Hi! Happy spring! I hope you’re well and enjoying a great book.
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I had an event at Howling Basset Books in Oldwick, NJ earlier this month. I can’t say (or write) enough good things about this charming shop and its gracious and welcoming owners. I look forward to returning for upcoming events (and plenty of book buying) in the near future.
While there, I was asked what’s been the best part of my author journey and without hesitation I said it’s been the opportunity to meet new people.
Here’s a perfect example: The woman who asked that question, Melissa Elder, is a poet and the author of this gorgeous collection, The Mundane, which I purchased and forced myself not to finish in one sitting.
In person, Melissa is a bright light. Her enthusiasm is infectious and that shines through in her words and the stunning images she evokes simply by finding the beauty in the otherwise ordinary.
In fact, one of Melissa’s poems has inspired me to (finally!) start an essay I’ve been putting off for a few months because I didn’t know exactly how or where to begin. (Thanks, Melissa!)
Writing has introduced me to so many fascinating and talented people, if I tried to list them all this letter would be book-length. So I thought I’d focus on a few who have books coming out soon.
D. Liebhart’s House on Fire will be available March 31. I met D. through the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and I’ve loved watching her bring her story to market. Here’s a bit about it:
Bernadette Rogers swore she’d never put her father in a nursing home. Does that include euthanizing him to keep her word? Her mother thinks it does. Bernadette isn’t so sure.
This is a thought-provoking read that explores an all-too-familiar tableau—a woman, who is a daughter and mother, struggling to keep everyone happy and not lose herself in the process.
While I haven’t met author Erin Flanagan in person, we began exchanging messages when I read her phenomenal Edgar-winning novel Deer Season. In it, she made a “Remington Steele” reference and I had to reach out because oh, how I adored that show! Seeing it in print brought back happy memories of watching it sprawled across my parents’ bed. My mom and dad had joined a bowling league and right beside the alley was a Dairy Queen. They’d bring home Blizzards for my brothers and me, and to me, ice cream + private detectives = heaven.
A few months ago, I was honored when Erin asked me to blurb her novel, Come With Me, which will be released in August and is an absolute page-turner. Add this to your beach reading wishlist now!
Back in the fall, I had the chance to meet author Melissa Romo when The Little Boho Bookshop hosted us as part of the Bayonne Fall Festival. Melissa is the author of the historical novel, Blue-Eyed Son. Her latest work is the nonfiction guide, Your Resource is Human: How Empathetic Leadership Can Help Remote Teams Rise Above.
Available April 3, the book aims to give remote leaders the counsel and courage to embrace empathy, adapt their communication and inspire optimism that will drive culture, build connection and help their people do their best work.
Melissa and I recently had lunch together and I am continually floored by her energy, kindness, and intelligence.
I also had an experience every author dreams of—a reader reached out and asked if she could send me her copy of The Perfect Neighborhood to have me sign it. What an honor! Along with the book and a lovely note I’m keeping on my desk as I wrestle with the aforementioned self-doubt, she sent this doodle. So creative!
While exchanging messages, we realized we’d both be in NYC on same night so I was able to return her book in person and thank her for her kindness and support.
Other read and listens:
With the weather warming up, I’ve been trying to get outside and take more walks. Nothing motivates me quite like having a spellbinding audiobook to return to, and I was lucky enough to listen to two this month.
I devoured Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft, which follows Bea, a snarky stunner who’s determined to not repeat the mistakes of her con-woman mother and so sets her sights on marrying into the “one-percent.” But can she leave her dark and disturbing past behind? Carlotta Brentan knocks it out of the park with her narration.
If you’ve read it or plan to, and enjoy it as much as I did, you may want to listen to the Top Shelf at Merrick Library podcast. Host Carol Ann Tack interviews Koller Croft and asks all the right questions.
Though I was afraid that would be a tough act to follow, I found Big Swiss by Jen Beagin just as captivating.
This quirky novel follows a sex therapist's transcriptionist who falls in love with a client while listening to her sessions. When they meet in real life at a dog park in the hilariously-described town of Hudson, NY, an explosive affair ensues. It’s filled with lines that made me laugh out and gorgeous observations. I may need to get the physical copy to reread parts.
If you choose the audio, which is superbly done by Carlotta Brentan, Joy Osmanski, Matt Pittenger, Rebecca Lowman & Stephen Graybill, you may want to keep your earbuds in for this listen because it definitely contains some NSFW (not-suitable-for-work) scenes.
I was lucky to grab a copy of A Flaw in the Design by Nathan Oates from my library last week. I read this gem in two sittings and all I can say is, “Wow!” I was so enthralled, I didn’t even get up from the couch to make my afternoon coffee. (If you know of my devotion to my pour-over Italian roast, you know that really says something.) It’s extremely atmospheric and the tension mounts with every page. I highly recommend it.
Where I’ll be next:
This Thursday, March 30, I’m returning to my alma mater, the University of Scranton, to talk about the writing life. As an English major, I lived for any kind of reading so it’s a thrill to be on the other side of the podium. (I’m also hoping to find out if the local bars still have quarter draft night and if the cafeteria is still serving fried mozzarella patties for dinner. Stay tuned!)
Here are some other upcoming events. I’d love to see you there!
Sunday, April 23, 1 to 3 p.m.: The Book House, Millburn, NJ
Saturday, April 29 at Princeton Library
Crafting a Compelling Query Letter Presentation: 11 a.m.
Author Day Book Fair: 1:30 to 4 p.m.
What are you reading? Tell all!