November 2025

An upcoming event, and a hiatus ✨

Dear readers,

My social media break has had its up and downs. I’ve gotten so much better about not checking my phone constantly—I check my apps maybe once every two-three days—but I also feel a bit out of the loop when it comes to publishing and promoting my books. The good news is that I don’t have any new releases to promote; of course, the bad news is that I don’t have any new releases to promote.

I do have one upcoming event - a mystery author extravaganza at the Reston Regional Library on Dec. 13!

If you’re in the DMV and a fan of mysteries, I do hope you’ll come see me (and 27 other members of our local chapter of Sisters in Crime!). Details are here.

On the writing front: I have no real news, updates, or progress to share. I’m still grappling with my now-medicated ADHD and what that means for my process, and the holidays are always a tough time to squeeze in writing time. But I have a new idea I’m excited about that I’m keeping close to my chest for now, and I’m slowly remembering what it’s like to play with new characters in a new setting and new era and maybe even a newish genre. I’ve also kept (slowly) plugging away at some of my other manuscripts, which is to say I’ve written but not made any real, measurable progress anywhere.

Confidence-wise, the last year has had its ups and down. I learned that Edie and Gil would not be getting a third book from Crooked Lane, which sent me into a spiral of self-doubt, even though it was no real surprise. I’d had a feeling that would happen; A Deadly Endeavor never had B&N placement, wasn’t a lead title, and never got a paperback—all things that were out of my control. But it still hurt. A lot. I cried many tears in the bathtub and I’ve had to put on a brave face for readers when they ask.

But then, this fall, two things happened. First, I learned my editor was leaving Crooked Lane. She was always my champion and my biggest supporter, and I honestly can’t imagine writing Edie and Gil without her patience and guidance. My first feeling upon hearing the news was relief—thank goodness I wasn’t in the thick of drafting or revising a third book. I’m so excited for her, and I’m proud of the work we did together! It really helped me reframe things positively. I’m a firm believer that all of the best decisions in my life have been made for me; I should have realized that this one would turn out to be okay, too.

And finally—surprise surprise—I learned that A Poisonous Silence earned out on its first royalty statement, the same way that A Deadly Endeavor did. So that was a nice boost, and it made me realize that even though my publisher didn’t want to continue supporting Edie and Gil, I’ve had immeasurable support from readers and librarians and booksellers. I’ve earned a starred review and an Agatha nomination, and I don’t take any of that for granted.

To be honest, I don’t know what’s next from me. I’ve spent the last few months feeling like I did this time ten years ago, right after I self-published my YA fantasy and headed right into burnout that lasted for five years. Will I keep writing mysteries? I’m not sure. I do know that I never intended to be a mystery author—it was a happy accident. I don’t know if I even know how to write a mystery that isn’t centered around Edie and Gil.

The difference is this time that I’ve built myself a support network and systems. I have an incredibly patient agent and friends who brainstorm with me whenever I need. I’ve written a book in two years and a book in three months and a book in seventeen days; I know that I will write another book. And the only way that’s going to happen is if I start showing up and putting in the work.

So, with that being said—don’t expect to hear much from me here on Substack, or anywhere else. I plan to start 2026 quietly, and hard at work; I’ll be back here when I have a finished draft of something.

See you on the other side.

xoxo

Jenny