Once I Finish This Draft...

I, too, am SO excited that this week we're talking about books on our TBR list. Like Tracy, I've been trying to finish up my next book--which I should have done this week. (Thank the dear Lord!)

So I have quite a healthy TBR pile sitting next to my nightstand, laughing at me as I try to finish this draft. See, I don't allow myself to read other people's books while I'm in the middle of draft. I'm afraid there will be some unintentional cross-contamination, not to mention the huge potential for using it as a procrastination tool! I also like to give myself a few little gifts when I finish a first draft and really, what better reward than an armful of new books?

First on my list is fellow Novel Girl Lisa Patton's book Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter! I cannot wait to dive into it--especially since Lisa and I share an agent and editor. I also may or may not spend a few hours just staring at the beautiful cover!

Also on my list are the following:

1. Pat Conroy's South of Broad. I've been a fan/follower/worshipper of Pat since about 1999 when I read Beach Music. This is his first novel in years and it KILLS ME that I haven't read it yet.

2. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. Really, what better time of year to read a creepy book about the Salem Witch Trials? I saw the cover for this book in Target and knew I had to have it--once I finish this godforsaken draft. (Can you guys tell I hate first drafts?)

3. Family Affair by Caprice Crane. I follow Caprice on Twitter and she's hysterical. Every tweet is like a headline from The Onion. Her book is about a woman who sues her ex-husband for custody of...his family. Cool premise, no?

4. The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh. This book caught my eye in Barnes and Noble last week. The cover is simply stunning (Shaye Areheart Books does amazing covers!). The plot centers around one twin's search for the mystery behind her sister's death. There's a Japanese dagger with mysterious powers involved. Sign me up!

5.Jennifer Weiner's Best Friends Forever. Here's where I get to brag a bit. I actually met Jen this weekend at the Cincinnati Books by the Banks festival. She came over and said hi and was so normal that I could've sworn that she was just a patron and not a NYT bestselling author. Then, she bought my book and had me sign it. How freaking cool is THAT?

So, folks. Looks like I have my reading cut out for me, huh? Hopefully, by Friday, I'll be shouting, "I'm FREEEEEE" from the rooftops and settling in with stacks of good books and hiding the Borders receipt from my husband.