BOOK COVER REVEAL!!
SHIFT
I have technically been working on this novel for four plus years. It's crazy to think I'm putting the final touches on it now. It's taken a long time to mentally and emotionally get this far. I would be lying if I said the scars of my last publication endeavor weren't still present. Luckily, I had a great, small but meaningful group of constant supporters. Shout out to the incomparable Jaime, Molly, RyMo, and Christie. I wouldn't have finished Shift without you.
I'm posting this today, during this week, for a special reason - Suicide Prevention Week & Month. I won't go into specifics, and I poured a bit of my heart already here. I will only add, plain and simply, that finishing Shift and having that close support surrounding it prevented me from old mindsets. Writing saved me, as it has saved many others. Reading does as well - the opportunity for readers to connect with characters they have longed to see, to witness their struggles in the lens of another world, reminds them/us we are not alone. It's truly magic. If you know someone who is struggling, please check on them. Give them grace and compassion, and perhaps a good story to salve the hurt.
And now, the big reveal!! This beautiful cover was designed by Rebecca Kenney, who truly made this into a magical grimoire that I can't wait to physically hold. The moon is an important factor in Shift and affects all characters, good and bad, in their world. You can also listen to the book's playlist here.
In Helios, a secluded realm from the rest of the world, Augurs and humans live together; separated by one portal to the outside where magic, powered by the moonstone their land evolved with centuries ago, cannot survive. Nikolai Brax and Val Edison are Powered detectives working an elusive drug ring while trying to navigate their own tumultuous lives (and their feelings for each other). Elixir, a variety of drugs which give regular humans temporary powers, is getting stronger by the day, with rumors of a dangerous new procedure with deadly consequences taking new volunteers.
When Nikolai and Val come across a murdered victim - an old friend of Nikolai’s who had mysteriously disappeared years ago - it brings new mysteries out of the woodwork, one in the form of a five hundred year old assassin. Now, Nikolai must question everyone he trusts, including his own memories and family, in order to save himself and the people of his city from turning into something they cannot come back from. A story of love, friendship, and navigating mental illness, SHIFT is a science-fiction-fantasy mystery novel, part one of a duology, that examines what truly defines a legacy and one's own self-worth.
OTHER WRITING UPDATES
Your girl has been busy! On top of finishing Shift, I have its sequel and TWO other novels in the works! One is staying hush-hush for now, and the other will be a vampire romance set in Puerto Rico in the 1960's. I can't wait to write this story and share these characters with you.
Also, my creative non-fiction piece ("We Will Not Let You Go") in BYLINE LEGACIES, an anthology about writing, is finally out and the book is available to purchase! It may or may not feature a certain character from a previous work. ;) Working with Cardigan Press was a dream, and I'm looking forward to submitting something for their next work. You can buy your copy of BYLINE here: https://www.cardigan.press/books
ONE MORE TIME FOR THE ROAD
Just wanted to send a quick shout-out to my Shift beta-readers, as well as my family and friends who continue to uplift me. Thank you for purchasing my book(s), for helping to spread the word, and especially, for reminding me all of this isn't just a silly dream. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please reach out for help. You are worthy of being here. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24/7 support, Chat or phone: 1-800-273-8255
CRISIS TEXT LINE through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Free Service): TEXT 741741
IMAlive, offers instant support with a Chat Now button
Military OneSource Talkline (service members, veterans, and families), 1-800-342-9647
Until next time - have courage, be kind, never quit dreaming. xo Coral