boxing the octopus

A book I've been recommending all over the place this year: FOBBIT by David Abrams. "Fobbit" is a (non complimentary) term referring to A U.S. soldier stationed at a Forward Operating Base who avoids combat by remaining at the base. It's also Abrams' job descriptions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (He served as a journalist in the Army for 20 years.) Abrams' grimly hilarious debut novel based on his experience in Iraq was named a NYT Notable Book last year. A lot of reviewers (including me) compared it to Catch-22. It's that good. And it's that funny. Check out the freshly minted trailer from the publisher:  

"I had stopped believing in Santa Clause long before his powder blue Buick Skylark ripped through a busy intersection in Allentown, Pennsylvania, clipped the back of a pickup truck, bolted over the curb, and slammed into the corner of an abandoned gas station..." My Christmas card to all the terrific readers (and writers) who made this a great year for me: a 15-minute break from holiday hurry. This week, please enjoy a free download of The Late Great Santa Claus , a little cookie of a short story from the archives of Earth to Joni, my syndicated column of yore. (And just in case it leaves you wanting to read more from Earth to Joni series, I included the bonus sneak peeks from Love & Other Natural Disasters (Earth to Joni) and First You Write: The Worst Way to Become an Almost Famous Author and the Best Advice I Got While Doing It . Peace, joy and a happy, happy New Year to all! Cue handbells!

Nov 28, 1994, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and told I should not expect to live more than 5 years. My kids were 5 and 7. Getting my first book published was still a pipe dream. My husband Gary Rodgers was my life raft. Nov 28, 2013, I'm still here, my kids are grown and gorgeous, 7 of my first 14 books are NYT bestsellers, and the Gare Bear and I recently celebrated our 30th anniversary. Life is good, and I am profoundly grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Colleen Thompson is doing what she does best in her new serial thriller, The Best Victim , taking us back to the intense emotion, taut plotting, and eerie atmospherics that makes critics to invoke Tami Hoag and Tess Gerritsen. Smart serial publishing by Amazon's Montlake imprint doles the story out one tantalizing episode at a time at a price that's easy to click. The timely story is just the right amount of gruesome: a vicious online stalker called the Troll King gets his jollies by relentlessly dogging vulnerable young women until they commit suicide. And that can really piss a big sister off... I've been waiting for the series to launch, which it did today! BAM. Check it out!

City of Lost Dreams is the magical mystical sequel to City of Dark Magic , which I raved on and recommended last year . Drawing on the art, music and history of Vienna, it follows the adventures of Sarah, a young musicologist on a mission to help her friend, a pianist with a sixth sense. Terrifically spirited (pun intended), well-written, and intelligent. I ended up babbling a bit when I tried to sum up the complex plot, but trust me, it works. Highly recommending you read City of Dark Magic first.

Tomorrow morning, piano movers are coming to pick up the vintage Acrosonic piano that's lived in our dining room for about 15 years. Esmerelda, as I called her, will be going to a wonderful family, and Gary and I will be one step closer to our goal of owning nothing larger than a suitcase. Feeling a bit nostalgic, I thought I'd share a tidbit from Earth to Joni, my syndicated column of yore. This piece originally ran in newspapers in January 2003. The Piano Lesson On my twenty-first birthday, I made a list of goals for the next twenty years. Approaching my forty-first birthday last week, I had to accept that I was not going to Harley across India, learn to speak French, or procure a third child by Wednesday. Fortunately, I came in just under the wire on one item. At this unlikely age, I’m learning to play piano. We purchased the secondhand spinet two years ago, envisioning our 12-year-old daughter Jerusha thundering Bach and Rach. Unbelievably, Lil' Miss Bad Seed had the n...

