The Secrets of Constellations by S. H. Clark
Young Adult Romance
Date Published: 02-14-2023
Publisher: Fire & Ice YA (Melange)
The Secrets of Constellations was selected by Barnes and Noble as a Top Indie Book for February and March, and on Amazon, it hit #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release in Teen & YA Adoption.
It’s been sixteen years since Norae Whelan’s adoption. She’s conquered her past by baking her way through her challenges. All that’s left is culinary school, until a unique stranger offers her an opportunity to learn the truth of her birth and with it, the trial of facing down what she thought she left behind.
Her birth mother’s hometown is a place where memories hide beneath the floorboards of an eclectic house. Inheriting a house and all its mysteries is one thing. The instant attraction to Orion Reise is another. There’s only one problem. Orion’s blind, and the reason behind it lurks through the downtown streets, dying to take him away.
With the end of summer fast approaching, Norae must make some big decisions. She’ll have to decide if falling in love with Orion is worth the price of letting go of her past and embracing a potentially, disastrous future.
Excerpt
The creepy, old guy from Poltergeist sat on my couch with a toothy grin. Okay, so not the Devil’s henchman, but a gangly replica. Anyone with shocking white hair and a yellow smile would fit the bill, especially if they were rocking a bowler hat. My parents didn’t look soulless—score one for living in reality.
Dad stood up and waved a hand toward our guest. “Rae, this is Miles Hidifork.”
“Good evening, Miss Whelan,” the man greeted, taking tiny breaths between each word like his lungs couldn’t handle the talking. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Hello.” I walked over and offered my hand. His grip was solid.
“Mr. Hidifork is here about Bobbie Jo Thatchor,” Mom said as she moved to stand next to Dad.
I frowned. “Who?”
Mr. Hidifork pressed his hat against his chest. “I was her lawyer, Miss Whelan. Bobbie Jo was your birth mother.”
Guest Post: Starting Out as a Writer
Hi everyone! My name is S. H. Clark, and today I’m going to be talking about Starting Out as a Writer and the 5 Things You Should Know when you decide to jump in. These are a few things I wish I’d known before I picked up writing as a career. I hope what I’ve learned can lead you on the way to your own glory!
For this list, I’m going to assume you had an idea spark. Maybe you had a dream of a werewolf driving a military tank (I plead the 5th) or you saw an interaction between an old man and a pigeon in the park. I’m not saying our job is weirdly cool, but hey, if the shoe fits, am I right?
Rejections Still Hurt After Acceptance
Let’s say you get an agent. Congrats! But if you think that’s the last time you’ll experience rejection, you’re wrong. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I didn’t expect to go through the rejection “trenches” again. When you’re seeking a publisher, it’s the same exact process, except your agent is the one sending out the materials. It still hurts!
The Waiting Game
Don’t expect everything to go fast. The longest I’ve waited— wait! I’m still waiting and it’s been a year! At this point in the publishing world, it can be as long as a year to hear back from editors on whether or not they are interested in taking on your novel. Find a hobby, write a new book, or focus on something else. It help the time go faster.
Contracts
Have someone who has experience with contracts review everything before you sign. Or, at least have someone who has signed a contract in the past take a look. This is where having a writing “mentor” has its perks. Make sure you make your connections!
Get business cards with QR Codes
I really recommend creating business cards with a QR code linked to a linktree. On the linktree, put all the links to the different places your book can be purchased, as well as your website. That way, when you get into a conversation with a stranger, and they say they want to order your book, you can just hand them your card. Very efficient! Remember, this dream come true is also your business. Accountability!
The Lull that Follows
So, you’ve published your book. It’s out in the world! Congrats! It’s the most amazing feeling in the world. You’re pressing that “publish” button on all of your social medias. You’re going on tour (virtual or physical). You’re talking to everyone! And then, it lulls. You start looking around and think, “Now what?” It’s a weird feeling. Just jump back in the game and start writing. Talk to your agent or your mental agent (if you’re self published) and make a plan. It’s always great to have something to do next.
About the Author
S. H. Clark is a romance author in the following sub-genres: young adult, contemporary, horror, and fantasy.
Clark lives in Southern California with her two cats and her beloved coffee maker. When she’s not writing, which is rare, she’s an elementary school teacher on one of California’s Native reservations. She holds multiple secondary degrees, including an MFA in Creative Writing, has a bookshelf overflowing with paranormal romances, and loves to write to the sound of a thunderstorm.
It’s been said Clark has attempted to conjure Cadbury Cream Eggs with her Harry Potter wand.
Contact Links
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This story sounds really interesting!
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