As I write this, it’s a balmy July evening, and we are rejoicing in the coolness. I don’t know about you, but we’ve been having real scorchers here, and I am so grateful for the break, if only for one day!

Unfortunately, I haven’t been outside yet (though it’s 8:14 PM). It’s been a very full day. It started with me posting the wrong cover reveal (if you ever have two reveals back to back, make sure you check which reveal goes happens which date, kids). Then it continued with me waging war against the snails that invaded over my fish tank. At least, I tried waging war. It was an ignominious defeat, and they remain as flourishing as ever. But I will not be defeated. I shall have to start over the fish tank from scratch, and buy new plants to replace the plants they killed (and the ones I uprooted trying to kill them).

In the afternoon, though, I was able to do some writing. I’ve been very blessed this KDWC July. I’ve written 20k so far, and I have an 18-day streak. Those are things straight from my dreams, and I’m ever so thankful to be writing again. If you follow my Facebook or my Instagram, you’ve seen me waxing poetic about it... but really, I haven’t felt this alive in a while.

And to finalize, I was able to get in a workout while listening to music. Honestly, I need to make more time to listen to spiritual music. It really does you good.

And I think that sums up July so far. Good things and hard things come in pairs... and while I’ve done an awful lot of “when, Lord?” God has answered so many prayers.

I’d like to add to this productive day by saying I figured out a new style for my newsletter, but I’m afraid that will have to wait. Though I would appreciate any opinions or tips you might have! I really would like to make this a worthwhile place for us to hang out together, something that feels a little more like a personal letter from me to you. Hm, maybe that is the idea I needed... Anyways, I’ve finally realized that I can't have FOMO for everyone who isn’t subscribed to this newsletters, and they’ll just have to miss out on whatever I share here. 😉 I’m not kidding, that’s one big thing that’s kept me back all this time.

So I’ll close with this: just know you’re appreciated, every one of you, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your July. (I know we’re over halfway through—and when did that happen???—but there’s still two weeks left, y’all!)

With love, Katja

|| News ||

~ The 2025 Clean Fairytale Summer is still on until July 31! All you have to do is join the Facebook group and earn prizes by reading fairytale retellings! According to the Reader Information doc that explains everything, “Clean fairytale lovers will earn points for reading fairytales, bonus points for reading books on the featured list, and more bonus points for sharing books in the group! Prizes will be books, gift cards, book swag, and more!” There are also fun games, freebies, and other participation activities as authors “take over” the group for a few hours each week. And yes, my book is on the featured reading list, so you can get points for reading it. 😉

~ I finally posted an update/wrap-up, so if you’re at all interested in my December, January, February, March, April, or May... 😜 I also did my yearly Mid-Year Book Freak-Out Tag!

~ I was interviewed by the lovely Phoebe about A Noble Comfort! And I celebrated the launch of Madisyn Carlin’s last Shattered Lands book with a Tour the Shattered Lands. It was delightful! I cannot wait to reread that whole series.

~ And finally, I did a super fun post: Ranking Austen Heroes & Villains! Would love to hear your thoughts. 😉

|| A Thought ||

This truly isn’t the best song, as far as great poetry or melody goes, but the truth in it really spoke to my heart tonight, and I thought I’d share: “For Such a Time as This,” performed by Lois & India Rasquinha.

Feel free to reply to this email and tell me about your day,

your month, or your last favourite song!