So, I had a newsletter with my upcoming signings scheduled to send on October 19th. Well, I did have it scheduled for the 19th... in 2026.

Ugh. Anyone else have menopause brain? This isn't like me, and I frustrate myself on the daily.

Part of the struggle is my age, part from the day job, and another chunk is imposter syndrome. You may have noticed I cut way back on my releases this year. In fact, A Very Merry Rescue was my only 2025 release. I've been focusing on my backlist while I regroup and think about where I want to take my writing.

It's also why I've sadly neglected my Facebook group, The Ricecakes. But I'm determined to revive that. My relationship with you, my favorite readers, means the world to me. YOU are why I keep writing!

Some of you may know of... let's call them secret projects. I love my Marianne Rice readers, and many of you are here because you love sweet, small town romance, and I don't want to lose you!

However, another thing eating a lot of my time is that I ventured out of my bubble and have been writing in other romance genres that aren't necessarily on par with my Marianne Rice books and readers. Those are going well and I love them, but in the process, Marianne Rice has stalled.

But not for long! Here's where I'd love your input. I've been brainstorming new series ideas, and I'd love to hear what you'd like to see from me next.

What sub-genres of romance are your favorite? Sports, cowboy, billionaire, rom-com... the possibilities are endless!

I'm still keeping the small town vibes, but they don't all have to be in Maine, like my last 30 books have been. Are there other areas you'd like me to explore? Keep it to New England, the Midwest, the Northwest, a certain state, a particular area? Do tell!

Many of you have been asking if I'll be at some of my usual craft fairs and book events. So I'll be short and sweet:

November 15-16th: USM Craft Fair, USM, Gorham, ME (10:00-4:00 pm)

November 22nd: Eastpoint Church Craft Fair, South Portland, Maine (8:00-4:00 pm)

December 6th: Grump & Sunshine (all romance bookstore!), Portland, Maine (11:00-1:00 pm)

Thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin.

Happy reading.

Marianne xoxoxo