I will be on book tour from the 8th of October, ending with Bouchercon 2019 in Dallas. But there is so much to do before I take off! Written interviews, blog posts, podcast interviews, social media, scheduling! It's all fun, though, and here are a couple of my favorite things from this week:
Last Sunday's mention in Parade Magazine (which was completely unexpected!)
And the release of the teaser from the audio version of A BITTER FEAST, read by my wonderful narrator, Gerard Doyle. This made me swoony with excitement! It is such a weird and wonderful experience to listen to your own work read by someone else. The book takes on a life of its own.
I also, I have to admit, have been shopping. New book, new tour, new conference--all call for a new travel wardrobe. Here's the result of a one-day blitz!
So I am all coordinated, and with the help of a white blouse and couple of scarves (not worn with the animal prints!) hopefully I can do a week at a time without looking like I'm wearing exactly the same thing at every event.
But what about WRITING, you ask. Well, here's my big news--
There is another book in the works--in fact, I've just signed a contract with my publisher, William Morrow, for two more books.
I have a smidgen of the first book rattling around in my brain. A title, a setting, a germ of a plot, some chapters outlined and bits of scenes written. I just have to clear the decks, focus, and do some necessary research so that I can really dive in. Next time we roll around to What We're Writing I'll have a snippet to share and will tell you more about it.
Next stop after Bouchercon, three weeks in London!
So, dear REDs and readers, how do you keep your cool when life is pulling you in a multitude of directions?? If you have calming mantras, please share. I could use them.
I may not be quite as excited as you are about the imminent release of “A Bitter Feast,” but I am really looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteTwo more books . . . what wonderful news! Congratulations . . . .
Keeping cool? When it gets overwhelming, I sit down and just take a few minutes away from all the things clamoring for my attention. [A cup of coffee helps!] It’s difficult being pulled in several directions at once; sometimes just letting it all settle a bit can make a difference . . .
I crochet for a few minutes. Since there is always a project in waiting, it is as simple as sit, pick up hook with yarn and go. You did say you crochet, didn't you? As a non-frequent traveler, I'll need to see if I can practice what I preach as I prep for my vacation in the end of October. Enjoy the trip. Another book? I'm addition to Duncan and Gemma?
ReplyDeleteThat should be IN addition.....auto-words can be so problematic.
DeleteI don't crochet, sadly, nor do anything very "handy." I'm sure it would be calming, but just not skills I've ever picked up.
DeleteI can teach you. Crochet is much less complicated than knitting, and much more free-form.
DeleteHere's rooting that you get it all done before you leave on tour.
ReplyDeleteMe, I read to get relaxed. I didn't get to read on my lunch hour today (or take my lunch), and I could feel it all afternoon.
My goal is usually to read in bed, my treat for the day even when all else goes awry, but the last few days I haven't managed even much of that.
DeleteI could use some magic mantras. Husband, granddaughter and I are in London and I am driving myself crazy trying to make it a good trip for them. I had word before we left that I won a copy of A Bitter Feast and a trade paper of the book before it. Yay! I hope they’re there and waiting when we get home Monday!
ReplyDeleteYay, Pat! You must have one the Harper sweepstakes!! As for London, just enjoy yourself and let them figure out what they want to do!
Delete"won" the sweepstakes. Someone is not awake this morning...
DeleteCongratulations on the new contract--yay!!! And on the wardrobe expedition :-) Should make packing easier for those three weeks in London!
ReplyDeleteWhen even a mantra won't calm my monkey brain, I try breathing exercises or removing myself to a different environment--get outside, shut myself away from the clamor, etc. And yes, if there's time, a book can help.
Lists can be calming Debs! And going to a yoga class or on a walk. Don't forget to put the red pashmina in the suitcase. and huge congrats on 2 more books!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRed pashmina already out, Roberta! Although I will be home to repack before then.
DeleteCongratulations! All that shopping in one day? That has never happened to me. Ugh. I need a personal shopper, I think. I love the color scheme.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a mantra, but getting outside for a walk in fresh air has saved me SO many times. Have a great launch and tour!
