August is for Showing Up

Where Fleur ponders what this author gig is all about, and Floof is still hot

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to be invited to be in conversation (that’s basically an interview) with debut author Malia Maunakea. I’m always surprised and delighted when I get asked to do this—when I explained it to my daughter, I told her I was basically her wingman, a term that clearly needs updating, but you get the idea. Not that Malia can’t hold her own, but it’s nice when you can create this sort of fireside chat situation. The conversation was good, and we did a little fundraising for fire relief in Maui.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what we do all this for: the writing, the suffering while we hope to sell that next project to a publishing house, the book signings where sometimes no one shows.

It’s the bookstore staff who always remind that it’s all about community. Most of the people who show up for these events are friends or fellow writers, or the occasional floater-into-the-store. That used to bother me and I would feel like a failure, but now, I feel so lucky to have a community like that.

This is a picture from last year’s (hardcover) launch of Daybreak on Raven Island, at the Wandering Jellyfish bookstore. My friends (most from SCBWI, the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators) all SHOWED UP. They were enthusiastic, took pictures, and celebrated the fact that I wrote a book and it’s in print.

It’s a pretty big deal, if you think about it. The book, sure, but the friends… They are what really matters. That’s what I’ll remember about my launch. You showed up. Thank you.

And you continue to show up for me! Daybreak on Raven Island and Midnight at the Barclay Hotel are racking up reviews and sales continue to grow, and it’s all thanks to you. Thank you for telling your friends, requesting the book at the library (send me a screen shot, or a picture of Daybreak on Raven Island out in the wild!), and handing the book to a kid in your life.

What can I do for you…? We are friends, after all. Let me show up for you!

What I’m Writing

I’m (stiiillll) editing my YA mystery, but making good progress. It’s still fun to work on, which you fellow writers know means it needs more work. It’s not until you’re thoroughly sick of a manuscript that it’s ready to go to your editor.

Meanwhile, I’m also collecting ideas for the next book. I think it’ll be a younger middle-grade again… Stay tuned.

Where I’m Going

I’m going places! I have a mini booktour set up for the paperback launch of Daybreak on Raven Island, including a trip to Bouchercon in San Diego, you can find me on these panels, if you’re going.

What I’m Watching

I’m getting my classic mystery fix, with shows like The Afterparty (on Apple TV), and of course Only Murders in the Building. Mystery is my jam, what can I say…

What I’m Reading

I’ve done a brief segway into reading books for adults, including one of my favorite cozy mystery series by Jennifer Chow. She’ll be at Bouchercon, so you know I’ll be a fangirl and getting my books signed.

Floof

Floof continues to enjoy the chill of the bathroom this summer. Maybe I’ll join her for a day, see what the fuss is all about…