It's a Mood

Only a month now until my second novel, The Girls of Lake Evelyn, is out in bookstores! The last few weeks before Publication Day are a wild tangle of nerves. (I had forgotten this so quickly after my debut novel was out in the world.) Like waiting for childbirth, the Big Day feels like it will never, ever arrive. And yet, the hours roll unstoppably round, there’s no going back now, and I long to hold my new book for the very first time.

While waiting not-so-patiently, I thought to share a mini ‘mood board’ for The Girls of Lake Evelyn.

I make all of my novel mood boards (otherwise known as ‘inspirational collages’) on Pinterest, pinned in a secret board. This is a dynamic process, with pictures pinned or deleted as the story grows and changes. I pin my images after the words, to represent something already conjured up or woven in. The images encompass everything from the practical (such as old appliances or brands) to the fanciful (vintage fashion and beauty), to the delightful (gorgeous humans, who embody something of my characters) and plenty of pins related to social mores, historical events, landscape, animals and architecture. The board reflects both the overarching themes, style and setting of the novel, and all the darling, intricate details which bring my story and characters to life.

My mood board becomes a place of visual encouragement for me, and whenever I’m feeling disheartened I flick open the board for a reminder of how far I’ve come, how much I’ve already created, and just how beautiful it is.

Because my secret board is huge, I’ve made a mini mood board to share with you.

I hope you’re intrigued by this sneak peek…

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The Girls of Lake Evelyn, a mood:

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The Girls of Lake Evelyn is available now to pre-order, arriving in all fabulous bookstores on March 29.

I’m so nervicited to share my second novel with you…

xx Ave