It’s been two months since our last newsletter. While we apologize for being MIA, we won’t apologize for the reason:
We’ve been buried under a pile of fabulous manuscripts.
Let us be the first to say. . . There is no better way for a group of writers/publishers to be buried and we are grateful for such a WONDERFUL reason for our absence.
We are finally emerging from our papyrus cocoon to announce that after weeks of work, one of those incredible books we’ve been working hard to publish hit the bookshelves today!
Cold Turkey, by our very own Jodi Cowles, is an international comedy novel, perfect for those who enjoy exploring new destinations, travel humor, and the joy (and anxiety) of being a stranger in a strange land. Another way to put it? A modern-day Pride and Prejudice collides–up close and personal–with daily Turkish life, like they're smashed together on a crowded, steamy public bus.
This book follows the adventures of Amanda, a single American who is fed up with her life in Boise and decides—on a whim—to accept an assignment to teach for a year in Istanbul, Turkey. Of course, it didn’t take much convincing on Amanda’s part since the one asking happened to be a dishy International school administrator. . . with a British accent. (le sigh!)
Amanda soon finds herself on the other side of the world in a place that feels otherworldly. She tackles life in Turkey with all the grace of a bull in a china shop. It’s a fun, hilarious read and one you don’t want to miss.
Here’s what Jodi had to say about her efforts in writing the book:
This novel was a gift for me, mostly written during some of the most difficult months of our family’s time living in Turkey when my morale was at its lowest ebb. After nearly eight years of battling language, culture, governmental inaction, and exploding faucets (yes, plural), it was a real emotional boost to try to remember all the ludicrousity we’d lived through so as to slightly fictionalize some of it and comedically visit it upon my hapless heroine.
That’s right, after years of snarking in small doses, Cold Turkey is my first attempt at full-length comedy! Poor, sweet Amanda, a clueless American teacher with no idea what awaits her, moves to Istanbul to teach at an international school. She signs a contract for second grade, but is immediately thrown to the howling, hormonal wolves of middle school. Over the course of the school year, you’ll see her bounce and bump her way through the shocks of culture, meet every tradesman in the neighborhood, and try not to get mauled on public transportation—all while being surrounded by the chaotic and colorful crowds that pulse through Istanbul. There might even be a smidge of budding romance.
A friend described it as my love letter to Turkey, and I hope that’s how it comes across. I’ve written the best I could to represent that beautiful, complex country and those lovely, complex people.
We would love you to show your support of Jodi and our work at The Unknown Authors Club by purchasing a copy of Cold Turkey. And if you do, please leave a review!
The UAC also had the privilege of releasing another wonderful title this summer, Covered, by Tanya Motorin.
Part memoir, part “how-to” guide, Tanya vulnerably tells her story of breast cancer—from diagnosis to surgery, treatment to recovery. She bravely shares how God mended the broken pieces on a road she never wanted to walk. Covered turns havoc into hope through practical tips and recommendations for women facing a similar diagnosis, and a framework for family and friends who are in the fight with them.
We loved working with Tanya to publish her beautiful story and are so proud of how it is already making an impact in the lives of many others.
Recently, The UAC was featured on Meet the Experts podcast.
One of our fearless founders, Rachael Mitchell, shared the story of our humble beginnings and how we are passionate about helping unknown authors (just like us) find ways of getting their words out into the world. Check out the episode here!
We will be back in October with exciting news about another new book coming out in time for the Christmas holidays. We can’t wait to tell you about this very special project.
Here’s a little sneak peek:
Until next month. . . Happy reading, friends!
Jodi, Leslee & Rachael
Founders
The Unknown Authors Club