Dalea’s Blog.

Step into a realm where storytelling, creativity, and soul meet.

On this blog, you’ll find behind-the-scenes insights from my books and movies—including The Christmas Witch, Lost in Time, and the ever-expanding Amberlight Valley universe. I share writing tips, character deep dives, world-building secrets, personal reflections on creativity and healing, and updates on film festival journeys and screenplay adaptations. Expect cozy magic, mythic themes, seasonal rituals, and musings on what it means to be a neurodivergent creative navigating life with heart.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, dreamer, or filmmaker, there’s a spark here for you.

Neurodivergence, Self-Care, Life Lessons Dalea Faulkner Neurodivergence, Self-Care, Life Lessons Dalea Faulkner

The Joy Box: Rest, Ritual, and the Art of Creative Recovery

After every creative storm comes the quiet. A space that asks not for output, but for softness. I’ve learned the hard way that rest isn’t a reward; it’s part of the art itself. The body knows when it’s time to exhale, even when the mind still wants to sprint.

The week after filming always feels like the in-between of worlds… too full of echoes to be silent, too quiet to be loud. There’s also a special kind of fatigue that comes after pouring your whole soul into a story. It’s equal parts joy and ache. This time, instead of rushing to the next thing, I decided to treat recovery like another creative ritual… one made of slow mornings, cups of tea, and small acts of gentleness.

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Favorites, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner Favorites, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner

Amberlight Valley Favorites: Posh & Polished

The first time I watched Legally Blonde, I knew two things:

  1. I wanted a bend-and-snap moment someday.

  2. I needed a go-to nail girl in my life.

Years ago, I met Jamie when she was working in another salon. Even back then, her work stood out, and I adored every appointment I had with her. Fast forward to today, and Jamie is the proud owner of Posh & Polished, a women-owned salon right here in Lakeside.

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Apothecary, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner Apothecary, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner

From the Amberlight Apothecary: Hygge & Essential Oils — Cozy Rituals for the Heart & Home

There’s a word I keep coming back to whenever I think about creating warmth, connection, and comfort in my home: Hygge (pronounced HEW-gə or HOO-gə). This little word—born of Norwegian and Danish roots—doesn’t just mean “cozy.” It speaks to a whole way of being. Hygge is about leaning into the small rituals that make us feel safe, held, and content: candlelight glowing in the evening, a pot of tea shared with a friend, a blanket tucked around your shoulders on a stormy night. It’s not about perfection or grand gestures—it’s about savoring the ordinary moments that make life feel soft around the edges.

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Writing, Neurodivergence, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner Writing, Neurodivergence, Self-Care Dalea Faulkner

Writing on Empty: How I Create When I Feel Everything and Nothing at Once

There are seasons when writing feels like flying. And there are seasons when writing feels like clawing your way through fog. This post is for the latter. Whether you’re navigating burnout, low energy, high sensitivity, emotional overload, or just the foggy numbness that sometimes rolls in unannounced… this is how I write when it feels like I can’t.

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