




It’s been a busy few weeks with birthdays, painting sessions and time in New York. Nora will get back to her regular weekend blog posts next weekend but I thought I’d share some visuals and some cool info for everyone. I think I’ll take it in chronological order.
Sunday, October 9
A group of us met at Inn BoonsBoro for their fourth Brushes & Bubbly session. Nora, Kayla, her mom Stacie, Mary Kay McComas and her sister, our friend Sarah and I joined nine other people in the dining room of the Inn to paint a mermaid, in honor of The Guardians Trilogy. Local artist Ronald Layman patiently led us through the layers needed to create depth and shadow and texture. We all had a great time.
Monday, October 10 (Birthday!)
In honor of the birthday girl, St. Martin’s Press revealed the cover of the 2017 hardcover, Come Sundown:
Pre-order links are up now. Turn the Page Bookstore will have their link up soon so you can order a signed copy.
BAM
Amazon HC
Kindle
BN HC
Nook
Indiebound
iBooks
Tuesday, October 11/Wednesday, October 12
The beginning of the annual fall trip. Nora, BW and Jason rode up to NYC and I met them at the hotel. I took this photo because I love those spires.
Thursday, October 13
After some very satisfying shopping and lunch — Kat (who joined us on Wednesday after flying in from a hiking trip with her cousins) scooped up these beauties —
we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the party St. Martin’s Press hosted to welcome Nora to the fold. Rain sprinkled in the afternoon, but the sun came out just as the party started. We all toasted Nora under the light of the setting sun on the rooftop patio.
Friday, October 15
Litographs went live with a Naked in Death infinity scarf in addition to t-shirts, totes, and posters! These super soft infinity scarves are available in your choice of 12 colors and 4 fonts. Shop today and Save $5 on your scarf with code NAKSCARF (valid through tomorrow, 10/18) https://litographs.type
And to celebrate, we’re giving away one autographed scarf. Enter here to win 1 scarf signed by JD herself→ https://litographs.typeform.
The weekend was all about holiday shopping for Nora and spending time with my daughter for me. I headed back to Maryland early because I’m heading back to NJ next weekend. I’m sure Nora will fill us all in with what happened next when she gets back to her desk.
Any questions?
Laura
It’s always a pleasure (for Nora and me) when a baby comes to a signing. We’re veteran child herders so we know that waiting in line with a tired or hungry baby is not always fun for the parent (or grandparent or aunt or uncle or friend) in charge of the baby. But it’s a welcome respite for us.
Many times I’ll see the baby back in line and get a chance for a cuddle. Then, of course, I simply HAVE to show off for Nora who gives me the stink-eye for getting there first.
But I’ll admit Nora’s a baby whisperer and even the crankiest little one calms down when Nana Nora holds him or her. (Though some of them are actually eyeing her jewelry to get something shiny in their fist — or mouth. They are fast and strong and rarely give up without a complaint.)
We ran into two little beauties a couple weeks back. Taylor came with her mom, her aunt, her grandma and great grandma to the Fall into the Story brunch. It was a busy day, but I did snap a couple photos of the four generations with their cameras, and one — a little blurry — with mine.
Fortunately, our good pal Maureen McGowan — a TTP regular and a wonderful photographer — took a few of Nora with the baby for me.
Then there was the adorable Isabelle who brought her mom Katie to the Literacy signing on July 13. Mom waited on the huge line for book and a photo but Miss Isabelle had an agenda of her own. She acquiesced when Nora took her in her arms — for all of 10 seconds. Then she let us all know she was not best pleased and she wanted to be with her mom — NOW!
Fortunately Mom knew what Isabelle really wanted and the next time we looked over she was having a bottle.
We also get to meet some very smart and patient older kids who hang at the signings with their family, let me take their photos and usually walk out with a book (or two) of their own.
It’s always a huge pleasure to know that reading families seed the next generation as early as they can. I think it would be great fun to share those new readers with seasoned vets here on the blog. If you have any photos of your kids or grandkids with Nora, send them to me at LMReeth@gmail.com. Any if you have any anecdotes about their reading habits, please let me know. I hope to share some more photos in the coming weeks.
Laura
Before you read any further, please know that when I set up the blog all photos are right side up. I’m doing my best to figure out why they translate sideways on mobile devices. Laura
We started off Wednesday with movement. While Nora and Kat did a dvd workout in the suite, I walked up to the Midway. Loved this huge statue just by the water.
The day was free until the fabulous Literacy signing. Nora and I went down to see exactly where she’d sit and we ran into Mary Rhoades — the first person in line. The Marriott staff got her a chair so she’d be comfortable, then I offered to snap her photo with Nora, along with the second person in line, Amy who flew in from North Carolina (and if that’s the wrong name, please let me know!).
