Susan and What We're Writing: Time to Make the Books

SUSAN ELIA MACNEAL: Hello from New Orleans and Bouchercon '16! Delighted to be here. This is the view from my room:

My Bouchercon panel is on Friday (tomorrow), called YOU ALWAYS HURT THE ONE YOU LOVE: Messing with Your Protagonist at 11 a.m. in Mardi Gras E with Jeff Abbott, Laura Benedict (fan girl moment!), Cara Black (my Paris BFF), and Michael Wiley. I'm trying to remember things from novels already published to talk about, because it's spoilery to talk about yet-to-be published books. I have to say I'm getting old enough where this is all a bit much to keep in my head. But, my goodness, poor Maggie Hope — she's been through a lot, I'm sure I can find something to talk about....


THE QUEEN'S ACCOMPLICE, book #6 in the Maggie Hope series, comes out on October 4th—just three weeks away! So I'm busily approving press materials, and writing blog posts and articles to support the launch. 

And watching as the reviews come out. Thank heavens they've been uniformly excellent. Publishers Weekly says: "Echoes of classic crime meet international espionage in MacNeal’s accomplished sixth WWII mystery ... MacNeal’s engaging characters, vivid scene-setting, moments of romance, and rich historical detail offer plenty to enjoy." (Full review here.)


And I have a book tour coming up. Do I know where I'm going? 

NO! 

Or—not really! 

My publicist says there are possibly more appearances in the works — but would prefer I don't say anything until they are officially confirmed. Here are the confirmed events:

New York, NY

Library at the Cosmopolitan Club – Talk & Signing – 10/5

Middleton, CT

Wesleyan University / Mysterium: Mystery! Novel Conference – Panel, Talk, Signing – 10/8

Lititz, PA

Aaron’s Books – Talk & Signing – 10/11

Thank goodness I'm at the point in my career where I have "book tour clothes" and can just throw them in a suitcase with a prepacked toiletries bag.... But still. STILL. It would be nice to know where I'm going to be in the next few weeks....

And then, on top of that, THE PARIS SPY, book #7 in the Maggie Hope series, is due October 15, ONE MONTH AWAY! Is it done? 

NO! 

I've given Noel pages to read and edit. He's returned them to me, marked up with blue pencil. "I'm ready for more pages!" says he. 

Me: "Um, that's great — but they don't exist yet." 

Yes, the whole ending to the novel? Not there yet. I have some ideas and need/want to write, but....

I'm at Bouchercon! Yes, it's great! I love seeing people! It's NOLA for heaven's sake! But it's not conducive to writing. AND it's hubby's birthday TODAY! I'm missing my husband's birthday. Yes, we will celebrate when I get home. But still. I'm having All the Guilts.

Also, I'm at Bouchercon and it's Kiddo's second week at his new middle school. He is having the expected growing pains. AND I'M NOT THERE! BAD MOMMY! 100 MOMMY DEMERITS!

This is the balcony of the amazing New Orleans restaurant where I phoned home last night to talk to Noel and Kiddo. They were fine. I was a mess.


Sigh....

So I'm trying to write something for you guys, something amazing and inspiring and enticing.... and, well, drawing a blank. 

I'm thinking about my husband and kid. 

Thinking about the novel I'm supposed to write. 

Thinking about the novel coming out. 

Thinking about where I may or may not be going on tour.

And that, folks, is my post. 

I love you all, but I have to go back to work. 


xoxox Susan


P.S. Does anyone remember the Dunkin' Donuts commercial with the guy saying, "Time to make the donuts"? (You can see it here.) Well, time to make the books.

P.P.S. Donuts.... (Or doughnuts, as my copy editor would say.) Either way, mmmmmm......

SUSAN ELIA MACNEAL: So, Reds and lovely readers—what's your favorite donut? 

Since I'm in New Orleans, I suppose I should try a beignet, right? Cafe du Monde? Black coffee has no calories.... 

And I can bring my laptop, yes?