Michaela Bush's Blog

This month, I was thrilled to participate in the very first Jesus Writing Month by Justice Tilsher! There were so many colleagues and friends participating, and it was such a refreshing community to be part of. I also followed along a little bit with Sara Ella's No Word Count challenge, which was sweet. 

November Goals:
*Finish revising Rooted once and for all
*Finish drafting Project R/TAOR 
*Finish drafting Bethlehem Belle #3
*Draft QSAL
*Plot Super Secret WIP C 
*Plot Super Secret WIP T 

November Accomplishments: 

I have two exciting projects in the works that I can't share about yet. But they're going to be spectacular, and I'm thrilled to get into the early phases of planning for both projects. Stay tuned for 2026!

I also began revising Rooted for one. last. time. And I finally did it! I've been chipping away at this book since 2024, which is unusal for me. I'm still planning on a Spring 2026 release, maybe March/April around Lent. 

After tearing apart QSAL and evaluating what was working and what wasn't, I redid the entire plan for the novel and I think (finally) it's going to work out. Disappointed I didn't power through a whole draft this month, but progress made is progress either way. 

I was surprised/excited to finish drafting Bethlehem Belle #3 (WBCM) after hitting a bit of a rut with it. Being pretty close to scrapping the rest of the series helped me evaluate, again, what was working/what wasn't and find the heart of the story. So I'm looking at an April 2026 release for this one too!

Also, I finished the first rough draft for Project TAOR which is exciting. There's a lot of revisions to be done with this one, and I'm hoping to set it aside until January to let it simmer. 

In the meantime, I began chipping away at the second draft for my MG horse-girl series, Project FFF #1. I'm hoping to write the full series before I release this one--something I've never done before--so I'm interested to see how this all works out. The series is planned from start to finish, I just gotta get 'er done. 

In December, I'll be revealing my hopeful slate for 2026! 

December writing goals
*Finish drafting QSAL
*Plan Super Secret WIP C
*Con't writing Super Secret WIP T
*Revisions Sheets for TAOR, WBCM, and FFF

Current projects pending publication with anthologies: Between 3-5, I lost count

2025 goals: Publish hello is goodbye (DONE!)
                    Publish Where the Bridge Begins (DONE!)
                    Publish Project WHB (DONE!)
                    Publish Legends of Lanaria 5 (TKOTT/The Keeper of the Tower) (DONE!)
                    Publish my devotional, Rooted (GETTING THERE!) 
                    Write two novellas within the Midnight Hour series (#0.75 and #1.5)  (BACKBURNER)
                    Publish Project CL (BACKBURNER FOR 2026) 
                    Publish Moments in Time in the To Love You book (RELEASING DECEMBER 9!)                    Write the first draft of a middle grade series (IN PROGRESS!)
                    Write a sequel to A Dance of Rebels (BACKBURNER, 2026)
                    Write Super Secret Project QSAL (STARTED!)
                    Plot thriller series--Project PRM  (BACKBURNER, 2026)
                    Start Legends of Lanaria 6, TQOL (RELEASED!) 
                    Plot a horse-themed series, young adult 
                    Write Project TTWL
                    Publish a short story collection, Esperanza (DONE!)                    Write Project R (STARTED!) 

 Hey everyone!

Today I have a review for The Ivory City by Emily Bain Murphy! Check out details for the book below and then my review!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Bain Murphy was born in Indiana and raised in Hong Kong and Japan. She graduated from Tufts University and has also called Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California home.

Murphy is the author of the young adult historical fantasy novels "Splinters of Scarlet" and "The Disappearances." "The Disappearances" was a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, an ALAN Pick, and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. “Splinters of Scarlet” received starred reviews from School Library Journal and BookPage and has been translated into multiple languages.

Murphy is also the author of the adult historical romantic mysteries “Enchanted Hill” (2023), and “The Ivory City” (2025).

Her debut middle grade series, a fantasy trilogy called LIGHTSEEKERS, will publish with WaterBrook/Penguin Randomhouse in 2026.

Murphy is represented by Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary and Media. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and three children.

THE BOOK

The Devil in the White City meets Pride and Prejudice in this romantic historical murder mystery set at the 1904 World’s Fair.

The St. Louis World’s Fair, 1904:

A miniature city of palaces and pavilions that becomes a backdrop for romance, betrayal—and murder.

Cousins Grace and Lillie have been best friends since birth, despite Grace’s vastly inferior social status ever since her mother married for love instead of wealth. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century—the legendary World’s Fair, also known as “The Ivory City”—Grace hopes her fortunes might be about to change.

