2.21.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, guys! Amy here, reveling in the sunshine and warmth we've gotten in the South over the weekend. Even though our winter has been fairly mild, I am SO READY for spring: flowers, blue skies, soft, green grass . . . my soul stretches a little bit more when the world feels alive. Maybe I should move to a private island.

Or maybe I should win the lottery first before I continue that train of thought.

ANYWAY.

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:
 

The Guardian published an article about the Koh-i-Noor, the storied diamond behind J.T. and Catherine's first Nicholas Drummond novel, THE FINAL CUT. It's mostly accurate, too. 

Cat lovers, rejoice: the Orange Collar Project aims to get lost cats home (!).

While she's on social media sabbatical, J.T. hasn't stopped reading things (if she did, she'd explode—trust me). So writers, read up: here's a collection of links she curated just for you:

A very thoughtful piece on accessing and building vulnerability: What's Your Kryptonite?

If you don't subscribe to Steven Pressfield's blog, you should. This week: the difference between subject and theme.

A beginner's guide to growing and maintaining men's long hair. (five words: Matt. Damon. Man. Bun. YES.)

How writing helps you think. (especially the part about note taking. I always absorb more when I write it down.)

Use your own voice, people, the one thing that can't be taught: Serious Writer Voice. J.T. recommends all writers learn the grammatical rules of their trade, and then trust themselves enough to know when to break those rules. 
 

Have any of you been watching the BBC's War and Peace miniseries? Thanks to the show, the book shot up on bestseller lists for the first time since the last century. Call me crazy, but this might be one I'd watch instead of read. Sorry, Tolstoy.

Also, Chris Stapleton won a bunch of Grammys, and that made me very excited. He and his wife, Morgane, have been hidden gems around Nashville for years, and I'm glad he's finally getting the recognition he deserves. Listen to this recording of the two of them singing this folk-bluesy version "You Are My Sunshine." They're just delightful.

Agents turned booksellers in this interview, and I just loved it.

And closer to home:
 

On the Tao this week, we hosted J.T.'s friend, YA author C.J. Redwine, who just released a new series!

If you're looking for some cheap weekend reads, here are a couple of ebook deals for you: 

• Kobo is having a sale on ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS for $1.99!
• Sam Owens #3–4 are now available in one package for $11.99!

On The Wine Vixen, I disclosed why it's so important to chill your wine, and J.T. talked about one of the best value red wines she's found (spoiler alert: it's great with pizza!).

Well, folks, that's it from me. Let's cross our fingers for spring, and I'll see you next week!

–Amy

2.14.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, guys! Amy here, trying my best to fill J.T.'s big shoes (metaphorical, of course) while she's on her annual Social Media Sabbatical for Lent. You may know me as the other half of The Wine Vixen, where I review mostly white wines (I'm a sucker for Riesling and Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc) and beg J.T. to come with me to review Nashville restaurants. It's a really tough sell, let me tell you. I also love Mexican food, NPR, and greyhounds.

I mean, come on, how could you not?!

They are also 45 mph couch potatoes that love to sleep.

ANYWAY. You came here for links, and links are what you're going to get. J.T. is still reading things while she's on sabbatical, so some of these links are hers and some are mine. We'll be dividing things up like this until after Easter. There will be lots about food, books, and dogs, just so you know.

And without further ado . . . 

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:

 

Here's something to stick in your back pocket: 9 Dates for Book-Loving Couples. (Boyfriend, take note: literary road trip!!!!)

You know what would be a great companion for your literary road trip? This literary road map, OF COURSE.

If you're in the Knoxville area and want a cheap, low-key Valentine's meal, head to Sweet P's BBQ. The original location is on the river, just off the Maryville Pike, but there's a downtown location, too. 3 courses (including wine pairings for each course!) are only $25. Just sayin', folks. And the regular menu is open, too, perfect for a Lady & the Tramp moment over a rack of ribs!

This is the book I'm obsessing over right now: Ariel Lawhon's FLIGHT OF DREAMS, which is coming out in a couple of weeks. An expertly-paced plot, intricate historical details, and a lovely romance against the backdrop of tragedy. This ain't your mama's historical fiction. 

If you've been hiding under a rock, you might not have heard that J.K. Rowling is giving us an 8th Harry Potter book . . . sort of.

Writers, take note: Steven Pressfield is discussing theme, and it will change your writing in the best possible way.

Fascinating article from the Nashville Scene: KFC Has Created the Luke Bryan of Hot Chicken.

Also, I'm a TV junkie who's a frequent binge-watcher. My latest binge-watch was Showtime's Nurse Jackie, which just came on Netflix. Oh my. It's dark, for sure, but has some spit-things-out-of-your-mouth funny moments (that, um, happened to "a friend"), courtesy of Merritt Wever's character, Zoey Barkow. Edie Falco is excellent in this, and while there are some plot points that raise my eyebrow, I thought it was an overall well-done series. I watched 7 seasons in . . . well, a shamefully short amount of time.

And speaking of TV, I know J.T. nearly shrieked with excitement when she found out that Deborah Harkness's All Soul Trilogy is being adapted for television!

