It’s All a Work in Progress
THERE BLEEDS THE LIGHT has been in the world for a month, and what a whirlwind it has been. TBtL has broken the 100 sales mark, which I am thrilled to see. What’s even more encouraging to me, though, is how WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS has had a surge, almost rivaling that of TBtL. This really does go to show that a book’s “success” goes far beyond the first week.
But, lest you think I am Wise and have All My Stuff Together, I need to confess that I often play the comparison game. And, letmetellyou, that’s a way to cheapen your purpose and stomp on your joy. It’s just all too easy to look at, well, anything published in the traditional market, see the numbers, and think “I have failed.”
Praise the Lord, He is patient with me. It’s often in those moments that conviction sets in and I am able to reassess my own heart.
What is the purpose behind writing? Certainly, it isn’t for the fame or the money. It’s because God put story in my heart, and I believed that He can take that story and work it in ways I will never be able to fathom. Not because of me—in spite of me.
Because the real WIP (work in progress) is sitting here, at this keyboard, plonking down rather too many rambly words right now.
The real WIP is sitting here, at this keyboard.
Author Spotlight
I want to get better at championing the wonderful authors I have come to know and love in my newsletters. It’s no secret that I’m not all that great at whole hype thing (the rebel in me usually wants to run as far as I can from anything resembling a fad), but that does not excuse me being quiet on the things I truly love. So, in each newsletter, I want to make an effort to either highlight a book I adored, or maybe even interview authors I admire.
The first up is none other than the lovely Emily Barnett.
I met her quite by accident—and the will of a wizard the Lord—on Instagram. “Hey, this girl seems cool,” I thought. “And we have the same sweater1!”
Although it terrified me to join in on her Flash Fiction Magic prompts at the beginning, that’s what kick-started the relationship. She quickly became a trusted critique partner, offering invaluable insight on both of my published novels. And now, somehow, I have the extraordinary honor of calling her my friend.
Emily’s writing voice is one of my most favourite voices in all the lands. Whimsy, heartache, and beauty are never lacking in her luscious prose.
But what you really need to know is that she has an exciting new Substack serial coming out Wednesday, January 1st.
Instead of hearing it from this dreary human, I’m going to let her talk about it below in the interview she graciously did for me.
Would you mind introducing yourself?
Hey, I’m Emily. A believer in Jesus, wife to a bearded mountain man, and homeschooling mom of two hobbits. Besides writing I love design, bird-watching, bread-making, and looking up weird animal and plant facts.
Why are you so hopelessly hooked on writing?
I love creativity. I was an art major in college before discovering that storytelling was my true passion. I love being emotionally moved by books or movies. And I discovered I could do that myself: move a person (with joy, sorrow, compassion, etc.) with sentences I’ve cobbled together from my own weird brain. It’s truly the best craft. Sorry, wood carvers.
Where did the inspiration for the Cottage of Quirks come from?
I’ve always loved the cozy, homey feel of cottages. When we formed our writing group we called it The Cottage. In spring of 2023 I wrote a flash fiction about a cottage that had many rooms that held many portals. I’ve also had the Flippity character running around in my head for years too—from another random flash fiction story. So it’s a lot of different things combined into one fun and quirky idea!
Why have you chosen to write this story as a serial?
Besides impulsivity? :) I'm just excited to get my work into the hands of readers. This road is long for writers wanting to get published. And even if you do get a book deal, the process can be rough. Usually, working with people is a joy, but sometimes it can drain you creatively. I craved an outlet to share a story that is pure Emily Barnett, without outside voices telling me “no” —a word, I find, the industry likes to say. I also love the idea of releasing something every week. My hope is that people will interact with these chapters too, so it becomes this joint creative process.
“I discovered I could . . . move a person with sentences I’ve cobbled together from my own weird brain. It’s truly the best craft.”
How many installments can we look forward to reading, and how often will they come out?
At least 122! I have the whole plot outlined, but some of the chapters could extend into two depending where the story leads. I want to leave it open to any surprises the characters throw my way (like a very convincing cat3 that has decided to make itself known). I’ll release a new installment every Wednesday through Substack!
Can you introduce the main character and what kind of shenanigans your readers can expect from him?
Flippity Gilbert is a 20-something struggling musician living in Chicago who is pretty much scared of everything in life (especially people). Which is great since he’s about to inherit a cottage in England that will throw him into dangerous quest after dangerous quest (with people. And, well, the cat too). The portals will be a mix of fantasy worlds, sci fi worlds, and the world you very much know, but maybe not the time you know.
Who are you hoping will read and enjoy the Cottage of Quirks?
Anyone who loves humor, adventure, and playfulness. When brainstorming, I envisioned Cottage of Quirks as a read-aloud for families. I’ve been reading the chapters to my 8 and 6-year-old boys, and they keep begging me to write the next one (and you know how brutally honest kids can be. Yeesh.). But if you do decide to read it alone in the quiet of your house with a cup of coffee, I’ll never tell a soul.
Where is the best place that your readers can pepper you with all their reactions and fan theories?
Right there on the chapter! Each Substack post has a comment section at the very bottom and I’d love to hear your reactions and crazy theories. I mean, I get a lot of my inspiration from my kids, so nothing is too far-fetched. Who knows, maybe your theories will shape Flippity’s travels (don’t let the power go to your head though).
Where else can readers go if they are desperate for more Emily Barnett Whimsy?
I wrote a book! It’s called THREAD OF DREAMS and it’s a science fantasy for preteen ages and up. You can find it for sale on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
And, lastly, what’s your favorite Christmas tradition?
Making salt dough ornaments and caroling (yes, you heard me. Caroling is not dead!)
And, lastly, Christmas Greetings!
It truly is one of my most favourite seasons of the year. I grow rather sentimental about events that help us mark and measure time. Christmas has got to be the ultimate time-marker, wouldn’t you say?
My family is recovering from illness and looking forward to hosting family at our house. The next week’s agenda includes baking cookies, wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, and listening to our favourite new Christmas song on repeat.
Wherever you are, no matter what comes this season, my prayer for you is that you will receive “tidings of comfort and joy”.
Soli Deo gloria!
It was a teal cardigan from Old Navy, if you must know.
!!!!!!
I already love her.
Congratulations on 100 sales! 🎉
We're the real WIP. 😭 Also, what a delightful interview! I can't wait for January!