Discount Code and Special Announcement!
And a Writing Retreat and Conference
Hello from the very hot and humid state of Missouri! Is it hot where you are? We’ve been in a stretch of high-humidity, 80s-90s weather, and I can’t say I’m a fan. But I can’t complain, because overall, this summer has been pretty mild.
I’ve got so much to share with you that I don’t think I can fit it all into this month’s newsletter! Which is why I may send another update out next month. I’m very excited about some secret writing projects that I’ve been working on, and I don’t know how long I can hold it. So, we’ll start with two announcements today.
Secondhand Books for Sale!
I’ve been accumulating books for a number of years now (starting in my childhood!), and my bookshelves are complaining. That’s one of the drawbacks of having limited space. Eventually, it will run out. So what’s a gal to do with her beloved books?
The answer? Share them with other book lovers!
I now have books available for purchase on eBay! The books come in a range of genres from fantasy to nonfiction to children’s to sweet romance—all marked down lower than you’d find in a store. Some are well-worn and well-read, but others are like new.
And guess what? There’s a discount just for YOU! I’ve created a coupon code just for my followers and subscribers. So, check out the store link below (more books will be added soon!), and when you’re ready to check out, type in WGBBOOKS26 for 10% off your purchase!
I Have Book News!
I hinted at a secret project on my Instagram stories this past weekend. The plan was to keep it to myself for a while, but I can’t wait any longer to share. LOL! But first, a back story. (I’m a writer. I can’t help it.)
Once upon a time, (twenty years ago) a newbie author (me) published her first book through a company that was not a “traditional” publishing company. Then she published two more, including a middle-grade fantasy. Then, some years later, her contract expired, the books went out of print, and the company eventually went out of business.
The author moved on and eventually published a series through a traditional small press that she loves. But she still thought of those first three books often and wondered if she could ever see them in print again.
Fast forward to the present, and that middle-grade book is the secret project I’ve been working on. So, here’s the news: I’ve decided to self-publish and re-release this book!
The idea of self-publishing has always scared me. There are SO many things the author has to do, and I assumed I couldn’t do it. But the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me.
(Just a note: no, I am not planning to leave my current publisher. I’m very happy there and hope to publish more books with them.)
So, here I am. Preparing to do the thing that always scared me. Guess it’s time to step out of my comfort zone.
Psst…This book is sort of like my “practice run” into the world of self-publishing, in preparation for an even bigger project. But… that’s an announcement for another day. ;)
It’ll take some time, obviously, but I’ve already talked to a designer about a pretty new cover, and I’m reading through the story to see just what needs to be improved. (Good news: it’s not terrible! LOL)
If you’re a writer or a reader who’s curious about the self-publishing process, I want to invite you to follow my journey, step-by-step. I’ll be sharing what I learn and my progress through my posts and notes, giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how I get this book ready for its (second) appearance. While I will share a little on my social media pages, I’ll keep the details here on Substack.
I hope you’ll follow along! It’ll probably be entertaining, if not educational. XD
“Quill and Chill” and Realm Makers Expo
Last month I had the pleasure of attending “Quill and Chill”, the first-ever writing retreat for authors and staff hosted by my publisher, Quill and Flame. The fact that I was able to go was a last-minute unexpected blessing, and, boy, am I glad I did. So many laughs, so many conversations, and so many words happened over the two days that thirteen of us gathered.
Our CEO, April Skelly, also presented the very first Quillie Awards. While my books did not win, just sitting back and watching the joy and excitement these awards generated was pure fun.
I’m already looking forward to doing it again!
Right after the retreat ended, most of us headed over to Union Station in St. Louis for the Realm Makers Conference and Expo. I did not attend any classes this year, which was different, but I had a blast working the Q&F table with alumni and friends. And I got to meet some of my readers, so that’s always cool.
Overall, that week did so much to fill me and motivate me in my writing endeavors. But the people are the ones who made the lasting impact. Meeting online friends for the first time and catching up with old friends truly did my heart good. My writing friends are truly some of the best friends I have. (And that includes some that I still have not had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face with yet!)
God is good in that He sends us the people we need when we need them.
Well, that’s it for now! But I’ll be back again with more of my self-publishing journey. If you’ve read all the way to the end, I appreciate you so much. :) And don’t forget to use your discount code for some book shopping!
In His Grip!
Crystal
That is so fun! I too am working on a middle grade! But low key because I don’t have time but I have the passion 🤣 excited to see the process with you!
So excited about the middle grade and all your writing projects!!!!