I’m Baaaack!

Happy September, everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re ready for some cooler fall weather. So bring it on!

August was a very busy month, so I wasn’t able to post every Tuesday as I usually do. But good news: yesterday I sent the edits of my third novel, House of Hanging Jade, to my editor. Now I can get back to writing my next two novels in earnest. And cooking regular meals, and doing the laundry, and keeping the flower beds weeded, and cleaning the house…

This week I want to tell you about some of the events I participated in this summer. I had a great time and I’m happy to have some photos to share with you.

First, Sun Rose Words and Music, an independent bookstore in Ocean City, NJ, hosted a booksigning for me on a beautiful Thursday in July. Some fantastic folks stopped by to chat and I even sold a few books! It was great seeing old friends and making new ones.

                

Second, I was lucky and honored to be included in the Summer Author Lecture Series at the Avalon Free Public Library in Avalon, NJ. This year and in the past, the library has attracted the likes of Elin Hilderbrand, Lisa Scottoline, and Lee Child, so it was thrilling for me to be able to be included in the library’s line-up this summer. Here are a few photos of the event:

                

A few days after the event in Avalon I had the opportunity to visit my hometown of Watertown, NY, to be a guest of the Asbury Book Club. It was a group of lovely and lively people (mostly women, but one man came, too!) who asked lots of questions about my books and the publishing process. And they were kind enough to invite my mom, which was a big bonus. Some of the people at the meeting didn’t make it into the picture below, but it was wonderful to meet all of them (my mom didn’t make it into the picture, either, because she was the photographer). And after the book club meeting, I got to have lunch with Sharon Aguanno, an avid reader and friend whom I’d never met in person. What a treat for me!

And finally, I attended the second annual Suffolk, Virginia Mystery Authors Festival on Saturday, August 22nd. It was such a thrill to share the stage with so many talented and prolific writers and friends! The event actually started for the attendees on the 21st, when we were treated to a Suffolk Ghost Walk. We learned about the history of the beautiful city of Suffolk and the ghosts who haunt its homes and businesses. On Saturday there was a meet & greet for guests and writers, then a panel of the 24 authors, followed by booksignings, readings, workshops, and other panels. I participated in the Location, Location, Location panel and had a great time. I am already looking forward to going back next year.

                    

I’d like to thank all the people who showed up to any of these events, everyone who organized and coordinated the events, and anyone who took pictures and shared them with me!

I hope you had a great August, too. How did you spend your time?

Until next week,

Amy