BRI EBERHART

Hey Strangers,

It took me a while to write this month’s newsletter because I wasn’t entirely sure how transparent I wanted to be. I have a podcast episode coming out next month where I discuss the finances of my self-publishing journey, which even that felt a little… scary. I tried to reiterate on the call that this is me personally. I would never say, “You need to spend this much to self-publish,” or “You’ve spent way too much.” It all depends on you, your situation, your finances, etc. So, some people might judge harshly that I spent too little/too much on Strangers, but again, these are my choices and what I was able to do with the life I lead. Your miles may vary!

So, with that out of the way, I want to preface what I’m about to say with the same advice: Your miles may vary! Maybe you’re a reader reading this and are about to get a peek behind the scenes, or maybe you’re an aspiring writer or already one! Either way, I’m going to rant, so bear with me lol.

Entering the writing industry in whatever format you choose is going to look different for everyone. There can never be any blanket-style advice because it’s all nuanced. I mean, of course, there are some things, like don’t be a jerk. But this is more about writing rules or journeys. 

Some people strike gold and land an agent right out of the gate. Some might query three, five, or ten books. Some choose to self-publish and not query agents—some land with smaller presses. Whatever you want to do, do it. Follow your heart, and trust your gut.

Personally, for me (and I’m sure a lot of other writers, but not making a blanket-style statement!), the writing industry is like pushing a boulder up a hill—challenging, aggravating, and straight-up exhausting at times. Sometimes, I get a good rhythm going, and we’re making those small increments up the hill. And then, at other times, I stop to catch my breath, and the boulder bulldozes right over me. We might not end up at the bottom of the hill again, but we definitely lost some distance. Getting back up after that and trying again is something I struggle with. I will, I know I will. But at those low moments, it’s hard to remember that.

No specific thing happened that caused the boulder to become too heavy, but at some point, enough things happened that caused me to slip. A third book “dying” in the querying trenches, low turnout for book events (it happens to everyone at one point or another!), struggling to get out words during my 8-10 pm session, or if I do happen to write, not liking anything that’s coming out. 

The boulder slipped. I let go and watched it tumble. 

And sometimes, it’s really hard to go back to where it landed and start pushing again. But that’s okay. Take as long as you need to. It’ll be there when you’re ready.

Okay! Enough of that. I’m done with the rock analogy and my venting session. I only need to find some momentum again, and I’ll be just fine.

If you’re still bothering to read this and didn’t junk it already, thank you! Your support means more than you can ever know.

So, let’s get on with it, shall we?

Drafting took a hit this week, if you couldn’t tell from above, lol. But I’m at 16,991 words in the Strangers finale, and since the last newsletter, I started picking at MonsterHouse again, so I’m at 11,378 words with that one.

8-10 pm during the work week is my “a** in chair” time. That two-hour block is dedicated to S3, and I try to protect it at all costs. This way, I’m hoping to have a solid draft finished by September 1st. On weekends, or if I happen to get a free moment earlier in the day, I’m allowed to play around with MH.

It’s all about trying to balance what needs to be done versus a passion project so I don’t burn out.

This past Friday, I had a lovely chat with Michelle J, author of The Divide That Binds Us, at Black Rock Books in Buffalo. It might have had a low turnout, but the conversation was great. I loved the questions we were asked, and it really made me think about how much I’d love to do a podcast someday.

Signings are fun, and I love meeting readers, but you don’t get a lot of one-on-one time in those interactions. Talking about the craft, the writing process, and where book ideas come from are my bread and butter. So, who knows? Maybe I’ll start a podcast someday!

I have two more events this summer: Newfane Community Day and the Better Off Read festival. Then, one more in the fall, RAGE in Atlantic City.

Details below:

Newfane Community Day
Sunday, August 24th 2025
12 pm – 5 pm
Main Street
Newfane, NY 14108
GOOGLE MAPS

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The Better Off Read Summer Book Festival
Saturday, August 30th 2025
ARTPARK
South 4th Street, Lewiston, NY, USA
GOOGLE MAPS

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Readers and Authors Gather Events (RAGE)
Saturday, October 4th 2025
10 am – 5 pm
The Claridge Hotel
123 South Indiana Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401
GOOGLE MAPS
YOU CAN PREORDER BOOKS FOR THE RAGE EVENT HERE. CLOSES 08/31/25.

Last month, I tried archery for the first time, and it was AMAZING. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and somehow, I wasn’t that bad at it! I only missed the target twice. Once during my first shot with a compound bow and the second, my first shot with a traditional bow. Otherwise, I hit the target every time once I got a feel for it!

A few of us also went to the Buffalo’s Women’s March on 05/17/25, so of course, we’re still keeping on, keeping on there. Keep calling your reps, everyone! Your voice matters. 

Chris and I also attended Michelle’s book event at Lock City Books on 05/22/25 to help celebrate the release of The Divide That Binds Us! If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you definitely should!

Also, this has nothing to do with me, but Hallmark came to town! Scenes for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story was filmed on my street, so our otherwise quiet part of town was bustling like a movie set, and it was honestly so fun. One of the trailers parked outside of my driveway for a hot minute as they tried to get everything set up on a tiny street, so of course, I had to snap a photo.

Since last month’s newsletter, I’ve read I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew, Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe, Where I End by Sophie White, To Steal From Thieves by M.K. Lobb, and We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer. 

I’m currently reading They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera and Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin.

For the most part, I’ve been swapping between my playlists for S3 and MH, depending on which project I’m focusing on.

I finished the latest season of The White Lotus last night, and UGH, I can’t explain how much I love this show. I think it’s brilliant. (I feel the same about The Studio, although we haven’t finished that one yet!) I also finally watched the first four episodes of The Last of Us, so we’re making progress, even if it’s slow.

Please take note that this is a system to spotlight other indie authors per their request. These titles have not been vetted and readers are encouraged to do their due diligence beforehand.

Thank you so much for sticking with me this time. Sometimes, it’s a little nerve-wracking to let others see the more complex parts of the writing world.

Until next time friends!
Stay strange,
Bri