…last minute behind the scenes
September always feels like something new is brewing in the air. For decades, it was the start of the new school year for my children. And now, it’s the launch of my second novel, RED SEAL, which is happening a month from now on October 6, 2026. I’m nervous and excited, all over again!
A friend once said that publishing a sophomore book is like having a second child. You know how to be a parent (kind of) and have an idea of what to expect (kind of), but every child is very different! That’s how I feel with RED SEAL. I’ve done my best to write the book of my heart, but now it’s out of my hands as it makes its way out into the world.
I think that’s why I’ve been traveling so much this past month. I know there’s not much more I can do to ensure the success of my book, so I will embrace life and live everyday as a miracle. I celebrated my 62nd birthday in August, as well as our 34th wedding anniversary. So much to be grateful for!
My husband and I went on a Backroads hiking and biking trip with a group of California friends for our last week in Maine. I got poison ivy and my back ached, but I carried on!
We attended a beautiful wedding in San Francisco for the daughter of a dear friend of mine who passed away several years ago. I miss Ruth deeply and have written about our friendship here. But I’m thrilled that her daughter Grace got married on the same day Mark and I did 34 years ago and we will share August 15th as our anniversary together. I felt Ruth smiling on us all day long!
Now we’re on a train in France on the way to another wedding in Provence. The daughter of my good friend from college is getting married in a chateau outside Marseille. On the way, we thought we should stop in our favorite city, Paris, and visit somewhere new, like Bordeaux. It’s been a wonderful trip!
What Is RED SEAL About?
I recently participated in a virtual Pitchfest where I talked about RED SEAL, why I wrote it, and why someone might want to read it. I thought it would be fun for you to listen to it too. What do you think? Would you want to read my book? Would you invite me to your book club, library, or organization? Hear pitches from all the authors who participated in the Adventures by the Book Pitchfest.
There’s nothing more exciting than to talk about my books with readers. After years of research and writing, it’s joyful to hear strangers talk about my characters, make meaning out of what happens in the story, and ask insightful questions. I hope my latest book will resonate with readers too, especially you!
RED SEAL Publicity and Event Updates
The promotion part of publishing a new book is daunting, and RED SEAL has been no exception. I’ve been working with my publicity team to be a guest on podcasts and write guest articles for media outlets. I’ve also arranged to appear at various events in Southern California and on the East Coast in October. Even with the support of a great team, it’s always a scramble to ensure copies of your books are received by early reviewers and conversation partners, schedules are coordinated with bookstores and organizations, and timely information is shared on various social media channels to maximize engagement and exposure.
Sometimes I feel like Sisyphus rolling a rock up a mountain. Here’s a picture of me next to Balance Rock in Maine ☺.
That’s why it’s so gratifying when you receive some good news. Woman’s World Magazine included RED SEAL in its roundup of “The 8 Best New Historical Fiction Books to Read this Fall.” She Reads Magazine also included it in its list of “Most Anticipated Historical Fiction of Fall 2026.” It’s not too late to preorder RED SEAL now!
After a lot of juggling, I’m proud to share a graphic of my book tour so far! I would love to see you at one of my in-person events if you live nearby. Some of the dates have been changed since my last newsletter and new events have been added. It would mean the world if you could join me! You can register to attend, purchase books to receive signed copies, and see what’s coming up on my Events Page. There are more exciting events in November and December so please check back regularly.
I hope you’ll cheer me on this coming month as I prepare for the launch of RED SEAL. As you learned from this post, you may be seeing me on the beach or relaxing in some other way with this newest book. I invite you to help me celebrate the beginning of this exciting journey ahead!
Thank you for reading and following along!
ps: I would be happy to speak at your book club or organization. See how to arrange it..
What I’m Reading
Of Wind and Dust by Shirin Yim Leos
I just wrote an endorsement for OF WIND AND DUST, a novel written by my friend Shirin Yim Leos. It’s about three women whose tragic fates are intertwined over oceans and decades, and despite their unimaginable circumstances, teach us not only how to survive but thrive. I loved it and can’t wait for you to read it when it comes out early next year!
Here’s a photo of me holding the Advanced Reader Edition in Bordeaux!
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