In case it's been too long, hello, it’s Ande Pliego, the author of the thriller YOU ARE FATALLY INVITED!

It has been an overripe age since I’ve sent a newsletter, I know. The good news is that so much has been brewing behind the scenes, I’ve scarcely had a chance to sit down and share. Even now, time is short. I swear some fae’s planted a geas somewhere on my person that I cannot find, but it squirrels away my time into the ether. So let’s get down to business.

First: Events Next Week

You can catch me next week at two events: an in-conversation event with a dear friend in Charleston on the 2nd, and the Bouchercon conference in New Orleans on the 3rd - 7th.

The first is something I’ve been looking forward to for literal years: the launch event of Chrystal Schleyer’s debut novel, A Rather Peculiar Poisoning, a deliciously moody gothic mystery about the world’s most awkward/stressful double engagement party, when someone keeps trying to kill one of the twin brothers engaged.

Friends, I adore this book. Chrystal is an incredible writer whose prose can run circles around mine any day of the week, and the fact that she was my very first writing friend six years ago makes this a true full-circle moment. We’ve dreamed about doing events together even before either of us had book deals, and next week, that dream will become reality.

The cherry on top is that her launch will be at The Archive in Charleston, SC—a dark academic bookstore bar and café that I’ve been obsessed with, well before they opened doors!

Would you come join us for an evening of delicious book-themed drinks (!) and all the book talk? Tickets are limited, but I believe there are some left, so get them while you can.

The second event I’ll be at is Bouchercon in New Orleans, from September 3rd to the 7th.

I’ve heard rave reviews about how amazing this conference is, and the list of authors this year is fantastic. I made a last-minute decision to attend, so I won’t be on any panels or signings, but if you spot me don’t be shy! I’ll be lurking around with some of my YOU ARE FATALLY INVITED bookmarks and stickers, and of course, my ‘debut yearbook’ that I’m having people sign. I’m also bringing one beautiful UK ARC of YAFI to give away to the first person who asks for it, or someone of my choosing!

Second: Thriller 2 Announcement Incoming

This Friday at 12pm EST, I’ll be announcing the title, cover, and blurb for Thriller 2. Because you guys are the cool kids, I’ll be sending the announcement to you all EARLY on Friday morning. If you’re excited about what you see, I would so very much appreciate if you shared about the book with friends, followers, anyone you think would enjoy it too. This buzz-building phase is so important for authors—especially ones who will be looking to sell more books to their publisher soon (ahem). Pre-publication excitement tells publishers that readers are invested in an author’s books, and signals to them that they should be, too. The hustle never ends!

In the mean time, as a thank-you to everyone who’s made it this far, I’m going to leave you with Thriller 2’s tagline:

“Not all fairytales were meant for children.”

See you in a couple of days, with all of the Thriller 2 news ✌️ I hope you’re as excited as I am for this new chapter.

All my gratitude,

Ande