The Secret Library: Fall 2024
Forthcoming Fantasy Releases, Book Recs, and Secret Snippets
Front Desk
September will always be my new year.
As a student, and then a teacher, my year always revolved around September. The anticipation of new notebooks and crisp shoes (do they make me run faster? of course!), and seeing friends that are maybe an inch taller than the last time we met. Of choosing out a new planner and wondering who will be in the class and the first-day wiggles that just won’t leave the belly. Of freshly-sharpened pencils and a stack of new stories and a fluid possibility of the people to meet and learn alongside.
I know the calendar year and the resolutions usually reset in January. There is something truly satisfying with reflecting on the year, counting down the seconds on the clock, and celebrating the hope that comes with that January 1st.
But for me? The excitement starts in September.
I’ve been keeping a secret.
The first draft of my third book, and first STANDALONE, is complete. I’ve spent the summer reading through my own words, taking courses from incredible authors like Rebecca Ross and Sabaa Tahir, and writing my own edit letter.
It’s nothing like I’ve written before (did I mention STANDALONE?) and it’s been a challenge to explore world building, a blossoming romance, and character arcs while also tying everything up in a satisfying ending.
The books I wrote before were all potentials of sprawling series. I didn’t get to follow those characters to their endings (yet!). The reality is, the world of publishing is unpredictable (womp, womp!) but my love for writing isn’t.
I love writing. I love creating. I love challenging myself to hone my craft and earn the stories my characters set out for me.
And after many “I love the writing but this doesn’t fit my list”s and “please send me your next project”s or “please know this business is subjective”s, I had to remember why I do this—why I write, why I create.
So friend, this new book I’m working on, a standalone with vibes along the lines of Rebecca Ross’ DIVINE RIVALS and Adrienne Young’s THE LAST LEGACY via way of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, was an exercise in finding my why, realizing there’s no one way to write a book, and embracing the unexpected.
So this September, something different this way comes.
May your New Years start whenever you choose them,
Nadine
From the Archives
Books I’ve read lately, that you should, too.
The Encanto’s Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz. A romantic YA fantasy inspired by Filipino mythology where a young woman claims the throne to another realm.
Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer. “An epic romantic fantasy with enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn spice, found family and a sprawling world of magic and monsters.” I loved the added element of the MC’s foretold death, ensuring tension and stakes are high. Blood & Steel is the first in a series, so keep that in mind (and don’t spoil anything as I still have to read the fourth one!)
Where The Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek. “A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power.” If you’re one for dark fairy tale vibes, this one’s for you!
New to the Stacks
Upcoming Fantasy Books Releasing Fall 2024
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Serpent Sea by Maiya Ibrahim. Sequel to Spice Road.
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner
Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood
The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones
For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga
Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle. Sequel to Curious Tides.
The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
Study Room
Writing resources for my fellow writers.
If you’re one who loves creating, too, whether it’s a dedicated part of your routine, some words you scribble when you can, or something you’ve only dreamed of doing, the ROMANTASY SUMMIT hosted by Storybeast Podcast is something to check out.
With faculty like Sarah A. Parker (WHEN THE MOON HATCHED), Stacey McEwan (LEDGE), Hannah Whitten (THE FOXGLOVE KING), Ken Liu (THE GRACE OF KINGS), L. Penelope (SONG OF BLOOD & STONE), Amber V. Nicole (THE BOOK OF AZRAEL), among other industry standouts, it is a weekend of EPIC proportions.
Until Sunday, September 22, 2024 you can use code STAYBEASTLY50 for $50 off your admission.
There are scholarships available, with an application deadline of October 18th, 2024. You can read more about scholarships here.
I hope I’ll see you there!
From my Personal Collection
A first draft snippet from my own Secret Library.
Etta
…General eyes us both. “I’m about to open this door,” she says. “And once it’s open—”
“No more speaking.” Sam pulls two fingers over his lips, then turns them as if locking a key.
General’s face softens, the ghost of a smile at her mouth, before she dips her chin. “Alright, now get out of my face.” Her tone holds none of the bite the words do. She pushes the door open to the darkened stairs.
I go first. I won’t let Sam take my turn on the stage, not again. I can do this. Cold tugs at my shoulders, winds down my arms before tightening around my wrists. I grip the railing as I step up, up, up, each stair, ignoring the hum of the song build, build, building inside my ribs.
The stage lights pool in the wings. I can do this. Sound warbles in my ears. The cold spreads down my chest, caging the song that staccatoes against my sternum. My breath comes in too short sips and I shuffle closer to the curtain, awaiting my turn on stage. Sam joins me, the smell of the peppermints he loves with him.
The mints I can no longer taste without thinking of him.
Focus. I open and close my fists, tapping my thumbs to each finger. Five things you can see. The cracked board of the stage floor. The crimson velvet curtain. Green glossy leaves crowned with white berries and tied with more gold ribbon.
Damn the spirits and all their teeth. We’re below the greenery. I shuffle away from Sam. His scowl rivals that of General’s when we talk with the stage door open. Don’t look up don’t look up don’t look up.
He looks up. “Ah.” Sam closes the distance between us, and lowers his mouth to my ear. “I don’t force women to kiss me.” His breath caresses my neck. “If you want me to kiss you, Illusionist, you’ll have to ask.”
Wishing you crisp leaves, books that suit your mood, and New Years whenever you choose them.
I’m a real person. If you’d like to talk about books and/or writing, reply to this email or leave a comment below.
My hand in yours,
Nadine