entering my cocoon-and-metamorphose era

If the me from 2019—terribly anxious and on submission with Lakesedge— could see into the future, she’d be so proud of how far we have come.

I am writing this at the beginning of winter in Australia. When the weather turns cold and dark, I always seem to enter my cocoon-and-metamorphose era.

Amy McNee via IG

I’m currently in a rare quiet period between projects — all of my deadlines for Unholy Terrors have been met, and my next book is still a mess of ideas that needs longer to percolate. I’ve been journaling, taking long walks with podcasts, and mood reading my way through a very eclectic TBR pile.

I know the months ahead are set to be very busy (more on that soon), so I’m doing my best to store up as much rest as I can while I have the chance.

On a recent IG post I confessed my terrible habit of negative self-talk. I’ve always been a perfectionist, setting impossibly high standards for myself, which is good when it comes to the self-discipline needed for author life, but bad in so many other ways.

Publishing is a world of ever-shifting goals. Once, all I wanted was to sign with an agent. Then, all I wanted was for my first book to sell. If the me from 2019—terribly anxious and on submission with Lakesedge— could see into the future, she’d be so proud of how far we have come.

So this year I’ve decided to focus on emotional self-care. Treating myself kindly, and escaping the spirals of comparison and anxiety I can so easily fall into.

My biggest focus has been rethinking how I use social media. I’ve been feeling so much better after trying very hard to use socials more mindfully. It’s a work in progress still, but I’m proud of myself.

I’m also thrilled to announce that Unholy Terrors will be published in Australia with Penguin! I’ve been a lifelong collector of orange Penguin classics books, and I feel very emotional seeing my book baby with that little penguin logo on her cover.

That makes two editions for my bone girls (so far…) which makes me so very happy.

And now, some news! I’ve officially booked my tickets to visit NYC this October to celebrate the release of Unholy Terrors in the USA. I’ve never been to New York before and I am quite nervous about making such a long trip — but I know it’s going to be wonderful.

Here’s a little Magic Letters exclusive preview of my events:

10th October - Australian launch at Dymocks, in Adelaide

18th October - In conversation with two of my favourite authors, An Unlikely Story in Boston

19th October - In conversation with yet another favourite author, virtual event with Books & Books

20th - Launch of Unholy Terrors, McNally Jackson in NYC

More details to come, including signed copies and preorder goodies. I am so incredibly excited for my first in-person USA events, and I hope to see you there.

Via whitmanstribe on IG

Finally, some little things I’m loving lately:

The playlist for my current WIP, oat milk lattes, aerial yoga, early bedtimes, fires in our open fireplace, wearing perfume every day, romanticising the small moments, snuggling with rescue cats at my volunteer job, new bed linen, romance novels, curating a capsule wardrobe, heatless curls, tarot cards, the sound of rain.