Happy Tuesday!

We’re only THREE WEEKS AWAY (😱) from the release of The Prophecy of the Codex (10/27/20), so to celebrate, I thought I’d do two things.

First, I put the preorder for the ebook up for sale! (If you want the paperback, I’ll have news on that when it’s live! Paperbacks don’t have the preorder option 😭) You can grab your copy below — I’ve already seen the interior of the book, and it’s so beautiful, y’all.

It’s time for a TON of book release goodies! Ready??

Book Cover

A few days ago, I sent out an email with my cover reveal, book blurb, and release date announcement for my upcoming book, The Prophecy of the Codex. But I realized I hadn’t put it here, so here goes!

If you’ve read my first book, The Secret of the Codex, you know that I love romance. Kayla and Grady are #couplegoals, and I just loved writing their story.

But except for some fairly steamy-but-still-clean kissing scenes, I didn’t get too much into the romance part. It didn’t feel true to the characters or the story.

In the second book, The Prophecy of the Codex, I explore this a little further. Don’t worry — I don’t get into a lot of details, but you definitely get the point.

I suspect the subsequent books will stay in that same vein.

You have to write what works for the story.

But on February 9th, I started a new book. And this one’s a romance. Like a full-on steamy romance. For mature audiences.

Why the switch?

Who else makes monthly goals?

Setting goals is such a good idea and so helpful! If you don’t set goals, how will you know if you’re achieving your dreams?

So I thought it might be a good idea to keep you guys posted about what I’m working on this month. You know, just for fun. 😊

Today I thought I’d do something I haven’t done here in a while: Share a book excerpt! It’s been too long.

And since I’m starting the edits for The Prophecy of the Codex really soon (c’mon Melissa!), I thought I’d share a scene from that book! (I’m planning for a release later this year. 😱)

First, here’s an inspo pic to help you try to picture the *unedited* scene, which is near the beginning of the book.

Also, while you’re reading this scene, play this song. You’ll thank me later.

Have you ever called yourself an “aspiring” writer?

We’ve all been there. Thinking that until we have a book published, or edited, or drafted, or _________, we can’t call ourselves a “writer (period).” We think we are “aspiring” to a lofty title, a far-off goal that may or may not even be clear in our heads. We think that “aspiring” tells people we’re humble. And, deep down, we think “aspiring” means we’re off the hook.

Ouch.

Happy New Year and New Decade!

When I started the last decade, I didn’t really mark the occasion. I barely noted it at the time! But it led into the most challenging but also most rewarding decade of my life.

So I’m excited to see what the next decade holds! I’d hope for more rewarding things, more exciting things, and less of the challenging things, but I was recently reminded that those who go through challenges are often the most kind, understanding, caring, selfless people. And that’s not a coincidence.

But this post isn’t about the decade. It’s about 2020! (My OCD just loves that number.) I have a lot of goals for the new year (some I’ve already made progress on!), so I thought that putting them here would help make me accountable to stick to them! There are a ton — and I know there will be adjustments made along the way — but I’m excited about this year and ready to get these things DONE!

Can you believe we’re at the end of 2019?

This year was pretty, um, challenging for me, so I’m glad to be moving on to 2020! But before I do that, I wanted to give you a rundown of everything that’s happened this year. I’m sure even I will be surprised as I go through it!