Posted on

Things Are Looking Up

Dear VIP Reader
 
 



The Rona coaster struggle continues. Day 74 since I tested positive and I’m clawing my way back.

Relentless fatigue means I’ve dropped every single ball there was to drop, and I’m almost too tired to care,

but

My physiotherapist and pain specialist have been wonderful, and my heart palpitations are on the wane.

Things are looking up!



WHAT I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON

Brain fog means I can’t organize my thoughts well enough to write clearly. Sometimes my words come out mixed up – my kids are puzzled when I ask them to tie their ice cream (instead of shoelaces) and can’t find the simple words for everyday things like magnet, vitamins, and remote.

So my poor neglected work in progress (book 3 of 6 in my new UF series) is still hibernating. I bite down on my frustration, thank god for my very understanding publisher, and work on other authors’ manuscripts to keep the wolf from the door.

I’ll start writing again on Monday, I always tell myself. I’ll feel better then.
 
It’s a strange life in 2021.
 
What can you do except stroke the cats and be grateful for the ones you love? And look forward to Spring weather. Seeing the brand new growth never fails to cheer me up.
 
 

UPCOMING RELEASES

Roshina Ratnam is busy narrating EverDark, which will be available soon on Audible.
 
I have been publishing my individual short stories on Amazon and in audio format through Findaway Voices where I get a nice number of library borrows through Bibliotheca. Thank you to everyone who is reading / listening to my stories and books, it really does get me through the harder times.
 
It goes without saying that I sincerely hope I’ll have a NEW new release sooner rather than later.
 
 
WRITING PROCESS / TIPS
 
Chris Fox shared a video recently talking about how to harness your dopamine for greater productivity. If you’re getting your dopamine hits from social media, try to pivot instead to getting them from producing your own work. It’s a great tip from a hugely productive guy.
 

 
WHAT I’M READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO
 
I’m reading “Million Dollar Outlines” which is great. The author, David Farland, says that fiction is more than escapism – it allows you to exercise your emotions (emotions you wouldn’t necessarily have in day-to-day life) which is important to our mental health. Well-written books with satisfying endings, especially, make for a richer emotional life.
 
I’m watching Netflix’s Fantastic Fungi and can’t recommend it highly enough. Do yourself a favour! It’s wonderful.
 
I’m listening to music – anything with happy vibes (from Candi Staton to Ed Sheeran) to get me out of bed in the mornings. Music has the magical ability to get me from “I can’t get up” to “Okay. I’m going to make this a good day.”
 
I’ve paused the audiobook I was busy with – The Tattooist of Auschwitz – I was just finding it too bleak for my current state of mind. Ironic, I know, looking at some of the bleak stories I write! I will get back to it when I have more emotional bandwidth.
 
My favourite podcasts at the moment are The Creative Penn, Making Sense (Sam Harris), The Prolific Creator, TED Talks Daily, and Sex with Emily which I discovered through MasterClass.
 

 
FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS
 
I’m still in survival mode, so my goals are simple.

Keep the children and animals alive
Keep self alive
Keep garden alive 

Maybe I’ll have loftier goals next month. I’m optimistic.
 

 
FUNNY THINGS MY CHILDREN SAY
 
After running to school:

Robin (7): “My legs are usually verified weapons, but now they feel like spaghetti.”



BOOK SPOTLIGHT
 
This month horror writer Marc Layton and I are mentioning each other’s books in our newsletters. I haven’t read this, but it has great reviews. If you’re looking for something creepy, this might fit the bill. Maybe reading something scary might make our current challenges seem easier to deal with.
 


A labyrinthian cellar. A priceless wine collection. And a vengeful spirit who guards it for eternity.

Get it here for only 99c >> https://storyoriginapp.com/swaps/820a4b48-0b87-11ec-a79a-07f81941abf9
 


Wherever you are in the world, I wish you the best.
 
Stay safe my fellow humans

Hugs

Janita



 
 
• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com 
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
(Also available in large print)

Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 4 – 6)
Best of Sticky Fingers


MY BESTSELLER >
Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
Blood Magic Box Set (complete 6-book series)


When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist


Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Urban Fantasy: EverDark
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water


Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054


Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary


All available in ebook, paperback, and audio.


PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.
Posted on

The Lucky Sickness

Greetings, fellow Plague Rats
 
How are you faring so far this year?
 
I’m on day 50-something of Delta and still up and down on the Rona-coaster. I’m off steroids and on coffee.
 
