Sunday Smatterings
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Hello, gentle readers, welcome to Sunday. Did you have a good week?
I did—because I got to type these two words:
Yes, you read that right. Novel the Twentieth is drafted! Even after twenty novels, typing those two words never gets old. I remember when I was on my fifth, and a writer I admired was on Facebook relishing the fact that she'd just finished her twentieth, and I was blown away. I told myself no matter what, I would meet that goal for myself. And now I have. So this one's a biggie for me.
So with THE SIXTH DAY is in the books (no pun intended), Catherine and I have some editing to do, but I always exhale when we get the draft done. The pieces are on the table, all we have to do is tighten and polish and make the story the best it can be. I'm glad the first draft is out of the way before we get into the holiday season. Lots to do this time of year—I think we'll be able to enjoy ourselves a bit more. And who knows what kinds of plot twists the holiday punch will help us dream up...
And without further ado, onto the links!
Here's what happened on the Internets this week:
Lulu the Dog Did Not Want to Join the C.I.A. Fabulous - I have a training school dropout in my new standalone book, which I get to start working on November 16. Her name is Katerina. Kat, for short.
'Frankenstein' Author Mary Shelley Was Goth Before It Was Cool. A few things I didn't know about this amazing lady (PS I have a mad crush on her husband). Also, goth.
How I Decluttered 500 Things in a Month. All it takes for me to realize I'm on deadline is one look at my house. The clutter. Oh, the clutter—it is everywhere and it is driving me nuts. I'm getting ready to tackle this myself later this month. I can't wait!
Airport Yarnbombing. On her way back from Bouchercon, my bestie (and brilliant author) Laura Benedict snapped these photos in the Philly airport. So cute! So cozy!
How the 25 greatest stories ever told would be ruined by technology. Fantastic and clever. You really must read this. In our modern age, we take technology for granted. See how it might affect your favorite.
Dawson High School crowns football kicker Claire Jeffress as homecoming queen. As it should be. Go, sister!
7 Reasons Fall Is the Absolute Best Season for Reading. Wine by the fire, anyone?
Tom Hanks: “God gave all of us burdens, and some of us typewriters”. America's treasure has written some fantastic stories, and I can't wait to get my hands on them. This was my Book of the Month pick.
And closer to home:
Just in time for your Thanksgiving plane or car ride: DEAD ENDS will be $0.99 starting this Tuesday, November 14! These are perfectly binge-able nuggets of suspense from some of the best writers around (Jeff Abbott, Helen Ellis, Laura Benedict, Patti Callahan Henry, David Bell, to name a few). If you haven't picked up your copy, now's the time—the price doesn't get better than this!
That's it from me. Y'all be good, toast some marshmallows and put 'em in cocoa, pat a fluffy kitty or puppy, and we'll talk again soon.
xo,
J.T.
