I know it’s been a while since I sent one of these. Between August 1st and now, I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with promoting my first book and drafting my next one, so I took a break from social media in October. I’d planned to return to posting in November, but that break greatly improved my ability to focus on writing, so I decided to extend until I’m officially through my first draft. In the meantime, I’ll pass along news or updates as they become available and share as much about what’s happening with me as possible here.
One of the most important things about this break was focusing on writing as art creation instead of publishing. I understand that books are products for public consumption, but my draft is not. My draft is me throwing paint against the wall in colors that excite me. It’s me, alone in my office, figuring out who these characters are.
That’s always my advice to new writers, draft with the door closed and to please an audience of yourself. Creating with the door wide open with an eye on trends or accolades will feed every insecurity about being part of an industry that’s difficult to predict or control. So at this stage, I plan to keep it to myself and enjoy chasing those joyful colors. Fingers crossed, that joy will shine in the final product.
The Art of Scandal Updates
November has been such an amazing month for Scandal! The New York Times romance columnist recommended the book in their romance column. It was also named one of Publisher’s Weekly Best Romance Books of 2023 and an Audible Best Romance Listens of 2023. And finally, the incomparable Kennedy Ryan named Scandal one of her favorite listens of 2023.
Also, The Art of Scandal is on sale today for the lowest price I’ve ever seen for the hardcover. Not sure how long this will last, so if you’ve been waiting, now’s the time to snag a copy!
Recent and Current Reads
I don’t read nearly as much when drafting, but I’ve recently been lucky to get my hands on a few highly anticipated 2024 releases.
I recently finished Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton-Harris’s follow-up to her amazing debut that will released on May 16th of next year. It’s about four siblings who return home after their father's death to save their family's home from being sold out from under them. Terah is a dear friend of mine, and I was so excited to blurb this beautiful book. It’s quoted below:
"Terah Shelton Harris has written a viscerally human novel about what we lose and what we keep when tragedy forces us to confront the sins of the past. Long After We Are Gone dismantles the romanticized idea of southern homecomings and lays all its secrets bare through the eyes of four meticulously drawn characters wrestling with demons that threaten their quest to save their ancestral land. Gripping and haunting, this book is a stunning achievement from one of the bravest voices in contemporary Southern fiction today." ― Regina Black, author of The Art of Scandal
My current read is Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham, a sexy vacation romance that will be published on April 23, 2024. I’m loving it so far! The blurb is below, so go ahead and smash that preorder button!
Genevieve Raymond was born an overachiever. After opening a hot new hotel chain location in Panama, she’s on track for a major promotion. But first, she desperately needs a break, even if her overbearing mother doesn’t approve. For two glorious weeks, Gen’s giving herself permission to explore the beautiful beaches of Colón—and the stimulating attraction she shares with her sexy-as-hell driver, Adrián Nicolas.
After a family tragedy, Adrián's recently shifted his own focus to prioritizing the life part of a healthy work-life balance. To workaholic Gen, Adrián’s laid-back devotion to his family’s hometown hostel couldn’t be more appealing. Their long-term goals might not align, but two weeks in paradise only calls for seductive physical chemistry, and Gen and Adrián have got that, without a doubt.
But when their intimate connection flourishes beyond sunsets and spice, Gen finds herself questioning whether the career path she’s been on is even where she wants to be. With continents between them, a real relationship doesn’t feel possible. Until fate reveals their futures might be more closely woven than they thought, leaving them wondering whether a two-week fling might have what it takes to last forever.
When my physical reading slows down, my consumption of audiobooks ramps up. I have a long list of favorite listens I’m putting together for the end of the year. So keep an eye out for that in an upcoming newsletter!
That’s it for now. Hope to be in touch again soon!