Fear and impostor syndrome convince us we need to be "ready" before chasing our goalsβbut that's a lie. The solution? Just focus on the next step and start.
The Season of Darkness and Light
Navigating the holidays can feel like standing in the tension between darkness and light. In this post, I reflect honestly on the irony of Decemberβhow twinkly lights, parties, and celebrations can magnify our grief, loneliness, and losses and invite you to find small, intentional ways to make the season merry and brightβfor yourself and for someone who needs your light.
Defying Gravity: The Songwriting Dream Iβm Finally Chasing in 2026
Defying Gravity: How this lifelong songwriter-turned-novelist is using AI tools, hard-won creative skills, and a little Wicked-inspired courage to heal an old wound, return to music, and finally pursue a professional songwriting career in 2026.
Donβt Just Sit There: Risk Something
Feeling stuck? Discover why taking smart risks can lead to growth, courage, and a life worth livingβand how small steps outside your comfort zone can change everything.
Plus, a sneak preview of my new book!
The Power of No: How Boundaries Create a Better Yes
Learn how the power of no can bring peace, balance, and purpose by helping you say yes to the thingsβand peopleβthat matter most.
The Power of Perseverance
The daily work of achieving our dreams may not be sexy, but itβs the only way to get it done. A pep talk for anyone struggling to stay the course right now.
Become the Hero: How to Rewrite the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Iβve been thinking a lot about the lies we tell ourselvesβthe stories that shape our lives, often without us realizing it. In this post, Iβm exploring how these stories work in fiction (and real life), how to spot the ones holding us back, and how we can choose to rewrite them. Itβs about becoming the hero of your own storyβon purpose.
Not There Yet: The Ten-Year Post I Didnβt Write
Ten years after losing my son, I thought I'd have something profound to say about healing and hope. But grief doesnβt follow schedulesβor meet deadlines. In this post, I share where I really am in the journey, how itβs shaping my creative work, and why thatβs okay.
Together Again: How I Fell Back in Love with Songwriting
How I gave up my lifelong dream of being a professional songwriter, and how itβs found me in another formβand why that means youβll have new music to listen to, starting today.
Flight to Neverland: Why We Love Peter Pan
Iβve loved Peter Pan in all his forms for as long as I can remember, and my kids have caught the Neverland bug too. This post is a celebration of the storyβs enduring magic, the lessons it teaches us, and why growing up doesnβt have to mean letting go of wonder.