You Can Do Hard Things! In my author newsletter today, l chat about pushing my craft and how challenging myself to write in a new category and genre back led to a three-book series. amytrueblood.substack.com/p/you-can-do...

Fan of small-town romance? I’m partnering with my local indie, Literally, A Bookshop for a preorder campaign. Get a signed book, illustrated sticker (designed by Nina), bookmark, and series sticker (designed by Erin Bowman). Available while supplies last! www.literallybookshop.com/item/-3LJc4k...

No matter how hard it can be, you must respectfully & professionally advocate for your work when things go sideways. People will try to take advantage, even gaslight you into thinking this is “just how publishing works.” Don’t accept that. Use your voice when people aren’t coming through for you.

Commissioning art for my books is one of the real joys of this job! Soon I will be revealing the custom-made sticker from illustrator Nina (@croquith on IG) that readers will receive when they preorder WELCOME HOME TO IVY FALLS from at Literally, A Bookshop.

That Wicked Trailer!!!😱🖤💚

I need someone to come up with an angsty term for when a writer has to go through their galleys twice. Once for the UK version and then for the U.S. version.😬🤪🙃

Found out there’s a pitch contest currently happening on here called Questpit. Good luck to everyone participating. I’ve seen a few and WOW!!! Things have come a long way from the early days of pitch contests on the 🐥 app!

Why the hell would you even talk about this???James was a stunning novel, and IMO wholeheartedly deserved the Pulitzer.

As someone who deeply believes in how important the third-act breakup is in romance, I am very excited for this episode!

We're gonna get people excited with this one (it's us. we're the ones who are getting excited). We're digging deep into the third-act breakup, what it really means, why it's misunderstood, and why it really is essential to romance.

Seen two recent posts about measured joy when releasing a book. I get this 100%, but it’s time to reclaim the stellar achievements accomplished in writing. Finished a WIP? Have a dance party. Got a new deal? Shout about it from the rooftops. Let’s start celebrating ALL the achievements in writing!!!

The 2025 Met Gala was an absolutely beautiful balm for so many of us who have very weary souls right now.

Seeing new agents & small publishers popping up with little to no track record or experience. Waiting can be hard. Rejection can be harder. But waiting for right agent and/or deal is worth it. Ask ?s before signing anything. If you’re unsure, ask ?s here. Many veteran authors are happy to help.

When even your main characters have to reference Star Wars in romantic scenes… (from FINDING LOVE IN IVY FALLS) #maythe4thbewithyou

Just a reminder…Please double check your bag when you are deplaning. This from someone who is currently consoling a family member who is minus one suitcase.😩

Please make a plan to check out a few bookstores this Saturday (April 26) during Indie Bookstore Day!!! If you’re in AZ, I recommend… Literally A Bookshop-Gilbert The Bookish Shop-Gilbert Changing Hands-Tempe & Phx Poisoned Pen-Scottsdale MostlyBooks-Tucson Bright Side Bookstore-Flagstaff

@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social and Online Ceramics have teamed up on a bold new Reading is a Right collection — and 100% of PRH’s net proceeds will be donated to ALA to further our work to defend libraries and fight censorship. 🧡 online-ceramics.com/collections/...

I’ve been in publishing a long time & the one lesson I’ve learned is that you’re going to get knocked down…A LOT. It’s your choice what you do next. Do you get up, brush yourself off, & get back to the page, or do you give up? For me, it’s not a choice. There are stories I must tell, so I press on!💙

Just needed a little joy today…😁

If you do nothing but spew hate and anger, you no longer deserve a place, or recognition, in the world of children’s literature.

Hey Blueksy, if you're looking for magic books and magic school books that *aren't* horribly exclusionary, let me share some fantastic examples with you. #BookSky 💙📚

Marginalized creators! Polish up those manuscripts, #DVPit returns October 2025 on bluesky with over 40 participating agents and editors! #booksky #writersky

It’s super frustrating when people who know exactly zero about publishing want to tell you that the dying off of a certain sub-genre is not troubling. 🙄

My resistance atm… Filling my library with as many diverse and banned books as possible. Every reader deserves to see themself as the hero of the story.

