Hello friends! Here’s a preview of today’s post, because it’s a smorgasbord and I like previews of smorgasbords and you probably do, too.
Double Alchemy celebration and tiny gift for you
books I’m reading
links I found interesting
It’s been almost 2 months since Double Alchemy made its debut into the world, which is blowing my mind. At one point my little book reached number 154 in fairy tales on Amazon, which I’m pretty sure is the highest a book of mine has ever climbed. And just this week I discovered that not only has the library app Hoopla purchased six copies of Double Alchemy, but three of my ebooks are available at my local library system! And I didn’t even put them there!
I feel like I have a fairy godmother…
It’s far too easy for me to rush past the fact that I published a book. Another one. I’m fulfilling little me’s wildest dreams. And I couldn’t have done it without you. As an indie author, every time you read my newsletter, spread the word about my writing, read my book, recommend my book, etc–these actions are worth more than gold to me.
As a tiny gift for you, I’ve created a phone wallpaper with the aesthetic of the fey kingdom of Clear Star. It looks like this:
If you’ve read DA, you’ll recognize our friend the whale, who makes a brief appearance in on scene. Petition to give her a bigger role in the next book?
If you’d like one for your phone, hit reply to this email and I can send you the file, as I can’t do it here. There’s an option that doesn’t include the text and decoration at the bottom, stock photos only, so be sure to let me know which one you’d like!
And here’s the reminder writers grit their teeth and share (because we don’t want to be a nuisance but it’s a necessity):If you’ve read Double Alchemy and haven’t left a review yet, would you please do so on Goodreads, Amazon, or both? Thank you!
Books I’m reading
I’m in a weird mood where a novel hasn’t grabbed my attention yet. Instead I’m reading a few shorter works and anthologies.
I finally got a hold of bell hook’s Appalachian Elegy. I’ve been wanting to read her work and didn’t even know she grew up in Kentucky, which is considered part of the region I now live in and want to explore more of, culturally and literally. No matter where you live, bell hook’s work is a must read for anyone who loves poetry, especially about place, people, and oft-overlooked or silenced history.
The Faery Reel appeared in my hands by magic. Ok, I was shelving books at work and it was on the cart, but finding a book you’ve wanted for $4 feels like magic, right? I love anthologies because they offer so much variety.
Speaking of variety, I love the tidbits in Ruth Binney’s book Plant Lore and Legend. I may not have a green thumb, but I adore plants and their stories. Plant lore, real and imagined, will always find its way into my books (as it did in A Land of Light and Shadow).
Links
~Bold Journey is an online magazine which interviews people on a number of topics based on a nomination system. My lovely editor nominated me, and BJ published the interview where I talk about autistic burnout and my writing. You can read it here.
~Kaitlin Curtis’s series on publishing looks at sustainability through a seasonal lens. She has so much wisdom and her perspective is invaluable. This post especially resonated.
~Kandi Zeller writes about creative spiritual practices with so much joy, color and neurodiverse goodness. Her recent post about Ostara offered some beautiful resources for celebrating the wheel of the year.