Hey, babes.
It's the beginning of the dark, cold, and wet season in the Pacific Northwest. While it never really reaches those devastatingly cold temps here as it does in other parts of the country, it can be hard to cope when the sun does its disappearing act. And yet, even in this season—for which the PNW is best known—there is beauty. Gloomy, moody, intense. Soaking up the best of it does require some grit, courage, and a rain jacket. But if you can hang, you can find the magic in Washington's darker months.
No, you really can't live here without waxing poetic about the weather. It's a rule. I'm typing most of this newsletter on my phone today (Monday, though this will likely not go out til Wednesday), watching the rain patter down and contemplating the remainder of the year. I've had a persistent cough for weeks--the lingering cough after a bad cold that keeps you awake and miserable. It's slowing me down some, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit grouchy. I am definitely one of those people who feels immense guilt over not being *busy* enough. It's a mentality I'm working on.
I had to stop and check myself over this recently. Our personal seasons cycle on, and right now is a season of rest and preparation for me. I have released 6 books this year, attended two signing events, adopted a dog, and made a major transition into a new phase for my child and I. I've traveled about 10k miles by car and taken 3 round trip flights across the country. And I'm not done yet—I've still more traveling and writing to do, art to make, friends and family to see. But for the moment, I'm letting myself regroup (trying). I'm refilling the well (trying). *Trying* to get rid of this dang cough.
Authoring Things
Right now I'm working on the outline for Axel, the next book in the IMPMC series. I have a few nearly-completed manuscripts I've picked up and then put aside this year, and that's all right. The words didn't truly start flowing until I wrote Cage, and I have to think that's for a reason. I'll come back to my mermaids and vampires soon. Right now, my brain wants bikers. We're rolling with it.
So, here’s your first look at the cover of Axel! I’m doing nothing at all in the way of marketing. My sole focus right now is getting these books out. Shout out to Kat for the covers for this series. You always do right by me.
In addition to Axel, my book wife
and I are bringing Harvest Moon, book six of BMRMC, to you as soon as we both feel less like we're dying. Please send tea and minties.Upcoming Events
Announcements have been made, and it's official--Kat and I will be signing at Wild Deadwood Reads in Deadwood SD on June 15, 2024, and Getting Witchy With It in Salem, MA on September 14, 2024. Both of these are free events with optional VIP events. Preorder forms will be up soon, and some books will only be available for preorder and not on the table during the signing itself. Tables aren't consistently big enough to hold all the books Kat and I have written individually, much less all our cowrites. So keep an eye out.
Thank you to all the readers and authors from Salem who have reached out to me these past weeks! I know it was my wild child that made me stand out (I don’t blame you, she is a rock star), but I am so pleased to know that we made a difference to the experience for some of you.
Reading Recommendations
I recently finished reading A Sanctuary of Kings by Kathryn Moon. This monster romance, as many of her books do, has a very sweet spice to it, telling the tale of a traumatized divinity who must claw her way back from death and despair with the help of some *mostly* noble creatures who claim her as their own. There are certain sentiments inside Evanthia's story that really hit you where it hurts, but then you get to enjoy all the *licking*.
I've got to tell you, it's been hard to read these last few years. Hard to sit still enough, or make my brain focus enough. But every now and again I've found a book that pulls me right in and lets me lose myself. Amanda V Shane of
asked about books for the gloomy months in a recent Substack post, and my immediate go-to was Neil Gaiman. Whether you like Sandman, American Gods, Good Omens, or the Ocean at the End of the Lane, he's truly got a way of seizing your attention and immersing you in story that changes the colors of your world.It's reading experiences like that that keep me writing. Hoping that someday, after years of practice, I'll be able to give someone else that same experience. It strikes the heart in a funny way to be told you're someone's go-to author. You really can't replicate that feeling. I do want to take a moment to internet smooch every person that's said those words to me in recent months.
From the community—Preorders and Book Fairs
One of the blessings of this authoring thing is that you get to work with some of your favorite writers. K.O. Newman is working on book six of LOKI, and I don't think any book of the series has been more highly anticipated than Whisper. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you jump on this pre-order. If you like beards, bikers, and bear shifters, dark and gritty storylines and probably the best book boyfriends out there, you want to read LOKI. You might find a certain familiar crow hanging out among the bears, waiting for her own book daddy to come sweep her off her feet. IYKYK.
You can also snag some upcoming SIN (Supernatural Intelligence Network) books coming out in December from
. I have had the blessing of cowriting with this woman as well, and I love that every time I dive into one of her books, I’m getting the best murder mysteries with a supernatural spin. I also love that Kess isn’t afraid to go her own way in romance. Her characters are deep, mature, and intelligent. Her wit and vast experience shines through in her writing. I highly recommend you preorder Jolene and Saoirse ASAP.One last thing: Check out the Autumn Romance book fair and fill your TBR! Crow Moon is hanging out there, along with Eagle Moon by
and some other fantastic titles.That’s about it for this edition, babes. As always, thanks for coming on this ride with me. You’re deeply appreciated. Feel free to drop a comment or reply via email to mariahthayer@substack.com! I love hearing from you.
XOXO,
Mariah
Thanks for the mention! I agree, Neil Gaiman’s books are a definite go to this time of year. 🧡