11/20/2024.... A good time to start a new series....
Just going on the shelves... the first three books of Ann Cleeves's series, Detective Matthew Venn...
 #1  The Long Call
#2 The Heron's Cry
#3 The Raging Storm

 

From an article in the Washington Post written by Nora Krug

Ms. McFadden's three volume "Housewife" series is available
 at the Byron G Merrill Library for your enjoyment!

The author of this year’s best-selling trade-paperback novel, “The Housemaid Is Watching,” really doesn’t want you to know who she is. She uses a pen name, Freida McFadden, and rarely makes public appearances. “I don’t like to be the center of attention,” she said in a video interview this summer from her living room. “I love that people are reading my books,” she added. “But the spotlight on me specifically is hard.”

 “It’s not just about privacy but also about social anxiety,” she said. The excitement surrounding her wildly popular suspense novels has only escalated her worry that she may not be “that amazing person that everyone expects you to be.”

 McFadden did not set out to be a novelist. She is a doctor who specializes in brain disorders — not a brain surgeon, she was quick to point out — and has two young children. She would not disclose her age or whether she has a housemaid.

 McFadden’s novels, written in the first-person present, are accessible: “If I leave this house, it will be in handcuffs,” is the opening line of “The Housemaid.” Her characters aren’t always believable or likable, but the many twists keep the plot moving quickly.

 

 

It’s necessary. A character who is shy and doesn’t do much isn’t very interesting. Some of the characters are like me, if I made different decisions in life. I am not a gambler, I’m very safe. Everything I do, I put tons of thought into, and that doesn’t make a very interesting charactYou’re not an exBKinsella.

What gave you the strength to  “I’m ready to publish”?

Rejection. When I was in college, I wrote a novel and I sent it around to agents, and it was rejected. Between college and medical school, I wrote a novel. My mother helped me send it to agents, and I actually landed an agent for that one and they sent it around, but nothing came of it. So I decided to self-publish. My goal wasn’t to be famous, my goal was to get my book in the hands of readers. I can’t emphasize enough: I just wanted a book I could hold in my hands. And once I did one, I wanted to do more.

 

You seem to produce books pretty quickly. How quickly?

I am limited not by ideas or writing time but good twists. With a thriller, you have to have a fresh twist. I spend a lot of time planning books. Once I start writing, I can go very quickly. Also, I am very cognizant of burning myself out. I am comfortable writing three to four books a year. I started doing this for fun. I want it to continue being fun. Right now it’s still fun, but if I start pushing myself to write more, it won’t be.

What do you hope readers will take from your books?

I am trying to create the kind of book I enjoy — that’s easy to read and fun. I was recently going through a hard time, and I started reading “Listen for the Lie,” by Amy Tintera. It immediately took my mind off my problem. People are looking for so many deep meanings in my books, but ultimately I want them to be enjoyable.

 

Your success is inspiring. How do you feel about being in that role?

It’s surreal. It’s wonderful and makes me proud. I want people to know that you can do it, too, at any age. When I started getting older, I thought I’d missed my chance, that I’d never be able to do this, but it’s never really too late.

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 October 16, 2024

My goodness, it has been forever since we last posted so I bet you are ready for some news!  It was very exciting when Just this last week our website took a vacation... Katy, after a number of tries and help from Lester (our tech guru), finally got everything back to rights. The website is important as it keeps you, our lovely patrons, up to date on our upcoming events and programs... Do check as we have two more events scheduled for October including the one below!

This drizzly, dismal morning has been good for reading... I was able to finish The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombado.

 As Town and Country said, "A sprawling, enchanting debut, this novel jumps back and forth across time to tell the story of one powerful, complicated, and unforgettable family as they navigate love and loss" This reader, who always looks forward to a debut novel, was not disappointed... in fact, I loved it! So much so, that I am looking forward to Ms. Lombardo's latest offering, Same as It Ever Was , which we will soon order. Do share your thoughts about this absorbing read!

And now... New books... catalogued, labeled, and ready to be checked out!!!

Happy Reading!!!