They say you should never judge a book by its cover—but man, it sure does feel nice to have a good cover.
It was important to me that the cover showed the setting above all, because the setting is a key element in telling this story. From the memories that the cottage holds, to its significance to the main characters, to the autumn season acting as a backdrop for this relationship that both characters feel has run its course—all those factors played an important role in developing this romance and I wanted a cover that reflected that.
It’s something I come back to a lot: how much place matters in a story. If you do it right, you can use place as a third character: a pivotal figure in the circumstances in which a couple meets, or reunites, or breaks each other’s hearts for the first (or second or tenth) time.
I love the cottage in particular, because it isn’t just where Julia and Ethan end up; it’s also what keeps putting them in each other’s path. From their childhood summers together, to the catalyst of their separation, to the reason why they find each other again—it makes avoidance impossible. It softens them in a way, because they can’t help but be imbued by the memories that exist, and it also corners them, forcing them to face hard truths and realities about what they’ve been trying to avoid this whole time.
Anyway, good luck, suckers.
In THE MATCHMAKER’S COTTAGE “place” is many things: it’s the lake that remembers. A cottage that carries the echoes of the past in its rooms and hallways. The town whose shops and people are part of a shared history that no longer exists in the present.
And it’s a storm that refuses to pass until something finally breaks.
Here’s a little preview of a time when pathetic fallacy really reared her lovely head in my story:
He was distracted momentarily by his nostalgia and imagination, but now he came back to the present moment, stepping into the rain and finding himself face-to-face with Julia, breathing heavily, eyes blazing, the rain pelting down on her in steady rivulets.
“What do you want?” she cried.
“I just want to talk!” he yelled back, trying to make himself heard over the sound of the rain pattering against the gravel pathway.
“You had eight years to talk, Ethan!” She wiped at her face, and he didn’t know if she was swiping at the rain or wiping away tears. “Eight fucking years, and instead you chose to ignore me completely, to let me do everything”—her voice cracked—“everything on my own. And for what? Was it worth it? Was what I did so terrible that you had to ghost me for almost a decade until you needed me for something?” She shook her head, and now he knew that those were tears running down her face. “That’s why things will never be the same between us. We can pretend like we get along, we can reminisce about old times, we can even kiss. But we’ll never be what we were before.”
Her words cut him in a place so deep he felt winded. The worst part was, she wasn’t wrong. Even if he’d pretended otherwise, believing that one day he could reach out and they’d pick up where they left off, some quiet part of him had always known the truth. Known that he had messed up irrevocably and that there would be no coming back from it.
“I’m sorry.” It was the only thing he could think to say, as weak and ineffectual as it was. “I’m just so damn sorry.”
👀 👀 👀
Well, first off, a thank you: I posted about the Barnes & Noble preorder sale a few days ago and regardless of whether or not I got many or any preorders, I’m always so appreciative of everyone’s comments, likes, and shares on those types of posts!
Preorders are [deep breath, get ready for the spiel] SO important, especially to debut authors, because they let my publisher know that you like me (you really like me!) and you’re interested in my book, and my writing, and potential future books if I don’t fumble this one for you, so—thank you, always.
Second thing: I got my ARCs!!!
Some of you may have seen the long, rambling video of me opening my special Penguin Random House box of books. For those who are unsure, an ARC, or Advanced Reader Copy, is an early version of the book (usually without final edits and polishing) which is sent out ahead of publication to reviewers, booksellers, and early readers in the bookish industry, online or otherwise—oh, and also authors, who can then decide what to do with them! (Mostly used for promotional purposes, though admittedly one or two may have been confiscated by some top names in my Acknowledgements).
Actually, the first thing I did with my ARCs was I happily donated one of them to Press the Patriarchy, an auction to support the following charities:
National Immigration Law Center: works to advance and defend the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their families through policy advocacy, litigation, and education.
Unidos MN: a grassroots organization dedicated to building political power across Minnesota’s Latinx communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and community organizing.
ACLU: a nonprofit organization that fights to protect and preserve individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution through advocacy, litigation, and public education.
I stupidly focused too much on donating my own work that I didn’t bid on any other donations (single-minded panic to do something 12 hours before the deadline will do that to you!) so instead, I went to each website and donated directly, which you can also do by clicking any of the above links!
Incredibly, Press the Patriarchy raised 1069% (nice) of its goal!!! For a grand total of over $100,000!!! It was so special and humbling to be part of such a fantastic cause.
Keep an eye out for more charity auctions and similar causes, as I’m always more than happy to contribute whatever I can to something worthy.
Okay, now, not quite the same as a charity auction, but still a way for you to get your hands on an early copy of THE MATCHMAKER’S COTTAGE…
🚨 IT’S ANOTHER GOODREADS GIVEAWAY BABYYYYY! 🚨
Yes, it starts on April 1st. No, this is not a prank.
Also not a prank: it IS still only for U.S. Residents 🥲 I’m happy for y’all, don’t get me wrong, but I know my fellow Canadians are wondering if I’ve left them high and dry… well, I’m happy to report… now that I’ve gotten my hands on my lovely ARCs…
🚨 STAY TUNED FOR A NORTH AMERICAN GIVEAWAY!!! 🚨
More details coming to an Instagram account (er, mine) near you!!!
AND, in addition to “just” receiving a signed ARC—I’ve been a busy Canva bee and I’ve been making some fun little things to slip into the books that I get to do personal Giveaways for. Are you ready? You are getting the VERY FIRST LOOK at some Official Kat Sloane™ Swag. (Told you it would be worth it to subscribe to my Newsletter 😏)
The stickers, the little postcard of Georgie Stewart’s beautiful autumnal cottage rendering, with the lake reflection below—I’m absolutely obsessed (and honestly, kind of proud of myself lol, it’s always just me, Canva, and a dream ✨) and I’m so excited to get these out to everyone who wins any future personal giveaways, as well as to share with booksellers and other stores for preorder campaigns and as fun little treats for my readers!
In the vein of sneak peeks, but for things I could not do myself in a million years… some TMC art is currently in the works!
🤯
This is very, very preliminary stages obviously, but I just had to share a tiny piece of it, because I’m already SO excited for you all to see the finished product! (And, let’s be honest, to see it myself!) I will share more details (including the lovely and amazing artist) very, very soon!
And… that’s March!
Time has been FLYING since January. I can’t believe we’re just over four months until release day! There are soooo many things happening behind the scenes that all the stuff I’ve shared—including this newsletter—have barely even scratched the surface.
But, slowly, surely—we’re getting closer.
So, stay tuned for more incredible news to come! 💖
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