To those of you who have been patiently waiting for the next in my Wylder Tales series, I wanted to thank you so much for your support, and to apologize for yet another delay. Because I had already been forced to push back my pre-order's release date on Amazon, I ran out of additional dates and had to take down my listing today. This doesn't mean I won't release Bound Beauty period, just that we're looking at a summer release instead of spring.
When I started publishing, I focused on blogging more than sending newsletters, social media, or even ads. Since having my second kid and moving into a new home, it's been more difficult to make time for blogging on top of work and writing. But with the new year I'm back again, hoping to dive back fully into my first online social love. Meanwhile, enjoy a peek into (and maybe even pre-order...) Bound Beauty today. Please keep in mind, this teaser will be most appreciated if you've read Craving and Scarred (or don't mind spoilers). Now that you've been duly warned, let's return to Wylderland...
The past couple of decades have seen some great films and shows, no doubt. But it's also seen a rise in increasingly formulaic and quickly produced content. We're getting more and more of the same, and less and less variety and (in my opinion) creative freedom.
I wish I had all the answers for you, that this could be the fix you need to hear to help with your own struggles. But I hope you're at least encouraged in knowing you aren't alone. Many people, even more successful people than me, can't quite shake the whispers of "not enough." Instead of accepting and dwelling on that voice, I encourage you today to use those words as a challenge to yourself. Take the drive and the sense of "not enough" to do even better with your next project. Sometimes I wonder if that's not simply the voice all creative artists hear. That even the great masters of their craft are never fully satisfied, but that is what pushes them to keep creating.
I am surrounded daily by beautiful art. So I am constantly inspired to create in turn. I hope you, too, are inspired today!
Make the most of time, because time isn't going to slow down for you. Every moment is precious, and while creating and working is absolutely worth doing, you're only young-ish once. And your kids and the kids in your life won't stay little for long. Make good memories to cling to on darker days. Write down happy moments, to remind yourself what life can be, even if that isn't what always is. Find happiness in the little moments.
I have so loved diving back into Condi and Lorelei's world in this slightly more somber chapter in the Windy Hollow verse. But more on my thoughts below! Keep scrolling for my full review of Kellye Abernathy's Amethyst, the Shallows, plus an extra fun feature and giveaway below!
My first novels always came back to me so lined with red by my editors, it was a shock when I began to receive far less several books down the road. So take heart, and know that you are constantly growing, constantly shaping your voice and that evolution never stops. Be bold, have courage, and create! Happy free writing, friends 🙂
Countless books suggest the best writing methods. But the truth is, you have to write and keep writing until you discover which method is right for you.
What are your favorite forms of escape? No matter your favs, I hope you remember to give yourself permission to escape for a little while. We all have an endless to-do list. So give yourself an hour here and there to have fun. Adults need to "play" sometimes, too. It's what helps us find that little extra spark of joy or inspiration again.
Jennifer Silverwood 