Beta Readers, It's Almost Time
I missed last week’s blog post, and honestly, I almost debated skipping this week, too. But the truth is, the silence hasn’t been for lack of things happening. Quite the opposite, actually. Lately, all of my creative energy has been tied up in final edits and marketing for my next book, which has been both exciting and exhausting. This part of the process always feels like the final sprint of a marathon, where I can see the finish line, but every step takes a little more focus and a little more determination.
I’ve been deep in the trenches, making these last few adjustments, double-checking all the little details, and preparing copies for my beta readers. It’s that strange place between “I’m almost done” and “this could still use one more work.” I want this story to be the best it can be, and my betas deserve a version that I feel confident in, even if I’ll still obsess over every line the moment I hit send.
Once the beta readers are done and have sent me their suggestions and I’ve made additional edits, it will be time for the ARC readers. And if you’ve been following along and would like to be an early reader, I’d love to have you on the list! Whether you reach out to me here on my website, Tiktok, or Instagram, don’t be shy! I’m always excited to connect with new and familiar faces, especially when it comes to sharing a story that’s so close to being ready for the world.
Current Reads
Last blog post, I said that I was determined to finally finish Filthy Rich Santas by Eva Ashwood... but I did not. Now, this week with only 21% left to go, I can see the end in sight, and I’ve made it my goal to wrap it up again. Once I’m done, I’ll be swapping genres entirely and picking up The Room Where It Happened by John Bolton. This is completely outside of any one of my usual reading genres, but I’m looking to mix things up a bit. I’m curious to see how I’ll feel about it once I dive in, and I’m looking forward to something entirely new. I'm typically always reading two books at one time, both different genres or subgenres. For instance, right now I'm reading one fluffy romance and one diet dark romance. Next will be a dark romance and a non-fiction memoir.
Once I finish Fighting for Evie by Taylor Delvaux, I’ve already lined up my next read: The Hunt by Kristin Buoni. I’ve been hearing about this one for a while now, especially from readers who love their dark romance with a little more bite, and the premise has been sitting in the back of my mind since the moment I read the blurb. From what I gather, it’s the kind of story that walks the line between survival and obsession, packed with characters I’ll either love or hate, and plenty of morally gray decisions along the way. Which, let’s be real, is basically my catnip. I’m really looking forward to reading this one, especially since I’ve been in the mood for something a little more intense.
Not to mention, the cover for this book, The Hunt, has changed, and truly, the reason that I decided to purchase a digital copy in the first place is because of the controversy that the booktok community was upset about. Booktokers were comparing it to The Ritual by Shanel Tessier, which I suppose could easily be argued for the original AI-generated cover. However, the author changed the cover. Whether the reason for this change was because of the upset with booktok readers or if the first cover was simply a stand-in for the one to come, I think it was a good decision. The new book cover keeps the same colors and general tone of the original without looking too closely to an incredibly popular author’s book within the booktok community.
Something that I think was particularly cruel and uncalled for was the fact that there were people going on goodreads and Amazon and leaving negative ratings, like one-star ratings, on The Hunt months before publishing, just because of the initial book cover. That is exactly the reason that I pre-ordered that book, because that was extremely unnecessary and mean.
But if you want my opinion on book covers, specifically an issue like this one between those two book covers, it isn't an issue. There are so many book covers that someone could argue are exactly the same or almost the same or one was inspired by the other, but truly, I don't think it matters as much as some people think. Would it be nice if everyone had an original idea for their book cover? Absolutely, and I think that my book cover designer does a fantastic job at catching exactly what I'm looking for while also being as unique as possible. But all the same, sometimes book covers just look similar, and it's okay.
Recent Finds Unrelated to Reading
Not so much a “recent find,” but instead, something that I have noticed regarding social media’s influence on networking. Every time I hear the word “networking,” my brain immediately jumps to the same image: those old-school networking parties where people gather on some fluffy rooftop, dressed just professional enough to be uncomfortable, drink in hand, making small talk with strangers in hopes of making connections. I’m not even sure if people actually enjoyed those events or if everyone was just pretending to. Either way, that’s the picture that always pops into my mind.
But the funny thing is, nowadays networking is almost entirely online. Whether it’s social media, Discord servers, groups on Facebook, or messaging someone based on their interests that align with yours, the concept of networking has shifted so much that the word feels a little outdated. I still catch myself hesitating to use it, as if the word belongs in a different era, even though the reality is that I network more now than I ever did at any in-person event, especially when reaching out to those I interview for my Medium page.
Honestly, I think the shift has made it easier for people like me, who are more introverted or who just aren’t built for that in-person social shuffle. Online networking allows for a little more space, a little more thought, and a little more time to decide what you are going to say. You get to skip the awkward small talk stage and connect over shared interests, mutual support, and actual conversation. So, even though the word still triggers visions of awkward handshakes and business cards, I’ve learned to appreciate the way networking has evolved. It’s just another reminder that meaningful connections can happen anywhere, even behind a screen.
Recent Movies & TV Shows
I recently started rewatching The Haunting of Hill House and honestly, it’s just as good as the first time around. I forgot how well this show balances unsettling horror with deep, emotional storytelling, and throws out the meaningless jump-scares. The way it explores grief, family, and trauma under the surface of all the supernatural stuff is what really sticks with me. Easily one of those shows you notice more and more details about the second time through.