Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Mercury in Retrograde--and What Hank's Writing


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I realized something today. The universe is the ultimate pantser. We absolutely cannot predict, from minute to minute, what’s going to happen, and what’s going to make a difference, and what is going to nudge the universe in one direction or another. Never ever is that more apparent than in the weeks leading up to a book launch.
Last year for instance, on the day of my book launch party for TRUST ME, it was so hot outside that the governor declared a heat emergency, and actually told people to stay home!
 I’m like: No no! Don’t stay home! Ahhh…..  But people came, standing room only, and all fine. Take that, Governor.
That’s the universe pantsing.
And you have to remember, when you gasp at how the writers of upcoming books glom on to every bit of reassurance and head-patting, that we were all in our writing places for a year, at least, before that. And alone, and wondering if anyone would read our books, let alone like them, let alone love them and buy then. It is a weird weird job. Isn’t it?
So that said, this pre-book limbo is kind of fabulous. If you decide to look at it that way  Like a panster. Because anything could happen, right? Anything. THE MURDER LIST comes out August 20, (You all know that, right? No pressure, it’s just my career.)
So first the Library Journal Starred review popped up! How great is THAT? And I was relieved and everyone was relieved even though the publishers insist it doesn’t matter, either way, don’t try to tell me that, sister. It does. Every word is fabulous.
It says (this is all we could fit):













HOW ABOUT THAT? Thank you, universe. And LJ, of course.
And then, you know Google Alerts? The other day one popped up and when I opened it, THE MURDER LIST had been named. an Ultimate Beach Read by CNN!  CNN!  Whoo!  Along with Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women and Jean Kwok’s Searching for Sylvie Lee and Dorothea Hart Benton’s  Queen Bee, and some other lovely books.
My fabulous publisher Forge,  too, brilliantly released a free excerpt of the book—and that’s always scary, because, well, it’s always scary. But look what happened? And it stayed there for days.

One reviewer said: “If Lisa Scottoline and John Grisham had a book baby, this would be it!” How cool is that?  And one reader dubbed it Grish-oline. Which is so funny, if you know what it means. And baffling if you don’t.
Book tour is coming—and it’s a doozy. Click here to see the schedule, so far! And I am crossing  fingers that you all will come see me. Did I say—no pressure, It's just my career?
So. What I’m writing? Is articles for CrimeReads, and the Forge blog, and Criminal Element, and interviews for all kinds of places—oh! Did you see the new Strand magazine? Whoo. Also great.


And in the meantime—I’m also writing the new book, and it is—ta dah, almost done! The first draft , at least, but if I can do that, I can happily happily edit.  Because whoa, it is TERRIBLE! I laugh every day, thinking yikes, sister, you’re gonna fix this later.

Here are the first two lines:

Lies have a complicated half-life. Nora--for now--tried to calculate the lifespan of her most recent one as she waited on the corner of Tremont and Union Park, the evening’s first snowflakes beginning to accumulate on her new--to her--black cashmere coat.

Ah. And here we go!
Thank you, darling ones. Please find me on tour, please understand the needy chaos of pre-publication jitters and excitement, and thank you thank you for being such treasured pals. Thank you for putting up with the nerves, and the yammering, and the general self-promotion. Once a year, okay? We all sound a little frantic.

Plus, talk about the universe pantsing.  Mercury is in retrograde. Until Thursday.  Do you change your life because of that? >>>And an advance review copy of THE MURDER LIST to one lucky commenter!

******AND! the winner of an ARC of CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR is Celia Wakefield.  YAY!  email Hallie (hallie@hallieephron.com)  with your mailing address.****

70 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the wonderful reviews for “The Murder List” . . . .
    I don’t think the beginning of your new book is terrible at all, but now I want to know about the lie!
    Mercury may be in retrograde, but I don’t pay attention so I never change anything when that happens. . . .

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    1. Thank you! I think the beginning two lines are good, and then… We shall see!mand I agree, sometimes we don’t know when it’s in retrograde so, so it just seems like one thing to many to care about!

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    2. First line is a grabber...dont change a bit of it. As for that pesky Mercury retrograde thing, I don't change anything, I just say when crazy things happen "Ugh, Mercury again, really?"

