Hey there,
I told myself I’d never write about politics in this newsletter, and I’m not about to start. But last week here in Ireland, things went a bit sideways and I haven’t quite shaken it off, so you’re getting it now as well, lol
The fuel prices jumped overnight, and within a day, farmers, hauliers, taxi drivers had blocked the roads and ports. Two days. That’s how long it took before the gas stations were dry, and toilet paper was running out again.
I tallied the food in the house while working out how much gas I needed for a supermarket run. It felt like the early days of Covid. Even scarier, because back then, we were in Germany with totally different supply chains. But on an island, food and fuel needs to be imported. Scary!
So this week I’m planting a vegetable garden, properly this time. Asparagus, potatoes, the lot. I have no idea what the next few months look like, but we won’t starve!
What’s on the Desk
I’m still elbow-deep in editing Spirit Elfen, and I’m hoping to get this blasted book finished before we fly to Germany next week to see my mom. The weather there is finally turning. If I can get her out into the sun in her wheelchair this trip, even for an hour, it’ll be worth the entire journey.
(Assuming the planes are flying. The fuel situation has me wondering whether commercial passenger flights might get restricted with only essential travel allowed. I’m not letting myself think about it too hard until I have to.)
New here? Or just in the mood for a reread before the new version of book 2, Spirit Elfen, drops?
Grab Spirit Hunger for FreeBehind the Curtain
I usually keep the messy version of my drafting to myself. Cause it’s a little embarrassing at times. No, seriously.
A scene starts as one ugly line in a spreadsheet. Something like “Adi finds out Honi lied.” Then it sits there for days while I walk around the house and refuse to look at it.
When I finally write the first draft, it’s mostly placeholder. Adi walks into the kitchen. She says “you lied to me”. Wow. Not exactly inspiring. Honi answers in a voice with no emotion, no flow. They’re two cardboard cutouts in a room I haven’t described, either. I know what they’re saying but I don’t know how either of them is feeling yet.
Revision is where the actual scene shows up. Adi doesn’t just say “you lied to me.” She’s standing at the sink with her back to him, rinsing the same plate twice, and she says it so softly he has to ask her to repeat it. Honi doesn’t just answer. He stops moving entirely, and when he finally speaks, his voice is so level it scares her more than shouting would.
That’s the version you get. The rest is me, alone with a spreadsheet, swearing like a trooper.
Reader Freebies
I’m part of two group promos this month, and both are stuffed with free paranormal and fantasy romance. If your TBR has any breathing room, these are the good ones.
A whole shelf of free PNR reads with bite. Free steamy paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance for April.
Slow burn? Not this one. Bring iced water. Super hot free paranormal romance for April.
Some Fellow Authors You Might Love
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He’s big. He’s wet. And he’s currently eating all my pizza.A grumpy ferry captain accidentally catches the legendary Lake Monster. He has tentacles, a thing for rubber ducks, and a human form that’s illegal in forty-eight states. This is the most ridiculous, joyful book I’ve read in months. |
Tell me: do you actually want more behind-the-curtain stuff like this, or do you prefer the polished version with the seams hidden? I’m genuinely curious. Hit reply and let me know, I read everything.
If you enjoyed this, forward it to a friend who loves dark romance!
Until next time, xo Ella