I am so bad at keeping up with this newsletter. Sorry for the radio silence! Truth is, a lot has been happening...just not all writing-related.
What's new?
Thank you all so much for your support with Pies, Lies, and Alibis. I truly am humbled and overwhelmed by the response, and I appreciate all the love for Millwood, Kendall, and her friends.
If you've finished the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, StoryGraph, or anywhere else you like to share reviews. It helps indie authors more than you know!
In non-writing news, life has been throwing curve balls faster than I can swing at them. Aside from helping both sets of parents with some medical issues, I have been sick off and on since January. Bronchitis, upper respiratory something-or-other, and now a chronic cough that keeps both me and my husband up at night. No one seems to know what's causing it - allergies, acid reflux...your guess is as good as mine!
I feel so fancy with my very own coffee mug!
Writing Updates - Book 2 News
Right - down to business. Yes, I have been busy writing, when I haven't been sleeping off sickness. I am about 17K words into book 2, and I think it's coming along nicely. Along those lines, I've got some fun updates to share with you!
No cover design yet, but I do have the color palette that I plan to share with my cover designer for inspiration. The main background of the book will probably be the Grape color...maybe Melon. I want it to look nice on the shelf next to book 1 :)
We're going with some 80s vibes...think Miami Vice and legwarmers...acid washed jeans... This will all make more sense once I share more about the book!
The planned color palette for Millwood Book 2!
As you may have noticed, I keep referring to it as Book 2. I have struggled mightily with coming up with a title for this book; when I was writing Pies, Lies, and Alibis, I knew the title right from the start. This book, however...it's been a battle of wit and creativity; it prevented me from writing some days, just because I didn't feel connected or inspired by anything. BUT! I think I have it now...
May 15th I will be (hopefully) announcing the title for Book 2! I've got some graphics made up for social media that I'll start teasing tomorrow (May 1st). The next will be shared May 8th with a little more info...and then finally on May 15th, I'll reveal the title. I feel reinvigorated now that it has a name, and I am excited to dive back in and get back to work.
Title reveal May 15th!
Book 1 Updates
You may have seen my posts mentioning the ebook version of Pies, Lies, and Alibis was available for your library to request. I am terribly disappointed to say that I had to pull the book from circulation.
There are some financial reasons for this, and it doesn't make sense at this point for me to offer something that negatively impacts me and the library. The paperback is still able to be purchased by libraries, but the ebook is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Release date for Book 2? A: Spring of 2027...I know that seems far away, but I want to have plenty of time for editing and marketing!
Q: Any updates on an audiobook? A: I am still researching my options. I have two narrators in mind, I just have to see if it makes good sense to invest in this right now.
That's all for now!
Phew! That was a lot! I really need to do better at sending these on a more regular basis. Is there anything you'd like to see more of in the newsletters? Thanks again for your support and for reading my book!
Have any questions for me? Feel free to email me (kim@kimbeattyauthor.com), message me on Facebook or Instagram (linked below)!
Kim Beatty loves crafting cozy stories of small town life, relatable characters, light romance, and a pinch of mystery for good measure. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, classic cars, and a quirky sense of humor. When Kim isn't writing, she can likely be found at concerts, reading way past her bedtime, or wandering the streets of Chicago which feels like a second home.
