Unrelenting

  • The Authors
  • Contact
  • Learn More
  • The Authors
  • Contact
  • Learn More
1006, 2018

Happy 5th birthday to the idea of The Grigori

Marie Parks/ June 10, 2018/ Writing Process/ 0 comments

It’s been five whole years to the day since we first started rattling around the idea for The Grigori. In celebration, we’re sharing with you a (mostly) unedited transcript of our instant messenger on June 10, 2013.

Read More

Post navigation

Newer posts →

Current Writing Progress

Unrelenting: Book One of The Deathless Gods

  • Coming Spring 2022

Book Two of The Deathless Gods

  • Drafting: 4% complete
Search for:

Recent Posts

  • Unrelenting Is Coming to Your Bookshelf In 2022
  • Unrelenting is a Finalist in the Book Pipeline Unpublished 2020 Competition
  • Our biggest challenge yet: comp titles
  • When to start promoting your book
  • Book one update

Categories

  • Announcements
  • Writing Process

Instagram

thegrigoribooks
We are thrilled to announce Unrelenting will be pu We are thrilled to announce Unrelenting will be published in Spring 2022 by @notapipepub ! 🎉🍾📖 In this contemporary fantasy debut, you’ll follow a determined young woman named Bridget on her search for Dahlia, her missing sister. When she discovers the disappearance is linked to a hidden, magical society, Bridget must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to find Dahlia. The book will be available through all major booksellers, and we will let you know how to pre-order it once we get closer to the release date. For now, we invite you to celebrate with us! You can hugely support us by signing up for our email list using the link in our bio. Plus you can follow the authors @jessihonard and @themarieparks here on IG. And special thanks to @bookpipeline , who selected Unrelenting as a finalist in the 2020 Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest and introduced us to Not a Pipe! #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks #contemporaryfantasynovel #amreading #speculativefiction #noveldebut #debutnovel #coauthor #coauthors
Sucking in a shaky breath, Bridget crept into the Sucking in a shaky breath, Bridget crept into the alleyway. Cold immediately fell upon her as the sun slid out of sight. Buildings stretched upward on either side, giving her the sense she was at the bottom of a deep chasm.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #thrillerauthor #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks #thriller
E is for Edgar Allen Poe.⁠ .⁠ This was perhaps E is for Edgar Allen Poe.⁠ .⁠ This was perhaps both of our earliest lessons in creating a pervasive environment and mood with simply words. As children, we were both entranced by his short stories and poems.⁠ .⁠ Jessi had a chance to return to Poe as a high school English teacher, passing on the works to a new generation.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #edgarallenpoe
D is for Dahl, Roald. @roald_dahl⁠ .⁠ Hands do D is for Dahl, Roald. @roald_dahl⁠ .⁠ Hands down, one of our very favorite children's authors, then and now. And then, as adults, we found his short stories for grown-up. Spine tingling, to be sure.⁠ .⁠ Marie's favorite Dahl book was The Witches (thus this sweet mouce). It made her cry and cry.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #roalddahl #kidslit #childrensliterature #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram
“I… look, I know it sounds stupid, but I'm in “I… look, I know it sounds stupid, but I'm in this group. Sort of a club, I guess. We’re…” he trailed off.⁠ .⁠ “What?” she demanded.⁠ .⁠ He swallowed, fidgeting. “We’re a paranormal investigation club,” he said, voice small.⁠ .⁠ She stared at him. “So you're like… a ghost hunter or something?” He nodded, and her heart sank. So he was crazy after all.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #thrillerauthor #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks
C is for Chen, Mike. @mikechenwriter⁠ .⁠ We st C is for Chen, Mike. @mikechenwriter⁠ .⁠ We stumbled across Here and Now and Then as a potential comp title for our own novel, and got COMPLETELY sucked into the story.⁠ .⁠ We loved the Kin's struggle to connect with--and save--his daughter across an impossible distance: more than a hundred years.⁠ .⁠ We loved watching him wrestle with his two lives.⁠ .⁠ And, of course, we loved all the nerdy #scifi references, the mouthwatering descriptions of food, and the author's vision of the future.⁠ .⁠ We ARE using the novel as a comp title because of the similar themes, but let's be real. Chen's story is more heartwarming than ours. And we loved every second.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #luckypenny #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #mikechen
B is for Brooks, Geraldine.⁠ .⁠ People of the B is for Brooks, Geraldine.⁠ .⁠ People of the Book was one of Marie's favorite reads from the past decade. History, interwoven stories, museums, wars, and a deep love for a book.⁠ .⁠ This is one to get your hands on in-person if you can. Marie read it as an e-book, and didn't realize how much she'd missed out on.⁠ .⁠ #geraldinebrooks #peopleofthebook #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram
"At least she had a plan. A loose, unformed plan, "At least she had a plan. A loose, unformed plan, but it was better than nothing. As she settled among the blankets, she hoped it would be enough."⁠ ⁠.⁠ Sounds kinda like 2020. Why did we even bother getting planners?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #thrillerauthor #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks
