When it comes to my website, I have the best of intentions, I swear. But I'm just not one for posting things unless I have something significant to talk about. And I do. Have something to talk about, that is.
My newest novel will release on August 11th. That's in nineteen days!
I'll confess that I'm both thrilled and massively nervous. I'm thrilled because this story is my favorite Lire adventure yet. I get excited just thinking about it. I'm nervous, though, because this isn't the book that many of you are expecting. This one is a prequel that follows Lire through the beginning of her junior year in high school.
Now, before you grab your pitchfork, let me explain! I had to write this book. After touching on Lire's past while writing Reluctant Adept, I was hooked. I couldn't stop thinking about her youth at Coventry Academy—living in the boarding school’s dorm, being taught by teachers with their own magical abilities, hanging out with spellcasters, shifters, and the magically cursed. What kind of experiences did she have attending an exclusive school for the magically gifted and afflicted?
There was no way I could pass that up. And living under the same roof with three teenagers of my own only added to my excitement. More than anything, I wanted to write a book that they’d be thrilled to read, one populated with interesting characters, intriguing places, and magical ideas, yet still grounded enough to depict real issues that concern teenagers every day.
With those desires in mind, I started writing. I began with the following tagline:
Adolescence is hard enough. Throw magic into the mix and things are bound to get complicated.
What initially started as an idea to write a short story, turned into a full-length novel. I hope you’ll forgive my diversion and consider following sixteen-year-old Lire on her newest adventure. My test readers all seem to think it’s worth the detour. (If you decide to read it, you’ll have to let me know whether you agree.)
Without further ado, let me show you the cover my husband designed. He did a kick-ass job, don't you think? And Daniel, my cover artist, totally nailed it. Wait until you see the interior drawings. There are four of them and they’re awesome! So, stay tuned. We’re almost there!
