So, I’ve been hibernating on the public speaking front for the first half of the year (barring a fantastic reading of, ‘The Last Wizard at The End of the World’ at Monarch House in March) as I coax my new novel along and work on a variety of other creative projects.
However, in August, September and October, I will be hitting the proverbial road at several events.
August 25 & 26, Sharpsburg Book Fair: I participated in this event last year as a co-headliner and it was gratifying. This year, more than 50 authors will be participating, plus food will be available from one of my favorite restaurants – The Curious Pig (house made pimento cheese and bacon jam, please.) The event kicks off Friday night with a dinner and unique activities. Check out the hype video here.
August 11: Author K.J. Fieler will interview me on her video series, ‘Writer to Writer.’ Kat is not only an author, but also hosts a podcast series. You can discover more about her here.
September 14, Dads Who Care Panel: I’ll be moderating this panel by dads and for dads, stepdads and granddads with a special needs child in their life. Afterward, we will have a time of fellowship. It’s being hosted by Line Creek Brewery and produced by Southside Support Inc. You can find out more and register via the link here.
October 7: Save the date. Local author expo at the Peachtree City Library. More information coming soon.
October LA BookFest: Virtual Book Fair. Details TBD.
WHAT IS UP WITH THE NEW NOVEL? (What’s the frequency, Kenneth?)
As I mentioned above, I am pushing the new novel along. I began shopping to agents and houses in April and am continuing to, while also giving it another shine for my indie press if we go that route.
No spoilers, but it is an action thriller and early beta reviews have compared it to John le Carré. Right now, the expected drop date is winter 2024. Stay tuned scouts.
NEW MUSICAL PROJECT:
I started work on a new album late last year. The project is an amalgamation of instrumental music, ambient music, spoken word, folk rock and blues. I’m hoping my wife will lend her voice to the merry group of artists I’ve assembled. As of mid-July, I have nine contributing artists and have stretched my wings and am playing eight instruments on it. Significant inspiration on this piece includes The Waterboys late 80s era, Brian Eno, Radiohead, Bob Dylan’s work with Daniel Lanois and Moby. Know a musician who might be interested? Contact me. There is still time to join the journey.
BOOK REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Thanks to the Libby App, I’m back to reading more than usual during the last two years. Here are a few of my favorite literary creations I’ve read this year.
Memoir: “From Me to Us,” by Mike Coleman.
Fiction: “Under an Outlaw Moon,” by Dietrich Kalteis
Poetry: Re-reading Wordsworth and Keats. Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.
Theology: Letters to Malcom: Chiefly on Prayer. By C.S. Lewis.
Spirituality: Anne Lamott.
History: “The Lost City of the Monkey God.” by Douglas Preston
Experimental: “Fifty Shades of Finnegan’s Wake.” The mash up you never knew you did not need. Not recommended, though I will write this tome for a few farthings and a game of Sabacc.
Do you have any reading recommendations? You can comment below or email me directly at markwallacemaguire@gmail.com.
Mark Wallace Maguire • Author, Creative Collaborator 