March 6th, 2022

Hello friend,

I can’t believe it’s already March! I hope February has been kind to you. It was quite a good month for me, because I’ve been able to read and write/edit A LOT.

Time for a recap!

Current reads

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson

I just started reading, but I like it so far!

The Italian Matchmaker by Santa Montefiore

It's been a while since I read a book by Santa Montefiore. I used to love her books, but then I read a few that were just alright. I'm really glad I gave this one a try though, because it's really good.

Books I recommend:

Honour Bound: An Ashlington Novella (Ashlington, #2) by Rowan MacKemsley (Publication date: March 12th, 2022) I was barely done (as if that’s ever going to happen lol) fangirling over Echoes when Honour Bound arrived. It’s another wonderful story that certainly did not disappoint. I probably will never get enough of Henry and West, so I am very excited for book 3 (and 4 and 5 and 300. Please keep them coming ;))!

There are two other books I would like to add (Letters to Half Moon Street and Jackals Wild), but I can't review them yet, so we'll have to wait. TIP: you can get an ARC of Jackals Wild (out March 25th) on NetGalley or BookSirens. If you are open-minded you will absolutely adore it. I know I did!

WIPs:

Ailene: I'm still working on my second draft, but I feel like it's really getting somewhere. I hope to finish it this year (and with finish it I mean the entire book, so not just editing, but all of it!), so I can publish it maybe at the beginning of next year? I don't know if this is just wishful thinking, but I'm really starting to believe it's doable!

I remember writing so many stories when I was a kid, but I never imagined being able to create an actual book. When I started writing Ailene back in December 2019, I didn't even think about publishing it. I was just trying to find a way to make sense of everything. Making up stories has always been my escape whenever life got hard, but back then it was such chaos in my head I needed to actually write it down.

I'm so glad I did. Going on this journey with my protagonist Hayden was such a special experience. We went through so much together, because even though his story is very different from mine, we were both hurting, both learning and both healing. Even if no one will ever read Ailene (or worse: no one will like it), it (and Hayden!) will always have a special place in my heart.

But let's move on before everyone thinks I am always this emotional. (Lowell aka Hayden's best friend: “But you are always this emotional, everybody knows that.” [...] “But that’s part of your charm.” Me: Thank you, thank you.)

Purpose (Ailene #0.5): first draft

Remember I told you I finished part 2 (out of 4) in my previous blog? One month later and part three is also done! I told you it was a good month :)

Digital Art

I've been trying to draw Alexander (Ailene) but after four failed attempts I must conclude it's impossible. He's just too awesome to be captured in a portrait.

Ugh, but seriously, I don't know what's the problem. I just keep failing. Anyway, I'm me so I'll just keep trying until I get it right.

BUT, I did manage to draw Liam (Purpose) and he's the cutest little I-don't-know-what in the entire Aileniverse (Ailene-verse? Idk?). Writing this character is an absolute joy. Drawing him was an absolute horror, but when I finally got it right it made me so happy!!

I also managed to draw Suri (Ailene). The result surprised me, because it took me maybe two hours and it looks so good! Suri is a womkey, aka the Ailene version of a meerkat, and she's one of Hayden's closest friends.

That's it for now. Hopefully I'll be able to post again soon and tell you more about all my books and writings ;)

Don’t forget to like this post (by clicking on the heart in the bottom right corner of this post), leave a comment below, and/or subscribe to my blog by entering your email address in the Subscribe Form at the bottom of the page.

Be kind & do good.

Love, Annabel