Start Spilling

New book news and some joy

Hi, hello, welcome!

Want to hear a secret?

Lean in, let’s gooo.

I’m working on a new romance series!

Of course, I’ve shared that already. The secret is in the details, and I thought, to encourage myself (and maybe you) to be a tiny bit braver, I’d share some details here, while we’re still in the third rough draft stages.

While my ego-heavy side would prefer to offer you a fully assembled, well-reviewed, highly regarded book, my normal human self recognizes, it’s more fun to bring someone along on the journey then only offer a slideshow presentation at the end.

(Remember slideshows? Adults brought friends and family to their home, under the guise of a yummy meal, then made them look at vacation presentations. This was a REAL THING. As a kid I could sneak off and read. But can you imagine the horror of being forced to sit and watch someone else’s holiday photos slide across a screen on a wall? How people had fun before social media.)

With that, let’s chat new book!

The Dolly Books

Hello, working title series, inspired by the Queen of East Tennesse herself. (Note: this is not the official series title. Yet.)

These books are (hopefully) infused with both Dolly Parton small town in the hills, Tennessee Moutain Home spirit AND with Dolly Parton cheer for everyone, laugh at yourself, glamour is what you decide it is, kicking butt in cute shoes and giving books away to kids vibe.

(If that last sentence made sense to you, I really feel you’re in the right place here.)

In more plain speak, I can confirm it will be a four book romance series of interconnected standalone novels, with—twist!—dual point of view storytelling.

That’s right, you’ll be in both main characters’ heads. Not at the same time, we’re not doing sci-fi. But both the lady and the fella will tell their individual stories and I’m so excited (and only a touch nervous) to hear your thoughts on how I handle a dude’s voice.

me each time I write the grown man thinking something swoony

The series follows four sisters, each with her own book and not in birth order because that’s not how the books showed up in my head (I realize that sounds a little crazy cuckoo but it’s what happened).

Each sister is mapped out, and three of the four will follow the rules (that I’ve made up and am the only one who adheres to) showcasing women thirty-five and up. I very much like this about my stories.

how my books talk about themselves because they show women thriving in their mid-thirties and beyond

Any questions? Comments? Best wishes and kindest regards? Feel free to drop those in the comments below!

Romantic Women’s Fiction, Anyone?

Remember these lovelies? I’m playing with rebranding, calling this romantic women’s fiction. What do you think? Are these romances or women’s fiction with strong romance vibes? Please share thoughts in the comments!

And, if you’re a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read all of my books on KU! Grab them here.

Joy Corner

And here are a few things bringing me joy right now.

The thick, squishy, warm blanket I got as a Christmas gift. It’s problematic in that once I’m under it, getting back out is well-nigh impossible.

That One Time in Hawaii from Ella Beachely. Such a fun, closed-door rom-com (that’s also packing some weight) from such a fun indie author. Leading lady Natalie is delightfully relatable, which is a favorite character quality of mine.

Walks! It’s starting to unfreeze here in small pockets of time, and when I fit a walk in, I remember that being outside and moving around makes me a nicer person.

pre walk

post walk

I just finished the newest Marian Keyes, My Favorite Mistake, and I’d highly recommend it. Keyes has written a five-book series about sisters, with each sister getting her own novel (hmm, interesting idea). I’ve loved her work since my early twenties and expect to love her in my early eighties.

There you have it! Some joy, some books, and some inside baseball knowledge about my upcoming series that no one else has yet (I’m 99% sure this is true).

What’s something you’re loving? Any comments on the new series? Let’s chat!

Every time I send one of these, I’m thrilled and amazed by the number of you opening them. Thanks for spending a touch of your one wild & precious life here with me.

me to you, who so kindly supports and encourages this newsletter simply by showing up to read it. and maybe putting a heart on it? if it’s not too big of an ask.

Thanks, and take care,

Emily