Finding North: September 2022
Issue 1: A letter to readers š
Note: The recording above is a reading of this newsletter ā thereās no different content, and itās not produced, so youāll hear the occasional stumble, or sounds of daily life in the background. If youāre someone who needs or prefers to hear their news, then I hope itās helpful.
Hi, my friends.
Iām so glad youāre here.
Iāve been thinking for a while about the fact that I want a direct line to my readers. I donāt want to worry about you missing out because an algorithm didnāt show you something important ā but more than that, Iāve been thinking about long form communication lately, and why it matters.
I write books that run to a hundred thousand words or more. I write letters to my friends, stuffing the envelopes full of pages and mailing them around the world. I record long, chatty episodes of my podcast, Pub Dates, talking about life. And I want a way to communicate with my readers that has room to stretch its legs.
Iāve been thinking, like the word nerd I am, about the word newsletter. I want this to be both ā a place where I can share my news, and a letter to you. A place where I can reflect, and share what Iām up to. What Iām thinking about. What matters to me.
I named the newsletter Finding North because I want it to be an ongoing letter ā over many years, I hope ā about finding my way. Through publishing and through life, figuring out what matters, and choosing a path thatās true to who I am.
I want to use this series of monthly letters to let you know what Iām working on, perhaps in a way I wouldnāt talk about in public. I want to share the stuff Iām enjoying, and of course I want to let you know when Iām going to be in your town, or when I have a new book coming out. If my publisher has a special preorder offer, I want to be sure you hear about it, and if I have a cover to reveal, I want you to see it.
My goal for this newsletter is that it will be conversational, full of stuff that made you glad you opened it, and a way for you to get to know me a little better. Itās a sort of inner sanctum, and though thereās room enough inside for everyone, I want to offer some special stuff to those who have chosen to walk through the door.
What Iāve Been Up To
As I write this, Iām just back from a writing retreat. This particular retreat has happened every year ā barring lockdowns ā for nearly a decade now. Itās at a big house in the country in July or August, and I head there with a group of writer friends to get some serious work under our belts. During the day and after dinner, everyoneās got their heads down, tapping away at whatever project they brought with them. Sometimes two or three will break away to another room, to help each other brainstorm on a plot problem.
At meals, we talk reading and writing and publishing, we brainstorm even more, we offer mentoring and ask advice. The process of simply immersing yourself in that setting for days without interruption is magical, and the creative energy in the air recharges my batteries every time.
For me, getting away on retreat was more important than itās ever been. Back in mid-June, I came down with Covid, and it turns out Iām one of those cautionary tales you hear about. My recovery has been long and slow, full of one step forward, and then a quick fall back. Itās been uncertain, and frustrating, and at times quite frightening. Iāve become accustomed to my daughter, whoās only three, appearing at my bedside to ask whatās become her habitual question: āMama, are you feeling a little bit better today?ā What she really means is āMama, are you able to get up and come and play with me today?ā
Iāve hated saying no, and dreaded her giving up, and stopping asking. Finally, finally, I feel like Iām taking more steps forward than backward, though, and the days feel a little brighter. Finally Iām saying āYes, kiddo. Letās go build something with your Lego.ā
Iāve got lots of good stuff to look forward to on the horizon. September marks the start of spring, here in Australia, and I feel like Iām unfurling alongside all the green shoots and leaves Iām seeing on my gentle daily walks. When they first appear theyāre coiled up tight, but slowly theyāre beginning to open and stretch, and so will I. Many of you know that one of my most prized possessions is our campervan ā scene of many solo retreats and beachside writing days. This coming week, Iām heading off with my family for a week away in the van, exploring all over our state, and spending some time together away from the hurry of daily life. Iāll have an update for you on how it went when I write again in October.
What Iām Writing
My great piece of writing progress over the last month was on the sequel to The Isles of the Gods, which is my next book, due for release in May 2023. The sequel wonāt be out until 2024, but itās time to get started on the first draft. Iāve felt deeply stuck with it over the last few months, unable to cudgel my tired brain into action ā but on retreat, a few simple conversations with other writers suddenly unlocked what needs to happen next. And not only that, but Iām actually going to set about a third of the story in one my favourite parts of this huge world Iāve created ā one I didnāt think Iād get a chance to visit until the spin-off books I like to daydream about.
