Well. 2020 was a bit of a shocker, wasn’t it? Yes, dates are arbitrary, but like most of you (I suspect) I’m extremely glad to have it over and done with. I know things are still not easy for a lot of people - and are never going to feel quite the same - but I’m starting to feel a bit more hopeful, get my head together, and make some plans.
It’s summer here in New Zealand and I’ve been taking advantage of the weather and the time off to walk up some hills. I live in a narrow, probably glacial, valley, that branches off a larger valley - which means there are lots of hills and some beautiful native bush. Here are a few pictures from Horoeka Reserve and the walk up to Birchville Dam.
I’ve still been writing though - a bit slower than usual, but enough to make progress. I’m working on several projects but the one closest to seeing the light of day is the sequel to Succulents and Sorcery, Microscopes and Magic. I haven’t set a firm release date just yet but I’m aiming for late February or early March - it’s pretty close to done.
This one follow on from Succulents and Spells and the short story in Jingle Spells and is told from Marigold’s point of view. It has a scientific and magical mystery to uncover, some new characters, and a progression in their relationship. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.
I’ve also started making some notes on the third book in the series, Weaving and Witchcraft. Laurel and Marigold will still appear in this one, but the focus is on Laurel’s cousin Mildred, who is back in Aotearoa after some time away.
More details to come!
I’ve also been reading a heap - this is the best time of the year for it - and filling in some award nominations. There are a few likely contenders I still want to get through before giving you some recommendations from 2020, but I’ll be sending those out before too long.
Wishing you all the best for 2021!
Andi
Lovely images! Looking forward to reading more witchy fiction. Here's to 2021 being slightly less challenging?