Even MORE TV news: Outlander Season 2 will debut April 9, and here's a trailer (!). Even if you haven't read the books, the show is worth a watch. J.T. would call blasphemy on this statement, but I think the show may be just as good as the books (sorry, boss, just being honest . . . ).

And closer to home:

On The Wine Vixen, J.T. and I compiled some of our favorite wines for you and your honey to enjoy tonight, and I wrote about tasting the (supposedly) most cancer-fighting wine in the world.

Are you a fan of the book (or movie) THE MOSQUITO COAST? Then you need to catch J.T.'s newest A Word on Words interview with the unforgettable Paul Theroux! If you missed J.T.'s A Word on Words interview with Greg Iles (author of NATCEZ BURNING and THE BONE TREE), you can watch it here. 

If you're in the mood for creepy love stories, Two Tales Press has the MAD LOVE bundle on sale for $0.99!

And PS: J.T. still has a couple of Goodreads giveaways that are still live! You could win one of 30 ARCs of NO ONE KNOWS or one of 20 ARCs of FIELD OF GRAVES. Good luck!

Well, that's all I've got for you. Happy Valentine's Day, have fun with your loved ones, and I'll see you next week!

–Amy

2.7.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, lovelies! Who are you cheering for tonight? I'll be decked out in my Broncos regalia, cheering on Peyton and the boys. I do hope they win for Peyton's sake, especially if it's his last game. Talk about going out on a high note, right?

Get ready: this is an extra-long Smatterings this week. But I know you can handle it!

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:

Okay, first things first: you need to read this book. I'm serious. Ariel Lawhon has written a captivating, immersive story full of intricate historical details, intrigue and romance—all aboard the Hindenburg's final journey. It's not a book you're not soon to forget. 

Scientists may onto a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. So cool!

Also, LOOK at this pen! (What? I'm a sucker for cool writing instruments.)

I must say, this is an excellent theory: Harry Potter fan theory links Dursleys to the Deathly Hallows.

Aside from the first line of this interview (um, who hasn't heard of Nora Roberts, even in England?), this is an interesting read: Nora Roberts: The woman who rewrote the rules of romantic fiction.

Self-love is important. The end. Here's how to be nicer to yourself.

I love this Booksgiving experiment The Bloggess is running. (Also, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of her book FURIOUSLY HAPPY. I mean, I was crying with laughter!)

The history of the ampersand is more interesting than you'd think.

A fabulous rant on how we writers can get lazy with our craft: Why I'm Taking a Break From Contemporary Romance. (heads up: this is pretty NSFW)

For creatives, sometimes it's a bit too easy to compare your success with someone else, studying why they may have more than you do. Here's how you can combat that feeling.

This is how to ease yourself into great writing.

I'm pretty pumped for my pal, YA author Victoria Schwab, whose crazy-successful A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC is getting adapted for TV by Gerard Butler!

Ever wish you had a road map for your literary adventures?

One of my favorite bookstores, Seattle Mystery Bookshop, is turning 25! And they're celebrating with a giveaway!

PSA: have you added my new standalone, NO ONE KNOWS, to your Goodreads "Want to Read" list?

And closer to home:

If you're itching for some free books, I have TWO Goodreads giveaways going on right now: one for a copy of THE FINAL CUT, and one for an ARC of my Taylor Jackson prequel, FIELD OF GRAVES (coming your way this June!).

And I had a fabulous time with InD'Tale Magazine, and you can read our interview here! We covered the gamut: Jaws, the White House, true love, and more. 

So I got to interview the brilliant Greg Iles about his latest book, NATCHEZ BURNING, for A Word on Words. The show aired this morning and will be on again Thursday night. He's just as cool as he is brilliant, which is saying something. I really enjoyed our conversation!

Don't forget: I've got three unconventional love stories on sale for $0.99 at Two Tales Press!

On The Wine Vixen, I dished about this Pinot Noir, which you should take to your next big social gathering (i.e. like a Super Bowl party tonight!), and Amy raved about this Pinot Grigio. We also liked this article that divulges where you can find the best value wines in the world.

That's all from me! I've got some news coming your way tomorrow, so pay attention to the social media feeds—you don't want to miss it!

Xoxo,
J.T.

1.31.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Another Sunday is upon us -- and can you believe it, tomorrow ushers in February?  This month has flown by. I get lost in words sometimes and I look up to see a portion of life has passed with nothing to show but oodles of story. It's rather surreal, time.  One wonders just how fragile and flexible it truly is. We let a groundhog dictate the weather, maybe we need a time squirrel who can run backward and give us another 15 minutes a day. That would add up, don't you think? (And yes, all this is a giant metaphor for OMG DEADLINE and bonus distraction, I have SQUIRRELS in my attic. Who can blame them, really. It's nice and warm up there.) And speaking of small beasts, don't forget to say bunny rabbits first thing in the morning -- brings you good luck all month!

And with that thought, here's what happened around the Internets this week:

A beautiful read that might explain my earlier thoughts: Stealing Time. Don't wait, people. Just don't wait. Follow your dreams now.

