Two Thousand and Twenty

Wow, what a year it's been! I published some books, won some awards, and even started a newsletter with some friends! At this time of year, I like to look back on the goals I set for myself last year.

1. Two books to finish writing.
2. Publish at least two books this year. (I say at least, because I think I can squeeze out three, but I'm not sure.)
3. Finish editing that series!

So what did I actually do in 2019?

1. I had set myself a goal of writing 2 books because I wasn't sure how I'd managed throughout the year. But then I got a ball rolling and wrote...*drumrolllll* 4 novels and 3 novellas! That's 7 whole new stories that didn't exist before 2019.

2. Of those 7 books, I published 4 of them (2 novels and 2 novellas), plus 2 other books that had been written in 2018. So I wrote 7 books and published 6 books in 2019. Even I have no idea how I did that. Check out all the books I published this year:

3. Ah, the series! The series that I've been talking about for years. Well, I'm happy to say that I'm a good chunk of the way through editing it, I've built covers, I've written new content, and I'll be releasing it soon! If you want to keep track of my progress with that a) sign up for the Indie Wordsmiths newsletter and b) check out the Onepian Chronicles here:

4. I won a couple of awards for Knockout Girl back in June! The Indie Originals awards I won were for Best Young Adult Novel and Best New Author. You can see a complete list of winners here.

5. I also recently started a newsletter with some other writerly friends. All of them have been personally vetted and are more talented than me. We cover a variety of genres, like fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and YA, so if you want to keep up with us feel free to sign up! You'll even get a free sample that showcases all of our writing styles. Also, if you want to know more about my friends, check them out here:

• Lea
• Matthew
• Michelle

And now for my 2019 goals! Or should I say...goal. Because I really only have one goal this year: make it to 20 published books by the end of 2020. Currently I'm at 8. Wish me luck!


Happy New Year and happy reading!

- Natasja

Novembers and News

Wow, Novembers seem to be really good to me, and not just because it's my birthmonth! Last year, I did NaNoWriMo in 12 days and donated my hair. This year...

It took me 20 days to complete NaNo2019 but I'm quite pleased with it. Instead of starting a new novel, I had a few projects I wanted to tackle. I finished a book, wrote an 18k word novella, got halfway through another novella, and partway through another book. I know, that sounds crazy, but it works.

I stopped keeping track at day 21 because there were no more badges to get.

I would have pushed myself harder, except that I was still preparing for two releases this month! Yes, the Knockout Girl series is now finished with Outside Edge and Hooked. It's bittersweet for me to say goodbye to this series and these characters, but I'm happy to see so many people enjoying them. I love hearing readers' thoughts because everyone has a different takeaway from my books.

Remember, reviews are what keeps writers writing, whether they're good or bad. If you have a chance, please check out my Goodreads page and leave a review for any of my books you've read. Thank you!

So a cool thing my husband and I learned about this month is something called aphantasia. It's a condition where people can't visualize/conjure images in their minds or have a very hard time doing it. It's estimated that it affects 2-3% of the world's population, though that's hard to tell since people who have it usually don't even realize they have it. Seriously, read about it here and take a test to see where you fall on the spectrum.

Last thing: I'm doing my first holiday craft fair where I'll be selling my books and signing them. If you're in the area feel free to check it out. Click here or go to that "Events!" tab up top for details.

I have more news coming before the end of the year but until then, happy reading!



- Natasja

NaNoWriMo 2019!

NaNoWriMo 2019 is starting this Friday, Nov. 1! This will be my ninth year entering and so far I've got a streak of four years won in a row. Last year, you might recall that I finished my book in 12 days. That was The B-Boy, which was published and released in August.

My first NaNo was in 2011, when I wrote My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned into a Girl. I published that one the following summer and have since published a sequel. 

This year I'm hoping to tackle a few projects. Yup, you read that right. I need to get more words written than the requisite to win NaNo. I do have a complete novel that I plan to write during the month (more on that later), but I also have a couple of novellas and another book to finish before the end of the year. And what better time to get those done than during November?

