Samantha Arthurs's Blog
September 14, 2020
Book release day is here!
We have finally arrived at the official release day for A Different Shade of Blue! Honestly it feels pretty surreal, despite the fact that I finished the book almost two years ago now. There was just so much waiting, the snafu with the publisher, and just a whole lot of other things that held it back from an earlier publication. It seems like just a few days ago though we started working on the editing process and now….we’re here!
A lot of people helped make this book what it is, and I can never thank them enough. Jess, Mandi, and Jerri all took a crack at editing, and they did a tremendous job! Mandi also designed the cover, and did a re-design of the cover for A Crooked Mile as well to make them a bit more cohesive. The books look great, and I’m so proud of how they have both turned out.
When I sat down to write A Crooked Mile I had nothing in mind beyond a standalone novel that I had penned for NaNoWriMo. Then, the following fall, the idea for Blue hit me out of nowhere. I wanted to check in with Bryson, to see how he was doing, and slowly his personality began to flesh out. He always felt like a kid with a secret, much like his brother Alec in that regard, and it didn’t take long for me to figure out what that secret was.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
For those who have already read the book, you already know that Bryson is part of the LGBTQ community. He’s a young gay man, who is trying to figure out how to be himself despite the fear that comes along with it. He sees himself as being a potential second blight on the family, and he knows that his father will not react well to the news. He isn’t quite sure how his mother or his friends will take it either, worried constantly that people will view him in a negative way despite the fact that nothing about him as a person is really any different at all.
The decision to make Bryson gay was never really a decision, that’s just who he was in my head. I had no desire to change him or his story, and sought instead to show how difficult life can be for young people like him. People who feel that they can’t be out, that they can’t be open, and that they have to feel a certain degree of shame for who they are. I took a lot of inspiration for him from friends of mine that I have known throughout my life, predominately some of my best friends from high school. They all had their own story to tell, their own way of confronting the world, and they were some of the bravest people that I have ever known. I’m immensely proud of all of them, for being so courageous. The world we’re living in right now is a tough one, especially if you’re seen as “different”, and I just want the people who are struggling with these so-called differences to know that you are seen.
You are seen, and you are wonderful the way you are.
I knew when I wrote this book that some people would not want to read it, based purely upon Bryson being gay. That makes me incredibly sad, because his story deserves to be told just as much as Alec’s. I just hope that people who might have shunned the story still give it a chance. There are SO many wonderful stories out there to tell, and everyone deserves to have one that they can identify with. We are all different, we are all unique, but at the end of the day we are all still human. Our struggles, our burdens, and our secrets don’t define us. They are just simply part of who we are.
I was taught to never, ever hate anyone. Even if you don’t agree with them, don’t carry hate in your heart. It will only weigh you down.
So give Bryson, and this book, a fair chance. I think you’ll see that it’s a story about overcoming obstacles and coming into your own, which is something we have ALL done in our lives. It’s about grief, moving on, and being who you have always wanted to be even if it sets you apart. It’s a little bit about live, a little bit about family’s, and a little bit about being seventeen years old. It’s a lot of things, and I’m very proud of it.
If you have been here with me before, welcome back to Rust. If you are new here, you are welcome just the same. I appreciate your support, and all the things you have all allowed me to do with my writing just by reading it.
Remember, we are all just a different shade of blue.
A lot of people helped make this book what it is, and I can never thank them enough. Jess, Mandi, and Jerri all took a crack at editing, and they did a tremendous job! Mandi also designed the cover, and did a re-design of the cover for A Crooked Mile as well to make them a bit more cohesive. The books look great, and I’m so proud of how they have both turned out.
When I sat down to write A Crooked Mile I had nothing in mind beyond a standalone novel that I had penned for NaNoWriMo. Then, the following fall, the idea for Blue hit me out of nowhere. I wanted to check in with Bryson, to see how he was doing, and slowly his personality began to flesh out. He always felt like a kid with a secret, much like his brother Alec in that regard, and it didn’t take long for me to figure out what that secret was.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
For those who have already read the book, you already know that Bryson is part of the LGBTQ community. He’s a young gay man, who is trying to figure out how to be himself despite the fear that comes along with it. He sees himself as being a potential second blight on the family, and he knows that his father will not react well to the news. He isn’t quite sure how his mother or his friends will take it either, worried constantly that people will view him in a negative way despite the fact that nothing about him as a person is really any different at all.
