The Shabti was officially released two days ago, May 21st! Aside from some kinks that are being worked out with the ebook release on some platforms, it's available now as an ebook, hardcover, large print paperback, and audiobook from all major book vendors. But with the chaos and excitement of the book launch, it's been hard to keep track of all the other cool stuff that's going on. So I decided to round up all my biggest news in one post here for your perusing pleasure.
Interviews:
Matt Haynes Process Series Interview: This one's been out for a while, but my marvelous audiobook narrator Matt Haynes interviewed me as part of his Process Series. I particularly love this interview because we both talk about our respective processes. I learned so much about how audiobooks are put together, which is pretty fascinating.
The Mystery of Writing (Elena Hartwell): Elena Hartwell, award-winning thriller/mystery writer and International Thriller Writers member/ITW Debut Class organizer, interviewed me about The Shabti for her blog, The Mystery of Writing. I loved her questions! Check it out to learn more about the background of The Shabti, find out about some of my other creative pursuits, and meet my pets.
Five Questions (Michael R. Bradley): Fellow CamCat author Michael Bradley covered The Shabti as part of his Five Questions series, where he asks authors 5 questions about their upcoming books, with the answers set to be released on publication day. I believe this was actually the very first interview about The Shabti I ever did, so it's exciting to finally see it go live!
The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers): I'm honored to be one of the featured authors in the current issue of The Big Thrill! Check out this interview to learn more about my inspirations, characters, and writing process.
Recent reviews:
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books: I've known about SBTB for . . . it feels like for my entire adult life on the internet?? Never in my wildest imaginings did I think I'd see something I wrote reviewed there--especially since I somehow failed to realize I'd written a genre romance until the romance community welcomed me and The Shabti with open arms (for which I am endlessly, endlessly grateful). Needless to say, I cannot express how honored and delighted I am by this lovely review by Lara Diane.
All About Romance: And speaking of romance, here's another one I'm pinching myself over. Thanks so much, Caz, for this incredibly detailed and thoughtful review! The audiobook also recently got a shoutout as a May Pick on Audio Gals.
Foreword Book of the Day: In addition to writing an excellent review, Foreword Reviews recently featured The Shabti as their Book of the Day! It's included here in their weekly BotD Roundup.
AudioFile Magazine: I'm so glad to see trade reviews of the audiobook starting to trickle in, because the audiobook of The Shabti is 🔥🔥🔥. It's beyond cool to see this review in AudioFile, which is (to paraphrase my narrator) the Rolling Stone of the audiobook world.
I also got two excellent reviews in Booklist, one for the print book and one for the audiobook.
Upcoming events:
Saturday Meet and Greet at Industrial Treasures, 5/25 @ 1-3PM: I recently had my book launch event at Industrial Treasures in St. Charles, IL, which is hands down the most fascinating vintage shop I have ever been to. "Vintage shop" hardly scratches the surface of what this place really is--it's a unique destination, part art gallery, part industrial salvage shop, part antique store, and it feels like a fantastical steampunk museum. It's also the home of Magpie Gemstones, a bead shop/jewelry store full of irresistable glittery goodies. Anyway, I'll be there again this Saturday (5/25) from 1-3 PM, just hanging out and signing books. Look for me at the Boat Bar. You can't miss it, it's a bar made out of a boat.
Thrillerfest: If you're going to Thrillerfest this year, look for me! I'll be at the Debut Author Breakfast (and will also be signing books, I believe).
Barnes & Noble Book Signing in Algonquin, IL, June 15th @ 1PM: I'm going to be at the Barnes & Noble in Algonquin signing books in mid-June! Stop by to chat and snag a copy of The Shabti.
Miscellaneous:
My audiobook narrator Matt Haynes has started a project with fellow narrator Trenton Bennett where they pair character voices they've done with song lyrics. I'm tickled that the first character Matt chose for this project is the scenery-chewing baddie from The Shabti, Porphyrio. Go suggest some song titles you think would sound good (or bad, or just hilarious) as recited by the redoubtable Brother Porphyrio!
I recently did a reading at the Water Street Writers Spring Show in Batavia. It was a lovely event and I met some *really* cool people, including Cathy Borders (who is a godsend to the local writing community and the person behind The Republic of Letters) and Kevin Moriarity, who is an absolute mensch and acted as emcee at my book launch. Kevin recorded all the readings at the Water Street Writers show, and you can listen to mine here.
I also have book sales coming up, but I think I will save those details for the next post! In the meantime, thank you SO MUCH to all the incredibly supportive and cool people who have been a part of this journey with me. The new friends and connections I've made have honestly been one of the most awesome parts of this whole thing.