This Isn't a Sappy New Year's Email
But it does include a discount sale on books!
I don’t know about y’all, but somewhere between a global pandemic and the general horrors of late stage capitalism, I sort of ran out of fudge to give. (Censored because my momma reads this, but y’all know what I’m talking about.)
This new year, the only resolution I’m making is a goal to bake more biscuits. Which is very fortunate, as my son’s resolution is to eat more biscuits. I’ve already bought the buttermilk. And the “word” I’m picking for 2024?
It seems fitting.
So, anyway, none of the regular hoopla for the new years. I’m approaching 2024 as if it’s a wild bear, by which I mean I shall attempt not to spook it, and if I do, I shall scream and flail my arms and run away. This metaphor is perhaps not apt, but you get the picture.
This is also a friendly reminder that while everyone may be making resolutions to work and do more, it’s also fine if your resolution is to eat biscuits, and it’s also fine if your resolution is made in February or November or never. There are no rules.
All that said, I am anticipating a BUSY year, resolutions or not, for which I am very, very grateful. 2023 saw me reach some creative and career highs, and Night of the Witch did a lot to restore faith in publishing, in writing, and in myself. Remind me to tell you about 2022, the year in which I wrote four whole-ass novels, none of which sold. Wait, I just told you about it. Let me also add that books take (at least) months (but more often a year+) to write, and when they don’t sell, that’s years where I don’t see a paycheck. At all. Anyway, in 2024, I am going to have at least five whole-ass books published, so it’s really awesome to be at the top of the wheel of fate rather than the bottom. (I have not spoken much about all this, mostly because luck is also a bear I don’t want to startle in the woods, and I absolutely do not want to jinx any of this, as I dearly love all these projects.)
I cannot speak about everything coming out next year, but it’s all happening at the end of the year. Currently, my schedule is two novellas coming in Fall 2024, The Fate of Magic (sequel to Night of the Witch) coming Oct. 1, 2024, Darkness Fills the Void finishing in December 2024, and my first picture book happening sometime at the end of the year. And I’m working hard to add two more to the fray, although that may spill over into 2025, which is, remarkably, a real year??? We’re almost a quarter into the new century that most definitely just started???
Anyway! Big plans! But also tossing some salt over my shoulder and not spooking any bears! But also, also, more biscuits to make!
Books in 2024
So…yeah. I currently have five books scheduled to be released this year. But that’s after a few dry years, a few trials and errors, and a lot of planning and strings woven together. I’m also so very hesitant to count any chickens before they’re hatched.
A few things I can talk about now:
The Fate of Magic is officially done on my and Sara’s end! And I am so thrilled about how this book has turned out, especially the end. Let me give you a sneaky peek of one of the fun places we researched…there’s another medieval road trip for Otto and Fritzi! Also, it’s so darn weird how there seems to only ever be one bed in the inns in medieva Germany…so strange!
You can preorder now—here’s the link to Malaprops, my local indie, where I sign any book you want me to sign! I’m thinking my next newsletter is going to have a certain fancy cover reveal, so make sure you don’t miss it!
Also, as I mentioned in my last newsletter, Darkness Fills the Void is a horror YA novel that’s all about friend break ups and also malevolent spirits that haunt the local bookstore. (Fun fact: I named the bookstore Apropos Books, a nod to Malaprops!)
Darkness Fills the Void is serialized on my Patreon right now, and thanks to the support of my patrons, I can afford to do something really, really cool: add in photographic evidence. I wanted to play with the idea of what’s real and what’s not, and I wanted that to be something readers can experiene, too. So, to that end, every month will feaure an image of some sort that may or may not contain evidence of a haunting. You get the same info the main character does, and you can decide for yourself. The first piece of evidence comes with the resumes of the two teens who apply for a summer job at my fictional Apropos Books store:
There’s a clue about the story hidden in this image…but is it proof of the beginning of a haunting? Time will tell! You can join the fun on Patreon now—five chapters are available currently. I’ll be cross posting to Amazon’s Kindle Vella program soon, but that program doesn’t support the photograph evidence that Patreon will have each month.
For the Writers
Just because I refuse to make any resolutions this year (aside from biscuits), that doesn’t mean y’all aren’t, and if one of your resolutions is about writing, let me offer you a few things.
First! The Paper Hearts books are on sale, right now! I’ve made all the ebook versions 99c (and this should reflect in all countries, not just America).
Books are helpful! At least, I hope so. Grab this limited time sale deal here!
But if you want a hands-on experience to really jumpstart your writing for the year, join me in New Orleans for a new Wordsmith writing retreat!
All of our retreats are a blend of learning, community, and critiques. You’ll get the chance to write alongside Cristin and me + a bunch of new writer friends, eat homemade buttermilk biscuits and jambalaya, and spend a day in downtown New Orleans, where you’ll have a chance to apply some of what you learn at the retreat (or visit some cool graves or get a palm reading, up to you!).
Our writing retreats are truly a ton of fun mixed in with the best kind of work, so definitely check us out!
Speaking of things for writers… I’ve been spending a lot of time lately doing some heavy duty critiques and book coaching. I’ve done this mostly through Patreon and Wordsmith, but I’m going to open up some more slots soon, likely in the spring. If you’re curious about coaching or unsure of what the value of a critique is, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask—comments, email, or social media is open! I’m developing a new website just for coaching and critiques, so knowing the sorts of questions you may have is really helpful.
What I’m Working on Now
House of Hex edits; paperback and ebook is slightly delayed after other projects got in the way.
Darkness Fills the Void: YA horror novel set in Western North Carolina. Currently only available to Patreons.
YA Fantasy proposal: with agents
Adult science fiction project: sold. More info on this soon!
The Fate of Magic: done, coming Fall 2024
Don’t Die: A choose-your-path story game with one goal. Don’t die. Completed!
Adult fantasy novel: at around 70,000 words, on hold for other projects.
Side gigs!
Weekly posts and videos about writing at Patreon
SNHU as an online adjunct in the MFA writing program
Accepting critique and coaching jobs with Wordsmith Workshops—in addition to doing Word Lab! Also, we’re starting live and in person retreats again!
Actively doing in-person school, library, and book fair events—book me for panels, signings, and workshops for both adults and teens on writing! If you’d like to get an idea of some of the programming I do, I describe it a bit here.
Happy 2024! Such fun stuff - and I’m excited for January Word Lab! 💫🤘🏽🖤
I got the Biblical promise. 😉 I'm excited for the YA Horror. Sounds fascinating.