february is for lovers

street team news inside <3 would you like to become a saltswan?

this time of year always reminds me of when i became a mother. the baby i grew and birthed in southern hemisphere autumn is almost a teen now, but without fail as the summer begins to soften into autumn, i am filled by a delightful nostalgia.

it’s tied to the cooler days, the colour of the clear sky, and the scent of early woodsmoke. and no matter what else is going on in my life, the return of this nostalgia always brings me so much joy.

Ophelia — digital collage by me

in a way, my books feel like my children, too. lakesedge is the book that made me an author: the book i queried, revised, and anxiously waited for an editor to love. tenderly, i am devoured feels like both an ending and a beginning. she’s my fourth book, yet still feels like the first.

i’ve taken so many creative risks and written a story that is so heartfelt and personal. honestly it’s terrifying setting her free into the world. all i can do is open my arms and gently hope~

on that note… allow me to invite you to the saltswans:

the saltswans are a street team dedicated to sharing excitement about my upcoming book release. team members will receive:

• a digital advanced reader copy (ARC) of TENDERLY, I AM DEVOURED

• a signed bookplate, bookmark and exclusive sticker

• early access to news, art and sneak peeks

• my endless gratitude

• maybe some pictures of my cat

applications are open internationally, and all applicants will receive a digital illustrated sampler of the first chapter

street team members agree to actively participate in the group, read and review an eARC of TENDERLY, I AM DEVOURED, and share a release day post. we will also have a group chat where we can yell about kissable swan gods, plan fun things, and have the best time~

if you’d like to be a saltswan, please fill out an application here!

i feel like i am always saying this, but it bears repeating: i appreciate the support of my readers, booksellers, and author friends so much. tenderly, i am devoured has had a difficult journey. i am not a chosen lead title who has endless publisher support. i am a midlist author with a rough sales track, and i have been fighting very hard behind the scenes to give this book the best chance possible.

all the wonderful things i have celebrated so far— number one most requested on netgalley, most anticipated romantasy title, an audiobook deal with spotify (!!), and over 15k goodreads adds —have been because of you, the most amazing community.

anyway! deep breath, emotional moment over. thank you endlessly and i can’t wait to celebrate with you all in july.

a few random things i am loving this month:

this album: and in the darkness, hearts aglow by weyes blood
this podcast: in the meadow by vic alexander
curating a dark academia capsule wardrobe
reading more, scrolling less
hello kitty island adventure (my #1 cosy time suck of the moment)
making cute book-related quizzes
early bedtimes (this one is a work in progress)