- Addison Horner
- Posts
- the little author event that could
Look at him go! Photo from @spellboundbookstorefl
If you’re new here—I’m Addison, and I send anecdotes and writing updates a few times per month. Stick around for stories and graphics with writerly numbers on them! And scroll to the bottom for a family Halloween picture!
When I first saw the picture above, I thought, “Wait, that looks like a real author!”
Then I remembered that I’ve been a published author for eight months and run two successful Kickstarters for my books.
But typing words on a computer or feverishly refreshing your Kickstarter campaign in the hopes that someone has pledged in the last seventeen seconds doesn’t compare to sitting in front of REAL PEOPLE asking REAL QUESTIONS about your REAL BOOK.
Spellbound Bookstore in Sanford, FL, kindly hosted me on Friday night to talk about Marrow and Soul and about the sequel. We had a small but engaged crowd, which is honestly the best kind. There were friends and strangers, writers and readers. Some had already read the first book (and beta versions of the second!), while others had never heard of me. But we talked and laughed for an hour about book things, and I felt seen.
Candid! Photo from @spellboundbookstorefl
My only regret was not taking more pictures with the attendees. But there will be more events, especially when Threads of Light’s release date rolls around…
In the meantime, you can preorder TOL through Spellbound right now! Use Bookshop.org to get it shipped to you, or order for pickup at the store.
Writing Updates
VESPER // One-third of the way into the manuscript, I’m having a great time! This story is unfolding differently than I had expected. My favorite new developments are 1) using shorter chapters and 2) adding more scenes from the perspective of Minerva, a side character. Scenes like this one:
Stickler. Minerva turned the word over in her head as she approached the rider’s shed. A narrow path wound in curves down the grassy hill, but she ignored it, instead cutting a straight line toward her destination. In her mind, it was a tiny act of rebellion, because tiny acts were all she had.
You’ve always been a stickler like that. Vesper’s accusation had stung not because it was true, but because it had driven a rift between them. Rules and regulations shaped Minerva’s life, and she would never apologize for that. Vesper had been too emotional to entertain logic from Minerva’s lips. He was a dreamer, so she had supplied the fantasy. Now he was gone, and if she wanted him back, she would have to cross some lines.
The rider’s shed was locked, but Minerva didn’t need a key. She’d brought a crowbar.
SPOOKY FINALE // In the past few days, I’ve outlined scenes featuring two very different dynamics: the sudden death of one character and the sudden reappearance of another. I’m excited and terrified to share this story with you. We’re 5,300 words and about 30% into the beat outline.
KICKSTARTER // Waiting for Kickstarter to send me the funds! Once they do, I’ll order the merch I’ve been preparing and finish other details, like formatting endpapers for the limited editions. Digital rewards and eBooks should be out by the end of next month!
THREADS OF LIGHT // 125 days is a long time—so if you can’t wait that long to read TOL, stay tuned for ARC reader announcements.
As always…
Don’t forget to check out Marrow and Soul wherever books are sold!
Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads
Oh, and here’s my family in our first of two Halloween costumes. We’re avocado trees, and Baby H is our little avocado!
Featuring leaves from our very own avocado tree!
