2024 Greenville Author Con & Vegas!
(a cancelled concert but still a good time)
For my Texas-weather acclimated self, I’m accustomed to August being the hottest month of the year; however, going to Vegas in August was not my best move. I’m here to tell you that there is INDEED a difference in dry heat and humid heat and I will never go to Vegas in the summer again. Try to breathe through your blow drier the next time you turn it on; you’ll get a good taste for Vegas air.
Amid the extreme heat, my grandma, brother-in-law, and I made up a motley crew of Vegas explorers. We went to escort my grandma to a concert, but when the concert got cancelled, we just spent the few days exploring the architecture and sampling the food. A successful trip, if I do say so myself (and I do).
I got off the plane from Vegas and immediately began packing for another book signing with Emma Hill. Returning to the W. Walworth Harrison Library in Greenville, TX was nostalgic and full of surprises! We ran into many of our author friends and saw so many returning faces who had already read our books from last year! In a moment of bravery, I even checked the library history for A Queen is Knighted and discovered that it had been checked out from that library 9 TIMES!
Writing Updates
I mentioned in my previous newsletter that I’m drafting during my 4-month break from college courses. How am I doing? So glad you asked *nervous sweats*. I finished 3 chapters in August, so I’m averaging about a chapter a week…which is nowhere near what I want to be averaging, but progress is progress.
Spontaneously, I joined Angela R. Watt’s online writing retreat (through September 15th), and I’ve joined a few Instagram Live writing sprints hosted by Emma Hill and a few other authors. These have been great motivators for making time to write! I’ll also be on vacation for a week in September, so I’m looking forward to quiet vacation mornings (these are my favorite writing times)!
2024 Book Events
Summer 2024 was one for the books (hehe)! We had so many wonderful events and met new (and old) friends! At the beginning of this year, I thought August would be the end of my book signings for 2024, however, I’ve added a few more to the calendar because I just can’t get enough of you guys! And while I would never call an event my “favorite”; these have HIGH probability of claiming that title. Don’t believe me? Just look at what (and where) they are 🍄🍁🍂🥀
Upcoming Events:
JUST ADDED: October 12th from 10AM - 5PM: Canton, TX Autumn Festival (on the square) (free to attend) - Please come dressed up! We’ll have a photo op setup at the booth (and you may or may not see a full cast of characters 👀)!
JUST ADDED: October 26th from 10AM - 3PM: Greenville, TX Fall Into Fantasy Faire (free to attend) - W. Walworth Harrison Public Library - Do I even need to ask you to dress up for this Ren Faire?! Also, we have officially confirmed that Joshua WILL be able to attend! Interested in meeting the “J” from “R.J. Setser”? You should don your favorite fantasy attire and come hang out with us in Greenville!
JUST ADDED: November 9th from 1PM - 4PM: Barnes & Noble Prestonwood (5301 Belt Line Rd Dallas, TX 75254): My first EVER Barnes & Noble signing! And I’m HONORED to be doing it with Emma Hill, once again! This is also going to be the first signing completely dedicated to Program MIRA, so if you have yet to snag a copy of my Dystopian Retelling of Snow White, come see me and Emma in Dallas!
Still nothing new for the Author BINGO, but I’m looking at those “Write for 7 Days Straight” and “Write for 30 Days Straight” blocks and narrowing my eyes. I think I smell a challenge for September…
Authors Supporting Authors Section:
Welcome to my favorite spot in my newsletter 🍄 I’ve read a few books by friends over the summer and would love to brag about them 🫶🏼
This collection of poetry takes the theme of space and how vast the universe is, and couples it with intentional words attempting to name the most important stars to us. The poems are equally lovely to read and comforting to hold to your heart; reminders that you have purpose, you're doing a good job, and you're not alone on this planet floating through space.
The Legends of Rasa is a collection of cozy fantasy short stories that will perfectly usher in the Autumn vibes. A little dark, a little emotional, and oh so very cozy. Did I mention dragons and bakeries?
I met this author at a signing, where she shared her beautiful story of overcoming darkness and why she wrote these books.
Her poetry is raw and holds nothing back. She's honest with her readers and her words reveal her struggles with inner demons. Her constant pull and shove of trying to overcome deadly thoughts throughout her poems is powerful imagery. I love the progress made through the collection, from dark to light, as we witness her overcoming her darkest moments and thriving in happiness and love towards the end.
I will issue a trigger warning, however, as her imagery can be intense and hard to read, especially if you relate to the content. Also, the hardback is illustrated and there were a few photos that will be triggering to anyone who has dealt with self-harm. There were a few poems with cursing (including strong language) and one containing references to sexual abuse.
Thank you once again for your support! I hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming events; or just somewhere in the meta verse 🫶🏼
~Rayleigh