Updates From My Writing Desk
Deadlines, Teaching & Residencies, Cover Designs & More!
It’s been a busy summer.
Is it still summer? What day is it … what month?
That’s what it feels like when you’re juggling two major book deadlines and a whole bunch of teaching and other work. I haven’t had a day off in months. Publishing (and Hollywood) often work this way … it’s feast or famine … and you can’t complain when you’re feasting. Especially with all the recent upheaval in our industries.
The good news? I got the drafts in on both deadlines.
This includes the STILL SECRET Disney project.
But turning in work as an author is like throwing a boomerang—it comes right back and with notes. The Disney project is already back for revision work with an editorial letter and line edits. Luckily, everyone likes the direction of the story. That’s a major relief. I have to turn it around by the end of the month … and I’ll dig in and get it done.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
Fortunately, I’m off to the Studios of Key West on Friday for a two-week artist residency. I’ll be teaching a workshop on The Art of Villainy, but otherwise I have time to write and work in a beautiful location. And I will be working away.
The other book is the sequel to A Sacrifice of Blood & Stars—it’s a planned trilogy. The book is epic space opera and the draft came in at about 130k words. That’s right on target and comps to the first book that’s out on September 17th. Writing at this length is challenging, even seeing the wood through the trees, juggling two big POVs.
If you’re wondering what happened to The Winds of Winter or Name of the Wind Book 3 … no easy feat to pull off. My book is a wild ride. My editor should be reading it soon. I’m at the place of … I HOPE SHE DOESN’T HATE IT / IT’S NOT TERRIBLE!!!!
A totally normal part of the writing process that never changes even if you’re insanely successful with a major fan base. Writing is self-doubt. Writing is revising. Writing is always knowing it could bet better and hoping you have it in you to make it better.
That’s why my recent favorite meme is at the top of this post—
DOES NOT WORK, BUT COULD BE FUN TO FIX!
When I shared it on socials, even my Disney editor from Disney Chills commented on it … along with a slew of other writerly people. That about sums up my summer.
San Diego Comic-Con 2024
I went; I saw … not sure if I conquered?
Just kidding, of course. SDCC 2024 was a quick in and out prospect for me this year due to my punishing book deadlines. I hopped on the Media Tie-In Writers Panel, talking about writing for Disney and Star Wars. I have some vids up on my Instagram (@jenniferbrodywriter) if you’d like to check them out.
Itinerant Writer / Have Laptop, Will Travel
I thought it would be fun to share where in the world I’m traveling and writing this year. Before the pandemic, I traveled a ton for different writing retreats, workshops & programs. I’ve decided this is the year that I kick back into “itinerant writer” mode.
I’m lucky that my work is largely portable and can travel anywhere in the world with me. I just finished teaching a summer writing program at Stanford, and now I’m up in Sonoma and wine country for a few days visiting my brother (and writing this). I love it up here so much, now I’m wondering if I should move up here.
Does anyone else travel and get moving fantasies??
Just me?
I fly back home to Joshua Tree tomorrow PM … and then I’m off to Key West on Friday (leaving at some ungodly early hour from a not close airport). It’ll be worth it, however. My last stint in Key West for a month was memorable. I loved the tropical vibes, diverse culture, night life, and most of all, the gorgeous beaches and wonderful folks at the Studios of Key West. Oh, and Jude Blume’s bookstore Books & Books! I taught two workshops and did reading and signing for them.
I also closed my deal for Disney Chills while there … and the first book was Ursula!
Fitting for such an ocean-centric setting.
Like I said—it was memorable!
This time, I’ll be working on revising the secret Disney project and teaching a workshop on The Art of Villainy.
Upcoming Retreats
I’m running another Joshua Tree Writing Retreat in October! Details coming soon … last year was a big success. Spots are limited & details coming soon!
My next big trip will be to Ireland in the fall for a writing retreat.
What I’m Reading
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout
By Cal Newport
A fitting selection for my summer (smh)
Iron Flame (The Empyrean, Book 2)
By Rebecca Yarros
I think I’m finally ready to tackle the sequel to Fourth Wing! The House of the Dragon finale has me in the mood for more dragons.
What I’m Watching
The House of the Dragon (Season 2, HBO MAX)
Still need to do the finale … when I get home this week!
The Boys (Season 4, Amazon Prime)
Excited to dive in and binge this!
Waiting for … Rings of Power Season 2!!
A Sacrifice of Blood & Stars — out Sept 17th! Preorder now & First Review!
On a distant dwarf planet, a young soldier discovers her mortal enemy is her only tie to the world she left behind, in a high-stakes sci-fi romance.
“Old Man’s War meets Dear John. An epic love story set against the war-torn stars.” —Scott Sigler, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Generations Trilogy
“Conjures the magic of romance amid the horrors of a war-torn future. Fast-paced, filled with action, and alive with love and need. Highly recommend!” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times–bestselling author of the Sleepers War and NecroTek series
“A compelling mystery and an interstellar romance drive this diverting space opera.” —Kirkus Reviews