OUT TODAY: The Great Tree of Iris!!!

Those of you who are new, welcome, and those of you who have been here since I started this newsletter back in early 2024… thank you for sticking around this long. Because:

It’s hard to believe, after almost 3 years of hard work, that The Great Tree of Iris, an epic romantic fantasy, is out TODAY. It’s on e-readers and bookshelves and nightstands (and even going to some bookshops and libraries!) and yeah… it’s feeling pretty real right now. 🥲

There’s so many people to thank (there are three pages of acknowledgments in the back of the book, ha), but first it has to be my husband, Mike, who was there from day one and has always been the number one fan of this book and my writing. There’s also Cathrine Swift, my proofreader and formatter, and Kim Cavrak, my cover designer. And then there’s the family and friends and fellow authors and ARC readers who have cheered me on. THANK YOU.

It feels like an ending because the book is done and out; it’s not changing, and it’s not just mine anymore. But really, this is only the beginning. The book will always be my first book, and it will always be attached to my name. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve forever with this one. I’ll have more to say next month after I’ve processed the release week and the launch party (see below)… so I’ll leave it there for now.

If you haven’t already found your way to one, you can buy a signed copy here on my website only until October 31 with free goodies: bookmark, postcard art print, and stickers while supplies last (then I’m closing up direct shop except for events!). They will ship end of October/first week of November (and I’m out of sapphic book stickers, sorry!).

Otherwise, you can buy at any of the places above (click here for all the shops in one place) in eBook or paperback. Please also consider requesting the book at your local independent bookstore (The Great Tree of Iris is on IngramSpark, where most order from), or from your local library (even if you bought a copy, I’d be HONORED!!).

I just know this little girl who LIVED for books and writing would be over the moon. I’m a published author today. I wrote it and produced it all on my own. And now, that can never change. 😭

• I did a blog post interview before the book release for the Swords and Sapphics Podcast, which goes into depth about why and how I wrote the book. Especially if you can’t make it to the release party below, you may enjoy reading it! 🌻

• Two nights ago was my virtual book launch party on Instagram hosted my critique partner, fellow fantasy author, and amazing friend @eamtrofimenkoff! If you have Instagram, you can watch it here. We talked about writing queer-normative worlds, inspiration for writing the book, the ups and downs of self-publishing, my main character Lia, and so much more.

• I had my first author signing event at the Easton Book Festival popup at the Easton, PA Farmer’s Market! Considering most people were not there to buy books, I was super pleased to have sold 9 paperbacks and have so many lovely conversations about reading and fantasy books. What a way to start release week!

• One last call for the live book release party in Flemington, NJ. RSVP HERE! I can’t wait to see everyone! We’re up to 35-40 people 🥲

Watching: Somebody, Somewhere again. If you’re craving a show that has people who LOOK like real people, dealing with real issues and also being hilarious, this is the one for you. I’m rewatching again because it’s a feel-good gem. And I LOVE Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller and their friendship. It’s a top ten show for me.

Listening: THE GREAT TREE OF IRIS Playlist, of course! Aren’t you? 😉 

Crafting: I actually basted a quilt this month. Please clap. Maybe I’ll even get to quilt it now that this book release is slowing down a little (notice how I didn’t say “done?”).

Reading: I’ve been enjoying Bride by Ali Hazlewood—I know, I’m late to the party, and I don’t read a lot of straight up (or straight tbh) romance, but it’s been the perfect choice for a fun October-y read. These last couple of weeks, I’ve been understandably busy and distracted. I’m hoping my semi-break from book stuff these next couple months will get me even more reading time.

And finally: this is an advertisement for The Great Tree of Iris. I don’t make the rules (she does).

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a like-minded friend! New readers can subscribe to From the Fantasy Author’s Pen here.