Good morning, everyone!
I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year. I’m such a fan of pumpkins, harvest festivals, corn mazes, cute costumes, handing out candy to kids, hot apple cider, fun black cats and bats, and dogs wearing sheets to look like ghosts. (Have you seen those Instagram reels? They’re super cute.) But I don’t like gore or horror.
When I was young, my family would watch Disney’s Sleepy Hollow (the cartoon) and Hocus Pocus. The 2003 version of Haunted Mansion will always be a favorite as well. Humor with a little bit of spooky? Yes, please. (Young Frankenstein does it very well, though it’s a Mel Brooks film, so I wouldn’t consider it a family movie.) Jake likes his spooky with a side of fantasy, so he’s big into Van Helsing and movies of that sort.
When we were first talking about writing Chronicles of GHOST, Jake and I were inspired by the movies we’ve always enjoyed around this time of year. We started with fantasy, naturally, and layered in humor and a dash of spooky. There’s romance for me and action for him. (And Greg because dragons.) The settings are so deliciously cozy, they make my heart happy.
If you haven’t started the series, now is the perfect time. Each book is a standalone, so you don’t have to worry about cliffhangers. And The Vampire Hunter and the Heiress, the first book, is only $0.99 through the end of the month. (Regular price is $4.99) I hope the series makes you smile.
In other news, edits on Blood and Buttercups are moving right along. I got a little behind last week while I was sick, but I’ve been diligently catching up this week. It’s ready for Jake to do his content edit, and I’m excited/nervous to see what he thinks. (Jake does all my content editing, even on the books we aren’t co-writing.) I’m still on track to have the book to my editor by the end of the month.
And though I hadn’t planned to start Vampires and Violas until November, I went ahead and leaped in this week. I’m not very far–only a few chapters in–but I’m loving it just as much as the first. The Vampires Guide to Gardening books are weird and wonderful, and I really hope you love them as much as I do.
A few things I’ve been enjoying this week:
Favorite tea: One of my readers on Instagram recommended Harney and Son’s decaf Vanilla Comoro, and I happened to spot it at Target. It’s so good! I add a little honey and sugar, and it’s become my favorite before-bed tea.
Changing Leaves and Cooler Temps: It’s finally beginning to look like fall in the Grand Valley. All the cottonwood trees are changing, and the geese are back. I’m really enjoying being home for the season this year.
Pumpkin Pancakes: Jake made this recipe last weekend, and it was amazing. I had my pancakes with whipped cream, chopped pecans, and real maple syrup. Oh my goodness–it was the best fall breakfast. I’m hoping he’ll make them again soon. (Jake is our family’s pancake maker. He’s the best.)
Sales/Promos:
The Vampire Hunter and the Heiress $0.99 Sale! This is an international sale, though your price might be slightly different depending on your Amazon store. 10/25 – 11/1
Amazon is running a Monthly Deal on Corsair’s Curse. You can pick it up for only $2.49. (Regularly $4.99) This is the last week, so be sure to grab it now if you want it! 10/1 – 10/31
That’s all for today! I’ll talk to you again next week.
Wishing you the best,
Shari :)
Shari L. Tapscott 