Writing Tea
I got a real book ya’ll!
After two weeks of marathon editing and reading my book three times, I turned in my final line edits and copy edits. I am pretty satisfied with what I’ve turned in to my publisher. I am really excited. When I got the copy, I saw the basic layout and the final acknowledgements, dedication and everything. I couldn't believe I had a book, a real book, in my hands. It was overwhelming.
The cover is in the final production phase. When the manuscript gets completed, I will do a cover reveal because the spine size will be determined. Be patient and I hope I can do it in December.
On that note, please feel free to look at my Linktree and pre-order the book by March 28, 2023. The audiobook version will probably come out a month after it, if not at the same time. But pre-orders for that are not up yet.
In the meantime, I’ve been working on proposals, drafting a series, and I’ve still been working on a new novella to stretch my brain. It has been so fun and I can’t wait until you read The Oath (that is what I am tentatively calling it). It’s different for me. The back cover for it will be available soon. I may put it in KU. Still debating on that process.
Podcast Tea
This season has had some amazing podcast guests. I am still rocking along solo, but I really appreciate the guests I’ve had. From Emely Rumble, bibliotherapist to indie sensation JL Seegers, I have truly enjoyed every author I’ve talked to. We will have one more podcast this week, then another the week after Thanksgiving, followed by a couple more until Christmas break. I am still in search of authors to do a BIPOC Holiday book roundtable. I tentatively want to do that in December so that I can have something up before the holiday break.
But I got plenty of slots for the new year. So, if you are interested in being a guest on the podcast or a BookToker who wants to share their book picks, hit me up on social media or email romanceincolour@gmail.com.
Each week, we will feature a BookToker who will talk about the books that they love. SO far, I’ve really enjoyed hearing what makes everyone tick and what they gravitate toward.
As a podcast, we are also taking part in a few book tour IG posts, including one for the new book by Eve Kasey and Mia Heintzelman’s new book, perfect for the holiday season.
Random Tea
Going to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been the highlight of my November. I decked my whole family out in white to honor the late T'Challa aka Chadwick Boseman. I won’t post any spoilers, but two things stuck out: 1) Namor is fine as hell. Lol and 2) the MCU is doing an amazing job tackling subjects of grief (esp maternal grief), identity, and what it means in a world full of subjugation and exploitation of lesser people. Please go see it and get this movie up to $1Billion or more this holiday season.
I am also in a chokehold watching Interview With The Vampire, Love is Blind (what a trainwreck!), Great British Baking Show, and the farewell season of Atlanta (which is brilliant). I have really been limiting my TV and movies so I’ll binge all the other things over the holiday break.
I am also preparing for my first author event next year in Charleston, SC for One Love Reunion. I asked a few of my author friends what kind of swag and prep that I need. Some suggested mini soccer stress balls for the book, bookmarks, and other things to make a table stand out. Others suggested I not spend too much on banners and the like, instead getting some cloth from a store and just drape it on the table. So I’ll ask my readers: What kinds of swag do you like to get at author events?
Tati is Reading
I’ve hardly had time to really read a book, including listening to audiobooks. But I am looking forward to a few new projects. Sometimes I read the book then listen to the audiobook and I am doing that now with A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Cana. It’s delightful, whitty and funny.
When I am super stressed or have writer’s block, I’ll take a break and dig into a romantic suspense. So far, I’m digging the latest one by KD Richards, Denise Wheatley and Juno Rushdan. Juno is in her bag with the Christmas suspense. Just in time, I am ready to take a break, curl up with some hot cocoa and just enjoy reading for pleasure.
NEWSLETTER EXCLUSIVE
I want to give a shout out to a fellow TikTok/Booktok friend, Tangie of @TangieStaysBooked. She sent me a book aesthetic video about my Debut Novel. I couldn't believe it. Someone took the time to make a video and Pinterest board about my characters. She has read none of the book but she’s so accurate in the “Feel” of the book and characters. Kinda scary if you ask me (LOL). But Tangie is the queen of Book Aesthetics! It truly is an art form.
Check it out here on Pinterest.
Until next month,