Hi there, chickens! It's hard to believe July is here. Where is this summer going? (She says, with a mild panic in her tone...)

I had a wonderful retreat last week, but it's always good to be home, getting back in the groove. It's been a busy week of writing, writing, writing, and reading, reading, reading. Have I mentioned lately that I love my job? I just wish there were 28 hours in the day. As a matter of fact, I've set my alarm for an hour earlier than normal to try and take advantage of the extra quiet time in the morning. Not a 5 am riser, but I'm working on getting up earlier. It's hard when you're a natural night owl.

Oh, and a super fun event this week, my friend Jeremy Finley launched his debut novel at Parnassus, and I was there to give him a boost. It was a lot of fun, and if you haven't grabbed THE DARKEST TIME OF NIGHT yet, do. It's worth it.

Also, we've started planning for our next season of A WORD ON WORDS! I'm telling you, this show, these people, has changed me in so many ways, all for the better. The fear I used to feel about being on camera is kaput now, and I'm in love with the interview process. Plus, my producer Linda, my cohost Mary Laura, and the folks at NPT, and our guests are just too much fun.

So, that's it from my neck of the woods. Let's see what's happening in the real world. Here's the latest news and bookish goodness!

Here's what happened on the Internets this week: 

'A Discovery of Witches' TV series trailer breathes life into the Deborah Harkness trilogy. This is one of my all-time favorite series and now I need to go reread the books - happy sigh. Deb Harkness is incredible! You need to read A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES if you haven't already, and come see her on tour. She'll be in Nashville in September!

Amy Adams Goes Dark: 'Sharp Objects' and a Female Antihero for a Troubled Time. More fabulous insights into my favorite book from Gillian Flynn. I can't wait to watch this show, July 8 can't come soon enough.

Jerry Seinfeld’s Closed Door. Cal Newport draws out a good lesson from Seinfeld about convenience versus value. This was very much a you have permission to retreat to your writer cave and get your work done kind of post.

Is Megan Abbott Hollywood's next big novelist? I hope so! I loved her 2016 novel YOU WILL KNOW ME and I'm looking forward to the release of GIVE ME YOUR HAND July 17. She was also a recent guest on A WORD ON WORDS, and I loved our conversation. It's no surprise she's rocking it right now. 

How to Practice Meditation Anytime, Anywhere. "The biggest takeaway for me is that life is busy, so you have to take your meditation opportunities where you find them, and Mindfulness lets us do exactly that." All the this, people. Especially in light of our current climate, a mental escape is good for the soul.

Is This the Biggest Book Cover Trend of The Year? "2018 is the year of the all-caps typography." Have you noticed this trend? I admit, they're good looking covers...

And closer to home:

This was my office view in Colorado earlier this week! My writing retreat was a great success. I managed to write 8500 words, played some golf, slept a ton, and got to hang out with my family. It was a very restorative week.

Also restorative: I bought this ridiculously adorable summer cardigan on sale from Madewell. Yes, it's pink! I've been gravitating toward this color lately and, for whatever reason, it's good for my soul.

That's all for now! Watch a parade, marvel over fireworks, and have a wonderful 4th of July!

xo,
J.T.