Yesterday I felt like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, today I feel like I am the ashes.
 
And so life goes on – for us fortunate ones, anyway.
 
I am cheered by the early spring blossoms, especially on my nectarine and almond trees, and the constant high spirits of the ducks. They never seem to have a bad day, and they’re laying so many beautiful light green eggs.

One of my favourite things to do every day is put on the coffee (beans from the lovely zero-packaging store, Unwrapped, brewed in our stovetop espresso maker – a Bialetti Moka pot, the ones geriatric Italians use) and then go out into the garden and see the ducks and hens.
 
I look at the garden, collect eggs, and give the birds some grain to say thank you.

Nowadays the doves and hadedas (from non-SA folk, they are giant prehistoric-looking Ibises) join in on the feast, which makes for interesting sound effects for my husband’s Zoom calls.
 
If you’d like to see/hear them, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUkZjXd8xI
 
 
 
 
WHAT I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON
 I am currently 55k into my 100k urban fantasy book – book 3 out of 6 of my new series set in the same world as Blood Magic called THE CURSEBREAKER.

For those paying attention, that means I haven’t written a word since my last update.

I’m 7 weeks behind deadline and still battling with brain fog. When I try to write I forget words, forget characters’ names, forget where I am in the story and what has happened in previous books and chapters, so there is no use in pushing forward until it clears. The last thing I want to do is deliver a sub-standard book.

Instead, I have been using my time to coach fellow authors, design covers for my short stories, and clear the decks for when I can finally write again.

One of the upshots of this is that my short story audiobooks have been doing well in the library channels like Bibliotheca, which I am very grateful for.

If you’d like to see some of the new covers, you can check them out on my
author Insta https://www.instagram.com/authorjtlawrence/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/janita.lawrence
or my Amazon author page 

More coming soon!

Revisiting the stories also made me realise how much I love writing short stories, so once this series is done I’ll definitely get another Sticky Fingers collection together.

THINGS MY KIDS SAY

Alex (5): “All monkeys can dance.”

Robin (7): “But only apes can breakdance.”

UPCOMING RELEASES

 
Zero! We’ll only publish CURSEBREAKER once the whole series is written. Maybe in 2028. Kidding! Hopefully, if the planets align, in Q2 2022. Please let the planets align!!
 
EverDark has gone into audio production, so that will be available soon. The narrator is the award-winning actress Roshina Ratnam, who I love and use for all my audiobooks.
 
I am looking at doing a hardcover omnibus of all 6 Sticky Fingers collections in one. 

Is that something you’d be interested in? Or do you prefer the individual paperbacks?

Or are you over hard copies in general and happy with ebooks and audio? Curious minds want to know.

I’ve also published BEST OF STICKY FINGERS in audio and hardcover, and all the individual collections in large print.
 
One of the new covers I designed is for THE LUCKY SICKNESS, which I have made free on Amazon for new readers to sample my dystopian work.
 
Given my situation, the irony of the title is noted XD
 



 
Hopefully, they’ll enjoy it and go on to read the whole series. If you know someone who might like a futuristic dystopian thriller (think Handmaid’s Tale crossed with Mr. Robot) I’d be so grateful if you shared the link to the free story.
 
>>  https://books2read.com/theluckysickness <<

 
I’m signing off early to make coffee and go sit with my ducks. I’m hopeful that my next letter to you will be more spritely, as it is spring next month, and that is always cause for optimism.
 
 
As always, thank you for supporting my work!
 
 
 
Stay safe my fellow humans
 
Janita


• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com


Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
(Also available in large print)

Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 4 – 6)
Best of Sticky Fingers


MY BESTSELLER >
Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
Blood Magic Box Set (complete 6-book series)


When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist


Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Urban Fantasy: EverDark
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water


Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054


Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary


All available in ebook, paperback, and audio.


PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Strange Days

Dear VIP Reader
 
As promised, here is the new and improved newsletter.
 
It turned out to be pretty long, so I hope the headlines help you to navigate to what you’re interested in, and you can skip the rest!
 
 
 
WHAT I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON
 
Following the success of the urban fantasy series BLOOD MAGIC (thanks to you!) I decided to write another 6-book series in the same world.
 
It’s called THE CURSEBREAKER, and I am halfway through book 3.
 
They are lo-o-o-ong books at 100,000 words each, so I’m 250,000 words into the 600,000.
 
