A few weeks ago I looked at my desk calendar and, mildly alarmed, pleaded, “Slow down, October!”
October didn’t listen.
I was rushing to get my rough draft into decent-enough shape to give to my first reader by November 1st. (I managed it by the 2nd). But I wish the days would slow for another reason, too. This has been such a beautiful autumn, with warm, muted colors: maple reds, golden-oranges, bright yellows. My walks and drives around the area have each felt extra special, like moving through a painting. I’ve relished it, especially living in the north, when many years it feels like we go right from summer to winter. Not this year. I will miss these mellow, colorful days!
As much as I want to slow down time, I am also looking forward to an event coming up in just four weeks. The release of my next (my 18th) novel, Shadows of Swanford Abbey. My publisher has dubbed it, “Agatha Christie Meets Jane Austen,” which I take as quite a compliment as I am an ardent admirer of both those authors. The new romantic mystery is being offered at a great pre-buy discount from the lovely people at Baker Book House.
Finally, I thought I’d share a short video filmed by agent & author Cynthia Ruchti when we spent time together at a recent publishing conference. In it, I talk about the setting and inspiration for the new novel:
Now, I’m going to go gaze out my window again and enjoy the autumn beauty while I can. If the frenzy at the bird feeder is any indication, winter will be here all too soon (at least in the northern hemisphere! :))
What about you? Are you sad to see autumn wind down, or are you looking forward to the change in season?
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Autumn is my favorite season! It sounds like you’ve had a gorgeous one in the north. Here in Dallas, we’re still waiting for fall color to arrive. Ha!
I live in Denmark, and we are getting to the end of fall…at least as far as colors go. I am sad to see it go, especially because it means we are going into the darkest time of the year here. I’m still trying to hang on a little bit by decorating for Thanksgiving indoors.
Loved this intro to your next book.
It is ordered and I will be looking forward to seeing it next month.
Hi Julie,
I had planned to put a curtail on purchasing any more books for a bit. But when I see one set in a location dear to my heart, like Lacock Abbey, I couldn’t resist. Baker Book House says Shadows of Swanford Abbey will be here in about a week. I’m looking forward to it. It will be a lovely read in front of the fireplace. Right now I’m still loving Autumn’s joyful colors.
I am always sad to see autumn come to a close, because the long dark of winter will be upon us! We’ve had such a beautiful fall, amazing color everywhere you look, warmish temps, and bright sunshine. The snow is pretty too, but best observed from inside my warm house!
Thanks for the video short for us readers! It would be great to add it to your website so more readers can enjoy it.