Better late than never, I suppose.
Today I’m typing to you from Spanish Fort, Alabama. Surprise! Moving is always incredibly stressful, so I won’t apologize for the lack of an April or early May newsletter; it’s been hectic. I haven’t been able to write much until this past week, either, so there wouldn’t have been much to share anyway.
Now I’ve got updates!
The stunning illustration you see heading this post is a sneak peek from my cover artist for Half Moon Bay, E. M. Lawrence. I was incredibly lucky to get her and still scream internally every time we email back and forth to make sure the commission is to both of our satisfaction. Only a week or so left until I receive final files and can submit it for layout, design and typography! I simply cannot express to you how excited I am to see it done.
In fact, I found the art so inspiring that I finished the first draft in a matter of days. It’s currently with my cherished beta reader and I’m already brainstorming the first round of edits to tackle along with their feedback.
I’m planning for an August 2nd release for Half Moon Bay, followed by a September 1st release for Schattengeist: A Gothic Romance. In the meantime I’ll be working on my new WIP… Being back in the South and enjoying the frequent rainy weather reset my imagination, it seems. Gothic writer to the pit of my soul. My sole complaint about Colorado was there was too much sun.
Black Magnolias (WIP) is a Southern Gothic fantasy horror featuring a brooding sapphic affair meant to rip your heart out. There are no heroes here – only villains – and the plot might best be described as jumping out of the frying pan into the paranormal fire. If you’ve read and enjoyed the likes of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Jane Eyre (but make it sapphic) and the Victorian haunting vibes of The Woman in Black, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for this one. I intend to make it a veritable smorgasbord of paranormal lore and lovestruck obsession and morbid thoughts of impending doom, so it may not be ready for publication until a year from now. I promise it will be worth the wait.
On a more personal note, I intend to welcome a new little one into our new home this week! Princess Cirilla the jumping spiderling will be on her way shortly. Her little habitat is all ready including several ceiling-bound walnuts for her nests, things to climb on, and things to hide in. I can’t wait to become a proud spoody mamma. Stay tuned for photo sessions with Ciri (if my phone camera suffices for them)!
