L.L. Madrid Makes Things Up

Long ago, in ancient internet times, I started a blog called L.L. Madrid Makes Things Up. It contained half a dozen posts before I abandoned it, but I still make things up. In fact, I have a whole made-up book coming out from Creature Publishing in Fall 2025.

Writing to you like this reminds me of blogging. It makes my fingers itch with the urge to spill something juicy, but let’s call this a newsletter. If you subscribe, I’ll be eternally grateful because I’m writing like only my best friends will read this. So, let's get cozy, maybe we can swap secrets.

Officially, I’ll use this space to share bookish updates, recommendations, giveaways, photos of my four-legged monsters, and so much more. But unofficially, I’ve been scheming, and while I wait for My Lips, Her Voice to hit the shelves, I’ll be living the book.

Well, let’s be clear—I don’t actually want to be possessed by a vengeful spirit or have to solve a string of grisly murders. And it probably isn’t a good idea for me to break into an old copper mine or to impersonate a dead girl, but I will be doing things I have no business doing. Like baking.

One of my heroines, Audrey, is a wicked talented baker. I love to eat baked goods, but my skill level falls somewhere between slice-and-bake cookies and box cake mix. So, while I’m living my book, I’ll be baking (and chronicling) what Audrey bakes. I’ll also be unflinchingly honest, so if my cakes fall and my macaroons turn to macadon’ts, you’ll get pictures. I’ll be sharing the golden recipes too, so if you find yourself inspired on a slow Sunday afternoon, you’ll know just what to whip up.

Other My Lips, Her Voice experiences on my to-do list include:

Ghost hunting! Zadie, my other heroine, works entertainment after school at Graveside Tours. If I manage to make contact with the other side, you’ll be the first to know.

When I’m not licking frosting off my fingertips or scaring myself stupid, I’ll be making playlists, visiting psychics, learning how to throw bones, and interpreting runes. We’ll go sightseeing in the three quirky Arizona towns I cobbled together to create Copper City, the book’s fictional but based-on-real-life setting. If enough people follow this space, I’ll go to a hypnotist—even though that feels scarier than playing hide and seek with spirits.

If you made it this far, I hope you’ll follow for more.

Truly yours,

Leigh

L.L. Madrid

Photo by @solstice_photo