 But when a member of their party is brutally killed at the fair, and suspicion falls on Lillie’s brother Oliver, Grace must prove Oliver’s innocence before her beloved cousins’ family is ruined forever. Along the way, she'll discover that the city’s wealthy elite—including Oliver’s handsome but irritable friend Theodore—aren’t quite who they appear to be. And amidst the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City lurks a danger that just may claim her life.

Find it on AMAZON.

THE REVIEW

I will admit, I was swept away by the beginning of the book and then found myself struggling to get into it for the next 20% or so--my main struggle was relating and becoming invested in the characters, even though the main character Grace is easy to understand. BUT I'm glad I kept going through it, because it really hits the ground running. This book is very clearly researched, well-written, and elaborate. While it's fairly clear who the villains are from the start, the story still takes you on some good twists and turns along the way, which are well worthwhile! (And on a side note: I'm obsessed with the cover!)

Hey everyone! Quick post for a rundown of all my sales going on through Cyber Monday!

Note that this week, there will be a sale for my devotional Sustain! 

FOURTHWALL: 15% off all orders, no code necessary. CLICK HERE for worksheets, Lanaria merch, and the ePUB format for the complete Legends of Lanaria omnibus, or the Midnight Hour omnibus if dystopian is more your speed! 

ETSY: 25% off all orders with BLACKFRIDAY25: CLICK HERE for writer worksheets, review trackers, and more! From Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

PANGOBOOKS: 25% off all listings and if you are new to Pango, you can use my Ambassador code for $5 off your first order with code TANGLEDUPINWRITING! Check it out HERE
15% off almost all my paperbacks on Amazon, plus all of my ebooks are/will be $0.99 or less--please check out THIS POST for further details and quick links. The Midnight Hour omnibus Kindle edition will be $3.99 rather than $8.99 and the Legends of Lanaria omnibus will be $3.99 as well! (Click the titles for links!)

 Today's the day! Thanks so very much to everyone who has participated in this journey, through reading, reviewing, and sharing about these books. I so appreciate each one of you! This is a big, busy week—the special omnibus editions will be launched in paperback and Kindle editions as well, and those include exclusive short stories I can’t wait to share with everyone!

The ascension Evangeline never wished for. A battle against evil. One last chance to overcome.

Grief-stricken and left with newborn twins, a country to rule, and struggling with doubt, Evangeline must be the strong yet compassionate leader Lanaria needs most. As she struggles to find balance, she and the others unravel the final plot against her kingdom, including a trusted ally who has been working against them long before the war began. She is determined to fight the battle not with force, but with the gifts God has given her and her allies.

Will they find victory? Or will her people find their end?

Loosely inspired by the biblical story of Esther, The Queen of Lanaria is the thrilling finale in the Legends of Lanaria series.

You can find The Queen of Lanaria on AMAZON now for Kindle and paperbacks.

And psst? You can grab the complete omnibus edition for Kindle (ePUB) on my Fourthwall right now, if you'd like to begin reading early or would prefer to buy from somewhere other than the 'Zon. Click HERE! It collects all six books in the main series, plus six short stories that are not available anywhere else. This Kindle edition releases on Amazon on the 14th, along with Volume 1 (collecting Books 1-3 and three short stories) in paperback....and then Volume 2 (collecting Books 4-6 and three more short stories) in paperback on Saturday the 15th! It's a big, busy week. 

 Hey everyone! So with Black Friday oftentimes comes my mad scramble of realizing that my KDP Select enrollment dates end in the absolute middle of the Big Sales Week. To combat that, I've decided to offer a variety of sales through the whole month of November. Is it a good marketing strategy? No clue. But failure only occurs if you learn nothing from experimentation, so there! 

Since I hate marketing, I also decided to turn it a lil fun--so for each series you see me share about on social media, scroll to the end to find a playlist for each one!

With no further adeu, the Master Sheet of Sales & When They Go Down. 

(In order.) (Because I'm not a monster.) (I actually didn't sort them in order on my own worksheets, but...yeah.) Click the titles for the 'Zon links. 

For the FULL MONTH of November: The Queen of Lanaria is on sale for $0.99 until December 2nd. I did this when The Lady of Lanaria was new, so it's fun to do this again. The Omnibus Edition is also going to be on sale throughout the month. 

