"Bloody Fantasia" is OFFICIALLY RELEASED! Also, what comes next?
Hello, readers!
You may have noticed this the moment you started reading this newsletter, but I’m using a different font because Buttondown FINALLY gave me options on what font I can use! This is because Buttondown now has a “fancy” writing mode!
It’s still in beta as of the time of this writing, but I hope they keep the font options they currently have.
“Bloody Fantasia,” Book 3 in the Harlow Mystery series, is OFFICIALLY RELEASED!
“Bloody Fantasia” was officially released YESTERDAY, June 24th 2024!
Thank you to everyone who already purchased a copy. I really hope that you enjoy reading this third installment/finale to the Harlow Mystery series!
Please also let your fellow murder mystery readers know about this, and ask your libraries to also purchase a copy! Thanks in advance for your support with this new book!
What Comes Next After “Bloody Fantasia?”
“Bloody Fantasia,” for those that don’t know, is the final book in the Harlow Mystery series. I’ve thought about writing and self-publishing books that take place after the first three, but that won’t be happening anytime soon. You can see my previous blog post about “Bloody Fantasia” for more information.
But you might be wondering: “If you’re done writing murder mysteries for now, Claris, what comes next?”
This is a question I’ll answer fully in my July Writing Update post. This post will be shared on my main website on July 1st, 2024.
However, I will share a few thoughts here: Lately, I’ve felt that I’ve been rushing the process of self-publishing my work, or at least the writing process if not everything else that comes after it.
I’ve especially come to terms with despite claiming to be a “part-time” author and poet (meaning that it’s not my main job), I’ve been acting like it’s a full-time job. I realized that if I kept on this path, things might get even worse for me long-term.
I’ve been taking time this month, outside of promoting “Bloody Fantasia” and writing new works, to re-center myself as a person outside of being a writer, and simply enjoy life a bit more. A video I watched recently was about not rushing through life and taking time to enjoy the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the work you do, whether it’s writing, consistently looking after a household, or something else entirely. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
What Am I Writing Lately?
I mentioned, in the last newsletter, that a duology I drafted is now Books 2 and 3 of a much larger series. I also mentioned that I was writing Book 1, and that I’m still outlining Books 4 and 5.
I’m happy to share that Book 1 is completely drafted now! This means that Books 1, 2 and 3 have all their first drafts completed.
Books 4 and 5 are currently being outlined and slowly written, with an emphasis on slowly here. I also now have plans for a Book 6 and possibly 7, but I need to focus on one book at a time!
Again, more details on my writing plans will be given in my July 2024 Writing Update post. This, like many other writing update posts, will be available on my main website on July 1st. so stay tuned for that!
What Have I Heard Lately?
For my audiobook and/or podcast rec this time around, I recommend listening to “Stephing Up,” a podcast by Steph Pase.
This podcast focuses on the host giving tips and tricks on how to have more balance in your life - whether it be personal development, boosting your self-esteem, etc. It has a similar vibe to “Let It Be Easy” by Susie Moore and other self-development podcasts. Episodes tend to be about 15-30 minutes long.
Episodes I recommend include:
What Have I Been Reading Lately?
I’ve been getting back into reading mostly fiction lately, specifically focusing on fantasy fiction. It’s been great to just indulge in a bunch of fantasy worlds.
I also deliberately chose some books that were the beginning of various series. This is so I can see if I want to read more books in the rest of the series.
Recent reads include:
“Spear” by Nicola Griffith
“Queens Of The Jungle” by Dr. Carly Anne York
“The Queen Of Blood” by Sarah Beth Durst
“The War To Save The Worlds” by Samira Ahmed
Thank you for following my writing journey!
I hope you look forward to seeing more of my writing process and work. I also look forward to giving all of you more frequent updates as well, so stay tuned for more!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at clarislamauthor@gmail.com! I’ll respond within 48 hours (except on weekends and holidays).
Access the Freebie Library! (Password is "Buttondown")
Thank you for following my writing journey!
I hope you look forward to seeing more of my writing process and work. I also look forward to giving all of you more frequent updates as well, so stay tuned for more!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at clarislamauthor@gmail.com! I’ll respond within 48 hours (except on weekends and holidays).