This is Kim Strickland.
When we met each other in college more than *cough* twenty five years ago, we had no idea that we'd still be friends well into our 40s. At the time, Kim was anchoring the afternoon news on my WPGU-Urbana radio show. We became pretty good friends during our time at the radio station, and started hanging out together.
We somehow managed to stay in touch in the years since we graduated, even though we followed such different career paths. Kim went on to become a pilot for United Airlines, and I went on to become a radio host and producer. Even though we saw each other several times a year for more than twenty years, neither of us had any idea that both of us had the same hidden secret: We wanted to be writers.
We know it now. In fact, now we're living eerily parallel lives.
Both of us got married and had kids. Both of us write humor columns about the challenges of raising boys (she has two, I have three). My column is called "Suburban Man" and her column is called "City Mom."
And now, in the strangest twist of fate, both of our debut novels are being released within a few weeks of each other. My novel "Severance" was released a few weeks ago (which you know all too well because it has been shamelessly and relentlessly hyped on this blog).
Kim's novel "Wish Club" is being released today, and I would be remiss if I didn't give it a big plug.
I've read it, and I think it's fabulous. Don't take my word for it, though. Read what these other authors are saying about it...
“Wish Club is a magical delight–a fun, witty read. I hope to see more from Kim Strickland!”
–Candace Havens, author of Charmed and Dangerous
Ever wanted something … more from your life? Then you'll want to get to know the women in Wish Club. Whether you're wishing for a man (or a better one), a baby, a more meaningful career, or simply more time to yourself, you'll find the women in this book relatable, realistic, and refreshing. With a surprising twist that makes you wonder, Wish Club is an engrossing, entertaining read about women and the importance–and power–of female relationships.
–Kelly James-Enger, author of Did you Get The Vibe? and White Bikini Panties
"A truly enchanting read! I was bespelled by Wish Club from the first page to the last. Kim Strickland is simply magic!"
–Tate Hallaway author of Dead Sexy
“Strickland weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship, love and magic–she hits all the right notes with Wish Club.”
–Cara Lockwood, author of I Do (But I Don't)
Kim is the real deal, and I'm positive that "Wish Club" will be a huge success. If you want to meet her, and you live in the Chicago, she'll be at the Borders at Clark and Diversey on Tuesday June 5th at 7:30pm, and Transitions Bookplace at North and Sheffield on Tuesday June 26th at 7:30.
I'm hoping to make it out there for one or both of those events. Hope to see you there.
In the meantime, buy Kim's book. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but whoever said that, never saw how cool her cover is...
By the way, if you want to read more of Kim's writing, she has been a guest blogger for me several times. It seems like a fitting way to end this Ode to a City Mom. I know you'll love her guest blogging contributions as much as I did...
"City Mom" (debut column)
"Education Mom"
"Mother's Day"
"Al's"
"Time Sinks"
"Parking"
