Drafts, Dreams & Desert Spring
Finishing Book 3, final edits for Book 2, and stepping into a busy March.
The shortest month of the year is living up to the hype. Where the heck did February go? January was twelve years long and now it’s almost March. I am so very ready for Spring (not necessarily triple digit weather but the other parts of Spring) and am welcoming March with open arms.
February was mostly a prep month for me and March is where things get real. I have two signing events and am taking part in multiple writing challenges. The goal for March is to finish this draft of Book 3 and also to have some fun and make more connections.
Keep reading to find out what I’ve been up to, more details for my upcoming events and two amazing book recommendations while I keep you waiting for my second book to come out (I promise it’s coming soon!).
Writing Updates
Heart First Book 2 (Falling In) is back with my editor for final edits. Her first round gave me over 2k revisions (mostly commas - sorry not sorry lol) but she also gave me so many amazing comments and feedback. Working through all of the revisions had me reflecting on how far my writing has come. From a messy first draft of book one to actually plotting book one (yes I did it backwards) to finding my groove in book three now - I’m so proud of my growth and can’t wait to see how much more I grow in the coming years.
I hit the 20k word count mark in book three and finally found my stride. I’m doing a few writing challenges in March to keep me motivated and hold me accountable but the end goal is to add about 50k or more words to this current draft. I know the story so well in my head, I just need to get the words down on paper - er, on the screen?
What I’ve Been Up To
I attended Wild and Windy West as a reader and oh my goodnessss I met so many people! So many authors and readers and my social battery was so drained but my cup was so so full! I didn’t take many pictures (I need to get better at that, I know) but the experience was amazing! I’m sad Wild & Windy won’t be back in Phoenix for the foreseeable future but I’m hoping to possibly get out to NOLA next year.
What’s Coming Up
March is so busy! I have two book events this month plus I’ll be traveling for a much needed girls’ trip (shout out to the Trauma Loving Book Hoes! ilysm).
March 8 I will be in Glendale, AZ at Stories in Bloom with Readers of the Valley! This is a free event, so come by and see me! I’ll have new merch at my table (hello stickers!) plus signed paperbacks of Jumping In.
PS - speaking of stickers - these are officially live on my website! If you can’t make it to ROTV on 3/8 you can order from my website and I’ll mail them to ya! Also a perfect opportunity to grab your signed copy of Jumping In if you don’t already have it. Check them out here.
March 26 I will be in Phoenix, AZ at Bookstock with Not Your Average Bookclub. Tickets are sold out and I can’t wait to meet so many new readers and authors! If you snagged a ticket please come by and say hi!
Book Recs
Check out these two Small Town/Cowboy romances I think you’ll love!
Storm Warning by Ella Embers
From the sound of a bell to the buck of a bull, a person’s fate can shift in an instant. One choice, one action, one second can change everything.
Being a champion bull rider is all Rhett Rogers has ever dreamed of and lucky for him he has the talent to become a star. But fate is a fickle thing, and every ride is an eight second gamble against being the best, or landing among those who wish they were. As fate would have it, Rhett finds himself grappling with the decision to face his fears or save those he loves while succumbing to a life that fails to set his soul on fire. But making that decision isn’t as easy as he’d thought it’d be.
Kaylee Slayton has dealt with her fair share of disappointments her whole life. But none compare to the sadness triggered by the one man she should have been able to depend on— her dad. Alone in this world and hoping to make something of herself, she leaves the only life she’s ever known behind. Swearing off anything to do with rodeos in the process. Love and trust are hard to come by, forcing her to not only guard her heart, but let it harden all together.
A quick run in with a certain cocky, attractive and positively magnetic man leads her to question the wall she built so high. The only problem is he comes paired with a cowboy hat.
Their need to find themselves brings them together, but her stubbornness and his desire for a thrill could ruin everything.
Is it true that love can conquer all?
The Sun Will Rise by S. Sidney
A steamy, sexy, small town & cowboy romance!
After a few awful dates, Ruth Bevan has sworn off men. She’s a pragmatist. A problem solver. A lawyer. A cougar? It’s not a word she’d ever think of to describe herself—but then again, she hasn’t met Everett Tanner yet. Everett lives to ranch and ranches to live, but while he’s busy putting the family business first, he’s not giving himself time to process his emotions after a great loss.
A few chance meetings in airport lounges puts Everett firmly on Ruth’s radar (and in her fantasies). A couple of exchanged phone numbers and transatlantic FaceTime calls puts him firmly in her heart. The only problem is, Ruth’s heart is already torn, because the law career she’s always wanted is becoming something she dreads, and the fear is beginning to cost her friendships.
When his small town becomes a ghost town, and Ruth begins to unravel, Everett has to step up. No more waiting out the storm: the cowboy is saving the town and the girl.
This is book 3 in the Love At First Flight series. It can be read as a standalone but it is recommended that you read books 1 & 2 first. This book contains explicit language & sexually explicit descriptions throughout and is not recommended for younger readers.
That’s all for now! Thank you for being here. Talk soon.
xo - Maddy <3