Happy Friday, everyone! This week saw a big book announcement and some huge news for indie authors; it was also a week that included Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, and, this coming Sunday, Mother’s Day here in North America… which all feel very different when celebrated from inside our homes (although I did appreciate being able to wear my Star Wars onesie to work on Monday… no one had any idea). Regardless of isolation, I hope you’re managing to celebrate these little holidays through thematic meals, zoom calls with friends and family, or appropriate movie marathons. It’s the little things, right?

Perhaps the biggest news story this week is that Stephanie Meyer has announced a release date for the newest book in the Twilight series. Midnight Sun will retell the story of the original books but from the perspective of Edward.

And the biggest news this week in the indie publishing world: Apple has launched it’s new website, Apple Books for Authors, which will allow PC users to publish directly on their site for the first time!

The Virtual Bologna Bookfair was a success, drawing in 60,000 online visitors.

The head of the Frankfurt Book Fair announced that while the event will go on as promised, there will be some significant changes.

After a steady decline in sales due to the pandemic, print book sales have risen over the last week!

A literacy charity in the UK conducted a survey to see how reading habits have changed since the pandemic began.

The Pulitzer Prize Winners were announced this week with Colson Whitehead winning his second Pulitzer for fiction his novel The Nickel Boys.

And the Kobo Emerging Writer’s Prize announced its shortlist this week!

More celebrities have started reading to us to keep us entertained during isolation. Now you can have the tale of Harry Potter read to you by the boy who lived himself!

Or if you’re more of a Lord of the Rings fan, you can listen to Andy Serkis read The Hobbit (I sincerely hope he does voices).

A new book about Meghan and Harry is in the works, and the authors have apparently snagged an interview with the former royals.

If isolation has you missing being able to go your local library to browse and read, then you’re in luck! The New York City Library has released a track of library ambient noise for you to put on while you peruse your bookshelf and settle in with a good book.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Staff Recommendation
Joni, Author Engagement Specialist
“I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a dark gothic satire; weaving together two narratives and a cast of horribly unlikeable characters in a perfectly paced slow burn story. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while.”