Updates to Share

I am utterly delighted to share that I received the advance copies of my new book, The Sorcerer Queen, scheduled for release on August 28th. It is such a thrill for me to hold that first copy of a new book in my hand.

Even though I have written the book, revised, revised and copy-edited till I know it almost by heart; even though I’ve done the artwork and worked countless hours with my art director on the layout; even though I’ve seen the galley proofs plus what’s called a cover dye-strike in advance—even though all of the above, to have that first copy hot off the press at last is always a sublimely joyful experience! And it’s an experience that actually gets more, not less, exciting every time I bring out a new book.
Perhaps that’s because each book begins as an ephemeral idea, like the proverbial gleam in the eye, or perhaps a whisper from a character from a time or place I never imagined, or a line or two that I find I’ve written without any conscious intention. And then as the days pass, the wispy, dream-like thoughts become more insistent, more coherent, and I realize there’s a story waiting to be told, and a book waiting to materialize. And when it finally does, it really is a dream come true.
So I held The Sorcerer Queen in my hands and looked over every page and laughed and cried at the same time. And then I did what I always do with the first copy of each new book: I set it on a tiny easel on an antique table framed by a gold-leaf mirror and two brass lamps with green hanging crystals and cherubs on the base. And suddenly I realized there were four books on the table and it was actually getting crowded!

And then it hit me—this is my fourth book in four years! I honestly did not realize that I’d been working that fast. But I love what I do and my work completely energizes me, so I keep going. And yes, I’m halfway through Book#5, but more about that later.
The Sorcerer Queen is one of several books that I have planned that I call medieval tapestries of verse. It’s a whimsical young adult fantasy about a kingdom cursed for nearly a century, the king who tries to undo the curse, and his mysterious, hidden adversary. I think the layout and artwork reflect the playful nature of the story, but it also has its serious side, since it can be read as a spiritual allegory about our necessary journeys through darkness into light. Stay tuned for more as the launch gets closer!

Even though I have written the book, revised, revised and copy-edited till I know it almost by heart; even though I’ve done the artwork and worked countless hours with my art director on the layout; even though I’ve seen the galley proofs plus what’s called a cover dye-strike in advance—even though all of the above, to have that first copy hot off the press at last is always a sublimely joyful experience! And it’s an experience that actually gets more, not less, exciting every time I bring out a new book.
Perhaps that’s because each book begins as an ephemeral idea, like the proverbial gleam in the eye, or perhaps a whisper from a character from a time or place I never imagined, or a line or two that I find I’ve written without any conscious intention. And then as the days pass, the wispy, dream-like thoughts become more insistent, more coherent, and I realize there’s a story waiting to be told, and a book waiting to materialize. And when it finally does, it really is a dream come true.
So I held The Sorcerer Queen in my hands and looked over every page and laughed and cried at the same time. And then I did what I always do with the first copy of each new book: I set it on a tiny easel on an antique table framed by a gold-leaf mirror and two brass lamps with green hanging crystals and cherubs on the base. And suddenly I realized there were four books on the table and it was actually getting crowded!

And then it hit me—this is my fourth book in four years! I honestly did not realize that I’d been working that fast. But I love what I do and my work completely energizes me, so I keep going. And yes, I’m halfway through Book#5, but more about that later.
The Sorcerer Queen is one of several books that I have planned that I call medieval tapestries of verse. It’s a whimsical young adult fantasy about a kingdom cursed for nearly a century, the king who tries to undo the curse, and his mysterious, hidden adversary. I think the layout and artwork reflect the playful nature of the story, but it also has its serious side, since it can be read as a spiritual allegory about our necessary journeys through darkness into light. Stay tuned for more as the launch gets closer!