We met so many wonderful readers who patiently waited for a chance to meet Nora. The event brought in over $39,000 which put RWA over the $1 million mark for donations to Literacy over the past two decades.
Thursday was another free day. Nora and I took a turn around the conference area, then we met Ruth and took advantage of the glorious San Diego weather. As you can see below, it was cool in the shade so we had the fire pit turned on until Ruth could bask in the sun. And Nora wore boots.
I did not.
Friday was the busy day — Nora had her chat, then we lunched with the St. Martin’s team, then parties all around. I’m sure she’ll share more about it, so I’ll share some photos.
The start of the evening.
Saturday was all about the prep for Nora’s champagne reception. This year we had the fabulous view along with food and wine.
We cleaned up pretty well too.
We spent the final day over on Coronado, lunching at the Hotel Del, browsing through shops and breathing in the sea air. I’ll share photos when we’re back in Maryland, but for now we have another plane to catch.
Laura
Monday’s trip to San Diego was smooth as could be — the only real adventure was watching our driver figure out the way to pack all of the bags and five women in. Fortunately we had Kat on stand by to work her car magic just in case.
All the rooms, except Nora’s suite, were ready when we arrived. So did the only sensible thing: head down to eat by the pool. Margaritas, nachos and chips for all!
The continuing thread of the narrative this week will be the epic battle of heat v. cold. I’m traveling with a group of thin skinned shiverers! When we walk through any hall, go into any room, all I hear is a chorus complaining about how coooooold it is! My advice to suck it up is met with great disdain. But on Monday I was actually chilly in the shade with the stiff breeze.
We disbursed to unpack and settle. Then time to settle in on our balcony nest for the rest of the day.
Bed before 9 for everyone because we’re still on east coast time.
All of us were up early on Tuesday. I took a walk with Jill Shalvis, while Nora and Kat tackled dvd workouts. Then it was on to the serious part of the day: shopping. We found interesting clothing stores, the Nordstrom Café for lunch, then some more shopping before heading back to check in for the conference.
Once we checked in, it was back up to our balcony nest to listen to a concert and watch the water. A lovely early dinner ended the first full day at conference.
Laura
Honestly, I’m not that cranky but I thought this was the best way to let you know it’s a Laura update, not a Nora one.
(Nora’s well, but I don’t expect her to collect her thoughts and share a blog post until later this month.)
We’re into Nora’s the busiest week (non-writing category) of the year. The Turn the Page Bookstore Anniversary event on Saturday went off well, despite heat and humidity. Yesterday’s Fall into the Story Brunch was wonderful as always — so much fun to visit with happy readers (who all came to see me, of course!)
My husband and I joined Nora and family for a few days at the spa and an oasis of down time in late June. Our little crew of dedicated walkers clocked steps and miles every morning before 10 am while the rest of the group moved at their own pace. Every day offered activities for the kids, spa treatments for adults, plenty of reading, chatting and eating time. I took photos that made me happy.
Extra bonus (for me?): no scoreboard! Woo-hoo! There was a modified competition after we left, but if I’m not in the room when a game is played, did it really happen?
Now we’re off to RWA for the week. If you’re in the San Diego area, don’t forget the Literacy Autographing on Wednesday, July 13 from 5:30-7:00. I’ll let Nora tell you a little bit more about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7gfxfnVDW0
I’ve played with designs this spring and have posted quotes from various books on Facebook. Here are two examples. If you’d like me to make the quotes and discussion a regular feature here on the blog, please let me know.
Need to shut down the computer and get to the airport. I promise to share recaps and photos this week, so stay tuned.
Laura
I didn’t think I’d pull out the Cranky Publicist so soon, but there’s an uptick in two questions (mainly on Facebook) recently:
“Who is Laura?”
“Why doesn’t Nora write her own posts?” * Most recently, the questioner implied Nora owed readers original posts.
I get that first question, after all readers come to this blog or Facebook and someone who is not Nora signs the posts.
There are helpful, long time readers who answer that I’m Nora’s assistant. That appears to be a simple explanation but it’s not the case at all – I’m Nora’s personal publicist (as opposed to the publisher publicity team). My background is in PR and after years of promoting consumer goods, then health insurance where I tried to prove the benefits of the eu health card system, I moved to talking about my favorite thing in the world: books. I put in time as publicity chair for New Jersey Romance Writers, I worked as the Community Relations Manager for a local Barnes & Noble, I organized visiting author events at my kids’ schools.
I started reading Nora in 1982-83. Can’t quite remember the when, but I remember the book. The Law is A Lady was condensed for Good Housekeeping Magazine, and once i read it, I searched for the whole book. When I figured out the Silhouette category publishing schedule and that this fabulous author gave me five books a year, my allegiance was hers.
