Monday, August 04, 2008

So, I'm back

Hi everybody! How you been? What you been up to? Me? Sleeping, walking, reading (Tethered, Not a Day Goes By, Spontaneous Healing, The Thirteenth Tale, The South Beach Diet, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Health, The Once and Future King, The Cold Dish), watching movies (Wall-E, Hancock, Get Smart, Mamma Mia!), getting addicted to the first season of Mad Men, and keeping my peace-garden pumpkin, cantaloups and morning glories alive during triple-digit heat and NO RAIN for over a month. Also doing a little editing on Children of the Waters (which now has a pub date of July 2009).

Officially, I was on a break from book promotion, but I still had a few events planned that I kept. I met with a couple of book clubs. I have to say authors not courting book clubs: you don't know what you're missing! One book club (which doesn't have a name) held an orange, mint & honey-themed dinner (honey wheat bread, shrimp in an orange, mint sauce)-very yummy! Another book club (Circle of Sisters) held their meeting at Pete's Greektown Restaurant (which is right up the street from the fictional record store in my novel) and gave me a gift bag crammed with orange, mint & honey bath and body stuff the likes of which thrilled me to no end! I think I'm going to call my next books Chocolate and Champagne and Wads of Cash.

I also participated in a panel discussion at the University of Denver with writer, chef, and friend Marisol, Margaret Coel, author of Blood Memory, and Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries. The panel, moderated by the lead buyer at the Tattered Cover, was part of a class on the business of publishing. Interesting takeaway: All four of our stories of how we got published had a bit what might be called magic or good luck or fate. Never underestimate the power of paying attention to your life. And all four of us benefitted from the kindness of others in the profession. Never underestimate kindness.

For the folks who emailed me or left comments about taking care of themselves, I will be in touch soon about sending you a signed paperback or an audiobook.

14 comments:

Jennifer C. said...

I'm glad you're back, you are rested, and you have a date for your next book.

I hate I have to wait almost a year for it, but it is worth it.

Travis Erwin said...

Welcome back!

Larramie said...

Carleen if you've become addicted to Season 1 of "Mad Men," are you watching season 2 LIVE?

Carleen Brice said...

JC, You're sweet! I feel like next July is right around the corner!

Travis, Thanks!

Larramie, Yes, I am watching Season 2! I'd been wondering what happened with Peggy's baby...now we know!

debra said...

Welcome back, Carleen. I hope you are well rested and refreshed.

Shauna Roberts said...

Glad you're back and had a nice vacation from us! :-)

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Hey Carleen- Great to have you back and congrats on having a pub date!

Jamie Ford said...

Welcome back! And congrats on the new pub date...

Professor Tharps said...

Hey Carleen,

You're featured on the Meltingpot today. Check you out!

Lori T

Therese said...

All good things. :)

Hope your break was restorative.

Tyhitia Green said...

I am so stoked you're back. :-) What have I been up to? Um, take a look at my blog. :-D

Jae Arronson said...

Welcome back, Carleen! I've missed you! But I'm glad you had some well deserved time off. YAY! A new book and a pub date! I'm excited already!

Karen L. Simpson said...

welcome back!! Thank for the pep talk.!!

Sustenance Scout said...

Chocolate & Champagne or Wads of Cash...hmmmm! Can't wait to see which one you pick! Glad you're back! K.