I hope to finish book 3 by mid-August.
 
 
 
THE CURSEBREAKER
 
A 6-Book Urban Fantasy Series set in Johannesburg, South Africa – in the Makeshift Wizard Universe – featuring a kick-ass curse-breaking green witch whose job it is to protect the Void and keep balance in the Realm.
 
There will be overlapping places and characters from Blood Magic, including appearances from our favourites: Jax; Gizmo; Ferra; Salty, and Sugar. There will also be plenty of new, interesting places and people to meet.
 
 
**
 
Who is The Cursebreaker?
 
Asha Viridian Rook is a witch who practices earth magic.
 
This includes growing ingredients for her famously potent potions with which she heals people and breaks curses.
 
But, as always, there is a lot more to her story, much of which must stay secret.
 
**
 

I am thoroughly enjoying writing the series, but suffered a setback last month when I tested positive for COVID-19. I got quite sick, but not dangerously so.

I haven’t been able to read, write, garden, or go on my regular afternoon walks, which I miss like crazy. I am still tired and brain-foggy 4 weeks later, but I’m determined to start writing again on Monday. Fingers crossed!
 
While I haven’t been able to write, I’ve been doing admin, design, and publishing work.

I finally formatted and uploaded the paperback version of STICKY FINGERS 6, so that is finally up for those of you who have been asking for it. Sorry it took so long!
 
I’ve also published the paperback and audio version of THE BEST OF STICKY FINGERS just in case anyone would like a hard copy (the ebook is still FREE on Amazon).
 
Other work has included some author coaching and manuscript assessments, which I love doing.
 
I’m also loving my work as the urban fantasy manager at Muonic Press (the publisher I worked with for BLOOD MAGIC). I’m currently working with two authors I really like and I’m helping them with their series, based in the same world (but not the same city).
 
Colby Rice and I are working to get the audio produced for our co-authored urban fantasy, EVERDARK. I’m also going to re-design the cover and change the blurb as it is not selling well.
 
I volunteered some time to do editing work for a charity project called IN GOOD COMPANY – a photo art book of SA celebs – which included the privilege of editing the foreword by Prof Thuli Madonsela which absolutely made my day. The prof was happy with the work and sent a message to say so.
 
The proceeds of the book will go to REACH FOR A DREAM – an NGO that helps terminally ill kids. This specific project’s profits will go towards creating “Dream Rooms” in hospitals so that the kids have somewhere entertaining to spend time. They have LEGO, books, movies, games, music… it’s an initiative I’m very happy to be involved in.

Lastly, I’m about to order some paperbacks for local (South African) readers. All my boosk are in paperback, so if you’re local and would like to add to the order, just reply to this email and I’ll send you the price list and payment info. If you do end up ordering, thanks in advance! 


 
WRITING PROCESS

I’ll spend more time on this in the next letter, when I’m actually writing again. (laugh/cry)
 
In the meantime, if you have any specific questions let me know and I’ll dig down on those.
 
 
 
WHAT I’M READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO
 
I’m reading LIGHT THE DARK in paperback – a collection of essays from wonderful writers. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in the craft.
 
We’re watching BORDERLAND on Netflix. I’m slow to the party, I know, but I haven’t watched much TV in the last few years due to a pretty punishing writing schedule, but I am catching up now in my old age and try to watch an episode a day. It’s a Nordic Noir set in Finland – pretty dark as they usually are.
 
We also watched FLEABAG at last which I absolutely loved, and SEXIFY – a Polish comedy that was fun to watch – great for handling COVID anxiety.
 
What is your film or series of 2021 so far? I’d love to hear about it.
 
Music: I’m listening to WHAT HE WROTE by Laura Marling. <3
 
Podcast: I’m a podcast addict and subscribe to so many shows I can hardly keep up, from writing and publishing to gardening, health hacks, and psychedelics. This week I enjoyed the show from Tim Ferris interviewing Michael Pollan, author of THIS IS YOUR MIND ON PLANTS.
 
Audiobook: I’m listening to THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ. Vivid and harrowing, I’m hoping for a happy ending, but I doubt it will happen.
 
 
FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS
 
My main goals are to finish THE CURSEBREAKER series as soon as possible, keep the “farm” happy and productive, and keep my kids alive. No pressure!
 
A bigger, more ambitious goal is to get my work onto Netflix. I see this as a five-year plan or so, but I will work towards it steadily. Fingers crossed!
 
