New Author Logo and Spring Book Signings!

In my first year as an author and small business owner, I’ve discovered and learned so much, like how there’s always something else to do. I’m trying to be better at pacing myself and “smelling the roses.” I’m trying to take whatever time I need.

That freedom, honestly, is one of my favorite parts of being self-published. No publisher is setting my deadlines. At the same time, guess who has to create the deadlines? BUT, I also have the power to change them.

Could I have put out my second book this year (putting me on a one-book-a-year schedule)? Yes. Did I want that? No. So Pirate Princess (come back for the title reveal in May, fingers crossed) will be published in spring 2027. What’s a few more months? I’ll be more prepared, because now I know how all-consuming a book launch can be.

Otherwise, one thing that’s been on my to-do list for a long time is to get an official author logo designed for my website and event table runner. Whenever you’re commissioning art as an indie author, you have to do a ton of research, talk to other authors, etc. Luckily, I found Insta-Love Graphic Design, who took all the things about my brand and designed these gorgeous logos for me (you may have seen one of them at the top of this email):

I just ordered my table runner for events, and I can’t wait to see how it looks! I might get a big stand-up banner one day, but for now, this was in the budget, and I’m super pleased with it. Thank you so much, Dana!

• I’m just about done with my edits of Pirate Princess, and getting ready (more or less) to say goodbye to this story! 🥲After my second round of beta readers gets it shortly, I’ll just be going through it maybe 1-2 more times, and then it’s off to get professionally proofread. So… soon… I might be… starting to draft another book. It’s a bittersweet feeling, to finish up a huge project. My therapist suggested I write letters to my characters to help me grieve, and I think I’m going to do that. I’ll report back next month.

• Luckily, I don’t really have to say goodbye to Ross the pirate and Cecelia the princess and the crew (of the so-far-secret-ship) yet, because now it’s time to produce the whole book! But the writing part is nearly over. Their story is pretty much written in stone now. It’s very weird.

• Also, I’m just about to book my cover designer (AHHH) and more character art and a map, so things are really moving along behind the scenes! Get ready, because you’ll see it all here first :)

• I’m attending three festivals pretty much in a row soon (though I have April off, and I’m a-okay with that). I hope you can make it! More info on my event page.

I also just got accepted to A Bookish Affair in Tannersville, PA in November. This was one event I was crossing my fingers for! (Got in off the waitlist). Tickets go on sale May 1!

Watching: I’m so glad Hacks is back, even if it’s the last season. That show never ceases to make me laugh. Deborah and Ava, please never leave me.

Listening: I’m still listening to my pirate playlist while I edit, and the new AJR live album is giving me life. I get to see them twice this summer and I’m so ready! Their concerts are an experience.

Crafting: I am going on an annual quilt retreat soon and I CAN’T WAIT. I have barely done any sewing lately (because of the aforementioned editing). Retreats always get me excited to sew again and I can’t wait to catch up with all my friends. Some of these folks, I only see once or twice a year. And you can’t really beat sewing in a huge ballroom with 75 people. It’s the best.

Reading: I took a long break from reading while I edit. Recently, though, I picked up Beyond the Border Forest by Molly Haniszewski, and I’m loving this enchanting story. It was the perfect thing to get me back into reading more.

Especially after beta readers have Pirate Princess, I’m hoping to tackle an enticing stack of books. Come back in May to hear about what I get to read, and hopefully a title reveal! So it begins! 👑👑🏴‍☠️👑👑🏴‍☠️

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You can purchase my fantasy and romantasy books here on all major book retailers, and on my website (US only)! They always come signed with swag like character art, stickers, and bookmarks. Thank you for your support!