Release Date and Barbie Shenanigans
Happy almost end of July! For many people, the end of summer means last minute vacations and buying school supplies, and if you’re in the South like me, it also means avoiding the outdoors as much as possible. Friends, it is hot, and I am beyond tired of it. The kind of heat we’re experiencing here in Texas changes your whole mood once you take one step outside. And even though I’ve lived here my entire life, I’m surprised every single summer when this happens. Because surely this can’t be the same heat I grew up on?! I long to be that writer who posts up in their backyard, writing against a backdrop of wind chimes and bird song, all peaceful and relaxing. If I try that mess now, I’m likely to have a medical emergency.
Sorry for the weather rant. Here is a picture of my pup to make up for it!(FTR, she’s tired of this weather too, and maybe a little tired of our sh**)
BOOK UPDATES
I am thrilled to share that we’re just short of nine months for release day of April 9, 2024, and The Kiss Countdown is available for pre-order! This journey to publishing has been a rollercoaster of emotions and self-doubt and hours upon hours of editing, but I got the biggest rush of emotion when I saw my babies on the Penguin Random House site, and I can’t wait to see Amerie and Vincent out in the world!
You can also request The Kiss Countdown on Netgalley and Edelweiss, and show support by marking as “Want To Read” on Goodreads.
Barbie Gworls
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but this past weekend, my daughters and I made a mini Amerie and Vincent using some of their dolls. I actually have a couple of Barbie jokes in The Kiss Countdown (which were written before I knew about the movie), so I thought making these versions of my characters were especially warranted, and just plain fun.
My daughters did a fantastic job, and even came up with their own storyline that involves a big wedding, since it will be YEARS before they ever get to read any of my writing!
What I’m reading:
By book;
Just finished: HANNAH TATE, BEYOND REPAIR by Laura Piper Lee. I was fortunate enough to read get an arc of this story, and found it equal parts hilarious, heart wrenching, and sexy. I loved how I could relate to Hannah trying to adjust to life as a new mom without losing herself, and I especially loved the romance between her and River. When it comes out February 2024, y’all will want to get your hands all over this amazing debut, then report to me so we can chat about it together!
On my shelf now: YOU’VE BEEN SERVED by Kristen Alicia. First off, it’s comp’d to Legally Blonde, so I knew I’d be in for a fun ride! And so far, I’m loving being in our heroine, Simone’s head, as she lets a magic 8 ball decide her fate.
By audiobook;
Just finished: MUSE OF NIGHTMARES by Laini Taylor. This duology that started with Strange the Dreamer was so good! While I enjoyed the romance, I really loved how the characters were flawed. As the book shows, even the “good ones” are capable of evil.
In my ear now: ONE SUMMER IN SAVANNAH by Terah Shelton Harris. I’ve been excited to start this for months and am absolutely loving Terah’s beautiful writing and gripping storyline. This one is heavy, so check for potential triggers, but I’m captivated.
What’s Next?
August in my birthday month! I’ll celebrate with new books like Regina Black’s THE ART OF SCANDAL, and tacos! I’ll also be drafting. I was fortunate enough to sign with Berkley in a two-book deal, and I’m already headlong into Book 2. It’s my goal to have a clean draft by November, which kind of feels like a monumental task, but I believe I can do it. These new characters are speaking to me more and more every day, and I’ll be glad when the time comes to introduce them to the world. But first, I’ve got to get through my debut year!