It's Been Awhile...
What I've been up to + exciting news
It’s July 2023 and I’m finally getting around to this reflection. Did I mention this newsletter may be sporadic™️? 💀
To reorient myself, I went back and re-read my last email to you all and…in November of 2022, I finished the first draft of The Wedding Book and was looking forward to editing it in January. I didn’t know what the future held and was feeling discouraged by querying the journey of the book I was currently shopping around to agents.
Well, I finished editing The Wedding Book in May (shoutout to my AMAZING beta readers!) and sent it out the week before June 1st and…
I’m now thrilled to announce that I’m now out of the query trenches and represented by the amazing Bethany Weaver at Weaver Literary Agency. 😭
From her very first email explaining how hooked she was by the first chapter and wanting to see more, to The Call where she said Kent (my MMC) was a “cinnamon roll”, I knew I found the best possible human to advocate for us. She gets me, gets the story, and read the full book in less than 24 hours. 💀
To be honest, it all happened so fast I’m still reeling and it almost doesn’t feel real. I got the news the day after BTS’s debut anniversary and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect date. 💜
After walking away from my old agent last year, I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to say I was agented again. It’s not a guarantee and the competition is fierce — especially in the romance genre — but I put it in God’s hands and hoped for the best and He delivered.
I’m sooo excited to see what the journey holds up ahead, it’s far from over be assured, but I feel better about it knowing Bethany is on my team and it’s not just me pounding the pavement.🤪
Thank you to everyone here who believed in me and this story when I was at the end of my rope believing in myself. 😩 You rallied around me and made me feel so freaking loved. I hope I can also be there for you and return everything tenfold.
Here's to never giving up and dreaming impossible feeling dreams. ✨
And trying to update more often. 🤞
Writing -
I got my agent's (that feels surreal) approval to start working on my next book and I’m so so excited about it! I’m still fleshing out the details but the vibes are light-heartedly ghosty. 👀
While I wait for the edits on my book back, I’m really just making moodboards, creating playlists, and enjoying this moment of rest. After going hard for most of the year and all of last, this respite is much needed.
Media -
This year has been full of amazing music releases and while I wish I could list them all, here are my recent favorites.
5-Star by StrayKids (their whole album is no skips!)
girls like me don’t cry by thuy
Angel Pt 1. ft. Jimin of BTS
In terms of visual media, I actually haven’t watched as many shows or movies as I’ve wanted to, but I did finish Flower of Evil and I cannot recommend it enough. The most insanely detailed show I’ve watched in a long time and each episode ended with me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. It came out in 2020 and is a little underrated in my opinion. It’s in my top 10 shows now and I will rewatch at some point.
Although Baek Hee Sung is hiding a dark secret surrounding his true identity, he has established a happy family life. But his facade begins to crumble when his wife, a homicide detective, begins investigating murders from 15 years ago.
Books -
A lot of ARCS are building up on my phone, but here are a few books I enjoyed over the past several months.
I will read anything Emily writes and this one was no exception. I will say the middle dragged a bit for me and there was a small plot hole towards the end of the book (probably just noticeable to me tbh), but otherwise a fantastic read. Banter and swoon for days. What an icon.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
This book destroyed me emotionally in the best way. I didn’t want to finish and actually read one page a day once I got to the end to draw it out longer. From the gorgeous writing, stunning imagery, and well-developed characters, I haven’t been able to stop recommending people read it. I’ve never felt so attached to a group of characters before! It’s an Oprah Book Club pick for a reason and — at first — I was worried it was just overhyped, but no. No. The hype is for a REASON.
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
I have never been so high on oxytocin before when reading. My cheeks hurt from smiling and I took my pulse after reading and it was high due to extreme happiness and excitement. This book was a comfort read for me and I laughed, cried, and the plot twist absolutely stole my breath away. I underlined, highlighted, and bookmarked like crazy. What a delightful romance and I may or may not be talking to the author soon… 👀
CLOSING -
If you’re still here, I love you. 🤪I’m excited to see what July will bring and hope you enjoyed this rambling ramble of mine. Stay healthy, safe, and happy! I’ll see you soon (hopefully).
Love,
Rebekah