 
 
THINGS MY KIDS SAY
 
Sunday morning cuddles with Alex. My stomach rumbles.

Ali (5): “I can hear your body fighting the coronavirus.”
 
 
 
FARM NEWS

We said goodbye to our beloved Dora last week when she turned out to be a rooster.

I found a wonderful farm for her and her two best friends. We raised them from 1-week-old chicks and Dora especially crept into our hearts (she was the chick who loved perching on our shoulders).

It was very difficult for us to say goodbye but at least she (he!) will be living the best life now.
 
We also got our first duck egg! So much excitement.
 
We’ve been eating loads of homegrown greens, and bowls of gooseberries, and I’m looking forward to spring planting. I also tried pickled daikon for the first time – a Japanese recipe – and it was yum.
 
For more pics of Dora, the garden or the ducks check out my Facebook page or Insta feed.
 
 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT
 
I have priced the original English version of THE MEMORY OF WATER at FREE for the foreseeable future.
 
It’s a bit oddball and definitely a “Marmite” book – you either love it or hate it — and I hope by making it free I will find more readers who enjoy the weird way my brain works.

Here is the French cover:


 
If you know anyone who you think would enjoy it, please share!
 
Here is the synopsis:
 
 
Slade Harris will do anything for a story, including murdering the woman he loves. 
 
Slade doesn’t think twice about jumping out of a plane or conducting disastrous love affairs to gather material for his work, but his self-indulgent life is catching up with him. Stumbling through his late thirties hopeless and a little drunk, Slade has a dazzling, dangerous idea that will change his life forever. It’s going to be Slade’s ultimate story … and all he’s hoping for is to survive it.

Start reading now for free.
 
***
 
 
Wow, that was a really long letter. I’m impressed you got this far!
 
Thanks again for your help and feedback on my newsletter. I’m always open to more suggestions.
 
Stay safe my fellow humans
 
Janita
 


• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com

Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 4 – 6)


Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
Blood Magic Box Set (complete 6-book series)


When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist


Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Urban Fantasy: EverDark
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water


Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054


Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary


PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Jigsaw and Other Stories

Dear Readers

 

I’ll keep this one super short!

I’m supposed to be packing for a quick getaway to the coast before the madness of Xmas hits, but first, I have news!

1. Sticky Fingers Box Set 1 – 3 is on sale for 99c!

Grab it here if you’re interested >>> https://amzn.to/2qK1JRr

2. Sticky Fingers Box set 4 – 6 is now available!

Keen? Get it here >>> https://amzn.to/36trLHM

3. Jigsaw is out! Woman & Home have printed 20,000 copies to include in their latest edition as a freebie for their readers. YAY!

Three seemingly unconnected young mothers pack their bags and disappear.

Detective De Villiers becomes suspicious … and then a dismembered body turns up.

Perhaps the missing women didn’t pack their own bags, after all.

De Villiers engages the brilliant, damaged ex-detective Robin Susman, who is reluctant to assist. Susman wants her career fighting gender-based violence exactly where she left it—in the past—but some ghosts refuse to remain buried.

Can the tenacious detective duo find the serial killer before he kidnaps his next victim?

***

Perfect for fans of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ and Deon Meyer, this thrilling page-turner brings together the best of both with troubled characters trying to navigate the shifting landscape of gritty Jo’burg crime.

Get it now, and stay up all night with USA Today bestselling author JT Lawrence.

If you’re not in South Africa you can get the book from Amazon here >>> https://amzn.to/2RLBaGS

4. David Bussell’s new book is out!

For Jake Fletcher, the end was just the beginning.

Cursed to wander the streets of London as a ghost, the only way he can earn his spot in the afterlife is to atone for his mortal sins.

Give it a try at 99c >>> https://amzn.to/36tuFwc

***

That’s it for now!

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
 

Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Do You Remember ‘Inception’?

Do you remember the film ‘Inception’? I loved it, and this week I stumbled across this video of Eiro Nareth playing the theme track “Time” on his guitar. It took me back in time and gave me all the feels.

It’s such a luxury to just sit and close your eyes to listen to a great song. I think of music as being able to express what words can’t.

Keen to hear it? Here’s the link >>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAcALH67-2A

His version of ‘Interstellar’ is also wonderful.

***

To my South African readers —

Amazon is offering a free 3-month trial membership to Kindle Unlimited.

