Fleur Bradley January Newsletter
Happy New Year!
Well, of course it's well underway already... I've just been so busy editing, it took me this long to look up and realize it was mid-January already! I hope you had a nice holiday season. Personally, I enjoyed some good TV time, some boardgames, and too much eating.
But now I'm ready to get back to work. I hope you are too.
January usually means nose to the grindstone for me, though I don't mind. This Monday-of-the-year (that's how I always look at January) is quiet, so I can get some much-needed editing time in. So far, so good...
I'm looking forward to getting out into the world a bit more this year, however! I hope we'll get to meet (again) in 2023. I have big plans...
A Sad Goodbye
Our dear Betty White, my editing partner and best friend, said goodbye to us in December. She was old and had a good life, so I accept it was her time. Maybe she'll give some writers a good stubborn stare down in the afterlife. I'll miss my Betty.
What I'm Up To
Sad news aside, it's been good to look back on 2022; I did more than I realized. Lots of school visits, a few conference talks in person, and even a keynote speech... I've been fortunate in 2022. Now it's time to wipe the slate clean and make new travel and speaking plans.
Updated Speaker Kit!
When I looked at my resume, I realized I talk. A lot... My second grade teacher was right when she said I was talking to my friends in class too much. That aside, I'm honored that people are willing to listen to what I have to say. To aid event and conference organizers, I've added a Speaker Kit to my website; you can find it here.
New for Writers!
I love helping fellow writers, and have mentored for lots of different organizations, including SCBWI. If you are a writer in need of professional editorial feedback, I've updated my website with information for writers as well.
What I'm Writing
I finished edits on my top-secret MG mystery manuscript just before the holidays, with the hopes that it'll go out on submission to editors very soon... Cross your fingers for me, friends. There are no guarantees in publishing, and each book has to audition like it's The Voice. Wish my MG mystery luck...
Next, I'm diving right into edits on my YA mystery. It's a fun, traditional mystery I'm excited to get back to. The quiet of January, and the copious amount of snow outside seems like a good invitation to stay home and work.
To stay inspired, I post art and letters from kid fans near my desk. Here's one from Ruby in NY, who has me pegged.
What are you working on? Do you have good plans for 2023?
Where I'm Going
Right now, most of my activity is online (which is probably the smartest thing, given that snow). I'm doing lots of virtual author visits; if you're a teacher, you can find out more about my author visits here.
Spring is starting to get busier on my calendar, however. Here is a listing of my upcoming events; stay tuned for more as I have a few (top-secret!) things in the works...
Jan. 16, 2023: MG Writers Group (virtual)
Social Media for Authors (SOLD OUT)
Feb. 7, 2023: Community Love of Reading Festival
Arvada, CO
Guest Speaker (details TBA)
Feb. 10, 2023: CCIRA: SCBWI Author Panel
2:45 - 4:15 PM
Westminster, CO
Feb. 18: Bloody Valentine: Women in Horror
1-5 PM
Monument, CO Library
Apr. 27-30, 2023: Pikes Peak Writers Conference
Colorado Springs, CO
Come say hi!
I hope I get to see you in 2023!
Floof
Some of you have indicated your love for Floof and Floof pictures, because of course you can never have enough cat photos. Here she is, sitting by the computer while I write. It's not intimidating at all...
