Hello, summer! Can we offer you a glass of ice water–or fifty?
As I sit here applying melted chapstick in Charlotte, it’s hard to believe that just a week ago I was standing in ocean waters on a beach in Maine that were chilly enough to numb my calves. As always, returning to see family and friends in the state where I was raised is a gift and one I can’t wait to open every time the school year comes to a close.
Outside the auditorium after the presentation. Take note: crazy prints hide armpit sweat stains.
This trip was particularly special as I had the chance to do some promotion for LITTLE GALE GUMBO, and my upcoming release THE MERMAID COLLECTOR (which, like GUMBO, is also set in coastal Maine–and even bears an iconic Maine lighthouse on it’s cover that I swear I had nothing to do with–how cool is that?)
Not only did I get to attend a book club meeting that included several friends from high school, but I also shared the room with my high school English teacher who is not only a published author in her own right, but someone who was pivotal in my understanding of story structure and prose and the layering of themes. It was, as you can imagine, a very touching event for me.
There was also the chance the participate in the Portland Public Library’s wonderful series, Brown Bag Lunches, where authors get to present their work to readers. (In full fan-girl disclosure, I was there presenting LITTLE GALE GUMBO the week after Richard Ford and the week before Richard Russo–I know! Swoon, right? I melted just a little at that podium. Okay, I melted a lot. )
I also had the absolute pleasure of (finally!) getting to meet the wickedly witty and talented writer, Julia Munroe Martin, whose blog wordsxo many of you are already familiar with. We met for coffee and chatted like old friends for what seemed like ten minutes only to realize two hours later (!) that we’d only covered a fraction of all the things we meant to talk about.
In other news, I’ve started a Facebook page for THE MERMAID COLLECTOR, and I’m looking forward to it being a place where everyone can share their thoughts on the mystique and appeal of mermaids–as well as photos of them in our every day lives. (I’m looking to you, dear Josey! Didn’t you mention mermaid sculptures to me once?) I hope you all will come on over to the page and share in the fun.
Okay, enough goodies from me–How are you all keeping cool, on and off the page?
Who’s writing? Who’s reading? Who’s my hero and managing to do BOTH??
I just finished the most recent, and massive, Elizabeth George, which helped me plan out my next mystery. She had a dead body, but in the end, it WASN’T MURDER. How’s that for chutzpah?
Indeed! You know, Elizabeth George has long been on my list to read and I have yet to–can you recommend one in particular for a first read?
Well, I’m officially jealous. You and Julia together!? I would have enjoyed being a fly on the wall during that meeting.
Presenting between the two Richards, I would say THEY were in good company, my friend.
Did you, um, *gush* get to meet either of them?
Thank you, Jackie! Erika and I talked about how much fun it would be to have all our Twitter/blogger friends at the table with us — how great would it be to have a convention of sorts? Hope that will be soon!
Julia and Jackie–it is a MUST! And I will have to insist that Reggie and Abby come too (and ice cream cake is included!
)
Oh boy! It’s a date!
Reggie would like to point out that his favorite ice cream is strawberry.
I hope that Julia can bring those delicious blueberries. (Reggie likes blueberries too)
It was great to read the recap of your trip to Maine!! Thanks for the shoutout — meeting you was definitely one of the high points of my summer; so fun! And I agree, we only covered a fraction of what we could’ve talked about in that speedy 2 hours, time flies as they say… off to the Facebook fan page for THE MERMAID COLLECTOR!!
Like I said, Julia, it was every bit as natural as anything. Hard to believe we’d never met before for how easy it was–but then, I had no doubt! And maybe next time we can manage a photo–and maybe even one a good distance from a dumpster! (Why do I think we’d be fired as movie location scouts?)
As a matter of fact, I was just contacted by a major film producer to scout a location by that EXACT dumpster — aren’t we brilliant?!
Agreed. Next time, we need a photo, I’ll start scouting locations!
Your trip home sounds delightful. And I’m still wiping the envy from my face about you and Julia meeting. Some day… some day! Like you, I am hunkered down with edits and will continue to be pretty invisible on social media through August or so. Whatever it takes, right?
Your next novel sounds so incredibly fabulous. And so do the promotional events you attended in Maine. Keep up the good work!
Melissa, you were there in spirit, believe me! I’m proud of you for your commitment to your edits–it is so hard to shut the door on social media, as you and I have discussed many times!
Very exciting news all around, Erika. (And, I’m also so very jealous about your meet-up with Julia. The real world and the virtual world intersecting? Fabulous!) Can’t wait for the next book!