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  2. Your new book sounds intriguing. I doubt it's as terrible as you think it is. And I'm looking forward to reading The Murder List!

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    1. Thank you! There’s always that moment when the book seems impossible… But then I remember, I felt that way about the murder list too, and now I love it

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  3. No, the universe isn't pantsing. It's just throwing you plot twists. :)

    And no, I don't change my life based on Mercury in retrograde or anything like that.

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    1. Plot twists! Brilliant! I will definitely look at it that way!

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  4. I can't wait to read the new book, Hank, and love the beginning of the next one. I say pshaw on Mercury retrograde.

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    1. Oh my goodness, thank you! And I love that—pshaw is perfect!

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  5. I don't change my life based on Mercury in retrograde or anything. My life changes based on other curveballs life throws me.

    And I'm hoping to make it to your August 22nd event at An Unlikely Story. Not only to pick up The Murder List but I'll also finally be able to get my copy of Trust Me signed as well.

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    1. Oh, that would be fabulous! Don’t you love that bookstore? And cannot wait to see you…

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    2. Hank, I've never been to that bookstore. You being there for a signing is the draw that made me finally decide to take the trip.

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    3. Oh my goodness, you will gasp with delight! It is magical, truly unique and astonishing. I do hope you get to come… The Bookstore alone is a treasure! And awww.....

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  6. THE MURDER LIST is absolutely as great as everybody else is saying! Only problem was I couldn't put it down which means it was over too soon! And I really didn't see that end coming. Congrats, Hank!

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    1. Oh, Judi , that is so wonderful to hear! There is nothing like the joy of having a reader love your new book… Truly, It brings tears to my eyes. Thank you !

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  7. Hank, I think THE MURDER LIST will make the NYT best seller list. So there.

    Mercury in retrograde? Who knew? How long has this been going on? I'm ready for it to go away.

    In this winter/summer/spring of my discontent, I've had one thing or another go wrong. Last Friday evening, while having drinks with friends, a bridge fell out--not a pretty sight. I got right into my dentist yesterday to find it was broken. New one on order. Old one stuck back in with Elmer's Glue. Toby has been sick for a week with kennel cough, and yesterday he got stung by a bee. Penny is dull and listless this morning, and I have no idea why. We've treated her for that very contagious kennel cough, so it isn't that. Eliot coughed up the mother of all hair balls while perched on the kitchen cabinets, letting it slide all the way down to the floor where I stepped in it, bare feet. Our weather is unseasonably hot--this is upstate NY on Lake Ontario, not known for hot summers. We need a good rain as the grass is getting brown. We never have to water but I suppose that's an option.

    But, for the good stuff, there are so many good new things to read, and there are more books coming out in the next couple of months. We are going to Bouchercon in August and JULIA WILL BE THERE! She's the only Red I haven't met, and some days I think we were separated at birth. Or I'm her mother. One of those.

    Praying this bridge stays in until I go back to the dentist tomorrow for the temporary.

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  8. Elmer’s glue????? A hairball on your bare feet? I know all this was traumatic and frustrating, but you are such a great storyteller! I am sorry to laugh… But you tell of your travails so hilariously!

    And I hope you are also predicting the future… Crossing fingers, and thank you thank you thank you. Xxxx

    I hope all of your creatures recover… XO

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  9. Some days the paint (hair) balls miss you, and some days you get splatted. That's my take on the universe. Hank, see how you've already moved on to the next book? You've got this writing gig down pat!!

    And Ann, I commiserate with you--yesterday morning I stepped squarely in cat vomit--oozing between bare toes and all--four cats found that extremely interesting, but did the guilty critter confess? Noooo!

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    1. Why is it the cats always puke where they know I'll step first thing in the morning?

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    2. You guys are not changing my mind about being glad I'm allergic to cats, just saying.

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    3. Ain't cats FUN? But then, they are.

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  10. Thanks for the preview, Hank! I know your book is going to do well (as your books always do). Ignore Mercury in retrograde and stuff like that. Your writing skills is what matters and we know you're one of the best!

