💚 I'm Still Alive, MAM is a Semi-Finalist, and Dictation is a Spoon
Hello, dear friend! It's Laura, author of The Fralsningdor Chronicles.Join me for a cup of tea at my writing nook in Wyoming.In this week's issue of The Goblin Grace Gazette:
I Am Still, In Fact, Alive Contrary to what your inbox may believe, I am not a ghost. I am still very much alive. Just slowly recovering from the past few months of domestic chaos — namely: everlasting sickness, homeschool hurdles, and about 100 home improvement projects. Usually I smile indulgently at "sorry I'm late" disclaimers at the top of newsletters, because a few days (or weeks) late doesn't bother me as a reader. It reminds me of "don't mind the mess" statements in homes that have twelve items out of place. We're not bothered by your beautifully clean yet charmingly lived-in home, Susan. It is a pleasure to be here, I assure you. (Your girl is not a Type A personality... clearly.) That being said, I have now missed sending three newsletters in a row and taken forever and a day to reply to all of my emails. I'm very sorry! And I'm so glad you're still here. Now that we're done discussing my... *kicks a stray boot under the bed* ...my messy house, let's talk about something FUN! Mending and Madness is a Realm Award Semi-Finalist! For those who don’t know, The Realm Makers Realm Award is the only awards platform dedicated to honoring Christian authors writing speculative fiction. This year they had a record number of entries that are being evaluated by a team of 150 judges. And Mending and Madness is one of five books to make it to the semi-finals in the adult category! It took me nearly a week to get over my shock and start feeling excited, but I think we’re finally there. 😅 When I entered MAM into the Realms, my hope was that it would make it onto the long list and the Lord would help the right people find it from there. But when they didn’t announce a long list this year, I figured I was out of the running. I mean… *gestures vaguely at all the other amazing authors participating* Then lo and behold, the semi-finals were posted, and the Realm judges are apparently picking up the whimsical nonsense I was putting down in the Fourth Realm. 🥹😂 This has been much needed encouragement, and a very tangible reminder that Jesus can and does use broken people who bring meager offerings. I would love to make it to the finals and see what kind of doors that could open, but if not, it’s still been an honor to get this far — all glory to God alone. All that to say, thank you guys for cheering me on, and please keep praying that He will use this opportunity to deliver Le’eah and Kfir’s story to the weary hearts that need it. 🪡🥀🐦⬛ Project Knight Title Reveal I am so excited to help share the title and blurb of the first book in S.L. Klein’s upcoming trilogy, The Faithful. This series is a slow burn Christian medieval romance that takes place in 1520-21 all across Italy. Fractured promises political intrigue, tough themes, and swoon worthy knights. Coming to Kickstarter this fall! Staci has also opened up the application to join her street team, so if you are ready to swear fealty and become one of her knights, you can sign up here. Ruin streaks the future, and this is merely the dawn.
In the height of the Italian Renaissance, rumors lurk in the shadows. With the Protestant movement growing in the north and the Roman Catholic Church determined to retain power, Christendom as a whole appears to be on the brink of crumbling under the weight of division. Corruption breeds disunity, and there is much to go around.
Sir Valentino Zanni is the Venetian captain of an elite force of knights, unknown to all outside their ranks. When carrying out his duty to root out those who would threaten the rule of Doge Loredan, he discovers the existence of a group with intentions far more nefarious. Within days, Valentino and his men find themselves on their way to Roma under orders to uncover those who would threaten the life of political leaders all across Italia—including Pope Leo X. But when they ambush the right carriage at the wrong time, things become more complicated than Valentino had ever thought possible.
Life had promised Lady Eleonora Ricasoli more than any Florentine woman could have dreamed of. Then with the pain of an unrelenting headache and recurring nightmares, her future was snatched from her. So when her uncle, Cardinal Marco Ricasoli, invites her to travel to Roma and visit one of her brothers, not even the worst hemicrania would keep her at home. Until she meets a knight whose very presence often results in just as much irritating torment.
As the plot continues to twist with rumors threatening all of Italia, allegiances must not only be decided, but clung to. For one never knows who might be the one to fracture the foundations we all stand on.
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Hello, dear friend!
Come sit by the fire. I’ll pour the tea and tell you a story. Then, every other Tuesday, you can expect The Goblin Grace Gazette in your inbox — a warm bundle of project updates, serial episodes, bookish memes, announcements, and book recs.