Iām sure I shouldnāt be telling you about my 2024 book before my 2023 book is already out, but this particular setting ā itās the greatest library in the world, full of vaulted ceilings, rare manuscripts and hushed reading rooms. In my mind, itās inspired by Trinity University in Dublin, by the domed reading room at the State Library of Victoria here in Melbourne, and a hundred others Iāve visited over the years.
Iām also waiting on my pass pages for The Isles of the Gods, which will arrive this month. Pass pages are the first time an author sees the book properly typeset ā so theyāre the first time it looks like a book, instead of a Word document. Iāll go through those pages with a fine tooth comb, looking for any small changes or corrections, before theyāre off to be printed as advance reader copies. Iāll have one of those to give away in a future issue.
What Iāve Loved Lately
At the urging of my friend Susan Dennard (whose book The Luminaries comes out in November ā I truly cannot wait to read it) I picked up Oliver Burkemanās Four Thousand Weeks. The title comes from the fact that if we live an average lifespan, then this is about how long most of us get. Doesnāt feel like much, does it?
Burkemanās argument is that this knowledge should not be distressing, but rather liberating. We simply canāt do it all. We donāt have time. So we can stop trying ā and that might just give us room to forget the minutiae, and do more of what truly matters. Itās helped me solidify my thinking in this area, and helped me pull some things to the front that deserve to be there. Which is why Iām about to take off with my family for a week, and run along a beach with my daughter.

My other recommendation this month is a newsletter I love, from my friend P.M. Freestone. Itās called The Greenhouse, and reflects the intersection of their interests in plants and gardens, and writing. Each issue takes you on a lovely, leisurely tour through the garden, and whatās happening there this month (with lots of lovely flower pics like the one above, and the next one below) and then features an interview with an author on the way they feature plants and growing things in their writing. One month soon youāll see me in there, talking about everything from the Raāhaam, to greenhouses on Mars, to supernatural swamps.
You can check out The Greenhouse, and subscribe by clicking here. And hereās one more picture, because I think sea holly is spectacular and we should all admire it.
News and Updates
If youāre in Western Australia, then Iām going to be at Scribblers Festival on September 17 and 18 ā and I would love to see you there!
Iāll be at The YA Collective on Saturday September 17th, and at the author signing afterwards. Youāre welcome to bring books from home ā Iāll sign as many as youāve got ā though I encourage to to support the onsite booksellers on the day as well. The sessions are free, but you do need to book ā click here for more info.
On Sunday September 18th Iām teaching a YA workshop, and I have a session for younger readers on The World Between Blinks. Iāll be signing on Sunday as well. All the info you need to book in is right here.
If youāre a podcast listener, you should make sure youāre subscribed to Pub Dates. Itās a fortnightly podcast that offers a backstage pass as my co-host Kate and I count down to the release of our two books, Nightbirds (coming in Feb!) and The Isles of the Gods. We talk about all the steps along the way ā if youāve enjoyed this newsletter, youāll enjoy Pub Dates.
Thatās where Iām going to wrap up for this month ā Iād love to know if thereās more that youād like to hear about in future newsletters. If so, leave a comment, and Iāll add it to the list. If you use gmail, youāll also find it helpful to drag this email from its place in the āpromotionsā tab at the top, across to the āprimaryā tab, so it doesnāt get lost among the advertisements.
If I can ask one favour before I go, Iād love it if youād add The Isles of the Gods on Goodreads, if youāre a user. Numbers like this are so valuable in demonstrating reader enthusiasm to publishers, so itās a solid thing you can do to support an author, which costs nothing!
This is a lovely newsletter! Amie, you're such an inspiring writer! I remember finding your book in an Australian library back in 2014 and have read every book of yours since. :)
So glad the newsletter is here! And pleased the retreat happened and was so helpful- amazing what thinking time and brilliant minds can do for stubborn plot problems āŗļø. And YAY for book 2 having a library settings in it, already excited! š.
Have a terrific holiday.