When the Fire Starts to Burn
It's almost FYREBIRDS time🔥
In Australia, it’s feeling very autumnal. The mornings are crisp, my oversized blazers are getting a workout, and what deciduous trees we have are starting to put on their yearly show. It makes me think of Fyrebirds, which is only three and a bit months (!!) away from publication. Nightbirds is a summer book, full of hot nights and bright sun, so it pleases me that the paperback - with its new, electrifying cover - is coming to American shelves on June 4. And I love that Fyrebirds will be coming to out just as the USA is heading into autumn (August 27), the season in which we’ll find our girls. Fyrebirds is a book about change and transition; about choosing to let go of the old and take up new paths, even if they’re lined with thorns. It’s darker and more sinister than the book that came before it, but I think that only makes our heroines shine twice as bright.
This week, I’m working on Fyrebirds’s second pass pages. In other words, I’m addressing all of the proofreader’s questions, which means this book is about to be officially Done and off to the printers…though advance reader copies (ARCs) are already flying out into the world! If you’re one of the lucky few who received one, I hope you love the conclusion to this adventure as much as I do. Big magic + kissing: what could go wrong?
In case you can’t tell, I’m getting hyped to start talking more about Fyrebirds. I’ve got some fun behind-the-scenes tidbits that I’ve been keeping tucked behind my wings. You’ll find a few of them in this here newsletter, and more in every edition between now and August, so stay tuned.
But first…I think it’s time for a special sneak peek. Below, you’ll find Fyrebirds’s prologue, which will also be included in the new paperback. Will my editor approve? Who knows, but it’s happening… are you ready to meet a new and especially creepy villain?
Sneak Peek: the FYREBIRDS prologue
The NIGHTBIRDS paperback (+ a special prize)
The Nightbirds paperback is almost here! In celebration, I’m giving readers a very special present. Purchase a copy from any retailer between June 4 and August 27 (when Fyrebirds releases) and you’ll receive this BEAUTIFUL art print, done by an artist I have longed admired: Jessica Roux. It’s full of some of my favorite symbols from the novel, including a trio of significant flowers and four shimmering flamemoths, which discerning readers will know represent our main characters.
To claim your art print, all you need to do is fill out this form. The prize is open internationally, though only for as long as supplies last. (PS: this art print will be part of the pre-order campaign for FYREBIRDS, too, so you’ll have another chance at it.)
Meanwhile, on Pub Dates…
Amie and I are doing something pretty cool over on our podcast in May and June: readalongs for both The Isles of the Gods AND Nightbirds! These aren’t just any old readalongs: they’re part recap/refresher, part backstage pass as we also talk about our process and thoughts along the way, sharing tidbits about craft, character, and inspiration. Plus, every week, we’re giving listeners a chance to win one-of-a-kind (like, really, there’s only one of each) annotated copies of both novels. For your chance to win them, all you have to do is listen in.
THE ISLES OF THE GODS readalong will drop May 7 (today!), 16, 23, and 30
The NIGHTBIRDS readalong will drop June 4, 11, 18, and 25
Come along and (re)read the books with us, either because they’ve been on your TBR forever or because you want to refresh yourself before the sequels come out. It’s going to be a very good time.
You’ll find Pub Dates wherever you listen to podcasts.
…and on The Exploress
This show of mine has just sailed right past 100 episodes, which is bonkers. I can’t believe how many women’s stories I’ve told since the show first took off!
It’s a new year, which means new explorations. In 2024, I’m pushing myself to cover more than one time and place, just to keep things interesting in our time traveling adventures finding out what life was like for ladies of the past.
So far, we’ve traveled to the medieval Crusader States of Outremer (so much inrigue, I tell you), and this month we’ll be heading over to Tokugawa-era Japan (if you’re very into the TV show Shogun right now, this one’s for you). I’ve also upped my game over on my Exploress Patreon, publishing not one, but TWO exclusive bonus episodes a month. You can now try becoming a patron for free for seven days, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s your moment.
Recommendations
What I’m Reading
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: Yes, okay, I caved. I had to know what everyone was talking about. And you know what? I have a lot of thoughts about this book, but I clearly liked it, as I ripped through it in just one weekend.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sarafi by Shannon Chakraborty: I LOVED this swashbuckling story about a 40-something retired lady pirate with bad knees heading out onto the waves for one last (?) job. This fantasy is unique, covering territory I rarely see in fantasy novels, and rich with beautiful detail and mythology. Also, it’s funny! Honestly, it’s a gem, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare. This book is BIG, and it’s basically all setup for the rest of the series, which means the pacing feels slow at times. But you know what? The worldbuilding was so good that I didn’t really care. Clare is a real wizard with detail, and with building complex and interesting characters. If you love a big, juicy fantasy, pick this one up.
on the TBR… Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson and The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
What I’m Watching
30 Rock. I only really discovered the show this year and am thrilled to have so many seasons to chew through. Same for The Great British Sewing Bee, which is the cozy reality TV blanket I didn’t know I needed.
Shōgun. I’m only one episode in, and the violence is…a lot for this gal. But since I’m covering this time period over on The Exploress I’m committed to giving it a proper go.
Domina. This series follows the tumultuous times of ancient Rome’s Julio-Claudian dynasty, but it does it from the POV of the ladies. I’m enjoying it thus far!
What I’m Listening To
WITCH, a podcast from the BBC. “The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries - from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch today?” I’m really enjoying this atmospheric dive into are relationship with magic, past and present.
Until next time,
You are the queen of enticing prologues! Oh that is one creepy guy 😱. So excited for all the Fyrebird tidbits!