Do you ever have this problem?

I've been in a reading slump since… well it's been a long time. A huge part of it was probably how involved I was in getting TWO books released in the past two months. But now that those are done and in the world, it would be nice to be able to disappear into a story.

I'm sure I'll get out of it soon. Just admitting this will give me motivation to read again. Especially because I love sharing what I read with you!

Actually, I have been reading (well listening) but it hasn't been fiction books. I recently listened to “The Secret” on audiobook. Recently, as in I just finished it earlier today!

The book was actually an eye-opening and mind-blowing listen for me because it gave me an entirely new perspective on mindset. It was something I really needed. Listening to it and connecting it with past experiences and things I've read in scripture and a random video about time gave me an incredible epiphany. Our thoughts affect us so much and I hadn't realized just how much until I listened to this book.

Have you read anything amazing lately? Entertaining or educational?

Will Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets become available in hardback?

Courting Fae Thieves and Crowns was the first book I ever made available in hardcover. The amazing cover by Author Leya is the art on the dust jacket and the character art of Amberle and Rion by @kudriaken is on the cover underneath.⁣

I’ve been asked by a few people if Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets will be available in hardback. 

The short answer is yes. I want the books to match--with their beautiful typography covers as the dust jackets and respective art underneath.⁣

The long answer… in order to do what I want to do and offer the things I’d like to offer for this series that has suddenly become beloved, I’ve decided to run my first Kickstarter to make it possible. ⁣

I anticipate that the Kickstarter campaign will go live toward the end of February or beginning of March, but since I’m a complete newbie on this platform, that isn’t a hard date. ⁣

But it’s coming. ⁣

There is something you can do to help my project become a success. Whether you plan to back the campaign or wish to wait until they’re available on retailers, please go to the pre-launch page and click the green “Notify me on launch” button. ⁣

It’ll help the Kickstarter algorithms know who to show my project to when it goes live. ⁣

Thank you in advance!⁣

Here’s the pre-launch page:⁣

One of my sweet ARC readers thinks it beautiful too!

Here’s what she said:

“Stunning and absolutely heartbreaking! My poor heart has been left in tatters, and I can't wait to learn what the next book will entail. My heartstrings are tied in a knot for one of my forever favorite couples. Rion and Amberle are cinnamon rolls that you can't help but adore. As everything contines to be stacked against them, their future looks to be set in stone with swift currents pulling them from each other. 

From about 73% in there seemed to be nothing but heartache. The trials continue as eliminations are executed. And foes become friends in the most unlikely circumstances. We also see the loss of yet another contestant, and her role in the Tourney is surprising indeed. 

But witnessing the longing between Rion and Amberle is just gutting. I need them to be together like I need my next Milk Dud fix. They would be so perfect together and possibly change the kingdom in the very best of ways. I'm all a flutter at the many theories of just how this unputdownable series will play out. 

If clean fantasy romance makes you melt and forbidden love gives you glee, you're going to want to be whisked away into this beautifully built world. It's positively swoony. I really couldn't love it more.”

RELEASE DAY: Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets

It's always exciting to see one of my books released to the world, but this one feels particularly special. I spent TWO DAYS STRAIGHT last Friday and Saturday getting the final edits finished up and the formatting done and the ebook uploaded to Amazon. It's my longest book to date, so it makes sense that the final edits took so long.

During those long hours (my sweet hubby held down the fort on Saturday so I could focus) I realized what a strong writer I've become. Being so close to the story and experiencing it in such a short period of time really allowed me to immerse myself into it. It was hard and mentally taxing, but after all the books I've written and the craft classes and books and masterminds I've taken, and all the practice and re-writes and re-writes and re-writes, I was happy to recognize that I am a good writer and I created something beautiful.

 You know I love this story. I've said it a thousand times how much I love it. But Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets is really good! And I'm proud to offer it to you now.

Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets -- Chapter One

ONly one week until Stealing Fae Hearts and Secrets releases!

And now… a sneak peek at chapter One

I’m the first to walk away from the prince. I should stay on the beach a little longer and eavesdrop on conversations between the remaining Consort Tourney contestants. But my insides squirm with lies and secrets threatening at the back of my throat.

After tonight’s invitational ten are left—including myself. Three from both the Summer and Winter Courts, two from Autumn, and one each of Spring and the Underwater Court. I should continue spying and learning, but I must get away.

The gems on my violet skirts jangle together as I walk through the corridors of the Isi Aura palace. After the loud crashing waves at the shore, the cacophony of the clanking beads pushes back the bitter silence. 

There’s no reason for me to say goodbye to the four who are leaving—I don’t need to see Raine’s tantrum, nor do I dare risk a repeat of the labyrinth with Clove. I barely know Aqualis or Lily, and they’ll want to return to the water realm as soon as possible, anyway.

My thoughts and my heart drift back to the impressive creaturemy cabyll ushtey—that Prince Rion gave me tonight. I can hardly believe the formidable water horse is mine. She might be the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received. Of course, the prince had to give me something since the king’s secretary, Gnacia—the fawn who is the mediator between the king and me—likely told him I must stay tonight. Even so, Rion remembered my love of these dangerous creatures. Now something inside me has shifted. Softened? No, that, I cannot afford.

Nor I cannot dwell on it.

Amberle, focus.

If I’m to free my father, I must assess the contestants. I identified a threat, but my warnings were dismissed. So, I must find Gnacia. Now.