The decision to make Bryson gay was never really a decision, that’s just who he was in my head. I had no desire to change him or his story, and sought instead to show how difficult life can be for young people like him. People who feel that they can’t be out, that they can’t be open, and that they have to feel a certain degree of shame for who they are. I took a lot of inspiration for him from friends of mine that I have known throughout my life, predominately some of my best friends from high school. They all had their own story to tell, their own way of confronting the world, and they were some of the bravest people that I have ever known. I’m immensely proud of all of them, for being so courageous. The world we’re living in right now is a tough one, especially if you’re seen as “different”, and I just want the people who are struggling with these so-called differences to know that you are seen.
You are seen, and you are wonderful the way you are.
I knew when I wrote this book that some people would not want to read it, based purely upon Bryson being gay. That makes me incredibly sad, because his story deserves to be told just as much as Alec’s. I just hope that people who might have shunned the story still give it a chance. There are SO many wonderful stories out there to tell, and everyone deserves to have one that they can identify with. We are all different, we are all unique, but at the end of the day we are all still human. Our struggles, our burdens, and our secrets don’t define us. They are just simply part of who we are.
I was taught to never, ever hate anyone. Even if you don’t agree with them, don’t carry hate in your heart. It will only weigh you down.
So give Bryson, and this book, a fair chance. I think you’ll see that it’s a story about overcoming obstacles and coming into your own, which is something we have ALL done in our lives. It’s about grief, moving on, and being who you have always wanted to be even if it sets you apart. It’s a little bit about live, a little bit about family’s, and a little bit about being seventeen years old. It’s a lot of things, and I’m very proud of it.
If you have been here with me before, welcome back to Rust. If you are new here, you are welcome just the same. I appreciate your support, and all the things you have all allowed me to do with my writing just by reading it.
Remember, we are all just a different shade of blue.
September 7, 2020
Book Sale!
Hey guys!
For the next 24-48 hours, you can get A Crooked Mile in ebook format for just $.99! Check it out here!
For the next 24-48 hours, you can get A Crooked Mile in ebook format for just $.99! Check it out here!
September 4, 2020
Vote for A Crooked Mile!
Guys! A Crooked Mile is nominated for a TCK Publishing Readers Choice Award!
If you have a moment to spare, you can go vote here! It's on page 12 of 16, about midway down!
I'd really, really appreciate it!
If you have a moment to spare, you can go vote here! It's on page 12 of 16, about midway down!
I'd really, really appreciate it!
August 22, 2020
A GIVE AWAY & COVER REVEAL!
Hey y'all! There's a lot going on over here, mostly centered around the impending release of A Different Shade of Blue! You can read more about the cover and everything here!
Let's talk about the contest though!
September 14th is the official release day for A Different Shade of Blue! I’m working hard to get everything finished up, and in the middle of all of this I am also doing a giveaway! Since it has taken so much longer than I had anticipated (due to forces out of my control) to get this book out, I wanted to do something special. So first and foremost let’s have the details on what you can win in the giveaway:
I am giving away two custom book goodie boxes! These boxes will include items such as postcards, candles, bookmarks, and more inspired by A Different Shade of Blue and the Rust series. These boxes will also include a signed copy of the book.
I will additionally be giving away 10 custom postcards created just for the book, that are in a limited quantity.
The second thing, obviously, is how you can win. It’s honestly very easy, and all I’m asking for is a bit of exposure. Here’s what you need to do
1. Repost this link on your social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc): http://sarthurs.com/wp/2020/08/15/a-g...
2. Leave a comment letting me know that you spread the word, and that you want to be entered to win
3. If you have read A Crooked Mile, please let me know! I’ll include all of these people twice in the drawing, doubling the chances of winning!
4. If you are not in the US please let me know! While I can not send the book boxes to you, you can still enter for the custom postcards!
That’s it! In three weeks, on September 4th, I’ll randomly select the winners. It will be truly random using an online program to pick the names for me. The two book box winners will be chosen first, and then the ten postcard winners will come after (if there are enough people to do so). I will then get the goodies sent out ASAP!
