Dear Readers and Friends,

You know that feeling when you step away from your life for a bit, expecting to return refreshed and full of inspiration, only to come home and realize… you left a total mess behind? Yeah. That’s me. But instead of a pile of laundry, I returned to a pile of chaotic book drafts and a love potion disaster. Let me explain.

Free (Belated) Valentine's Day Short Story!

As soon as I returned from gallivanting through Europe (where I definitely didn’t get lost in a maze of cobblestone alleys or eat an alarming number of pastries), I wrote a little Valentine’s short story. It’s called The Love Potion Debacle, and it’s about Theo, a grumpy warlock, waking up to pure chaos—people serenading lampposts, cows forming heart shapes, and a baker proposing to a shoe. The cause? A rogue love potion. And the only person who can help fix it? His annoyingly charming hedge witch rival, Lyra.

There’s magical mayhem, grumpy-sunshine banter, and two meddling familiars who might be plotting world domination on the side. If that sounds like your kind of fun, you can read it right here on my website for free. It’s short and entertaining, and I hope you enjoy it.

Another Free Short Story - Sci-Fi Romance

Oh, and while we’re talking about short stories… I may have forgotten to tell you about another one. Oops. Back when I was starting our Europe campervan adventure, I wrote a fun little sci-fi romance called Beyond the Circuits, and it’s just been sitting on my website, lonely and unappreciated. If you like futuristic tech, second chances, and a dash of romance, go check it out here.

Now, about that aforementioned mess…

I’ve been deep in the trenches of editing my five book series, A Girl’s Guide to Supervillainy, and it’s been so much fun—except for one GIANT problem. The story just feels…I dunno. Confusing? Not emotionally deep enough? I'm not sure. I have too many characters, too much backstory, and possibly a little too much fun blowing things up and making improperly timed jokes. I’d love some second opinions. If you’re up for reading the first two chapters and giving me your honest thoughts (before I descend into full villainous despair), here is the link to a google doc of the prologue and chapter 1. (I didn't do a good job building up the hype on this one, did I?)

Okay, I think that’s enough chaos for one email. Enjoy reading the short stories, and maybe peek at my next book, Nemesis: A Girl's Guide to Supervillainy, and I’ll be over here, trying to remember how time zones work.

Take care,

--Joy (aka Joynell Schultz)

Writing you otherworldly stories where love is the greatest magic.