Happy October, readers! I know you opened this newsletter for one main reason: to find out when you can read Sparks Fly Upward. Until a few days ago, I honestly wasn’t planning to post it yet. Usually, I wait until I’m farther along in the writing process, but throughout this book, my characters have been unruly and keep changing things. The ending is now on its fifth or sixth version (no promises that it’s the last.) My antagonist decided he wanted to make me research something off script which led to me killing and subsequently resurrecting someone else. Of course, that then led to adding said not-quite-dead character into multiple scenes. I’m glad I brought this person back (I think you will be too!) but can someone please tell my characters to stop the chaos?!
As I said, I wasn’t planning to set a release date yet, but I think it’s what is needed. Being an indie author is wonderful because you get to decide your own schedule and move it according to your needs. The downside is that you can continue pushing things off and never get anything accomplished. By sharing this date with my readers, it provides a tangible goal and will hopefully help my characters settle down, too. Please pray for me as I work through this story that I will stay motivated and remember to allow God to guide my pen.
For now, I am only releasing this date to my newsletter subscribers. You’ll also be the first to know when the cover reveal and pre-order are available. Both will be sometime in early 2024.
Buy Books, Support Kids
Still need copies of my books? Want to support a good cause? On Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. visit St. Joseph Cottleville Catholic School (1351 Motherhead Rd.
St. Charles, MO 63304) for their Craft Fair where I will be signing books with fellow historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. Not only will you help to support a good cause, but you can purchase signed books at a discount. We will both be offering the following deals: 3 books for $30, 2 books for $25, or 1 book for $15. You’re also welcome to bring up books you’ve already purchased to be signed and grab some swag! Hope to see you there!
Hotel Hamilton Giveaway
Thank you to those who entered the In Spotlight and Shadow giveaway last month. When asked what your favorite stage play/musical was, almost every answer was different! There were two titles that received two votes, however: The Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. Congratulations to our winner, Michael L!
This month, I’ve partnered with author, Tanya E. Williams for a double giveaway, celebrating the release of Meet Me At the Clock on October 25. For international residents, Tanya is providing an eBook copy of both books in the Hotel Hamilton Series to one winner. For United States and Canadian residents, I am also offering a chance to win one paperback copy of Meet me At the Clock (will be shipped directly from Amazon). To enter, complete the form at the link below by October 27. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter.
Releasing in October
Need another read? October is a great month for new releases (and why my TBR list is out of control)! Here are the ones I’m excited about:
- A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green – a Southern Civil War story that’s so much more than a romance. Read my review here.
- The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee – romance and river pirates aboard a 1920s showboat
- Royal and Ancient by Amanda Lauer – time travel romance in 1691 Scotland
- Lost in Wonder by Liz Chapman – romantic Regency adventure of love and loss, facing fear, and embracing the wonder of God. This book is the Q1 2024 featured read for the Faithful Fiction Book Club.
- Meet Me At the Clock by Tanya E. Williams – two maids at a luxurious hotel in 1927 Vancouver discover the demands and injustice of a fast-changing society. Read my review here.
- The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright – dual-time (1915 and present day) of “mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings” at a historic theater
- Not Quite Mr. Darcy by Kim Griffin – a 29-year-old widow travels across the sea on a journey of faith, love, and family
- New Augsburg by Christa Petzold – The first in a series about a small town church community in a dystopian world
Did you know that reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Please consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey
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Purple Mask Publishing
2025 Zumbehl Rd, Ste. 33
St. Charles, MO 63303
