Sunday Smatterings

Greeting, salutations and warm Sunday hellos!

I come to you from the land of surgical recovery. Went under the knife Thursday morning. The first couple of days were not at all fun, because the surgeon had to do more than anticipated -- he found two tears, one “significant” in the meniscus, one in the plica surrounding the tendon, and some nasty arthritis which he smoothed away. But the knee is starting to knit and heal. I can put some weight on it, and stretching is starting to feel good instead of murderous. I get to take off the surgical dressing this afternoon, and replace it with bandaids. Trust me, that will feel very good. I hope to go downstairs tomorrow. And physical therapy starts Tuesday. And showering. Oh, my kingdom for a hot shower. 

Despite the fine ministrations of Nurse Husband, who has been incredible, feeding, watering, and entertaining me at regular intervals, I am about to go out of my mind. I’ve been stuck in bed, leg elevated, cushioned by down alternative and weighted by cats for three days now and I’m amazed at how very bored I’ve been. I’ve tried reading, watching movies, magazines, even a little work, but it’s being stuck in bed that has me rolling my eyes. I’m ready for this to be over, for sure. Let me do something. ANYTHING!

The minions, on the other hand, love this. There are mountains of pillows to snuggle on, a warm, bored mom who is happy to chat and scratch, even the gentle purr of the ice machine which seems to make them feel safe and happy. 

Regardless, I’m feeling very blessed that things have gone so smoothly. I was quite nervous about this one. Should see a full recovery within a few months. And of all the strange things, one of my golf/yoga buddies had the same surgery with the same doctor the same morning, but we only found out because I heard the name called in the waiting room as I was prepping to go back for mine, and went huh, what are the odds?  So we’re getting to be rehab buds. 

With that, let’s check out the somewhat truncated links (because the pain pill just kicked in…🤪!)

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Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

Crime Fiction as Self-Care. "The insular act of reading lets you into a story but keeps you safe, putting you just out of reach of a world full of troubles."

Rare library book returned after 80 years. It's never too late to return a library book!

Keanu Reeves Is Too Good for This World. I’ve always loved Keanu. His simmering kindness and self-containment is so very attractive.

16 Twisty Books Like Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. LOVE seeing NO ONE KNOWS on this list. And if you missed it, we did a cover reveal this week for the upcoming mass market paperback (Sept 24)!

This Cincinnati Bookstore Operates from the Bed of a Vintage Volkswagen Pick-Up Truck. Nothing like a good bookmobile.

Step inside 'Leninka,' Russia's largest and oldest library. Gorgeous photos and such an interesting history.

Blackwing Eraser Hack-a-Thon. Depthcharge Nerd Alert, but so cool!

How Social Media Movement Subway Book Review Changed How We Look At Books. “While its main mission is to help its 225,000 social media followers discover new books, places and people, Subway Book Review delves deeper and shows us to never judge a person by their book cover. Beutter Cohen has become a documentarian of the underground and someone who is dialed into the American and international cultural scene.”

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What I’m Reading:

MAN OF THE YEAR by Caroline Louise Walker

Beautifully written and deviously plotted—the very best kind of story. MAN OF THE YEAR is a stellar literary suspense, exploring the chasm between truth and lies, identity, love, hate, and the pursuit of self, and how a moment’s decision can undo a perfect world. Caroline Louise Walker is a remarkable new voice to watch. Give me more! On sale Tuesday. What are you reading?

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That’s all for now. Take some time today for a nap, read a good book, put in a few more herbs, and I’ll see you next week!

peace and hugs,
J.T.

NO ONE KNOWS mass market cover reveal!

I am thrilled to announce NO ONE KNOWS will be coming out in mass market paperback September 24! It has a spiffy new cover, and I was able to do a pass through, fixing some tiny issues.

Also, for the first time in print and ebook in the US, the original ending for the book has been restored. 🎉

Ever since I agreed to change the ending, I’ve felt something was missing from the book. It was too abrupt the way it was originally published. The addition of the original ending truly finishes out the book, and I hope you feel the same.

