Hi, hello! I’m Courtney. I write contemporary fantasy and make haunted audio fiction. You’re probably here because you said Jane Austen three times in front of a bookshelf. Or maybe it’s because you heard about my debut fantasy novel​ or my ​cozy horror audio drama series​ and wanted to learn more. Whatever the case, welcome!

Somehow, it’s pub day. Higher Magic is out in the world.✨

In case you're new here: Higher Magic is the story of first-generation graduate student Dorothe Bartleby, who has one last chance to pass the Magic program’s qualifying exam after freezing with anxiety during her first attempt. If she fails to demonstrate that magic in classic literature changed the world, she’ll be kicked out of the university. But in the process of preparing for her exam, Bartleby discovers that Magic students are literally disappearing. When the administration fails to act, she must learn to trust her own knowledge and skills. Otherwise, she risks losing both the missing students and her future as a mage, permanently.

I've been chatting a lot about the book all across the internet, lately. Here's a quick round up:

• Q&A: Courtney Floyd, Author of ‘Higher Magic’

• UpperPen Podcast interview

• In a Way, the Skull is an Assistive Technology, Max Gladstone The Third Space

Debut Year in 7 Moments

I’ve never been great at journaling, but last year when I knew a book deal might be impending I started a very irregular (very undated) little writing journal in my notes app. I thought I’d share some of my favorite entries with you today, as a way to mark the occasion:

Entry 1

On the first Rebecca emailed to ask if she could call in half an hour. “It’s not an offer,” she clarified, “but it’s still very exciting.”

We set up a meeting with the editor for the afternoon of March 4th and Rebecca and I had a Zoom call to do some preparation.

Every day since then I’ve woken up, seen my inbox, and thought “Huh. Still not a dream.”

Entry 2

This editor has expressed so much enthusiasm about my book and the disability and anxiety representation at the center of it. She says she’s had her team read it and there’s good in house support.

I think my life is maybe about to change next week, and I am excited in small bursts but mostly I feel so baffled. Pleasantly fucking baffled.

Entry 3

Nobody prepared me for the amount of stress dreams I would have while this deal was getting negotiated.

Entry 4

Suddenly and inexorably preoccupied with what my autograph will look like.

Entry 6

I keep thinking about headshots and what to wear for headshots and if I should upgrade my phone to try to do them at home or hire someone professional and OH I NEED A HAIRCUT but will I finally get a flattering one or will it be the worst of all time???

Entry 9

I got my edit letter yesterday! I’m actually really surprised by how exciting and inspiring it feels. Maybe it’s because I’ve had a long enough break from the MS at this point, but Dina’s notes feel very insightful and are sparking ideas and it just feels like such a cool, exciting thing. I’d expected to feel defensive or stressed (and that might come as I dig into revisions for the 8th or 9th time on this book lol) but right now I’m just thrilled.

Entry 11

Edits hit different, now, because I know I’m making changes that will lead to a real, printed-and-bound-and-shelved-in bookstores, book.

Eighteen months later, my book is real! I’ve held it in my hands. Reviewers have read and listened and joined team Anne. I signed the first batch of preorder copies at Yankee Bookshop on Friday, and tonight I get to celebrate with an event at a really cool public library.

It still feels so unbelievable and magical that I get to share this story with readers around the world. Thank you all so much for being part of my publication journey.

Cheers,
Courtney

P.S. Don't Forget Your Swag!

If you preordered Higher Magic through Yankee Bookshop, you'll be getting a signed copy with two stickers I designed. If you preordered it anywhere else, please fill out this form and I will email you an exclusive audio cut scene and Bartleby's Spell Composition I syllabus.