JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: To understand how excited I am today, you need to realize my last published book was released on April 4, 2020. In the 5 years, 7 months and two weeks since then, most of my writer friends have released 5-6 books. Rhys (and her co-writer Clare Broyles) have put out 14 novels, and Jenn, I assume, has published 57.
By the way, today is also the book birthday for FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE, the latest, much-anticipated Royal Spyness mystery, and the reason you're not reading about that book is because Rhys was gracious enough to insist I take the spotlight instead. Thank you, Rhys!
The prospect of the publication of AT MIDNIGHT COMES THE CRY kicked off a lot of positive changes in my life. I finally got a new website, courtesy of Xuni.com. I figured out how to post to both Instagram and Facebook at the same time, and my daughter Virginia taught me how to do Insta stories. (Reels are still to come.) I restarted my newsletter, News From the Kill - with many thanks to Jenn, who inspired me to try Substack, where she hosts her own newsletter.
And I just feel, well, more on top of things. More organized, more able to take one the myriad of tasks popping up every day. Part if that is undoubtedly because Karma and Janey have returned to Victoria's house (dogsitting those two was the LONGEST three weeks of my life.) Part of it is due to my friend Celia Wakefield's suggestions, tips, techniques and plain old kicking me in the butt. Which is why this book is dedicated to her.
Surprise, Celia!
Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me during the long, long, LONG journey to seeing the 10th Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery in bookstores. I love you, and even more importantly, appreciate you all. I hope to see some of you while I'm on tour, or, next spring, at Malice Domestic. When we meet up, rest assured, the drinks are on me!
Happy Book Birthday, Julia, and congratulations on "At Midnight Comes the Cry" . . . I'm so excited to have a new Clare and Russ adventure!
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Book Birthday, Rhys . . .
Thanks, Joan!
DeleteHappy book birthday, Julia! I’m very excited to get my pre-ordered copy. I’m being told it’s not going to arrive until the day before Thanksgiving. That’s okay because I already told my husband that I am spending as much time over the holiday weekend as it takes to read the book - without interruption!
ReplyDeleteFor those of us on the West Coast, Julia, perhaps you might consider coming to Left Coast Crime in San Francisco this coming February? I would love to meet you and it’s a really fun conference. (And perhaps Rhys might be there?)
Happy book birthday to you, too, Rhys! — Pat S
Thank you, Pat
DeleteI'll look into it, Pat - I haven't been to LCC in YEARS so it's probably time I caught up!
DeleteHooray! It is loading onto my Kindle as I write this. Can't wait to start reading later today.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Marianne!
DeleteYay! I got a notice yesterday that my copy had shipped. My only decision is whether to listen to the entire series again (I love Suzanne Toren's narration*) before starting. I listened to them all back in June when the longing grew acute. Too soon for a re-listen of the whole canon? Maybe just the last two? Decisions, decisions — and such cheery ones. Oh, happy day! (Picture the gospel chorus singing.)
ReplyDelete* With two parents from 1930s Alabama, I am very picky about Southern accents and have returned books with bad ones. Suzanne does an excellent light accent, quite similar to my parents after 40 years in Yankee territory. (Selden)
Doesn't she, Selden? After she started narrating my books, her version of Clare became the voice I heard in my head.
DeleteHappy Book Birthday! Happy trails on your book tour.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dru Ann!
DeleteYay, Julia! I can't to run over and pick up my copy. Like Pat S, I'm going to savor the book over the Thanksgiving weekend. Have a great launch party today with Rhys and safe travels on your tour!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy release day to Rhys, too!
DeleteThank you, Edith!
DeleteCongrats to you and to Rhys! Going to try to watch the Poisoned Pen event live online tonight.
ReplyDeleteThey do such a great job streaming, don't they, Brenda?
DeleteJulia, congrats on the new book FINALLY being here. It's a book birthday celebration for sure. I'm not positive as yet, but I am hoping that I might be able to take that trip to Wellesley Books when you are there.
ReplyDeleteJay, I've got a big hug waiting for you if you make it there!
