Testing... Testing?

Hello friends!

Is this thing working? Hi! I mentioned last time that I was trying to move my newsletter from Substack to my own website, and hopefully that is where you are currently located. If not, technology has bested me once again.

Local Author Fair!

First and foremost, I will be participating in a Local Author Fair in Johnson County this weekend. Yeah! Seriously! I've been keeping it quiet and haven't really mentioned it to anybody. I've sabotaged myself. I shouldn't have. Saturday, April 12, from 10-1 I will be at the Clark Pleasant Branch Library with a few books and prints to sell.

I am extremely nervous for it, as I'll be on my own and not with a friend. I have no idea how it'll go. If you can come and support me, that would mean the world! Otherwise, I hope to start up a shop on my website, so there will be other opportunities.

Books I Loved Recently

I've officially read over 10 books this year. I know, it's not a lot, I'm experimenting with other hobbies, okay? Here are the ones I'd recommend!

"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross - Rebecca Ross is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors ever. I need to read everything she has ever published. This book is the first book to a duology about a war between two gods, and two reporters trying to survive and ignoring their feelings for each other. I grinned way too much reading this (and maybe stood up screaming "WHAAAAT?!!?!" once or twice...).

"Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao - This book is the embodiment of feminine rage, and it was delicious. Picture this: male historical Chinese power-rangers, and an extremely pissed-off woman that is done letting them get away with murder. Sounds strange? Yeah, but you GOT to try it. The author photo in the jacket sleeve is iconic. I've heard bad things about the sequel to this, I enjoyed it well enough as a standalone.

"She Gets the Girl" by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott - I'll admit straight-up, I read this because I saw the cover. I couldn't help it. I saw the roller skates and said, yes, I'm reading that. I read it in 2 sittings. Extremely cute and easy read, though they only roller skated for one chapter, and I'm kind of salty about it.

Danielle's Sketchbook

I need everyone to take a deep breath in... and out....

Okay, collectively together... Of course she'd draw this.

I told you my next piece would likely be orange, and here it is. Anyone that roller skates would know the standard skates you rent at a rink have the classic bright orange wheels. It just makes sense, really, you shouldn't be surprised.

I'll admit, drawing this was difficult. Drawing dynamic full-body people is challenging! Plus, the rink itself is not cluttered, so how would I make an interesting background and silhouette when the setting is so empty? I think I did well in translating this. To be honest, upon completion I wasn't all that happy with the way it turned out. It just didn't look as good as the other two color pieces I've done. I think it is growing on me though.

It's pretty good.

Next color... I'm feeling pink for some reason.

Until next time,

Danielle