POV: It's your debut novel's release month

“The next book release will be easier,” my husband says. “You only release your debut novel once. Try to enjoy it.” (He’s honestly the best. And he’s right).

And I am enjoying it. I promise. Every day gets a tiny bit closer (19 days but who’s counting??) to THE GREAT TREE OF IRIS being out in the world, I get a little more thrilled and a little more discombobulated. And with the world on fire every day, I think it’s normal to feel a lot of feelings (I’m paraphrasing Icarion, a character from my book, here—wonder why I wrote that? Maybe I was trying to tell myself something?)!

Just like many other authors, I have another job (mine is full-time), a family that consists of my fabulous husband and adorable cat, a social life including two hobby communities I’m dedicated to staying in (quilting and poetry), and time that I want to write for fun, or work on the next thing (and luckily, I have been! More “Pirate Princess” news to come in 2026!) So my life is spiraling in a thousand directions, and again, the world is on fire, and this Enormous Thing is happening that I’ve only dreamed about since I was about six years old. I’m publishing a book!

Recently, in a chat with my therapist, I realized I’ve been nonstop almost every day working on production of this book (not the writing—just the getting-it-into-the-world part) since March… but I also started querying agents last summer. So now it’s been over a year of giving the business side of the book my attention every day. And I’m beat. I’m making an intentional effort over November, December, and January to rest, though yes, I will need to market my book, and that does take a lot of time. And I own a business now, and it’s amazing, but I need an intentional rest.

I’m going to keep editing Pirate Princess during that time. I’m so excited, as it’s taken a huge step back these last few months.

And… I am going to be sharing some big news here in Nov. or Dec. (once I get the packages I’m waiting for)—an author dream came true for me this month, and it makes me really excited for 2026. Come back soon and see. 👀😊

So all that to say, thanks for sticking with me. Some people have expressed concern, and I promise, I’m doing all right. It’s up and down. One day and a time. And it’s almost time to celebrate!! (and rest!)

-The preorder campaign is in full swing, and so far we’re at just around 75 between signed paperbacks and eBooks! I’m honored and thrilled that so many people are excited about the book! I will not be doing direct sales year round (just at limited local events) but otherwise this is your chance to get the stickers, bookmark, and art print with your signed copy.

-To everyone who has ordered already, who has been spreading the word: thank you. As an indie author with no previous books, it can be difficult to reach readers when there are SO MANY AMAZING BOOKS out there! If you enjoy the book, please share with your fantasy-loving friends and take a moment to review—even just a sentence is great!

-My first book event ever is at Easton Farmer’s Market for the Local Author Meet and Greet in Easton, PA on Saturday, October 18 from 9-1! Catch me selling The Great Tree of Iris and come say hi if you’re local! I would LOVE to see you and give you a bookmark.

-Don’t forget—you’re invited to my Book Launch Party on Saturday 10/25 in Flemington NJ!!

-Finally, from time to time I’ll be sharing books from other authors that you may enjoy (we each take a moment to share with our newsletter subscribers)!

Have you ever wanted to read a romantic fantasy featuring a millennial heroine who defines her own destiny? If so, Legend of Mist and Blade is perfect for you. LOM&B follows 35-year-old Gwen McMillan as her centuries-old family secret becomes her very big problem. Tasked with keeping King Arthur's famous sword Excalibur safe, she suddenly finds herself in the magical realm of Avalon and in front of King Arthur and his people. Can she help them survive an imminent invasion by the fae king Mordred? Or will her dreams of love burn along with everyone she grows to care about? LoM&B is filled with adventure, humor, and relatable, diverse characters, making it the perfect book for readers who like fast paced fantasy action balanced with swoon-worthy romance. Start your quest on Kindle Unlimited or at any major bookstore. 

Watching: We’re just wrapping up our fifth? sixth? rewatch of Schitt’s Creek. The Cabaret episode is one of my favorite episodes of TV ever, and it’s just been a joy to watch it all again. Definitely a comfort show around here.

Listening: “Hello My Old Heart” by The Oh Hellos. It’s a song I found late in the game that defines Lia and Rory’s relationship in The Great Tree of Iris…

Reading: I finished Katabasis by RF Kuang and my jaw dropped in awe. It was much more horrific than I had expected (I guess, they were in the pits of Hell, what was I expecting), but it’s one of those books that will stick with me. I loved the ending too, and all the Tolkien references. 😍

I just started Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir which is apparently required reading for fantasy and… consider me hooked.

Below, I caught Amber chilling by the window and my book (top shelf here!) and she clearly didn’t want me to come over there any time soon… but we’ll see you in just three weeks for release day! CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE?

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