writing

I’m about to lose my mind because I get to say MY BOOK IS A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER??!?!?! MY BOOK. I WROTE THAT??? I’M—

Don’t Let The Forest In just hit the NYT bestseller list at Number 3 (NUMBER 3!!!!) and the Indie Bestseller List at Number 4 (!!!!!) and I can’t breathe basically hahaha. FREAKING BESTSELLER. This feels incredibly not like real life and I am so happy right now. And so grateful!? Thank you for hyping my book and supporting me and making it sell out in bookstores and just— I can’t get my brain around this. You all loved my feral forest rot horror so freaking much?!?

And here on the Indie Best Seller List TOO.

The most massive thank you to my editor, Emily Settle, and my team at Feiwel & Friends and @fiercereads and my agent Claire Friedman!! They made the most gorgeous book possible and championed it so hard and I’m forever grateful.

My previous book came out 5 years ago and then I had 5 years of nonstop rejections and I truly thought I was too autistic to ever get a real chance in publishing. NOW THIS IS MY LIFE. I don’t even think it’s sunk in yet hahahah omfg that’s my book on the NYT BESTSELLER LIST???? I don’t think I’ll ever breathe again.

That feeling when your book releases in like the best possible way and you are just an internal scream for the whole day. Like, I have so much to tell you I don’t even know where to begin ?!!?! But ignore the title of my book, because we have officially let THE FOREST IN. Big day for monstrous forests!! No regrets to be had!! Time to let moss grow over your rib bones be possessed by a tree.

Also, did turn my bedroom floor into a forest for promotional purposes? Yes. There is fake moss strewn all through my carpet and there are no regrets to be had.

Today Looked Like…

• my instagram exploding with so many incredible tags and and mentions
• chatting to the kindest and most encouraging readers
• the most amazing release day tour with MTMC Tours
• seeing photos of Barnes & Nobles tables stacked only with MY BOOK
• being tagged in dozens of photos from B&N booksellers
• being cheered on by authors I look up to so much
• ranking #15 on all books in B&N
• ranking #5 on B&N’s Teens & YA bestseller list
• having people tell me they went out to buy it on release day
• hitting #1 bestseller on Amazon Australia
• hitting spots #1, #2, and #3 on Amazon USA for Hot New Releases in lgbtq+ books

Andrew also looks like he just stabbed someone to get in amongst the romantasy ballgown faves, but well!! No one is kicking him out!! They are too scared.

I cannot be more grateful, more awed, more humbled, and more freaking excited at the response so far. This is my 3rd book release, so I know what it is to release a book quietly and to not get a ton of traction. So just excuse me for a second—BUT THIS IS SO FREAKING WILD MY BRAIN HAS MELTED.

Thank you for hyping my book, for loving it, for recommending it, for talking it up, for tagging me in gorgeous photos and reviews. I am scream. Every single time means the world to me.

Secret News Revealed…

It’s not even that much of a secret anymore because it kind of has been out for a few days now, but… Don’t Let The Forest In is a BARNES & NOBLE YA BOOK CLUB PICK. This is perhaps one of the biggest moments of my career?!? I don’t even know what to do with myself!! I am— It’s just !!! This is huge. He’s on the front page of the B&N website like this… I wrote this.

I can’t believe I wrote a book that is getting hyped lmao what is my life.

B&N Best of 2024
B&N Book Club Pick
Kids Indie Next Pick
Starred Booklist Review
105,000 adds on Goodreads
Junior Library Guild Gold Selection

Out now in the USA and Australia. Find it at…

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Walmart, The Lavender Rhino (comes with signed bookplate), Amazon UK, Amazon Aus, Waterstones, Dymocks, Blackwells

Don’t Let The Forest In is about two boys whose all-consuming friendship takes a dark turn when one of them realises the only way to stop the horrors clawing out of the other’s drawings is to destroy the creator. A dark academia forest rot horror with an asexual main character, eldritch monsters, fairy tales of the macabre variety, and an obsessive codependent romance. Find it on Goodreads

Also sign up to my newsletter here if you want updates in your inbox!!

I can’t say thank you enough.

I’m meant to have words as an author but, well, I ran out!!! I’m just so freaking grateful. My goal since I was literally fifteen has been to have a hardcover book and an audiobook. That was what I wanted most of all. And it’s come true with the most gorgeously designed book imaginable (I can’t believe it’s mine actually) and one of my favourite ever audiobook narrators—and then it didn’t stop there. I feel literally so lucky to have gotten all this love and support and hype. Maybe it is all that sweeter for this being my first time really feeling like my books are seen.

This book has haunted me for years and years and there are so many times I should have given up on it but instead chose to rewrite it, to try again, to not let it go because it had its thorns in me. This book owns me, ruthlessly, beautifully.

