Ever walk into a room and instantly feel like you belong? That's how I felt the first time I walked into Shakespeare and Co. in 2010. And then again in 2015. Eight years later (!!!), I waited in line and didn't mind one bit.
Ok, so it's not officially summer, but it already feels that way in DFW. Right on schedule the humidity has arrived, along with thunderstorms galore. Before long, the temps will reach triple digits with no turning back until October. But you know what makes this sauna-esque season not quite so bad? Air conditioning. And books.
Every once in a while you're reminded that social media can be a really good thing. Like when you stumble upon an author you had never heard of because of a writer friend you met on Twitter long ago. Thanks to Tracie Banister, I've been introduced to Melanie Summers who writes irresistible rom-coms and women's fiction.
NYC. Paris. Los Angeles. London. San Francisco. Rome. These are where so many of my favorite novels take place — and with good reason. They're incredible cities where the setting itself becomes its own character. But for my last three novels, I've eschewed these popular locales with good reason.
Every once in a while we're reminded that social media can introduce you to delightful people you'd never meet otherwise. Case in point? I connected with author Anita Chapman as part of the #WritingCommunity on Twitter.
In the interest of everyone's eyes not popping out of their sockets from scrolling and scrolling, we split the interview with the delightful Betsy St. Amant into two posts. And where better to continue than our conversation about Gilmore Girls.
Author Betsy St. Amant knows a thing or two about navigating a deadline. Or more accurately, deadlines. She just revealed the cover for her upcoming Christmas (!!!) novel, Their Holiday Secret, in her newsletter and has a number of other exciting writer-y projects in the works.
One of the most delightful aspects of securing agent representation— besides, you know, having an amazing advocate for my work—has been meeting the incredible authors who signed with Susan @ Golden Wheat Lit long before I did.
When my first novels released back in 2007 and 2008 (!!!), they featured me, a total newbie, on their illustrious blog and have answered so many writer-y questions for me over the years with encouragement and candor. In short, they are utterly fabulous. And funny. Need proof? Check out their podcast, We Fight So You Don't Have To. Naturally, I'm already excited for their latest novel, Forever Hold Your Peace, to hit stores July 11. If you haven't pre-ordered already, you can do so here. While we wait for their new story, I thought it would be fun to have them answer the Banister Questionnaire.
Author Rachel Mucha and I happen to share a few things in common. A literary agent, for one. Studying journalism in college. And a deep, deep love for likeable, memorable characters. Rachel's latest novel Bad Press hit shelves recently.
