I’ve ignored this blog for far too long and I’ve made a promise to myself to keep you all updated in a more timely fashion. While I was finishing the edits on my latest book, The Real Thing (April 2020, Bold Strokes Books), I was also planning my promotion and marketing for the spring of 2020 when the book hits the shelves. But nothing prepared me and I suspect, you – for a pandemic. For gloves when we get the mail, and masks when we pick up our groceries from the curb or get take out from our favorite restaurant. Here in Vermont, we are very lucky and very grateful to the farmers and small local shops who have stayed open and continue to serve their communities.
There is so much to say about all of this, and yet it is also so overwhelming to sit in the middle of it – in the “I don’t know” space of what is happening. I don’t have many words about it – yet.
I can only share what we are doing in our little corner of Vermont. We are trying to be kind to everyone we talk to or screen share with. We try to get enough sleep, not watch tv news (we read our news and take it in small bites), listen to music, listen to the birds, get outside, and eat as healthy as we can. We pat Rudy Valentino the cat quite a bit. We say out loud how grateful we are for everything we have right now.
How do you promote a romance novel during a pandemic? I have no idea. Most folks I know need to save their money right now. I do know that my first book, A Chapter on Love is available to download through Overdrive and some public libraries – so all you need is a library card. If you don’t see my books available to download at your library, pass along a suggestion via your library’s Overdrive site. Your screen will look something like this:
My new book, The Real Thing is a small town romance set in Vermont. Allison is a massage therapist who is happy in her job and loves where she lives, but doesn’t want to be single anymore. After an online dating betrayal, she breaks free from her usual patterns by joining the local roller derby team. Her online experience leads her by happy accident to meet Geena, the lead in a viral (in lesbian circles) web series.
At first, Geena thinks that summer fun with Allison would be something different from the women who throw themselves at her. She’d be more of a challenge. But after spending time with Allie, Geena finds herself sharing more than she ever has – with anyone.
All of my books can be ordered from your local bookstore and at these usual places:
Bold Strokes Books
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Please see the Events page for a special online literary festival with Bold Strokes Book this weekend, April 17 – 19, 2020. I’m on the “Chemistry 101” panel with Ali Vali, Elle Spencer, Fiona Riley, and Erin Zak. What a great group! And I’ll be recording an upcoming podcast with the great folks at Out in the Open which will air sometime in April/May.
One of the things I love about writing and reading romance novels is that they are full of hope. Hope and laughter are what I am finding comforting these days. For laughter I often watch Simon’s Cat videos. If you own a cat, like cats, or know a cat, these are great.
Take care, stay safe
Laney
My story Bat Girl, is part of a new short story anthology by Bold Strokes Books titled, Girls Next Door and edited by Sandy Lowe and Stacia Seaman. It’s available to order from 
Some from favorite authors and some from authors who are new to me. I wish I could have caught more author chats and signings, but there is still only one of me. And I know there are quite a few people who do think that one of me is quite enough, thank you.
Laney Webber 