Happy Fall!
Welcome to all you new subscribers! I’m overjoyed all of you are here, new and old. I’m still working like crazy to get books 3 and 4 done – my goal is to be in at least final edits by the end of the year. Hopefully, for both of them. And that means I’m still going to be a bit sporadic with newsletters and communication.
A HUGE thank you to Jackie Pick and Caitlin Watterson – both who very kindly alpha read and gave immensely helpful feedback on the third book in the series. (I’m not 100% sure of the name yet.)
It’s been a whirlwind of a month, so I’ll try to catch you up on everything in a brief and zippy way. I’m happy to share thatFallen Spirits made it to #3 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Humorous Science Fiction and both Fallen Spirits and Rock Gods & Messy Monsters hit the Top 20 Best sellers on Amazon in Humorous Science Fiction.
Being an indie writer is extremely difficult with juggling a million things all the time – one of the most challenging part of it is getting Amazon reviews. If you are so inclined, would you mind posting one on the site? Only requirement is you need to spend at least $50 a year there. Even a couple words – or only a rating! – helps more than you might realize.
This is a direct link to Amazon to review Fallen Spirits – https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=B0DCV7FV95
I’m currently in Edit 8 of Book 3, and the novel is starting to take shape. Edit 7 was a major edit (like, I chopped close to 20,000 words), so I’m currently busy weaving, organizing, and getting the story the best it can be.
If you haven’t gotten a copy yet and are interested, you can get the books here (this link will take you to a page with all places you can get them, not just Amazon):
Rock Gods & Messy Monsters – https://books2read.com/RGMM
Fallen Spirits – https://books2read.com/Fallen-Spirits
Book Launch
Many, many thanks to everyone who came to the Fallen Spirits book launch at The Crow’s Nest in Santa Fe at the end of August. I honestly didn’t know if anyone would show up, but it ended up being standing room only.
Everyone was so kind and supportive – people texted to wish me well and good luck the morning of, my kind neighbors upstairs left off sweets and treats, and many people who couldn’t come still got in touch to let me know and send well wishes. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so much love and support – so thank you all! It really, really meant a lot.
Elixir Magic
I’ve been working with healer and dear friend Zoe Hippel for nearly a year now. Zoe created alcohol-free elixir drinks for the book launch that were super yummy. One thing led to another, and we’re now looking at putting a book together highlighting a dozen or so of the drinks. I’ll also share a recipe for one of them in the next newsletter.
They’re made from herbs, tinctures, and some witchy love – and are based on Rock Gods & Messy Monsters and Fallen Spirits! So far, we have the Rock God Margarita, Fallen Spirit Mojito, Mind Monster Mimosa, and Langley Wine Cooler (the villain in Rock Gods). All booze free and curiously satisfying!
I was hoping to have at least an ebook ready for dry January, but it’s impossible – so I’m hoping for picnic season summer 2025 – or it could be dry January 2026! I’ll keep you posted.
Hearth
I’m currently taking a course for entrepreneurs at The University of New Mexico. I’m looking to develop a project that ties in with themes in the books I’m writing.
I’m in the interview stage right now, where I’m speaking with select people to get their feedback and ideas about something I’d like to launch. If you’re employed and feel like a cog in the wheel, and you feel you have more to give the world but aren’t yet – a passion, want to start a business, pursue your art, anything like that – and you don’t mind sharing 30 – 45 minutes of your time with me, I’d love to interview you.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to develop this project to interest and help as many people as possible, so if you’re working but want more—and have the time to chat—please hit reply to this newsletter and let me know.
Editorial Reviews
In addition to The US Review of Books and Independent Book Review, additional editorial reviews have been published, including:
The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly: “witty, entertaining, and often sharply satirical” and “Hatz’s text is full of confidently written characters who largely communicate in raw, expletive-ridden volleys of dialogue. The imagery is frequently creative, buoyant and imaginative.”
WordMonkey Chronicles by Jackie Pick: “a gloriously offbeat fusion of satire and sci-fi, perfect for those who enjoy sharp humor and gleeful absurdity.” and “If you’re looking for a full-speed-ahead slipstream novel that cheekily challenges conventions while exploring the power of belief, Fallen Spirits is the book for you.”
Midwest Book Review (D. Donovan): “…A zany romp…packed with satire, intrigue, and adventure. Will captivate newcomers as well as prior fans, but be prepared for a wild ride.”
Full reviews can be read on the Fallen Spirits site.
Quickbites
- Both The Crow’s Nest in Santa Fe and Abiquiu Inn in Abiquiu, New Mexico (the area was home to Georgia O’Keefe) are selling my books – so a huge thanks to them!
- The Bubonicon sci fi festival in Albuquerque in August was a blast. I didn’t sell many books, but I met my first fan! This woman came rushing up to the table all excited I was there – she was like, I didn’t know you’d be here. I love your work. I’m so excited, etc etc. I told her she was my first fan (who was a complete stranger), and I think I was the most excited of us two. We had a lovefest in the middle of the vendor hall. I met so many amazing people there – the event was worth it just to be around some other indie writers and people who are proud to be who they are.
- I also met another writer at Bubonicon who’s work I’ll share with you in my next newsletter, along with another book a friend who lives here in New Mexico wrote and published.
Thank You
I think that’s it for now. As I’m sure I’ve mentioned a few times, I’ll try to stick to a monthly newsletter, but forgive me if I take longer. Getting this book series finished is my absolute priority in life.
As always, thank you so much for joining me on my third career journey. It has its ups and downs, but I’m finally doing what I want to do and am so ecstatic and grateful to be in this phase of my life.
May you find your passion and have the courage to pursue it.
Until next time, be well –
Diane
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