Author @ Work

It’s been nearly three months since my novella debut. Working as a new, self-published author has been eye-opening and difficult. It is also promising in many ways. One of the greatest challenges, which I knew would be an obstacle, is reaching readers. The many algorithms of the corporate-owned online cyberscape hampers any newcomer to the authorial space, nevermind someone like myself who wishes to share mature tales that include playful smut within the plot.

I am positively thrilled to have reached some readers, though–and doubly thrilled to hear back that they’ve really enjoyed The Wanton Witch & the Werewolf. I’m also pleased to say that my novella is also now listed amongst friends on the Monster Romance Reads website! It’s a lovely place to find book recommendations and promotions for fantasy romance lovers of monstrously good taste~

I’ve been working in earnest drafting the next Aetherial Afterglow tale. I hope to have it finished, edited, and polished in order to publish sometime late this spring. Of course, it’s proving more difficult than anticipated since it’s on track to be double the size of the first novella. This is by no means a bad thing–just a wee bit unexpected. More text means more edits, and more edits means more time. Regardless, it’s shaping up to be an adventurous good time with our witch Orrla among fabled fae royalty! Expect a magical mystery; ethereally beautiful fae; lactation kink; devoted spouses finding a third; a dash of courtly intrigue; and more~

When I write for this series, I always have three things in mind: one, craft a compelling, (relatively) concise story arc set into a rich, complex fantasy backdrop; two, explore sex, intimacy, and (sometimes) kink between queer characters in an honest yet fun way; and three, produce prose that is artful, affecting, and approachable. I could potentially be far more prolific if I didn’t have personally strict quality control when it comes to the creative work I produce. (Which isn’t to say it’s by any means flawless, just that everything I do will come with a guaranteed amount of earnest effort from me!) Alas, my writing pace and personal expectations mean I take time to do various things.

Even so, I’m fairly adamant about releasing a novella entry into the Aetherial Afterglow series for each season. My debut was released in winter; this one–whose working title I will reveal now (!) as Bough, Pearl, & Horn–is destined for spring. Plans for subsequent entries for summer and autumn are already in motion as well! (Plus a couple outlines for next year…) This time around, with one published work under my belt, I will do my best to have a marketing period to offer ARCs (advance-reader-copies) to interested readers for honest reviews. It’s unclear how well a “pre-order” system will work for a newly established independent author, but we shall see!

I want to thank every reader for giving my stories your attention. It means the world to me. Your support, emotional and financial, helps me to continue on creating in this wacky world of ours. I want to thank every reader who was kind enough to leave a review–they truly help a lot, especially in the Amazon retail ecosystem. To every other person who has shared a social media post, boosted a promotion, or just given me a modicum of encouragement–thank you, too!

Sincerely,
Your friendly queer erotica author,
Quinn [they/them]