Not Another Newsletter!
When It Rains It Pours
After my recent long college/Covid delay, I'm now sending out two newsletters almost back-to-back! The reason is National Author's Day. But before I describe the celebration, I have a confession to make.
Being an author has felt a little shaky to me recently. My last novel—the one you're going to get a chance to win in a sec—came out two years ago, and since then I've been so deep in a writing valley, at times I wondered if I'd ever reach the summit.
It's almost as if being an author can recede, like a tide from the shore, and despite having five novels published to awards and critical acclaim, the time I've just spent writing in a way I've never written before left me on a far distant horizon.
I have a feeling that a lot of writers struggle with this. Velveteen Rabbit or Pinocchio-style, what makes us Real Live Authors? I don't have an easy answer. But this new picture of me comes from a series of photos my agent asked for as they prepare to go out with my hard-won, sometimes pantingly and gaspingly written new novel. As you can see from the pic, I felt pretty happy that day, some of the joy returning. The author summit may be again within sight.
So for all of you seeking to climb this mountain, or wanting a peek into what being a writer can feel like, I'm sending out these words into the wilderness.
Now onto winning some books!
National Author's Day Giveaway
A great writer and writer friend of mine, Carol Van Den Hende, decided to celebrate authors and readers with a chance to win five bestselling novels! As an added bonus, each book will be signed—and who knows, there may even be some treats or goodies or swag tucked in with your copy. (I'm thinking blueberry tea. And candy).
To enter, simply go to Instagram and find each of the authors listed below and follow them. Then go to @jennymilchman or @carolvandenhende and follow instructions to enter the giveaway. It's simple—just a Like and a comment and tag one of your followers for a chance to win a book bonanza!
Contest ends November 8th, 11:59 pm PST, and you'll be contacted by Carol's Instagram page if you have won. Good luck!
Happy Author's Day and Love from the Hills of Wedeskyull,