If you're like me, there are a few special shows you're so hooked on, you tune in every week and never miss an episode. My next full-length romantic thriller, The Best Victim , will be released in that same fashion, with each weekly episode ending in cliff-hanger fashion, beginning with Episode One's release on Nov. 26th. Here's the cover copy, to whet your appetite: You don’t deserve to live. The ugly words delivered online finally hit their mark. The younger sister of web security specialist Lauren Miller took the taunts to heart—and took her own life. Devastated, introverted Lauren has nowhere else to turn but the arms of a man who shares a similar pain…and a burning need for vengeance. FBI agent Brent Durant is determined to unmask the Troll King, a vicious Internet stalker he suspects of preying on the weak, goading his victims into suicide. Victims like Lauren’s sister. Working off the grid as a rogue agent, Brent risks it all—even his freedom—to bait...

As a record of poetry,  The Poets Laureate Anthology  is groundbreaking, charting the course of American poetry over the last seventy-five years, while being, at the same time, a pleasure to read, full of some of the world’s best-known poems and many new surprises. Elizabeth Hun Schmidt has gathered and introduced poems by each of the forty-three poets who have been named our nation’s poets laureate since the post (originally called Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress) was established in 1937. Poets range from Robert Pinsky, William Carlos Williams, and Elizabeth Bishop to Charles Simic, Billy Collins, and Rita Dove. Schmidt’s spirited introductions place the poets and their poems in historical and literary context and shine light on the interesting and often uneasy relationship between politics and art. This is an inviting, monumental collection for everyone’s library, containing much of the best poetry written in America over the last century. 43 black-and-white ...

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

Every English writer knows Strunk and White's  The Elements of Style . The book’s mantra, make every word tell, is still on point. This much-loved classic, now in its fourth edition, will forever be the go-to guide when in need of a hint to make a turn of phrase clearer or a reminder on how to enliven prose with the active voice. The only style manual to ever appear on bestseller lists has explained to millions of readers the basic principals of plain English, and Maira Kalman’s fifty-seven exquisite illustrations give the revered work a jolt of new energy, making the learning experience more colorful and clear.

MARCH is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis' personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.  Book One spans John Lewis' youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.  Many years ago, John Lewis and other student activists drew inspiration from the 1958 comic book "Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story." Now, his own comics bring those days to life for a new audience, testifying to a movement whose echoes will be heard for generations.

I hope you'll help me celebrate another book birthday! Today's the long-awaited release for my latest Harlequin Romantic Suspense, The Colton Heir.   This book is #5 of 6 in the popular Coltons of Wyoming miniseries, and although it stands alone, I think you'll enjoy the others just as much as I have! It was so wonderful, working with so many talented authors and our amazing editor, Patience Bloom, on these stories. Book One: The Colton Ransom, by Marie Ferrarella Book Two: Colton by Blood, by Melissa Cutler Book Three: The Missing Colton, by Loreth Ann White Book Four: The Colton Bride, by Carla Cassidy And don't miss next month's exciting conclusion to the series: Book Six: Colton Christmas Rescue, by Beth Cornelison One final note: Today is the release of the e-book edition. Paperbacks should be in stores by Tuesday, Nov. 5th.

Can't wait to dive into this advance copy of City of Lost Dreams , sequel to City of Dark Magic , which I read, loved and raved about last year. Watch this space for my review and your opportunity to win a free copy from the publisher when City of Lost Dreams  drops next month. Meanwhile, you still have time to read  City of Dark Magic , which you can see me highly recommend in this book review photobombed by my dog.

This week on Undercover Soundtrack , Roz Morris airs the playlist that inspired my novel Kill Smartie Breedlove . One of my favorite elements in the process: I formed a collection of covers of Bill Withers' classic "Ain't No Sunshine" as a way of processing and anchoring a major thread for the two main characters, both of whom are widowed. Caroline Savoie's austere acoustic rendition never fails to generate a lump in my throat.

I've been on a roll lately, reading so many memorable, distinctive books. Among them was Dark Angel, a "Gothic fairy tale romance" by talented historical romance author TJ Bennett. Dark Angel (Entangled Edge, Oct. 21, 2013) is a lushly romantic retelling of Beauty on the Beast. Only this "Beast," the mysterious, stern lord of an island trapped in the mists of time, is destined to be tried--and tamed--by the beautiful young widow Catherine Briton, the sole survivor of a terrible shipwreck, as well as the only living soul to wash ashore in many an age. With its brooding (and seriously sexy) hero, its towering castle, and its magical secrets, Dark Angel reminded me of the great Gothics I used to love. And since TJ Bennett is (full disclosure) a critique partner of mine, I've been privileged to watch this story come to fruition and highly recommend you check it out!

