C’mere Til I Tell You

I’m interrupting my convalescence, and my birthday, to bring you what might be the shortest ever narration of an adulterous sex scene (from “Into the West” in In the Event of Contact). With thanks to KALW’s FRESH AIR, Lisa Morehouse, Carla Estevez, and David Exume. LISTEN HERE.

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25th Annual IPPY Awards

This is all the sweeter and more surreal because I loved SHUGGIE BAIN by Douglas Stuart (Grove Atlantic). Congratulations to all the winners.

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That Queen Thing Again

My deep thanks to Jane Ciabattari and Literary Hub for including me in their stellar interview series. “In my work, my particular kingdoms, I have the power to invite readers into stories and situations they might ordinarily want to pull away from, but that hopefully they stay inside, are stirred by, and recognize the truth within.”

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Da relief. Da gratitude. Da hangover.

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What Have You Survived?

I remain grateful to Lori Narlock, founder of the Napa Valley Book Fest, for chatting with me about inspiration, obsession, imaginary friends, micro and macro aggressions, and going on with our wounds and our wonder. Thanks also to the wonderful Napa Bookmine for hosting the event and supporting my books. I very much look forward to returning to in person gatherings, and to bookshop and wine country visits!

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Video Much?

I don’t like to watch myself back on video (does anybody?) but I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation on craft, process, storytelling, fixations, and life with Joy Lanzendorfer, author of the sweeping and gripping debut historical novel RIGHT BACK WHERE WE STARTED FROM (Blackstone Publishing, May, 2021). My deep thanks to The Booksmith San Francisco for hosting the launch of IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT and for their longstanding support.

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The Bible by Ethel Rohan

My deep thanks to Peter McDermott and the Irish Echo for including me in their long-running writer interview series. This was one of the more fun interviews I’ve done recently, and I hope you enjoy.

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Go On

I’m grateful to Courtney Harler and the ever excellent Masters Review for this thoughtful interview that touches on writing and publishing short stories, and on how we go on with our wounds.

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Any Wonder Left

Cleaning out her deceased father’s home in Dublin, a woman reluctantly accepts help from an unsettling stranger.

I’m deeply grateful to World Literature Today for publishing a short story from my just-out collection In the Event of Contact. You can read the full story here.

Photo by Aaron Burden / Unsplash
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Win 2 Free Books

I am thrilled that In the Event of Contact is on BuzzFeed’s Summer Recommended Reading List along with these 27 delicious-sounding other books. Do these lists result in reads/sales? YES. At least they do for me as a book shopper (and there are others I’ll order from my local library). I purchased 5 of the titles on this list. If you correctly guess which five titles I purchased, I’ll buy and ship you the book of your choice from this list, and a signed copy of In the Event of Contact dedicated to you or the recipient of your choice (entries welcome worldwide). First correct answer wins and contest ends. HINT: 4 of the titles are in the image below, and the 5th in from the full list of titles in the Buzzfeed article. Answer in comments. Good luck!

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