Happy New Year!
Hello Friends,
For me, 2024 will not be a year of resolutions, I’m treating it as an opportunity to level up and connect with many of you reading this newsletter. I’m also planning to escape reality, which can be a bit daunting if you consume too much news, with my ever expanding ‘to be read’ list. There’s something about a new year that brings excitement – it’s fresh with potential, hope, and new books. I’m inspired to learn more (I’ve signed up for beginner piano lessons) and grow creatively. And, I am looking forward to sharing my new experiences this year with you.
Speaking of new experiences, we have a new four-legged family member. Emmy, a Havanese mix rescue, has graced us with her presence. She has a big personality and has shaken the household rhythm up a bit. In less than 24 hours, she found her way to the neighbor’s house and claimed a few different chairs as hers.
New News:
I’m participating in ReadOUT 2024 February 16-18. The ReadOUT LGBTQ+ Literary Festival is hosted by the LGBTQ Resource Center of Gulfport, FL. I’ve recorded an excerpt of THIS: A Simple Complex Love Story that will be presented during the festival, so little time, so many takes (hats off to those of you who record TikTok and IG videos effortlessly). Attendees may participate in the festival in person or online.
I had hoped to share an excerpt from my upcoming spring release, it’s coming, I promise. However, life has been lifin’ and a little more tweaking is needed. Once the edits are complete, I’ll be looking for beta and ARC readers. If you would like to provide feedback, please get in touch. I would love your help!
I noticed many end of year book recommendation lists featured on social media lacked diverse voices, BIPOC authors were scarce. Readers often ask where they can find stories by women authors of color. Well, my friend Aunt Georgia Lee and W.L. Tracy decided to be the change they wanted to see. Check out QWOC Books, a repository to help readers, authors, and reviewers find their next queer woman of color book with queer women of color characters. I’m grateful to be included in this treasure trove of authors. Many of them are new to me as well so I’ve challenged myself to read and review more “new to me” authors for 2024. I hope you will do the same.
I visited a wonderful new bookstore in Tampa during the holidays, Black English Bookstore. Shopkeepers Gwendolyn and Ariel were so personable and warm, I could definitely hang out in their space for hours, it was a vibe. A little sidenote… I keep telling the other half of the Naomi Rivers writing team that we need to be careful on our afternoon walks in Florida. (Exhibit A: See sign above. 😊)
Lastly, fellow author friend K. Aten released a new book, Rebels of Psiere (Mystery of the Makers Book 3). If Sci-Fi and Fantasy are your thing, I encourage you to dive in.
Let’s be awesome this year!
Naomi
