It’s the first title that came to mind, and I’m going with it. But now, because I’m endlessly curious, I have to look up June bugs. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen one before. Do we have them on south Vancouver Island?
(I checked, and apparently we do. A type of striped beetle. Still don’t think I’ve seen one, though.)
Other than in my garden, the past month has been surprisingly free of bad bugs, both the insect and the technical variety. Let’s keep it that way.
More Library Love
This was a happy surprise: the Vancouver Island Regional Library has 5 copies of Provenance Unknown in circulation! Thanks for supporting local authors. 👏
If you’ve got a VIRL library card, you can request a copy through the online catalogue.
showing entry for Provenance Unknown.
The e-book is now available from a public library near you via Hoopla. Thanks to libraries like Jefferson County Public Library, Boston Public Library, and Oakland Public Library for making it available to their patrons.
(Also, how cool is it that I’m on the same slider as Agatha Christie?!)
from the Boston Public Library.
It’s really exciting to see Provenance Unknown starting to travel around the world. Thank you also to the libraries at West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Philipps-Universität Marburg (Germany!) for carrying the e-book and making it available to students.
Whether you borrowed a copy (digital or otherwise) or purchased your own, please consider leaving an online review. I’d really appreciate it!
Hometown Pride
In early May, I dropped off a copy of Provenance Unknown at The Happy Paper Parlor in Osoyoos—my home town! Super excited to connect with proprietor and fellow author Lindsay, too. If you’re ever in the area, check out this cheery shop.
(And yes, I know that my face kind of matches the sun’s face 🌞 😆.)
Reality Check (The Good Kind!)
So … on May 15, I spent 20 minutes walking through Indigo Mayfair with a stupid smile on my face after finding my book (real, physical copies!) on the shelf. Right there between Sara Ney and Brenda Novak. No big deal. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. 🤯 And to top it all off, I got to sign my books. THEY HAVE A STICKER!
(Oh yeah, and you can now pick up a copy from a Chapters / Indigo store near you, etc.)
Merci
This time it’s not just my sign-off, it’s the name of my poem that was published in The Viridian Door’s May 2023 special issue on “The Poet”. This edition is all about poets and writers, and I’m glad that the editors agreed that my piece was a fit.
For Page and Screen
You might remember my short story, “Through the Looking Glass”, was published by For Page and Screen magazine in their most recent issue. They kindly asked me to be part of their first annual Summer Podcast Series, and my episode is out!
This is honestly up there with the most enjoyable interviews I’ve done. We talk writing (of course), publishing advice, and more.
Check it out on Spotify or YouTube.
Countdown to Summer
The summer countdown is on! So, I’m sharing a Provenance Unknown beach read pic (or more than one 😃) every week until the end of June. And I’d love to include you! Here’s how to join in:
☀️ Get outside!
☀️ Take a photo of Provenance Unknown wherever you like to enjoy the season. Invite a friend to follow my page and take pics of their own.
☀️ Submit your photo(s) via direct message (Messenger, Instagram messaging, etc). Let me know if you’re having trouble sending them. OR, post them on your own page and tag me and the locations.
☀️ Watch for your pics across my social media channels and share!
Have fun with it! I’m looking forward to seeing your creative summer snaps.
Don’t have a copy of the book? No problem! It’s available at many retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. (Let me know if you need help finding one.)
Do you have your summer beach read yet? 🏖️ 🌞 🕶️ 📚
Les Bouquinistes
Thirty Days in Paris, by Veronica Henry
Because Paris is always a good idea…
Years ago, Juliet left a little piece of her heart in Paris – and now, separated from her husband and with her children flying the nest, it’s time to get it back!
So she puts on her best red lipstick, books a cosy attic apartment near Notre-Dame and takes the next train out of London.
Arriving at the Gare du Nord, the memories come flooding back: bustling street cafés, cheap wine in candlelit bars and a handsome boy with glittering eyes.
But Juliet has also been keeping a secret for over two decades – and she begins to realise it’s impossible to move forwards without first looking back.
Something tells her that the next thirty days might just change everything…
As always, thanks for reading!
Merci,
Sonia
Sonia Nicholson 