My head is swirling. So far this month we’ve celebrated three graduations, an anniversary, a birthday, and the homecoming of my college-aged kids. We’ve had some fabulous news (awards won and milestones met and unexpected successes), and faced some difficult things (an unwanted diagnosis, disappointments big and small, ongoing frustration and disappointment with policies and decisions that affect all our lives), etc., etc. And it’s not even June. May is a whole thing. I’m sure you can relate.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but I need some time and space to process, so I’m going to leave you today with some photos, thoughts, and good news that I hope makes you smile. I’ll be back soon to dig deep into the things that are keeping me up at night. But today: be blessed.
First up, Where He Left Me is less than six months from publication, and we’re officially in the exciting/nerve-wracking/consequential part of the process. It might seem like we’re just waiting, but my team is working hard behind the scenes to help our book launch with the biggest bang possible. The numbers range wildly, but it’s safe to say that every year millions of books are published worldwide, and hundreds of thousands release in the US alone. Being heard above the noise is a nearly impossible feat. Maybe that’s why many books struggle to reach an audience. “Most people don’t buy books, sales for most titles are lower than many think, and big publishing works on a blockbuster model where a few hits—plus perennial backlist sellers—comprise the bulk of sales.” (Lincoln Michel: Yes, People Still Buy Books). So, we fill these months of lead time with press releases, bids for review and media coverage, and lots and lots of hustling.
It’s my least favorite part of the writing process by far. It’s hard to say “buy my book!” in a never ending round. So I usually don’t. But every once in a while—in addition to writing articles, doing interviews, and going on podcasts—I have to take a few moments to talk about Where He Left Me. Today is one of those days. The good news is, I have fun things to share…
First, if you are a member of NetGalley (a site where people can read and review e-copies of soon-to-be released books), Where He Left Me is live and available for request. If you’re a book reviewer or have a large platform or would like to feature the book on your Substack or blog or website or whatever, please reach out to me! I can make sure your request to read is approved.
Second, if you’re a member of Goodreads (and even if you aren’t—it’s super easy to sign up), you can enter a giveaway for a chance to win one of 100 physical ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of Where He Left Me. Giveaway ends on June 9, and books will be mailed out shortly thereafter.
Finally, if you’re not following me on Instagram or Facebook, now is the time to remedy that. ARCs will drop next week, and I’ll begin the fun process of putting together my Street Team. This is a group of readers just like you who commit to helping me get the word out about Where He Left Me by reading an early copy of the book and then doing some very simple things to help (like leaving a review, requesting that your local library carries the book, and sharing about it with your friends). I also will be giving away some ARCs and other goodies in the coming months, but all that fun happens on my socials. I hope to see you there!
Oops! One last thing. If you already know you want to read Where He Left Me, one of the BEST things you can do is order now. Pre-orders are one of the ways publishing houses begin to assess the potential success of a book. Pre-orders help them decide the initial print run, assist placement in stores, and create buzz around titles that will make a splash upon release—all things we are really hoping for! You can pre-order here.
I want to sign off today with a roundup of the things that are getting me through this crazy month. They have made my life easier and/or brought me great joy, and I hope something in here resonates with you, too!
TV Show: Trying
If you liked Ted Lasso or Shrinking on Apple TV+, I can’t recommend Trying highly enough. This story about a couple trying (and failing) to conceive and then embarking on the road of adoption is funny, heartfelt, and beautiful. I laughed, I cried, I’m counting down the days until the next season. It’s simply lovely and exactly the heartwarming sort of show I needed this crazy May.
Device: Brick
I bought this little wonder after reading a rave review about it on Substack (wish I could find it back for you, but I don’t remember where I read it!). Brick is a physical device that turns your smartphone into a dumb phone with a single tap. It’s magnetic, so I’ve stuck it to our refrigerator, and in a single second I can turn off all the distracting apps on my phone so I can focus on whatever needs to be done. One tap and everything is back. Love, love, love this magnificent invention.
Book: Wild Dark Shore
Need a good cry? Want to lose yourself in gorgeous prose and a story that will stay with you long after the final page? Look no further than Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. The Salt family lives on an isolated island off the coast of Antartica watching over one of the last seed vaults on earth. But their live begins to unravel when a woman washes up on shore… Wow. This will undoubtedly be one of my top books of 2025.
Product: Whipped Tallow Balm
I’m no trad wife, but I’m officially on the beef tallow bandwagon. Hickory Homestead, a local farm, makes this divine multipurpose cream and I’m obsessed. I use it every night on my face and hands, and highly recommend the orange & vanilla scent. I want to gatekeep because I never want them to run out, but I have to share because it’s a game changer. All the stars.
Thanks for reading, friends! Take a moment to tell me a bit about your May in the comments. Hopefully it’s been more peaceful than mine… xoxo - Nicole
I’m a proud member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, a roundup of world-class journalists who call Iowa home. I invite you to check out the group and become a paying member of one or more of our pages.
Omg I just finished Wild Dark Shore. GORGEOUS. Also made me weep.
I checked FB (grr, don't love FB) and realized I was not following you. Now I am!