First Week of November: To celebrate the upcoming release of The Queen of Lanaria and the Omnibus Editions, The Keeper of the Tower will be on a $0.99 deal from November 1st through November 8th. It will also be on sale Black Friday. But if you haven't caught up on the Lanaria series before the grand finale, I'd recommend snagging and binge-reading before TQOL drops!

Second Week of November is for dystopian fans! 

Eyes to See will be available November 9-16th for $0.99, which is Book 3 in the Midnight Hour series.

Until Kingdom Come, the final installment in the Midnight Hour series, will be available November 9-12th for $0.99. 

Third Week of November: For devotional readers, Sustain will be $0.99 from November 19th-26th. All royalty proceeds will be donated to Fire Now Ministries, a local church! 

Fourth Week of November: For fans of closed-door, wholesome romance in the form of nonmagical pirate fantasy, A Dance of Rebels (a Nutcracker retelling) will be $0.99 from November 24-30th. (This is one of my personal favorite books that I've written, so. Just sayin'.) 

Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Beyond: 

NEW BOOKS: The Legends of Lanaria Full Omnibus will be on sale for $3.99 (which is a ridiculously good deal). The Queen of Lanaria will be on sale for $0.99 through the month of November. Don't forget that the Legends omnibus volumes 1 & 2 will be available in paperback format from November 14th on! 

FANTASY
Chasing the Lutetia Light is the prequel to A Dance of Rebels, and it will be available for $0.99 from November 28-December 4th. I've heard that it haunts people after they've read it. So if you're looking for that, check it out! 

Esperanza is a collection of fantasy short stories, available free from November 28-December 2nd.

DYSTOPIANS: 

Those With Ears will be free November 28-December 2nd. 
Let Them Hear will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
Eyes to See will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
Remnant of Us will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
Until Kingdom Come will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
(So you get to read the whole series for like $4.) 

LEGENDS OF LANARIA: 

The Lady of Lanaria will be free November 28-December 2nd. 
The Healer of the Brigade will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
The Highlander's Victory will be free November 28-December 2nd. 
The Kingdom's True Queen will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
The Keeper of the Tower will be $0.99 November 28-December 5th. 
The Queen of Lanaria will be $0.99, of course, the full month of November.
(So my personal bestelling series? Nab it for like $4 also.) 

If you want bonus stories, and I don't know who wouldn't, you can also grab the complete Omnibus editions in Kindle format for $3.99 from November 28-December 5th. 

You can also buy paperbacks for these at a pretty great price! 

CONTEMPORARIES

Faith, Hope, and Love Volume 1: $0.99 from November 28-December 5th. 

Where the Last Verse Ends is $0.99 from November 30-December 7th, a perfect Christmas matchmaker read! 

Where the Bridge Begins, the sequel to WTLVE, is $0.99 from November 30-December 7th! 

Where Hope Begins is a cute novelette set in New Mexico, $0.99 from November 30-December 7th!

Back to Me is my heart-story, $0.99 from November 28-December 5th. 

Between Us is the sequel to BTM and a cozy Christmas novella! Free from November 28-December 2nd. 

DEVOTIONAL
My devotional, Back to Him, will be available for free from November 28-December 2nd!

POETRY

All of my poetry collections will be free from November 28-December 2nd! This includes...
Everything I Never Said, Everything And Nothing, everything i became, wading through the fog on a sunny day, and Hello is Goodbye. 

The paperback sales I started back in October? They're still going to be live through the end of November, so if you want to snag some of them, do that now before prices go back up!

Don't like the 'Zon? You can find my omnibus editions of the Midnight Hour Series and the Legends of Lanaria on my Fourthwall shop HERE.

 Hey everyone! So this month, I participated in RealmieWriMo over at the RealmSphere (We have writing challenges every January, April, July, and October, so if you missed this one, I wanna see you there in January)! I got a lot of different writing progress done, which helps me dive right in to Jesus Writing Month in November. SUPER pumped! By the way, there's still time to jump in on the fun. Join the Jesus Writing Month--signups close Nov. 1--and I'll hope to see ya there! Click HERE

October Goals: 
*Publish Rooted
*Continue work on QSAL 
*Begin Bethlehem Belle #3
*Work on MG story idea, FFF #1 
*Work on IHR, a new idea loosely based on Orpheus & Eurydice with a Christian twist
*Work on TAOR/Project R

October Accomplishments: 

I decided to push the publication date for Rooted up to Spring 2026. That gives me extra time to give it a proper launch and cover, etc. whereas I would have been rushing to get it all done in October. Plus with the Lanaria releases in November, it's feeling like a logjam. So plans have been made and revisions done through the month of October, but I'm taking a more relaxed approach with it and that's what it needs!

