There’s something about a rainy Sunday morning in October that makes you want to slow down a little.
Maybe it’s the sound of the rain against the windows, or the gray skies that make staying inside seem like a perfectly reasonable life decision. Or maybe it’s just the realization that the lawn isn’t getting mowed today.
Whatever the reason, today seems like a good opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee, catch up on a few things, and share some of what’s been happening.
First, let’s talk about The Seventh Echo.
It’s hard to believe that nearly two months have passed since my latest novel was released. After spending so much time writing, rewriting, editing, it’s been a wonderful experience seeing the story finally make its way into readers’ hands.
The book signing at Barnes & Noble in Easton was a particular highlight. There’s something surreal about sitting in a bookstore and watching people walk up to check out something you created.
And now, with Spooky Season upon us, I can’t help thinking that The Seventh Echo is particularly well suited for this time of year.
An abandoned industrial complex. A mysterious seven-year-old boy. A man returning to the hometown he left fifty years earlier. And a few secrets that probably should have stayed buried.
Throw in some rain, fog, and an early sunset, and you’ve practically got yourself a trip to Fairmont.
Just don’t wander around Iron Forge after dark. Trust me.
Now, about those watercolors…
As many of you know, I’ve been raising money for my friend Gabrielle, who is battling stage four breast cancer.
What began as an offer of personally signed copies of The Seventh Echo has grown into something a little more colorful.
I’ve added some of my original watercolor paintings to the fundraiser. These aren’t prints or reproductions. They’re original pieces I’ve painted myself, and each one is available as a thank-you for a donation of $30 or more to Gabrielle’s GoFundMe.
And to help sweeten the deal, I’m including a personally signed copy of The Seventh Echo with each painting! I’ll even cover the shipping anywhere in the United States.
The paintings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if one catches your eye, please message me to claim it and coordinate your donation.
You can read more about the fundraiser and how to help here:
The Seventh Echo: Twenty Books, One Good Cause
So, what’s next?
Well, I’m still writing. Because apparently finishing one novel isn’t enough to convince me to find a less complicated hobby. I’ve been spending time working on another suspense story with new characters and secrets that explores a very different kind of mystery.
I’m also kicking around a few more ideas for The Seventh Echo, including ways to get the book into more readers’ hands. After all, just because a book has been published doesn’t mean the adventure has to end.
And somewhere in the back of my mind, there’s always the possibility of returning to Fairmont for another story. I suspect that town still has a few secrets to tell.
For now, though, it’s Sunday.
The rain is falling, the coffee is hot, and I’ve got a few things on my to-do list that can probably wait until tomorrow.
Maybe I’ll spend some time writing. Maybe I’ll pick up a paintbrush. Maybe I’ll curl up with a good book. Or maybe I’ll just sit here and enjoy the sound of the rain.
Sometimes that’s enough.
Enjoy your Sunday. And if it’s raining where you are like it is here, you have my permission to stay inside and read a good book.
I might even know one you’d enjoy. 😉
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