I’ve been a published author of a full-length novel for exactly 10 years today. In a marriage, the 10-year anniversary gift is aluminum. Or, as some refer to it, common tin. Speaking of which, I’m celebrating the occasion by flying in a big ol’ jet airliner.1 Ye olde airborne tin can.
Should I end up safely at my destination (SoCal), I think I’ll break my dry-January with a gin martini in a proper martini glass. With olives. I love a good winter martini, don’t you? After all, I have a lot to celebrate.
Since January 14, 2014, I’ve launched five novels, with my sixth deep in pre-order mode. In fact, the main reason for my trip south is to meet with my publisher and the other Spring ‘24 Sibylline cohort in a pre-pub retreat (which is one of the many ways this publisher is unique and forward-thinking). The retreat will focus on ways to support our books once they hit the shelves, which seems to be a moving target in 2024.
Ten years ago, social media was still newish. Authors were on Facebook and Twitter wasn’t yet a cesspool (remember Shit My Dad Says?), Instagram was a toddler, and tiktok (and its bookish designate, booktok) were still mere thought vapor. If you wanted to celebrate your book’s birthday, you hosted an IRL event rather than posting a video. My pals who launched their books at Powell’s often followed that up by booking the back room at a nearby bar with cake and booze.
For The Moment Before, I had my book party at Voodoo Doughnut as well as the basement of Elliott Bay Book Company. Oh shit, I’m getting all nostalgic. I knew that would happen.
Anyhoo, here are some random photos from my debut launch ten years ago.
And to celebrate the 10-year, I have a fun contest. My next book (not my next, next one, because that one’s coming out in 2025, but the one still in outline mode) has two middle-aged female protagonists (sisters) and I haven’t settled on their names yet. I’m leaning toward unusual names, not really traditional, but not, you know, too weird. So, help? Offer suggestions in the comments. If I choose a name you’ve tossed out, once I’m back in Portland I’ll send you a signed copy of The Moment Before and a Voodoo Doughnut and some tin foil, of course! I’ll probably have to fib about the “do you have anything potentially hazardous or perishable in this box” part, so U.S. only I’m afraid. Don’t want customs to get their knickers in a wad.
Until soon!
A 373-800 winglets serviced by Alaska Air that I certainly hope is bolted correctly lest I end up in a backyard near St. Vincent’s Hospital like the infamous door plug.
Congratulations, Suzy!
Names: Mimi and Mandy
Love this! And I just pre-ordered Bitterroot! Going by my own contingent of middle-aged classmates, you'd be spot on with a Heather, Kimberly, Robin or Jennifer. I'd offer up Ethel and Mildred (my grandmothers' names) but there'd have to be a good reason for your characters getting stuck with those, lol.