Oh, Helene, you nasty wench, wreaking havoc all over today. I hope you guys are okay, not in the path, not in the surge, with power and lots of snacks. We are hunkered down ourselves, enjoying the Fujiwhara effect of two systems colliding. Your faithful junior meteorologist was glued to multiple channels and refreshing X constantly until late last night, and again this morning. So a long on ramp, a podcast, and tea, peanut butter and berries, here I am.
I got home just in time, too. I had a huge gig in Huntsville this week, the 38th Annual Vive le Livre, which raises money for all the library systems in Alabama. It was a magnificent night, with lots of laughs and tons of books signed. The speech went great. I get so nervous before, but when I get to the mike, it all melts away and I can just chill, connect with the audience, and have fun. We had a fun Q&A, too - the question that I loved the most was - “What is your favorite word?” The answer? Onomatopoeia! And I loved getting a chance to talk about IT’S ONE OF US and A VERY BAD THING, plus tell the Sweet Home Alabama story. IFKYK. Many thanks to my friends at the Huntsville Madison County Public Library for hosting me! Vive le Livre!
Also finished an initial revision of the 2025 book and sent it in, and cooked up a title for my next book. The ideas for it are coming together, and I’m going to write the proposal in the next couple of weeks. I have a nice long plane flight ahead, so I will use that time to noodle out the plot points. I have a hard time working on a project without a title, and this one makes me very happy. So far, the team loves it, too!
Next week is going to be…rough. My parents put the Colorado house on the market. It’s time. I understand this empirically, but my bones are still fighting this reality. So I’m heading out to pack the library, go through some boxes of my school things, play some golf, and say goodbye. I anticipate tears. With change comes loss, right?
Enough mush. Let’s talk books.
I’ve been gobbling down THE GOD OF THE WOOD by Liz Moore this week. I *think* I know what’s going on, so we’ll see if I’m right. But the writing is gorgeous, and I care so very deeply for all of the characters. The structure was challenging at first, but now I’m invested to the hilt in them all. Omniscient narration is a hallmark on the literary novel and she’s combined that with a compelling mystery. Good stuff.
And since I finally have a quiet weekend off, I’m diving next into Rachel Howzell Hall’s THE LAST ONE, a new romantasy. I need an escape, and I know this book is going to give it to me.
I scored a galley of Patti Callahan Henry’s newest, THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND. It is gorgeous! Can’t wait to dig in. Patti is such a lovely writer, and her books always find some fascinating topics!
Of course, I must recommend CODE NAME HÉLÈNE from Ariel Lawhon. Also a strong woman who wouldn’t lay down for anyone.
So, what’s happening in your world? I’d love to hear what you’re reading this weekend! Any recommendations?
May the memories of the Colorado home be kind while you are there. I have The God of the Wood but I haven't had the chance to read it yet. I just finished read you A Very Bad Thing ARC (my review is on Goodreads). WOW! Such a fantastic mystery! Great twists and turns. I am very much looking forward to your next release!
I hope your time in Colorado isn’t to hard/sad. I’m also in the land of tornadoes. I think i agree I’d rather have a hurricane because you get more notice. Both are scary though. I finished Alex Segura and Rob Harts Dark Space. So so good. And now I have to pick.. I’m either going to finish the ACOTAR series or pick from my Bouchercon stack. I CAN NOT WAIT for The Last One! I absolutely love Rachel’s books.