It was both fun and alarming to reread this book. It’s not something I’ve ever done—once a book is published, that’s it. I might listen to the audio, but I don’t reread. Ever. It’s a rule. Because of course there are a hundred things I would change, if I could. I think that hold true for many authors.

But this time, with the permission of my editor, I did just that. The book took place 6 years ago in Nashville—I adjusted a few things to be more current. I smoothed some rough edges. I addressed a mistake that made it through. Little things, here and there.

All around, it was a joyous experience. This was my first standalone novel. It’s much more “literary” than my series novels. It was the first time I really stretched my wings as a writer—leveled up, as we like to say. I am obscenely proud of my debut effort at a standalone. It was a Book of the Month selection, was long listed for the SIBA Southern Book award, was an Okra Pick, was a She Reads pick, made Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide, and, thanks to you, hit the USA Today list.

If you haven’t heard the story behind the plot of NO ONE KNOWS, you should read this: THE SECRET PROJECT IS NO LONGER A SECRET. It’s a fun peek into the origins of this novel. I hope you love it, and if you haven’t read the book, now’s your chance. Even if you did, I hope you will get your new and improved copy come September. Links below! Mwuah!

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About the book:

With the same page-turning suspense as The Husband’s Secret, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison’s No One Knows is a “riveting…skillfully plotted” (Publishers Weekly) thriller that questions if the narrator’s husband really has returned from the dead—or if she’s merely losing her mind.

Aubrey Hamilton has been mourning her missing husband for five years, despite being the prime suspect in his murder. When he is officially declared dead, there are still more questions than answers: Why didn’t Josh show up at his friend’s bachelor party? Was he murdered, or did he run away? And is the new, mysterious man in Aubrey’s life as familiar as he appears, or have years of loneliness and confusion finally driven her mad?

No One Knows is an evocative mystery that explores the complex darkness within all of us, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty, and Paula Hawkins.

Preorder it today!

Listen to the Book Soundtrack

Sunday Smatterings

Happy Sunday! What a lovely (short) week it’s been. With the garden fully in after Mr. Ellison’s tender ministrations over the three-day weekend, I have some beautiful flowers to look at, and the veggie patch is flourishing. We have Romas, naturally, and carrots, butter lettuce, potatoes, mint, basil, rosemary—all the staples. I’m going to put in some thyme and scallions this weekend. My Gardenia is blooming like mad, but she reminds me of a shy, southern lady—her blooms come to life and are gone the next day. No hummingbirds yet, but I learned they’re in bug-catching mode right now, so hopefully they’ll be back to drinking nectar soon. The hydrangea is starting to flower, the delphiniums are bursting at the seams. Waiting for my lavender and the butterfly bush to get going. And there are now lots of petunias, as suggested.

We have a rule. I do the flowers, Mr. E does the veggies. He has the greenest thumb I’ve ever seen. I do not. It’s crazy.

Did a lot of editing and organizing and idea-gathering this week, too. I know I’ve mentioned the Writing Excuses podcast before, but I’ll direct you to it again. I’m on season 11, with three more ahead. Like watching the Masterclass, listening to experts in their field talk about writing always shakes loose some excellent ideas, and plot thoughts. I spent Thursday organizing and listening, and it gave me a great idea for the new book that is going to be sustainable.

And some GOOD GIRLS LIE galleys came! I am beside myself excited. I know it’s seven months away, and that’s a long time to wait, but we will be doing some giveaways, and the PR machine will gear up in the fall.

I have to laugh, though, looking at this picture. The galley sits atop my notebook for the next book. My work is a metaphorical literary garden, without a doubt. Some parts are perennial—the process, the notebooks, the stages of writing. Some are annual—the unboxing of books, the sudden rush of emotion seeing last year’s garden bloom out so vigorously. And with any garden, once it’s finished blooming, you turn the soil and lay the groundwork for next year. That’s exactly what I’m doing right now, enjoying the blooms, getting ready to prepare the soil so it can lie fallow and grow something new.

