The Settling In Period
Settling into authorhood and saying goodbye to a friend
Ever since NIGHTBIRDS came out, lots of people have asked: “how’s it all going?” I find it a surprisingly hard question to answer. Are they asking about how the book is selling, or how it’s been received, or how I’M doing with my first book out in the world?
My husband and I rented an RV, once, and spent weeks in it enjoying America’s many natural splendours. When we packed up and drove to a new spot, there was always what we called the “settling in” period: ten minutes of banging and clinking, rolling and shifting, as anything that wasn’t firmly tied down fell and bounced its way around the van. Inevitably, everything would find its place and go quiet. Two months into being a published author, I feel like I’ve reached that point too. I feel the urge to check Goodreads and Amazon receding. I’m obsessing less about sales and thinking more about craft. But I still find myself mulling over how to evaluate what “success” looks like, for a debut author. Which is why I appreciate all of you all the more, as I do every email and message from people who’ve loved the book. They feel like proof that my words are being read and felt and heard.
To be honest, one of the reasons I’m obsessing about authorhood less is because I’ve been wholly focused on our boy Galahad. A few weeks ago we found out that our beloved greyhound had lung cancer. He deteriorated quickly, despite our best efforts, and we had to say goodbye to him. I’m devastated. I still can’t stand to go up to my writing shed, where he always sat behind me, snoozing as I dreamt up stories. Three years wasn’t enough time with him, but I’m grateful for each day we had together. I couldn’t have asked for a better, truer friend.
I’m glad to have NIGHTBIRDS’ sequel to pour my focus and my heart into. I also had the donor of launching my friend Amie’s book, THE ISLES OF THE GODS, this week, which was a beacon of light in what has been a hard time. We managed to record it, so you can hear the whole thing over on Pub Dates.
Events
I’m excited for this upcoming author talk! If you’re in Melbourne, please do come and see me, Amie, Spencer and Lili talk about how we created our magical worlds.
Meanwhile, on Pub Dates…
Lots of good episodes have landed on the Pub Dates feed since I emailed you last! There’s been an episode on writing romance (undoubtedly one of my favorite topics), in which we talk about creating chemistry, tropes, and more.
There was also an episode about how we crafted our magic systems, which is a great one for the writers amongst you.
PS: We have a spoiler episode coming up soon for NIGHTBIRDS!
In this little audio AMA, I’m going to answer all of your most burning questions without holding anything back. It’s going to be spoilery and delightful. To send me a question, you can 1) leave it in the comments below, 2) email it to pub dates AT gmail dot com, or 3) leave me a voice message! We love this option. Make sure to get them in by May 15th.
And on The Exploress…
I just published a conversation I had with the lovely Krystal Marquis, author of The Davenports, which I think you all might enjoy. I loved talking to Krystal about how she crafted her historical, which puts the spotlight on four Black women chasing their dreams in 1910s Chicago.
What I’m Reading/Watching/Listening To
That’s all for now. Remember to send me your spoiler questions: I’d love to answer them! I will also happily accept a picture of your dog.
Galahad looks like he was truly the best boy-- I'm so sorry for your loss <3
As for NIGHTBIRDS, I'd love to know more about when you decided on the existence of Fen's "talents" -- was she always one of the girls in your mind when you started plotting? And, which budding romantic relationship was your favorite to write/which 'ship' is your favorite? (Or, if these questions don't suit your fancy, will we see any trans women/girls with magic in the sequel)?
Thank you for doing this!
I'm so sorry about Galahad, he sounded like such a sweet, wonderful boy xoxo.