My friends, we are so close to making it to the other side of this horror year—- but let’s stay far apart until we do. And a bit after. Despite the good vaccine news lately, it will not be a normal holiday season.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the children’s book Frederick by Leo Lionni. A little dreamer mouse spends his time soaking up memories and stories, and ends up sharing them with the other mice during a long cold winter. I’m storing up my coziest blankets and books to get me through the next few months.
I’ve been reading a lot this year. As of today, I’ve read 139 books for the year. I have cried a lot over books and I have fallen asleep with them open on my chest for the first time since I was a child. Thank you, writers, whose work is letting me pretend to exist somewhere beyond my own walls while I’m in your pages. I am indebted.
Some reading recs, if you’re stuck:
GODSHOT (cults, coming of age story!) ; WINTER COUNTS (mystery! amazing narrator! series forthcoming!); WELL PLAYED (swoony, escapist, huzzah!)—- and a lot more. Reading recommendations are my love language, so let me know if you’re stuck/what you like, and I’ll get back to you.
Speaking of books, mine is out in less than three weeks. Yikes/yay/phew/all of the above and more. THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT is a book about family and forgiveness, about bugs and Star Trek, about the Midwest and love. On December 6th, I’ll be ‘hosting a potluck’ at Prairie Lights with some other fantastic Midwestern authors, and on December 7th, I’ll be chatting with Premee Mohamed about scifi, science, and writing online for Mysterious Galaxy. On my launch day— December 8th— I have a live event with Ripped Bodice (link forthcoming) with Jen DeLuca and Jesse Sutanto, two long-time friends from our querying days. If you’re planning on buying the book and would like a signed bookplate, those bookstores would be great ways to get them! Otherwise, shoot me a DM on Twitter and I’d be happy to send you one.
I’ve had a chance to write a bit this year, while parenting and teaching. I was in the Washington Post talking about how I miss the simple days of lice infestations as my biggest fear, and in Electric Lit recommending books about Midwesterners who aren’t trying to be nice. For Catapult, I wrote about misconceptions about caterpillars and the crisises of parenting. I’m honored by the people who’ve emailed me about the last piece, especially, talking about their own struggles. Much love to all of you during this ridiculous year.
It’s hard not to wish time away when we can’t spend that time as we want. I miss teaching in person. I miss seeing my friends and having in person book clubs. I miss my family.
But I can miss it a bit more. I’m staying home to keep you safe. I hope you’ll do the same.