Happy July!
The summer solstice has passed, and along with it, the longest day of the year. I’ve been amazed at how long our days get during the summer here in Washington State, as well as how short our days are during the winter.
Mount Rainier
Since I’m writing this July newsletter on June 23 (so I can include an exciting new July 1st ebook sale—please see below), we’re still enjoying daylight for our longest days. According to my weather app, the sun rises at 5:11 a.m. PDT and sets at 9:15 p.m. Fortunately the previous owners of our house had installed thick blinds, so they block the ambient light that’s present at bedtime and before sunrise. We’re still getting good sleep.
Update on the bees: My husband Charlie has caught several bee swarms and now has nine hives that are happily working. Queens are laying eggs and workers are busy. This neighborhood has plenty of blossoms, so the bees seem to love it here.
Update on the birds: The forest swallows have nested and are raising babies. There is a great deal of activity in and out of the nesting boxes, so we’re certain they are feeding babies now. And the hummingbirds! Oh goodness, they are eating us out of house and home. The sugar bill has doubled as well as the number of birds coming to the feeder. The Annas stay all year but the Rufus hummers will migrate in a couple months. Then the feeder activity will slow down dramatically, as will the fights for a seat at the table.
BOOK NEWS
I’m thrilled to announce that GATHERING MIST won a bronze award in the Foreword Indies, sponsored by Foreword Reviews, in the mystery category. Find the winner list (and maybe your next fun read) here.
AMAZON PRIME DAY SALE! GATHERING MIST is a selected Amazon Prime Day Deal on July 1, and the ebook will be discounted to $1.99 on that day only. If you have your book already, please share this news with your friends. Find the deal on Amazon here!
HANGING FALLS Ebook is also selected for a Discount!
Find the Deal on Amazon here.
ANNOUNCING A NEW PODCAST featuring authors who write animal characters!
I’m honored to be K-9 author Kathleen Donnelly’s first guest on her new podcast. Listen in on YouTube below or with your favorite podcast option.
From Podcast Host Kathleen Donnelly:
Sit. Stay. Read. Launches with a Tail-Wagging Start! 🎙️
In this thrilling first episode, I teamed up with Margaret Mizushima to explore the origin of her gripping Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series. We delved into how real-life working dogs helped shape her fictional crime-fighting duo, the character inspired by her husband’s career, and a preview of DYING CRY, book 10—out October 14!
To connect with Margaret, visit: https://margaretmizushima.com/
To connect with me, visit: https://kathleendonnelly.com/
Spotify:
Apple:
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-authors-on-the-air-global-88373959/episode/sit-stay-read-episode-1-margaret-282887126/
YouTube:
Or find the episode on any of your favorite podcast outlets. Sit. Stay. Read. is a part of the Authors on the Air Global Radio Network.
Kay Hutcherson Book Review Crew Authors on the Air Global Radio Network Crooked Lane Books Margaret Mizushima
BOOK CLUB APPEARANCES VIA ZOOM
I would be happy to visit your book club or library via Zoom to discuss the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries. (No speaker fee, of course!) If you’re interested, please contact me at hello@margaretmizushima.com.
BOOK SIGNINGS AND EVENTS
I’m working out a book event schedule for the launch of the tenth Timber Creek K-9 Mystery. DYING CRY releases October 14, and I’ll be visiting book stores and libraries in Colorado, Arizona, and Washington. Please check out my website’s Event Page for a list of upcoming events. Some of these will be virtual visits via podcasts and Facebook, so please keep checking as the list will be under construction over the next few months. I hope to get to meet with you at an event in your neck of the woods!
Find the Event Page here.
Preorder your copy at your favorite bookseller. Or find an online store here.
AUTHOR FRIEND SPOTLIGHT
The Madison Cruz Mysteries, Books 1 to 3, by Lucy Carol
If you’re looking for fun mysteries, you’ve come to the right place! Three books in one collection.
“An entertaining whirlwind that will keep readers breathless with plot twists and turns, and roaring with laughter.”— Chanticleer Book Reviews
Find this one-book set of three here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/iltx2nmqah
DOGGIE GALLERY
Miss Bertie loves to run and snoof! And stare at squirrels from the bottom of trees!
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I’ll circle back in August with more book news and photos. Take care.
Best wishes,
Margaret Mizushima
Great newsletter--I love the balance between books and "life!" And a HUGE Congrats on the award for Gathering Mist--very well deserved! Also especially love the Doggie Gallery, and I'll be snapping up my own copy of Hanging Falls. :)
Gorgeous photos, Margaret. I had no idea swallows would eat at a hummingbird feeder! and that's a great deal on Gathering Mist! Thanks for sharing.