Frost Niege cannot stay. She’s a potential danger to the other contestants and the royals. I’d reported her, but they allowed Rion to keep her. Why?

What is the point of bringing me on if my reports fall on deaf ears? Why bring me here at all? I can’t demand answers from the king, but Gnacia is not my sovereign and I demand to be heard.

But I’m making it easy to avoid me with my thundering, jewel-clanking dress is announcing my presence across this entire wing. I turn on my heel and head to my rooms to change out of this noisy gown.

As I whip around a corner, a firm hand grasps my wrist. The motion pivots my direction, sending me flying toward a tall flower arrangement. An arm stops me short, just before I careen into the vase.

“Why are you in such a hurry?” Wyn asks but doesn’t release his hold. “What’s wrong?”

Recognizing my friend, not the mysterious murderer, my momentary panic turns to fury. “Trying to make me smash another priceless treasure of the crown? Clumsy as always, Wyn?”

“The vase is fine,” he says, lifting a shoulder and releasing his grip. “There’s something I wanted to speak to you about.”

“Not now. I need to—” I briefly close my eyes and shake my head. “Never mind.” I turn to go.

“You need to… what?” he asks, stepping in front of me to block my path.

“I just…” I grit my teeth. Resisting the urge to lash at him for holding me up. “I just need to speak with someone.”

Wyn hooks an eyebrow, then folds his arms and grins. “You need to speak with… Gnacia?”

I can’t stop the panic that crawls up my throat, but I can control the steadiness of my gaze and the coolness of my smile. “King Estelar’s assistant?” I hate that my voice comes out too high pitched. “Why would I need to speak with her?”

“Because the winter fae, Frost, wasn’t eliminated.”

“None of the winter fae were,” I move around him to continue down the hall.

“Amberle, stop.” He lets out a frustrated sigh. “Amberle, I know.” He leans heavy on the word. “You don’t have to deceive me or skirt the question.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, fighting the terror licking at my heart. He knows? How much does he know? Slowly, I turn back toward him.

Wyn casts a glance around—as if to ensure we aren’t being overheard—

then steps forward and mutters, “I know why you’re here. In the Tourney. The king told me why he ordered you to come.”

I press my lips together when he steps back to read my expression. I don’t assume he knows anything, but my stomach clenches; my childhood friend can destroy me with a few wrong words. I frantically feel for winter magic—the projection magic watching every moment of the competition—but between my flustered thoughts and trying to keep my face neutral, I can barely sense my toes, let alone magic.

When I don’t answer, he rolls his eyes and leans forward, cupping my ear with his hand. “He’s asked you to be his little spy.”

(Courting) Fae Thieves and Crowns has new episodes!

January is off to a great start! Many of you took the invitation to join me on my adventure with Ream. I am already loving the engagement and comments in the community section and I look forward to reading your thoughts and reactions as I post chapters of Fae Thieves and Crowns. 

So far, it's exactly what I hoped it would be. 

Speaking of Fae Thieves and Crowns…

Chapter 1 of Book 3 is available NOW! If you read Fae Thieves and Crowns on Patreon or Kindle Vella, the story has picked up again! You can begin reading it here:

START READING

And remember! If you use the code: 5OFF3MO you'll get $5 off your first three months on any tier! (meaning, you could read Fae Thieve and Crowns for FREE for 3 months!)

It's free to follow on Ream, but for everyone who joins one of the paid tiers by January 31st, I'll send you exclusive bookish mail!

It's time to tell you all about... my adventure!

I teased a NEW ADVENTURE I'm embarking on previously, and now it's time to tell you more about it!

I attended an education conference last November where I learned about all sorts of things that I plan on implementing and using in the coming months/years. There was one platform in particular that fell in perfect line with my goals as an author.

So let me introduce you to Ream.

Ream is a subscription platform by authors for authors. We combine the best of an eReader app, a reader group, and a mailing list all into one easy-to-use platform that helps authors create a thriving membership for their readers.

(From the Ream website: https://reamstories.com)

As you know, I had a Patreon for those who wished to read my story Courting Fae Thieves and Crownsbut couldn't (or didn't want to) access it on Kindle Vella. The unfortunate thing about Patreon was that it was often difficult to navigate posts and for readers to find the new episodes. Especially if they got behind by a few.

Ream is different. Accessing books and stories is much easier.

So Why Ream?

The Why

Writing can be a lonely endeavor. That changes now! When I delved into crafting my first serialized story, the joy of connecting with readers as they engaged with each episode was a revelation. I also saw the value of incorporating feedback from my readers to enhance my stories. It’s made me a better writer. It was then that I decided this interactive approach is the essence of how I want to create stories moving forward.

I want you, my cherished fans, to be involved in every step of this creative journey.

The essence of my paid subscriptions and memberships is rooted in serving YOU, my fans. In an industry that often prioritizes the allure of the new—new books, new readers, new opportunities—I aim to carve out a space where you, my existing readers, take precedence, as you are the foundation that allows me to pursue my passion.

This space is more than a subscription—it's a haven for direct connection. Together, we can collaboratively shape the future of this community. It's a shared journey where your input and presence are pivotal.

Join me, and let's craft stories and memories together!

(From my Ream Page: https://reamstories.com/joannareeder)

I'll share more with you in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, please visit my Ream page and follow! I posted a New Years Resolution post yesterday that I would love to hear your answers and comments on!

It's free to follow on Ream, but for everyone who joins one of the paid tiers by January 31, 2024, I'll send you exclusive bookish mail!

I hope to see you there!!