It's almost Halloween

A good time to try scary things

“You should start a Substack.”

I don’t remember the first person who suggested that to me, but suffice it to say, there have been several, and only some of them have been book publicists. Unfortunately, I am the sort of person who tends to dig in her heels and refuse to do things when enough people tell me to. This is why I still have never seen “Life is Beautiful.”

That was before I had three books scheduled to come out in one six month period.

Back in 2014, when my YA novel CONVERSION came out, followed shortly by THE PENGUIN BOOK OF WITCHES, I assumed I would never have a year that busy again.

Now it is 2023. The year of three. ASTOR, A TRUE ACCOUNT: HANNAH MASURY’S SOJOURN AMONGST THE PYRATES, WRITTEN BY HERSELF, and THE PENGUIN BOOK OF PIRATES! One book out, and two to go! Events, out in the world! People! Uncomfortable shoes!

“You used to love blogging,” one of my well-meaning friends pointed out to me.

“Yeah, but….” I said.

(I bought those shoes at a resale shop in Las Vegas like ten years ago.)

This Substack will be a miscellany of book news, plus thoughts on writing and history.

Also, pirate stories. I will aim to put it out each Wednesday, though probably less often when the time comes for me to crawl back into my desk and come up with the next three books.

So what’s next?

In a few short days, on Sunday 10/29, I’m trying something new. I’ll be at Haunted Happenings Market in Derby Square in Salem from 10 am to 6 pm, offering free signed copies of THE PENGUIN BOOK OF WITCHES to anyone who preorders THE PENGUIN BOOK OF PIRATES or A TRUE ACCOUNT. If you’ve never seen Salem at Halloween time, you have never seen Halloween. Come get all your witch questions answered, pick up some swag, and nab a free book!

I’ll also have stickers and maybe some inflatable pirate swords left over from my son’s birthday party. Because nothing drives preorders like free swords.

Can’t make it to Salem?

I’ll also be coming to Houston, Cincinnati, Cambridge, Marblehead, Murrell’s Inlet SC, and San Diego. More news on those to come.

Until then, here’s to your brim cup, my mates, and your full carouse to make a merry heart.

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