by Julie in snowy Somerville
I think of my writing life and my author life as separate tracks on the same journey. What does that mean? My writing life is about creating. Right now, that part of my life is focused on Book #5 in the Garden Squad series.
My author life is about the website, newsletters, social media, book events. That’s the part that connects with readers. My author life has been busy lately, so I thought I’d catch you up on what’s new.
First of all, Wreathing Havoc, Garden Squad #4, is available for pre-order! How much do you love this cover? The cover artist added, and hid, so many details from the book on the cover.
It’s interesting, but though my covers aren’t exactly how I picture Lilly’s house, they are perfect for the series.
The book won’t be out until September 28, but you’ll be hearing more about it in the coming months. Here’s a bit of a preview, courtesy of the folks at Kensington:
There’s nothing like autumn in picturesque Goosebush, Massachusetts, but beneath the season’s sun-dappled foliage, Lilly Jayne and her Garden Squad must investigate a shadowy murder mystery after a theater owner’s sudden death sows as much drama behind the scenes as on any stage . . .
Lilly Jayne typically spends the harvest season baking festive pies and crafting colorful wreaths to enter in the library’s annual fundraising contest. But this year, autumn opens on a somber note when beloved local theater owner, Leon Tompkin, dies unexpectedly. His memorial sets the scene for a mini reunion of The Goosebush Players’ best and brightest alumni, including Hollywood star, Jeremy Nolan . . . until someone plucks Jeremy from the spotlight, permanently.
Now, as dedicated theater volunteer, Scooter McGee, falls under suspicion, Lilly and her Garden Squad must spring into action. They quickly discover a cornucopia of potential suspects in Jeremy’s murder. Was it an embittered ex . . . or a jilted lover? A rival thespian . . . or an overly ambitious artist? Lilly rakes through the piles of clues, but if she doesn’t uncover the real killer soon, more than autumn leaves will be dropping in Goosebush . . .
I’ve just finished the copyedits on the book, and I cannot wait for you to read it.
In other book news, I’ve been learning/working on getting my Theater Cop series back out into the world. So far they’re both up on Kindle. More to come. They have new covers, but the inside is the same.
A Christmas Peril is the first book in the series, With A Kiss I Die is the second. They were first published by Midnight Ink, but the rights have been reverted to me. I was working on the third book in the series, and I’m going to brush it off and work on it after May 1.
I’ve also refreshed my JHAuthors website, and changed my newsletter up a bit.
Whether I’m on my writing path or author path, I’m so grateful you’re all on the journey with me. Happy Thursday, everyone. I’m putting my writing hat back on, creating more mysteries for the Garden Squad to solve.