Oh, the knee surgery is scheduled for later this week, so if I’m a little less responsive than usual, it’s because I’m tucked up in bed, drooling. I will be back on my feet quickly, the doctor assures me. I am holding him to it.

So with that, let’s check out the links!

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Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

Looking for a good book? Here are 8. (So cool to see our A Word on Words episode with author Delia Owens included in this lineup from PBS Newshour’s Arts Beat, Canvas, especially to point people to such an incredible book!)

50 of the Best Books to Read This Summer. I don’t know about you, but I will never be able to read all the books I want to. And here are some more great ones. Time to fill up your TBR! 

Cat furniture dragon franchise, anyone? Cat Owner Makes A Cardboard Iron Throne For Her Maine Coon Cat, And The Lord Of The House Loves It. OK, this is too fun. I love the creative spirit, and would love to see this commercialized.

Mary Laura Philpott Answers Bustle’s New Feature "Ask An Author": I'm About To Get My Degree From Grad School — Now What? Lots of super advice here.

The All-Star Closer Who Is Trying to Save Bookstores. I am a Dodgers fan by marriage, so it’s always hard for me to root elsewhere, but Washington Nationals relief pitcher Sean Doolittle has gained a fan for life.

NPR's Summer Movie Guide: 27 Films Coming Soon To Theaters. Rocket Man, Late Night, and Dark Phoenix are all on my list. What’s on yours?

Are There Any Subjects Too Dark For Crime Fiction? 6 Crime Authors Debate the Possibilities & Limits of Noir...And Also Dinosaurs. This was one of the most fun interviews I've ever done. Hannah Mary McKinnon brought us together and set us free. You can imagine the thread that was happening as we were answering the questions and talking to each other. It was an absolute delight and I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Get an In-Depth Look at a Barnes & Noble Concept Store. Have you visited one yet? I like this set up, and the refocus on books.

5 Ways to Improve Your Focus and Productivity with Exercise. “You’re probably aware of the physical benefits of working out. Whether it’s lower cholesterol, increased longevity, or just fitting better in your clothes, exercise is great for all of it. The mental benefits, however, are often overlooked. These can translate into a huge edge at work.”

For those of you who enjoyed THE LAST SECOND, here’s a fun little article that popped up Friday on the Navy’s secret alien documentary. For reals.

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What I’m Reading:

OUT EAST by John Glynn

The divine Mary Laura Philpott recommended OUT EAST in her sweet tiny newsletter, and I jumped on it immediately because A - MLP knows whence she speaks when it comes to book recommendations, B - I'm trying to read more non-fiction, and C - Montauk. I've always been obsessed with the northeastern beach scene, being a Florida beach girl myself. I went in expecting a light read about the Hamptons and WHOA. John Glynn's style is amazingly evocative. This is a wonderful coming-of-age memoir, beautiful, lovely, heartbreaking, and inspiring. I gobbled it up in two days. While John's day job is editing for Graydon House, I really hope he writes a lot more, he's a true talent. What are you reading?

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That’s all for now. Cut some flowers for your counter, put out a bowl of water for the unseen neighborhood beasties (it’s getting HOT out there), invest in some lightweight running shoes to motivate you to get out and walk, and I’ll see you next week!

peace and hugs,
J.T.

Sunday Smatterings

Happy Sunday! It’s Memorial Day weekend here in the US, one of those strange, juxtaposition holidays we celebrate. It’s the official kickoff for summer. Pools are opened, barbecue grills are fired up, we’re officially allowed to wear white shoes and carry white bags. But it is also an incredibly somber holiday as we honor the ultimate sacrifice our soldiers made to secure our freedom. So while you’re toasting this weekend, give a tip of the glass to those brave souls.

We’re having a very quiet weekend. Italy was a blast but not a relaxing vacation, so we are having a small staycation this weekend, catching up on some reading and chilling in the garden. It should be a lovely, quiet few days.

