Huge Update + ARC Readers Wanted
- Michael James
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Howdy gang,
It’s been forever and a day since our last update and I do I ever have some big news. As always, here’s the TL;DR
1. I sold my first book series!
2. I’m rebranding!
3. I’m relaunching my book and ARC signups are open right now!
Let’s dive into it
1. I sold my first book series!
Did anyone else find 2025 to be a really weird year? I can’t even believe it. In Dec of 2024, my writing buddy, CJ Holmes (links below) and I had a crazy idea - what if someone wrote a story that combined the charming whimsy of the Gilmore Girls with the breathless hilarity of Terry Pratchett? Also what if there were vampires, a magic town, Cupid is the mayor and Christmas is attacked by rogue elves drunk on boozy eggnog?
Seven insane days later we had our first draft.
Frantic and aggressive editing followed, and by February, we were ready to pitch. Three full requests later and we were signed to a three book deal by City Owl Press!
The book - working title Blood and Bells - releases this winter and you better believe I’ll have more updates closer to publication.
2. I’m rebranding!
Longtime Michael James readers will know that I’ve always had a bit of a romance streak. Whether it’s the shy, cautious affection between Matt and Heather in Aliens and Ice Cream or the pedal-to-the-floor pairing of Trick and Vain in The Hotel Series, I’ve always loved exploring that side of characters.
With this book deal, I’m going to be writing a lot more softer, romance adjacent work. CJ and I already have two other series in development and I can’t wait until they’re in market so I can show you. Given all of this, it made sense to start with a fresh brand so new readers would feel welcome and at home. Thus - Michael Ashwood is born!
3. I’m relaunching my book! ARCs are open!
With all the exciting news above, it made sense to get my first cozy-flavored, soft fantasy out in front of a new audience. I’m delighted to present A Song for Lost Things (previously Hoppelsigh) - a found family fantasy about the importance of finding your voice.
ARCs will go out on Jan 15th and if you’d like to join the 200+ readers who have already signed up for the adventure, please follow the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mIQ3nDI7iMk4tsuYosR5JGUYtIhFfAxlOB6_RdWOr_Q/edit
2026 is going to be a wild year. Thank you so much for all of you who have stuck around with me all this time.
If you want to check out what CJ and I are working on, you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michaelashwoodauthor/
Take care!
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