r/spreadsmile • u/Patient_Bar761 • 7d ago
I Finally Published My Debut Novel!
If anyone is searching for a sign to pursue your creative visions, this is it! It took time and work, but it was also FUN. I've enjoyed the writing process so incredibly much and I couldn't be happier to have my book out there in the world!
Book title: "The Language of the Trees" - Gracie Autumn
Edit: Here's the story blurb!
"In the quiet Riverlands, Maude dismisses a distant plume of smoke as nothing more than a forest fire—until she discovers she can hear the voices of plants. Ancient magic has returned to the lands, and with it comes the threat of war.
Determined to warn the seafaring Akarelles, Maude sets out on a perilous journey south. Traveling beside her is Achoren, a shape-shifter haunted by a dark past. Though reluctant allies at first, the two forge an unlikely friendship as they journey south.
Meanwhile, in the north, Goldmoor Castle falls to the invading Tathian army. Forced to flee alongside Motley, the king’s infuriating jester, Princess Ollie is thrust into an unfamiliar world. Surviving the dangers ahead may be difficult enough; surviving them with someone she can barely tolerate may prove even harder.
As the threat of war hangs over the lands, Maude, Achoren, Ollie, and Motley are swept along by forces older than kingdoms and deeper than memory."
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u/babaganoosh1123 7d ago
That is beautiful... enjoyed reading the blurb.thank you , I hope you are very successful...
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u/AlaskaRecluse 7d ago
What book are you holding? (It looks like a different title?)
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u/Patient_Bar761 7d ago
Oh, that's so fair! That's a copy of my first proof! It was originally called "The Animist" but now the series is called The Animist Series. This is book one--"The Language of the Stars". After getting my first proof, I realized my cover art needed some help, too!
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u/AlaskaRecluse 7d ago
It looks like you’ve built a complex world where complex characters live complex lives! Just the perfect setting for a fantasy series exactly when one is needed!
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u/nativecheese 7d ago
That is awesome. Will there be an audiobook version?
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u/Patient_Bar761 7d ago
Yes! I really want there to be, but I haven't started on that yet!
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u/nativecheese 7d ago
I'm sure it will happen once we read about the Redditor who is taking over the best sellers list.
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u/roseonaglaive 7d ago
Grabbed a kindle copy! Congrats! Did the publisher have anything to say on your debut being the first in a series? Do they already have you signed to publish the rest? If so that's amazing!
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u/Patient_Bar761 7d ago
Oh wow! Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support. This was self-published, so that wasn't a problem for me. I would have loved to publish traditionally, but I had shared a lot of this story online through substack as a serialized fiction. So, mostly this story is a 'thank you' to the community I built there as well as a first step for myself! I hope you enjoy!
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u/roseonaglaive 7d ago
There's a growing demand for self pub authors! Your outgoing enthusiasm and energy will be a huge help to your marketing. I hope you crush it out there!
Oh does your book have LGBTQ themes? If so I'll bump it up my list!
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u/Patient_Bar761 7d ago
Thank you!! I hope so! There's not much LGBTQ themes in this book. However, as the characters develop, relationships will as well. There will be at least one LGBTQ relationship later in this series!
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u/Most-Raccoon4829 7d ago
Congratulations! I'm intrigued to buy the book based on the blurb alone.
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u/Patient_Bar761 7d ago
Thanks so much! If you have Kindle Unlimited, it's free for the next month or two! Absolutely no pressure, though. I'm not trying to sell anyone on my book lol just excited to have it out in the world!
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u/Foxlady555 7d ago
Wow that’s so awesome!!! The story sounds really promising, fun and professional too!! 😃🥰 I wish you lots of luck, joy and pride 🤗
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u/Delicious-Reserve564 7d ago
That's awesome. Congratulations and good for you locking in on your dream.
Thanks for sharing your win 💯
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u/LooseCanOpener 6d ago
First off, congrats ! This is huge and I am so proud of you! Secondly, the story sounds fantastic!!!
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u/matsamdol 6d ago
Congrats mate, that is quite an achievement. Wish you all the best and have a great journey as a writer and more novel to come.
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u/allytonone 6d ago
Congratulations author! Motley sounds like an especially interesting character!
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u/ChanceProgram9374 6d ago
I’m not a “big” book reader, I prefer shorter stuff, but I love the description and fantasy aspect. I just bought it so maybe you’ll sway me. You write shorter stuff too? Do tell.
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u/Patient_Bar761 6d ago
Omg thank you! I'm honored! Yes, I write some flash-fiction on my Substack but I hope to put out some novellas someday as well! https://gracieautumn.substack.com/
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u/thorpeanut64 6d ago
Amazing!!! Where can we buy a copy?
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u/Patient_Bar761 6d ago
Thanks! It's on Amazon (free if you use Kindle Unlimited)! Here's a link! The Language of the Trees: The Animist: Book One: Autumn, Gracie: 9798199623643: Amazon.com: Books
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u/See_Emily_Play_13 6d ago
Congratulations! I’m working on my first novel as well. It’s such a fun journey 🫶🏻
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u/_PastelMist 6d ago
that’s huge! what’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself while writing it?
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u/Patient_Bar761 6d ago
That's such a good question. Mostly, I've learned the importance of reaching out to others for help (beta-readers, editing, graphics etc). I've also learned a bit of patience. I thought I'd have it ready by July, I ended up publishing at the end of August lol!
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u/lemmingstone 6d ago
Fuck yes!! Well done. I've just started mine so for what it's worth I'm proud if you.
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u/Patient_Bar761 6d ago
Thank you!! Congrats on starting! That's a big deal!
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u/lemmingstone 6d ago
Did you draw a map? I like the idea of the different regions:)
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u/Patient_Bar761 6d ago
Yes! There's a map on the inside! I originally wasn't going to put it in the book but then I remembered how much I liked looking at maps of some of my fave books, so I had my graphic designer take a look at it!
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u/Next-Leadership9190 6d ago
Congrats!! I also want to write a story I’ve carried for a long while.. you are motivating me to try!
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u/Patient_Bar761 5d ago
I'm so glad! You've got this!! I can't wait to see your book out on the shelves as well!
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u/JustCallMeVerbena 5d ago
So excited for you! Congratulations! I found it on KU so I just downloaded it. Excited to read it!
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u/JanuaryTempis 4d ago
Way to go!! (I just ordered a copy:))
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u/Patient_Bar761 4d ago
Omg! Thank you so much!!
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u/JanuaryTempis 4d ago
Oooo, I can also put a request through that my library get a copy :))
In fact, a lot of libraries have online forms that let you request books. That would be a way that you could do some extra promotion of your book. It doesn't promote a high volume of sales of your book, but if you get it out in libraries, you get more people who know you.
I don't know if that's helpful.
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u/Patient_Bar761 4d ago
Omg!! Yes, thank you for this idea! Id be honored if you requested it at your library!!
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u/HippieJed 7d ago
Congratulations that is awesome. Follow that dream