My next book is releasing in 6 days, and I am so not ready!!!!
August 2022
Hi friends,
Okay, as the subject of this email goes: My next book is releasing in 6 days, and I am so not ready!!!!
I have a pre-publication To-Do list a mile long, which includes such bullet points as:
—Write newsletter (check!)
—Make personality quizzes for The Mythics
—Answer my never-ending hydra of emails (sorry sorry sorry)
—Make Reels (curse you and your algorithm forever, Instagram)
—Plan launch party (see “Where to find me” section for all my events)
—Finish Mythics 3
Ya know, that very accomplishable task of trying to finish drafting a book during your release week because you’re running very late. *cue crying emoji*
Literally a pic of me as I write this newsletter. See the unkempt hair that is somehow—miraculously—both frizzy and flat at the same time? See the stress zits blossoming on the chin? See the eyes crying out for help?
Aren’t you so glad to have a letter from this paragon of glamour and grace this afternoon?
Teatime Talk
So on one hand, there are never enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do to feel ready and relaxed for Tuesday’s release day. In that way, I am not ready. On the other hand, I have been waiting so long for this book release that I am JUMPING OUT OF MY SKIN levels of excited for this book to be out.
I wrote Marina and the Kraken in September of 2019, after thinking about this story for literally years. When I finally decided to make this a drafting priority, the first volume of The Mythics poured out in a week. It was bananas! I wrote outside from sun up to sun down—even at my own peril, with sunburn in the daytime and mosquito bites in the dusk.
What I was most excited about (while drafting and even now) was how five completely different girls could show their strength in different ways, collaborate together, and most of all support each other. Warning: It’s a very sincere book. But sometimes we need good models of empathy, kindness, and respect. In every book I write—whether it’s mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, what have you—I always stand for two things:
Loving friendships
Chosen family
I hope you feel that when you read. So excited for these girls to head your way!
And HEY!!! I’m not the only person who thinks these girls are awesome! The Mythics got some glowing trade reviews:
Kirkus says: “Infused with a mild dose of peril, this straightforward story unfolds with a satisfying earnestness that pays off with an expected but entertaining ending. Readers with anxiety will see themselves in Marina, who deals with stomachaches and racing thoughts throughout the journey . . . A fun first installment in a new series that will prime readers for more.”
Booklist says: “There is a great deal of world building, and the girls face many hardships throughout their search for the other familiars.The overall tone is positive, focusing on teamwork, building each other up, and problem-solving. This swashbuckling adventure is the perfect entry point into a new literary world.”
Fun first installment? Perfect entry point? WOO HOO!!!!!!!
By the way… if you order Marina and the Kraken by September 30th, you can get this really adorable sticker sheet, along with a bookmark and personalized bookplate. Send proof of purchases to laurenmagazinerassistant@gmail.com!
What I’m writing
The Mythics 1 (September 6, 2022): 6 DAYS until the kraken is unleashed! It’s just around the riverbend! Mirelle Ortega’s art looks outstanding in the final version. I’ve only been sharing the tiniest fraction of the illustrations… Just wait until you see!
Do you know what you’re doing September 6th? Because I know what I’m doing. Rocking out to my first ever audiobook, narrated by gifted actor Gail Shalan! I am so excited to give this one a listen!!! If you’re more into hearing books than seeing books, this Marina and the Kraken going to be a theatrical masterpiece!
The Mythics 2 (May 2023): I’m currently looking over the final pass! It’s the last time I see it before it goes to the printer. It’s really coming together. And it has a release date: May 16, 2023!!!
The Mythics 3 (Winter 2024): Look, I love it. This book is the fulcrum of the series… which has to pivot between the lighthearted nature of the first two books and some of the bigger, more complex themes of the last two books. “Yes, yes,” you say, with a flick of your wrist, “but Lauren, wasn’t it due a month ago? Why isn’t it finished by now?” *gulps* *hides*
Case Closed 4 (out now): I know I’ve been talking SO MUCH about The Mythics lately, mostly because it’s a unique challenge to launch a series from scratch. But… I think Danger on the Dig (CC4) is the most intricate thing I’ve ever written. It’s the perfect balance of mystery, Greek mythology, puzzles, and friendship, and I can say that as a superbly objective, non-biased source on my own work.
Read it? Enjoy it? Review it? Love you lots!!!
Resuelve el Misterio (Summer 2022): The Spanish language editions of Case Closed 1, 2, and 3 are all officially out in the USA! If you read Spanish—or know someone who does—consider this series, which is bestselling in Spain!
What I’m reading
I recently read Zia Erases the World by Bree Barton, and it was such a heartfelt, emotional experience. This middle grade book is about Zia, who experiences depression that she calls the Shadoom. She finds a dictionary with an eraser and discovers that she can erase words. Not just the words themselves but the concept of the words disappear from reality. Could this magic dictionary solve her Shadoom? As you might imagine: chaos inevitably ensues.
This book had me laughing and tearing up—it was such a masterclass in how to handle deep and hard topics for kids. Zia gives kids the tools to talk about depression and anxiety. It was brilliant. It was beautiful. And I think it will save lives. Bravo, Bree Barton!
Where to find me
I’m so glad you asked!
Mythics Celebration Events:
—Friday September 9th (Doylestown, PA) 6 pm EST at Doylestown Bookshop!
—Friday September 23rd (Los Angeles, CA) 4 pm PST at {pages: a bookstore}
with Mythics illustrator Mirelle Ortega!
—Sunday September 25th (Virtual Panel) 3 pm EST with Books of Wonder!
—Friday October 14th (New York, NY) 5 pm EST at McNally Jackson Seaport!
Though I’ll mostly be talking about The Mythics at these appearances, I am always signing Case Closed books. If you haven’t picked up #4 yet, these events would be a great place to do so.
In-person Book Festivals:
—Saturday October 1st, Rye Children’s Book Festival, 10 am to 4 pm EST
—Saturday October 8th, Warwick Children’s Book Festival, 11 am to 4 pm EST
—Saturday October 15th, Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, 10 am to 4 pm EST
Wow, my fall is BUSY. But in the best, most exciting way! I’m also booking school visits and virtual visits. If you want more information on pricing and availability, email me at lauren@laurenmagaziner.com.
Saying goodbye
Is it really goodbye when a brand new adventure is running up that road, running up that hill, running up that building?
No . . . not goodbye at all! You say goodbye, and I say hello! Hello hello!
Lauren