What I've Been Up To - May 2026 Edition

It’s been a while. It’s been a few years since I’ve bothered to update my blog. I would say that is ADHD at its finest. I remember it exists and then I forget because a thousand other things cross my mind.

So, here are some updates.

Hotel Hell - The Elysium Duet, Book 1

Hotel Hell made its debut on the world stage in September 2024. I am happy and proud to say that I have sold 64 copies so far.

Goals for 2026 are to sell 2 copies of my book and to get it on the shelves of one local independent bookstore. Not big goals, but it’s a place to start.

Current Work in Progresses

Of Blood and Bone

A collection of horrifying short stories sure to give you goosebumps and the “ick”. I finished writing three stories, and they are currently with the alpha readers. Stories four through eight are still works in progress, but I’m hoping to complete the first drafts by the end of the summer.

Untitled - The Elysium Duet, Book 2

Did you really think I could leave you hanging like that? I’ve begun writing book 2 and am approximately 4000 words in. Is this story going to be darker than the first one…yes. Are we going to be exploring humanity as a theme…I think so. Honestly, it depends on where the characters bring me. But the cast of characters will be expanding.

What I'm Reading

First Five-Star Read of 2026

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

Cora Zeng witnesses her sister being pushed in front of a subway train at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; the killer shouting “bat eater” as he does it. A few months later, Cora, now a crime scene cleaner in Chinatown, is unfazed by the gruesome deaths she scrubs away. Struggling with her identity as an Asian-American and grief, she ignores her aunt’s advice to prepare for the Hungry Ghost festival, resulting in unexpected consequences.

Kylie Lee Baker’s prose within this novel is exquisite. The number of passages I’ve highlighted and made notes of is significant. The eloquent descriptions are at odds with the novel’s content because of the horrifying tragedies (murders) Baker describes Cora viewing, the consequences of resulting in suspense and increased tension.

The core themes of this novel are racism towards Asian Americans during the pandemic, the fear of death and losing everything we once held dear, and grief. Baker also explores the sibling relationship between Cora and Delilah and how grief is its own overwhelming entity.

Before picking up this book, I highly recommend looking into the trigger warnings.

Verdict: This book has absolutely earned its place on my bookshelf.

Well, ghosties, that’s all from me. I’m hoping to update you all again on progress and reads at the end of June. Wish me luck.

Lots of love!

Amalia