My Broncos are going to the Super Bowl! Such a nail-biter of a game, and I'm so glad they beat Tom Brady. Just sayin'.

On the 30th anniversary of the day we lost the Challenger Seven, the Smithsonian had this remembrance. I was on my very first visit back to Colorado after we'd moved to D.C., and my father and I were sitting in the parking lot outside my junior high listening to it on the radio. I remember looking at him in horror, asking, "What does that mean? Did it blow up?" and the sadness etched on his face when he nodded. We hugged an extra long time before I went into school. 

Writers, some solid advice here, including: "...treat the readers you have like they are the most special people on earth." And other solid advice. Truly, without your readers, the ones you already have, you won't have a career. Honor them, and they will honor you.

More for writers: looking for ways to develop a scene? Or maybe an outline? This article is for you. When I'm on deadline, a part of my brain is already disengaged and thinking about the next book, and I am going to try outlining it. Why not, right? 

Book lovers: here are 99 ways you can spread word about the book you love. You may not think one person's actions make a difference. But remember your chaos theory: one ripple in the ocean can be felt a world away. If you care about books, show your love! You have no idea how much we authors appreciate it when you do—when people can more easily discover our books, it makes all the difference. 

"Women & Booze: Is Everything We Know About Alcoholism Wrong?" This was fascinating. I didn't know AA was originally for men only.

CBS has ordered a Nancy Drew pilot that features the super sleuth...as a 30-something NYPD cop. Um, what? (Hat tip to Laura Benedict)

"The Deep Space of Digital Reading." This is why we shouldn’t worry about leaving print behind. Do we have what Nicholas Carr calls "the shallows", our brains flitting from piece to piece, book to book, article to article, never fully delving and focusing and comprehending what we're consuming? Perhaps. But I like this historical context, how reading has changed from verbal to silent, and our consumption changes along with it. Cool read. 

And closer to home:

As I'm on deadline, I've been thinking a lot about the writing process and this thing I do every day. Here's a little inspiration for the frustrated creative: Endurance separates the published novel from the book in a drawer.

We premiered a new segment on The Wine Vixen: a culinary travelogue! Each month, Amy and I will bring you a new restaurant we loved, either here in Nashville or found on our travels. First up: one of the best restaurant meals we had in 2015 right here in Music City.

And on Two Tales Press, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, we debuted a new low price for MAD LOVE, our collection of... unconventional love stories, now available for $0.99.

That's it from me! The February newsletter is coming out this week, chock-full of goodies and a pretty awesome slow cooker recipe. If you haven't signed up, click here! 

Xoxo,
J.T.

1.24.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, chickens! Keeping warm, I hope? It_snowed_a_lot in Nashville, the most in 13 years (I got a little more than 10" at my place — a triumph!). It's great motivation to stay inside because, as you know, I'm busily writing away, trying to finish the next Nicholas Drummond book. But I do love looking at glistening trees and flakes slowly falling. The world feels so quiet and peaceful.

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

It takes discipline to write: it really does. There are some days when the words flow out of me, and other days, I feel my muse is still sipping her morning tea, taking her sweet time to arrive as I beg her to show up. I'm always curious to see what others' writing experiences are like, so I really enjoyed this: the daily word counts of 39 famous authors. (I try for 1000/day.)

Speaking of deadlines... did you know there's a fancier word for procrastination? Akrasia. And this is why we don't follow through on what we set out to do. Fascinating stuff.

Why yes, Sam Heughan, I will replay this clip of you reading Burns poetry 10 times today. And tomorrow. And the next day...

Harlequin is in the wine business! Have you tried any of these yet? I love the bottles.

I'm sure you'll be shocked to hear that many of us suffered mightily from Blue Monday. Here's how you beat it. And a thought -- it you have any kind of Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may have a Vitamin D deficiency. You may want to add a supplement in during the long winter days, and see if it helps.

Do you enjoy browsing your local indie store? I do. I love walking in, chatting up the staff and getting their recommendations. Which is why I was so eager to help out another one of my favorite indies in need: Seattle Mystery Bookshop. If you want to help save a great neighborhood indie store, visit their Go Fund Me page. 

And closer to home:

Heads up: the first two Samantha Owens books are now available in one convenient digital package. (And for only $5.99, too!)

Oh! Would you like a free ebook? My publisher for NO ONE KNOWS is giving free ebooks to peeps who sign up to be fans of my Simon & Schuster author page.

And like I said earlier, I mused about the agonies of deadline. Don't get me wrong—I love my job. Love it, and am grateful for it every day. But man, deadline takes a lot out of you, and there are some days I walk around like a zombie. 

On The Wine Vixen, we learned that boxed wine can actually be delicious (YEP) and how to make mulled wine, a perfect snow day drink. Mmm... 

And don't forget: if you're looking for Snow Day reads, you can get free samples of all the books on Two Tales Press!

Alright, loves, that's all I've got for you. Stay warm, read all the things, and I'll talk to you soon!

Xoxo,
J.T.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my January contest: I'm giving away a signed hardcover of THE FINAL CUT and other goodies!