Yesterday was the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (aka the first day of spring.) And I am definitely in a “spring cleaning” state of mind. So, what better time to switch to a new home for my monthly newsletter? I’ve been enjoying other authors’ newsletters here on Substack, and I believe you’ll also enjoy the added value, including the ability to leave comments, questions, share and interact with each other in a much easier way — similar to social media.
According to my favorite “spiritual activator” Danielle Klein, the full moon was just in Virgo. So it’s all about shifting from procrastination to productivity. The energy of the moment is “let’s do this!” I’m all for that. And I have lots to share, so I’ll get to it.
What I’m working on:
I just turned in the acknowledgements and dedication for my 21st novel. This means that copy edits are done and it’s headed down the pike to be released out into the world. It’s always a strange moment for me, because it means that it’s officially out of my hands and on its way into yours. I am excited about this one, and I can’t wait to tell you more about it. But for the time being, all I can say is that it will hit stores in March 2024. I know. That seems FAR away! But I have a few things to keep you entertained this year, including something very special for the holidays. Stay tuned for more info about those projects in the next newsletter.
Meanwhile, those of you who know me will not be surprised that I’m already deep into the first draft of my 22nd novel, which was inspired by one of my recent travel adventures.
The writing life is quiet and solitary — which is a good thing and my natural habitat.
What I’m struggling with:
After a whirlwind release for SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX back in November 2022 and appearances that stretched into January of this year, I found it difficult to settle back into my writing routine. I’ve talked a lot about how social media, and much of the work I do when I’m in a promotional phase of a new book, can take me far away from my creative self. And how getting back there can be a challenge. There’s a buzz, an energy, and an excitement to the publicity stage. Being on the road is hard and exhausting but it’s also fun. Getting feedback, interacting with readers, booksellers, librarians, and appearing in the media can be kind of a rush, even if as an introvert I need a lot of recovery time afterwards. The writing life is quiet and solitary — which is a good thing and my natural habitat. But it’s difficult to switch back and forth. Anyway, I’m settling back in. And this article by bestselling author Cal Newport was helpful in re-establishing my boundaries. I am an evangelist for Newport's book DEEP WORK and I share it with all my writer friends. The article was like a little refresher course for me.
You wouldn’t think it might be an occupational hazard of the professional writer to lose that reader joy — but it can be.
What I’m reading:
This year I made a promise to read more of what I truly want to read, honoring my reader self. After all, writers are readers first. It’s where we fall in love with story. You wouldn’t think it might be an occupational hazard of the professional writer to lose that reader joy — but it can be. There’s so much I’m asked to read, have to read, read for research, that I have often drifted far from reading something just because I want to. So, I’m getting better at that. EVERYBODY KNOWS by Jordan Harper is edgy, atmospheric, character rich, and deeply involving. He paints an ugly-gorgeous, noir Los Angeles, exposing its thoroughly modern underbelly and all its dirty secrets. This is a must-read for anyone who loves truly good story telling and stellar writing. Next up for me: THE LAST ORPHAN. (I’ve already peeked at the prologue and wow, Gregg, is just blow-the-doors-off-the-car talented.) Truly, though he’s my good pal and ITW co-prez, there is no one writing thrillers like this better than Gregg Hurwitz. He is that rare combo of writer who can keep you riveted, move you, wow with his sentences, and punch you out with his rocket-paced plotting and action all at once. And cool tech. And vodka. Yes. Read it.
My TBR pile (speed round):
THE SENATORS WIFE by Liv Constantine — Love this bestselling sister author team and their twisty thrillers.
WHAT REMAINS by Wendy Walker — This looks like signature Walker, edgy, fast-paced, and full of surprises.
RED LONDON by Alma Katsu — Spies, intrigue, secrets and lies? What’s not to love?
YOU AND ONLY YOU by Carolyn Kepnes — Oh, Joe. What are you up to now?
The show is done brilliantly with lots of layers and character vignettes that set it far above what I expected.
