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
Why I wrote a book about a guy who wants to kill himself
At the end of the “Parts Unknown” Berlin episode, Anthony Bourdain quoted Samuel Beckett: “You must go on, I can’t go on, I’ll go on.” Except he didn’t go on. Shortly before this episode aired, he hung himself in a French hotel room. I read Kitchen Confidential a few years after it was published and became an immediate fan of — Read More
Advance copies are in!
At the beginning of 2018, I flirted with the idea of making a resolution to post here at least once a week. I’m glad I did not make this resolution, as I would have failed miserably. It’s been nearly 2 months since I last wrote. My reasons are not unique; I’m working full time and — Read More
Throwback Thursday: The AAUW Literary Luncheon
On March 10, I had the honor of speaking at the AAUW Literary Luncheon in Laguna Beach. I’m always a big ball of anxiety leading up to these events, even though I end up having a great time. I never learn. My fellow authors included Elizabeth Letts, New York Times bestselling author of The Eighty-Dollar — Read More
Drumroll, please. Book #2 cover is here!
I am so excited to share the cover for book #2! The release date for Cherry Blossoms is October 30. It will come out as a hardcover, paperback, and e-book on the same day so you can take your pick. Here’s the official synopsis (I consider it “official” when it’s on Amazon): From the author — Read More
My favorite female authors
In honor of International Women’s Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite contemporary female authors. Who are your favorites? Here they are (from top, left to right), along with the books that made me love them: Maggie O’Farrell–After You’d Gone; The Hand That First Held Mine; I Am, I Am, I Am Liane — Read More
When the muse drops by and you’re like, “I’m busy”
Most creative types know that a visit from the ever-elusive muse is a welcome and wonderful thing. You can’t always control when inspiration strikes. It comes and you take advantage of it because you don’t know when it will come again. Unless you’re busy. Then it might not be realistic to strike while the proverbial — Read More