DeleteFrom Celia: That's good news Jay as I'm
DeleteHoping to be at Wellesley too
Happy book birthday Julia !
ReplyDeleteYAY ! My book was downloaded when I woke up this morning !
Danielle, I love pre-ordering because it feels like an unexpected present when the book arrives!
DeleteHappy book birthday, Julia! I know I have at least two copies coming my way (pre-ordered multiple times, and yes, extras will be gifted or donated to the library), but I just downloaded the audiobook so I can start listening while I'm on the road today!
ReplyDeleteI thank you, Annette, and my daughter's tuition find thanks you as well! :-D
DeleteHappy Day -- for you and for us readers, dear Julia! Your book is on my Kindle and I'll be diving in today. Hooray! I love that you dedicate the book to Celia; that's lovely.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the dedication! Celia is the best.
DeleteShe deserved it more than anyone!
DeleteI love that you dedicated the book to Celia. She's such a good friend to have.
DeleteFrom Celia: I'm really late to the party today but I'm overcome with Julia's thoughtfulness. And thank you all for acknowledging it. I was lucky enough to read the ARC so I know what a treat is in store. Let me encourage you to revel in this cleverly conceived story with many twists but with love at the heart of it. I'm envious of you all. I think I need to read it again.
DeleteCongratulations and enjoy the ride! You could not have chosen a more deserving person to dedicate your book to - she, too, is my hero (and I don't even know her except by here)!
ReplyDeleteWhen she's feeling better, we'll try to get her to some of the mystery cons so everyone can meet her in person, Margo!
DeleteFrom Celia: Many thanks Margo, I would love to meet you and all theJRWs in person. From your pen to *** and come to more mystery cons.
DeleteCongrats to you AND Celia!
ReplyDeleteThank you on my behalf, Margaret!
DeleteFrom Celia: many thanks Margaret, I'm grateful.
DeleteHow wonderful for you! Happy to see a new Clare and Russ book, but even happier for you. As I've mentioned before, everything happens in its own time and trying to push it just causes mayhem and a poor product. You are quality and the world needs all the quality it can get, so keep on being you! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteHappy Book Birthday, Julia! This is SO exciting! Welcome back Clare, and Russ! I can hardly wait to pick up my copy, but I think I will start it next Monday while my husband is having his hip replaced. I will try, try, to read it slowly and savor, and to write down my questions and comments for when you’re at Wellesley Books. And maybe ai’ll reread “Hid From Our Eyes” now.
ReplyDeleteHappy book birthday to Rhys and the new Royal Spyness as well!
Thank you!
DeleteSuzette, I hope you find it a good distraction from your husband's surgery and recovery!
DeleteSuzette, best wishes for a successful surgery for your husband. — Pat S
DeleteFrom Celia: sending all good healing wishes for your husband's surgery Suzette. I hope we'll meet on Wellesley.
Deletecongrats Julia! I'm going to pick mine up today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roberta! *virtual hugs*
DeleteI will be getting a copy, too. I treated myself to a re-read of "Hid from our Eyes!"
ReplyDeleteMaren, I do that, too when a new book in a series I love comes out. Sometimes I think I enjoy the re-read as much as I do the new book!
DeleteI am absolutely thrilled for you Julia! And for us! We love you!
ReplyDeleteI love y'all, too, Judi!
DeleteWoo hoo! So excited! Broadway Books called yesterday and my copy is in! I hope to pick it up today. Yay yay yay. It will be fun to read a book right after publication--usually i wait for the library to get it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm honored, Gillian! And thanks for supporting your local independent bookstore.
DeleteCongratulations, Julia!
ReplyDeleteDianne Mahoney
Thank you, Dianne!
DeleteWonderful!! Congrats to you Julia and Rhys. Can't wait to get copies.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anon!
DeleteYay!! It may have taken you five years, but, as you can see, we do not care how long it's been!! We are here for you and salivating to get our hands on At Midnight Comes the Cry. And if she hasn't ordered our copies yet, I'll be camping outside our Adult Services librarian's door--we've patrons who will be thrilled to read your latest book. And bless Celia! And Rhys, the writing machine--after Jenn and her 57 books, of course! Such wonderful hours of reading await me! p.s. I'm so excited, I might use up the world's supply of exclamation points in one post!! :-)
ReplyDeleteFlora, you've made me laugh. It's so nice to be part of a community where people are SO enthusiastic about reading.
