It’s What’s New Wednesday time and this typical #writerslife week is filled to the brim with some exciting stuff! We’re talking books, book news, a peek into what this writer’s #writerslife looks like for the next 7 days (and then some) … Oh, yeah, you’re gonna love it. Well, I hope so. What’s more, I have some epic recommendations if you’re looking for new reading material, music, or shows/films to get lost in. Are you ready?
Writing News
The Bone Carver (Full Cover)
It’s here! I can finally show off this GORGEOUS full cover for The Bone Carver (The Night Weaver #2). This absolutely beautiful artwork is by the wonderfully talented Marcela Bolivar and the title treatment is by the one and only Michael J. Canales. The cover is out of this world beautiful. Seriously, some may say it is to die for … 😉 Don’t take my word for it, just look:
PRE-ORDER NOW!
The Bone Carver (Harrowsgate #2) will be releasing October 20, 2020, so that gives you more than enough time to read The Night Weaver (The Night Weaver #1) before this beauty comes out. And it’s just in time for to get yourself in the mood for the Halloween season. Are you ready to be scared?
Dark Country
So, I’ve been talking a lot about Dark Country lately, without really saying much. Apologies, dear friends! This entry is no different, I guess. But I just needed to gush about seeing the cover art for this book and it is out of this world awesome! Look, I’m not an easy author when it comes to certain things—apparently, cover art is one of those things—but Scott Roberts did a brilliant job. I can’t wait to show the world the beautiful piece he conjured out of literally nothing (seriously, I had no idea what I wanted for the cover). Keep checking back, because you want to see it.
New Series
Over the weekend, I sent off the first book in a brand spanking new series to my agent! Now, if you follow my blog, you’ll have heard it was completely different to what I usually write … Really, it is. I never thought I’d write a cozy mystery, but I did, and I actually like how it turned out. 😲 I’m not going to give away the title yet, but hopefully I’ll be able to share some fun news on it soon. 🙂
Other Projects (Updated Schedule)
This week, I’m spending time finishing the novella that’s been turning my hair gray. Come hell or high water, I will find what’s annoying me about it. Other than that, though, there are quite a few other projects that I’ve been working on (researching, writing, and/or outlining). The breakdown for what’s on my plate for the next 9 months or so is as follows:
- Novella – Finishing it this week
- The Night Weaver #3 – Will (hopefully) be done by the end of October
- Untitled Horror novel – Still researching parts of the book (Chapter 1 already done)
- Collaboration project – *grins* I’m not tellin’ nobody nuffin’ yet. 😉
- Dark Country #2 – Research is complete, so I’ll probably have it done by May 2021 if all goes as plan
And there you have my updated schedule. There are other things coming out soon, where I had played some role. I’ll post about them when the time is ready.
#WritersLife
Music
Matt Maeson’s Bank on the Funeral is very soulful, but dark, too. Still, there’s something hopeful in it. It’s a bit difficult to explain, but I love the guy’s voice, and that’s enough for me. 🙂
The Birds of Prey OST is pretty freaking awesome! I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I enjoy the mood they’ve created and it fits Harley Quinn (in my opinion) perfectly.
Something About You by Elderbrook (feat. Rudimentary) is not a full album. It’s a song I fell in love with and it’s been on repeat on my Spotify for what feels like forever. Definitely give it a listen if you’re looking for something with a lot of heart.
Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy is like a power album to me full of IDGAF vibes. When I want to feel invincible, I put that one on, and I’ve needed to put that album on a few times lately.
Now, on to the album I’m pretty sure everyone’s raised their eyebrow at … Hoor ons! by Bok van Blerk is an Afrikaans album by one of Afrikaans’ biggest names in music. Yeah, sometimes I need a proper dose of Afrikaans to give me strength. And yes, I know it sounds country-ish. *shrugs* I like it. Also, Bok van Blerk is nice to look at.
Books
Editing
What Hell May Come by Rex Hurst was released June 12, 2020 and it’s not for the faint of heart. The book plays off during the height of the Satanic Panic in the USA, and uses vivid imagery to bring to life a pretty terrifying tale. It’s one helluva journey, so if you’re in the mood to be scared witless, I have you covered.
Belle Vue by C.S. Alleyne is a debut novel, set to release August 25, 2020, and has some creepy AF themes in it. The story revolves around an asylum that’s gotten converted into an apartment complex. You can expect some legit shudders in this ghost story. 😉
324 Abercorn by Mark Allan Gunnells is a haunted house tale set in New Orleans, Louisiana. What I loved about working on this book was how it felt like I’m right there in a place I’ve never been. And the characters are so memorable! Definitely check this ghost story out if you’re in the mood for a proper twist at the end!
So, maybe horror isn’t your cup of tea. No worries, I have something else for you … The Magic Ingredient by Lindy Miller is a sweet romance set in Bar Harbor, and it’s coming out October 13, 2020! It has everything you need to feel all gushy and gooey on the inside. <3
Last, but certainly not least, is Midnight Horror Show by Ben Lathrop, which is another fear-inducing novel with just the right amount of creep to make you keep the lights on. Releasing September 25, 2020, this baby will definitely keep you entertained from start to finish. (I looked for a link, but couldn’t find one, so just keep your eyes out if this is what you need in your life).
To Be Read (TBR)
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is a horror novel I haven’t read yet, even though the movie is one of my favorite horror films of all time. I thought I’d rectify this sooner rather than later. Who needs sleep anyway? LOL!
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne are both on my 101 Must-Read Classic Books list, which I’m systematically still working through. I thought I’d at the very least try and get a few of those read this year. 🙂
Ravenspur (Wars of the Roses #4) by Conn Iggulden has been on my TBR since its release a few years ago. Don’t even ask me why I haven’t gotten around to it yet. *disgusted with self*
TV/Film
So, we loved The Umbrella Academy and Season 2 is finally out! Whoohoo! We’ve binged-watched it and it’s excellent. Definitely give the show a try if you’re looking for a dark comedy show with superheroes. Also, Klaus. You need Klaus in your life.
Deep Blue Sea 3 is on the watch-list tonight. After the failure that was Deep Blue Sea 2 (which was just sad), the bar is set pretty low. Still, gotta get my shark fix in at some point or another.
Blood and Glory is actually an Afrikaans film (there are subtitles, don’t worry), comparable to Mean Machine and The Longest Yard. But it’s darker and doesn’t put the British in a good light whatsoever. Granted, that’s what you get for committing crimes against humanity and getting away with it, so … It’s a good movie, though, and yes it does star Bok van Blerk (sue me, okay? Sometimes I need a bit of Bok to feel better).
Phew! The #writerslife is a busy life, but I love every part about it. I hope you enjoyed the recommendations and all the news and getting a glimpse into what it takes to be a writer:-) Next week, I think, the What’s New Wednesday post will be shorter.
Until then, be safe!
Monique
