Peter E. Fenton July Newsletter

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The past month has been very busy, and I want to thank all of you for taking an interest in my writing. Thanks to those that signed up for my newsletter this month. Thanks to those who came out to support the recent live event at Epochal Imp for the launch of Hoodoo House. And thanks to everyone who picked up a copy of the latest Declan Hunt mystery. Read on to find out all the latest news!
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Reviews for the new book have been rolling in, and I am pleased to say that a majority of the readers are enjoying Hoodoo House. Reviews make a huge impact on people finding the work among the millions of books out there, so if you’ve had a chance to pick up the novel and want to join in the conversation, you can go to the following pages and write a review. Amazon reviews sometimes require recent activity on your account and Goodreads requires a free account, but if you have either, you can review at the below links. Simply click on the name of the site. Even if you aren’t reviewing, you can click on the links to see what other people are saying about this summer’s hottest mystery.
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My upcoming novel Not Not Normal is already gaining attention. The cover is going through a new make-over (with my middle initial in the name and the central character without a hat).
Not Not Normal is a fictional revisiting of my own experiences as a gay youth in school, but it’s also informed by talking to teachers and students who are in school in the present day. While the novel will appeal to young readers, it may also have resonance for readers of an older age who may recognize their own experience as a gay teen in school, or perhaps recognize someone they went to school with who was going through something similar.
This is not a “coming out book” but rather a book about Jordan’s coming of age as a gay teen who is coping with the loss of his mother, panic attacks, and feelings of insecurity. The novel is also about a love of reading and the power of the written and spoken word. This is a book for anyone who has ever felt like nobody else understands them. And ultimately it is about overcoming grief, dealing with anxiety and the power of love when someone accepts you for who you are, and gives you the strength to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
The publisher has found people they trust to read an advance copy of the novel, and here’s what a few of them have to say.
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Not Not Normal is a wonderful book about friendship, love, high school and the insecurities that come along with those things. Who among us hasn’t felt outside the realm of “normal” because of our sexuality, our looks, our likes and dislikes, our eccentricities, or how we look at life?
Peter E. Fenton masterfully shows us through Jordan and his circle of friends the lessons you need to learn to get to self-acceptance.
-Colin Mochrie – Canadian actor and star of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
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Jordan, Nathan, and the X-Libris gang will make you laugh, cry, and remember that growing up means having the courage to face your fears and follow your heart.
-Allyson Bradley -educator and winner of the Prime Minister’s Teaching Award of Excellence
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If this sounds like something you would enjoy, I encourage you to pre-order your copy now. By doing so, you will ensure that the novel garners attention from distributors and retailers, which increases the chances of more schools picking up the book. Lorimer Publishing focuses on sales to schools through book catalogues, and during these challenging times, normalizing gay experience in school is important.
To pre-order a copy from Amazon click here or buy direct from the publisher by ordering here.
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I’m getting really excited about attending the Northern Rainbow Romance Retreat in October. The line-up of authors from all over the world is outstanding. I am also thrilled to be one of the panelists talking about writing in the mystery genre. If you’re in the Toronto area and curious about attending a conference with gay romance writers from all over the world, check it out. Scan the QR code above for more information.
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Susan Scott Shelley’s latest sports romance is coming out July 31st and it promises to be a winner. Here’s a description of the book.
Sage Murray has spent the last three years playing for the minor league Saint Paul Slash. He’s
found a family in the teammates who share a home with him and they’ve helped him get a better handle on the anxiety he battles every day. Having the best season of his career, he hopes to receive a call up to the Minneapolis Metros and achieve his dream of playing in hockey’s top league. When a night out brings him face to face with Metros defenseman Rhys Farrell, their interaction spotlights their attraction, and Sage sees a side of Rhys that intrigues him to find out more.
Rhys Farrell has spent his career in the shadow of his Hall of Famer father. Winning the Cup
would set him apart, and he wants more than anything to win it with teammates who embraced him during his lowest moments. But an injured shoulder has kept him from the lineup, his teammates are dropping like flies, and their shot at redemption from last season’s heartbreaking loss is fading. During a two-week stint with the Slash as he readies to return to the team, he’s captivated by Sage, and for the first time in years, he’s tempted to focus on more than just hockey.
The pair are continually drawn to each other. Rhys gives Sage the warmth and acceptance he
craves, and Sage takes care of Rhys in ways he’s never experienced before. As the race to the
playoffs heats up and sees them both in the Metros lineup, what happens on the ice collides with their relationship off of it. When the gloves come off, can love find its way in?
The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series. All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season, and the books can be read in any order.
To pre-order your copy click here.
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I look forward to sharing more information on the launch of Not Not Normal, upcoming events, and other exciting news. Until then, thanks for reading.
Warmest Regards,

Peter E. Fenton
Need to reach Peter E. Fenton?
Email at peterefenton@gmail.com
By Mail
PO BOX 99900 ZH 136 634
RPO ELLERBECK
TORONTO ON M4K 0A2