What’s New Wednesday #28: Bad Shadows and Good Bones

It’s time for another What’s New Wednesday, and this week’s theme is … *drumroll* … Bad Shadows and Good Bones! 🦇 💀 Spooky, right? Well, dearest readers, it may be spring here, but I’m so ready for Halloween, so I thought we can start getting into the mood with some creepy obsessions. Okay, yes, I’m also going to get all chatty about The Night Weaver (The Night Weaver #1) and The Bone Carver (The Night Weaver #2), but it fits the theme. Promise. 😃

Bad Shadows and Good Bones

TV/Film

If you don’t know what Shadow People are, you’re in for a treat! Shadow People have been part of folklore and religions for ages, and are typically believed to be spirits or demons. Recently, there is a movement claiming these Shadow People are from a different reality. Now, I’ve been a big fan of these shades for a while … Heck, I even added my own interpretation of them in The Night Weaver! But here’s the thing: I never realized there was a movie made about them. So, guess what we’re watching? Yup, Shadow People. 🙂 I’m pretty excited about this one, because the trailer looked freaking awesome.

In the mood for a haunted house/possession movie? I am! Another flick I haven’t watched is Out of the Shadows, which looks uber-creepy. Thank God for Youtube’s algorithm, which suggested this trailer, because phew. I wouldn’t have found it otherwise. Anyway, I’m not sure what to expect, but it promises some demonic torment, which is always a win.

The Hallow is a rewatch with some evil faerie vibes. Like, super evil faerie vibes, I kid you not. Not a lot of people enjoyed this one when it first came out, but I totally loved it because it’s one of the better films revolving around changeling lore. Also, this film plays off in Ireland and the creepy woods are just out of this world gorgeous!

Books

Keeping up with the Bad Shadows and Good Bones theme, let’s get into what I’m reading this week. Now, last week I posted my 2020 Spring Reading List, which kind of gives an overview of everything I want to read this season.

I’ve already finished Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which I kinda loved weirdly enough, and I’m halfway done with the sequel, but I want to mix things up when I’m done with Onyx because I’m a little annoyed with the way the story is developing. I’ll return to the series eventually, I’m sure.

The Leaving by Tara Altebrando is definitely next on my list, because I am craving a good mystery, and nothing says: “MYSTERY” like people going missing. I’m really hoping this book is as good as I’ve built it up to be in my head.

Then, it’s time to delve into the wonderfully dark mind of Stephen Graham Jones with his newest release, Night of the Mannequins. I’m also pretty excited about this one, especially since I’ve seen some folks chatting about it.

Music

I’m currently listening to Get Scared‘s latest album, Dead Days, which is totally helping me with my writing. A bit of metal is always helpful when you’re struggling to get the right words on paper. That’s my top tip to new writers. 😉

Another album I’m constantly hitting replay on is The Gloomy Tapes Vol. 2 by Call Me Karizma. It’s a shorter album, but it’s pretty cool. Definitely give that one a listen if you’re looking for alternative indie music.

The Bone Carver

Fan Love

I L❤️VE seeing (and sharing) readers’ photos of my books. With The Bone Carver releasing soon, some advance readers have been posting absolutely breathtaking photos on Instagram. Just look! The pics are just so freaking GORGEOUS!

I am absolutely amazed at the talent and creativity my readers possess. You guys are awesome!

First Review

What’s more, the first review is in for The Bone Carver and I’m just on top of the world by the kind words!

“From violent threats and death to unholy creatures, the mature themes of this engrossing horror fantasy place it in a category that will especially appeal to ages 16 and older.” – D. Donovan, Donovan’s Literary Services

The full review gives readers a glimpse into what to expect (with some quotes from The Bone Carver, too). Check it out here: The Bone Carver 

Read-Alikes

I’m currently working on a page for readers who’re experiencing some withdrawals from The Night Weaver Series or who wants a taste of what’s to come. I’m hoping to have it up by the end of the week, so make sure to check out the Extras category on the official page. 😉

Pre-Order

For a small New England town, Shadow Grove has an uncanny ability to attract the worst kind of trouble. Not that the residents are too concerned about the various horrors living among them.

As the leaves change color and the weather grows colder, a foul presence is making itself known by leaving peculiar gifts for the students of Ridge Crest High. At first the presents seem harmless—and a rash of accidents seem coincidental—but when seniors Rachel Cleary and her Scottish cousin, Dougal Mackay, find a boneless body in the boiler room, things take an ominous turn.

Something vicious is on the loose in Shadow Grove, and not knowing whether Orion Nebulius will ever return, Rachel has very little hope of anyone making it out alive.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

Writing

• So, I’m hard at work writing the third installment of The Night Weaver Series. Yes, I am a little annoyed after having to delete 7,000 words this morning, but that too shall pass. LOL! It happens. It’s part of the job. And believe me, it doesn’t matter how in-depth your outline is, there’s a good chance you’ll veer off your chosen path at some point.
  That being said, I have a deadline for the Book #3 by the end of the month (heavens help me!), so if I go quiet at times, this is why.
• In October, I’m also starting on a brand new project which is a collaboration piece. I’m not going to give away any deets on this one yet, but it’s going to be awesome. 🙂 Also, my collaborator (or shall I call her my accomplice?) is an absolute darling! You’ll love her. 😉
• So, there is no way I’ll finish writing my BIG horror book this year. There simply isn’t enough time left. BUT I am working on it when I have a few minutes to spare and I have high hopes that it’ll be done by middle next year.

Website

I’m systematically changing my website up a bit. Updating some pages, creating new pages, and whatnot. The general feel will remain the same (don’t worry!), but I have some new extras I want to share on The Night Weaver Series page, for example. We also went for a little photo shoot on Monday, so I’m super excited to get some of those photos up. Ooh, and I am also working on a longer bio, so that everyone can get to know me a little better. 🙂

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Phew! This was quite a post, huh? Well, I think I have said everything I can say for now. Next week, I have some other pretty-pretty stuff to share with you guys, so be sure to check back!

Have a superb week!

Monique