Updates
Y’all. I spooked myself. I’m sitting down to write this newsletter and looking ahead (as always). For the month of May, I want to focus on Music, specifically the music that inspired The Necromancer’s Apprentice. I’ll be sharing playlists, characters as lyrics, and perhaps even a snippet of how music affects my writing process, specifically action sequences!
But after May comes June which is when things will really start to happen around here. After all, Newsletter Folks get all the Shiny Details and I have so many things to share.
And July? The 3 month mark?! Oi Vey. Please pardon me as I curl up underneath my anxiety blanket.
But it’s April now and we’ve still got 2 weeks left of it. I’ve been enjoying the Spring weather that Ohio is having. I got to see the Eclipse! It was oh so magical and eerie. I didn’t end up taking many photos because I’d rather live in the moment but suffice to say, if you can ever make it to a full Totality, it’s worth the trip. I’m already filing away the experience for future stories.
Next Steps: Indie April Giveaway
If you read my last newsletter, Indie April, you’ll know that I’m focusing my reading this month on Indie Books. I’ve read about 4 different titles now and have enjoyed them immensely. It’s been so fun to be able to read titles from friends and colleagues because everyone is so talented?! I’ll be doing a deeper dive into what I read next month (because April isn’t over!) and I can’t wait to shower y’all with recommendations.
#IndieApril seems to have quieted down on Bluesky. Middle of the month blues I guess, but I still want to keep it going! Thus, I’m giving away *FIVE* Digital ARCs of The Necromancer’s Apprentice.
You can find the request form below!
This is the appetizer for the bigger ARC push that will happen in *gulp* July. The form will be the same so if you really want a free copy in exchange for an honest review, fill it out!
Full Disclosure to Take Away the Sparkling Publishing Veil: I posted this yesterday on Bluesky and I…haven’t gotten any responses yet. Ope.
Needless to say, your chances for getting an early copy are REALLY good right now!
Writing Updates and Content Warnings
In addition to learning how to Google Form, I’ve been working on the Content Warnings for The Necromancer’s Apprentice.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of Content Warnings and Why They’re Important, here’s a quick and good overview from Northern Illinois University
In short, they help promote a safer reading experience that informs readers of content that may be triggering or upsetting. As a author for children, this is especially important for me.
The Content Warnings for The Necromancer’s Apprentice are as follows:
Death and/or Dying, Dead bodies or body parts (Skeletal only), Grief and Loss Depiction, Death of a Parent (Past / Off Screen), Depression, Parental Neglect, Death of a wild animal (off screen), Funeral attendance, Graveyards
I plan to write a separate post for deeper explanations of said content warnings, keeping things as spoiler free (or not) as necessary.
With all of this said, please know that the book is written for ages 10+. While the content of it is difficult, I did my best to not use these things simply for shock factor. There are skeletons! Lots of them. But they are as silly as they are spooky. If anything, you might find the puns more terrifying.
I am a firm believer that books find their readers precisely when they are meant too. Please read safely with the health of your heart and brain in mind. <3
The Cats
In which Banjo does not regret keeping me extra warm all night long and Harley demonstrates the consequences of wearing black clothing.
Their little pink noses, tho! The cats, I mean, not the skeletons. XD The eclipse was stunning and surreal, both, I'm so glad you got to experience it too! Much love, and cheers for the coming months to release!