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    1. AW..thank you. It is such a joy to have pals like you..and to be able to go nuts here with you all...xooo

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  11. Congratulations on all of the fabulous reviews and on that feature by CNN! That is spectacular! No, I don't change my life because of Mercury Retrograde.

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    1. Okay, great. Good to know! Crossing fingers..and aw, thank you!

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  12. I've gone from thinking "none of it matters" to "all of it matters!" Congratulations on Library Journal STAR! Congrats on the CNN best reads list!! AND on (so jealous) on almost being done with the next book. Soooo jealous.

    Going now to read the excerpts and can't wait to read the book. Because you always hit it tout of the park! WOO WOO!

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    1. ALL OF IT MATTERS??? Ah. Tell us more. I guess when you get the FAB TIME MAGAZINE thing--WOW WOW WOW! xoxoo

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    2. ANd I do want you to read it...let me know, okay???

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  13. Congrats on all the wonderful reviews! I can't wait for this book. Doesn't look like you're going to make it to Pittsburgh this time, but perhaps I'll catch you at Bouchercon (where you can also sign my copy of TRUST ME, if I can get it back from my hair stylist).

    "The universe is the ultimate pantser." Yes, yes it is. I'm right there with you in the prelaunch madness and just realized I still have guest blog posts to write. Better get on that!

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    1. Yes, better get on that--and cannot wait to hear all about it! xxo

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  14. Great review! Can't wait for this one, Hank.

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  15. Fantastic news all around. I so wish you'd come to Western Mass, perhaps Odyssey Books in South Hadley? Can't wait to read this book, but in the mean time, I'll check out some of your earlier books. Enjoy the ride!

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    1. Oh, what a good ideal We're coming on vacation to Lenox this August...more like a weekend at Tanglewood than a vacation, i guess. But maybe we can go check it out, and then set something up! xo

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  16. Yup, yup. John Lennon, again: Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. Might as well go with the flow, it's a lot easier than trying to pound square pegs into round holes all day long.

    Such fabulous reviews, Hank! The trajectory of your writing career, which I've watched since your first Jane Ryland book, has been straight upwards. I'm so pleased for you, my dear.

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    1. Oh, dear Karen, that is so wonderful of you. Crossing fingers, and flowing.Trying to flow. xooo

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  17. I am so looking forward to THE MURDER LIST! Congrats on all the great reviews so far, Hank!!

    And those first two lines of your next one—intriguing! Can’t wait!

    (And I’ve reached my limit on exclamation point use. 😂 )

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    1. OH, you are absolved! When it comes to new books, exclamation marks are much appreciated... xoxo (So funny to see your name--a character in my new book is called Andrea. But I'm not sure that's going to last. Hmm...too many of my characters have names ending with A.

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    2. LOL! I don’t see too many characters named Andrea in books. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. 😆

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  18. Hooray, Hank! Congratulations on those wonderful accolades and the LJ STAR! Whoo hoo!

    And those first lines of your new book have totally pulled me in - how nice to think of snow falling on this hot morning.

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  19. Summer life at the cottage on Lake Winnipeg has escaped Mercury’s retrograde wrath, it seems. The cat threw up a partially digested rodent OUTSIDE — clever Holly, good girl (and grateful me). And my Kindle can download anything I want. Yay!! Only problem is that my holiday will end mid-August....and I’m way too far away for any of the Reds’ book tour stops. Waaaaah.

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    1. Also: Mega congrats on the advanced reviews, Hank. You clearly have another bestseller on your hands. Trust me!!

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    2. I just smiled so much at "Trust Me," Amanda..thank you! And yes, clever clever Holly!

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  20. Hank, you are fabulous!! And the book is getting such fab press!!! No need for jitters!

    I don't usually worry about Mercury in retrograde, but I just found out yesterday that my debit card was compromised, which is just the biggest pain. Maybe I can blame the planets?

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    1. OH NO!!!! What are you gong to do? What happened? Remember, your debit card is issued by a credit card company, so your should be covered.. (and aw, thank you!) ANd they can overnight you a new one. Ahhhhh

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  21. First, I'd like to thank and Ann and Flora. Your animal caused miseries has started my day with a laugh. Sorry for the sick animals but thanks.