That means you can read ALL. MY. BOOKS. FOR. FREE!

and also LOTS. OF. OTHER. BOOKS. FOR. FREE!

I’ve just been browsing the KU offering on Amazon and my brain almost exploded.

It’s a no-brainer. I’ve just signed up. Warning: your TBR pile may explode.

You can see the details here >>> https://amzn.to/2pZgkbq
***

On the subject of free books, If you’d like to listen to either ‘Witches Get Stitches’ or ‘The HighFire Crown’ for free, just comment on this FB post and the wonderful Joni Mielke will send you one!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/671905753281265/permalink/777843089354197/

Please don’t forget to mention if you’d prefer an Audible US or UK code.

🔥🔥🔥 NEWBIE FREEBIE 🔥🔥🔥
Fun urban fantasy written by USA Today bestselling author JT Lawrence and narrated by award-winning actress Roshina Ratnam.

The box set is currently #1 in its category on Amazon.com, and we broke through #500 rank yesterday overall! Check out the fancy orange bestseller badge here: https://amzn.to/2pUwnai

If you are new to audiobooks, you can grab book 1 for free here:

US
http://bit.ly/THCus

UK
http://bit.ly/THCuk
***
MEME OF THE WEEK

***

Thank you to everyone who bought ‘Sticky Fingers 6‘!

The whole series is in Kindle Unlimited. If you haven’t yet tried it, I hope you give it a try!

Remember that the ‘Blood Magic’ series is also in Kindle Unlimited (as are all my other books), so go forth and try it out if you haven’t already. You don’t have to love urban fantasy to enjoy the adventure.

I hope it makes you laugh!
***

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

A Thousand Trees And Other Dreams

We’ve planted twelve fruit trees so far, and all I can tell you is it’s totally addictive. I’ve ordered loads of berry bushes and fruit & veg seeds and I can’t wait to get them into my garden.

I’ve never been a big spender, but when it comes to plants (especially edibles) I have learned that resistance is futile. You can never spend too much money on plants or books … right?

My eldest son, James (7) and I decided to set a huge goal — to germinate / propagate / plant 1000 trees! We’re so excited about it, and I love having this long-term project to share with him.

(If you’re also a keen planter, check out this handy app to track your progress: https://www.trilliontreecampaign.org/)

The kids sold their first free-range eggs last weekend and they were THRILLED. Our very kind customer paid in hard cash AND (chocolate) gold coins. I wish I could have bottled the joy on my kids’ faces.

In other news, we adopted two teddy bear hamsters yesterday! They’re adorable, but need a new exercise wheel. Shopping tomorrow!

***

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Tatum’s voice is spellbinding in this brand new release. It’s hard to believe she’s only 18. My only complaint about this track is that it’s not long enough; I could listen to this dark pop for hours. Can’t wait for the EP to hit!
https://www.recordoftheday.com/record-of-the-day/2019-11-19/

***
MEME OF THE WEEK

***

Thank you to everyone who bought ‘Sticky Fingers 6‘!

The whole series is in Kindle Unlimited. If you haven’t yet tried it, I hope you give it a try!

Remember that the ‘Blood Magic’ series is also in Kindle Unlimited, so go forth and try it out if you haven’t already. You don’t have to love urban fantasy to enjoy the adventure.

I hope it makes you laugh!
***

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Don’t Miss This Freebie & 99c Deal!

Book 3 witch hunter character square.jpgDear Readers

I’ve been quiet, but with good reason!

Since my life has exploded with chickens and other urban farming fun (I have a beehive and a PROPER vegetable garden now—check my FB page for pictures!) I’ve fallen a bit behind on writing to you—and writing Sticky Fingers 6!

But have no fear! There is good news.
• Sticky Fingers 6 is back on track and will be released next month.

• Jigsaw, a radio serial I wrote in 2014 featuring Robin Susman and Devil, will be released as a novel in a couple of weeks’ time.

• FREEBIE >> I am giving away codes for the audiobook The Memory of Water. If it looks like your kind of book, just reply to this email with your preference of Audible US or UK code and I’ll send you one!

• 99c DEAL >> The Blood Magic box set is doing SO WELL I actually can’t believe it. The reviews are wonderful and It has smashed every personal sales record and rank I’ve ever had. THANK YOU for your support!

>> To celebrate, you can grab it at 99c for a limited time. <<

That’s 6 books for 99c!

Or, if you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free, and we will earn more (as we get paid per page read).

