It should be no surprise by now that I started the month with a trip to the ER. And although my doctor and I are still doing some detective work to figure out the exact cause of the mystery pain that’s plagued me since April, there is one good thing that came out of my health problems. A lot of people joked / suggested that I should write a horror story about a hospital.
Well… You’re in luck! My upcoming novel Modern Hauntings has plenty of hospital scenes (and that’s all I’ll say about it for now. Can’t have spoilers this close to launch day).
“But Stephanie,” you say. “You’ve been posting so much about cows! How can your story be about hospitals and cows and paranormal investigations?”
“Well, dear reader, you’re just going to have to trust me on this one. I did lots of research into some very real things to make all of my crazy ideas come together. It’ll be worth it. I promise.”
With all the ups and downs of mystery health problems, that has certainly slowed down my writing this month. Instead, I’ve been putting all of my spoons towards in-person events, and the publication and promotion of Modern Hauntings. I’m taking breaks and sick days when I need to so that I don’t have to bail on any events and so that I can give my latest novel all the attention it deserves. (Wait, I’m resting?! And taking it easy?! What’s going on here?!)
I am so excited to send my latest novel out into the world. In addition to being creepy and a little bit gross, it has some of my favourite characters I’ve ever written and turned into a love letter to horror films/tv shows. And given that the novel stars the first trans character I’ve ever written, I decided to launch it on August 23rd – just in time for Capital Pride! I wanted a low stress launch this time around, so I’m doing things a little differently than I have for my past 2 books.
There will eventually be a launch party / Halloween party but that’s a bit of a secret for now. Mostly because I’m still waiting on final confirmations etc. before moving forward (but I’ll be filling out some very important paperwork soon, so big things are happening!) All I will say about the party for now is that it’s going to be copying the format of an event I’ve participated in at this venue before. And yes, I will be inviting some amazing local artists to join me.
So, it’s a shorter post today because, well… The Spoons (or lack thereof). But I’ve got a super fun (and busy, of course) August coming up, so stay tuned for the usual chaos! And yes, I promise to continue to take care of my health so I don’t get worse and/or burn out (again).
