It’s been exactly one year since Jocelyn “Jinxy” Lancaster saved Bridgepoint with the help of her friends in my novel Fortune’s Shadow. Hugs and deepest thanks to all of you who bought my story, requested it at your library, recommended it to your friends, and posted ratings and reviews. You’re the best!
(If you haven’t had the chance yet, and you’d like to read a contemporary fantasy about an indie musician who makes a magical wish that turns her quirky lakeside town upside down, Fortune’s Shadow is available on Amazon, kobo, Apple, and other retailers, as well as library platforms like CloudLibrary and Overdrive. And if you’re in Canada, I can potentially send you a signed copy. Just connect with me here.)
So what’s been happening this year? As far as the self-publishing side of things goes — it’s been a completely worthwhile experience, but it’s definitely been a tough time to be a debut author. Although my book is selling online, I haven’t been able to do any in-person events, which is sad. I can’t wait to get out of my house and visit bookstores again! In the meantime, I’m celebrating what I have been able to achieve since my novel launched.
- I created my newsletter subscriber list. Hurrah! If you’d like to hear when the next adventure in Bridgepoint is coming out, featuring Jocelyn, Grace, and all the characters you love, please sign up. I’ll be sending occasional news on my progress and will let you know about any upcoming sales or events.
- My book was featured in my library’s Local Authors Showcase in January. It’s been circulating ever since, which is such a thrill for me since I basically grew up in libraries.
- I’ve been able to keep writing despite everything going on this year, although the pace varies. I’m still optimistic I can get the sequel out either later this year or in early 2022. I’ve also been working on some short stories set in the Nexus Chronicles universe that I’d like to share in my newsletter in the future. (Bridgepoint fans, do you have any featured character requests? Let me know, or add your thoughts below, and I’ll see what I can do!)
- I’ve met some fantastic folks and learned a ton about the craft of writing through online conferences like the Nebulas, Flights of Foundry, and FOLD. I’ve met my hero Lois McMaster Bujold and taken a plot workshop from the incredible Julie Czerneda.
- To keep healthy and reduce my pandemic stress levels, I’ve been taking regular #StetWalks with a bunch of editors, writers, and other creative folks. We encourage each other to keep moving by sharing pics from our individual journeys on social media. And then this spring, I was asked to help co-create a video about it (called “The #StetWalk Story“), which was featured at the 2021 ACES Conference. (Hollywood, here I come. 😉 ) It’s been such an uplifting hashtag in these trying times — please check it out and walk with us too if you’re so inclined!
All in all, it’s been a year, but I’m definitely looking forward to the future. I’ll be in touch as soon as I have things to share. In the meantime, please stay healthy, and thanks for your support!
Take care,
Sue
P.S. Have any questions for me about my book or my writing process? Feel free to ask below!
Sue Archer 