Happy August, amigos,

 

We're just back from three days at the one and only Newport Jazz Festival, and now I'm ready to forge ahead to my deadline. No idea how I've made it this far, but I'll indeed have something legible to turn in to my developmental editor on the 11th. Getting y'all involved and adding extra pressure gave me what I needed to push through. Thanks for that.

 

I'll likely have this new story in your hands about this time next year. Might as well share the title while I'm here. Unless marketing wants to go in a different direction, my latest creation is called The Only English Bookstore in Bologna.

 

In the meantime, I have something special for you. Really special. I mentioned that I'm re-working the covers for The Red Mountain Chronicles as a way to celebrate the September release of Before We Say Goodbye, Otis's origin story. Let's pause for a: yipppppeeeee! This epic saga is unquestionably my fave book to date; Otis is my spirit animal. 

 

Anyway, over the last few months, during epic bouts of procrastination, I've jumped back into A Marriage Well Done and given it a major upgrade. Along with the killer new cover, I've polished the prose and added thousands of words, bringing out even more of what I think is a super fun origin story about Margot Simpson, the beautiful mess of a single mother who eventually finds her way to Red Mountain to open a B&B. What I enjoyed most about this re-write is I didn't hold back one bit, letting Boo and Margot's freak flags wave high. Imagine me in my office cackling as I drew out even more of the absurdity. Even if you've read it in the past, it'll be worth a second look.

 

For you, my dear readers, here's a digital copy for FREE! That's how much I love and appreciate you.

 

Or if you'd like a newly released hardcover, a paperback, or an official Kindle copy (or just want to support your crazed writer-in-residence), you can find it here on Amazon. 

For those still resisting my invitation to join me on Substack, here's my latest post, The blank page is my enemy, an essay on what happens after a writer types “The End.”

 

I'll leave you with a shot of Mikella and me up front enjoying the SOFI TUKKER Brazilian set on Friday in Newport. Let me tell you, friends, I feel reawakened and refueled after enjoying an absolutely marvelous waterfall of music with Mikella and our dear friends from Boston, Hunter and Nyree.

P.S. Please forgive me if I don't respond to your emails. Know that I joyfully read each one. Your notes keep me going, but I best put my energy into meeting the next deadline. Thanks for understanding.

Catch up on old newsletters here.