My book baby is two weeks old and I’m so beyond grateful for everyone who ordered a copy of Roots in Ink from me or any retailer where it’s listed. I’m truly lucky to have such supportive friends, family, and readers.

Releasing and distributing Roots in Ink has been a wild ride. I’ve been learning as I go, either from mistakes I’ve made or from seasoned authors and booksellers. It’s been a lesson in knowing the difference between your gut and second guessing yourself. It’s an even bigger lesson in knowing the difference between giving something time and pivoting immediately.

What’s Next for Roots in Ink

CHARACTER ART!

That is why you’re here isn’t it?

I told my newsletter subscribers only four days ago that I expected to have something to share in the next month or so. Then a day later this concept sketch landed in my Instagram DMs.

Can you guess which scene it’s from?

I’m already in love with it and wanted very few changes. I’m super lucky to be working with artists who are able to take all of my word vomit, make sense of it, and create something that’s so close to what I was envisioning.

I was very tempted to commission some spicy art, but (begrudgingly) opted for something wholesome for Emma and Liam’s introduction to the world. But now I absolutely need some spicy art of these two hotties.

Bye, tax refund!

Subscribe to my mailing list to be at the front of the line when I get the finished product.

Anything else?

Getting physical copies in indie bookstores

This is going to be a tough one thanks to book industry villain IngramSpark, but I’m going to do what I can.

Getting digital copies in libraries catalogues

This will be even harder because everything is so decentralized, but the beauty of not being exclusive with Amazon is having my books available to libraries. I really want to make it happen.

Hardcover edition

The cover designs are all ready to go and if you thought the paperback cover was beautiful, wait until you see the dust jacket. Formatting a hardcover edition has been low on my priority list because they aren’t big sellers these days. But since I have every intention of bringing a few hardcovers to Literary Love Savannah this July, it’s time to get it done.

And sell more books so I can buy more character art.

Can you help me with that?

• Rate and review Roots in Ink on Goodreads, StoryGraph, and the retailer where you purchased it
• Ask your library to add it to their collection
• Ask your favorite indie bookstore to carry it
• Talk it up to your friends and social media audience
• Engage with my social media posts when they come across your feed

Whatever you’re able to do, regardless of how big or small, I’m extremely thankful.