What I’m watching:
At first, I was not that enthusiastic about The Last of Us on HBO Max. Because — a television show based on a video game? No. Could any show do the whole post- apocalypse thing better than The Walking Dead (my all-time favorite zombie soap opera)? Unlikely. But yeah I'm in deep. First: Pedro Pascal. Yes. (Also just started season three of The Mandalorian which is our family watch of the moment but such a shame not to see that face.) And oh that Bella Ramsey. I’ve loved her since Game of Thrones where she played the fierce and fabulous Lyanna Mormont. As Ellie, she is a violent, deep, kick-ass, vulnerable, broken, hypnotic train wreck of a character. A tour de force performance from this talented young actor. The show is done brilliantly with lots of layers and character vignettes that set it far above what I expected.
And we’re eagerly awaiting the new season of Succession where amoral, disgustingly rich, spiritually bankrupt people try to destroy each other in every way possible. I assume it will be as revolting and riveting as previous seasons.
Where I’ve been:
Last month, we saw Phil Rosenthal at The Straz in Tampa. Jeff is obsessed with Rosenthal's food and travel show Somebody Feed Phil so this was my Valentine’s Day gift to him. Phil was funny, charming, earnest, and we had such a good time. Of course, Jeff gave him a copy of CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45 during the meet and greet. Embarrassing! But Phil was so gracious, and I hope he loves it! We had copies of SOMEBODY FEED PHIL THE BOOK for him to sign, of course. Grab one for some stellar recipes and funny stories.
Just a couple of days ago, we returned from a fantastic trip to Vegas and L.A. with our daughter for spring break. We saw Adele in concert at Caesars Palace. I can only say wow! We were awed by her spectacular talent. In L.A., it was a joy catching up with author pals Michael Connelly and his wonderful wife Linda, as well as Gregg Hurwitz and family, and the fabulous Steph Cha. (Steph and I are working on an exciting project together! More on this soon.) My stop at the beautiful Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica to sign stock was a blast. What a great new bookstore. We also toured UCLA and watched the skateboarders, including our girl, at the iconic Venice Beach Skate Park.
Where to find me:
I’ll be head-down working on the next book for the next couple of months, but I’m excited to be in conversation with the super-talented Eli Cranor about his new novel OZARK DOGS at Tombolo Books in St Petersburg, Florida on May 5th. Register now
What I’m researching and thinking about:
I’m slightly obsessed with the goshawk and the buzzard (which is not a vulture — I thought so, too). You’ll see why in 2025. So, I’m reading H IS FOR HAWK by Helen Macdonald. And I listened to this fascinating PBS interview. My fave quote:
Looking for goshawks is like looking for grace; it comes but not often and you don’t get to say how or when.
Loved this article in the New York Times by Anna Kode about people who think their homes are haunted — but, you know, they’re okay with it: My favorite quote:
The salience of death in our culture increased, igniting a desire for evidence of an afterlife for some people.
This NPR interview with the co-author of American Cartel Scott Higham is a devastating look into the fentanyl crisis. I’ve been following the opioid epidemic in the US for a while now; fentanyl is just the newest chapter.
I hope you like this new format of my monthly newsletter, coming to you now from Substack. You can keep getting this free version forever. But coming soon, I’ll be offering a version with exclusive content like deleted scenes and manuscript outtakes, chances for an early read of unpublished works, and other content that might not be available elsewhere. Stay tuned for more on that!
Cheers,
L
I am really late to your Fan Club! SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX is the first of your books that I have read. It certainly won't be the last!
I think I discovered a discrepancy in this book: On pages 337 and 338 you revealed the identity of the sperm donor - Roy Alfaro. His crimes were committed between the year 1982 and 1990 when he was caught. He was tried and convicted and sentenced to death BUT DIED IN A YARD FIGHT IN 1989.
Minor error in an otherwise terrific read. THANK YOU! I look forward to reading all of your past books as well as your new creation.
Sincerely,
Kent W. Smith
Welcome to Substack, Lisa! I look forward to seeing what you post here.