June Newsletter: A Look Through the Rosebush
Hello, Roses!
Hi everyone! Elizabeth here, writing the newsletter. I feel like I have SO much to talk to you all about! So much has happened in the last month, and my head is spinning. I’ll do my best to keep it concise (UH says the lady who wrote a 150k book?!)! So much change has occurred both in our book-world and our daily lives, and each day has truly felt unique. Yesterday, we started writing Book 3 in the BEASTS OF THE BRIAR series, and man, it feels so good. Writing the first draft is the most fun part of the process, but also the routine and accountability of getting words down is super calming to me. During the weeks leading up to a release, you sort of feel like you’re in an admin blackhole where there’s a thousand things to do and you’re never done. With writing, it’s like, okay, I know I have *this many words* I need to get down today. And it’s so, so satisfying to see the scenes take place.
Two Weeks of Woven…
Wow. I don’t know if there are words for how much JOY is in our hearts this month from sharing WOVEN with you all! We are so, so proud of this little-big story, and getting to hear/see your reactions has meant the world! From theories to fanart to aesthetics, your love and enthusiasm for our Briar Boys LIGHTS US UP! Thank you for accepting Rosie into your world and we are SO pumped to share Ez’s story with you in December!
Our First Signing!
We’ve been shouting about this all over social media, so very sorry if you’re sick of hearing about it! But just to go a little more in depth - we were invited to a Romance Panel at Barnes & Noble Southcenter near Seattle this past weekend. We got to be on the panel with Kim Loraine, Kristin Proby, and Deanna Ortega, which was so cool! Not to mention it was moderated by the hosts of the Utterly Unhinged Podcast, which was such a blast!
Why was this so special? Indie books do not commonly get carried in brick & mortar stores. To not only have BOTH our books there, but a line-up of readers who wanted to say hi/get a book signed? Talk about a dream come true! Not to mention, we got to meet so many online friends who we’ve been chatting with! Including one of our friends who we’ve known online for two years! How crazy is that? BookTok and Bookstagram, you are somethin’!
Goodbye <3
TW: Pet Loss
I’ve thought about talking about this on Instagram Stories so, so many times, but I just couldn’t bring myself to speak out loud about it.
I lost my sweet baby cat Felix to cancer on June 12th. He was 13 and it was not nearly enough time with him.
I have so much I could say about the grief journey of a beloved pet but I’m going to keep this book-centered, if I’m able.
My husband and I knew we were in palliative care mode with our sweet boy for about three weeks up until his passing. Because you read mine and Helen’s books, I was able to reduce my hours teaching and instead work from home on writing. I was able to spend so much time with my boy in those last weeks. Nearly every DM I replied to, every TikTok I posted, every email I wrote, was sent from lying on the floor with him, eyes swollen with tears, heartsick. But I was able to be with him. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for that.
Talking with readers and escaping into the Vale was truly the only relief I felt in those weeks. Thank you for that.
We lost our boy a day before WOVEN’s release. During one of the most joyous moments of my career, I could only feel numb. Your enthusiasm, kindness, energy, and passion for Book 3 has been my refuge in this time of grief. So thank you, dear reader, for that.
It’s been two weeks now, and our house feels empty. Coming home after the signing without him to greet me was a punch to the gut. But I’m riding the waves and feeling all the feelings. There’s sadness, but there’s so much gratitude. For him, and for you.
What We’re…
Helen:
Watching: I'm rewatching Outlander from the beginning. I may be taking an impulsive holiday soon, so this helps me get in the vibe!
Listening To: Utterly Unhinged Podcast (Hailey and Elena are hilarious and all book lovers must listen to this!)
Reading: Fourth Wing! It's so much fun! I want my own dragon!
Elizabeth:
Watching: Modern Family’s been my comfort show lately
Listening To: Ezryn’s little brother Kairyn is a major player in FORGED. For some reason, old-school Linkin Park has been giving me all the Kairyn vibes!
Reading: Just started The Serpent and the Wings of Night!
Connect with us:
Pre-Order Forged by Malice (eBook pre-order only at this time)
So sorry about your sweet Prince Felix🤍