Dear Friend,

I have some exciting news! I’ve been sitting on it for way too long, waiting to share until I was closer to being ready. And now I’m there. The project is so close to being ready it gives me goosebumps! Are you ready?

I’m releasing a YA fairy tale retelling novella (short novel) NEXT MONTH!

And…it will be COMPLETELY FREE!

Can you believe it?!

I’ve wanted to have a fun freebie to share with my newsletter subscribers as a way to say ‘thank you’ for being here and to give you a taste of my writing before offering purchasable products. And after giving it a lot of thought, this idea came to be.

The book is based on the lesser-known fairy tale, The Enchanted Hind, which blends some common fairy tale elements with some unique features, creating a fun, quirky little tale.

Here’s the official blurb:

Cordelia feels like she’s been cursed along with the princess she serves. She was chosen as a child to be the princess’s companion. And she’s spent her whole life at the princess’s side, trapped in the same windowless tower, restricted by duty to the same sheltered life. But a traitor has triggered the princess’s curse, condemning her to be a white deer by day and human by night. Cordelia now finds herself guarding the princess as they flee the neighboring kingdom who planned the princess’s demise. All they have to rely on is their courage and Cordelia’s bookish knowledge of a world neither of them has ever seen.

In treacherous waters where enemies abound, Cordelia leans on the confidence that has always guided her. When a mysterious archer challenges that confidence with a single choice, she is faced with a harsh reality. Her princess demands she trust their enemy. Her pride demands she walk away. And if she makes the wrong choice, both her princess and her country could be destroyed.

And here’s the title…

I’m currently in the drafting phase. The characters and plot are shaping up beautifully, and I’ve already used fewer words than anticipated (something that does NOT usually happen for me), which puts me ahead of schedule.

In these next few weeks, I’ll be doing self-edits, passing the manuscript by some critique partners for a review, editing some more, and then formatting to share with all of you.

I’ll also be dropping the COVER REVEAL very soon. And yes, you’ll be getting that WAY before anybody else does.

Are you excited?!?

I personally cannot wait for this little gem to come out. (And I do mean little. It will be the shortest book I’ve ever published.)

There’s lots of news ahead. Keep an eye out for e-mails coming very soon.

Thank you for visiting, friend. Until next time.

Joanna

 Want to continue the conversation? Feel free to email me at [email protected] or DM me on social media (@authorjoannagholden).

Clean, wholesome Christian fantasy for preteen girls.

Want to read what’s already out?

Click Below to learn about my Middle Grade Fairy Tale Retellings.

https://www.joannaholden.com/middle-grade