The Balanced Writer: Indie Bookstores and Bookstore Strangers

"And there’s a whole spectrum of behavior that we refer to
politely as ‘eccentricity.”

― Richard Grant
The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi

Hey Ya'll!
How was your month of April? Beautiful, I hope. Let me take a moment to express my gratitude for this past Easter Sunday that reminded us we will all be together again after this mortal experience. Everything I have is because of Him.

Now about these: a lawyer, a reporter, a veteran, and a cop. Last week I was in a room full of readers and writers in Lagrange, Georgia, at a cozy bookstore locals call Pretty Good Books with author guests that had impressive resumes. The historical building stood just off the main stretch. I'm not sure if it was once a bank or a church, but the ceiling was vaulted, the old floors pockmarked, and the room smelled like old wood, paper, ink, and Grandma's house. The authors took turns discussing their new books which fell under the theme of Mystery, Murder, and Mayhem. They all had fascinating backgrounds and could have starred in a novel together.

I don't do local events much. Most writers are introverts, and we don't like to go outside unless it's to the library. If you've never made art, it's a grueling experience, and then comes the publicity where you feel like the Emperor in his new clothes—naked and vulnerable—while people hem and haw before they tattoo you with their choice of one to five stars. Still, for some reason, I felt like I could relate to those humans enjoying the bookish air with me. They were people I would never say anything more than hello to if I passed them on the street, but they spoke with pride about the stories they'd poured their hearts into while they found the courage to share them in public. (I once received a one-star review that said the only good thing about my book was that it ended. It's still my favorite.)

But seriously, being there reminded me how fun writing is and how I should be proud of my work. I understand now that we can find ourselves in crowds when we least expect it. Those strangers knew what it was like to write. They had different lives, families, careers, and opinions. None of them were fans of the same football team. And yet, in my heart, I know they were my people.

Perhaps you can find your people, too. Get out more and discover new places even if they're new, quaint, or strange. You just might make a connection that helps you see yourself for who you are—and find out it's the person you always wanted to be.

From the Writing Desk
This month, I've started my next Harlequin submission as I wait to hear back on my last project featuring a pair of twins and the Lucky Azalea Inn. And that's not all. A piece of women's fiction I've been thinking about for years is finally underway after I had an epiphany about how to write an average, everyday homemaking character (um...like myself?) in the middle of a life crisis and make it captivating instead of cliché.

Also, the big day is almost here. A Promise For His Daughter releases on April 26^th so mark your calendars. I'll be sending out a reminder that day with the above universal link to e-books and paperbacks for your favorite bookstores. I certainly feel blessed, and I hope the book does well. Thank you for all of your support. I hope you'll share the news with your friends.

Check out these new releases or books on sale!