Hold on tight, we have a lot to cover!

First of all, I hope you’re all having a fabulous summer! I, personally, lied to myself. I tried to convince myself, at the end of the school year, that without our homeschool routine to focus on I’d have much more time to write. A minute later I was scheduling parties, sleepovers, and family outings. So here we are, a little shy of halfway through summer (and the year!) and I’m reflecting on those lies, as well as where I’ve succeeded and where I still need to improve.

Do you look at your goals closely? One of the biggest cycles I’m trying to break is the idea that my productivity is tied to my value. I catch myself frequently telling my husband all I did during the day so that he’ll see I was valuable at home. And the thing is, it’s not from him at all. He couldn’t care less. It came from my upbringing. I didn’t realize until I was almost thirty, and then I really honed in on how my mother talked about her days. How hard it was for her to rest or take time off. How she had NO idea I had anxiety as a child. Anxiety that made me physically ill and caused my aunt to tell me I was going to give myself an ulcer. Because my mom couldn’t see it in herself.

All of that to say, for me, goals are both important, because they outline actions, and a hinderance because if I don’t approach them the right way, they’ll kill my mental health. I was pleasantly surprised with where my goals ended up this month. The quarter started off slow, but I’m at a comfortable place. And more importantly, I’m excited to share everything that’s coming in the next few months with you!

The Fallout Duet

The Fallout Duet is getting a Special Edition omnibus! Both books together as one!! I’m absolutely IN LOVE with this cover designed by K.B. Barrett Designs. Isn’t it perfect??

Ok, but that’s not all! I’m also thrilled that When Sparks Fly is coming to audiobook! We are going to get all of sweet, sassy, and southern characters from the book in DUET narration.

I know you’re asking “How do I get the omnibus? How do I get the audiobook?” Let me tell you.

Next week (July 1st) my Kickstarter campaign will launch for both of these amazing goodies, plus more. If you aren’t sure how a Kickstarter works, check out my Instagram post on this, and feel free to reach out with any remaining questions!

Important notes about the Kickstarter:

• Start - July 1st

• End - July 30th

• Certain items will ONLY be available during the Kickstarter.

  • The EBook version of the omnibus is one of these items.

• Backing the reward tiers for the audiobook will give you early access to it once it’s ready to go! AND, if we reach stretch goals to include the audiobook for When the Smoke Clears, that audiobook will be included with those tiers for FREE.

Writing Updates!

A Penny For Your Thoughts is with my amazing editor. The ARC application is still open and preorders are live. If you haven’t already, I’d be so appreciative if you took a moment to add APFYT to your TBR. This is an easy way to get the word out to others that it exists.

Alpha readers have gotten the first half of the Halloween novella I’m working on. This one is a completely new location and cast, and so different from my current books. I can’t wait to share it. If you’re a lover of masked men, autumn vibes, and flawed MCs, then this one is for you!

There is SO much more in the pipeline, but with life throwing curveballs at me hard, I’m keeping that a secret a bit longer so I can nail down timelines.

Are you coming to see me in October?

Tickets for Books & Bourbon Spooky Soiree in Bardstown, Kentucky are still available and I can’t wait to meet you! The event will be Friday October 17th and Saturday October 18th. VIP tickets include a Meet & Greet Friday evening, a Lux Row Distillery tour on Saturday (you better believe, ya girl has her time booked already), early access to the signing, and admittance to the Masquerade Ball! If you’re not following the pages on Instagram or Facebook, make sure to do so. They’re sharing new things all the time!

Preorders are open! Pro Tip: If you want the Special Edition omnibus, grab it during the Kickstarter campaign.

Author Spotlight

Hello, J.L. Minyard!

Recently, I got to alpha read for J.L. Minyard and it was such a treat! There where times when I forgot I was giving feedback, because I was so immersed in the story. Even better, I get to meet her at Books & Bourbon (with you, because you’re coming)!

Sometimes Love Ain’t Enough is book one in her Penn Warren University series. If you love: college romance, low-stakes, low-angst, plus-sized FMC, and cinnamon roll MMC then this one is for you.

Hello, Alise Monroe!

If you’re in need of a small town, second chance romance then When I Come Back by Alise Monroe may be for you! They’re a romance co-author duo, and if you’re in need of a motorcycle riding bad boy, they’ve got that, too!

Thirteen years ago, Carrington Grant and Thea Ashford left Indigo Hill, South Carolina with a shared dream of a larger life that only Seattle could offer. Cary hoped to be the next big chef with his childhood sweetheart at his side, leaving his estranged family behind without a second glance.

Eight years ago, Thea moved back home to care for her sick mother, leaving Carrington alone in Seattle. It was the hardest decision she’d ever made, shattering both of their hearts in the process. Moving back to the small town she once tried to escape, Thea promised herself she’d still chase her dreams despite her circumstances.

Now, after a devastating tragedy, they’re brought back together in Indigo Hill. Upon returning, Carrington realizes everything he once knew about his hometown and the woman he never stopped loving has changed.

While grieving the loss of two people important to her, Thea must learn how to work with the man she never fell out of love with. They’re pushed together in a way neither of them could have imagined. Will they rediscover love again and finally mend their broken hearts? Will they be able to forgive each other for their previous mistakes? Or will they stay trapped in the past unable to truly move on?

Don’t forget! Kickstarter next week to get the gorgeous special edition! If you have questions please reach out!

XOXO, Amanda