New Book Release Event!
Fall is definitely in the air here in Old Town Alexandria. I’ve located my sweaters deep in my closet and given up on flip flops and iced lattes, for now! Fall also means we’re only five weeks out from the launch of The Star and the Strange Moon! Early reviews have been great with Publisher’s Weekly writing that “Sayers masterfully weaves a tale of multigenerational secrets, creating an enticing dance between past and present that will keep readers on edge.” It’s also been included on Entertainment Weekly’s 41 Most Anticipated Releases of Fall 2023.
The Star and the Strange Moon hits bookstores on Tuesday, November 14th and I’ll be at Old Town Books (located at 130 S Royal Street in Alexandria Virginia) that evening at 7pm where I’ll be signing copies. After the event, the store will have a supply of signed book as well should you want one. You must register for the event and you can order books from Old Town Books here.
Many people have asked me about pre-ordering the book. Is it important? The answer is “Yes!” Pre-orders are important to writers because booksellers often determine future orders by the strength of first week sales. The only way a book catches on is by being on shelves (both digitally and physically). You can pre-order the book here and at Old Town Books. No matter what bookseller your order from, hold onto your receipt because I will be having a pre-order giveaway on Instagram where you can win some fun prizes!
A few other upcoming events: My publisher, Orbit Books, is hosting a unique virtual events series called How to Write Your First SFF Novel for aspiring speculative fiction writers. The series will run from October 11 – November 15th and I’ll be doing the session on “Setting Your Story,” on November 2nd beginning at 3pm. On December 12th, I’m beyond thrilled to be appearing on the She Wore Black Podcast. I’ve been fangirling Agatha Andrews for some time and so honored to be interviewed by her (and join my literary heroes who have talked with her, including Rachel Harrison, Grady Hendrix, Alyssa Palombo and Paulette Kennedy)!
I’m so excited that the book is about to launch into the world! It’s scary and exciting, but I always feel a tremendous sense of relief. This book was two years in the making and I’m thrilled to hear what you all think of it.
Thank you!
-Connie
The Star and the Strange Moon is a haunting tale of ambition, obsession, and the eternal mystery and magic of film.
1968: Gemma Turner once dreamed of stardom. Now the actress is on the cusp of obscurity. When she’s offered the lead in a radical new horror film, Gemma believes her luck has changed—but her dream is about to turn into a nightmare. One night, between the shadows of an alleyway, Gemma disappears on set and is never seen again. Yet, Gemma is alive. She’s been pulled into the film. And the script—and the monsters within it—are coming to life. Gemma must play her role perfectly if she hopes to survive.
2007: Gemma Turner’s disappearance is one of Hollywood’s greatest mysteries—one that’s captivated film student Christopher Kent ever since he saw L’Étrange Lune for the first time. The screenings only happen once a decade and each time there is new, impossible footage of Gemma that shouldn’t exist. Curiosity drives Christopher to unravel the truth. But answers to the film’s mystery may leave him trapped by it forever.