Sunday Smatterings
Hello hello hello, and happy Sunday, friends. I hope you’re doing well this week.
How are you? Hanging in there? Gearing up for Fall? Kids back in school? We were on the porch last night and there was actually a hint of coolness in the air. Soon enough we’ll be voting and having fires and staying inside. Normally I’d be thrilled by this prospect, but I admit to being a wee bit concerned about heading into the cold and flu and election season with a pandemic at hand. But after flying this week, and feeling relatively safe, I’ve committed to getting back into the world. With my mask, and my spray, and my gels, of course.
What this really means is I’m going to get a haircut, and schedule a dentist appointment, and I had a huge treat today—a Sonic diet cherry limeade. (It’s the little things.)
Now that GOOD GIRLS LIE max is out in the world (see the little video below), it’s about time to start sharing the cover and story for HER DARK LIES. I have a final cover, and I have final copy, and I promise I will reveal both shortly. The Literati on Facebook get to see it first, (so you might want to join us there) and it will be in next month’s newsletter. By the way, when you open the newsletter you get entered into a giveaway for a $30 gift card to the bookstore of your choice, so if you’re signed up and don’t see it in your inbox, check your promotions or (egads) junk folders. I’ve been having some deliverability issues with my current service, and I promise to work on that shortly.
The (next) new book is starting to speak, as well. I’ve been trying to tell it to hold on, because I have a VERY big September ahead and I don’t want to start until October 1, but I heard a song today that embodied the story, and that was it, my main character started talking. What are you gonna do?
I’m committed—committed—to outlining this new book. I’m using THE ANATOMY OF STORY by John Truby, whom my brilliant friend and fellow author Ariel Lawhon has been trying to help me conquer for years. Did I mention I am committed, friends? After the craziness of the past 14 months, I’m ready for a nice, smooth writing process. Since I’ve been a committed pantser forever, it should be a very interesting few months. Would love to hear from some of my writer friends—have you ever used Truby? What do you think?
And with that… onward!
GOOD GIRLS LIE got max’d!
GOOD GIRLS LIE is now available in mass market paperback max! Get your copy today.
I recorded a video to show you what the new edition of GOOD GIRLS LIE looks like, talk about my inspiration for the book, and also give you a glimpse of where I grew up in Colorado. And deer!
THE LATEST ON THE INTERNET:
Listen Up: The Benefits of Audiobooks for Your Heart and Mind. This is great. I am a fan. What’s the best audiobook you’ve listened to lately?
10 New Thrillers That Will Keep You Awake During Hot August Nights. Hank Phillippi Ryan’s THE FIRST TO LIE was excellent and I’m looking forward to Amber Garza’s WHEN I WAS YOU. Have you read any of these yet?
4 of the Best Campus Novels to Get in the Spirit of the Fall Academic Year. Thrilled to see GOOD GIRLS LIE included on this awesome Book Riot list!
These 3 Practices by Bill Gates Will Change How You Read. "It’s about what and how you read that will improve your life’s quality and enhance your mind."
This Twitter Account Rates Zoom Backgrounds, and It Hates Your Color-Coordinated Books. Uh oh. Fie, I say. Fie!
More Fascinating and Free Things From the Library of Congress Website. Very cool.
The Joys of Mystery Fiction's Most Enduring Tropes. Tropes serve a purpose. Do you have a favorite?
If you haven’t read WHERE ALL THE DEAD LIE from my Taylor Jackson series, you can enter to win it in this Lethal Attraction: Romance Suspense giveaway!
That’s it from me. The minions send their best and say take a walk, buy some new kitchen towels, dust your bookshelves, and I’ll see you next week!
Peace and hugs,
J.T.