That newspaper reporter girl whose managing editor told her—“you’re not a real writer. You’ll never be a writer—you’re just adequate as a reporter”—36 years ago? She never would have believed the story she decided to re-write—her own story. That she’d get a book contract with a big five New York publisher. That she’d get a literary agent like @agentstuartk who’d see something ELSE in her. That she’d become a New York Times bestseller many times over who’s about to have her 34th novel (ROAD TRIP) out in a month. That she’d get to go to New York City (New-fuckin-York!) and have a long chatty lunch with said agent, followed up by a session at @stmartinspress to record the author’s note for the audiobook of ROAD TRIP. She definitely wouldn’t have believed she’d get invited to dinner with one of her writer crushes @elinorlipman, her library sales pal Virginia Stanley, plus editor extraordinaire @carrieferon. But I’m pretty sure she’d have expected to climb into a Lyft ride with a vomit bag handily attached to the front seat headrest. Cuz that’s the kinda weird shit that happens in real life. Headed to Savannah now, if Delta cooperates, for some more “is this really my life?” Stuff. Also, don’t forget to #buymybookdammit. #authorlife #dayslikethis

Here’s what was up at Squirrel Hollow. Remember that cool vintage swimsuit I snagged at @foundobjectsmarket in Savannah? I got a large $20 framed print at @goodwillintl and Mr. MKA used it to front the shadow box backing he built to frame the swimsuit. (You can find tutorials on Pinterest.) This would have probably cost $$$ to custom frame. It’s headed down to join my collection at Ebbtide on Tybee. Saturday we hosted a garden party fundraiser for a scholarship at @ugagrady for an MFA program in narrative non-fiction. Loved having former @ajcnews colleagues, former @redandblackalumni pals and even Atlanta broadcast legend Monica Pearson, Jewelry designer @divinemissmtc and MFA program head @evilreporterchick join us in the garden Tom has created here. Our friend and neighbor @popupflowersavondale created the centerpieces using flowers cut from the garden. A busy but gratifying weekend—and I think our house never looked prettier-(Thanks @claysniderinteriors) #gardenparty #squirrelhollow #southerngardens

Mother’s Day is two weeks from today, but my new book isn’t out ‘til June 2. Yo mama told me to tell you she don’t want no box of drugstore candy. She don’t want no half-dead orchid from Publix. She don’t need no dusty-azz box of dusting powder or a Ronco slice-n-dice. She wants my new book! So pre-order ROAD TRIP and print out this gift certificate. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! #summerbeginswithmka #roadtripnovel #mothersdaygiftidea #buymybookdammit

Indie bookstores have supported me since the beginning of my writing career. We’re so lucky to have so many great ones in the Atlanta area! Last night we celebrated the grand opening of @thebookbirdae in my neighborhood. Books, of course, but they also offer coffee, wine, beer and bites. Check them out! And don’t forget long-established stores like @eagleeyebooks, @littleshopofstories, @talltalesbooks, @charisbookstore, @bookmiser, @foxtale_book_shoppe @poeandcompanybookstorellc and so many more. #shopindiebookstores #shoplocal #indiebookstoreday