It has been too hot and steamy here to go for walks unless early in the morning or late in the evening. I'm still having to hand water all my potted plants, and I've been trying to use that as a little meditative break.
DeleteAs for the shopping, Edith, I did sort of have a personal shopper. I could never have done so well all on my own. I went to my favorite Chico's, which is the store in our DFW area that carries the most petites. I told the terrific sales lady what I was doing and what I needed. We started with one piece, the moto jacket, and built from there. She only brought me things that would work together. I can't tell you how many things I tried on to end up with those eight pieces, but it was so worth it. That relieved a good bit of the pre-trips stress.
I also found a dress the week before to wear with my cowboy boots at Bouchercon:-)
Perfect! One of my sisters-in-law swears by Chico's. I also forgot to say congrats on the new contract. Anybody who would cancel your series would need to be committed.
DeleteA Bitter Feast is my 10th book with my publisher and I love them so much. Glad to know they love me, too!
DeleteChico's wheelhouse is travel coordinates! That's really how they began, with wrinkle-free, packable pieces that all go together. Glad to know they still have that going on.
DeleteI didn't realize that's how Chico's started, Karen. So interesting. They seem to use good fabrics and their clothes hold up really well. And their stuff works for me. There is no greater thing than find a clothing line that makes pants that fit you! Their no-iron cotton shirts are fabulous, too.
DeleteWow! Great news on the new contract!! Inspiring!!! And looks like you scored on that shopping trip. Inspiring as well😁
ReplyDeleteWe've all talked about the challenges of packing for tours and conferences! This will be remembered as the year of the moto jacket... I also did some suitcase research and ordered a new roll-aboard that only weighs 5 pounds. I think I'm going to love it.
DeleteI just went and looked up what a moto jacket is. Oh - motorcycle!
DeleteAll the trend at the moment! I fell madly in love with this one the minute I saw it. It's faux suede and soft as butter.
DeleteDebs, bet you look great in the moto style.
DeleteThanks, Karen! I'm sure it will be on social media, lol
DeleteYES that jacket is cool!! Love the color scheme of your travel wardrobe too. Your new book is on my ordered list and I'm waiting to get it - I hope there is a marvelous map inside of the mystery trail!! I really enjoying looking at the maps while reading and printing them out too!
DeleteFrabjous! New two book contract plus kewl new clothes, what more could you want?
ReplyDeleteI don't envy you the tour, but I look forward to seeing you in Dallas. And the good news is Melinda thinks she has the week off -- it's been iffy -- so she can join us for all of Bouchercon and MEET you finally.
Of calming mantras I have only one: I think of the BVM and say "Mary, give it your best shot." I understand her best shot might not be quite what I want to happen, but that's the way it goes.
The days of being pulled in a thousand directions are over for me of course. Would it help to know I sometimes miss the excitement of an urgent or emergent situation, and the satisfaction when it is over and nobody died!
Ann, I'll remember the BVM:-) And that's great news about Melinda!! And you are right, of course, there is an adrenaline rush to all this stuff. I just wish I was better at focusing and prioritizing.
Deletecongratulations! And new clothes to celebrate! I'm in a similar panic mode. Every evening, I pick three things from my mile-long list and write them down for the next day. I can do this. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteLists help so much, don't they? I don't know how anyone manages without lists!
DeleteLooking forward to your new book, all your books for that matter, since I just finished book 8. Those who advised getting out and taking a walk have the right idea. At least it has always helped me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to walking in London. Even if I'm in the flat or the hotel room writing for a good part of the day, I will be getting out for walks. Walks are the best thing for creative flow as well as calming.
DeleteCongratulations on the contract. Smart publishers!
ReplyDeleteAs for a mantra, I remind myself that perfection is the enemy of achievement. Then I go for a walk or do the dishes, then I make a list — always putting on it something I’ve already done so I can immediately cross it off — and then I get down it. That’s on a good day. On a bad day, I eat some potato chips and put everything off until tomorrow LOL
That sounds like a great plan, Amanda. Although the potato chips might cause a problem with the new wardrobe:-)
DeleteLove that you eat potato chips, a worthy job if ever there was one. I'm more inclined to peanut brittle.
