25 Comments
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Serena Agusto-Cox's avatar

I just came back from my first (and possibly only) retreat in the VA woods. What an amazing experience. The dream would be to go to a residency or retreat not on the east coast. :) I love these insider posts. I also love (miss) Boston, and it changed enormously from when I was a kid to when I was a college student. I can't imagine what it looks like now that I'm 25 years away from that place.

Alma Katsu's avatar

I agree—I’d love to go to a residency in the middle of the country or the west coast. Hope you had a great time on your recent residency

Michael G. O'Connell's avatar

The titles for both of your new books have me hooked already. And thanks for the info on the residencies. I NEED to finish my novel to get over my well-deserved imposter syndrome BEFORE I attempt a residency or writing conferences.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Michael, you should consider getting out to writers’ conferences now. They can be invigorating, plus it’s good to start building your community. Meet other writers, especially the ones at the same stage of the game you’re at. You’ll need people to bounce ideas off down the road, ask for their experiences for comparison (this publishing house, that offer, this conference, that speaking opportunity…) Start to gather editors’ and agents’ names.

Michael G. O'Connell's avatar

Thank you for the advice. I know you are right. I’ve read at a few and attended the local ones and have been fortunate enough to have met quite a few writers. And I will get to the bigger conventions soon.

Lynne's avatar

A friend of mine recently got "King Sorrow," and you could definitely use it to knock someone out...it's SOLID, ha, ha.

Alma Katsu's avatar

I’m flying through it. It’s an easy read…

Joe Betro's avatar

Glad to hear you’re getting some down time!!

What a schedule!!!

F.X. Regan's avatar

Really looking forward to what you do with HAVANA SYNDROME! Fascinating case IRL.

Alma Katsu's avatar

I consulted with Marc P. about his case. There's a big backstory there which will be included in the afterword.

Dave (R D Doan)'s avatar

Love your stuff! Haven’t read Daniel Kraus before, but if you like his stuff, I’d be down to a copy of his “Angel Down” if I could win it 😁

Terrible Comet's avatar

I’ve enjoyed all your book tour updates. It is nice to see how the other half lives, though I wholeheartedly agree about the burdens of travel.

Matthew Mercier's avatar

Glad you made it through the tour! The Low-Down sounds great. I too love Reservation Dogs.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Still miss that show

moonbladem's avatar

I'll have to check out The Low-down on FX. Sounds like something I'd like.

Please enter me into the contest too, thanks!

Su Lierz's avatar

Congrats on the tour. Got exhausted reading about your schedule. I'm sure you're happy to be home. I'd say enjoy your time off, but it sounds like you're exchanging one activity for another. Happy writing, happy editing. Hope to see you again next year at another conference.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Thank you, and that would be lovely

Justin Wacker's avatar

The FLW Airstream is dreamy!

Alma Katsu's avatar

Right? If it came in a small size we might be in trouble...

Andrew D Hensel's avatar

Excited to hear you have more books on the way, especially the spy one. Would also like to enter the contest. Thanks!

Marguerite Turley's avatar

Omg I love the Lowdown! Such a great cast and great writing, after reservation dogs I knew I had to watch it! Hope you’re getting some much needed rest!

Jason Kyriacou's avatar

I'll take a spot in the contest. Good luck everyone. 🤞

Jim's avatar

Enjoy your time at home. Please enter me in the contest 😀

Ruben  reyes's avatar

Please pick me! I’ve been hearing a lot about the Angel Down book. Thanks!