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Hello dear friend!

First things first, unless you're new here (and if you are, hi, it's a pleasure to have you), you probably noticed my new email header! Welcome to my new and improved weekly email newsletter: The Goblin Grace Gazette! If you have an eagle eye (and if you've read COTT + LKOTP) you might even notice some bookish Easter eggs in the newspaper-style header. If you catch them, reply to this email and let me know!
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I have also acquired a verified email domain. This should help keep the Gazette out of your spam box so you can actually see each weekly issue! If you ever have questions, comments, or prayer requests, the best place to reach me is at: lauracheever@cleavebondpublishing.com​
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The reason for this quirky little glow up? Well, back in February, I began experimentally shifting my focus to email marketing as opposed to spending most of my time/energy marketing my books on socials. I quickly learned that there are pros and cons to both, but that the pros of focusing on email (improved mental health, less doomscrolling, doing what I'm actually GOOD at, which is writing) outweighed the cons (smaller reach, slower growth, etc).
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I've had a bit of one foot here and one foot there for a few months, but have decided that now is the time to commit. Pouring my heart into emails works better for me, which means more time and creativity left for the actual writing books thing (you know... the main reason we're here).
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Along with everything you've already come to expect from my newsletters, starting this week you guys will officially see ALL of my content first! Early title/cover/artwork reveals, advanced preorders, front row seats to behind the scenes, you name it — you guys are my VIPs, and you are my priority.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here every week. What a joy it is to have readers like you!

In this week's issue of the Goblin Grace Gazette:

• Work in Progress Updates
• If the Movie Stardust Was a Book About Goblins
• TFC Meme of the Week
• Out of Context LKOTP Quote
• Five Star Time Travel Fantasy Series Rec

WIP UPDATES: Lost King of the Pattern ARC signups close this week! This is your last chance to get a free advanced reader copy of LKOTP. You have until August 9th to read the book, so there's still time. Early reviews are a great way to support small authors without spending a dime, and I would love your help! Project Needle is no longer part of a multi-author series. Working with the other authors on our stories was an absolute delight, but it wasn't the right time/season for the project as a whole. In light of that, Project Needle will now be released as a standalone short novel this fall! I'm currently adding some scenes to clarify things that my beta readers had questions on. Also, this week I did the cover design! It's super cozy, and I can't wait for you to see it. The Fralsningdor Chronicles, Book III is currently at 1%

Do you remember the 2007 cinematic masterpiece, Stardust? Because it is one of my favorite movies OF ALL TIME!! (Yes, I know it's based on a book. No, I haven't read the book yet.) This movie has it all — high fantasy worldbuilding, epic adventure, beautiful costumes, a heart pounding soundtrack, closed door romance, and tons of humor! Truly a work of art.​
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It had been a while since I'd seen it (years maybe?), then we had a family movie night a few months ago and I was reminded with stunning clarity why I love this movie so much. Even more exciting was when I realized my newly finished manuscript had quite a few comparable elements to this dazzling story. If you're a fan of Stardust, give me two minutes to convince you to read the upcoming already-married goblin comp, Lost King of the Pattern: The Fralsningdor Chronicles, Book II.

1. Both stories have a protective MMC (even though the FMC can totally handle herself). That fiercely protective streak foils nicely with a bit of flirtatious teasing, too!
2. Both stories have rich platonic relationships and heartwarming found family elements. (Have I mentioned that Fran's step family is NOT evil?! Loving blended families, this one's for you.)
3. Both stories have epic battles with evil magic vs good, and a strong yet feminine FMC who protects her loved ones with incredible magical light!
4. Both stories have a lost king MMC who starts out rather awkward, but who completely transforms and comes into his own by the end.
5. Both stories have cozy yet adventurous travel scenes that make you feel like you're trekking through the forests right alongside the MCs.
6. Both stories are swoony closed door romances (though, if I may be so bold, I prefer LKOTP's closed door scenes bc the main characters are actually married).
7. Both stories have unconventional mentors who are slightly crazy and entirely lovable, along with some really unexpected yet wonderful allies!
8. Both stories have a strong "chosen one" trope and a magical kingdom with a new king and queen.
9. Both stories have rich immersive worldbuilding that makes you feel like the setting is a very real place that wasn't made, but rather discovered, and if you only look hard enough, you might just find yourself whisked off to this whimsical land.
10. Both stories have an evil with who has dark magic and will stop at nothing to kill the main characters!!!

Have you read the Stardust book or seen the movie? And if you've read/watched both, which do you think is better? Reply to this email and let me know!

"You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves. You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable, and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me anymore. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange, no gifts, no goods, no demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine." ​ YVAINE, STARDUST 2007

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Long live the King? When Britt, a modern young woman, is pulled by a magical summons back through time she finds herself smack in the middle of the schemes of the surprisingly young and handsome wizard Merlin. Britt has no interest in the throne, and she definitely doesn't want to pretend she is the legendary King Arthur, but Merlin has some bad news. The real Arthur has run off, and the legendary sword in the stone has chosen Britt to take his place. But Britt quickly learns that life in ancient Britain isn't safe. The kingdom is fragmented with enemies on all sides, and there’s little chance for mercy if her real gender is exposed. Britt finds herself fighting for her life again and again on behalf of her people and the knights who serve her--and Merlin only adds to the chaos of her new life. Focused on his goal to unite Britain, Merlin is oblivious of Britt’s growing feelings for him. Or so she thinks. But what future can they have in a world that only sees them as monarch and confidant? read my review get the series