8.22.16 - Get ready for THE END GAME paperback's arrival 9.6.16 with a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE END GAME paperback's arrival is just around the corner, which means we need to celebrate!

Three lucky winners will each receive one copy of the book, and one grand prize winner will receive a $35 gift card to Tattered Cover bookstore. 

Enter using the Rafflecopter form above. This contest is open to entrants ages 18+ living in the U.S. and Canada. Good luck!

Want to pre-order the book (it's a fab price, y'all)? Click here.

8.21.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hello, my darlings!

As you may have noticed, I’ve been slightly more active on the socials this week. Part of that was a three-day family road trip to the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore was incredible, y’all, so inspiring, and I loved Deadwood, and simply driving through what looked like the Colorado of my youth. I had to post some pictures and share it with you.

Also, I’m within a few weeks of finishing a draft of the new book, and I will admit, it’s been nice to poke my nose out of my cave and say hello to folks. I had no phone service during the trip, which sounds like a blessing, but being forced away without choosing to do so annoyed me greatly. Contrarian that I am, I don’t like dictums.

So. As of yesterday afternoon, I’m at 88,000 words, or about 380 pages, and things are popping. There is a book in here somewhere. I’m not seeing light at the end of the tunnel, but there is a sense of momentum, of the train hurtling forward, that gives me great hope. I’d love to finish by the end of the month, at the latest by Bouchercon. Wish me luck.

Now, on to the links! 

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

Every weekend while I was growing up, without fail, my parents and I watched The McLaughlin Group. I've always been a current events/political junkie, and this show truly was the core of my interests. I'm so sorry it's over, but John did it will style and class to the very end. RIP, John McLaughlin. Bye-bye.

For something a bit more lighthearted, you need these 10 Amelia Bedelia-isms. 😂 How many people do you know like this in real life?

The Guardian has collected their top 10 books that all writers need to read. How many have you found your way through? Because I'll tell you the truth, there's a lot on this list I haven't read.

And closer to home:

I'm always looking for ways to be more productive. Automating my life with workflows has been revolutionary for my business and personal lives. I wrote this post for RT Book Reviews' Author Portal explaining how I did it. 

This week, The Wine Vixen discovered The Wine Show. And my, oh my. Come for the wine, stay for the accents—you'll notice the show stars the incomparable Matthew Rhys of The Americans and Matthew Goode, which will excite Downton Abbey fans. If you have a Hulu account, we highly suggest you go watch it—fun and informative!

That's it for us. Take some time to appreciate what an amazing country we live in by setting off into the wilderness sometimes soon. See some of our treasures. Admire the ingenuity and dedication and forbearance it took to tame this gorgeous land. And congratulations to all our incredible Olympians! I am so humbled by their dedication and passion. Go USA!

xoxo,
J.T.

8.17.16 - Save Time & Be More Productive with Workflows

Want to save time? Find yourself constantly scrambling and forgetting things?

Workflows have changed the way I run my business and my life. 

I wrote a post for RT Book Reviews on how my team and I do it. I hope it helps you add some structure to your day!
 

8.15.16 - A little bird told me the FIELD OF GRAVES audiobook is on Audible...

Here's some happy news for a Monday:

The FIELD OF GRAVES audiobook is available on Audible! 🎉

P.S. It'll be available everywhere else on August 23. Hooray! 

8.14.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hello, chickens!

It's me, JT! How's your neck of the woods? I've been in Colorado this week, visiting my family and enjoying the big, blue sky out here (not to mention winning some golf money off of my dad's group—mwahaha!). Thanks to everyone who came to Tattered Cover for the signing this week—I always enjoy catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones. You guys are the best.

Oh, and we're taking a family road trip this week. Yep, you read that right. Me, parents, and siblings are loading up to visit Mt. Rushmore.

Wish us luck.

And be on the lookout for photos on Facebook and Instagram!

Anyway...

Here's what happened on the Internets this week:

I am a book nerd, and I love tea. Therefore, I love adorable book & tea accessories. BookBub compiled a list of 17 kitschy items that'd be great stocking stuffers for anyone on your list who loves to lose themselves in a great story while sipping a warm beverage.

I know y'all like finding new recipes as much as I do. This week Amy discovered (and loved!) this apple cider vinegar coleslaw recipe. Light and refreshing, this is the slaw to serve to your mayo-averse friends and goes great with bbq chicken.

It's no secret that I adore the brilliant Margaret Atwood—I even got to interview her for my TV show, A Word on Words! I was delighted to connect with her over our shared childhoods growing up in the wild—she in Eastern Canada, and me in the Colorado. The Wall Street Journal went a bit deeper into Atwood's childhood, and I grew even more fascinated. *Note: a WSJ login is needed to access the full article.

"This is why you shouldn't check email outside of work"—YES. I loved from The Daily Mail. Seriously, let's all agree to shut off our email at 6 p.m., shall we?

"To a writer, a body of work is a taunt." An interesting assertion in the New York Times Book Review. Fellow writers, do you agree?

And closer to home:

Darlings. The NO ONE KNOWS paperback is available for pre-order (!!!), and I've got to tell you, I love this gorgeous cover. Take note, paperback lovers: this will be in stores November 1. 

That's it from me! Y'all have a good week, hug your kitties, wear your sunscreen, and we'll talk again soon!

xo,
JT