A great book - Evidence of Life by Barbara Taylor Sissel - gets a brand new look from the publisher. (Looks like they're branding it with her forthcoming release: Safe Keeping .) My original review of EOL...

Today's theme music, Grateful Dead's "Touch of Grey" was inspired by a great blurb about my new memoirella, Love & Other Natural Disasters , a starred title today on BookGorilla.com : "Think "Molly Ivins meets Anna Quindlen to the tune of 'Touch of Grey'...Not your Mama's Erma Bombeck, but the best of “Earth to Joni”, the syndicated newspaper column chronicling family life, politics and culture, and welcoming readers into the Rodgers household, where life is for living, love conquers all, and pancakes are what’s for dinner." PS ~ Love & Other Natural Disasters free on Kindle this week!

So the Gare Bear and I have been married for 30 years as of this summer. Blows my mind. I've always said it's impossible to be married to the same person for 30 years, because it's impossible to be the same person for 30 years. The best you can hope for is that you will be foolish enough to keep falling in love. That seems to be the case for us. By way of celebration:  Love & Other Natural Disasters  (the first in a series of memoirellas based on my syndicated newspaper column "Earth to Joni") offers about a dozen essays reflecting on our somewhat stormy but overwhelmingly happy (and frequently hilarious) life together from the perspective of a month-long power outage that kept the Rodgers neighborhood in the dark after Hurricane Ike. Download it free this week exclusively on Kindle .

Wrapping up Blood Cancer Awareness Month with a huge thank you to Ashley Rodgers for her expert answers to reader/survivor FAQs about cancer's emotional roller coaster. (To see the whole Q&A series, click the #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth hash tag below.) On a personal note: My daughter Jerusha, five years old in the photo here, went with me to many of my chemo treatments, including one on her sixth birthday. Today she is a fabulous 24-year-old freelance editor , and this summer, she donated bone marrow to a six-year-old child with leukemia through a national anonymous bone marrow registry. I can't begin to express how proud of her I am. (For more information on how you can help someone with a life-threatening blood cancer,  visit Be The Match .) Of all the songs that spoke to me during the journey of my own cancer experience (and the continuing journey of survivorship) is this anthem from Gloria Estefan. The first time I heard it, I was weeping in the ladies room at my oncolo...

In case you were wondering how it feels to transition from traditional publishing to the plate-spinning, chainsaw-juggling, little red hen "I'll do it all myself" indie life... yeah. It's like this.

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: My teenage son is great with his dad (my ex-husband) who is going through chemo and radiation, but to me he is belligerent, disrespectful and uncooperative. Why is he acting like my ex's cancer is my fault? Ashley says: I understand how you may feel frustrated and hurt by your son’s actions and attitude towards you right now. It is difficult for everyone to cope with a sick parent, especially when you are still a child. Ideally, your pare...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: My wife and I have been pretty unhappy for most of our 15-year marriage but stayed together because of the kids. Now I have cancer, and I feel like I'm wasting what might be the last years of my life. Is it crazy to think I should try to find love before I die? Ashley says: Your desire to have love in your life is not crazy. It is natural to want passion and connection with another person. You can choose to dissolve your current relations...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: My husband has been totally AWOL since my cancer diagnosis, working late, leaving early, eating dinner in front of the TV and barely speaking to me. WTF? Ashley says: It can be very stressful and hurtful to become disconnected with your partner after such a major medical diagnosis. You are not alone in your experience. Many patients go through a similar shift in their relationships and the key to getting through it is communication. A diagnos...

Nancy Sinatra nutshells the publishing industry: "This town is a love you town and a shove you down and push you 'round town... This town is a use you town, and abuse you town until you're found town."

