Hi all,

We're barely one month into the new year, and so much happened in 2024. I hope to share some exciting publishing news with you all, but that'll hopefully pan out in the next few months.

For the February newsletter installment, we've got a goal check-in with some developments, some reports from The Signature Move's release, a new Media of the Month segment, and the debut of my next book before anyone else.

Always yours,

Cassandra Diviak

2024 Goals: February Update

As promised, my last newsletter previewed my goals for the upcoming year. But, being an overachiever, I accidentally completed some items on my list.

Cassandra's 2024 goals

• Read 100 books (5+ books read)
• Attend a book signing at an indie store (No news yet)
• Write another three books (2 drafts written)
• Publish my intended releases (1 book released)
• Reach 3000 followers on Instagram ✅ (3.4k)
• Reach 500 followers on Tiktok (230+ followers on Tiktok)
• Participate in at least three group giveaways for my books throughout the year (1 down, at least 3 scheduled or pending)

The Instagram goal was the first goal taken down, and I'm so happy to be able to share this journey with my friends and followers.

The Signature Move: Release Day Recap

The Signature Move was released on the 17th, and release day felt nothing short of magical for me. Thank you to everyone who made this project the best one yet, and I hope Ava & Logan find the audience they were made for.

Some great statistics that stood out to me from the data I collected:

• Over 500 preorders cumulatively across all platforms
• Almost 300 ARCs were released for early access
• Dozens of reels and aesthetic posts made for the book
• All the friends and new readers I've made (priceless)

For those unaware, TSM is my 7th book. Being an indie author often means writing several books before gaining traction. I expected this book to be no different, but the cover reveal started a domino effect for the rest of the journey. People came in droves to see what I had to offer, and the whole experience overwhelmed me. I've retained a primarily positive experience from the notoriety, save for the anxiety, self-doubts, and occasional encounters crossing some hard boundaries of mine.

Despite those moments, I am a changed woman thanks to The Signature Move. I can hold my head proudly and be happy I wrote something that profoundly spoke to me. The audience it was made for should be able to find it, and I sincerely hope they do.

So, to everyone who followed me on this journey, from Logan and Ava to me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This has made me extremely proud.

Media of the Month

L to R: Babydoll by Thea Lawrence and She's My Winona by Fall Out Boy

My first 5-star read of the year, Babydoll by Thea Lawrence, is a show-stopping book. Genuinely, I want to gush about the story, the romance, and the compelling prose of the author all the time. Set in the 1980s, Babydoll follows a journalist as she tours with an up-and-coming rock band and falls headfirst into a whirlwind romance with the band's enigmatic yet magnetic frontman. My platform will always uplift indie authors; I believe she's one you should support because WOW. This book was incredible.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Fall Out Boy girlie for life. I saw their Los Angeles show back in July 2023. After seeing them live in concert, I went back through their entire discography and discovered how hard I was sleeping on the album Folie a Duex. "She's My Winona" is one of the best tracks from the album, bolstered by the lyricism of Wentz ("Pete Wentz") and the heavy rock instrumentals. I listen to this song and this album on the way home from school to help me exercise all the bad energy.

What Comes Next: Cassandra's 8th Book

So, what now? With my 7th book out in the world, there is an open space in my plans. As you all likely know, I announced a new series in production called Love at Royal Ridge.

Love at Royal Ridge will be a four-book series revolving around a luxury resort on the Southern California coast known as The Royal Ridge Resort and Spa. The series is my love letter to Southern California by setting with such a luscious backdrop, and these characters have such exciting romances to share.

Today, I am launching the trope reveal for the first book in the series. But for newsletter subscribers, I'm giving you more insight into the story. Without further ado, the next title in my catalog.

THE LIES WE TELL

Book 1 of the Love at Royal Ridge Series

Tropes include ex's rival, fake dating, "it's always been you," he falls first / harder, unrequited feelings turned into mutual pining, friends to strangers to lovers.

The story takes place in Del Mesa, the fictionalized town where The Royal Ridge is located, with two characters who grew up there. They knew each other in high school and were friends until a conniving ex got in the way. Years after graduation, they find their way back to one another.

A release date will be set in a few days! Otherwise, you'll be the first to know about significant developments like the cover art.