I really would love for the new book to do well, and for the Rust series as a whole to be something I can feel truly proud of. I loved writing these stories and these characters, and it’s so important to me that these stories get told. I want to give something to the people who have supported me, and who are always happy to read my work and encourage me. It means the world!
So let’s do this and give away some fun stuff!
Let's talk about the contest though!
September 14th is the official release day for A Different Shade of Blue! I’m working hard to get everything finished up, and in the middle of all of this I am also doing a giveaway! Since it has taken so much longer than I had anticipated (due to forces out of my control) to get this book out, I wanted to do something special. So first and foremost let’s have the details on what you can win in the giveaway:
I am giving away two custom book goodie boxes! These boxes will include items such as postcards, candles, bookmarks, and more inspired by A Different Shade of Blue and the Rust series. These boxes will also include a signed copy of the book.
I will additionally be giving away 10 custom postcards created just for the book, that are in a limited quantity.
The second thing, obviously, is how you can win. It’s honestly very easy, and all I’m asking for is a bit of exposure. Here’s what you need to do
1. Repost this link on your social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc): http://sarthurs.com/wp/2020/08/15/a-g...
2. Leave a comment letting me know that you spread the word, and that you want to be entered to win
3. If you have read A Crooked Mile, please let me know! I’ll include all of these people twice in the drawing, doubling the chances of winning!
4. If you are not in the US please let me know! While I can not send the book boxes to you, you can still enter for the custom postcards!
That’s it! In three weeks, on September 4th, I’ll randomly select the winners. It will be truly random using an online program to pick the names for me. The two book box winners will be chosen first, and then the ten postcard winners will come after (if there are enough people to do so). I will then get the goodies sent out ASAP!
I really would love for the new book to do well, and for the Rust series as a whole to be something I can feel truly proud of. I loved writing these stories and these characters, and it’s so important to me that these stories get told. I want to give something to the people who have supported me, and who are always happy to read my work and encourage me. It means the world!
So let’s do this and give away some fun stuff!
January 15, 2020
What's new in 2020!
I have a lot going on in 2020, including A Crooked Mile news, so let's get started!
The first, and biggest, thing is the release of the Rust trilogy with One Odd Bird Press. As most of you know I published A Crooked Mile independently through Amazon back in the spring of this year, but it has recently been pulled thanks to my new contract. If you already read this book, trust me when I say it is going to be bigger and better on the re-release! We’re combining A Crooked Mile with book three (Before That Winter) to make one cohesive novel and start to the trilogy. A Different Shade Of Blue will likely follow quickly in publication, since it is already finished and just needs revision, with book three somewhere up ahead. I have it written, but it needs a lot of work so that will take some time.
As of right now I don’t have any potential release dates, but when I do I will certainly let everyone know via social media and this blog!
I finished other novels in 2019 that have yet to see the light of day, though I wish very much to change that. I’m interested in working more on revising and editing Rag & Bone, and I’m a short bit of writing away from a first draft of A Shark In Lola’s Pond. That’s another I’m interested in editing and getting out there fairly quickly. Not to mention I need to get illustrations done for Bookish, and I also want to start revamping and tweaking my NaNoWriMo novel The Heart of War. I think it has potential, so hopefully we might see that too!
Mostly what I want to do is set myself a good writing schedule. I’m applying for a new job that would change my schedule if I got it, but I will still be able to write around it. It’s just a matter of finding a new groove. If I get hired, that is. That remains to be seen since it hasn’t even posted for application yet.
The point is that once I know what is going on heading into 2020 then I can make a solid writing schedule for myself. It worked well for me this year, setting monthly goals and personal deadlines, and I’d like to continue that. For now though my priority is the Rust trilogy, followed by polishing up some other finished works to get out there into the world.
2020 is going to be a good year, I can just feel it! Things are on the up, I think, and I’m just really excited to bring more of my words into the world. For those of you who followed me this year and who fell in love with Alec and Ramona, I thank you so very much. It’s been a crazy time, but I feel very lucky and very elated!
The first, and biggest, thing is the release of the Rust trilogy with One Odd Bird Press. As most of you know I published A Crooked Mile independently through Amazon back in the spring of this year, but it has recently been pulled thanks to my new contract. If you already read this book, trust me when I say it is going to be bigger and better on the re-release! We’re combining A Crooked Mile with book three (Before That Winter) to make one cohesive novel and start to the trilogy. A Different Shade Of Blue will likely follow quickly in publication, since it is already finished and just needs revision, with book three somewhere up ahead. I have it written, but it needs a lot of work so that will take some time.
