Well, our official topic this week is lauch parties and swag. I think I’m the only member of our 2020 class who got a launch party. Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes released on Feburary 2nd. Covid was front-page news at that point, but it still seemed awfully far away. No one here in Minneapolis fully grasped the threat. At my launch, 150 people jammed into my local indie. Gretchen Anthony…
It’s that time of year, when we resolve to do better when we change out the wall calendar in a few weeks time. No matter which book you pick up and how many exercises you skim and skip, just remember one thing: you have to write. Preferably for a little bit every day. Here are a few podcasts, blogs, books that may interest you: My favorites remain…
So, I don’t really know what to write this week, other than to say my release day was a perfect culmination of many years of hard work. I was able to interact with a lot of readers across many different platforms. The response to The Ones We Choose has been overwhelmingly positive, which, as a debut author, gives me confidence to push forward and keep writing. My editor sent me…
From Unseen Fire is a literary blend of historical fiction and fantasy that will blow your mind. The city of Aven is so richly imagined, no detail goes unfinished. Cass has filled every corner of this world until it practically breathes. There is political intrigue, love, revenge and redemption. And while there is a strong argument to be made for Cass’s gift in writing her secondary characters so well…
“So tedious is this day As is the night before some festival To an impatient child that hath new robes And may not wear them” –Juliet, Romeo and Juliet So tomorrow’s the day. I’ve wanted to be a novelist since I was 11. I’ve been working on this book for six and a half years. And tomorrow, it becomes real. Really, truly real. Is it okay to admit I sort…
Let’s talk about THE DIMINISHED by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson. I’ve been screaming with anticipation for this book to come out now it is finally here! In a world populated by twins, Vi is “diminished” meaning the sole surviving twin of her pair, and the world waits for her to succumb to grief or murderous rage. Meanwhile, Bo, as single-born, is preparing to take the throne. There are sun ships…
The Diminished scratches so. many. itches. Kaitlyn’s book is the one of my fellow 2018 Debs’ that is closest to being in the world I know. YA SFF and adult SFF do not live that far apart, and sometimes the distinguishment is really down to where any given bookstore feels like shelving things. Many authors of one also write the other (I don’t know if I ever will, being over-fond…
Lara’s memoir isn’t so much a linear structure as it is individual vignettes. Short stories that carry you so fully into a moment, a memory, it is as if you are there, and yet you are powerless to help. All you can do is watch things unfold for Girl and Brother. But despite the pain, there are moments of magic, experiences that balance the dysfunction, just a little bit. Her father…
Yesterday was the release day for Lara’s memoir. Over the past half-year, I’ve grown to adore both Lara and her writing as I’ve gotten to know her as a colleague on the Debutante Ball. I’ve read many a memoir before so I knew to expect a lot of personal information, but this is the first time I’ve read one written by someone I know. And man, was I surprised….
Kimmery is the “queen” of amazing instagram photos. This happens to be my copy of The Queen of Hearts…functioning as a great Lego base. This book has something for everyone!! Kimmery Martin is first out of the gate with her witty debut, THE QUEEN OF HEARTS. Centered around two best friends who met at camp, went to college together, and then medical school, Kimmery has intertwined their narratives so…
