Finally (knock on wood) I am diving back into the world of Eahbridge. For those of you that have joined me on this lengthy journey, thank you so much for sticking with me, even when I have been stuck. As this book is intertwined with loads of firsts, first artwork commissions, first sharing of snippets and such, as well as the first time truly connection with a narrative as a nonbinary writer. I think all of that has contributed to my writer's block, because my imposter syndrome kicks in, giving me doubts in my creative abilities.

But, then I will either chat with one of my friends who has an understanding of the narrative, or re-read small passages for myself, and I fall in love all over again. With the characters, their motivations, the world, and the desire to share that with the world hits me all over again, superseding my imposter syndrome and desires for perfection.

The first draft does not need to be perfect. It just needs to be written.

And so, as I bring you along in this journey, I am going to continue to be patient with myself and my writing, knowing that there is an audience out there that wants to hear my words and how creative I can be.

If you continue joining me, I thank you, and promise to not only do better with delivering the content, analysis, and content, but do better with embracing the block not as a dead end, but an opportunity to explore a new path.

Thank you so much and I cannot wait to bring you more!

Happy Friday to you, my dears and Froomies!

What a hectic week for me, and I am certainly happy for the end of the work week. Not that it was too taxing, we just wrapped up book faire at my job. I totally miss the book faire days when I was a kid, but it is nice to return to a sense of normalcy!
But now it is Friday and time for the author shout out!

So, today's author spotlight goes to......

(Drum roll please)

AZALEA CROWLEY!

If you have never had the chance to read a book by Azalea, you are missing out on a beautiful and unexpected blend of genres that fit together so seamlessly. "Cozy" Horror romance isn't something that I would have ever had on my radar, but they have a way with words that encapsulates my attention. Monster romance is a marketable genre in this day and age, the parallels between man and monster is not a new concept, but hardly do I ever see the monster paired with someone who is often known as the "weird girl". The person who is often ostracized by societal norms for either being labeled as the creep, or has a disability that causes them to be othered by society. But the romance is never portrayed as the "thing that saves the FMC", however in the context of Wicked Flavors for example, the love of the monster makes the FMC "worse" but in all the best ways. She becomes weirder, grows more into herself, and embraces the newness her encounters with her monster paramour, becoming a sort of pink cozy horror being that transforms into the "monster" herself.

Neon pastel cozy horror romance is a jumble of words, but it works so well!

As a creative and a reader, Azalea wears many hats. One is also as a sensitivity reader, of which they go into detail on their page.

To learn more about the books Azalea writes, including fantasy with TTRPG aspects, check them out at:

https://www.azaleacrowley.com/

Happy Friday! Another week that we have gotten through and my reading has been like the weather in my area, wacky and inconsistent.

With the promise of spring weather and seeing sprouts of the Ren Faire content ramping back up, I am longing and missing my own home faire as well as the honey shop that I work at.
And in that moment, I thought it would be a perfect segue into this week's spotlight!

🥁🥁🥁🥁

🎉Sydney J. Shields!!!!!🎉

I adored the book The Honey Witch. As a honey shop witch myself, I loved how Sydney created powerful women in her debut novel who just craved to experience life to the fullest, yet are constrained by the curse placed on their family. While out MC Marigold's mother chose love, Marigold herself wants more than the rigidity of Regency societal pressures, and chooses power.

And I love the duality of these choices as Marigold goes through a journey of finding herself and her power.

This novel was cozy and delightful and, as an eldest daughter who loves honey, it was right up my alley. I cannot wait to read more from Sydney!

If you want more of an indepth analysis on the themes and motifs within the novel, I made a post in August for you to check out:

https://brilefae.binderybooks.com/item/iTZtry4VmnygRevX7TaO/

For more about Sydney, you can check out her website:

https://www.sydneyjshields.com/

Happy Friday 🐸🍄

A busier sunday than usual, but I enjoy the reset of a new week! It's like a breath of fresh air!

My reading has been all over the place (when hasn't it been as a mood reader) but I picked up this adorable graphic that had me cheesing. I would say that between The Heir of Prophecy and this, I am having an incredible time!

Stay tuned for my review!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend 🍄

Happy Friday y'all! We made it through the week!

For me, it has been a pretty decent week, what with planning things for the summer as well as getting back into my reading as well as my other fantasy games. It feels like a homecoming and I am enjoying every minute of it!

And today, I am shouting out an author that has encapsulated my entire being with her way of crafting the perfect book boyfriends.

And that author is.......

EVELYN LEIGH!

Now if you haven't heard of her, what are you doing, go search her up right now, she is a romance and dark romance author who can create the book boyfriend of your dreams and have you sobbing that they are not a reality. She will have you clutching your sides from laughter, grabbing tissues as characters experience their lows and hardships, and beaming brightly and clutching pearls at some of the more salacious scenes. Evelyn writes characters that feel real in their struggles and thrive in their underrepresentation, making an impact where a "glass ceiling" would hinder them.

Not only is she an amazing writer, she is also a gem of a person. Kind and sweet, she is a champion for mental health as well as community. Hilarious, she wears many hats and each of them are more interesting than the last. And if you get a chance to call her a friend, she is fiery loyal to those she cares most about.

So, I may be a little biased because she also gives the best hugs, but Evelyn is equal parts peach and rum, coming together to make a delicious and festive party that is sure to keep you on your toes.

Go check her out and give her some love if you haven't already:

https://authorevelynleigh.com/

Have a happy weekend, loves!