Cherry Blossoms Event: Newport Beach Public Library

First of all, if you haven’t been to the Newport Beach Public Library, you should go. It’s one of the best libraries I’ve ever been to. I just wish I lived closer. I’d be there all the time. Thank you to everyone who came out to hear me talk about Cherry Blossoms. When I finished — Read More

Cherry Blossoms Launch Event

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Cherry Blossoms at Laguna Beach Books yesterday. I love, love, love Laguna Beach Books so it’s a true honor to have my launch events there (they also hosted my event for People Who Knew Me). Also, thank you to my friends and family who took photos — Read More

Southern Festival of Books: A Recap

 This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. It was my first time visiting Nashville and my first time away from my daughter (cue the tears). Thankfully, the author goodie bag included some hard liquor. My session was on Friday afternoon. If any of the people who — Read More

Goodreads giveaway for Cherry Blossoms!

Publication day is just a few weeks away and I have some exciting news–you can enter to win a copy of Cherry Blossoms on Goodreads. It’s very easy. Just sign into your Goodreads account and go here. The giveaway ends on the publication date (October 30). If you win a copy, all I ask is — Read More

This month!

It’s October 1, so I get to say, “My book will be published THIS MONTH!” I felt a similar excitement last year on October 1, when I got to say, “I’m having a baby THIS MONTH!” My daughter was due on October 12, but came 8 days early. October is also my birthday month. All — Read More

Upcoming events

I cannot believe that Cherry Blossoms comes out next month. I have a few launch-related events on the calendar. If you’re in the area, come out and say hi! Southern Festival of Books ~ October 12-14 I’m heading out to Nashville in a few weeks to experience this festival (and Nashville!) for the first time. — Read More

Short story news

Since I’ve had my baby (almost a year ago–wow), I haven’t had the time, energy, or mental focus to tackle writing a new novel. Hell, I’ve been struggling to read novels lately; I fall asleep after 5 pages. Anyway, I have been able to write some short stories. One that’s especially near and dear to — Read More

Cherry Blossoms: Reviews, blurbs, and other happenings

We are getting closer to publication day–October 30! I wanted to share some early reviews that have been rolling in, as well as blurbs from some authors many of you may know. Just in: Publishers Weekly reviewed Cherry Blossoms yesterday: “Hooper gives familiar themes of loss and redemption fresh and inviting life in her entertaining second — Read More

The joys of research: An ode to the Internet

When I started writing my first novels (back in the 20th century–ha), the Internet was in its infancy. Google was not the preferred search engine. Anyone remember AltaVista? Those were the days. Except they weren’t. Not for a writer in need of easy research. I used to go to the library to do research for — Read More