I just did the drawing for the $100 Amazon gift card, and the winner is . . .
Happy September!
I just got back from a ten day trip to West Virginia, which was in many ways a fact-finding mission for the edit of Rock of Ages. I took pictures of details-- patterns of shelf lining and rugs, interviewed family members, and spent time at the local historical society looking at old papers and photos.
I’m 45,000 words into the rewrite now, and I’m particularly excited about the part of the novel that follows a woman who moves from WV to Washington DC in the 1940s to become a "government girl" and classify fingerprints for the FBI. I found lots of amazing sources on our trip, including internal newsletters from the Bureau, and I’m having so much fun incorporating some of the details into the book.
I’ll keep you updated as I move along with this process. I can’t wait for you to read it!
It’s Launch Day!
Today, The Seclusion is officially available through all major online retailers, and at bookstores nationwide!
Last week, I signed all of the backer copies on my visit to Inkshares in Oakland, CA. It was so wonderful to meet the publishing team in person - people who I have spent hours and hours communicating with from across the country.
The press circuit for The Seclusion has been phenomenal, so much has been happening, and my head won’t stop spinning.
The Seclusion was listed as one of the "Best Science Fiction Books of September" by Kirkus Reviews. For anyone who is not familiar with the industry, this is HUGE. Kirkus is one of the major players, and bookstores and libraries often turn to them for recommendations. This is an incredible honor and I’ll admit I’m still in a bit of shock from it all.
io9, an offshoot of Gizmodo, listed The Seclusion as one of the "New Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books You Need to Put on Your Radar This Fall." Again, major player, and major honor. Following this update, I have included the full list of press mentions over the last two weeks. Check them out if you have time!
If you are a backer and have had a chance to read your electronic copy of The Seclusion, please consider leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It would mean the world.If you are waiting for a print copy, it should be arriving in your mailbox soon! If you didn’t receive a shipping notification, feel free to reach out to hello@Inkshares.com with any questions.
If you are local to Asheville, NC please stop by the official launch event at Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe at 6pm tonight!
Until next time,
-Jacqui
Kirkus Reviews names The Seclusion as one of "The Best Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Books of September
All the New Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books You Need to Put On Your Radar This Fall
Author Jacqui Castle discusses her debut dystopian novel
Malaprop’s celebrates NC heritage food, explores life behind border walls
How to Create a Dystopian Novelist: Add Psychology, Political Unrest, Encouraging Friends, and Stir