DeleteFrom Celia : Bless you too Flora, and thank you.
DeleteHas it really been that long? Congratulations, Julia!
ReplyDeleteBless you for thinking it was sooner, Liz! :-)
DeleteWe’re all so thrilled for you, Julia… and you are my role model for feeling gratitude… So perfect at this time of the year. Give us a new layer of meaning to happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much, Hallie.
DeleteYay! Julia! Yay! Celia! It is wonderful to have a good butt kicker in your life. Will be opening my door 10,000 times today to see if “out for delivery” is delivered! Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, yes, we all need a good butt-kicker!
DeleteFrom Celia: Well Elisabeth, it may not be the most glamorous owork but someone needs to own it. If I've been any help at all I'm most grateful.
DeleteCongratulations, Julia, and I cannot wait to re-enter the world of Claire and Russ!! (And congratulations to Rhys, as well; her gracious generosity is not at all surprising.) Have a happy book tour, and keep that gratitude going!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melinda
DeleteMelinda, I'm so lucky to share the book launch event tonight with Rhys!
DeleteYea! Happy dance. I finished the last book I was reading the night before last and refused to start another until yours appeared in my Kindle. I'm looking forward to a sleepless night - in the best way. Congratulations, Julia.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kait. I hope I keep you up all night!
DeleteCongratulations ladies! Both of your books are on their way to my house now. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Julia's book and relieved to find Russ his old grumpy self with pithy remarks.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Julia! Yes, I want to catch up with Clare and Russ, but I am so excited to finally find out Kevin's fate. Wait, don't tell me, lol. I know I have been a nuisance about it! I think I'll splurge on the audiobook, too. XXOO
ReplyDeleteHoping to tune into PP interview later.
Rhys, congratulations on your new Royal Spyness mystery. I am eager to see Georgie become the fierce mother we know she can be!
I pulled out Hid From Our Eyes too. It is next on my list but now I conflicted. Do I reread first and then dive into the new book? Or do I just take that plunge and start reading the new book as soon as I pick it up today? So lovely to see Celia's name on the dedication page. I'm putting a reminder to find the Poison Pen event this afternoon. Is Flagstaff ready for three Jungle Reds roaming freely today?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both of on your newest publications. Can't wait to good shopping today.
Poison Pen bookstore is in Phoenix.
DeleteFrom Celia: Thank you Deana, this is such an honor.
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DeleteYay! I’ve been waiting for this one! Going to the bookstore today to get it (or place my order if it’s not unboxed yet)!
ReplyDeleteFriendship, gratitude and respect are so clearly evident within this wonderful group of Jungle Red Authors...To Julia ~ Happy Book Birthday to you as well as pushing through all the hurdles these past 5 years. (To quote Robert Frost: "The best way out is always through".) Such a wonderful gesture of appreciation to also dedicate your new book to your friend Celia. Congratulations and Happy Book Birthday to Rhys as well; you are indeed a gracious friend. Such a lovely and supportive group of women!
ReplyDeleteFrom Celia: Julia is indeed Evelyn, thank you. I have been blessed in so many ways with her friendship.
ReplyDeleteThis triumph deserves a celebration, Julia! After all you have been through these past few years, both personally and as a citizen of a world in flux, you persisting with this book to fruition has been an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteVery much looking forward to seeing tonight!
And congratulations as well to Rhys! A very happy day for the Reds!
ReplyDeleteJulia, your post really made my day. There are 100 reasons why, one being discouraged about my own efforts to promote my book and finish my next one. Mostly because I love a story where someone dusts off and pulls it together. Can't wait to read your book.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS, Julia! I am so delighted for you! Huzzah!
ReplyDeleteWOO HOO!!! Congrats to you and Rhys! Can't wait to see you both at the Pen tonight!
ReplyDelete