As of right now I don’t have any potential release dates, but when I do I will certainly let everyone know via social media and this blog!
I finished other novels in 2019 that have yet to see the light of day, though I wish very much to change that. I’m interested in working more on revising and editing Rag & Bone, and I’m a short bit of writing away from a first draft of A Shark In Lola’s Pond. That’s another I’m interested in editing and getting out there fairly quickly. Not to mention I need to get illustrations done for Bookish, and I also want to start revamping and tweaking my NaNoWriMo novel The Heart of War. I think it has potential, so hopefully we might see that too!
Mostly what I want to do is set myself a good writing schedule. I’m applying for a new job that would change my schedule if I got it, but I will still be able to write around it. It’s just a matter of finding a new groove. If I get hired, that is. That remains to be seen since it hasn’t even posted for application yet.
The point is that once I know what is going on heading into 2020 then I can make a solid writing schedule for myself. It worked well for me this year, setting monthly goals and personal deadlines, and I’d like to continue that. For now though my priority is the Rust trilogy, followed by polishing up some other finished works to get out there into the world.
2020 is going to be a good year, I can just feel it! Things are on the up, I think, and I’m just really excited to bring more of my words into the world. For those of you who followed me this year and who fell in love with Alec and Ramona, I thank you so very much. It’s been a crazy time, but I feel very lucky and very elated!
January 6, 2020
New Book Excerpt!
So I wanted to start out in 2020 doing something a little bit different. This is going to be a busy year, and it’s also going to be a year that focuses a lot more on my writing in several different aspects. There’s the publishing process going on at the moment, as well as writing and editing other novels on the side. That being said I really want to show case the things I’m working on, and more specifically the things that will be readily available to the public sooner rather than later. That means I’m going to attempt to post a weekly excerpt for you folks to read so that you can get a bit of a glimpse into what is coming up and what my writing style is like.
We’re going to kick things off with a little blurb from what was once Before That Winter, but what will soon be combined with A Crooked Mile to make the first book in the new Rust trilogy. This is a book that nobody but myself, my two previous editors, and my new publisher has seen before. So this little blurb is completely knew to everyone else, which I think is sort of exciting! Anyway, without further ado, the first weekly excerpt of 2020 (I will try to post one every single week, likely on Saturday evenings seeing as that is when this one is appearing)!
Click here to read more!
We’re going to kick things off with a little blurb from what was once Before That Winter, but what will soon be combined with A Crooked Mile to make the first book in the new Rust trilogy. This is a book that nobody but myself, my two previous editors, and my new publisher has seen before. So this little blurb is completely knew to everyone else, which I think is sort of exciting! Anyway, without further ado, the first weekly excerpt of 2020 (I will try to post one every single week, likely on Saturday evenings seeing as that is when this one is appearing)!
Click here to read more!
August 23, 2019
Checking In!
Hey everybody! I didn't want you all to think that I had forgotten you, or that I'm neglecting this part of my Goodreads life. That isn't the case at all! What is the case is that I've been pretty busy with writing and editing new content so I can get more books to you guys sooner!
Up next on my agenda, and slated for release hopefully around Christmas time, is the sequel to A Crooked Mile. The second book in the Rust series is called A Different Shade of Blue and focuses on Alec's younger brother, Bryson, who is struggling to grow up and find himself in the wake of the events from book one. I still have no times slated just yet for next two books, but I'll make sure to let everyone know when I do!
Besides the Rust books I have a couple of others that are currently in the beginning states of the editing process. One is an apocalyptic type tale, and another is a middle grades fantasy books. There's also another young adult novel, and for NaNoWriMo this year I'm going to work on my historic fiction that I've started laying out and researching.
All in all things are busy, but for a good reason! I want to be able to put out good quality books without making everyone wait ages between stories. So I'm sorry for my absence, but know that it comes from a place of good intentions!
Up next on my agenda, and slated for release hopefully around Christmas time, is the sequel to A Crooked Mile. The second book in the Rust series is called A Different Shade of Blue and focuses on Alec's younger brother, Bryson, who is struggling to grow up and find himself in the wake of the events from book one. I still have no times slated just yet for next two books, but I'll make sure to let everyone know when I do!
