Surreal. That's the only word to describe it.
Two years of research.
Another two of drafting and revisions.
It's all led up to this moment.
Release day is finally here!!
With so much to celebrate, let's start with a GIVEAWAY, shall we?
I’m extremely proud to have partnered with not only 1, but 2, NJ-based, female owned & operated companies to bring you some sweet #bookishswag. Check it out!
In addition to a signed paperback of Thicker Than Water, the winner will receive two (2) eight-ounce candle tins by Ash Rae Candles in Rain Water and Sea Salt & Orchid. These amazing scented candles go hand-in-hand with clean living & sustainability. All Ash Rae Candles are hand poured with love, using 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and the highest quality fragrance oils. The company is committed to only using non-toxic, paraffin-free, vegan, and dye-free ingredients- a vision and commitment I share and am honored
But that’s not all! You’ll also be treated to a luxurious hand scrub by J & J Unique Crafts in Love Spell.
All of these scents were chosen specifically in mind to evoke my characters: Shannon Culligan, Gertrude Callaway, and Jennie Martin.
And — because this #historicalfiction features both the 1916 shark attacks off the NJ coast (the same ones that, you know, might sound familiar from a certain Spielberg film) and the early stages of #prohibition in the United States — I’m throwing in J&J’s exclusive, limited edition, bottle opener.
To enter:
1) add Thicker Than Water to your "want to read" on Goodreads
2) share this post to your social media (don't forget to tag me so I can record your entry).
3) for extra entries, share this post via email and Cc lauraquinnwrites@gmail.com
The official rules of this giveaway are as follows:
1) Must be over the age of 18 to enter.
2) US and Canadian residents only.
3) This contest is not sponsored by Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, or any of their affiliates.
4. Giveaway ends on 5/31/22 at 11:59 pm EST.
Best of luck!
Upcoming Events
You're cordially invited to attend my Author Takeover of the Tattered Page Book Club on Facebook at 10 am EST.
Can't make it on the 28th? No problem! Join me on 6/11/22 over on Loran's Booklover's from 6 to 8 pm EST.
We'll chat books. Go behind-the-scenes of TTW. I may even do a reading.
Please note: both Facebook groups are private, so make sure you join beforehand.
Hope to see you there!
"You wrote a novel?"
Acknowledgements
Much like raising a family, writing a novel takes a village. Unlike the darling Elle Woods, I’m blessed and humbled to have so many wonderful people in support of my work.
To Karen Berdoulay, my dear friend since childhood, thank you. It seems like yesterday we were on the beach together in Ocean City, catching up about our children and day-to-day lives, when I (albeit shyly) first told you I’d written a short story. Your support and encouragement since that time means the absolute world to me.
To Jo Salow, who has championed this project from its inception, thank you for believing in me.
To my beta readers (a group which also includes Karen and Jo): Sarah Sebuchi, Ellen Zuckerman, Lilian Ledoux, Erin Hensh, Michael Quinn, Adrian Bestndworld, Erin MacMinn, Rosalyn Briar, Patty Quinn, and Dan Saunders. Thank you for the time you took reading my early manuscript. The feedback you provided was invaluable. I could not have done this without you.
To my editorial team: Lauren Shute, Shannon Henesy, and the staff at LTS Editorial, thank you for the suggestion to develop the Culligans’ story into a series, as well as the hard work and dedication you put into helping me expand and improve the characterization, theme, and overall plot.
To my design team: Sarah Davis and the lovely group at Elite Authors, thank you for your patience in answering my (many) questions when it came to cover design and formatting.
To those in the thriving #bookish and #writing communities I've connected with online: thank you for your unwavering support and friendship. We talk a lot about "found family" tropes in our respective works, but I'm lucky enough to have found mine "IRL," too.
I've also met some incredible bloggers including Cape May Days, Adam Gaffen, Helen Garraway, and C. Phillip.
To my in-laws, Steve and Christine Quinn, thank you for sharing my passion and vision for this series. Your love and support helped take TTW from a dream to a reality, a legacy I’m proud to leave for our family.
To my children, Cameron and Mackenna, thank you for inspiring me daily. I am a better person because of both of you. Always follow your heart, and never stop dreaming.
Finally, to my devoted husband, CJ. Thank you for taking my craft seriously. For listening to me brainstorm and plot. For seeing the best in me. For reading (and re-reading) the early drafts of this work, to reading (and re-reading again) the final versions. I’ll always look back and smile at our late night proof sessions, hearing you quote certain sections in a character’s voice. None of this would have been possible without you by my side. Here’s to our next adventure!
Purchase Information
The eBook is now live at the following fine retailers: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, eSentral, Scribd, Ciando, Gardners, Baker & Taylor, Vearsa, and Copia.
Thicker Than Water is will also be available in paperback as of 6/10/22.
Click here to buy.
Thank you all, again, from the bottom of my heart for sharing this incredible journey with me. Happy reading!!!