Dearest Gentle Reader
Let's talk about a fun little piece of the publishing process that you might not know about.
The first time I was asked to write an Author Letter I was like, “Yes, of course, no problem…what’s a Author Letter?”
The answer? An Author Letter…
is fun, but also a little anxiety-inducing to write;
typically fits on a single page;
is designed to match your book;
tells early readers about the story behind the story;
is one of your only real chances to speak directly to the reviewers, librarians, bookstores, and ARC recipients who will get their hands on your book first;
definitely has a Bridgerton-inspired Dearest Gentle Reader vibe.
For both of my letters thus far, I received starting guidance from my editor based on conversations we had about the inspiration for each respective novel. I’ll admit it took a few drafts to get GRACIE’s letter just right, but THE MIL BOOK CLUB letter came out perfect on the first try.
True story: it all started on a plane.
The single most fun fact about THE MIL BOOK CLUB is that it was quite literally inspired by a conversation that I overheard on a plane. The first chapter is partially ripped from real life — and I want potential early readers to know that right away.
Four years ago, I was on a short flight home to North Carolina after a long work trip. As I settled into my seat, I overheard two women in the next row introduce themselves and become fast friends. I found myself completely enthralled by their conversation. The podcast that I planned to listen to simply could not compete.
Next, I want readers to learn about the content of that discussion which, no joke, I bought in-flight WiFi for so that I could live-text it to my husband.
I soon learned that they both had perfect sons and troublesome daughters-in-law (please imagine me rolling my eyes). The women didn’t agree with their kids’ respective parenting decisions or holiday plans. They complained about everything from bad cooking to questionable financial choices. It was like a reunion episode of Real Housewives—not a single grievance went unspoken.
A single experience does not a novel make, so how did that one flight inspire an entire book? Let me tell you!
The experience grabbed a hold of my imagination and wouldn’t let go. When it came time to write my second novel, I let that plane ride serve as the catalyst for a brand new story: The Mother-in-Law Book Club.
What if that eavesdropped conversation found the listener on a terrible day in the midst of the worst year of her life? What if, despite the odds, the very public meltdown that followed led her to the most unexpected and joyous circle of friends? What if the wisdom of those women first repaired and then opened her heart for a beautiful, unexpected love story? Our leading lady—Andi—is living out those what ifs.
After introducing the main character, it’s important to let the reader know what themes they can expect to see in the book — because not every book is for every person. I always think about this paragraph as, pun intended, the cruising altitude level description. So, let’s tell them about the novel without spoiling anything:
At its core, this is a book about unexpected connections, intergenerational conflict, and all the ways that patience and grace often lead to the most wonderful outcomes. It’s also about the power of friendship to challenge not just our worldview, but how we really, truly see ourselves—because Andi’s love for the book club, her new city, and her burgeoning romance break a million rules that she had for herself.
Lastly, I want to sum up the story while teasing just a few more pieces of tension. In this case, that’s again mentioning the intergenerational aspect of the story.
Whether you find yourself relating more with Millennial Andi or Boomer Marilyn, I hope that you identify with their challenges and relish the tale of how they found one another . . . because perhaps the best hypothetical of all is this: what if the most important meet cute of your life was with your mother-in-law?
That last line has been a total hook for a lot of people when I’ve said it in live bookish settings over the last few months. It tends to elicit equal parts intrigue and fear in their hearts 😂.
Here’s the final product in all of her glory. Enjoy!