I began working on Bethlehem Belle #3 and got a surprising amount of progress in! I also plotted out the rest of the series, more or less, with some wiggle room because ya girl's a plantser. 

I also made excellent progress on QSAL, finally, including identifying some problems and weak spots I have been struggling over. I'm going to finish the draft as it stands currently, then go back and redo the chapters I need to redo. Which includes a tense change and first-person to third-person swap. But it'll work out well, I think. I'm excited for it. 

Meanwhile, I nabbed a couple issues with TQOL thanks to the help of a friend who pointed them out. Those last-minute typos that make it through dozens of rounds of editing get you every single time...

I also planned out IHR and some other new ideas, including a bunch of children's chapter book ideas, which I hope to stem into through 2026. The publishers I loved as a kid aren't publishing wholesome, exciting reads anymore, and I want to fill that gap. We'll see. 

Good progress was also made for TAOR/Project R, and I'm really getting into this story. It's taking a few surprise twists and turns. 

Current projects pending publication with anthologies: Between 3-5, I lost count

2025 goals: Publish hello is goodbye (DONE!)
                    Publish Where the Bridge Begins (DONE!)
                    Publish Project WHB (DONE!)
                    Publish Legends of Lanaria 5 (TKOTT/The Keeper of the Tower) (DONE!)
                    Publish my devotional, Rooted (GETTING THERE!) 
                    Write two novellas within the Midnight Hour series (#0.75 and #1.5) (BACKBURNER)
                    Publish Project CL (BACKBURNER FOR 2026) 
                    Publish Super Secret Project MiT (WITH PUBLISHER!)
                    Write the first draft of a middle grade series (IN PROGRESS!)
                    Write a sequel to A Dance of Rebels (BACKBURNER, 2026)
                    Write Super Secret Project QSAL (STARTED!)
                    Plot thriller series--Project PRM (BACKBURNER, 2026)
                    Start Legends of Lanaria 6, TQOL (READY TO ROLL!) 
                    Plot a horse-themed series, young adult 
                    Write Project TTWL
                    Publish a short story collection, Esperanza (DONE!)                    Write Project R (STARTED!) 

 Hi everyone! I'm thrilled to share a review of Scavenger by Bradley Caffee and Mountain Brook Fire! Check out the details below before getting to my review.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It only took three years for the virus to exterminate ninety percent of the world's population.

In a world decimated by the lethal virus, Jimmy Hunter is a scavenger. Using his skills as a drone pilot, he searches his nearly vacant city for tradable goods to help him and his two friends, Elena and Wyatt, survive each day. With criminals and violent militia roaming the streets, each trip away from the hideout is fraught with peril.

When his drone veers off-course, Jimmy discovers lost information about underground bunkers where civilization and resources are being preserved—kept secret by a group known as the Keepers. Knowledge is dangerous in his world, especially with the leader of the Brotherhood, Mr. Quinn, out to claim any resources as his own and lock down his iron grip on the city.

With the Brotherhood on his heels and the pressure to provide for his companions, can Jimmy uncover the truth about the bunkers? Or now that he's become a Keeper, will he surrender his knowledge to save the lives of his friends?
Grab a copy on AMAZON -- releasing tomorrow, October 15th!

MY REVIEW

Whew! The last quarter or so of the book will take you on a RIDE. I was bleary-eyed from reading and about to set it aside...until I couldn't. The dynamic characters and their individual arcs, twists and turns, and the overall premise were all attention-grabbing. Though there were some slower spots I hit (it could've just been me) my curiosity over the story kept me reading, and I'm so glad I did. It's an impactful, hard-hitting story that will keep you guessing, especially regarding one particular character that you'll love, hate, love to hate, and maybe even miss...but I can't say much because of spoilers. Just pick it up for yourself, especially if you enjoy dystopians with conspiracy, environmental elements, and a lot of heart...well, snag a copy and then join me in waiting for the next book in the Keeper series!

*I read an advanced copy to share my review; opinions are my own! 

 Hey everyone! I wanted to drop in and yell about something I'm excited for. There's a new November writing challenge happening this year for Christian writers who are looking to level up, experience revival, steward their gifts, and find a community geared toward growth, then why not join the Jesus Writing Month, hosted by Justice Tilsher? 

It's going to be a stellar month, and signups close November 1st. So make sure you're in! A limited number of early signups will receive a welcome package, so that's a bonus too. You can set your own writing goal and it sounds like there will be devotional time, content to help overcome challenges with writing, and more, all curated by Tilsher. 

