Hey, babes.
Yep, it’s been awhile. This is going to happen on occasion—life will come up and snag all my attention for a time, and I’ll be forced to focus on what’s in front of me to clear it away one step at a time. But I’m coming back with tons of news, so sit tight!
First things first—I hope you’re doing well. It’s been an insanely busy few weeks for me with school ending, another road trip, the new puppy, a book signing, and a load of good old-fashioned life. So here’s what you’re in for this issue:
Book news: a report on Wild Deadwood Reads and upcoming book fairs, releases, and other fun discussion.
Life news: another road trip! Unusual for me to travel so much in such a short span—over 3000 miles altogether.
Pet news: cat and dog mom life.
What’s next: upcoming events, summer plans, and a poll for you.
Some of you are very new to my newsletter, so I want to take a second to say welcome! I appreciate having you here. Now, onto the good stuff.
What’s new in book world…
I’m currently over 50% completed on two WIPs I’m working simultaneously. Unsound, and my cowrite with author bestie and book wife,
.Wing Witch is a story of a nerdy witch who works magic in the kitchen, who accidentally summons her fated mate while trying to cast a spell to make her wing sauce tastier. It’s steamy, sweet, and a ton of fun. It was inspired by a meme going around social media that posed a very pertinent (I thought) question: Why are all wing joints sports themed? Why are there no Lord of the Rings or Star Trek-themed restaurants which feature menu items named for huge fandoms, DnD campaigns running weekly, and television screens showing classic sci-fi and fantasy shows to entertain customers? Thus, Sookie and Roman’s story was born. I’m a nerdy girl, and gosh darn it, nerds are hot.
You can pre-order your copy of Wing Witch here:
Unsound is, of course, much darker than that, and I’m having a fun time balancing between the two as we power along through both very distinct, diverse worlds. I can’t wait to bring you the book that establishes a universe I have fallen in love with, for all its darkness and flaws. The series is currently planned to be seven or eight books long, and expanding.
What’s new in life…
Well, I went on another road trip, this time to Wyoming so that my kiddo could celebrate her birthday with grandparents and cousins. It’s 1100 miles one-way, and always a beautiful if somewhat exhausting trip. It was also time to drop the kid with family for the summer.
The same weekend after I sent my kiddo off for the next several weeks, I turned and made my way further east from my hometown to Deadwood, South Dakota, about 200 miles (3 hours 45 minutes) away.
Saturday, June 16, I attended a phenomenal book signing called Wild Deadwood Reads. While there, I connected with author badasses like M Merin and Nikki Leigh, chatted up the uber-talented Jane Ashley Converse (check out her photography Facebook group), and met with some other acquaintances like models Kevin R. Davis and Brady Cyphert (and his gorgeous partner). You really cannot beat an event like that.
On top of that, the signing took place during Wild Bill Days and the streets of historic downtown were full to overflowing with good food, beer, and live music. Deadwood is truly a gorgeous location for a signing.
Best part? I got invited to sign in Deadwood next year. I am so thrilled and pleased to get to spend time with some of the coolest people I know, meet readers, and enjoy the beautiful town again. There’s more cool news to come regarding that, but I wanted to share right now how insanely grateful I am to be part of the event in 2024, and hopefully beyond.
This year, in 2023, I am signing at Getting Witchy With It in Salem, MA on Sunday, September 17. I’ve (finally) completed my preorder form (yes, I’m extremely late to the party) and I’m amped to get to attend this massive event as both reader and author. Two days, over 300 authors, a dirty dozen cover models, and hundreds of readers. (And hey! I’m signing there in 2024 also.)
Are you attending GWWI in 2023? Would you like to preorder your books beforehand and get some cool exclusive swag while you’re at it? Click the link below to let me know:
After the signing, I spent some good quality time with family I have terribly missed, then headed back home the following weekend. We stopped at the Tetons, the Snake River Canyon in Idaho, and Dog Mountain in Washington for some hiking on the way back, closing the trip in about 2.5 days. Quinn (the puppy) was with me for the duration of this, and she absolutely crushed her first hiking experience. I didn’t want to push her too far, given her age, but she tackled 4.44 miles (1713ft elevation gain) of a 6.9mi hike (2,950ft elevation gain) with enthusiasm.
This road trip was exactly what my soul needed to start the summer off right.
Quinn and I picked up Toby (my cat) from daycare, where he was a favorite of the owner (of course he is, because he’s super sweet and funny) and brought him home on Monday.
Now we’re home, short one member of our little family, and I can’t wait for what the rest of the summer holds.
What’s next?
Oh boy, friends. Today is the first day of an epic book fair for romance bookworms. This is a quarterly book sale event where you can go stuff your Kindles with books by some of the most spectacular authors—for FREE.
Yes. Every single book is free. Over 1000 free books across multiple romance subgenres (and some non-romance, of course).
The book fair runs today ONLY, so please don’t wait to run and grab those book deals and introduce yourself to some new favorite reads.
Check out the fair HERE:
It’s going to be a busy summer with a lot of the usual. Hiking, writing, lifting. I want to make time to paint, too, and read. I know I’m not the only one who struggles to make time for hobbies when they’re working. I’ve got a stack of books from Deadwood to get through! I’m going to start with Gunner, Book 3 of the Northern Grizzlies MC by M. Merin. Who wants to take bets about whether I’ll finish it this week?
I can’t be the only person who used to read for 12+ hours a day without moving, barely eating or drinking, and not sleeping, who now can’t sit still or make time for reading as an adult.
Well, babes, that’s all I have for now. I’ll update with a post in What’s New (the news, sales, and writing updates-only portion of the newsletter) tomorrow with the link to the Stuff Your Kindle sale so you don’t miss out.
I’ve got some releases headed your way in the next couple weeks, so keep your eyes peeled. Thanks for coming on this ride with me, as always. I appreciate you all. Feel free to comment, reply, or email me at mariahthayer@substack.com! I love hearing your thoughts and feedback.
Take care!
XOXO,
Mariah
I'm so excited for both Salem and Deadwood! We're going to have so much freaking fun!