Updates from my Writing Desk (as the world burns)
Author Life Update! I made front page news. Disney Chills got a book award nomination. Panel at San Diego Comic-Con on FRI. And more!
Wow, it's been a busy summer in my author world!
Howdy from Joshua Tree! It’s been hot, but also cosmically beautiful with the stars and moon at night to keep me company from my desert enclave. The hammock is my favorite spot (as pictured in the LA Times article … see below).
I’ve been holed up writing all summer. Next, I’ll be traveling all of August. First, I’m headed to Stanford to teach a summer camp on writing fractured fairytales, then to Key West for a two-week residency with the Studios of Key West.
I’ll be back West in September in time for a horror writers retreat to Big Bear, then for the publication of A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS September 17th.
So, I thought I’d write up some quick updates from my writing desk (as I watch the world burn on the TV). This has not been the easiest summer to be writing. I just saw Jennifer L. Armentrout—an author I look up to and follow closely—post a “world burning” meme about how hard it is to write on deadline during this chaos.
Thankfully, I did get my secret Disney project draft out to my editor on Friday. Whew! I had less than three weeks to draft it once my outline got approved (which can be a lengthy process working with big IP). I’m super excited to announce this one!
Now come the nerves. I haven’t worked with this editor before. It's funny, no matter how many books you publish, I don't think the nerves ever fully go away. And with expectation, maybe they get even worse. What do you think? How do you deal with your work getting read both my editors and buy the wider world?
This week, I also have to finish the sequel to A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS, my new space romantasy series debuting in Sept. While wrapped around a romance, that book contains highly topical elements that build into the second book. The short answer is, it’s never been harder to be a creative, both because of the spiraling cost of living and stagnant or down pay, but also the incredible noise of the dimming world.
FRONT PAGE NEWS
First up, the LA Times profiled me in a front page article. I also did a LIVE national cable news interview for News Nation above leaving LA and moving to Joshua Tree.
I made the decision to speak out because these are important issues for creatives.
If you're interested, here are the links:
LA TIMES ARTICLE
NEWS NATION INTERVIEW
A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS — FIRST REVIEW OUT! PREORDER NOW!
The first review dropped for my new space romantasy out in Septemter—and it's great!
Thankful, as Kirkus can be scary. Trust me, this was a big relief. The book is also up for preorder, which helps so much!
KIRKUS REVIEW
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-brody/a-sacrifice-of-blood-and-stars/
PREORDER LINK
SCRIBE AWARD NOMINATION FOR DISNEY CHILLS & SDCC 2024
GREAT NEWS—the latest installment in my Disney Chills series CIRCLE OF TER-ROAR featuring Scar from "The Lion King" snagged a Scribe Award nomination for best Media Tie-In Fiction in the "Young Adult and Middle Grade" category.
This is the seventh book in my Disney villains series. I’m so pleased it got noticed. This also means that every book and series I’ve written has won or been nominated for books awards, including the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, the Bram Stoker Awards, and more.
The Scribe Awards will be announced live at SDCC 2024!
Scribe Awards Article & List of Nominees
I'll also be appearing on a panel at San Diego Comic-Con next FRI about writing IP and Media Tie-In fiction. This is also where the award gets announced. If you’re in town, come say howdy ...
SDCC Panel: Writing Media Tie-In Fiction
ARTIST RESIDENCY: THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST
I'll also be returning to the Studios of Key West for another artist residency and teaching a workshop for them. Details TBA!
Other appearances and writing travel in 2024 include the Horror Conclave in Big Bear, CA in September (also teaching a workshop for them) and a writing retreat to Ireland in the fall (Kindling Words associated).
MORE BOOK DEALS & DEADLINES
In addition to my SECRET DISNEY project (that I can't wait to announce) and the sequel to A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS (a planned trilogy), I just closed another 2-book deal for a new dark thriller duet with Podium.
Announcement should be coming in PUBLISHER'S MARKETPLACE soon!
Stay tuned and follow my Substack and social media for more!
WRITER'S EDGE WRITING GROUP
Looking for writing support and feedback? I run a small, curated private writing group that meets virtually 2x a month to workshop pages (up to 2000 words per session). We have one or two slots for new members (ideally you will be in progress on a novel, or wanting to write one).
Cost is only $119/month for two sessions, plus a private messaging group.
We will also be doing an in-person Writing Retreat to Joshua Tree in October.
Details TBA soon!
EDITORIAL & BOOK COACHING PACKAGES
Want to work with me one-on-one?
I've been closed due to my deadlines, but I have some fall slots for Book Coaching and Editorial. I offer discounts to BookPod Members, so reach out if you're interested. More info (but keep in mind I will give discounts if you're referred from our group):
https://www.jenniferbrody.com/work-1
IN CLOSING …
Happy writing to all! Keep your head down in the burning of the world and keep writing. In dark times, literature and art become even more important to preserve culture and society.
I have a busy fall with two book releases this fall, so keep in touch over socials.
Twitter/X @jenniferbrody
Insta & FB @jenniferbrodywriter
Substack