One of the hardest parts of being an author is sitting behind the scenes knowing what is to come without the ability to shout the news from the rooftops. Publishing probably moves more slowly than just about any other respectable industry on the planet, so keeping my lips sealed for months (or even years) at a time is not the easiest thing to do. That’s why I feel so relieved today. Because I get to open the top of the bag and start to let the cat slink out of it.

I’m excited to announce my latest work of young adult fiction, which is set to release on May 4, 2021 from Fish Out of Water Books and editor Jon Wilson, who was instrumental in helping my debut novel, NO SAD SONGS, gain recognition and get in the hands of so many eager readers.

ON THE WAY TO BIRDLAND is a road trip novel that begins in the small, North Carolina town where legendary jazz musician, John Coltrane, honed his skills on the saxophone as a pre-teen and young adult. Cordell Wheaton, haunted by strange visions and disembodied voices along the way, goes off in search of his estranged brother. Once a musician himself, Cordy’s brother Travis is now beholden to a bottle of pills and a silent, underlying war that rages between he and his father. Armed only with a few clean pairs of underwear, forty bucks, and a loner’s knowledge of ancient philosophy and mythology, Cordy embarks on a modern-day, East Coast Odyssey in the hope he can locate his brother and convince him to be Travis again by taking him to a show at the world-famous Birdland Jazz Club.

I can’t wait for y’all to read this one. You can PRE-ORDER a COPY TODAY.

In the meantime, stay tuned this week for lots of reveal goodies starting with a cover reveal tomorrow, opportunities for signed books, early author endorsements, and the world premiere of the ON THE WAY TO BIRDLAND book trailer at 8PM on Friday night. Follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to join the fun and get in on the discussion.