AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Once more, dear readers, we get to see that exciting once-every-four-years-or-so event, the triumphant entry of Julia Spencer-Fleming's latest completed manuscript into the sacred precincts of St. Martin's Press offices.

 

 

Yes, you heard it right.

I have handed in the first draft of AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY.

 

I can guarantee you this won't be the actual last page when we're done.

 

Now, keep in mind, this is one ugly baby. It's another Frankenbook, written in pieces over the past four years, with, I'm sure, plenty of dropped plot threads, characters changing personalities and names, and sudden unexplained events occurring with no previous notice. In addition, I wrote in ending in an M&M fueled rush, getting a normal week's worth of work done in one day. (That happens with every manuscript. I always have to rework the ending.)

As of writing this, I haven't heard back from my editor, although we've been in contact and he assures me he's working on it. It's undoubtedly in even worse shape than I thought. But you know what? I don't care! I finally, finally reached the end of the story, and if I have to redraft every page, it's still easier than starting ab ovo.

And, of course, I'm recovering from knee replacement surgery! The best advice I've gotten suggests I won't feel like doing any creative work for about eight weeks after, and that's what I've told my agent and editor. Fingers crossed, I'll be at it earlier, but, as I tell my communications students, it's better to underpromise and overperform.

Here's what I don't know: 

How much work the manuscript needs.

Any sort of marketing plan, including giveaways.

The date of publication.

Here's what I do know:

AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY will be available at fine booksellers everywhere at some point in 2025. Yay!

The other thing I don't know is whether or not this will be the last Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery. I don't think so, but for the first time in almost eighteen years I'm out of contract, i.e., I don't have an agreement with my publisher to write more. So, not to be crass, but get those pre-orders in when they become available! The more readers who sign up for AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY, the more likely it is St. Martin's will sign me up for more adventures with our friends in Millers Kill.

Thank you all, sincerely, for your support. I couldn't have done this without everyone cheering me on and reminding me they were waiting for the book. I'm extremely fortunate to be part of such a great community. 

Okay, let's have a brag-a-thon in the comments! Dear readers, share what makes you want to blow your own horn!