Note: The recording above is a reading of this newsletter — there’s no different content, and it’s not produced, so you’ll hear the occasional stumble, or sounds of daily life in the background. If you’re someone who needs or prefers to hear their news, then I hope it’s helpful.
Hi there! I’m Amie Kaufman, NYT and internationally bestselling author of Red Star Rebels, The Isles of the Gods, Lady’s Knight, and many more. This newsletter is the place to learn about my latest releases or events, and to follow along behind the scenes as I find my way through writing, and through life.
Hi, my friends.
It’s serene here, today. The rain is pattering down on the roof — later, I think the dog and I will put on raincoats and get some fresh air — and Oscar Peterson is playing softly in the background, and I have the house to myself.
This month I want to tell you about an unexpected (and exciting!) flurry of work I’ve had on my hands, and how I’ve been moving through that, and how this busy month has unfolded.
In this letter:
looking back on launch
thoughts on solstice
an unexpected edit
resting when busy
mail club updates
Lady’s Knight is on sale in lots of places!
a book recommendation
upcoming events
Much of the last month has been unexpected — some in welcome ways, some in unwelcome. (I’m looking at you, three-week-long cough.)
The month started, though, with the launch of One Knight Stand, which was an utter delight. We had such a wonderful crowd, and it was such a beautiful experience to see a perfect mix of new readers, and those who’ve been at my launches since These Broken Stars back in 2013. Part of the joy of telling stories is telling them to people, and book launches like this one are such a beautiful reminder of the generous souls out there who are waiting each time to listen.
Another moment this month was the winter solstice, which is always a meaningful day for me. It’s our longest, darkest night, and marks the moment when we’ll start to climb back toward the light once more. I live much more seasonally these days than I used to, whether that’s eating what’s in season, or accepting that I move at a different pace at different times. On the night of winter solstice, I write down the things that I want to leave behind in the dark, and burn them in the fireplace. It’s a tradition I started nearly ten years ago, when my heart had been broken by a particular moment in the IVF process, and I always find I feel a little lighter, leaving my burdens behind.
Most of the month, however, has been divided between (a) a simply horrible cold that will not let go, and (b) the unexpected editing of an entire book.
Some of you will remember that last December I told you I’d been away on writing retreat with my friend Lili Wilkinson, cooking up a secret project.
In May, I told you it was off to find a home, landing on the desks of some amazing publishers.
In June, it found that home. And rather than the usual two-year runway we see for books like this, the first in the series will actually be out next May! Which means that in the space of just a few weeks we’ve been through edits, into cover designs and are continuing to hurry on. We’ll call the book Project StS for now, but Lili and I can’t wait to share more.
Those of you who have been around for a while know that when things get very busy, my immediate response is to look for all the ways I can slow down. I spent Saturday afternoon with a group of friends I’ve known since school, demolishing a feast of all our favourite things. One of them asked how I could be there, when I had a book deadline in a few days — I said that I had to be there because I had a book deadline in a few days.
When I have to work really hard, I have to rest equally hard. With this neverending cold, a lot of my usual rest is off the table, but I’ve been watching the kiddo build Lego creations, learning new facts from her as she researches Ancient Rome ahead of our trip this year (sidebar: I now know about the archimimus, the Roman funeral clown, who would wear a mask resembling the dearly departed, and cavort along behind the funeral procession doing impressions to lift everyone’s spirits… truly), reading excellent books, and trying out some new board games.
If you’re hurrying right now, this is your reminder to rest as hard as you work.
The PhD edits continue apace — I had wanted to submit in August, but have now accepted that September is more reasonable, given the unexpected work on Project StS. I am very much looking forward to being a Doctor of Speculative Fiction, Young Adult Literature and Intersectional Feminism. Young Amie would certainly be tickled.
Aside from that, I’ve been hard at work on Project StS, and putting the finishing touches on all the items for the first month of my mail club. This will be a series of twelve letters that arrive over the course of the year, talking about the same sorts of things I discuss here in the newsletter. Work. Rest. Creativity. Comparison. Filling the well. Celebration. Finding momentum. Waking up your creativity if it’s gone to sleep.
The first orders from the printer have arrived — below is the reverse side of the journal prompts. On the other side, some invitations to reflect that go with the letter I’ve written. I love how it’s turned out!
We’ll be opening up to our first round of subscribers next week, and if you’d like a head start — I’m hoping to avoid capping numbers, but there’s a point at which I will do so — then you can sign up to the wait list here. That doesn’t obligate you to join, just gives you the opportunity.
If you’re in the US or the UK, do I have good news for you! I would love to give you links, but I’m in Australia and get redirected — you know where to look!
USA ebook: Just $3.99 for the whole of July! Now that book two’s out, it’s the perfect time to jump in — or gift it to a friend!
The ebook is also going to remain in Kindle Unlimited in the US for the coming quarter (July, August, September) so you can read it there if you’re a member!
USA audiobook: Just $3.99 for the whole of July! We can’t tell you how much we love the narration. Our producer went on an actual quest to lure The Narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, to do this book, and Helen Keeley absolutely perfects both the girls.
UK ebook: Just £0.99 for the whole of July on kindle! Perfect time to jump in now the sequel’s out, or to gift to a friend!
I’ve been curled up in my sick bed reading the absolutely delightful Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England, and I absolutely recommend it for anyone who could use a relaxing but totally absorbing read right now. It’s about Oaklin, who used to be a mind-controlled member of a cult run by an evil sorcerer (yes, it’s a story about a former minion) who’s now free, and trying to make a new life in a small village. It’s about finding friends, and healing, and many other small, beautiful moments that I know you’ll enjoy.
I have several really fun events on the horizon that aren’t announced yet — Canberra and Adelaide friends, we should have a chance to catch up soon!
Aussies: The Better Reading Kids Top 50 is in full swing once again! You can win $1200 worth of books for voting, and I would be most obliged if you’d vote for Red Star Rebels! The winners are stocked in all Big W stores for a whole year, and you know what a big deal that is!
Melbourne: I am curating a series of three free fantasy events for Readings Books, and I would love to see you there for some fun, smart conversations. There are two left, and they are:
Writing From Our Roots: A thoughtful discussion about the wave of fantasy stories we’re seeing that differ from what was once the European medieval default — the joys of writing in this space, the barriers, and more. I’ll be hosting Tigest Girma, and Maithree Wijesekara. Thursday 30th July, 6pm at Readings Emporium. Tickets here.
Fountain of Youth: A smart discussion about why YA fantasy matters, where it’s been, where it’s going, and so much more. I’ll be hosting Vanessa Len, Lili Wilkinson, and a member of the Readings Teen Advisory Board, who’ll bring an actual YA perspective. Thursday 27th August, 6pm at Readings Kids. Tickets here.
And that’s it for this month! A break in the rain has just arrived, so Molly and I are going to throw on our raincoats and venture out to move our bodies a little. I’ll see you in August!
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.