Amanda, it is so wonderful to hear from you, my friend! In fact, you WERE a part of the conversation with Julia and I–she and I both remarked on how we’ve missed your witty blog posts. I hope this finds you and your family well and enjoying summer’s joys (which are much more joyful by a body of water with this heat–ack!!)
awwwww…richard ford and richard russo! if ever there were (strictly) a literary Richard sandwich! (I’ve got Canada on my nightstand back home waiting for me.)
Can’t wait to get the Mermaid Collector. What a great title–i love mermaids. We’re at a beach on Florida’s Highway 30A right now and I’m reading Cheryl Strayed’s Torch. I probably should take another vacation once Mermaid Collector comes out so that I can read it in an optimal beach setting, right? (On the way down here, we were listening to random talk radio and the DJ was going through a list of make believe things and said mermaids. My daughter gasped from the backseat and said, “That’s not true, is it mom?” “of course, it’s not true–they’re just reading a list of things they don’t believe in. not us.”
Hello, Josey, dear! Ah, I knew you’d appreciate my fan-girling–of both Richards and mermaids. I love that your daughter remains devoted–and that you do too. I refuse to budge myself.
I know you’ve been seaside as of late–I hope the time on the shore has been full of peaceful moments. Back inland, I find my bearings are a bit harder to secure when I’m not hearing the ocean, or feeling the touch of the sand under my feet.
Hello Erika, Lisa Golden suggested I introduce myself to you so here I am. I just ordered Little Gale Gumbo and can’t wait to read it. I’ve added you to my blogroll!
Hi Susan–it’s very lovely to connect with you! (Thanks, Lisa!) And you are so kind to have added me to your blogroll AND to have ordered my novel. I look forward to hearing what you think!
Great title for the new book!
Aren’t the blog meetups great?!
Hello, my friend! How are you? Ah, yes, you know well about the blog meet-ups. They are really special.
Hope summer is treating you and your family well. I’ve been wanting to ask you how the writing is going, that one project in particular I know you have on your plate..
So glad you are still making time to promote Little Gale Gumbo–which you know I loved–even as you’re preparing to unveil the new book! Now, I just need to plan a roadtrip to the Carolinas so I can copies of both books signed…
Sherry, our paths will cross eventually, lady–I have no doubt!
I wish I could’ve been in the audience in Portland. Am off to like your FB page now!
Hi Angie! Thanks so much–it really was an amazing time. Summer treating you all well? Are you getting time to write? (I know it can be extra challenging in the summer…)
This is so exciting, Erika. All of it!!! You know I can’t wait to read your new book this fall.
You look lovely here in this photo, missy.
Teri, you are so kind to say that. I just got back from Malaprop’s and thought of you (as I commented on FB)–more fan-girl moments!!
I hate being late to the party. Work with me, WordPress!
You look beautiful standing in front of your cover art. I so wish I could have been there to hear your reading. So exciting!
Girlfriend, I knew you’d have another book out!!! Something to look forward to, for sure! No writing for me right now but I am managing to get in a few pages of reading before bed each night. I just finished “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” which I absolutely loved. Don’t think for a moment that a canine narrator can’t pull at your heart strings. I cried at least three times.
Oh, MSB–your point is exactly why I have been putting off reading “The Art of Racing in the Rain”!! I know I will BAWL! I am such a wuss with anything animal-related (My kids have never seen Bambi because I am still too traumatized by my OWN viewing at five–I need to get a grip, I really do.) I’m with you on the few-pages-before-bed–it is really the only time, isn’t it? And even if it’s just a couple of pages, I feel like I’m connecting with a new story and I find it really helps me feel grounded in a season that feel so chaotic. (Don’t get me wrong–it’s a wonderful, precious chaos, as you well know, but STILL…)
Wow, the new cover looks gorgeous! I’m so excited for you!!!
Thanks, doll–any idea when you might start seeing some layouts for yours????
LOVE the cover for The Mermaid Collector. It’s the kind of cover that would absolutely make me pick up the book if I saw it in a store. Just lovely. Major compliments to your cover design team!
Hi Deb sister! Thanks so much for coming over and saying such lovely things! I am thrilled with it too–and will admit to staring at it at length. You’ll be seeing yours soon–or have you yet?
Congratulations on your next book! This is exciting news and I’m sorry I’m late to give you a big WHooo!
Thank you, my dear! I hope summer has been treating you and your family well–I can’t believe it’s winding down! Gah!