The general...everything of the world had me spiraling recently. So I did a couple of things (thanks therapy!):
I made a list of all the things I can control, and put actions next to some of them
I snuggled real hard with the pups
I went outside. Like, a lot.
I wrote. Also, like, a lot.
I wrote over 40,000 words between June 22--July 5, and while for some people that's an easy Monday/Wednesday/Friday split, for me it's pretty game changing. That level of productivity came from two channels -- a focus for all my frustration-bordering-on-rage, and a semi-competitive set of days with the Factory Boss himself, Chris Kennedy.
Also, because Chris writes like the wind (and writes WELL while writing like the wind, I mean, honestly what the heck??), that means we finished a book -- a week early!
Look for The Lyon's Pride, coming soon to the bookseller places August 12! I can't wait to hear what you think -- there is so much fun stuff in this one. Also some heartbreak, because what's a tale of pride without, you know, the humbling fall(s)?
If you're looking for an awesome story a little sooner, I got you - -here's one you can preorder now, for a released date tomorrow, July 8:
That's Faded Luck, book 6 of the incredible Mel Todd's absolutely fantastic Twisted Luck series. If you haven't read the first five, you have a delightful weekend ahead, I tell you what! The first book is My Luck, and the description goes like this:
Magic is everywhere, and Cori knows she isn't a mage, just weird. The dead body she found proves that. But with everything going crazy around her she'll have to focus to make it out of her hometown with the paramedic certification, if she doesn't crumble under the pressure.
You can get Faded Luck here, and also, if you go here you can sign up for a contest that'll win you a free signed copy.
Mel Todd is a phenomenal storyteller, and also one of my favorite people in the world. Not coincidentally to those two things -- she's also one of the Valkyries authors. Mwa ha haaaa. The more Mel Todd stories in the world, the better.
As for Valkyries, how about another author interview?? This week you get to learn more about April Kelley Jones -- I met her in person just a few weeks ago at Liberty Con, and let me tell you she is even more delightful than you can imagine. But this interview will give you an idea of the level of delight!
Interview with April Kelley Jones:
What do you write and why do you write it? I write all kinds of things. So far, I've published poems, literary fiction, a YA novel, dystopian, and urban fantasy. I write whatever I'd like to read, and because I read whatever sounds fun, I also write whatever sounds fun.
What do you want people to know about your stories? My stories usually contain some combination of myth elements, random real-life details, and exciting adventures.
What book do you love to recommend or are you super into right now? I just finished Hunted by Megan Spooner, and it was such a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
In Hit World, everyone has a knack or talent that just might be magical. What’s yours? I think that my talent might be finding stories in places people typically wouldn't think to look, which in turn gives me lots of handy information I can use later.
Speed round
What’s your theme song? X by Jackson Wang
What’s your go-to game night choice? Wacky 6
What sitcom would you star in? Golden Girls
What is/are your favorite treat(s)? Reece's Pieces
Team Beach or Team mountains? Mountains covered in trees
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Veggies
What fictional character would you choose as a mentor? Albus Dumbledor
Are you a morning or night person? Morning all the way.
About your girl:
How would you introduce your Valkyrie? Jade is your everyday hero who just wants to do the right thing
Three words that describe your Valkyrie: Integrity, History-Buff, Surprising
What inspired the development of your character and/or the plot of your story? I wanted to show how magical art can be even if that art is just everyday life
What actor(s) would be perfect to play one of your characters? Jamie Chung
What's your favorite thing about Hit World, your Valkyrie, or badass ladies in general? Valkyries for sure - I'm so excited about the Valkyries because I love the idea of writing about women who have personalities outside of being just strong women. There are so many aspects of being strong and feminine that exist outside of the traditional mindset and I love showcasing those.
Find out more about April at any/all of the following:
Twitter: @akejones
TikTok: @aprilkelleyjones
Instagram: April Kelley Jones
Facebook: @editorapril
And check out Hit World: The Valkyries Initiative, coming September 16!