Other things happening in November: both Outside Edge and Hooked are coming out near the end of the month, which will wrap up my Knockout Girl series! I'm excited and I'll probably find some fun way to celebrate. I'm also a little sad to say goodbye to Knockout Girl. So...don't be surprised if at some point I say I've got another book for the series, but it won't be any time soon.

 

I have a new project I'm working on but I can't elaborate on it just yet. I've mentioned it before, though, so if you scroll through my past posts and find anything related to spaceships and other planets...you might have a piece of the puzzle.

Anyway, if you're even remotely interested in doing NaNo this year, head on over to https://nanowrimo.org/. It's loads of fun, even if you don't make it to 50k words. There are local write-ins, chats with other writers, pep talks from published authors, and badges to collect! If you're trying it this year, feel free to add me as a buddy. Just search for Natasja and you'll find me.

Happy writing! I'll check in at some point next month.

- Natasja

Homework help - Amazon book descriptions

I'm writing a new series of blog posts called "Homework help" where I post about things I've learned during my self-publishing journey in hopes of helping other aspiring indie authors. I'm starting this series with Amazon book descriptions because I've seen enough self-published authors struggle with this. If you've published with Kindle Direct Publishing and you're having problems with this, you've come to the right place!

The thing about the Amazon descriptions is that if you copy and paste from wherever you have your blurb written down, it's not going to look as pretty as you want. You're probably looking to have your blurb broken up into easy-to-read paragraphs and maybe a bolded or italicized tagline, right?

For this, KDP supports a simple list of HTML tags you can use. Using these tags is super easy and will make your Amazon book description look nice. But remember, when you open a tag you have to close it, or it won't work. For example, when you want something bolded, you have to put the word you need between the tags like so: <b>[important words here]</b>. That will make it look like this: [important words here]. Alternatively, you can use the tag <strong></strong> for the same purpose. If you wanted to italicize something, use the tag <i></i>.

When you want a space between your paragraphs, you need to use the tag <br></br>. Remember to always close it, otherwise your faulty code will show it and it still won't have a break between paragraphs.

Here's an example of the description I used for The B-Boy followed by how it looks on Amazon:

<strong>Follow the rhythm of your heart.</strong><br></br>Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.<br></br>Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up.<br></br>Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?

Follow the rhythm of your heart.

Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.

Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up.

Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new? 

One other important thing to note is that Amazon doesn't allow you to put links in your book descriptions, so even if I wanted to give you the HTML for that, it wouldn't help you. They'll just tell you there's a problem with the description and tell you not to do that. Sorry! 

I hope this helps someone out. It's really not easy to self-publish on your own and knowing these little tips and tricks can really make the experience easier and better. Thank you, once again, for going on this journey with me!


- Natasja Eby

News - Outside Edge

I've been hinting at the next book in my Knockout Girl series for a while now. And I'm finally ready to tell you all about it! Before we go any further though, you should know that there are spoilers for the previous books. If you haven't read them and hate spoilers, look away!

After the events of Standup Guy, I wrote off Adrian as a not-great boyfriend, who ended up being an awful ex. He was mean, resentful, and jealous, and made some really bad mistakes. That was it for him - no more chances from me, the author of his fate. I figured for someone like him, there's no redemption, no forgiveness.

But then, an idea formed in my head. A story about redemption, forgiveness...and, yes, second chances. Does someone like Adrian deserve a second chance? No way. Does someone like Adrian who detests the mistakes he's made deserve a second chance? Absolutely.

After his breakup with Elli, Adrian takes a downwards turn and trying to drown his sorrows with alcohol doesn't help. In fact, all it gives him is two DUIs, which in turn rids him of his scholarship and his spot on his hockey team.

When he gets sent to live with his Pops way up north in Christmastown, he takes his resentment to the next level. Nothing could ever make him want to change. Except maybe Brooke and the kids she's training.

Though she was once on track for a top competitive figure skating position, Brooke's dream has become derailed. Now she's being forced to help a bunch of kids put on a Christmas pageant. And even worse - she has to teach an errant hockey player how to ice dance.

Finding common ground between them isn't nearly as difficult as a triple axel. But can the rink also help them to repair the damage of their past mistakes? Will Adrian and Brooke learn to find strength in each other's arms?

