june 2021 updates
it feels like summer… even if we’re still looking for vacation…! let’s try inside a book or few, shall we?
here’s a bit of what was in our june 2021 monthly colorful email… make sure you’re on the list for next time so you don’t miss important announcements and etsy coupons! :)
need some author swag?
i'd love to create some custom artwork for you!
this week, i had SO much fun creating a custom piece for rektok rosswhose debut novel SKI WEEKEND comes out in october! i got to work with her one of her characters (sneak peek of champ here!) and use a book quote for a little something she's including with her pre*order goodies bundle!
if you, or someone you love, is looking for some original artwork to celebrate a new book, let's chat art! appreciate your recommendations! :D
and fun bonus: i also ship you the ORIGINAL painting for your office wall!
the best books i read in may:
it was an amazing reading month!
and difficult to pick just five to share! ;D
quiet, by susan cain. this made me feel seen as an introvert. explained a lot about my childhood (& adult) behaviors, and even gave tips for family members with an introvert to love, or parents raising a child who doesn't exactly thrive in group projects. :)
metropolitan stories, by christine coulson. the author worked at the metropolitan museum of art for more than 20 years. this little tome is full of quirky magical realism vignettes-- short stories told from the perspective of the artwork, curators, people stepping out of the art, and more. (some content, but exquisitely written. i would love to read "object lesson" aloud someday!)
the key to extraordinary, by natalie lloyd. i'm an official natalie lloyd fangirl now. i read it. & then immediately re-listened to it on my library audiobook app. it was even my alternate cover art painting for the month of may on patreon. magical realism. family. small town. ghosts and magic cocoa. and lots of wildflowers and music. :) (young readers, so for EVeryBody to read!!)
across the universe, by beth revis. i own everything beth has ever written: except for her original sci-fi outer space trilogy! i recently traded her some artwork for autographed copies, and i am HooKEd. ethics, community, outer space, drama, murder, mystery, maybe love... on to the third book now!
the other bennet sister, by janice hadlow. a slow and quiet exploration of mary bennet, the forgotten and overlooked and oh-so-relatable middle bennet sister from pride & prejudice.
currently reading:
magic lessons, by alice hoffman: as prolific as alice hoffman is, i've never read one of her books! figured it was time. and why not start with the practical magic prequel? :) (LITerally only on page 14, so can't say anything about it yet!)
how to resist amazon and why, by danny caine: i have my own soapbox reasons. i thought i'd learn some facts before i keep preaching. ;D
my next real-people appearance
my next art festival is in northern virginia in september!
i'm keeping my events page updated, so until then, please support me on patreon or shop for all things colourful and bookish on the halthegal etsy page!
as ever, thanks oodles!
this week, i sent my first query letters out to potential agents! more details coming to my patreons this weekend! :)
until next month, enjoy the summer storms and blooming wildflowers, and let me know how you're doing and what you'd like to hear more about next time! :D
with peace, love, and many colorful reads to you,
*hallie :)
as always:
updates, art, and current colourful reads on the halthegal_storyart instagram (weekly reading book reviews are now IGTVs, too!!)
shop new items and gifts at halthegal.etsy.com
email me to say "hi" or with any questions!
& learn more about my NEW patreon page here!
