Second Life

Apologies for the TWO MONTH gap between issues, but I have been deep in book revision, a new job, and—if any of you are my Substack fashion pals who somehow found my author persona, you already know this–just looking at and buying a lot of clothes.

Today, I’m thinking about second chances, second lives, whatever you want to call it.

As I mentioned, I am deep in book revision. And this book is a pivot for me, career-wise. It’s my entry into adult books after spending over a decade in young adult. (Does anyone outside of kid lit call it “adult books”? I feel like everyone else in the world assumes we are all talking about erotica.) So, a new page there. 

Then, there’s the matter of having a JOB???! I haven’t worked for a company full time since before my first novel came out. I’ve had plenty of freelance work since then, sure. But I recently decided to commit to a contract position writing for a video game company for a few months and whoa. Things have changed! We all work remotely! So many Zoom meetings! Slack! Really nice supervisors who want to make sure you are not burnt out!

Also, I’m writing for a video game?? Completely new and exciting territory for me. So far it’s great and fun and I can’t believe people asked me to do this when the last video game I expertly played was Tetris. But what I’m always striving to do with my work and life is: Be open to new things. Try it all out. (Read my books, it’s all there.)

Lastly—THROWBACK is getting a second life. It’s out in paperback in ONE MONTH! August 27, to be exact. And it’s got an amazing new cover. Like, I can’t believe I love this new cover as much as the first one which I was already obsessed with. You ready for it?

…ready?

…like for real?

…how annoying can I get?

…A LOT!

…okay here ya go.

AHHHH! How amazing is this??? The 90s trapper-keeper feel, the surreal vibes, SAM’S OUTFIT, Mary HK Motherf-ing Choi’s beautiful blurb?? I am beyond in love with it and hope you all love it, too.

The design was done by the brilliant Jenna Stempel Lobell and perfectly captures the playful and timey-wimey nature of the book. It’s out on AUGUST 27, so put in your pre-orders now if you’d like to get one. If you get one from any indie bookstore, I will be happy to mail you a *signed* bookplate. Just shoot me a receipt at maurenegoo@gmail.com with your address!

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AN EVENT!

LA: I’ll be in conversation with the talented and very cool Jade Adia to celebrate the launch of her newest YA, OUR VOICES ECHO. I can’t wait to get into this book with Jade—I loved it so much. I loved it so much I blurbed it, and I called it “the definitive young adult novel for this generation.” It’s funny, beautiful, and so compassionate. Hear us talk about it at Reparations Club on August 29, at 7 pm! Please register here:

Hope you’re all staying cool near water, eating ice cream, drinking bubbly drinks, reading buoyant books, and having a boring girl summer, if possible.

x M A U X

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x x Currently reading: Slow Horses by Mick Herron. I’ve been obsessed with the TV adaptation since it came out a couple years ago and I am finally reading the books. (Thank you, Morgan!) These are sooo good and man, the TV show did an amazingly loyal job interpreting the book?? I love a good summer mystery.

x x x Currently listening to: Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish. My husband is about to leave me if I play this album one more time. But I can’t help it, it’s so, so good. “Birds of a Feather” makes me remember what it’s like to be obsessed with music, again.

x x x x Currently watching: The Bear. It’s summer, and this is my religion. 

x x x x x Currently buying: The best sunblock in the world. For a while I was a Supergoop devotee, but I went back to my Korean roots. This Beauty of Joseon face sunblock feels like LUXURY on your skin, moisturizing while feeling lightweight. My mom went to Korea last month and bought me a ton but luckily for you all, you can order it online!

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Preorder THROWBACK in Paperback: