Writer and Rider
I had a great time chatting with Peter Anthony Holder for his podcast and radio show, Stuph Files. We talked about my new book, The Overnighter, and the Harley world.
You can listen to it here:
And of course, you can enter into the Harley world by reading my book:
At my recent book launch, I was overwhelmed by the support of those people in my orbit who bought my book, read it, and reviewed it. I really appreciate their support. They’re probably grateful that I’ve stopped talking about writing The Overnighter and it‘s finally out there.
You can buy it now!
A book launch is a great excuse to gather all your friends together. Here is my publisher/friend from Dylan and Friends, Kathleen, and two SCBWI friends, Gina and Bev.
Everyone munched out on chili dogs and cake. We hung out on the back porch.
And of course, I had to get a picture with my LOH (Ladies of Harley) friends.
Don’t miss out on the fun. You can buy my book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, and Bookshop.com.
Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-overnighter-jodi-rizzotto/1151143222?ean=9781959215301
Bookshop:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-overnighter-jodi-rizzotto/e1661a5e65be1c33?ean=9781959215301
It wouldn’t be a book launch party for The Overnighter with Harleys roaring up the street. Some of my best HOG (Harley Owners Group) friends arrived at my home in style.
The cake turned out great. Chocolate and raspberry of course. We ate the whole thing, and somehow I had white frosting on my face for part of the evening.
Bev Plass, our SCBWI SoCal Regional Advisor (my great encourager), Kathleen Troy of Dylan and Friends (my publisher), me (looking excited to sign my books), and Monika Staub (my dear HOG bestie)
More picture and videos to follow.
Join the fun. Buy the book:
Barnes and Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-overnighter-jodi-rizzotto/1151143222?ean=9781959215301
Bookshop.org:
Happy birthday to my debut YA paranormal novel, The Overnighter.
You can buy it anywhere. Reviews are deeply appreciated.
My debut YA Paranormal novel, The Overnighter, will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 8. You can preorder the Kindle version on Amazon now.
What if the man who disappeared ten years ago wasn’t dead… but hiding something far more dangerous?
She swore she’d never ride a motorcycle after her father vanished without a trace during a ride ten years ago.
But when her mother talks her into a Harley Owners Group overnighter to Death Valley, Zion discovers mysterious notes that may have been left by her missing father.
Then she begins to notice something no one else can.
”Both the biking and demonic aspects of Rizzotto’s narrative blend together surprisingly well, and they form a cohesive story about the many different forms that one’s personal demons can take. The author has a clear passion for biking—and specifically, Harley-Davidson fandom—that comes through in an abundance of detail. It’s an unexpected but intriguing topic for a YA novel, and one that’s likely to provide many younger readers with a look at an unfamiliar subculture. Along the way, the story features more familiar themes and activities that teens will still find relatable, such as fitting in, finding one’s own path, and dating.” KIRKUS REVIEWS
My debut novel, The Overnighter, will be available for presale Friday.
Book launch date 9/8.
Remember everyone has their own demons.
Yeah! Getting closer to launch date. Award-winning YA Paranormal novel THE OVERNIGHTER coming to Amazon and bookstores near you.
More details to follow.
Some of you may know that Harley riders collect personalized poker chips from various Harley dealerships across the country. They are also given out at HOG rallies.
In my upcoming book, THE OVERNIGHTER, Zion keeps a good luck poker chip her father gave her before he disappeared.
I’m giving these out at my book launch party.
More details to follow.
At the beginning of May, I attended a writing retreat up in the mountains of Southern California. Tahquitz Pines in Idyllwild, once a youth camp, has been refashioned into a wedding/resort destination. Its cabins, bunkhouses, and lodges still whisper echoes of Christian songs and children’s laughter.
The writing retreat is put on by the Southern California chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. A small group of authors who write middle grade and young adult fiction work in critique groups to improve their stories. Two literary agents and editors give their insights as part of the groups. In addition, attendees get one on one time with one of the industry professionals. Written critiques were purchased separately and given to the writers before the retreat. Time is set aside during the three day retreat for revision and writing time.
All of this sounds like a lot of work. But there were plenty of social activities. There were team building exercises, yoga, hikes, a pizza party by the fire pits, and a game night. Some writers went into the quaint town of Idyllwild to get stronger coffee or visit the bakery.
My favorite part was hanging out with other writers. Most of them don’t live near me, and the only time I see them in person is when we have our fall conference and this retreat. Being a writer means spending time in solitude and dealing with rejection. Sharing my stories with other writers encourages me to work harder. Spending time with other writers reminds me that we are all in this together. We can celebrate our writer friends’ victories and commiserate about the slow grinding machine of publishing.
When I come down from the mountains, my vision for my writing is clearer. Revising my stories seems less daunting. My words flow like Strawberry Creek, the rushing stream that runs through Idyllwild. I am encouraged and refreshed, ready to press on.
If you are a writer, I hope you take the opportunity to go to a writing retreat. In a world full of rejection, your writing family can be the hug you desperately need.