If you know someone who enjoys quirky urban fantasy, please send them the link!

Here is the blurb:

It’s a case she can’t refuse.

 

Spell-slinger. Vampire-slayer. Magical albino ferret-rescuer.

 

Meet Jacqueline Denna Knight, the best wizard detective in the city.

 

Jax turns vampires to ash and pain into magic. She also has a knack for finding things. So when a distraught—and obscenely wealthy—elf calls Jax at midnight to hire her for an intriguing job, she grabs the opportunity with both hands…

 

But what Jax doesn’t know is that this case is going to unravel her life. She’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be.

 

As Jax speeds down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, she’ll have to put everything on the line.

 

Will she be able to use her unique brand of magic to save the Realm?
***
A breakneck-paced mix of urban fantasy, irreverent humour and detective noir.

Fans of The Dresden Files and Jessica Jones will burn through this brand new addictive urban fantasy series, now available in a 6-book complete series set!

Get it now.

 

>> Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2qgRF1G

 

>> Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/33E7kXq

 

 

What reviewers are saying about the BLOOD MAGIC series:
★★★★★  “This is a sizzling hot book. The characters are great, the plot races and the writing is great. Humour, magic, crossbows, ferrets, mysterious men – this book has it all. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series.” – Amazon reviewer

 

★★★★★  “The main character, Jax, is like if Gin Blanco (of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series) and Harry Dresdan (of Jim Butcher’s The Dresdan Files series) had a baby. That is high praise cuz I love Gin and Harry dearly. The HighFire Crown built a world of magic, mythology and mayhem. I am super excited for the next books in the series!” – Jenny B.

 
★★★★★  “Witty, gripping, and leaves you wanting the next book. I found myself laughing often and unable to put it down for long.” – Amazon reviewer

 

I hope you pick it up … and please tell your friends!

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Meet The Fowl Family (Plus Another FREE Audiobook)

Dear Readers

Two weeks ago I decided I wanted two hens. #CHICKENMATH prevailed and I’m now the mother of no less than A DOZEN CHICKENS.

On the plus side, they’re delightful creatures, and the children now forage for their own breakfast in the morning.

I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I’m over the moon. My best friend said if I get any more, she’s going to have to stage an intervention. (She’s a good friend. It’ll be sad to lose her.)

Here is a photo of my beautiful baby chick, Scribble. She’s a Rhode Island Red. Here are the gang of chicks who free-range like bosses.

Here is one of my gorgeous Lohmann Browns. 

And here’s a photo my seven-year-old son took of me hugging Sarah, who happens to think she’s a house chicken and likes to eat the cat’s food.

STICKY FINGERS 6

I’m still hard at work writing Sticky Fingers 6, and Sticky Fingers 4 has just gone into audio production. Can I get a “Yee-haw!”?

In the meantime, I’d like to offer you the following audiobook for free.

FREE AUDIOBOOK: STICKY FINGERS 2

NB >> Simply reply to this email with your preference of Audible US or UK and I’ll send you a code to redeem. <<

More info on the title here:

STICKY FINGERS 2 — AUDIBLE US: http://bit.ly/SF2US

STICKY FINGERS 2 — AUDIBLE UK: http://bit.ly/SF2uk

Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll be chilling with my chicks in the backyard. ( :

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

Alpacas in Scotland, and a New Sticky Fingers Release

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Thanks to your kind support, I hit the list I was aiming for — USA Today! So I’m officially a USA Today bestselling author.

I was (and still am) over the moon. Thank you to every single one of you who bought the set. WE DID IT!!

SCOTLAND

Scotland was AMAZING! I met so many new friends from all over the world. The conference was interesting and motivating; I learned a lot. And we got to write in a castle, which was a career highlight for sure!

We saw baby alpacas, which made my day. I’d never seen one before. We visited the botanical gardens which were beautiful beyond words. They had giant water lilies there! It was like something out of a fantasy book.

We also went on a Ghost Bus Tour and the Harry Potter Trail in Edinburgh, which were really fun. We tried a lot of local beers, Scottish luxury ice cream, and we shared fish and chips at the harbour, under the beady eye of a seagull. And thanks to your reminders, I remembered to pack a dress for the wedding!

It really was a trip of a lifetime and I’m so grateful that I was able to do it.

NEW STICKY FINGERS BOOKS

Sticky Fingers 5 is now available to order! I’m currently writing book 6 (the one I started in the castle, so there is a gothic horror story included!)

