It’s five months before my novel’s release, and I’m freaking out a little bit.

But visiting Ocracoke — the tiny Outer Banks village that became the setting for the story— helped calm me.

Between bookstore visits, literary connections, beach drives, breakfast at Pony Island, and the Firemen’s Ball, the week felt like a celebration not only of books, but of the island itself.

When I was working on the manuscript, and later querying, I’d talk to Leslie Lanier, owner of Books to Be Red, about the novel and publishing. Then last year I shared the big news that I’d signed a contract with Regal House. So, I’m sure my excitement was visible when I walked into the store last week and handed her an ARC of Love and Other Incurable Ailments! She shared the thrill with big congratulations.

Later in the week, I met with Sundae Horn, the Ocracoke librarian. She featured my children’s book in Robbie’s Way Storywalk a few years ago. I also gave her ARC and we made plans to do an event next year around this time.

Then I visited with Martha Garrish of Ocracoke Island Realty, who’d graciously explained island real estate to me last year. She had confirmed that, yes, during the pandemic, people really did buy property sight unseen because they were desperate to escape the madness — much like Serenity does in Love and Other Incurable Ailments, even if she doesn’t quite realize that’s what she’s doing. Martha also explained “due diligence” and termite inspection, which comes up in the story.

Buxton Village Books

The grand reopening of Buxton Village Books, after the passing of owner Gee Gee Rosell, happened to be that same week. So Don and I grabbed a ferry back to Hatteras to meet Gee Gee’s sister, Lynanne, her husband, and Lynanne’s husband. I have to imagine the turnout overwhelmed them. I mean, visitors packed the shop, saying hello, paying their respects to Gee, and celebrating the reopening. I’m thrilled the bookstore will remain open and hopeful that it continues serving readers for many years to come.

Ray McAllister, Beach Glass Books publisher, made an appearance at the bookshop with early copies of The Gee Gee Book, a marvelous collection of essays and memories from friends, family and authors who knew Gee Gee. I’m delighted that my story about how I knew her is included.

Sheryl Cornett, author of No Secrets in this House, a new novel set in Ocracoke, was there signing her new book. Sheryl and I immediately connected as fellow writers.

Pig pickin, music and an island tradition

The Firemen’s Ball — a charity auction, pig pickin’, and live music fundraiser for the volunteer fire department — was the perfect wrap-up to our week. Fast and furious bidding broke out during the live auction on everything from car fenders signed by Richard Petty to a chocolate cake that sold for more than $1,000. I donated a Gordy and the Ghost Crab basket with my picture book, a plush stuffed ghost crab, net, “Crabby but Cute” t-shirt, coloring books, and crayons to the silent auction. I’m proud to say that it sold for $75!

Sheryl happened to be there, giving us another chance to talk about our favorite books, our connections to North Carolina writers, and our shared love of writing about the Outer Banks.

She graciously introduced me to Peter Vankevich, editor of the Ocracoke Observer, which was another highlight of the evening. One of the first things I did after returning home was mail him an ARC of Love and Other Incurable Ailments. It’s heartwarming when fellow authors help each other network.

Why Ocracoke became the heart of my novel

Many people come to Ocracoke for the salt air, secrets, and second chances. They do not leave unchanged. It’s a charming place to unwind without fighting traffic. There’s no honkytonk, just good fiddlin’ at the Oyster Bar or Opry music at Ocracoke Alive. There’s no McDonalds, no Burger King, no Walmart or miniature golf. Just SmacNally’s for burgers or the Variety Store/hardware store, where you’ll always find good-enough.

To relax, Don and I drove the truck on the beach and took long walks along the Ocracoke shoreline. We dined at some of our favorite spots, such as The Flying Melon and The Back Porch. And then breakfast at Pony Island Restaurant is always a treat, especially when it comes with familiar faces. Their pecan blueberry pancakes are the best!

I cannot wait to return next year. Normally we’d make another trip in October for the Pirate’s Jamboree (y’all know Blackbeard met his demise in Ocracoke, right?), but this year I’ll be busy with book release events in the Detroit area.

But I’m already making plans for an early June book tour through the Outer Banks!

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Thanks for visiting! My second novel, Love and Other Incurable Ailments, set in Ocracoke, is coming October 27, 2026 from Regal House Publishing 

When an anxious overthinker finds discarded love letters, her fixation on a stranger pulls her straight into chaos, heartbreak, and the unraveling of her carefully constructed life. You can preorder here: Bookshop | Amazon | Regal House Publishing