Waiting on Wednesday: The Belles

Yes, I am supposed to be on hiatus. Funny enough I sort of forgot. LOL. But I'm back on hiatus for more writing time and my health. Will be back October 2, 2017.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that allows us to spotlight books we are eagerly anticipating to be released.

The cover reveal for this book came with a lot of fanfare. Dhonielle Clayton loves it, many potential readers love it and I must agree the cover is beautiful. With the discussion of diversity being needed in all mediums, this book is a plus. Not to mention having an amazing plotline to boot. I want my hardcover now but have to wait for 2018.

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Pre-Order: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision. 

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

So what do you think of The Belles? Have you been enjoying the increased diversity on YA book covers? Thanks for stopping by. See you in October.

Never Forget: Remembering 9/11

IWSG: Writing Surprises

Welcome to another IWSG with host Alex Cavanaugh, his fellow ninjas, and latest co-hosts.

Monthly Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing?

Yes, I have. Over the years I've gone from being a poet who could write stories to a writer and now a ghostwriter and author. There's no doubt in my mind that I have grown and that's with a high school education, talent, the Lord Almighty, support from friends and the determination to succeed. Writing young adult fiction, poetry and short stories were the furthest that I thought I'd go. But now I have adult and middle-grade fiction WIPs in the wings. So I have been surprised by my writing and it makes me both joyful and fearful. Glad to see my inner potential yet fearful about how far it will go. I have an NA manuscript about flesh eaters (cannibals) and I make up foods that they eat made from people. I fear myself when I can come up with ways off the top of my head to turn people into meals. Where did I even get the idea for brain shakes and curry fingers? 

So how about you? Thanks for stopping by. Due to my freelance work load rising (not health issues this time, yay!) I need some extra time away. I won't return to blogging until October. If you want to keep up with me feel free to visit my author website or check my social media (look on the right side of my page). Thank you for stopping by.