FREE AUDIOBOOKS!

I’m feeling so grateful to you all, I’d like to give you an audiobook as a gift!

We’ll start with ‘Sticky Fingers’ and go from there. (Next time I’ll choose a different title, so you won’t miss out if short stories aren’t your thing.)

Here’s more info on the audiobook:

US: http://bit.ly/SFaudioUS

UK: http://bit.ly/SFaudioUK

NB >> If you’d like an Audible code for ‘Sticky Fingers’, just reply to this email with your preference of Audible US or UK code. <<

ONE MORE FREEBIE

My debut novel, a psychological thriller, is FREE THIS WEEK ONLY.

If that sounds like your jam, grab ‘The Memory of Water’ now!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

I made banana bread with my kids this weekend. This recipe never fails to disappoint — so quick and easy!

I cut the sugar in half and add pecan nuts in a weak attempt to make it healthier, but then end up toasting and buttering it!

Delicious! Thank you Smitten Kitchen.

MEME OF THE WEEK

***

That’s it for now! If you end up getting ‘Sticky Fingers 5’ please let me know what you think!

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
USA Today Bestselling Author
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers 5
Sticky Fingers 6
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.

Posted on

99c Box Sets You Won’t Want To Miss

Dear Readers

Amazon has finally unlocked our box set file for ‘Souls & Shadows’ so it is LIVE!

Available at all retailers at this link. 99c till Sunday!

Click here >>> https://books2read.com/soulsandshadowsboxset <<<

Despite the Zon’s glitch, we are still really close to hitting the USA Today Bestseller list so please hold thumbs!

[For those who were sent the pre-order (placeholder) file by Amazon, I’ll be able to advise you soon on how to get the correct one.]

Thank you so much for your amazing support on this!

***

Also in the urban fantasy genre is this bestselling box set by Melissa Delport.

Grab all 4 books now for only 99c!


BESTSELLER
Guardians of Summerfeld: Full Series: Books 1-4 — only 99c
Melissa Delport

The war between vampires and the fae waged for over a thousand years. To save their species, the fae called on the last of their magic to create a city, hidden from the world, in which they could live out their days in peace. 

Twelve humans were chosen to guard this sanctuary. Granted the gift of immortality for their protection, they became known as the Guardians. They are all that stands between the last of the fae and the vampires who hunt them.

Now, a Guardian is dead and her sister seeks vengeance. But the city faces its greatest threat yet, and the only way to save it is to align herself with her mortal enemy: the most powerful vampire in existence.

Grab this bestselling four-book box set now for only 99c.

***

ATTENTION: AUDIOBOOK FANS

When I get back from the conference in Edinburgh I’ll be giving away LOADS of audiobooks. Hundreds. So don’t go anywhere! I can’t wait to share them with you.

In the meantime, you can join our FB audiobook club, if you like. It’s run by the wonderful Joni Mielke who distributes review codes and lets us know about Audible deals, bestsellers, and other good stuff.

If you’d like to join, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671905753281265/

***

That’s it for now! I’ll be back soon with the ‘Sticky Fingers 5’ launch announcement.

Hugs, and happy reading.

Janita

• JT Lawrence •
Author / Playwright / Bookdealer
www.jt-lawrence.com
Short Story Collection – Psychological Suspense; Dark Humor
Sticky Fingers: 12 Deliciously Twisted Short Stories
Sticky Fingers 2
Sticky Fingers 3
Sticky Fingers 4
Sticky Fingers Box Set (books 1 – 3)

Blood Magic – Urban Fantasy Action Adventure Series (complete)
1. The HighFire Crown
2. The Dream Drinker
3. The Witch Hunter
4. The Ember Isles
5. The Chaos Jar
6. The New Dawn Throne (final)

When Tomorrow Calls – Futuristic Thriller Series (complete)
The Sigma Surrogate (prequel novella) 
1. Why You Were Taken
2. How We Found You
3. What Have We Done (final)
When Tomorrow Calls Box Set (books 1 – 3)
The Stepford Florist

Standalone Novels
Urban Fantasy / Magical Realism: Grey Magic
Psychological Thriller: The Memory of Water

Anthologies
Cyberpunk: 2054
Urban Fantasy: Souls & Shadows (limited time)

Non-Fiction
The Underachieving Ovary

PS. Want to make sure you never miss a release? Follow me on Amazon or BookBub.