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: Every time someone comes up to me and says, "How ARE you?" or tells me what an inspiration I am, I just want to punch them in the face. It's not their fault, but it pisses me off. What am I supposed to do with all this anger? Ashley says: Feeling anger towards friends and family is normal. From people who are currently undergoing treatment to people who have been in remission for years, they all go through a rollercoaster of emo...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: Ever since chemo, I've been struggling with my memory and concentration. It's hard to read a book. I get lost on my way to the grocery store. Sometimes I can't even recite my own phone number! I've heard about "chemo brain" and post-traumatic issues, but my friends tell me it's just stress. What can I do to get my brain back? Ashley says: The term “chemo brain” refers to mild cognitive impairment; this includes th...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: I'm 25 years old and just finished 18 months of chemo and radiation. My hair is super short, but I'm not bald. My energy is starting to come back, and I'm trying to get out into the dating world again. It feels dishonest to not mention this huge thing in my life, but any mention the cancer thing either hijacks the whole conversation or totally turns the person off. What's the best way to bring it up without making people uncomf...

I'm up to my neck in a ghostwriting project right now, but fresh reviews are forthcoming. Meanwhile, enjoy this amazing moment of pure storytelling.

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: I've been in remission for several years, and I go once-a-year for scans and follow-up with the oncologist. I used to feel a lot of panic and dread as the six-month check ups approached. Now I feel terrified about going so long between scans. What's wrong with me? Ashley says: I understand you may be concerned and confused about why going so long between check-ups can feel so scary. Remission is supposed to be this glorious time of re...

Had to post a huge hug and shout out to Alyssa Rood for her amazing gift of energy and love as a Relay for Life participant. (And to her mom Denine for sending me this photo). Since its humble beginnings in 1985, Relay for Life has been raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Millions of dollars have been generated for research, support, awareness and education, and fabulous people like Alyssa have made it happen. If you've been to a Relay for Life event, you know that the track is lined with luminaria, some in tribute, some in memoriam, every one a reminder that cancer only comes in the context of a human being. Those lights through the night, as participants keep walking, are a powerful symbol of the scientists and caregivers who keep striving for answers, striding toward a cure. Thank you! As a survivor who has been lucky enough to see my children grow up, I can't begin to express my gratitude. Visit the Relay for Life website to learn how you can get involved.

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: After a year of remission, my cancer is back. I want to investigate alternative and naturopathic treatments instead of more chemo and radiation. My family tells me I'm an idiot. They're constantly on my case to abandon this "stupid, suicidal" belief system. I really need their support right now. How do I get them on my side? Ashley says: The news of your cancer returning can be scary, not only for you, but for your family as...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: Everyone was amazed by my positive attitude during chemo. I worked hard to stay upbeat, and I thought everything would be fine once my remission was confirmed. Instead I feel depressed and more alone than I've ever felt in my life. Why can't I just get back to normal? Ashley says: I understand that you are feeling alone now and might be confused by that since remission is usually imagined with feelings of happiness and relief. But cons...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: Since my husband's cancer diagnosis we've been having sex at least once and sometimes two or three times a day. Is there something horribly wrong with us? Ashley says:  First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with the two of you. It is natural for your sex life and patterns of intimacy to change, especially during a major life event like being diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes couples find that their sexual interactions become less f...

Over the years, I've received thousands of emails about  Bald in the Land of Big Hair , a memoir about my experience with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis brings a firestorm of questions, and as a survivor, I can sympathize , but I'm not an expert; many times I just don't have the answers . So this year during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I've asked Ashley Rodgers (Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling), to respond to some FAQs about the emotional and psychological aspects of the cancer journey.  Q: Since my cancer diagnosis, a lot of my friends and even some of my family members seem to have disappeared. If I happen to bump into someone I know, they're obviously uncomfortable. WTF? Ashley says: Many people have experienced loved ones pull away during or after treatment. This is typically because they care about you and do not know how to handle the news regarding your diagnosis. Some people avoid situations of conflict or distress b...