So what’s new?
It’s 2023 and I’m kicking things off with a newsletter and hoping to be more consistent. For now, the plan is to issue a quarterly newsletter updating you on what’s happening on my publishing journey with updates in-between as I head into debut year with my YA Horror-Comedy, There’s No Way I’d Die First, out in Fall 2023 (scheduled for 5 September).
Re-introduction and 2022 Recap
If you’re new, hi, I’m Lisa. Glad you’re here, thanks for stopping by. Promise to keep these newsletters short.
I spent all of 2022 drafting and working on developmental edits for There’s No Way I’d Die First. Revision is a delicate act of sliding blocks out from an already built tower and building something new. In the early stages of a draft, sliding out blocks usually means that the entire tower collapses and then you rebuild. Revising later drafts is less catastrophic because your foundation is solid. Both are painful and you have to make peace with the process. After a few rounds of revision I sent off my most recent round of edits last month and now we’re moving on to copyedits!
It’s been challenging balancing the writing life with the day job and family responsibilities and I’m proud of how far the manuscript has come. I’m excited for the next steps - copy edits, pass pages, cover reveal…all of it!!
Writing Life Update
I saw an early sketch of my book cover for There’s No Way I’d Die First and I’m was completely blown away. I had an idea of the cover I wanted for this book and the design team is nailing it. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
My book is now available for pre-order! Check out the blurb and feel free to pre-order if so inclined! Seeing my book available (without a cover) at all these retailers gave me all the feels.
I’ve started outlining my next book. It’s another YA Horror-Comedy with an unnerving plot that requires great suspension of belief (it’s kinda wild). Not sure when I’ll start drafting but the goal is to have a first draft by end of summer.
I have a Middle Grade contemporary novel in the pipeline and I hope to be able to talk more about it soon.
Check out this amazing original character art illustrated by my critique partner Sophie Li. It’s based on a scene from the book.
What I’m Reading
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
When the Vibe is Right by Sarah Dass (Advanced Review Copy)
That’s it for now…
If you haven’t done so, please add THERE’S NO WAY I’D DIE FIRST on Goodreads here.