I'm especially excited for this challenge because it's so well-thought-out and something that I've been wanting to see happen for faith-based writers for a long time: something that challenges us to grow and level up not only in our writing, but also in our faith. No cliques. No gimmicks. Stewardship and service. 

So I hope I'll see you there! Click HERE to check out more from Justice Tilsher and to sign up!

 Hey everyone! Today I have a review for Smoke and Mirrors by Jeff Maxim, a MG fantasy story that I wound up loving! Check it out below and order from End Game Press!

ABOUT THE BOOK 

When thirteen-year-old Stewart is abandoned at a bleak boarding school, he discovers a hidden world of dragons, dark magic, and ancient prophecy. With an apocalyptic threat rising, Stewart must find courage, faith, and true allies--because no one can fight the darkness alone. Perfect for fans of middle grade Christian fantasy filled with adventure, family, and hope.

Order: https://www.endgamepress.com/store/p/smokeandmirrors 

MY REVIEW

Right from the start up until the end, I was absolutely drawn in and obsessed with this story! Stewart goes through a lot of growth through the book, and you never really know which characters you can trust or what's going to happen next. It has just about everything--dragons, a smart kiddo, Middle Grade humor that lightens up the heavier scenes, and a memorable cast you'll want to keep reading about. It's a stellar book that just about anyone (middle grade and up) can enjoy! There are a lot of really good themes (both for kids and adults, honestly) about pride, honesty, humility, selflessness, and what you're willing to do to save someone. 

September Goals: 

* Finish up work on Omnibus and order copies for preorders
* Finish Rooted if it's the last thing I do 
* Work on QSAL 
* Work on TAOR/Project R

September Accomplishments: I wound up taking a break from writing for about three weeks, which is pretty unusual for me. And it was great! Of course, I was still working on writerly things (as one does, the entrepreneur life never really slows down) but I didn't follow any expectations for myself. 

I did finish up work on the Legends of Lanaria omnibus (now vol. 1 and 2) and got copies ordered for those as well as The Queen of Lanaria. Those are all ready to roll now and I just sent the first batch of preorders out to readers. I have one extra set that will be dropped off at The Paper Garden Co. sometime soon, so if you're local, keep your eyes peeled! I brainstormed a few ideas, researched for QSAL and some other ideas I have on the backburner, and worked on a list of major revisions, once again, for Rooted. Will they stick this time? Oh golly, I hope so My fingers are crossed! I also checked out proofreading changes for my poem which will be published in Of Storm & Sea. 

In light of the assassination in Utah, I also was hit with a few new ideas that I will be committing to prayer before I focus on them. 

I worked on an overarching series plot for the Bethlehem Belle series, which I've been meaning to work on but hadn't because of the Lanaria omnibus editions and Rooted. Plus I prepped for RealmieWriMo which will be happening in October! I have several story ideas I want to start work on, and then we'll see which ones I end up prioritizing for publication first. 

At the beginning of September, I also had the privilege of speaking at my local fair about one of my devotionals, Back to Him, where I met another local author who has published another book that is very similar in tone to BTH! It was exciting and a privilege to meet her. If you'd like to check out her book as well, click HERE.

October Goals: 
*Publish Rooted
*Continue work on QSAL 
*Begin Bethlehem Belle #3
*Work on MG story idea, FFF #1 
*Work on IHR, a new idea loosely based on Orpheus & Eurydice with a Christian twist
*Work on TAOR/Project R

 Current projects pending publication with anthologies: Between 3-5, I lost count

2025 goals: Publish hello is goodbye (DONE!)
                    Publish Where the Bridge Begins (DONE!)
                    Publish Project WHB (DONE!)
                    Publish Legends of Lanaria 5 (TKOTT/The Keeper of the Tower) (DONE!)
                    Publish my devotional, Rooted (GETTING THERE!) 
                    Write two novellas within the Midnight Hour series (#0.75 and #1.5)
                    Publish Project CL (BACKBURNER FOR 2026) 
                    Publish Super Secret Project MiT (WITH PUBLISHER!)
                    Write the first draft of a middle grade series
                    Write a sequel to A Dance of Rebels
                    Write Super Secret Project QSAL (STARTED!)
                    Plot thriller series--Project PRM
                    Start Legends of Lanaria 6, TQOL (READY TO ROLL!) 
                    Plot a horse-themed series, young adult
                    Write Project TTWL
                    Publish a short story collection, Esperanza (DONE!)                    Write Project R