Howdy, Bookish Friends! Happy Weekend! I hope this newsletter finds you safe, sound, dry, and cozy. Every Good Thing has landed in my editors’ inboxes (the Julies). They’re breaking out their red pens and getting judgy with it (in a good way). This has freed up much-needed mental space for a mega brainstorm featuring deliciously addictive plots and characters for my next books. Tehe!
First, a little surprise…
With Every Good Thing coming out soon, we decided to give its origin story a makeover so they’ll match better (and because we’re watching way too much Nate and Jeremiah, and now everything needs a refresh around here). What do you think?
Though we love One Thing Better’s original cover, it looks more like a romance and hopefully gives off sweet, butterflies-in-the-tummy vibes. 😍
The next steps for Every Good Thing:
👩🏻💻 I’ll receive feedback from my editors, do the edits, we’ll reread for tweaks, and then….
↪ OFF TO THE ARCS!
➡ Then, publication! 🥳 🍾💙 It’s listed to release on December 31st, but it’ll likely be sooner, perhaps the end of November. 🤞🏻
So, what’s the deal about being an ARC? Aw, I’m so glad you asked!
Well, ARC readers receive a FREE advanced reader copy (ebook) before publication. These early readers are CRUCIAL to the book’s success because:
✍️ ARCs provide feedback on needed changes before publication day and help us get it as close to perfect as possible.
💻 ARCs post honest reviews at all the usual places on or before release day, encouraging other readers to buy it.
🤩 ARCs build excitement by hitting social media with posts about the book. This brings in new readers and creates buzz. (P.S. If you’re not on social media, you can do the same thing by talking it up, recommending it to book clubs, and gifting it to your friends. There are many ways to create buzz.)
I’m an author in desperate need of buzz. 🐝 😏
If you aren’t on the ARC list already and want to be, email me!
P.S. I’d love to send out print books as ARCs, but the timeline and how things work with my print distributors don’t allow it.
BUT I hope to thank my ARCs with BOOK MAIL in the new year (as the budget allows). Book trophies! 🏆Bookish delights! 📚 My endless thanks! Gosh, I love my ARCs!
So, while nervously awaiting feedback, I’m working on something new!
Cue my mega brainstorm. I’m deep into the nitty gritty of outlining my next THREE BOOKS, devising some of my most unique characters yet, and coming up with all the details, from their style of clothes to their worst fears. I’m juicing my brains for more of the good stuff (that’s not weird).
If there’s something YOU want to see, now’s the time to let me know. I’ve already had a few awesome suggestions. 😉
That leads me to my newsletter’s question of the day… What do you do to get inspired? How or where does it happen? How do you brainstorm? (This doesn’t have to be about writing but any creative endeavor).
My best thinking happens in the mundane—in the shower, washing dishes, driving. Or thinking of childhood books. Sometimes, the need for ideas will prompt me to clean the house. There’s nothing like cleaning a toilet to inspire ideas for writing a bestseller. 🤣
Check out these awesome stories about inspiration…
📚 Love a great bookstore? How would you like to run one? Renting this Airbnb offers a chance to run a bookstore by day and stay upstairs at night. Oh, the ideas THAT would inspire!
💍 This couple surprised each other by proposing at the same time! Romance always inspires, right?
An idea that fueled inspiration for Every Good Thing is a simple one:
“Love needs presence.” ~ Every Good Thing
This inspired a brainstorm about what makes a good marriage and how delicate relationships can be.
My next three books are inspired by a single event and the beauty and devastation of fate bringing people into our lives and putting us on a new path. At least, that’s where the brainstorm is taking me so far—it might change. But I’m excited!
I hope you find inspiration today! If you do, let me know!
Until Next Time,
May all your bookish dreams come true!