One of the things I do with Nora is help out at signings. I stand near her, chatting with readers, taking photos, moving the line along. I love recognizing the first timer — the person so beyond thrilled to meet Nora that she/he is speechless. Sometimes teary. Always shaking.
I met Nora at the 1989 NJRW conference. I didn’t really know what she looked like because her photo still wasn’t in her books (that changed within the year). I was nervous, but determined to say hello. So I did.
Afterward, I was completely positive what came out of my mouth was along the lines of “Your perfume smells like dead fish” or something else equally socially horrifying. It was a blur and I’d ruined my chance! Nora doesn’t remember anything like that (she doesn’t remember the moment at all)– but she’s met a lot of people, so I forgive her for not recognizing how momentous the occasion was.
But I remember every single emotion the first timer feels and I do my best to make sure that even if they converse mainly with me, with Nora chiming in, they walk away thinking they had a great conversation with Nora. That’s the job.
Let’s move onto the “Why doesn’t Nora write posts?” question. Nora and I started working together in 2005 on the very cusp of the social media revolution. Since then it’s taken over our lives and changed the way we interact. Nora understands the role social media plays in publishing or for public figures, but as we saw in the recent Price Points, Discounts, Sales! post, she just wants to write books. Everything else distracts from that goal.
But me? I can make small talk for days on end. I can ask questions. I can see the value in strengthening a community of readers who gather for one reason: they love Nora’s books. Since I started the Facebook page in 2010, I’ve signed every single post because I believe in transparency. No, it’s not Nora asking a question, but in certain ways you’re getting fairly close to it.
So we’ll leave it at the standard answer: I’m Nora’s personal publicist. She handles writing the books while I handle the social media. So far it works out for both of us.
Laura
*Nora writes all her blog posts, I just format and publish them.
Costumes are always part of the TTP signing near Halloween. Last year, Nora dressed as a cowgirl but I’m not really into costumes. I said I’d dress as what I am, a cranky publicist. Kat kindly made me a button that said just that. I was very happy.
So I thought I might use The Cranky Publicist moniker from time to time to answer questions or address comments, starting with this:
For nearly 11 years, I’ve watched trends in reader questions come and go. Usually the top three are:
But the question currently trending with a bullet (as Billboard magazine used to say) is:
Can you share your recipe?
For soup (after a Nora-at-home blog) or pancakes, bread, stew (after reading a book). Most recently it’s for Mr. Mira’s Hot Chocolate.
Nora and I have explained quite a bit that she doesn’t actually have the recipes she creates in books. She imagines food as the characters would create them and charts the ingredients, some of the prep, usually amid conversation that’s propelling the story.
But still there are the requests — pleading, straightforward, sarcastic — to share a recipe so a reader can really feel like she/he is living in the book.
In the seven days since Brotherhood in Death hit the shelves, the Mr. Mira Hot Chocolate requests have escalated to the point where I decided to refresh my memory of the scene. I grabbed the book, a notebook and started reading chapter 6 when Dennis first puts a pot on top of a pot, then adds chocolate.
Ok, I thought, melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Wrote that down.
He puts a bowl into the freezer, to Eve’s confusion. Ahh, I thought, the cold bowl for homemade whipped cream. (Side note for those interested: Nora and I have long discussed how homemade whipped cream is both delicious and easy to make.)
Eve questions, Dennis answers and as he does, he adds milk to the melted chocolate. Then puts a bean in a bowl and crushes with a wooden dowel. I’m going to go with vanilla on that one, which he adds with sugar to the milk.
Then he gets the frozen bowl, pours cream in it, adds some sugar and then beats it until — to Eve’s utter amazement — he has whipped cream.
I finished the scene and thought — OK we have the process, not the amounts. What would I do if I were curious about that?
I googled “double boiler hot chocolate recipe” and there were five immediate results — the first was pretty much the same steps I’d read.
(Which set this Cranky Publicist to wondering if I somehow am magic with the Google searches or if people really just want things handed to them. That’s an entirely different post.)
If you’re itching to try your hand at creating something akin to Dennis Mira’s Hot Chocolate here are a couple fun ways to do it. But really, the best part is that you can take the basic recipe and add dark chocolate or a little chili or some mint or coffee — to make it suit your tastes to a T.
Fancy-Ass Hot Chocolate via A Cozy Kitchen (this recipe has the chocolate going into the milk instead of Dennis’ method).
This one just has chocolate added to hot milk: Ina Garten Hot Chocolate Recipe
Belgian Hot Chocolate (via David Lebovitz)
Since there may be questions on other techniques, you might enjoy these two links:
How to melt Chocolate in a double boiler (video)
How to make Whipped Cream via The Kitch’n blog
Enjoy!
Laura