It would be oh-so-easy to drown my keyboard in the pumpkin-spice-flavoured tears that gather in my upper face-holes when I think about how summer is truly over, but instead I’ll look back on the summer that was, the summer that included: a dreamy escape to Amalfi, the launch of 24 Hours in Italy (my follow up to 24 Hours in Paris—both of which are in bookstores now)—and so much more!
La dolce vita
What better way to celebrate the launch of my second traditionally-published book, than on the Amalfi Coast where it takes place? she said, via Whatsapp, to her Paris besties back in Feb, hoping their schedules would allow it.
The scheduling all worked out (with some glorious time in Paris too), and how did it feel to be back in Amalfi after almost six years? I mean, my god! I got to trace the steps of Mira and Jake’s adventures—inspired by coastal memories imprinted in my mind, eat that amazing lemon pesto pasta again (free recipe included in the book!)…it was a dream that exceeded every expectation, even faster than the pizza and pasta that would’ve exceeded the boundaries of my vacation wardrobe, had the wardrobe items not been billowy and/or elasticized.
Here are some snaps that illustrate just how grateful I felt about it all (though my occasional resting-bitch-face may suggest otherwise).
24 Hours in Italy made its way into bookstores!
When it comes to achieving dreams and creative milestones, I am the worst at sitting in it, enjoying it, and appreciating it. I am that type-A Aries monster who always wants to do more and achieve more and evaluate more and judge more and course-correct more.
Somewhere within that mania of this latest book launch, I was proud of what I’d achieved, things like the back-to-back starred reviews I mentioned in my last post, things like finally getting on a list this time, things like getting readers to actually try the lemon pesto recipe for themselves…what a journey. I was also proud that I’d written the series that I myself would want to read, with the armchair travel energy so representative of my passion, and the tropes that never felt like selling out, because they represented scenes and dialogue that always felt authentic to me.
Seeing a second book in bookstores and signing copies and having it on featured walls and end caps would’ve seemed unimaginable to the old me, from those times when I was rejected by over a hundred literary agents, and later when I embarked on that wild and aggressive self-publishing journey, and later still, when I lived through extended periods of being unsure of my goals.
Now that these milestone moments are here (for a fortunate second time), I often struggle to fully step inside this unlikely magical turn of events™. It’s here, and yet it’s out of my grasp in a way, and sometimes (often), I don’t know how to truly feel it. Just thought I’d be honest about that. I hope later, in quieter moments, I’ll be able to feel it more.
Fan Expo and being in my extroverted wheelhouse
At the end of August, I had the chance to do a panel and a book signing at Fan Expo Canada. I love doing panels. Truly, put me on every panel and let me talk my face off (if you know me in real life, you know I relish any chance to talk my face off).
Our romance panel was packed, and over ONE HUNDRED people had to be turned away—a stunning stat I won’t soon forget. I also won’t forget how it felt to be there, because unlike what I mentioned above, about my struggle to feel the author-y things, I don’t ever struggle to be in the moment at panels and book signings. Maybe that’s the good part about being a type-A Aries (and probably a 7 on the extrovert scale).
I mean…these photos say it all. Me, in my wheelhouse, wanting to chat with all of you about my books.
The best book club meetup ever!
Right before my book launched (while I was still in Amalfi and existing on a bloodstream made of limoncello spritz), The Book Wardrobe, a charming indie bookshop in Streetsville, reached out to me to ask if I’d be able to attend their next book club meetup—as 24 Hours in Italy was their book club pick for August.
I jumped at the chance to have an in-person book club meetup at an independent bookstore, but I never imagined how magical it would be. From how quickly it sold out, to the cannoli and espresso drinks made-to-order, it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.
When the actual book club meeting began, and the enthusiastic readers shared their fascinating and thought-provoking feelings about the book, it went from a perfect morning to a deeply meaningful one—and I definitely got emotional when Carmela—who runs the shop—gave a passionate speech about why she chose my book, and why my words matter.
More of my thoughts are in this IG caption, but in short: a magical day I was able to feel to the fullest. Thank you
(Also, check out The Book Wardrobe in-person or shop from their website—we need indie bookstores to thrive!)
Coming very soon: Meet me at the Toronto International Festival of Authors!
Yes, it’s September, which means that #TIFA is coming soon. And what is that, you ask? Only a huge author festival I’d long wished to be a part of! And now, it’s almost here.
On September 23rd, I’ll be taking part in TWO free events that I hope you’ll check out—and 24 Hours in Italy will be for sale on site at the Indigo pop-up shop, how convenient!
You can find more event details on my Festival of Authors author page—hope to see you there!
So much is next, and it’s fairly uncertain and risky!
How did we go from magical and exciting to uncertain and risky?
Well here’s the thing: I am outlining my next book, and I have no idea what the hell is going to happen with it.
My future would’ve been a lot more clear if I’d written a third in the 24 Hours series, a.k.a. if I’d…you know, branded myself in the way that authors are encouraged to do.
Instead, I made a decision to say goodbye to Mira and Jake, and embark on something totally new. That decision made me sad in some ways, because I love Mira and Jake. I’ve also been missing them a lot, and will definitely have to re-read my book when I have time—and will of course keep manifesting to see them on screen some day, partially for me, and partially because more than a few readers have let me know they are waiting (im)patiently for that. I feel you on that. Me too!
Without Mira and Jake or any concrete plans for my next move, I started from square one and developed a brand new idea, and…I am so fucking excited about it.
I’ll come back here later to share more about my journey with this whole new story, but first, I have to tackle the metric ton of work that is ahead…(the outline, the draft, the editing, the full-time copywriting job that takes up most of the hours when I’d like to do be doing those things, oh my!)
Whatever happens, I know I won’t look back and say “you should’ve just done that third 24 Hours book, dummy, it would’ve been easier,” because…if I’m going to be a career author (which is my goal), I want to keep progressing and evolving as an artist, otherwise what’s the point of any of this?
So yeah, stay tuned for my chronicles of choosing chaos by making life more difficult for myself—which, I have to say, is very on-brand for an Aries who needs to calm down.
Toodles!
The Searching Scribe 