Hometown Q&A

Baltimore may not be my original hometown, but it's where I live now, it's where I've become an adult, it's where my kids were born, and it's where my new novel, LAST COUPLE STANDING, takes place.

So, I was thrilled to chat with author Marion Winik recently for Baltimore Fishbowl. We discussed all sorts of things, like the best cookies in Charm City, the horror movie that is E.T., and whether or not the novel is autobiographical. Short answer: Yes and No.

Have a look right here, and let me know what you think.

Confessions of a Former Anti-Outliner

One of the things I get asked about most from readers and fellow writers is whether or not I outline my books before I start writing them. Well, my answer is complicated, because it's been different for each book.

I did my best to explain this recently in a piece for my friends over at Writer Unboxed.

To outline or not to outline? In the writing world, it's a surprisingly controversial topic. I understand both points of view well--because, in fact, I've lived each them. Now, to be honest, I'm pretty sure I'll never write another book without doing an outline again.

If you're interested, take a look and let me know what you think.

Join Me: Instagram Live on Tuesday at 8pm ET

Here's how it went. My third novel, LAST COUPLE STANDING, came out last Tuesday in the middle of an unprecedented global crisis. Consequently, and for good reason, all of my launch events to date have been cancelled.

That's where the Internet comes in.

On Tuesday, March 24, I'll be celebrating the one-week anniversary of LAST COUPLE STANDING with a reading and Q&A session on Instagram Live at 8pm ET. If you're a friend, a fan, or just looking for an activity, please join in. All you have to do is follow me on Instagram @thenormannation. At 8pm east coast time, in your Stories feed, you'll see my grinning, well-lit face with a "Live" symbol over my head. Click and, with any luck, there I'll be.

Hope to see you there. And, of course, LAST COUPLE STANDING is available now. Normally, I'd say "It's available wherever you buy books," but, well, you know...things are getting weird out there.

Stay safe, everyone.

Available Wherever You Buy Books

Okay, admittedly, this isn't how we drew it up. But, pandemic be damned, my new novel, LAST COUPLE STANDING, is now officially on sale.

Thanks to everyone who has been so enthusiastic in the months and weeks leading up to launch day. Despite everything, I'm thrilled to finally have this book out in the world, and I can't wait for everyone to meet Jessica and Mitch Butler. 

If you get your hands on a copy, post a picture and tag me on social. I'd love to see it. And, please consider posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever else you review books.

And, above all, take care of yourselves and each other.

We're All Damaged is Just $.99 This Month

Have you read my second novel, WE'RE ALL DAMAGED? Did you read it years ago, but find yourself suddenly dying to read it again? Do you like the color orange? Well, you're in luck.

The team at Amazon has made the Kindle version of WE'RE ALL DAMAGED available for just $.99 for the month of March. My accountants tell me that that is literally less than one dollar. Not a bad deal for a book.

Have a nice weekend, everyone. Oh, and, please note, I stole this lovely picture off of the Internet. You can find all sorts of great things on there.

Amazon's Best Books of the Month for March

Just dropping in to casually mention that Amazon has named LAST COUPLE STANDING a Best Book of the Month for March. Three novels in now, this is a first for me, and I'm very excited about it.

The list also includes some really great writers, like Louise Erdrich, Emily St. John Mandel, James McBride, and Josie Silver. 

We're now officially two weeks out from pub day--March 17. If you haven't pre-ordered yet, you can do that now wherever you get books, including your local indie bookstore. Stay tuned for more.

I'm Available For Book Clubs

Here's a question for all you Book Clubbers out there. Have you ever been drinking with your friends while chatting about a book and thought, "You know, I really wish we could talk directly to the person who wrote this thing and ask him or her questions?" If so, then you're in luck.

The good people at Random House just added me to their Author Chat site. So, if your book club is discussing LAST COUPLE STANDING, click here and then scroll down until you see "Request Matthew Norman here." From there, you'll submit a request via email.

And, be sure to check out the Book Club kit, complete with a note from me, some suggested discussion questions, and a detailed list of food, drinks, and music inspired by the book.