September 2026 Recap
Hello Ghosties!
I’m back for my monthly update. This month has seen me recommit to my writing and give my personal goals the space and time they need to bring things to fruition. And spooky season and sweater weather have commenced. Let’s go!
Big News
I’ve received confirmation that I will participate in my first event as an author. On October 10th, 2026, I will be one of the local authors for the Chills & Chapters Halloween Event at Re-Read Used Books from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 160 Blanca Street.
If you’d like to support me and my fellow indie horror authors, please drop! If you have a copy of my book, I’m more than happy to sign it for you. I also have a few freebies to give away!
Current Works In Progresses
Blood & Bone
A collection of horrifying short stories sure to give you goosebumps and the “ick”.
I’ve designed the cover and am working on a cover reveal. The way it looks makes me proud. I’m looking forward to unveiling it to you.
Current Status of the Short Stories
The Diner – On Draft 2
Blood Oath – On Draft 2
Pet - With Alpha Readers
The Lure – With Alpha Readers
The Hollow – Draft 1
Last Light – Draft 1
Hellbent – The Elysium Duet, Book 2
I’m currently working on planning the novel. Is it weird that I have chosen a title prior to the drafting of the story? Maybe. But I found it to be the inspiration I needed to be able to start working on it a lot more.
Once more into the breach.
What I’m Reading
Here are my top reads of September.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Book 104 0f 2026
My favourite book of the month, and it’s a reread. I mean, Aiden Thomas answered so many prayers as he wrote a second book in this world. Yadriel and Julian for life!
This book is an exploration of a trans identity within a traditional Latinx family, mixed with some incredible fantasy elements drawn from Latinx history and traditions. It has a beautiful friendship between cousins, the development of a sweet romance, and ghosts. Also look at the gorgeous cover!
I’m 100 pages into the second book of the series Espíritu.
Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson
Book 108 of 2026
I’ve heard about this book since it came out. A sapphic romance, a cozy vibe, and death. This was my second horror novella by Dawson, and I enjoyed it so much more. This book contained some sharp and beautiful prose. I admired how the story deceived you into believing it was romance despite its horror label. The reason I believe this worked so well is that Dawson can convey to the reader how one loses themselves in a new, exciting love, especially their first queer love.
My favourite quote from the book (page 10 of the edition I read). “The modern world is severely lacking in magic, and those who crave it are at a constant disadvantage because they are desperate and it’s in short supply.”
Songs on Repeat
Here are the top 5 songs on repeat on my playlist right now.
1. Won’t Go Back Again by Alex Warren
2. Orbiter by Noah Kahan
3. Shark in the Water by V.V. Brown
4. White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons
5. Cheekbones by Arrows in Action
Wins, Losses, and Next Month Goals
My wins and losses for the month and my goals for the upcoming month.
Wins
No one said being an author was easy, but my god… It’s like I’m working two jobs, only one is for “fun” and the other is so that I can live. But I got my writing mojo back and am pushing forward with my short story collection.
Read 5 books from my physical TBR.
I read 12 books, and 2 came from my library.
Losses
1. I wrote and posted the July/August Recap post for 2026 at the end of September.
October Goals
1. Finish draft 1 of the Hollow.
2. Finish draft 1 of Last Light.
3. Begin incorporating feedback from the Alpha Readers.
What a way to end the summer. I’m off to get back to my writing and the chaos that is my life.
Lots of love,
Amalia
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