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It’s October! (How did that happen?) May you all have wonderful months, happy Halloweens, and Steampunk-inspired costumes!
MotAE Updates
We’re approaching the end of the novel — at which point, I’ll let you know where and when you can get the whole thing in tidy, book-like form. You’ll also start hearing from me less frequently.
I know that just breaks your hearts 😜. But despair not, you can always connect on social media.
Books and Giveaways
Check out these fabulous reads and deals from my StoryOrigin partners.
Brainiacs, Unite!: An All-Genre Giveaway for Stories with Intelligent Characters
Because there are few things more satisfying than a really smart protagonist. Check out these free books, but hurry — the giveaway ends October 19th!
Daphne Mayne and the Goblin Quest
By Kent Silverhill
Daphne Mayne can’t sit around while her brother, Daniel, lies dying…
But her quest to find a cure sends her into the path of a band of goblins who insist she tag along.
Daphne and her kidnappers clash with trolls, slavers, monsters, and caves filled with deadly traps.
#HighFantasy #YoungAdult
Witch’s Jewel
By Kater Cheek
A sorcerous jewel. A mysterious uncle. Can a barista keep her magical heirloom safe from murderous crooks?
Forced to dig into a late relative’s murky past, Kit is shocked when she learns her artifact’s power cannot be transferred. That is, unless its caretaker is dead…
#Vampires #Mystery #UrbanFantasy #Witches #Action
Murder is Delivered
By Shannon Symonds
When you don't trust anyone, you risk everything.
Would you rather eat school lunch alone or be locked in with a killer? Esther and Sophie didn't know there would be a multiple-choice test when they arrived at Oceanside High...
#Mystery #Suspense #Comedy #YoungAdult
Host a Literary Halloween Bash
Forget the haunted house. No place is as haunted as a good library.
Try these ideas for a book-themed Halloween party.
Set the Scene
Think bookcases draped with cobwebs, ghosts "rising" out of open books, and spooky lanterns made from old book pages.
Don't forget a spooky photo-ready backdrop, so guests can photograph their best terrified expressions.
Let Them Eat Cake
Vampires are a book staple, so break out your favorite "bloody" red velvet recipe. As for cocktails, mix up a pitcher of your favorite and label it Dr. Jekyll's Transforming Potion.
Encourage Themed Costumes
Tell guests to come in literary-inspired costumes. They should dress as their favorite heroes, villains, or quirky sidekicks.
Have Bookish Halloween Activities
Set up a spooky literary scavenger hunt. Create puzzles related to famous quotes or titles and have guests search for hidden clues in the shelves. Or test your friends' knowledge of horror with trivia dedicated to the scariest reads.
Random Reading Recommendation
Because good books deserve to be shared.
Each month, I mention a book that’s on my mind. (This is not an advertisement.)
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
When I describe this book, it sounds gimmicky — like it should be terrible. But if you haven’t yet started this series about lesbian necromancers in space (see???), then make it part of your October.
It’s appropriately spooky, hilarious, and heartbreaking — all in one literary package.
Products for Readers Who Love Halloween
Writerly Wisdom
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See you Thursday with the next installment of Murder on the Aerial Express!