Besides the Rust books I have a couple of others that are currently in the beginning states of the editing process. One is an apocalyptic type tale, and another is a middle grades fantasy books. There's also another young adult novel, and for NaNoWriMo this year I'm going to work on my historic fiction that I've started laying out and researching.
All in all things are busy, but for a good reason! I want to be able to put out good quality books without making everyone wait ages between stories. So I'm sorry for my absence, but know that it comes from a place of good intentions!
April 3, 2019
A Crooked Mile Is Here!
It fees like I've been waiting for a small eternity for this book to be out there in the world. In reality it's been about two years. I finished A Crooked Mile's first draft for NaNoWriMo 2017, so I suppose it's not been two full years, but hey, who is really counting?
The book released on April 1st, and so far I'm happy with how things are going. I am by no means anticipating insane sales and thousands of dollars, but just knowing that there are people out there who want to read my story....that is the most meaningful part of all of this.
Today I did end up ranked #44 (okay out of 50 but at least I'm there) in it's primary category (teen and young adult books about depression and mental illness). I thought that was a pretty good way to kick off this first week of sales at least!
Now I'm settling in to edit Rust #2 and to prepare for when that will be coming out. I'm thinking sometime in the summer, maybe in July or maybe later. There's nothing set in stone right now, and I want to take my time and just enjoy A Crooked Mile for now!
The book released on April 1st, and so far I'm happy with how things are going. I am by no means anticipating insane sales and thousands of dollars, but just knowing that there are people out there who want to read my story....that is the most meaningful part of all of this.
Today I did end up ranked #44 (okay out of 50 but at least I'm there) in it's primary category (teen and young adult books about depression and mental illness). I thought that was a pretty good way to kick off this first week of sales at least!
Now I'm settling in to edit Rust #2 and to prepare for when that will be coming out. I'm thinking sometime in the summer, maybe in July or maybe later. There's nothing set in stone right now, and I want to take my time and just enjoy A Crooked Mile for now!
February 22, 2019
Giveaway Time!
Hey guys! So my new book releases in April, and right now I'm doing a giveaway of five advanced reader's copies! It will run from now until March 8th and you'll have until the 31st to claim your copy! All you have to do to enter is like this post! Any comments will earn you an extra entry to win!
A Crooked Mile is a YA contemporary, so if you aren't into YA it's probably not the book for you! I'll notify the winners via DM.
A Crooked Mile is a YA contemporary, so if you aren't into YA it's probably not the book for you! I'll notify the winners via DM.
February 21, 2019
A Crooked Mile Has A Release Date!
This is exciting for me, guys! I have decided to forgo traditional publishing, which was really getting me down and out, in favor of self-publishing my next book! I know it sounds a bit like giving up, but it isn't. It's a new and scary adventure that I am SO stoked for!
The release date for A Crooked Mile is officially April 18th! You can pre-order the ebook now on Amazon, and a pre-order will be available soon for both hardback and paperback copies! I'm hoping to do a launch event/signing, so I'll make sure to keep everyone post on when and if that's going to be happening. I sort of want it to happen since I'm celebrating this book heavily. It's my first since 2014's Endless Numbered Days, and I will be very frank with you all: this is a much better book.
In the years since END came out I have grown as a person, a writer, and a storyteller. I have also grown as an editor, and employed both beta readers and critique partners for this book.
I'm so excited about this, and I hope that everyone else is too! Big things are happening, and let's not forget that this is book ONE in a TRILOGY!
The release date for A Crooked Mile is officially April 18th! You can pre-order the ebook now on Amazon, and a pre-order will be available soon for both hardback and paperback copies! I'm hoping to do a launch event/signing, so I'll make sure to keep everyone post on when and if that's going to be happening. I sort of want it to happen since I'm celebrating this book heavily. It's my first since 2014's Endless Numbered Days, and I will be very frank with you all: this is a much better book.
In the years since END came out I have grown as a person, a writer, and a storyteller. I have also grown as an editor, and employed both beta readers and critique partners for this book.
I'm so excited about this, and I hope that everyone else is too! Big things are happening, and let's not forget that this is book ONE in a TRILOGY!