Saying goodbye to characters after writing a three book series is HARD!😢😩

Romance readers are THE BEST!!! In my newsletter today, I’m chatting about attending my first romance reader event and all the lessons I learned! substack.com/home/post/p-...

One of the wildest things about SM is people asking other writers to do the heavy lifting for them in terms of sharing info about the writing process, querying, etc. The most fact-based way to learn about the process is to do research online. Become a student of publishing so you know the facts.

Seriously, creative folks: Don't be afraid to let people know your stuff is out there for them, or worry that "now is not the time for that." People are stressed and freaked out and looking for the things that will give them a moment of rest and joy. It is EXACTLY the time for what we do. Tell them.

Haha. Sweet Magnolias has a publishing thread this season. Some parts are okay and other parts are sort of a roast. 😂

I’m tired of saying “WTAF” every single day.😣

This makes me so happy!!! Thanks Apple Books for picking Meet Me in Ivy Falls!!

I’m so tired of people who have nothing at stake telling us we should all just be friends. 😣

Has anyone had an issue with Substack signing you up for random newsletters? I’ve gotten three in my inbox in last week and I know I did not sign up for them. 🤷‍♀️

💜Cover Reveal💜 PURPLE!!! I’m in love with the cover for Book 3 in the Ivy Falls series! A fish-out-of-water, different worlds collide book with LOTS of kissing! Big thanks to Diane Meacham for the stunning design! This books is part of the B&N preorder sale! www.barnesandnoble.com/w/welcome-ho...

If you want an incredible explanation of what is happening at the moment in DC, go watch Senator Chris Murphy’s most recent IG live. He talks about the motivation behind all the EOs and why it is critical that you call (and keep calling) your reps whether they are D or R.

Super sneak peek at the cover of Book 3 in the Ivy Falls series if you subscribe to my newsletter! open.substack.com/pub/amytrueb...

Preorders mean everything! By ordering early you’re letting my publisher know you’re excited for this next book, which, in turn, allows me to write more books! If you’re looking forward to Piper & Ford’s story, use code PREORDER25 when checking out at B&N! www.barnesandnoble.com/w/welcome-ho...

One of the biggest joys I get out of writing is sliding little Easter eggs into my books that only my family will recognize. I then get a good giggle when I get a text from one of them while they’re reading that says something to the effect of “Nice joke (or turn of phrase) on page 134!”😉

If you need a sweet boost of serotonin in a show, especially with all this *flails hands at the world* going on, I highly recommend All Creatures Great & Small. The writing & cinematography is stunning!

Here is an ongoing list of LA restaurants that are offering shelter, food, and support to first responders and evacuees: bit.ly/LAaid

I can’t say enough about how pushing your craft changes your outlook on writing. I started working on a new book yesterday that is way outside my comfort zone. When I went back to it today, I felt that spark of joy reigniting. Like I was working new muscles that were just aching to grow!!!

I spent most of my childhood in Southern California. I often woke up to an orange sky & the scent of smoke in the air. I have vivid memories of dads on roofs with hoses trying to protect our homes. I’m thinking about California today & praying for calmer winds & safety for all first responders.

For the writers who are also Mamas: I see you getting in those extra words before sunrise. Squeaking the last lines into a chapter after bedtime. I’ve been there & let me tell you this: keep going! Your kids are watching you chase your dreams & you are inspiring them to chase theirs one day!

I honestly believe there’s going to be a reckoning soon regarding the emotional labor required to be an author on SM. It’s not only taxing on your mental health, but it’s been proven through data that author presence does not necessarily correlate to sales. Please, let writers get back to writing!

A reminder that if you want to make this platform a lot more comfortable, you can liberally and freely add words to the MUTE option in settings. It really does make your feed a happier place. 😊

I’m just a girl out here begging female entrepreneurs to develop a social media platform where there are real community standards, women feel safe, and if you behave like a d-bag you’re banned for life.

A wild ride in 2024. Lots of highs and horrendous lows. Couldn’t have gotten through it without the support of my amazing writing circle. On to bigger and better things in 2025!

Never, ever put off buying book one of something because book two isn't out. That's a good way to ensure book two is dropped by the publisher. Sure, a couple of big noisy boys have let you down. Most of us can, do, and are burning to in fact finish what we started, given half a chance.