Even though I struggled so hard at times, I think this was a really important story to tell. I guess I couldn't just say "the end" to Adrian without giving him a chance to change. If a pronounced bully like Red could become a great best friend, couldn't Adrian also learn to change his ways? You'll have to wait to find out! Outside Edge is now on preorder and is set to be released on November 18, 2019.

In other news, I've been working on another Knockout Girl novella. Details and a cover are coming soon, but for now I'll leave you with the title: Hooked.

Happy reading!

- Natasja Eby

The Art of Cover Art

Have you ever wondered why I post my covers all over all the time? Well, let me tell you why: because they're hard! I mean, not only the actual aspect of putting them together, but there's so much to think about. Does it fit the tone and genre of the book? Is it eye-catching/esthetically pleasing? Are the fonts nice and readable as a thumbnail (important for ebooks)? How's the blurb on the back cover? Did you manage to get the j and the t to both fit on the spine?* Now the fun part - getting it to upload properly to whatever publisher you're using and making sure it looks right.

I'm actually not here to complain, but rather to say that I'm proud of how hard I work on that stuff. And not only that, but there are about 5 or 6 people that I'm constantly pestering with questions and observations and to whom I send a million different copies of the same cover with minute differences in them. To those people I say a huge THANK YOU. I've said it before and I'll say it again: there's no such thing as self-publishing alone. 

Alright, here's another look at my covers, because why not? 

My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned into a Girl. This one is special to me because it was my very first one and my BFF designed it for me. She took such a load off my shoulders by putting it together for me. I still love it, but ended up redesigning it so I could make it match with its sequel.

MBFB take 2. This is the new cover I designed. It was both fun and frustrating to do because no matter what I tried, I couldn't please everyone. I started off with paler colours and it looks better like this. I started with too many fonts and without knowing what to do where, I fell back on the font that I've been using for my Knockout Girl Series. (More on that below). Finally, I came up with something good enough - though I'm still not sure it's perfect.

My Brother's Best Friend/Learning to Sing Like a Girl. This one I ended up liking a little bit better than the first, although maybe that's just because I was so tired of trying to design these covers that I was willing to sacrifice a lot for it. Still I like it and the tone it conveys and I like that they're now a matching set.

And of course, there's Knockout Girl. This was the first time I thought to myself, "Hey, maybe I should put a person on the cover of my book." I think it turned out well and it started a trend for the rest of the series. Those of you who have been following me will have noticed that I added a laurel to this book after I won a couple of awards for it. I like it because Elli really does deserve a laurel on the cover. Major props to my sister and bro-in-law for helping me with the full cover. The title font is called EDO and I love it.

Ah, Standup Guy. A coworker of mine suggested making a cover that matched Knockout Girl by finding a model in a similar pose but on the other side of the book so that when they're side-by-side, Elli and Julian are back-to-back. I think it works quite nicely actually. The problem with that is that this is a flipped image so all those numbers were backwards. Bro-in-law came through for me again and fixed them, but he also at one point hilariously superimposed his own face onto Julian's. Ha ha. This is what I get for free labour.

My next release, The B-Boy has been getting a lot of compliments for how stunning it is. But I have a secret for you. Lean in close. Pay attention... It's just a stock photo with a filter on it. But it does look really nice, doesn't it? In all honesty, I couldn't find a couple that really screamed "Red and Zara!" at me, but I love this couple. The pose is great and the tone is just right for a summer book.

I did a lot of searching around for the perfect cover for Rinkside. I actually was searching for a specific European city (huge spoiler, so I won't say which one if you don't know it from the picture). Low and behold, I found this model casually strolling in several poses through said city. She had a perfect Cherry look, so I grabbed at the chance. I also wasn't originally going to do a paperback version...but then I found a perfect picture for the back cover and that convinced me.

Congratulations on making it to the end of this post! (Unless you scrolled down just to enjoy the pictures. In which case, I applaud your laziness.) And since you're already here, I'm going to show you some full covers, because really. It's so. Much. Work.

Thanks you for going on this crazy adventure with me! You guys are awesome. Happy reading!

