Finishing up Belle: Beta Reader Feedback

The beta reader feedback for Belle Dame Sans Merci is pouring in. It's amazing! So many kind friends volunteered to read it and answer all my crazy questions. I'll be making edits to the manuscript today and reviewing it with my copy editor soon. 

A room full of boxes (my life now), and Casper trying to make a getaway.

I've encountered delays on publishing, which is a little sad. I want to get this book out there! But the reason for the delay was actually awesome: my husband Tim and I found our dream home in late January. As anyone can tell you, the inspections, paperwork and closing on a new house is exhausting. Then there's moving in and cleaning out the old house. Even though we moved in about three weeks ago, we still have boxes in several rooms of the new house.

One of my bookcases before and after the move. I still haven't unpacked my books. :(

Although Belle has had some delays, things have stabilized and I'm more determined than ever to complete the book by the end of the month. Thanks for hanging in there -- I truly appreciate and love your patience. I'll be in touch soon with a publication date and we can all have a little party. <3 <3 And then, I'll unpack my books. Cheers! 

Moving and Belle Update

Hello friends. I recently moved from a tiny, cramped house into a spacious new one, and I'm thrilled to say I now have my own writing room -- with a door! How did I write before this?!

My new writing space is not much to look at right now, but it's coming along. I'll feel better when my favorite books are unpacked and I have more art on the walls. 

But for now, I have candles and incense burning, a string of flickering orange lights, and a comfy pillow on my writing chair. The only thing missing is my kittycat Casper. 

I just received beta reader feedback for Belle Dame Sans Merci, and I'm thrilled to learn people love it! My betas pointed out some small loopholes that can be fixed with a couple of extra sentences. I'm so honored to work with such dedicated friends and reviewers. Belle should be out later this month, although I don't have a date yet. Hang tight -- I'll have a big post when she arrives.

It's freezing here in Ohio. A little space heater is running by my feet, but it doesn't make up for the contrast of biting-cold wind and my longing to walk in the forest and feel the sun shine on my face. In any case, I hope you are happy and snug. And remember, spring will come again. It always does. 

Belle Dame Sans Merci: Ideas and Inspiration Video

I decided to make a video for my forthcoming YA fantasy novel, Belle Dame Sans Merci. If you've ever wondered about the strange workings of my mind, you can see a fraction of it here.

It was really fun to put this together, to pick the music and the pictures, and really gives a sense of the book's tone as well. I'm really looking forward to when it comes out later this month or early April. 

Let me know what you think, or if you have any questions. I love talking about my work, and this is my favorite project so far. 

I'll be doing another video for the first chapter. I'll make a post here, or you can subscribe to my youtube channel if you want to see more. 

Until then. 
❤