Happy December, readers! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I enjoyed some much-needed time with family, eating good food, playing games, and celebrating the birth of our Lord. Like much of the country it seems, we were also surprised with snow and -25 wind chill temps shortly before Christmas day. This weekend, it’s forecasted to be in the 50s. Missouri always keeps you guessing!
Bring out the red pen…again.
After a month off from Dusk Shall Weep, I’m diving into edits from my beta readers. It always amazes me how after five rounds of self-edits, all 8 beta readers managed to find at least one thing the others didn’t. As much work as it is to comb through their changes, I always know their creative insights will make the story better.
As you know from my previous newsletters, this book has been challenging to write, so I was deeply moved when I received the following comment from one of my non-author, non-family-member beta readers: “This book hit me in a very deep way concerning faith, the power of prayer, and ultimately walking in trust with Jesus. Whew! What an experience you have given me in the characters of Jamison and Coraline.”
It may not always seem like it, but all authors need this kind of affirmation from time to time. If you read a book that inspires you, please email that author to let them know. Reviews are even better!
Covers, Covers, Everywhere
In between edits, I’m beta reading Jennifer Q. Hunt’s Through Thorny Ways, the first in a brand-new series set in the 1920s. I just finished designing the cover for this one and am so excited to read the story behind it.
Speaking of covers, I’m also working on designs for a contemporary YA romance, an 1850s romance, and a Regency romance series. The photos below are not the final products but have provided thematic inspiration and the designs are looking great. I hope to share more information on these lovely authors and their work in the coming months.
If you’re an author in need of a future cover design or marketing collateral, I’m currently building my schedule for 2023 and 2024. Even if you don’t have all the details yet, I provide no-obligation consultations. Discounts are also available for members of the Christian Mommy Writers Group, Catholic Writers Guild, and Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Best Books of 2022
Need another read? Here are my favorites from 2022, in no particular order, although I’m happy to say that I met my goal of reading (and enjoying!) at least 12 independently published books. * = indie author
What was your favorite read of 2022? Reply and let me know! You might see it on my To-Be-Read in 2023.
- For a Noble Purpose by Kelsey Gietl * – I’m biased, but I really do enjoy this story!
- A Class Reunited by Susie Murphy * (Note: includes some mature content)
- A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz
- The Unbroken Song by Jennifer Q. Hunt *
- Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint
- Welcome to the Hamilton by Tanya E. Williams *
- The Souls of Lost Lake by Jamie Jo Wright
- The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jamie Jo Wright
- The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel
- A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy
- Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green
- When the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark
- A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly
- The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
- Many Sparrows by Lori Benton
- The Uncertainty of Fire by Stephanie Daniels *
- The Musician’s Dream by B.M. Baker *
- The Trumpeter’s Forever Promise by B.M. Baker *
- The One Who Got Away by Tara Grace Ericson *
- Meant to Bee by Storm Shultz *
- Picking Daisy by Valerie Howard *
- Complex by Kortney Keisel *
- Complete by Kortney Keisel *
- Later On We’ll Conspire by Kortney Keisel *
- Treacherous by Susan Laspe *
- The Darkening Dragons by Sarah Everest *
- Unbetrothed by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
- Oathbound by Victoria McCombs
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Kelsey Gietl 