Lore Keepers,
What a summer it’s been! Things have heated up in Arizona and I’m reminded why the desert is the butt of every joke—but hey, at least it’s a dry heat! But despite the craziness of moving last month and starting my edits, I find myself thankful for the opportunity to practice hospitality more than ever before.
Book Spotlight
Originally, I never had plans to illustrate my novel. Doing so meant more expenses and taking a chance on an artist who might not share my vision. So imagine my surprise when my mother-in-law, who I’d asked to do some cover art and the interior map, pulled out the first “extra” sketch she’d created while reading my unedited draft of Lily’s Passage. Beautiful pen and ink, perfectly capturing the mood of the story. Above and beyond what I could have asked for, and breathing new life into the characters and world.
I’m excited to share the beautiful illustrations from Lily’s Passage with my readers. If you can’t wait until then, some examples can be found in various social media posts, on (currently) craft-fair exclusive book merch, or featured in the excerpt.
Reading
Where Darkness Cannot Follow by A.M. Daylin
I have the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book which releases on July 15th. Though I’m only 17% in, the story and characters have already hooked me. If you’re a fan of Christian fantasy books with unique worldbuilding and themes of fighting back the forces of darkness, be sure to check out this debut novel!
Novel Marketing Podcast
My commute has lengthened significantly since our move, so I find myself with more time to enjoy podcasts. This one is great if you write (or know someone who does) because it’s all about creative ways to market yourself to your target audience. I’ve been enjoying the host’s candid banter about the publishing world and what it’s like to be a writer in the modern era. If you’re a writer looking for a new podcast, I highly recommend!
Research
Does cross-referencing my own work count? I’ve been doing so much mining through Lily’s Passage and Holly’s Portent as I edit to make sure I have my worldbuilding and story details straight. Gotta tighten up those plot holes…
Updates
✨ Funding: Lily’s Passage is 50% funded! 🎉 I’m gearing up for some larger craft fairs this fall, but in the meantime I’ve been working on my Etsy storefront. And a huge thank you to everyone who participated in my recent fundraising campaign! If you wanted to donate but missed the campaign window, never fear—the supporter tiers will be open again. More info to come.
✨ Editing: I’m 16% through with edits for Lily’s Passage. After a rocky start and focusing on my first few chapters, my plan is to finish by the end of July. I need to get moving to meet that goal, but I think a deadline is just what I need!
✨ Drafting: Two things of note on this front—Holly’s Portent is still on hold while I rewrite some scenes from Lily’s Passage during my edits. But I’m working on a short story that will be available in the next couple months involving some of the characters from my book. As a Lore Keeper, you will have first access, so stay tuned for updates!
Lore
‘Tis my favorite season in the desert—monsoon season. When the clouds roll in, the 100+ degree weather plummets to double digits and the rain falls like the wrath of God. What remains after a few minutes of fury is earth washed clean and renewed. Sometimes busy seasons remind me of monsoons in that the storm gathers and pounds for a short time, then there’s a stillness to follow.
I’m in a stillness now. The storm of moving and missions and ministry has subsided for a time, leaving me space to focus on digging in my roots. And while that doesn’t mean my life is less busy, I do have the space to pursue the things that bring me life. I’ve hosted more parties and baked more bread in the past month than I had in most of the previous year. I’m content with the pace of life I’m in, especially because I know things could change with the winds.
There’s no secret recipe to contentment. But the blessing of busy seasons is that they allow us to appreciate the mundane. Like the stillness after a monsoon, my soil is fed and prepared for growth. Whether that growth is through my writing journey, motherhood, or simply learning to walk with the Lord, I’m glad for the chance to step out in faith.
As the wind blows,
Sydney Frusti
