Life & Writing
I’m going to be so real with you for a minute. I’m not a fan of the holidays. I’m always mad at Christmas for overshadowing Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving in Texas is frequently hot, so I’m not in the spirit at all. Adding my grandfather’s passing this month, I have three relatives that have passed in November and one in December. So I do my best to get through with as much holiday spirit as I can muster. That said, I do enjoy the traditions we create in our nuclear family and I choose to focus on that.
I know so many people who get seasonal depression around this time, whether that’s brought on by finances, family struggles, or any other number of reasons. I hope you know that whatever you feel this season is valid, and it’s okay to take time you need for yourself.
On a brighter note, the Untamed first draft is COMPLETE! My wonderful alpha readers received the last few chapters over the weekend and I’m excited to dive into all of their feedback after some time away from the manuscript. But as a mini celebration, and just because I have a hard time keeping a lid on things, today I shared the tropes and a little teaser of the cover!!
If you’re interested in participating in the cover reveal, feel free to email or DM me!
While I let Untamed rest, I’ll be turning my attention to the Bull Creek series again, as I work on the manuscript for book two, Liv and Shane’s story!! Right now, I believe this will be the most straight forward, low angst of my books so far. That said, these characters have a way of flipping the script on me, so only time will tell!
I’ll also be working on the manuscript for A Love Not Forgotten, which is my book in the Garden of Desires collaboration. If you missed previous details on this one, the collaboration is a group of eight authors writing books that are only connected by one central theme: flowers. A Love Not Forgotten features the forget-me-not. It’s a small town, second chance romance with a heavy dose of childhood friends to lover.
It’s the first book I’ve written in dual timeline, which seemed a little daunting at first, but I’m really loving how it’s going so far.
Shopping Season
Whether you celebrate Christmas or another holiday this season, it feels like shopping is on everyone’s brain. I wanted to share a few neat small businesses that I’ve come across, in case you’re looking for some bookish items for your own wish list or to snag for a friend. (I’m not getting any kind of kickback for sharing these. In fact, they don’t even know. I just think they’re fun and enjoy sharing about others in the book community.)
The first is Upcycle Bookcycle. All of their items are made from recycled book items, which basically involves my two favorite things. I also have an obsession with ornaments. When I was little, my stepmom at the time would gift each child in the family an ornament each year. This way, when we moved out on our own, we’d already have a set. It’s something I’ve carried on with my own kids and is honestly so fun. So the idea of these little bookish ornaments is kind of a no brainer!
Pine + Paper Studio features bookish accessories that are handmade by the owner. There are headbands, kindle sleeves, scrunchies and more. Plus, stickers, because honestly what bookish store is complete without them! I may have a problem with those, too!
You can also check The Book Sisters Shop! They have gorgeous reading trackers and yes, I have two in my cart.
Plus, don’t forget The Crafty Bookstore for advent calendars and other really cool bookish accessories, and The Indie Match Bookshop for blind dates with a book and book boxes. She also has double blind dates with a book, which I’ve personally never seen before!
Upcoming Events
Quick update on my events through the end of the year and into next year. This includes virtual and in-person events. I’ll be adding to this list (hopefully!) but some require planning ahead so I’m getting details to you as soon as I can!
December
12 Days of Bookmas with Stacey Lynn Hafner (Facebook) - She is a fellow author attending Flirty in Kansas City with me, so check her out if you’re in the market for more romance reads— especially if you’re coming to see us!
Eliza Rockwood Christmas Party December 21st/22nd (Facebook) - This is a huge event with a ton of giveaways from so many romance authors. You really don’t want to miss it. I’ll be sharing more details soon, but add it to your calendar!
Podcast with The Original Book Nerd - I don’t have the exact date for when this will drop yet, but this is my second time chatting books with The Original Book Nerd, who you can find on both TikTok and Instagram.
January
January 10th - Live on Discord with One More Chapter Book Club (They have some really cool happenings over there, so aside from me joining, you should totally check them out. There are a ton of other authors featured as well.)
February
June
Virtual Shelf Event June 27th & 28th - This event was rescheduled from this summer and I’m so excited for it. It’s a virtual event featuring all romance authors (this time). The mission is to provide access to author signings for all people, regardless of disabilities or financial limitations, so the tickets are low-priced and all signings and panels will occur on Zoom. It will be a preorder only event. Once I have more details, I’ll share and get the preorder setup.
October
Books & Bourbon Spooky Soiree October 23rd/24th - This event was rescheduled from this year. Honestly, there’s a ball, a distillery tour and tasting, and some really fun things going on over the weekend. I can’t wait for this event and I’d love to see you there! Tickets are on sale. Make sure to use code: earlybird before November 28th to get 10% off!
*The preorder for Rage Is My Love Language is prior to the other books. This limited edition book is going out of print in December. If you want an anthology full of feminine rage, sapphic romance, and revenge, that supports The Trevor Project, you need to jump on this one soon.
Reminders & Updates
Don’t forget! Today is the last day to download A Penny For Your Thoughts if you’re a Kindle Unlimited reader who hasn’t had the chance to read it yet. After today, the e-book will be going wide. If you haven’t already requested my books through your library service, make sure to do so! They’re all available, you may just need to let libraries know you want them.
XOXO, Amanda