- Natasja

*You'll notice all caps on the spines for the Knockout Girl Series, because I can't with all that stuff hanging out the top and bottom.

Rinkside is here!

Today's the day! Rinkside is officially available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and on Kindle Unlimited.

Rinkside is my first published novella, a story that fits neatly into the timeline of The B-Boy. The fun thing is you could read either one first and still catch everything that's happening. Of course, if you haven't read Knockout Girl and Standup Guy yet, I recommend starting there. Because, you know, spoilers.

So, what's it all about? After graduating from high school, Cherry's plan is simple - work at her parents' arena for the summer and then go to school for business in the fall. Everything is set.

That is, until she meets Richie.

The young, attractive nephew of the arena's former Zamboni driver, Richie turns Cherry's world upside down from the moment they meet. Not only does he question her decision to study business, but he also makes her rethink her decision to stay close to home. 

If only Gary hadn't gotten sick, if only Richie had never filled in as the Zamboni driver, if only he hadn't admitted he's never left Ontario, if only he hadn't touched Cherry's tattoo...

Maybe then, things would have stayed perfectly on track. But life is never that clean cut, and Cherry's about to find out that plans and fate can coincide if she's willing to let them.

There we have it! I'm super excited for you guys to read Rinkside and tell me what you think on any of the following platforms:

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

Or you can drop me a comment on this blog post! Also, if you really enjoy my blog posts as much as I enjoy writing them, feel free to subscribe to them! You'll get my posts straight to your email, so if that sounds like something you'd interested in, enter your email address in the box on the right that says "Subscribe to my blog!"

Happy reading!


- Natasja

The B-Boy is here!

Hey, folks, guess what? The B-Boy is officially available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and on Kindle Unlimited! I'm so excited for this one because I wrote it last November during NaNoWriMo and I've been working with it since then, eagerly awaiting its release day.

Red's story was one that deserved to be told and Zara was the perfect person to help him tell it. I can't wait for you to read it and enjoy it. Here's a little blurb:

Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.

Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up.

Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?

The B-Boy is avaible here. And we can't forget about Cherry! Rinkside is still on pre-order here and will be available in just one week!

            

 

Happy reading!

- Natasja

The B-Boy book trailer!

For the first time ever, I've released a book trailer for The B-Boy!! I've posted it on pretty much all my socials, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, but for your viewing pleasure, I've also embedded it below.

As with most things in my self-publishing career, I had a lot of help making this video. Specifically from the super-duper talented Joel Wright - musician, songwriter, and movie music mastermind. Thanks so much for the catchy tune that really makes my trailer pop!

You can now pre-order The B-Boy here. You can also now pre-order its companion novella, Rinkside here.

Happy reading!!

- Natasja

News - Rinkside

A couple of weeks ago, I announced on social media that Cherry is getting her own novella. The plan is to release it on August 15th - a week after The B-Boy. I've been pretty quiet about it but I'm finally ready to share what it's all about.

Rinkside is a story that explores Cherry's future. After graduating from high school, her plan is simple - work at her parents' arena for the summer and then go to school for business in the fall. Everything is set.

That is, until she meets Richie.

The young, attractive nephew of the arena's former Zamboni driver, Richie turns Cherry's world upsisde down from the moment they meet. Not only does he question her decision to study business, but he also makes her rethink her decision to stay close to home. 

If only Gary hadn't gotten sick, if only Richie had never filled in as the Zamboni driver, if only he hadn't admitted he's never left Ontario, if only he hadn't touched Cherry's tattoo...

Maybe then, things would have stayed perfectly on track. But life is never that clean cut, and Cherry's about to find out that plans and fate can coincide if she's willing to let them.

I'm really excited for this release, because a) I loved Cherry's character and couldn't leave her hanging. And b) it'll be my first published novella! I was also super happy to write a story that had zero boxing in it. Yeah, you read that right. There is no boxing in this story.

Keep your eyes open next month for when I announce that both The B-Boy and Rinkside will be available on Amazon!

