Happy New Year from Danielle Trussoni

Danielle Trussoni’s Newsletter - January 2022

Reality and the supernatural collide when an expert puzzle-maker is thrust into an ancient mystery—one with explosive consequences for the fate of humanity—in this suspenseful thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Angelology

“In short: The Puzzle Master = (The Da Vinci Code + The Silent Patient + sprinkle of Stephen King) x gorgeous writing.”—Angie Kim

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Here’s wishing you a fabulous 2023, one filled with joy and relaxation and piles and piles of books.

These are just some of the books I reviewed in my New York Times Dark Matters columns. By the way, check out my new column just released January 1!

What’s been happening with me…

No traveling for me this holiday season. I stayed within a few blocks of home and spent time with my family. Here I am with my daughter hanging out by the Rosewood Christmas tree.

It was nice to have a break from the writing cave, especially now, when I’ve been doing research for the next novel in The Puzzle Master series: The Puzzle Box.

For Readers: Preorder The Puzzle Master 

In other exciting news, advanced copies my forthcoming novel The Puzzle Master have arrived! You’ve seen the cover, but I’m so excited to show you an actual book:

If you haven’t pre-ordered it, please do so now. Here’s the link.

Preorders are a very big deal for authors. The more we have, the better, so if you’re considering buying my new novel, please preorder and be the first to get your copy.

Enter my Monthly Giveaways!

Some of you entered last month, but there are more prizes to be had as we countdown to the release of The Puzzle Master. Every month, I’ll be offering new prizes such as exclusive fiction, personalized editorial feedback, a custom crossword puzzle, signed first editions of my previous books and advanced copies of The Puzzle Master.

With that, I am pleased to continue our giveaways with these exciting prize opportunities!

Are you on Goodreads?

Add The Puzzle Master to your Want-to-Read shelf and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of my favorite books of 2022.

Are you in a book club?

Invite 5 members of your book club or 5 bookish friends to subscribe to this newsletter and you’ll be entered into a drawing for an advanced copy of The Puzzle Master. I will also visit your book club via Zoom the month my novel publishes (that’s not part of the contest: that’s just because I love book clubs). 

This is an ongoing contest, and the winner will be announced in an upcoming newsletter. 

Are you a writer?

Pre-order The Puzzle Master and you’ll be entered to win an editorial evaluation by yours truly. The winner will receive editorial advice on any piece of writing (up to 15 pages). This is an ongoing contest, and the winner will be announced in May 2023.

How to enter:

You can show me which prize(s) you’re entering by emailing me screenshot proof that you qualify (a screenshot of your Goodreads shelf, proof of pre-order, and/or your 5 friends’ names) to dtrussoniassistant@gmail.com by January 31st at 11:59:59pm ET.

Winners will be announced in the February newsletter. US only.

I’ll be announcing new and continuing opportunities with each newsletter, so be sure to check back next month to find out what else you can win!

With that, I am happy to announce the December winner of the Giveaway:

Gerald Acevedox added The Puzzle Master on Goodreads, sent me a screenshot and he won a personalized, signed first edition of Angelology. 

FOR WRITERS:

I’m excited to share this class opportunity for my writers out there:

Writing Mystery and Suspense with Carol Goodman (via Zoom)

January 25, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Mystery is at the heart of every story.  Whether you want to write mystery, suspense, general fiction—or you don’t know what you’re writing yet—mystery provides the engine to drive a compelling narrative. We will look at the basic elements of storytelling—voice, characterization, setting, imagery, dialogue—and examine how each element can work to create conflict, tension, and suspense to keep the reader turning the page. Short outside readings and guided exercises illustrate issues of craft. Students’ work is critiqued in a supportive and constructive workshop environment.

Reader of the Month

As a continuation of a newer feature in the newsletter, here is the fourth installment of Reader of the Month. Each month I’ll feature one of my extraordinary readers. If you’d like to be featured, write to me at danielle@danielletrussoni.com.

Please say hello to Bill Bradbury. He is a creative director at a tech company living in New Hampshire with his brilliant and funny wife and fur kids.

Here is some more information about Bill.

Q) What are your favorite kinds of books to read?

A) I like speculative fiction, sci-fi, and classics.

Q) What are some of your hobbies and passions?

A) I have a bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration. In the past few years, I’ve begun writing novels and short stories. I’m serializing my first novel at: https://billbradbury.substack.com. I also love hiking in the mountains with my family and have a second-degree black belt in Aikido.

Q) Why do you love to read?

A) Reading is a wonderful trip into worlds and situations I may never visit or encounter. I love audiobooks when doing chores and reading on my Kindle or a regular printed book anytime. I can be found tweeting about reading and writing @billbradbury on Twitter.

Thanks for joining us this month, Bill!

I’d like to say goodbye with an AI generated avatar that my friend Annie made for me:

As always, a big thank you to everyone for spending your time with me, on my website, and across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My books wouldn’t be possible without your support! Please stay in touch and let me know how you’re doing.

Yours,

Danielle