Joy as an Act of Resistance
June TPD - letter no. 4
My first memory of flowers is when, as a young child, I would walk the field behind the house with my mother. It was a wild and overgrown place. I was a small kid, so tall grass would surpass me in height as stickers clung to the folded part of my socks. I would pick Mongolian dandelions one at a time until I had a collected bunch that required both hands to carry. I would blow on them like birthday candles until every last seed head disappeared. I thought they were magical, meant for wishes, and hopes.
As I near the end of the first draft of my romantasy, I’ve realized just how much of that version of me comes through the story. That younger version of me who cast her hopes and dreams out into the world and held her breath for a boomerang to return. I think that part of me exists far more strongly than I realize. Still filled with imagination and hope. I’ll still sigh at the sound of a summer rainstorm with reverence, my eyes following its path as it moves through the sky. The shadowing colors like someone dragging their fingers through grey painted storm clouds.
Summer is certainly here now. The brutal heat has begun, and triple digit temperatures test the endurance of plants and people alike. On one particularly hot afternoon where it was too uncomfortable to be outside, I thought of where I would rather be; among the flowers, digging into soil with both hands. I wrote my heart out that day, imagining another world where magic is a secret and terrain is its source. Perhaps, I think, this is why flowers are so admired. What is imagination other than the act of cherishing a daydream?
"The soil is an education of what occurs between the sun and water. Some of the realm's most potent sources of power live beneath the ground until its ready to surface. Strength is a magic that can grow in the dark."
— excerpt from current romantasy project, code named EAST
I don't want to forget that art is where my hope lies. I write stories as much for myself as I do for those who read them. It’s the one tangible gift I feel I can offer. Something to cross the distance. A gift meant to grow outward and upward, ready to spring up, worthy and anew into a world that longs for the promise of goodness as much as I do.
photo by nataliya melnychuk
As I near completion of the first draft of my romantasy novel, and work on revisions for ONIW, I’ve found that dipping into two different stories, in two completely different worlds is very challenging. But even with the fall deadline of needing to complete the final draft of my next romantic suspense for my editor, I am completely and utterly fixated on the romantasy story. It tugs on me at random times; at night as I lie in bed, or in between chapters of new books. I’ve had a harder time setting aside either, so with an earnest attempt at a better balance between the two, I can only work on one at a time when I sit down to write. While One Night in Warsaw is a, Under The Tuscan Sun meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith, romantic countryside vibe with a heavy dash of London spies, the romantasy is far more weighted emotionally. It has also become a trilogy (because apparently I don’t mind torturing myself?). It is a Count of Monte Cristo retelling with a magical spin. It will be, if I can tell it exactly right, the story that might involve the most honest parts of me. As a special treat, I’ve shared the mood board I reference as I finish the first draft.
It’s official: My next romantic suspense novel, One Night in Warsaw will be out December 2, 2025. Behind the scenes I’m working on bonus material, and special events in collaboration with my favorite independent bookstores for signed copies. December might seem far but it will be worth the wait!
I’m currently working with Lauren Bencivengo (the cover artist of Starling Darling) on the book cover and we’re going through details and color schemes. I’ll also be soon sharing where you can pre-order a signed special edition of the book, so keep an eye out!
I am also looking at recording an audiobook for my next novel! This would be such an undertaking, but I understand the value, accessibility and ease that audiobooks offer. Can you do me a favor? Will you vote below and let me know if you would be interested in an audiobook for my next novel, One Night in Warsaw? The more people who vote allow me to plan ahead of the publishing date!
I have a subscription to Nature, a multidisciplinary science journal with weekly print editions. Each issue is filled with every and any thing that satisfies my curiosity: peer-reviewed research articles and features on current events with its overlap in the science community. I read a recent article featuring the technological approach to art conservation and ethical standards of restoring art. I also finished the entire season of The Gentlemen on Netflix, and every episode had snappy, clever dialogue that was very fun. I’ve been reading Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen because honestly, it was a little embarrassing that I had never read it before. With only four chapters left, I totally get it now! It’s perhaps going to be in the top five of my all-time favorite books for me.
One Night in Warsaw will be the December Book Club pick for Birdhouse bookshop! I adore the owner, and am so honored my next novel has been selected.
Starling Darling will be featured in the July print issue of EDIT, a magazine that publishes great recipes, interviews, home inspiration and more. I’m offering a big discount on the special edition of my debut here.
May the rest of your month be filled with small and big joys. Thank you for being here.