DeleteExcellent wardrobe choices, Debs. You will look quite chic.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to say I drink heavily, but more truthfully, Spider Solitaire helps calm me down.
This has made me realize what few calming rituals I have. I don't play Solitaire or any other computer games, don't knit or sew or crotchet. I do get outside in the garden but that's not always feasible, and you can't take it with you when you're traveling!
DeleteI run, outside when it is possible. On Wednesday it was 107, so I ran at the air conditioned gym,
DeleteDeep breathing exercises, similar to those used in preparing to meditate also can work for me.
There are classical recording with breathing prompts that I use too.
Congratulations, Debs! Can't wait to see you in Dallas!
ReplyDeleteI have no calming mantras. Oh wait, I play digital jigsaw puzzles. Does that count?
Now that sounds like fun. Is there an app you recommend, Liz?
DeleteLists, tiny goals so I can tell myself I've done at least one little something to move the whole caravan forward, and time outdoors and/or with my animals. I suspect you get some sanity from all the time you spend watering your lovely garden. Hang in there. The light at the end of the tunnel is a lovely month in London.
ReplyDeleteTrue, I will get there. And book tour will be fun. I love meeting readers. And there will be hotel rooms, which I love. That may sound weird, but hotel rooms are quiet and peaceful, and I have no responsibilities. Bliss.
DeleteAnd, if you're lucky, 24-hour room service.
DeleteShalom Reds and fans. I am easily distracted especially when overwhelmed by too many things. Even being retired, I have a host of dates and times, where people are expecting me to show up. I keep a calendar. I use Google calendar on my laptop and I sync it to my smartphone. (I can’t remember what we did before the “smart phone”.) Last September, I started using, once again, a book calendar in which I keep a written copy of my appointments. I use a “myday” planner which is published by a one-woman company called “The Shaatra Club”.
ReplyDeleteMorning and evening, I take medication for many ailments. I use Facebook’s Messenger app to call me on the phone at 8 am and 8 pm. After the call, the app leaves a little notification on the phone, that I don’t erase until I actually take my meds.
When I was a kid and I stepped on my mother’s “reserve nerve”, she would stop and count to ten before reprimanding me. I sort of do that with myself and take some deep breaths when I am otherwise frazzled. I also take “smoke” breaks during which I can regain my equanimity.
My goal, for the coming year, is to incorporate regular and daily quiet times and weekly “Sabbath” breaks. One regular day a week during which, I don’t do any “work”. No screens. No cooking. No smoking. No telephone. Yes, turning off the telephone. Yes, books are ok but only if they are mystery stories or the Bible.
And then, as has been mentioned. Long walks. Particularly if you can find some solitary woods and turn the music of your earbuds off and just listen to the sounds of nature.
I also am a big believer in shopping.
I love your Sabbath idea, David. I do make an effort at that, but I always end up having to do some kind of work.
DeleteShana tova, David
DeleteShana tova, David!
DeleteWhen life is crazy, I usually relax with a cup of tea and my book friends Duncan and Gemma and Melody and Doug. That's probably only half-helpful for you. (Great travel wardrobe, BTW!)
ReplyDeleteI haven't even managed a cup of tea the last few days!! And I would LOVE to spend a few quiet hours with Duncan and Gemma and Doug and Melody. Soon!!
DeleteI have now had my flu, pneumonia, and shingles shots, so can cross those off my list!!
ReplyDeleteDebs!! Awesome! You are an absolute force of nature! Cannot wait to catch up with you in Dallas… Amazing amazing amazing ! Xxx
ReplyDeleteSo excited for new book, and two more in the future! I am just listening to the whole series on Audible as a refresher, loving them all over again. My chill is to play with my dog, even for 5 minutes: he always makes me laugh! Good luck with the tour! Come to California some day!
ReplyDeleteI was in California for the last book. Fingers crossed for the next one! And so glad you're enjoying the Audible books!
