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Hello from a Stranger...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sometimes it takes a good cause to draw one out of hiding. More on that to follow, but first let me apologize for not posting anything new since mid-August. After this summer's six-week book tour, I had to put my proverbial nose to the grindstone in order to complete the year's two projects, and that left little time for anything but writing, eating, and sleeping.
So first let me elaborate about that "good cause" that has drawn me out of seclusion. Today, over three hundred fellow authors are rallying around one of our own. As a board member of the International Thriller Writers, I was lucky enough to meet a whole slew of debut novelists in New York City during last summer's ThrillerFest. I've always been supportive of new writers (as I was equally supported early in my own career by the generous contributions by Charles Pellegrino, John Saul, Douglas Preston, and Lincoln Child). So I'm always happy to do the same when situations arise.
Last month, it came to my attention that one of the debut novelists from the conference was diagnosed with cancer during the past year. And while she is in remission, the course of her treatment had left her unable to promote her debut novel, which is being re-released in paperback TODAY. In an attempt to help in some small way, a great cabal of authors from across the country and across the seas are blogging simultaneously about the situation, to use our own sites to promote her novel: THE LIAR'S DIARY by Patry Francis.
Here is a little about the novel and author:
When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities THE LIAR’S DIARY (Plume / February 2008 / ISBN 978-0-452-28915-4 / $14.00) is the story of Ali and Jeanne’s friendship, and the secrets they both keep.
Jeanne’s secrets are kept to herself; like her son’s poor report card and husband’s lack of interest in their marriage. Ali’s secrets are kept in her diary, which holds the key to something dark: her fear that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. While their secrets bring Jeanne and Ali together, it is this secret that will drive them apart. Jeanne finds herself torn between her family and her dear friend in order to protect the people she loves.
A chilling tour of troubled minds, THE LIAR’S DIARY questions just how far you’ll go for your family and what dark truths you’d be willing to admit—even to yourself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patry Francis is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize whose work has appeared in the Tampa Review, Colorado Review, Ontario Review, and the American Poetry Review. She is also the author of the popular blogs, simplywait.blogspot.com and waitresspoems.blogspot.com. This is her first novel. Please visit her website at www.patryfrancis.com.
You can also view a short trailer for the book here.
I hope everyone checks out her book! I've already ordered mine today!
And while I don't want to dilute this effort by mentioning my own books, I have received many emails inquiring about what those "two books" that kept me locked in a small room for these past many months. Suffice it to say, I will reveal details on BOTH of these books tomorrow! So order Patry's book today and come stop by here tomorrow for an early peek at the cover to this summer's new thriller.
all the best,
Jim
