Hello Friends!

This is THE month. In just 5 more days, I’ll be a published author. It’s been seventeen months since I signed my contract. In some ways, it feels like forever ago because I’ve learned so much and met many new people that have broadened my writing and reading communities. Sometimes, it feels like yesterday in the way anything that you’ve waited so long for is like a whiplash of a dream. I’d like to thank all of you, my loyal friends, who have been patient and supportive and have fueled my excitement along this journey.

In the spirit of thanking you, I’d like to announce the winners of my giveaway: Kim Christensen & Susan Carew, author of Take the Plunge (also friendship fiction). Unfortunately, the third winner has not responded to my email (so check your emails!); if they do not respond in the next day or two, I'll choose an alternate. Either way, the third winner will be announced in July's newsletter. Congrats to Kim & Susan!

Thanks to those who have invited others to subscribe and become part of my story. Much gratitude also to those who have already purchased and reviewed All That is Sacred. The best gratitude you can give an author for a book you’ve enjoyed is to tell your friends, write a review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, BookBub… By sharing my work with others, you are giving it a lifeline to continue moving out into the world.

When you do read All That is Sacred, please post a photo of you with it on social media and tag me. I’m putting together a reel of my book out in the wild. I’m excited to see just how far and wide it can go (p.s. It has already been to the Philippines!)

Author blurbs and reviews continue to come in. I received this one from Reader Views and literally cried because I was so touched. I believe most authors have an “Oh no! People are going to read my book” moment. While I recognize that’s always been the goal, there is an element of nakedness that comes along with the realization of it. This review, because it was written by an industry standard, validates all I hoped to do with this story. 

“All That is Sacred written by Donna Norman-Carbone is a stirring, thought-provoking piece of literature that I can only describe as art. 

[…] a beautiful story that is packed with satisfying thoughts and feelings that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.”–Reader Views

As promised, I said I’d let you know in advance of my upcoming events and appearances. Here, you have them. If you can make it to any of them (either in person or by viewing), I’d love for you to say hello and let me know you’re one of my loyal subscribers. Also, if you or your friends host a book club, I’d love to join you; I’ll bring book-related swag and lots of stories. Please visit my website for more information.

As you know, I’m program director of Bookish Road Trip. There are several of us launching our books this spring. Linda Rosen released her third book, The Emerald Necklace, Hope Gibbs released her debut, Where the Grass Grows Blue (and it’s amazing–I know because I’ve read it), Meredith Stoddard will be launching her 5th book in her Once and Future series, Thistle and Lion, on June 8th, and Grace Sammon and Mary Helen Sheriff are releasing the third book in a series, Launch Pad: The Countdown To Marketing Your Book (which I’ve also read & it’s such a good craft book for writers). On May 18th, Linda, Hope, Meredith and I were interviewed on Launch Pad, the podcast, hosted by Grace Sammon, which aired on Bookish Road Trip. If you are a member and tuned in, thanks for watching; I enjoyed chatting about books and writing with my colleagues and friends. The episode will also be airing on Air Radio Network (which you can find on various podcast platforms & YouTube) on June 8th. I hope you’ll listen or watch.

Speaking of a podcast. Here comes the news I’ve been sitting on for a few months. I’m so excited to announce that Hope Gibbs and I are starting our very own pod/vodcast called Authors Talking Bookish. We aim to inspire writers and readers by providing the-road-to-publishing insights from two debut novelists who learned the hard way and by discussing our love of books from the writer’s perspective. Our debut episode will air on June 21st on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and the Bookish Road Trip website. We will have two episodes per month on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. For more information, please visit our Authors Talking Bookish website and follow us on Instagram @authorstalkingbookish.

Finally, I’ll be interviewed on my launch day, June 6th at 5 PM EST, by Hope Gibbs on an IG live @bookish.road.trip. I hope you can tune in. And at the end of the month, I’m looking forward to celebrating my launch at a small(ish) private gathering with close family and friends. I’ll be sure to post some photos.

Friends, I have so much gratitude for you taking this journey with me.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of All That is Sacred. I hope you love reading it as much as I loved writing it. I release it unto you.

Until next time…