I hope, if you decide to read it, you enjoy this tale of monstrous forest monsters and obsessive love and macabre fairytale art. Time to get your heart wrecked.

“Remember you love me. All my stories are about you. They will always be about you.”

Thank you for making my release day so special.

Somehow it’s only 1 more day until my book is released and my skull is a nest of pure static and feral damp leaves.

Like, one more day…?! Then Don’t Let The Forest In hits US bookstores and my long, achey drought of rejections is officially over. I’m a 3rd-time published author.

This is my first US book deal.
My first hardcover release.
My first audiobook.
My first special edition.
My first starred trade review.
My first endorsements from author peers.
My first time being an Indie Next Pick and a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection.
My first time believing I might get actually get a future as an author after 5 years of rejections.

I’m wretchedly emotional about this. Like, far far too many feelings. But let me take you through some news and updates real quick before I collapse into a pile of wet sticks.

(Like you think there’s a person behind CG Drews haha no way I am absolutely a bundle of twigs and wet leaves and moss and feral teeth rolled up into a trench coat who put on a hat to blend in.)

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Last chance to preorder

If you want to receive 3 never-seen-before fairy tales, submit your preorder receipt here if you’re in the US & CAN. And here if you’re in Australia! The Aussie one is open throughout November too, but the US/CAN one closes on October 29, so hurryyyy.

Preorder at…

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Walmart, The Lavender Rhino (comes with signed bookplate) Amazon UK, Amazon Aus, Waterstones, Dymocks, Blackwells.

Don’t Let The Forest In is about two boys whose all-consuming friendship takes a dark turn when one of them realises the only way to stop the horrors clawing out of the other’s drawings is to destroy the creator. A dark academia forest rot horror with an asexual main character, eldritch monsters, fairy tales of the macabre variety, and an obsessive codependent romance. Find it on Goodreads.

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Also we’re finally up on Netgalley UK!!

If you’d like to request an eARC to review of the UK edition, now is your time. Just head over to Netgalley UK here. Also here’s a little cover comparison of the US vs UK editions.

 

Out in the UK on January 16th, 2025.

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Other Cool Things I Think You Should Know…

• Don’t Let The Forest In just hit 105,000 adds on Goodreads WHICH IS QUITE FRANKLY INSANE (I’m fine I’m fine)
• It’s also a Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2024 (s c r e a m) and has been on the B&N website front page today. Also am totally chill about the fact it’s constantly in the top 50 books out of, you know, just casually all the millions of books on the website.
• Currently a #1 New Release on Amazon for Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fiction!!
• Screen Rant called it one of the Biggest Horror & Thriller Books Coming Out In October 2024.
• Book Riot called it a Must-Read New Queer Book.

Last Thing (I Swear!!) I’m Offering Signed Bookplates

If you sign up to my Patreon in October/November you can receive a signed bookplate + art print of Thomas & Andrew (my forest rot boys). I’ve also shared the first full chapter of Don’t Let the Forest In there so you can get a full sneak peek at the lovely terrors coming your way.

I haven’t released a trad book since 2019, so I’m feel so grateful and overwhelmed and excited and nervous all at once. The love and support I’ve gotten has been incredible. Idk how I got lucky enough to get a second chance and see my book take off, but somehow it’s happening. I also have one big secret piece of news to announce and I’m feral about it omg. But soon, soon.

Can’t wait for you to come rot in the forest with me officially on October 29th.

If you’re here for spooky little treats, I’ve got you.

We are down to 6 days to go until Don’t Let The Forest In releases in the US on October 29th and I have a US/CAN preorder campaign to share with you!! (There is an INTL one also coming too, just getting some details sorted with my UK/AUS publisher. I never forget my intl readers, I just have to fit in with my publishers too 🖤)

I honestly can’t believe release day is coming up so fast when I’ve been waiting for this day since it sold in June 2021, after years and years of trying to sell another book. So just…!! We’re staring release day IN THE EYE NOW.

Submit your receipt here to receive the Bonus Fairytales!!

Places You Could Preorder at…

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Walmart, Amazon UK, Amazon Aus, Waterstones, Dymocks, Blackwells…(Other bookstores work too!) You can also preorder at The Lavender Rhino, an online LGBTQIA+ bookstore, and you’ll receive a signed book plate too. (US shipping only.)

Submit your receipt here to receive the Bonus Fairytales!!

Also if you’d like to receive a free signed bookplate + character art and mushroom stickers, you can sign up for that here on my Patreon!!! Preorders are not required for this. It’s just a gift to active Patreon subscribers in appreciation.

6 days until my feral moss sons let the forest in. 😭🍃

I’m currently trying to cram in a lot before release day while also writing another book on deadline, so if I seem like I’m losing my mind… idk, it is possible but who can say for sure!! I shall offer popcorn to you while you watch me hurtle howling through the woods at peak chaos.

