Goodbye, Readerville

Readerville, an early online home for many of us writers, readers, and book lovers, closed down today. I confess, I hadn't visited in a while, seduced away by newer social media and by my own work. But for nine years, Readerville was home, an online watercooler where I could count on emotional refreshment during the day. I met several friends there, who remain friends in the real (as well as the virtual) world, and I'm sorry it won't be around for others. Major kudos to founder/creator Karen Templer for keeping it going as long as she did. Thank you, Karen, and best of luck with all future ventures. Readerville, RIP.

FYI - I had the honor of writing about one aspect of Readerville for The New York Times a few years ago.

Blogging for Patry

Last summer, I was invited to participate in a very fun event, down on the edge of Cape Cod in Falmouth. Called "Death and Dessert," it brought a few of us authors together with a lovely crowd ... and lots of really great sweets! While I tried to avert my eyes from the frosted brownies, I found myself chatting with my fellow panelists. David Hosp, a sweet, funny guy, I'd met before. He writes legal thrillers, which makes sense, because he's a lawyer. Paul Kemprecos I'd never met before, but he was who I hope to be at some point - wise, wry, self-effacing, and just lovely. The fourth panelist was a local woman I couldn't believe I hadn't met in person before, Patry Francis. Patry and I knew each other from the online community Readerville, so I knew she was the author of a debut novel, The Liar's Diary, which sounded marvelous. But even she expressed some surprise to find herself in our midst. Not that "The Liar's Diary" doesn't have suspense, but it's more than a thriller, more than a family story. More poetic and yet readable.

Today, "The Liar's Diary" comes out in paperback. Patry is recovering from cancer and around the country (maybe around the world), people are blogging for her. So take a look at Patry Francis's "The Liar's Diary" today, or at least check out this trailer. You'll be glad you did!