- Natasja

Goals and Resolutions

We're halfway through 2019 so I'm reflecting on the resolutions I made. For anyone wondering, here they are:

1. Two books to finish writing.
2. Publish at least two books this year. (I say at least, because I think I can squeeze out three, but I'm not sure.)
3. Finish editing that series!

 To recap, here's what I've actually done so far this year...

1. Goal complete! I've actually written two books and a novella and I'm halfway through another book. Two of these books I didn't even know I was going to write.
2. Goal complete! Standup Guy was released in February and My Brother's Best Friend/Learning to Sing Like a Girl was just published this June. However, I still have plans for at least one more book and a novella.
3. Ah....the series. The sci-fi one. I'm still working on that. It's been pushed aside a little as I work on my Knockout Girl series, but I've had several requests for when I'm going to get around to publishing it. Some day! But probably not until next year.


I'd say I'm doing pretty well this year. Looks like I'll have to give myself harder goals for 2020.

Happy reading!!



- Natasja

News - My Brother's Best Friend is now live!

Back in April, I promised I'd have a new book available to commemorate the 7th anniversary of My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned into a Girl. I was aiming for June 29, but I'm pleased to say that it's already available! My Brother's Best Friend/Learning to Sing Like a Girl is now live on Amazon! You can get it in ebook or paperback, or borrow it from Kindle Unlimited.

A little bit about the book:

It’s been almost four years since Colin and Jess’ weird body swap, but they hardly think about it anymore. They’re happier than they ever were, even though Colin’s graduating while Jess has one more year of high school.

Ian and Cassidy, on the other hand, can’t stand each other. Once an inseparable couple, they were scorned by unspoken differences between them. Then one day, they butt heads and find themselves inhabiting each other’s bodies. The worst part? Ian’s got a huge soccer game coming up that could get him a good scholarship and Cassidy’s got an audition for the lead in a musical. How will they switch back before then?

Here's what people* are already saying about it:

"Cute!" 

"A Masterpiece!"

"Please never stop writing, you're the next Shakespeare!"

"I really like this!" 

Thank you to all the wonderful people who helped me through this process! Also, huge shout-out to the body-swapping/gender-swapping fandom. I literally wrote this book for you. Like, actually, this book is dedicated to you.

Happy reading, and don't forget to check back on news about The B-Boy!

- Natasja



*Totally unverified sources. May have even been made up.

IOL Awards 2019

As you already know, I have recently won two Indie Originals Literature awards - one for Best Young Adult Novel and one for Best New Author. They were both for Knockout Girl, and I'm so proud that something I worked so hard on was noticed in such a big way. The feedback I got from them was this:

"The story is immediately engaging, with a strong, authentic voice. Great, accessible, fluid style with compelling immediacy, and the pacing is excellent. Characters and relationships are well-developed, interesting, and true to the age. Additionally, Elli makes for a smart, funny, engaging protagonist with a singular perspective. The boxing element feels both fresh and completely organic to the story world, leading to a triumphant climax and a toucing, satisfying ending."

And of course, I have to say a huge thank you to all of the people who support me and help me through each and every book I write and publish. You guys make it all worth it and definitely push me to keep publishing more. You know the Knockout Girl Series isn't finished yet, and I still have more* for you in the future.

In the meantime, check out the other indie author winners! There are some cool people in this list and their books look really great! These winners will stay up for a whole year, but for anyone who's interested in entering their contest for 2020, submissions open in September. I will also point out that they have a competition for filmmakers and musicians, so there's lots of cool stuff to check out!

Thank you for being a part of my journey!!

- Natasja

*Yes, there's still more news coming about Cherry. Just keep a lookout for it.

News - The B-Boy

Mark your calendars for August 8, 2019! The B-Boy will be coming to Amazon in paperback, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited. It is the official sequel to Knockout Girl and Standup Guy and I'm super excited to share the blurb and book cover with you today.

Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has the time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do.

Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Zara's friend and Red's cousin suggests they team up.

Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?

When I started writing Standup Guy, I had no idea that Red and Julian would become such good friends. Nor did I realize that Red would have his own story to tell. I love a good redemption story and I was happy to see Red grow up and grow out of old habits. But he still has a hard letting go of his tough-guy image - that is, until he meets Zara.

