Last summer, I teased the possibility of self-publishing a contemporary romance that is very dear to my heart. I organized an ARC team. A few people saw mock-ups for a possible cover. And then… nothing. On the subject of future projects, I’ve been radio silent ever since.

Probably, my absence wasn’t at the forefront of anyone’s mind but my own. Still, my anxious brain insists that I explain myself! So, I’m going to tell you… about all the things I can’t tell you.

The short version: I had to put the aforementioned novel on hold because I’m working on other books.

Publishing is frustrating in that we’re sometimes not yet able to talk about the things we want to talk about. We authors love a good vague post!! So, in a way, this newsletter is an extended version of that type of post. I have a few manuscripts I’ve been juggling. Some will see the light of day, and others… I hope might eventually also see the light of day.

Another frustrating thing about this industry: endless uncertainty!

Which brings me back to that contemporary romance I wanted to publish. I have no idea what the future holds for this story. In considering the self-publishing route, I got very attached to a version of the book that might not have a place in traditional publishing.

At the same time, I don’t have the bandwidth to release it myself at the moment. I’ve been struggling to juggle life and work with baby (he’s figuring out how to walk right now… adorable chaos). I’ve also been to the dentist 29479 times lately, which sounds completely unrelated on paper, but my dentist is almost three hours away and I feel like I’m actually losing my mind, a little.

As far as things I can tell you about, I had a fantastic time celebrating the release of Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams in January. This was the biggest event I’ve ever done and everyone was so wonderful! I didn’t sleep the night before because I was nervous about speaking in front of ~200 people, so I haven’t posted any close-up pictures because I was looking TIRED, but rest assured I loved every minute.

I saw some discussion going around on socials yesterday about how Ali Hazelwood has been so good to new and upcoming authors, helping their books get more visibility and so forth. I feel like Sarah did that for me!! It was such an honor to be asked to take part in such a big book tour, and I had the opportunity to connect with so many readers who otherwise might not have known that I exist.

Speaking of events, I’m working with Sherman’s Books and Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor to plan a reading and signing event for June 5th, which I’m very excited about! I’ll share more details in a future newsletter, but it’s looking like this event is going to be live-streamed, so even if you’re not in Maine, please consider tuning in <3

I hope to send a newsletter that isn’t so cryptic very soon. Thanks you for sticking around in the meantime!!

xo,

Kristyn

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