First, my on-air interview for this week’s The BookMark from The Reading Life is available here. Thank you to Susan Larson and her producer/engineer at WWNO; it was such a pleasure!

Second, a reminder that this Saturday, December 16, from 2 to 3:30 pm, I’ll be at Blue Cypress Books on the fun and fabulous Oak Street (New Orleans).

Third, my book is available at various bookstores across the country, including Parnassus Books, Octavia Books, and novel. — big thanks to them — and to Zeppelin Books and Bookish for also including it in their social media posts. Bookish’s Small Press Book Club has chosen Letting in Air and Light for their January discussion!

Fourth, some photos from the Annual Holiday Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting event on November 30 at the absolutely wonderful Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, La. Thank you to Michelle and John Cavalier and their staff for hosting me. If Cavalier House were closer to my home, I’d be there all the time: Such a treasure, as were all the booklovers who chatted with me about Letting in Air and Light.

Christmas shop at Blue Cypress Books (8123 Oak Street, New Orleans) and then see me. Or vice versa.

Saturday, December 16 • 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Blue Cypress Books is the perfect venue for Letting in Air and Light. It’s just around the corner from the double shotgun house featured so prominently in my book.

My second author event was the Louisiana Book Festival on October 28, 2023, including the Authors Party the night before. I’ve attended this fest (and the party) many times, but this was my first time as an author of course. Thanks to the amazing moderator Gary Richards and the other panelists, Christee Gabour Atwood and Jeffrey D. Lofton.

Led by the indefatigable Reem (ReemK10 (Paper Pills) on Goodreads), a group read of my book starts today. You can join in at Twitter/X, at Bluesky, or comment on her blog (see below). Even if you’re “late,” it’s still easy to catch up and/or discuss later.

I love the story Reem tells below about the origins of our friendship. Thank you for everything, Reem.

My first book event was this week (Tuesday, October 17) at the main branch of the Jefferson Parish Library. I thought I’d be nervous, but that feeling went away quickly as people started trickling in, chatting, buying books, and having me sign them. The interview (with friend and author Miki Pfeffer) flew by, and the audience had great questions. It was a lot of fun!

Today is the official release date of  Letting in Air and Light. A big thank you to all who pre-ordered! It was fun hearing from everyone when their copies arrived. I appreciate all of the support.

Recent news: Letting in Air and Light was featured in “Most Hallowed Lit” at Country Roads, as well as in Deep South Magazine’s “Fall/Winter Reading List 2023 (along with books by authors such as Jayne Anne Phillips, Ron Rash, Jesmyn Ward, and Bryan Washington!).

A couple of weeks ago, I took the book to the site of its setting, my grandparent’s double shotgun house that now looks completely different. I barely recognized it. Same address though!

My author copies arrived on Monday and holding them in my hands was surreal. My daughter and one of my best friends being here made the day extra-special. The next day I delivered some of the copies to the post office, to my brothers, and to those who’ve helped shepherd my book into existence: That was fun too, even though I caught only one person at home.

Preorders are starting to be shipped, and it’s not too late to preorder from Belle Point Press before the release date (October 10) and get a copy early. (If you’re on Goodreads, please consider adding my title to your to-read shelf.) Thanks to all!

Letting in Air and Light is making its way to other outlets for preordering (besides Belle Point Press, that is, where there’s still a preordering bonus to be had), including bookshop.org, if you’d like to help out a bookstore of your choice. A bundle of my book with three other prose works is also available through Belle Point Press: discounted copies, free shipping, and other surprises (in the U.S.)).

My publisher sent me this photo of the review copies, which are also making their way into the world — less than a month away to release!

Anyone in the U.S. who preorders my book, Letting in Air and Light, from my publisher, Belle Point Press, will receive #14 in their Prose Series (pictured), unless you request a different one (which is A-OK too). The rest of the items are also available in their online shop (except for the shirt, which is a limited edition, though other colors are available).