Let's Catch Up: It's My Bookiversary, Book Signings, Making Moves & More!

 

Who else is starting to get the sads because summer is coming to an end?? I'm already seeing people posting about the fall, Halloween decorations, and pumpkin spice lattes! But as we soak up these last days of summer, I'm hitting various book events and celebrating a milestone bookiversary. Keep reading for all the deets and to check out a slew of pics!

It is the 20th anniversary of I WISH I NEVER MET YOU! 🎉 I cannot believe that my very first book, published by Simon & Schuster on August 10, 2004, has been in the world for 20 years...

That was such an exciting time. The book signings, promotional appearances, interviews and accolades...it was quite an experience! So many wonderful opportunities came from my introduction into the book industry, and I still keep in touch with many of the readers and authors from those days. Here's more on the book:

What single woman hasn't been desperate enough to risk it all in an attempt to find True Love? Vulnerable enough to believe in the whole girl-meets-boy, girl-and-boy-fall-in-love, the-two-live-happily-ever-after, blah, blah, blah? News flash: It never happens that way. Eventually, a girl learns that the road to Mr. Right is littered with more than a few Mr. No Ways.

I Wish I Never Met You is the hilarious, uncensored confession of one woman, reeling from a lifetime of dating disasters -- the blind dates, the nightclub crawlers, the ballers, the liars, and the ugly but earnest suitors. As she tries to sort out what she's learned from the heartache and the embarrassments, she'll have you laughing out loud, thanking God it's not your life while recognizing that you've made all the same mistakes.

And here's what a few critics had to say:

"Wheatley introduces a memorable character with an unforgettable voice. I Wish I Never Met You it's definitely an entertaining, fun read." The New York Amsterdam News 

"A hilarious and sassy novel comprised of a series of vignettes from an unforgettable heroine." ~Ebony Magazine 

"Touted as a cross between the fiery fiction of Zane and the comic relief of Mo'Nique, author Denise N. Wheatley is busting the dating scene wide open with her debut novel!" ~Black Expressions

For more on I WISH I NEVER MET YOU, Click HERE!

"Literacy is freedom. And the freedom to read deserves a party!" ~Danielle Mullen, Owner, Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery

And party we did! 🎉 On August 3rd, Danielle and her amazing staff teamed up with Burst Into Books for LIT LOLLA, an event celebrating literacy in Chicago. We shopped, danced, ate, and vibed for a great cause—donating books to children.

In the midst of it all, I signed several copies of my novels, so next time you’re near The Magnificent Mile, stop by Semicolon's newest location (400 North Michigan Avenue) and pick one up! While you’re there, be sure to check out the vast collection of phenomenal books, indulge in a few sweet treats, and snag some bookish merch...

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of co-hosting Chandra Blumberg's launch party for her newest release, SECOND TIDE'S THE CHARM, at Love's Sweet Arrow bookstore! She and I had a great time discussing our latest books, writing journeys, research processes and what's up next for us. We shared deets on our favorite tropes and what we're reading this summer, and even took an audience poll on which they prefer--open or closed door steamy scenes. Here's a pic of us with the store's awesome owners and staff...

Chandra and I with (l to r) Roseann, Marissa, Arianna & Sasha!

And here are a few more moments that were captured...

Author News: I am excited to announce that I have joined the Chicago-North Romance Writers! It is so important to connect with fellow writers and surround yourself with a supportive community. I'm looking forward to the comradery, exchange of ideas/inspiration, and new friendships!

The mission of the organization is "to raise and maintain a level of high-quality romance writing in all genres and to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking, advocacy, professional education, publications, contests, awards, and conferences." My first meeting is tonight, and we'll be hosting the owner of The Last Chapter Book Shop, Amanda Anderson (TAP HERE to check out my visit to the store). Amanda's shop is fantastic, and she hosts a number of live author and reader events. I look forward to hearing what she has to say about industry trends, bookseller tactics, expectations of authors and more!

Bonus Pic: Three of my author besties, (l to r) Kelly Cain, Racquel Henry and Mia Heintzelman, got together at this year's Steamy Lit Con and snapped a photo with my upcoming Harlequin Intrigue, Hometown Homicide. This picture stole my heart! While I wish I could've attended, this certainly made me feel as if I was there. I'll definitely be seeing my girls at next year's event!

Thank you so much for stopping by, friends! I'll see you next month, when we'll be celebrating the release of HOMETOWN HOMICIDE! 🎉