Thankyou, everyone!! For being hyped and joining in the countdown with me. I appreciate you immensely.

Cannot believe this is real life because Don’t Let The Forest In is a Kids Indie Next Pick!?!!?

I’m ECSTATIC. So much thanks to the booksellers who are championing and recommending my creepy little heartbreaking story. It’s one of only 10 chosen for this list and I’m truly honoured.

“Beautifully cutting and achingly full of writhing love, painful loss, and horrors beyond imagination. Love is a weapon full of cutting ribs and thorns in this gut-wrenching story by CG Drews.”
—Kaitlyn Mahoney, Under the Umbrella Bookstore, Salt Lake City, UT

Don’t Let The Forest In is out October 29 from Feiwel & Friends. Booklist gave it a starred review and called it an “emotional roller coaster” and “sure to please those interested in modern horror mixed with a touch of fairy tale” while Kirkus called me “genuinely creepy” which, to be honest, is a massive compliment I am pleased to hear.

( brb I’m feral with happiness !!)

Preorder at…

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Walmart, Blackwells

Don’t Let The Forest In is about two boys whose all-consuming friendship takes a dark turn when one of them realises the only way to stop the horrors clawing out of the other’s drawings is to destroy the creator. A dark academia forest rot horror with an asexual main character, eldritch monsters, fairy tales of the macabre variety, and an obsessive codependent romance. Find it on Goodreads…

Goodreads giveaway for 10 finished hardcover copies of Don’t Let The Forest In is live!!

You do not want to miss this one so head over to my book’s Goodreads page to enter. This giveaway is US-only but I often posts INTL giveaway over on my instagram. And YES every copy of Don’t Let The Forest In is illustrated and I am obsessed with the fairytale monsters gnawing through the pages. Like just look at the Antler King, I’m sure he doesn’t want to peel your face off.

Also the thing I can’t wrap my brain around is the fact it has 90,000 adds to want-to-read shelves on Goodreads. Like–excuse me HOW!? That is a freaking lot of people for my creepy little book that, um quite honestly, I cannot comprehend this. 😅 Anyway, I’m freaking out in the best possible way!!

Preorder at…

Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, Bookshop, Books-A-Million, Walmart, Blackwells

Don’t Let The Forest In is about two boys whose all-consuming friendship takes a dark turn when one of them realises the only way to stop the horrors clawing out of the other’s drawings is to destroy the creator. A dark academia forest rot horror with an asexual main character, eldritch monsters, fairy tales of the macabre variety, and an obsessive codependent romance. Find it on Goodreads.

Don’t Let The Forest In has its first trade review!!

Kirkus called it “genuinely creepy” with “rich, extravagant prose” and I am very pleased 😌🍂 going to tell everyone I am professionally endorsed as creepy now.

Don’t Let the Forest In is my dark academia forestscore horror about two boys who are obsessed with dark fairy tales (but more obsessed with each other) who must fight the monsters slithering out of their artwork each night in the forest. It’s deliciously dark and lovely and ruinous. Coming October 29th from Feiwel & Friends and only 82 days away!!

Stunning graphic designed by @thereaderandthechef!

My secret news is out!! Don’t Let The Forest In is coming out in the UK in January 2025.

It has a slightly new look for the UK cover edition and am excited to show it to you!! I’ve been sitting on this news for a while so I’m very pleased to finally be able to spill.

But also can we just take a minute to LOOK AT HIM. The UK cover has a bit more colour, is a bit bl00dier, and has a very fun tagline. Let me know what you think of it!! This is also my first time having US vs UK editions so I’m extremely happy. Andrew and Thomas and their unhinged little fairy tale monsters and obsessive romance also just passed a wild 31,000 adds on Goodreads and that is just so wild to me.

Don’t Let The Forest In is being called a deliciously dark and dangerously addictive, Wilder Girls meets A Deadly Education, in a dark academia YA thriller filled with twisted fairy tales and monsters that will keep you up at night. Coming January 2025 in paperback from Hodder Children’s Books UK.

You can also preorder it here on Amazon UK or Blackwells!

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Here they are side-by-side.

Incredible art by Jana Heidersdorf!

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“No one would want a heart like his. But he’d still cut it out and given it away.”
On the first day back at boarding school, Andrew can’t wait to find refuge in the twisted fairy tales that he writes for Thomas – the boy with hair like autumn leaves.
But Thomas’ parents have vanished, and he has blood on his sleeve. Stranger still, Thomas won’t talk to Andrew, even though he’s always loved sketching the monstrous creatures from Andrew’s stories.
Desperate to discover the truth, Andrew follows Thomas into the forest and catches him fighting a nightmarish monster – his drawings have come to life.
To ensure no one else dies, the boys must battle the creatures every night. But as their obsession with each other grows stronger, so do the monsters, and Andrew fears the only way to stop them might be to destroy their creator.