Not such great news on the knee front—I do have to have surgery. The upshot, though, is it’s quick and easy fix, and shouldn’t lay me low for more than a couple of weeks. If all goes well, the doctor even promised chipping and putting in 3 weeks. Since that’s the part of my game that needs the most work, I can get behind this. And enforced rehab isn’t much different from hiring a trainer, so I’m looking at this as a chance to rebuild a good gym habit, something the incessant deadlines of the past few years has robbed me of. Lemonade. We’re making loads of lemonade here. I haven’t had to repair anything in years, so I guess I’m due. I’m just grateful it’s not too serious. (Of course, Calamity JT reported for duty Friday afternoon, when it gave out as I was getting in the car and I sprained my ankle… I am a walking disaster zone. Or the universe if telling me more butt in chair time…)

I’ve been distracted by the worry over what was going on, so I feel behind work wise. A full reset this weekend comes at the perfect time. Lots of books, lots of rest, and lots of sun — just what the doctor ordered.

I also had some good downtime this week, coffee and cocktails with bookish folks, breakfast with awesome assistant Leigh, and deep breaths with BFF Paige, who provided me some much needed snuggle time with the adorable new niece and rambunctious nephew I adore. A lovely end to a test of a week.

So with that, let’s check out the links!

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Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

From Agatha Christie to Gillian Flynn: 50 great thrillers by women. What a list! I could just start at the top and work my way through over the summer and be happy as a lark.

Former Paris Policeman Creates Videos on Avoiding Travel Scams. Since it's time for summer travel...here are some excellent safety tips. Also, adorbs!

A Q&A with V.E. Schwab: On Creativity and Transparency.  Another good interview. Victoria is the queen of creative transparency.

The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink.  Agreed. It’s a bit to syrupy. But… a negroni-based spritz with Prosecco instead of tonic water is nice though.

“Like Sisyphus, I am bound to hell.” Intellectual cat humor, anyone? I cried laughing.

15 of our favorite pop culture bookshops. Did your favorites make the list? And if not, what are they?

Why the World’s Best Mathematicians Are Hoarding Chalk. OK, this is an utterly fascinating story! It reminds me of the great Moleskine famine, and the Blackwing pencil shortage.

Scenes From Award-Winning Literature Crafted With Hand-Cut Paper by Zim & Zou. How cool is this???

Every once in a while, you get to interview your heroes, and it is incredible. Harlan Coben doled out brilliant writing advice in addition to talking about his wonderful thriller RUN AWAY. Don't miss this week’s episode of A WORD ON WORDS! #keepreading

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What I’m Reading:

THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER by Kaira Rouda

This is an intense, creepy, gripping suspense. A chilling story, told so well by Kaira Rouda. Plus, Jordan feels strongly that you shouldn’t miss it. She was very shouty. What are you reading?

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That’s all for now. Have a safe Memorial Day, dip your toes in the newly-opened pool, drink some ice-cold lemonade, and I’ll see you next week!

peace and hugs,
J.T.

Sunday Smatterings

Buongiorno, and happy Sunday! I’ve finally both gotten over my jet lag and shaken the infernal beast of a cold I caught whilst in Italy, so I’m a bit more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed today than I have been in a couple of weeks. There’s really nothing worse than getting sick on a big trip. The whole family was laid low, though, so we definitely had a tank team mentality.

It has been a week of highs and lows. I have some good news that I can’t share just yet, but will very soon. I found out my meniscus is torn and I have an MRI scheduled to see if surgery is necessary. GOOD GIRLS LIE got some serious love from Publishers Marketplace (see links below.) And on the other end of the spectrum, my parents returned home to find their house had been broken into, the car and several other major items stolen. And there was everything in between, just a strange, bouncing-around week emotionally. I literally went from fist-pumping to tears in the same conversation. Maybe it’s the change of season. Maybe it’s the insanity permeating parts of our nation. Maybe it’s just menopause. I don’t know. But I feel your suffering, world. I really do. In my knee, and in my heart.

In brighter news, I crossed the 100,000 work mark for the year. I’d set a goal of 200,000 for 2019, and this has me comfortably on pace.