Zara is sweet and talented, and she's just as dedicated to dancing as Red is to boxing. She ends up being the perfect person to bring him out of his comfort zone while also showing him that his worth goes far beyond his muscley facade.

You'll still get to see Elli and Julian before they head off to university as well. While they're preparing for a more academic life, Red and Zara share a bond of wanting to dive straight into their careers as a boxer and dancer. I think the way they help each other out is beautiful and I hope you'll all feel the same way, too. 

And don't forget - My Brother's Best Friend/Learning to Sing Like a Girl is coming June 29!!

- Natasja

PS. I haven't forgotten about Cherry. More about her later...

News - My Brother's Best Friend

Hey all! So earlier this month, I re-released My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned into a Girl with a brand new cover and a ton of new edits. I also left you with the first chapter of a sequel that I really hope you guys will enjoy as much as you enjoyed MBFB. 

In two months from today (June 29), I'll be celebrating the 7th anniversary of MBFB and consequently my 7th year as a published author. I figured, what better day to release the sequel! I'm going to give you a first look at the cover and a working blurb, so you know what you're in for. Cheers!

My Brother's Best Friend/Learning to Sing Like a Girl

It's been almost four years since Colin and Jess' weird body swap, but they hardly think about it anymore. They're happier than they ever were, even though Colin's graduating soon while Jess has one more year of high school.

Ian and Cassidy, on the other hand, can't stand each other. Once an inseparable couple, they were scorned by unspoken differences between them. Then one day, they butt heads—literally—and find themselves inhabiting each other's bodies. The worst part? Ian's got a huge soccer game coming up that could get him a good scholarship and Cassidy's got an audition for the lead in a musical. How will they switch back before then? 

Hope you guys enjoy this one as much as the last!

- Natasja

More Books, More Hugs

So, two weeks ago I announced that Standup Guy is now officially available on Amazon (in paperback, ebook, and on KU). If you read and enjoyed Knockout Girl, then you definitely won't want to miss this super satisfying conclusion. If you have not had a chance to read Knockout Girl, no worries! But when you're finished, please leave me a review on my Goodreads page  or on Amazon (and I'll love you forever and ever!) 

If you've read Standup Guy, you'll have noticed I left you with another first chapter to a new book. Don't worry! I don't have an official release date for that one right now, but I do plan to publish it sometime this summer. If you would like to keep updated on anything new I'm coming out with, I've just recently started a mailing list. I likely won't send out too many things but if you want to join, click here or click on the "subscribe" tab above.

I have some more really exciting stuff planned for this year, including a redesign and re-release of My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned into a Girl. Take a peek at the unofficial new cover:

Before I sign off, I just have to say how incredibly grateful, proud, and happy I am for all of the people who have helped me along my self-publishing journey. As I always say, there is no such thing as "self-publisihing." Whether you helped with the actual writing, editing, or design process, or you just "liked" my posts in support, or you were just there to say "Tasja, calm down, everything is okay," then I want you to know I will never be able to adequately express my grattitude. I hope we stay friends for a long, long time and that someday, I may be able to repay you.

Thank you! Here's a virtual hug (physical ones can be given to those within hugging distance).

- Natasja

News - Standup Guy

Those of you who have read Knockout Girl (and I'm assuming that's all of you) know that I left you with the first chapter of a planned sequel. Well I'm happy to officially announce that, if all goes to plan, I'll be publishing Standup Guy sometime this month. A little about the book:

Best friends, Elli and Julian are back and this time, they'll be fighting in a huge boxing tournament with an even bigger prize. Julian struggles with his new identity as both and academic and an athlete while fights for equality...and true love.

Things get rough for Julian with his focus split between school, boxing, and Cherry. When a poor decision causes him to almost ruin his friendship with Elli, he must decide: is his dream worth the risk?

Elli's boxing team struggles for the attention they deserve from the school, so she steps up and puts everything she has into saving her team. Can she depend on Adrian for his support when he seems too preoccupied with partying, looking good, and playing hockey?

 With Elli and Julian each fighting for what is true and good, there's a lot more at stake than just a championship.



Happy reading!

- Natasja