The Creepy Issue
A Psychologically Thrilling Weekend
Seven Powerhouse Thriller Authors and 450 Readers Walk Into a Hotel…
Best. Party. Ever.
If you’re planning a party, what element matters to you most? Is it the scrumptious food you’ve prepared or catered? Maybe it’s the painstaking care in displaying it? The decor and ambience matter, of course, but is that the key to the party’s success? As the host of a party or event, one sweats over the planning and, depending on their level of perfectionism, might devote their soul to cultivate every detail and nuance. Once the doors open, though, all that sweat equity gets left behind. Things will go wrong, and that’s okay. The guests never know that wasn’t part of the program. Bottom line—it’s the guests that make or break the success of your shindig. Finessing the blend of personalities to invite is key. Despite everything, it’s all about the people.
Mix the right crowd together and the party makes itself. Such was the foundation of The Creepy Retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona. A gathering of readers, highlighted with suspense headliners, spiced with a room full of up-and-coming authors.
When you’re out and about in the book world and meet a reader, a common question would be what their favorite genre is? But when you’re surrounded by 450 fans and writers of psychological suspense, you don’t need to ask—you are with your people.
Now, describe what you think the personality of a suspense or crime writer or fan would be. Spit out the first thing that comes to mind. I’ll wait.
🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you said dark, weird, creepy or anything close to it. Put your hand down because you’d be wrong. The readers were sweet, warm, and enthusiastic. The authors were genuine, kind and funny. A vast group of lovely people connected by a common interest, eager to get to know one another. Now that’s a party!
The Universe Made Me A Liar
And Now…One of Us Must Die
During the Creepy Retreat, readers got a sneak peek of my next book cover for One of Us Must Die. I described the story: a woman trapped in a marriage by a no-divorce clause in her trust fund, and the only way to escape her greedy, gaslighting husband is if one of them dies. Every time I gave the pitch, I punctuated it by saying pre-orders will hopefully be up next month. But then the universe turned that into a lie. You see, I left the retreat early, thanks to Hernando, a powerful blizzard heading for the northeast. When I connected to Wi-Fi on my flight, I got a mighty surprise—my book is on all the sites, and my not yet “revealed” cover is there for all to see!
I wasn’t ready. I wanted you, my Snarkastic readers, to be the first. So without further ado, I give you the official cover reveal…
Before The Digital Universe Beat Me To The Punch
Why The Creepy Retreaters Got the First Look
Excitement for One of Us Must Die was already building as we arrived at the Creepy Retreat. Alas, books aren’t coming until October, and preorders weren’t supposed to be live. With nothing to tuck into the cute retreat tote bags, we offered a giveaway of free Advanced Reader Copies.
I’m thrilled to share the early reader copy winners from The Creepy Retreat:
Winners will receive an email within the next week. ARCs will be available in late spring*.
*Print ARCs are available to U.S. addresses only. International winners will receive a digital copy (eReader or PDF).
And Now For Something Completely Serious…
Sanctuary and Unrest
Last month I spent a glorious week at a writing retreat in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende to be exact, in an old brothel (read about it in my previous newsletter). The city is a mecca of arts, creativity, and celebration. The community swathed me in tranquility, color, energy, joyfulness, and serenity. When I’m stuck finding words for my newest manuscript, I can still close my eyes, see and feel the vibrancy and peace from SMA, which unlocks my voice. It’s fresh, it’s a part of me.
Watching the current violence and unrest in Mexico breaks my heart. The sight of smoke-filled skies in videos evokes tears as I imagine the magical place I’ve just been to, taken over by fear and destruction. A friend who lives there says the chaos is some distance from San Miguel.
I’m grateful for the week that held me so gently, and as I watch from afar, my thoughts are with Mexico and the people beyond that small sanctuary of cobblestone streets.
Last Licks
Face Plunging
Strudel loves to bunny-hop through the snow, but this post-blizzard mini-mountain got the better of her!
Tell us about your pets in the snow or sand…