And… I’ve been seeing the ads for the MasterClass for months now, and I’ve always been interested, though I’ve resisted, for some unfathomable reason. I’ve wanted to see the James Patterson, Neil Gaiman, and Margaret Atwood ones for a while now, but when Annie Leibovitz popped up, it felt fortuitous, as I’ve been using her as the basis for a character in my new novel.  So we signed up for a year’s access, and immediately set about watching... Malcolm Gladwell. As you do.

(Remember, DH is a non-fiction writer, so this was a fitting start for us both.)

I’ve come away from this first Masterclass with a number of takeaways. 

1. I’m adding Malcolm Gladwell to any future dinner party invitation list. The man is brilliant, erudite, and hysterical.

2. Listening to brilliant people talk about their work, their passion, is incredibly inspiring. 

3. “Is there an analogous story to the one you think you’re writing about?” 

This last is a quote from Gladwell that stuck with me, because it’s the perfect way to approach building new fiction. I interviewed Harlan Coben for AWOW a few weeks ago, and he said he had several ideas for RUN AWAY that he wanted to get into the book. (I won’t list them, for fear of spoilers.) They were disparate on the surface, but in the context of the story, made for a rollicking adventure. I was reminded of this immediately when I heard Gladwell’s question.

A great story—a great thriller, especially—relies on the reversal of fortune that catapults the story in new and unusual ways. When you’re thinking about your story, your characters, think about the analogous situation. What’s happening in the story next door, so to speak, and how can you bridge the gap between them.

It’s a great way to conceptualize your story reversals, your characters’ challenges.

And so. With that, let’s check out the links, (which are deep and varied this week, so grab a cuppa before you dive in!)

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Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

GOOD GIRLS LIE is featured in the Fall/Winter Buzz Books from Publishers Marketplace ahead of its galley release at BEA. So. Freaking. Cool! And (hint, hint) you can read the first few chapters if you download the sampler, plus see samples of 45 other books. Incredible, right?

Why narrating an audiobook is a LOT harder than you think. "The very best audiobook narrators don’t just read a novel – they perform it." I firmly believe an audiobook is made by the narrator. Tell me some of your favorites in the comments!

Peach and Prosciutto Crostini with Whipped Honey Ricotta. A - Yum. B - If you're not reading Edit Nashville, a new magazine for our town with a great backstory, you should be.

I very much enjoyed chatting with the fine folks at Freedom, the makers of my #1 Productivity App, to discuss creativity in the age of distraction. It’s a cool company and a truly life-changing app.

You Can Book a Fancy Version of Hagrid’s Hut for the Ultimate Harry Potter Vacation. How cool is this?! Quite the upgrade for Hagrid.

How a Canadian Chain Is Reinventing Book Selling.  “It may seem strange for a bookstore chain to be developing and selling artisanal soup bowls and organic cotton baby onesies. But Indigo’s approach seems not only novel but crucial to its success and longevity.” I LOVE Indigo. One of my favorite stops in Toronto.

Emilia Clarke has lost her Spanx. And…I die…

'Here is a story! Story it is': how fairytales are told in other tongues. Language is fascinating! 

Hannah Mary McKinnon (THE NEIGHBORS) invites some of the best and brightest female crime fiction authors to discuss why, exactly, they kill.

Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Annual Summer Reading Guide is here!!! What a great guide, year after year. A true labor of love for the written word.


My lovely cohost Mary Laura interviewed Tim Johnston in this week’s episode of A WORD ON WORDS, and it has the creepiest ending to any show we’ve ever taped.

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What I’m Reading:

Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorites, and the Grisha trilogy is hands down one of the best fantasy trilogies out there. RUIN AND RISING has such an incredible conclusion. It's masterful how she has pulled the story together, pulled all the characters together, and kept true to the characters and setting. It's just a magnificent body of work. If you haven't read it yet, you should. If you have read Leigh, tell me what to read next because I'm going to be in a reading slump forever. Or at least until I sit down with KING OF SCARS.

What are you reading?

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Enough from me. Leave out a snack for your neighborhood kitty, crack open a bottle of champagne (hey, we all need champagne sometimes), give someone who needs it a hug, viral or otherwise, and I’ll see you next week!

peace and hugs,
J.T.