I’ve been quiet lately about what I’ve been up to, but that’s because I’ve been more focused on the “doing” rather than the “saying.” I promise, I’ve been busy. Firstly, The Moon’s Maiden, a comic book prequel to my YA Fantasy series, Songs of Aryam, is scheduled for publication this fall. Also, I established my own publishing company, Mahogany Griot, LLC, back in June. Lastly, I’m in the final stages of solidifying the publishing schedule for the first novel of the SOA series.
Read on for more info and a glimpse into my publishing journey.
The Comic
The Moon’s Maiden centers around two events that happen prior to the start of the novel: the disappearance of a girl named Yara and the arrival of Kyrel Durago, a mysterious outcast whose handsome looks distract Aryam from her Guardian training. Without giving too much of the actual novel away, this comic gives us a glimpse into the colorful, tropical world of Beldemar and a look at a few of my favorite characters from the series. Shout out to artist Wendie Renard (IG: @wendie_renardd) for helping me bring this project to life!
The Company
I’m so excited (and a bit daunted) to announce my new indie press, Mahogany Griot, LLC. After years of consideration and research, I’ve decided that self-publishing is the way to go for my debut into the publishing world. I’ll share more on how I settled on this decision next week, but just know that the ultimate goal of MG is to uplift and empower underrepresented voices in the fantasy and science fiction landscape. I’m starting with my own work, and once I learn the ropes enough, I’ll take the next leap to helping others.
The Schedule
Speaking of learning the ropes, I’ve already figured out quite a bit. You can expect to see Book 1 of the SOA series in the spring of 2024. What will I be doing in the meantime? Currently, I’m working on the final revision of the book. Then I’ll self-edit before sending it off to a professional editor. Finally, I’ll send off ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) to a few select book reviewers and influencers before finalizing the novel and making it available for sale. This all takes a few months, but I’m working steadfast to bring you the best version of my book possible.
Want to Get Involved?
As an indie author, your support means the world to me. You can help by spreading the word about my work, subscribing to my newsletter for updates and behind-the-scenes content, and liking and commenting on social media posts about my stories. Don’t forget to follow @mahogany_griot on Instagram and like/comment on their posts as well. Doing any of these actions will make you a vital part of my creative journey, and I shall be eternally grateful.
Thanks for stopping by!