Happy 2021, !

I sincerely hope it's been a happy and healthy start to your new year. But given everything that's happened just in January just in the United States, I can understand if you feel a full year has already happened and the month isn't even over yet. But when change comes, it can often be, let's say, energetic, but I'm hoping all of this energy means we're settling into that Age of Aquarius where we truly look out for each other and progress as a society.

"When the moon is in the 7th house," amirite?

My January has been busy. For the first half of it, I had been preparing for a major virtual conference, Black Ink: A Charleston African American Book Festival (January 14 - January 16). We had to shift gears, as everyone did, in 2020, to go from an in-person event to a virtual event. I was the programming chair, which meant I was responsible for the schedule and the talent. It was a lot of work, but it was also rewarding work. I'm so proud of what the Black Ink Planning Committee was able to accomplish, and while we got a little rest, we're going to be right back to planning for next year's event starting in February. If you'd like to watch the sessions, please visit Black Ink Book Festival's YouTube page. From the author readings to our keynote speaker Kwame Mbalia's presentation, there's something for everyone, especially as we amplify Black voices. You may subscribe to the Black Ink Book Festival's mailing list here.

The second half of my January has been planning for the rest of the year and beyond. To that end, I'll be working on two major writing projects that I hope will see traditional publication in the upcoming years. One series will be about finding love via viral social media posts and the others will be a YA series that . . . I haven't quite pinned down, but it'll be centered around siblings! There are just so many directions I can take with the YA series that I need to choose one and go forward. Nevertheless, I'm super excited about them.

As for February 2021, I have two virtual appearances forthcoming - one is the Dr. Conseula Francis Reading Circle and the other is with Kindle Direct Publishing. More information will be forthcoming the closer the date arrives.

And finally, I hope your reading experiences were fulfilling in January! Below are some free reads to end January on a high note and to start February - the romance genre's favorite month - just right. Click the link here or below to for over 140 free books to add to your TBR pile. The giveaway ends Valentine's Day.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE GIVEAWAY - ENDS February 14, 2021

Continue to stay well, healthy, and safe amid this persistent pandemic!

Be well,

Savannah, SJF Books