I can't take it. Ten more days until The Stars Don't Lie hits shelves. I'm feeling frisky and upbeat and damn near giddy. 

 

Before I get into some entertainment recommendations, housekeeping notes, and the deets of my release party on the 22nd, let me share with you a fun interview I did with my friend, beta reader, and the bright light that is Lynn Scornavacca. I give some details that I don't think I ever have before and then get into what led me to write Stars. I really need to stop sharing so much. I forget that people might watch.

Mikella and I are headed to Monmouth, Maine today to pick up our son from camp after 3 ½ weeks of the empty-nest life. Things were just too quiet, and we can't wait to wrap our arms around him. In fact, we've officially decided that wherever he goes after high school, we're following him. I'm also thrilled to make my now annual visit to the sorceress who lives across the street from the camp entrance and sells magical and addictive blueberry pies from her porch. I'd never had pie until I took the chance and swung into her driveway for the first time last year.

 

On August 22nd, at 5:30 pm EST, I'll be going live in my Facebook group to talk all things writing craft, reading, and of course, give you the inside scoop on the new one, including some stories about the teachers who changed my life and inspired this book. Bring questions or send them ahead of time. I know not all of you use Facebook, so I'll try to post it on Youtube afterward.

 

We saw a movie the other night, and I thought of you guys. You need to check out Somewhere in Queens with Ray Romano. It captures the Italian family life so well and reminded me of the tales my mother-in-law told me when we were working together to write The Singing Trees. And the story is exactly what I like to watch or read, everyday people struggling to find a leg up amidst all the madness and dysfunction.

 

Speaking of The Singing Trees, my publisher just told me we hit 250k sales last week. Holy cannoli! On that note, we had to swing by the Italian festival in Portland last night so my very Italian wife could run grab a cannoli, which she ate in the car while my father-in-law up front implored her not to. I just love Italians. (Did you notice the dessert theme in this email? I just did.) In other food news, Mikella just got mad at me for eating the leftover pimiento cheese and fried pickles from our dinner at Wilson County BBQ last night. God, I love my wife.

 

We just binged the Apple show, Hijack. It's grab-you-by-the-throat good. Have you seen it?

 

Back to books! I'm excited to begin the release of my Red Mountain series in Germany. If you have any German friends or family, please pass along this link to Book 1.

 

I hope y'all are enjoying the last of your summer. Winter is coming… muhahhahha.

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