The Starving Author

J.E. Brand

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.
― Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance

Thanksgiving Fun

Can you believe Thanksgiving is only 2 days away? And I’m thankful for so much this year it’s ridiculous. As many of you know, I published my second book. I also have people in my life lovely enough to take time out of their day to beta read for me. I have had new health concerns, but they were curable without surgery. And I have parents who have taken care of me and are willing to let me stay with them until I’m back on my feet.

I’m also thankful I have two writing updates to make! Firstly, I’ve finished another draft of the final installment of The Witch’s March. Just one to two more drafts, and it’ll be ready for my beta readers! I keep staring at the last line, because I can’t believe the series will be done next year. These characters have been my constant companions these last few years, and I'm still in denial that my journey with them is near its end. I anticipate this release in mid-June again, and guess what? As reading this means you follow my newsletter, that means you’ll get exclusive sneak peeks! You’ll learn the book title, cover, and summary a full month before everyone else. And I might be convinced to let you read the first chapter early, too. ;) You can help people find the series before then by leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads! Links to those sites for both books can be found below the main text of this email. Even just a quick “loved this” goes a long way!

My second update involves a new stand-alone book set in the same magical universe. No, I haven’t forgotten about the novella or short story I promised you about Albert Thys and Norah Jane Vaughn/Athanasios Kokkinos. Those are either outlined or plotted, but I needed a break from that era to stay motivated. This new story also hit me like a pickup truck. I literally outlined the entire story in one day. ONE DAY! That's never happened to me with a novel before. I’ll share more information in time, but I will say this: it’s a mystery fantasy set in colonial Savannah, Georgia. And for all of you romantasy lovers reading this, good news! There will be an enemy-to-lovers subplot. And this romance will have a very different ending than Hattie and Rowland's!

History Fact

Savannah, Georgia, was founded on February 12, 1733. It was the first city in the new Georgia colony, and it's famous as America's first "planned" city. Georgia had a very different start than most American colonies in the start. The outlawed slavery, rum, lawyers, and Catholics. The trustees banned slavery to prevent the development of a plantation economy and rum for social and military reasons. The charter also initially banned lawyers and Catholics to "maintain social order".

Unfortunately, slavery was later legalized in 1751 when the Georgia Trustees petitioned Parliament to lift the ban. This change was driven by economic pressures and security concerns. Basically, the Trustees and colonists believed allowing slavery would make Georgia more secure against Spanish attacks, since they were the first defense against the Spanish to the south in Florida. They also hoped it would make them more economically viable, like the neighboring colony of South Carolina.

I had the honor of visiting Savannah back in 2023. One of my favorite stories was that of Florence Martus A.K.A. the Waving Girl. Born in 1869, Martus became a symbol of southern hospitality. Day and night, she stood on the edge of the Savannah River and waved a handkerchief or towel, welcoming and bidding farewell to the hardworking sailors she saw sail by. Her cheerful efforts established her as an exciting part of maritime history, as well as one of the highlights of Savannah’s coast. When ship captains spotted her, they would often acknowledge her by sounding their horn three times. According to legend, not a single ship was missed during the four decades she was on duty!

Forgotten Rebellion by AJ Park

A ruthless outlaw determined to conquer her kingdom. A courageous stranger who saves her life. She never suspected they would be the same man…

With the king bound in enchanted slumber, unrest spreads through the Seven Rivers. Outlaws ravage the land, destroying peaceful villages. Left alone to rule, Crown Princess Tahlea leads her army in defense of her people. When her efforts fail to capture the criminals, she makes a perilous journey to seek aid from a reclusive mystic. He grants her power to erase her enemy’s memory.

Betrayed and ambushed, Tahlea fights for her life. Captured by outlaws, she learns the attacks are only the beginning, and her entire kingdom is in danger. Desperate to stop Andevaar, she casts her spell.

Bent on vengeance, Andevaar plans to conquer the Seven Rivers. While the king is unable to act, only Princess Tahlea stands between him and seizing control. But everything changes when he loses his memories. Can he abandon his past and become a new man? Or will he deny his feelings for the stubborn, courageous princess and destroy her to win the throne? Buy here for only $2.99 today!

Book Recommendations Anyone?

As always, I would love to hear what books you’ve loved reading lately. Send any recommendations to me over either X, Instagram, or Facebook by clicking on the icons below!