DeleteDeborah, I am so excited for you! I requested a copy of A BITTER FEAST from my library. Glad you had your flu, pneumonia and shingles shots! Calming mantra? I try to focus on happy things. I try NOT to read the newspapers until AFTER I had breakfast. Cut down on coffee and drink more tea helps me be calm. Being kind to myself helps too.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Thanks, Diana!
DeleteDebs, do you have the Calm app on your phone. Great meditations and ways yo de-stress?
ReplyDeleteLove the new wardrobe. You'll look stunning!
Rhys, you are my fashion icon!! You always look wonderful at your events.
DeleteDownloading Calm app now:-)
CONGRATULATIONS, Debs!!! That's wonderful news!!! As a huge fan, I'm just thrilled. I loved A BITTER FEAST so much.
ReplyDeleteGemma and Duncan are like family now, you know? Can't wait to see you at the Pen and Bouchercon!
Can't wait to see you--less than two weeks now!!
DeleteDebs, I'm so glad you bought new clothes for yourself, because this totally vindicates me going out and spending $$$ on updating my wardrobe next spring when I hit the book tour road! Thank you! (And they look great - I can see you in the animal print right now.)
ReplyDeleteMy calming trick - Sit down for 20 minutes or a half hour and read a book. Just for pleasure. It's amazing - afterwards I'm calm, settled, and re-energized.
Julia, you should absolutely 100% treat yourself to a new wardrobe for your book tour. And if you have a shop where they will help you, it makes such a difference.
DeleteAnd, yes, a book. Not the newspaper!!! I have a new book non-fiction book called Under Land that I have been dying to get to. (Didn't you recommend, Ann Mason?) I think it would be just the thing. After I've done my list of requests from my publicist...
Hi Deb, love the new duds. You will look spectacular! I used to go to conventions attended by the same women every year. Each year I bought a new, really nice scarf to go with the same black suit. Each year (even in pictures) it looked like a new wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all us fans that your publisher wants more books. We do, too! Let me rephrase that, we love your books. Thank you from all of us, William Morrow!!
Since it is too hot and sticky to go for that walk, (which I agree with many is the best calming exercise) the next best thing is to slowly stretch out because your body is holding the tension. Even if it seems mental, it definitely becomes physical. Also, this may sound silly, but drink a glass of cold water before you go for that glass of wine later. OMG, I'm turning into my mother.
Great advice, Judy, thank you!! I have been doing a lot of stretching--and staying really well hydrated in the heat. The glass of water before the wine is always a good idea!
DeleteSince I don't like being overwhelmed, first I will make a list either on paper or in my mind of what needs to be done and the priorities. Usually I do the more important things first but sometimes I do some simple things just to make the list and my stress smaller.
ReplyDeleteYour book is on request at the library. So happy that we can look forward to more!
Debs, I hope you see this comment. I've been running to the airport all day, with my husband's flight to a connecting flight in Chicago finally cancelled. Anyway, I'm so excited about your touring because I'm going to get to see you in St. Louis. Lesa Holstine and I are traveling to St. Louis to see you at the London Tea Shop where you will be. So excited!!! Your clothes are beautiful, and you will look gorgeous in them. And, I am counting the days until A Bitter Feast is out so that everyone can enjoy one of the best books of the year. I loved it so!
ReplyDeleteKathy, I am so excited that you and Lesa are coming!! Can't wait to see you in St. Louis!
DeleteDeb, since you witnessed Marcia Talley and me buying new outfits at Chicos during last year's Bouchercon, you know how much I approve of your updating for your tour. I LOVE your choices! The new book sounds fabulous and Kudos on the mention in Parade Magazine! You are a powerhouse!
ReplyDeleteSasscer
Terrific news on the contract! Congratulations on that and the pending release! Counting down the days to The Bitter Feast! I have read and re-read and re-read and ... all the books in the series... !
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were young and we never seemed to have enough money, my mantra was always "this doesn't have to be a problem" Years later, I'm realizing that was a pretty good attitude and I'm trying to bring it back! My daughter likes to say "It'll be fine" which I think is a nice new twist!
ReplyDelete