    I did a fast scan of your tour. Looks like a lot of time in Massachusetts, hmm. Only one in California? Orange is at the other end of the state. I'll have to be content only one author event this year. See you at Copperfields next week, Rhys. (That's one, Julia)

    Great reviews. "New, to her", I like that phrase.
    That's my car. If you knew how many edits I make just writing comments to this blog. Single finger typing on my Kindle and brain moving faster than that finger and progressive lenses and I now have to contend with Mercury until Thursday. I have no idea what Mercury has to do with it, but I have been working my way through a 45 page report and most of the scheduling code errors are in the other county. Any who - I'm writing and reading but need to pull myself together for my day out in the world. I'd rather be reading and writing but a girl's gotta, oh, go to work, Dale!

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    1. Your brain is moving SO FAST! Good luck with everything!

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  22. Hugs and reassurance -- I'm always surprised that you ever worry about your fabulous books. <3
    I've posted my review, except on Amazon, which makes me wait, so I've set a reminder for that one. I'm glad the next is in progress, looking forward to it. No Missouri dates? In truth, we need to work on our legislature before we can have fun times. ;-)

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    1. Aw, than you--hugs and reassurance, so very needed. Yup, we always worry. And THANK YOU THANK YOU for the amazing review. It makes SUCH a difference. I wish there was a polite way to let everyone know that...

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  23. You'll rock it, Hank! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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  24. I don’t need to be a psychic to know that The Murder List will be a best-seller! As for the first two lines of the next book: when can I read the rest of it???

    DebRo

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    1. Oh, DebRo, sigh, the rest of it. I can SEE the ending now,I really can. I just don't exactly know how I'll get there. It's such a funny thought that by the end of the week, crossing fingers,I'll know. Isn't that strange?

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  25. I have no doubt at all that The Murder List will be a big hit! I'm just concerned that your brain is spewing out all these dubious characters. . . Mercury in retrograde? I don't even know what that means but we had to replace our a/c system yesterday. But then again it was twenty years old. But still.

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    1. Mercury in retrograde affects air conditioners? YIKES. And I am so grateful fo ryour good thoughts..thank you!

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  26. Nah, I don't worry about all that Mercury retrograde stuff, but I think my whole life is pantsing. At my age I should probably give up thinking I know what will happen next. And you know, I know, the whole world knows your book is fabulous and everyone will love it, but I get it. Years of people rolling their eyes at me while I say, "I can't to this, I'm sure I won't get it right, I don't . . . aaah, there it is." Happy almost pub day! xx (and loved those 2 little sentences for the new book!)

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    1. Ah, you may be totally right. Que sera, sera. xoxooo (and thank you!)

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  27. Hank, congratulations on the great reviews and being on must-read lists and coming out with another amazing book. I've been saving The Murder List to read, which I plan on doing now that August is nipping at my heels. I know it will be a spectacular read. I've been distracted by life matters lately, and I really need a Hank spectacular to slip away into. Mercury has been kicking my butt, so here's to Thursday and great reading.

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    1. Yes, here's to Thursday! And your run of craziness is over..all good things on the way! xoxo

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  28. Congrats! So thrilled for you. I don't change my life because of Mercury Retrograde but I'm a bit more careful in traffic, etc.

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  29. So many great reviews! I don't change what I do when there's a Mercury Retrograde, I like to live dangerously. ;) I feel, since I'm a Virgo and ruled by Mercury, when there's a retrograde I'm in more of a neutral position than other astrological signs. So I usually don't feel the chaos as much.

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    1. Oh, ho! VERY interesting..so you have given this some thought! xoo Brilliant.

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    2. KIM! You WIN The Murder List! Email me at hryan@whdh.com!

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  30. I can't was it for this book! I feel as if I've been waiting forever! Congrats on the upcoming release, Hank, and I'm so glad you're able to enjoy the pre-pub limbo!

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    1. Aw, thank you--it took a year to write, and I felt under the gun every moment--but I love it now. And that's giving me a lot of courage for the next one. Thank you, dear one! xoo

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  31. This book sounds so good! I've never read this genre before and look forward to trying something new!

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    1. OH, wow, Noreen--you have a lot of wonderful books to try! Come back from time to time and we will tell you ALL about them! Welcome!

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