We've always turned to authors, all our lives, whe We've always turned to authors, all our lives, when times are good or bad. Their stories have meant so much to us, so we wanted to start a series honoring some of the authors who have been so important to us over the years... a day for each letter of the alphabet.⁠ ⁠.⁠ A is for Applegate, KA.⁠ ⁠.⁠ A Newbery winner, we both fell in love with her Animorphs series. We were in 5th grade when this 5th grade reading level sci fi series released at Scholastic book fairs at our respective schools.⁠ ⁠.⁠ At first blush, it's a series about kids turning into animals to fight aliens.⁠ ⁠.⁠ Upon actually reading them, it's a complex, deep, and stark look at the horrors of war, the impossibility of remaining clean even as the "good guys." It's about loss, pacifism, sacrifice, slavery, codependency, leadership, brutality, friendship, and grief. It remains one of the most powerful, driving reads either of us has ever experienced... wacky 90s references and all.⁠ ⁠.⁠ As adults, still in awe of Animorphs, we met on a forum for the series. Upon becoming friends there, we realized we both lived in the same city and became IRL friends, camping buddies, and business partners. Marie even met her husband thanks to the forum. To say these books are important to us is an understatement.⁠ ⁠.⁠ Here's to you, Katherine Applegate. We appreciate you so much. You ignited such a love for books within us both.⁠ ⁠.⁠ #kaapplegate #animorphs #authorsofig #igbooks #authorsofinstagram #scifi
We're all stuck at home right now. But if you coul We're all stuck at home right now. But if you could read anywhere, where would you crack open a book?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amreading #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
It was all too obvious that Detective Ivanova had It was all too obvious that Detective Ivanova had written Dahlia off.⁠ .⁠ Bridget was the only one who still cared. The only one who still hoped.⁠ .⁠ I will find my sister, she thought as she stepped out into the cold night. I will. No matter the cost.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
We aren’t sure what the Writing Excuses Retreat We aren’t sure what the Writing Excuses Retreat for #WXR2020 will look like due to the pandemic. But whatever format it takes, we are looking forward to learning once again from wonderful mentors like these two experts (@maryrobinettekowal and @authordanwells ) and more.⁠ .⁠ What learning opportunities are you looking forward to in these strange times? .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
It's a Grigori books kind of mood.⁠ .⁠ Who els It's a Grigori books kind of mood.⁠ .⁠ Who else is fascinated by abandoned places? ✋⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
“Oh, you're here about the Keene case,” the of “Oh, you're here about the Keene case,” the officer said as he read her name off her license. The words sent a jolt through Bridget. There was a terrible officialness to them.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
What's your favorite way to read?⁠ .⁠ 📖 Phy What's your favorite way to read?⁠ .⁠ 📖 Physical book?⁠ .⁠ 📱 E-book?⁠ .⁠ 🎧 Audio book?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amreading #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
Hi, I'm Marie, one of the co-writers of The Deathl Hi, I'm Marie, one of the co-writers of The Deathless Gods -- a contemporary fantasy series all about The Grigori.⁠ .⁠ If I'm outdoors and/or traveling, I'm happy. And if I can curl up with a good book at the end of the day, that's perfection.⁠ .⁠ I've lived in North Carolina and Texas, but now I call New Mexico home.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
Excerpt: The premise.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwr Excerpt: The premise.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
"Are you gonna get it published?"⁠ .⁠ Now that "Are you gonna get it published?"⁠ .⁠ Now that we've completely wrapped up revisions on Book 1, we've been getting this question a lot.⁠ .⁠ Yes.⁠ .⁠ Eventually.⁠ .⁠ See, if you've giving the traditional publishing route a try (as opposed to self-publishing), you have a few options.⁠ .⁠ You can approach many independent publishers directly with the manuscript. We did this, and we do have an offer for publication from a wonderful indie publisher. That may be the route we end up pursuing.⁠ .⁠ But we want to shoot for gaining representation by a book agent first. An agent will help us sell our book, advocate for us, and help us navigate the process.⁠ .⁠ We want to go, "Yeah, that's my agent," like a couple of rock stars. 😎⁠ .⁠ So that's what this image is. It's a Trello board where we're keeping track of all of the agents we are carefully researching. That way we can reach out to them in an order and manner that makes sense for us AND them.⁠ .⁠ If we managed to gain representation, we would have the possibility of landing a book contract with a major book publisher.⁠ .⁠ So are we getting it published? Yes. If landing an agent via querying doesn't work out after sufficient attempts, we will turn to the indie publisher route or self-publish. But this is our first choice, so we're going for it.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amquerying #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
Hi, I'm Jessi Honard, one of the co-authors of Unr Hi, I'm Jessi Honard, one of the co-authors of Unrelenting, first book I’m The Deathless Gods series. .⁠ I love writing, reading, and climbing on high places. I’m a rock climber 🧗🏼‍♀️ and hiker. 🚶🏼‍♀️ .⁠ Travel is my favorite, and if you need some snark, I'm toes your girl.⁠ . Follow me at @jessihonard .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
Readers, do you know how much thought goes into a Readers, do you know how much thought goes into a book's first line?⁠ .⁠ It's a chance to hook a reader. To show them what kind of book this will be. To hint at the overarching theme of the novel. Demonstrates they're in good hands.⁠ .⁠ "Bridget stood alone." The central theme of the novel. Followed by description and mood.⁠ .⁠ Does it leave you wanting to read more?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #clevelandohio #thecle #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
A week or two ago, #author Anne Tibbits talked on A week or two ago, #author Anne Tibbits talked on Twitter about how tough it is to write the opening of the second book in a series.⁠ .⁠ We felt so seen.⁠ .⁠ Because that is exactly where we are right now.⁠ .⁠ The good news is, this means book 1 is DONE (unless/until an agent or editor requires edits later), and we can move on to writing again!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #amwriting #igbooks #amwritingfantasy #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #nanowrimo #thegrigoribooks #contemporaryfantasy #urbanfantasyauthor #urbanfantasy #urbanfantasybooks⁠
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 2021 Jessi Honard & Marie Parks. All rights reserved.