Lori Rader-Day Books

A few weeks ago I got to hear Dan Chaon talk to students (and guests!) at Roosevelt University. Someone asked a question about writing rules, basically how important is it to teach mechanics to writers in an MFA program. Dan said, "The writer makes up their own rules, and teaches those rules to the reader.” I love that. Writing “rules” make me twitch. Learn ‘em, sure. Then see how far they bend.

Dan and I took our traditional (my traditional) fan-girl photo together. We are both aging in the direction of CUTE and DO NOT GIVE A &* #!, I believe. Great to see Dan again.

This? Not an actual book club, but a group of readers who all bid at their kids’ school’s charity auction for a copy of Wreck Your Heart from New Book Joy and a book club-like event with me. They were so lovely, and this was technically my first Wreck Your Heart book club! Everyone’s a winner, including the school. Thanks to the smart gals at New Book Joy for arranging it!

It’s Dark Sky Week. What does that mean? Take a look at your outside lighting. Can it be turned downward, instead of spilling up and blocking the night sky for you and all the birds and bugs that need darkness to thrive? Can it be replaced, so that it’s turned downward—or OFF?—when you’re not using it? Learn more at DarkSky International!

You can also learn about dark sky spaces a little bit sideways by reading my Edgar Award-nominated mystery novel Under a Dark Sky. Sure, I put a murder mystery in a dark park. Dark doesn’t actually mean danger, did you know? Because the villains need the light to see, too. But the birds and bugs? They need the dark.

Well, with all the NASA excitement and Project Hail Mary amaze amaze amazing everyone, hey why not check out another space-y book? The thrills occur on Earth, but you’ll like the views. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/under-a-dark-sky-lori-rader-day?variant=32206758707234

I’ll be the Founders’ Day speaker for the Jefferson County Public Library - Madison and Hanover in Madison on Thursday, April 30, talking about my life in crime (fiction), writing, publishing, librarying… and my latest book, Wreck Your Heart. This is a program funded in part by the Indiana Humanities Indiana Author Awards program. Indiana libraries made me, so you know I’m pleased to be speaking at one. Join me? https://www.mjcpl.org/events to register!

Events Calendar — Jefferson County Public Library

I’ll be at Tucson Festival of Books this weekend, talking with Naomi Hirahara and Tracy Clark about writing Chicago and to Tiffany Crum and Zoe Wallbrook about unease. I’ll also be moderating a conversation between Brad Thor and Ward Larsen about their new book Cold Zero. See you there?

Next week! I’m looking forward to hugging as many Minnesotans as I can get my hands on. https://www.mnmysterynight.com/home

This week I’ll be in Louisville, Kentucky, and Columbus, Indiana—are you local to either spot? Come out to say hi and get signed copies of Wreck Your Heart!

Bryon Quertermous asked me ONE MILLION QUESTIONS about writing, publishing, and Wreck Your Heart—okay, not *quite* that many. But they were good questions and I got to talk about my influences, my thoughts on genre, and my new theory about the plotting/writing by the seat of your pants spectrum we end up talking about so much. Hint: it’s a CIRCLE.

Check it out! Thanks, Bryon! Muppet for decoration and your Muppet enjoyment. https://bryonquertermous.substack.com/p/bq-and-a-interview-w-lori-rader-day

Do you like to boogie? Do you like to get down, get down? I actually… do? I wrote about dance and my new book Wreck Your Heart for the mystery blog Chicks on the Case:

Guest Chick: Lori Rader-Day Jen here. Super excited to welcome Lori to the blog! I love the premise of Wreck Your Heart, and I appreciate Lori sharing about line dancing. I’ve done a little bit myself and enjoyed it! Fo…

Thursday I’ll be talking in St Louis with Shane Mullen from Left Bank Books for the St Louis County Library. Come out and say…howdy?