Why my editors acquired Most Wonderful, my Catskills getaway, & a book coaching sale!
Welcome to my December author newsletter, pals!
Greetings from yr friendly neighborhood novelist.
Monthly writing tips, pop culture recs, and secret peeks into the publishing process. Let’s go!
This month, I was lucky enough to be invited to a magical winter retreat at Scribner’s Catskills Lodge as part of the inaugural Booked In—a weekend dedicated to books, readers, and storytelling. My two days upstate were a dream: cozy fireside conversations, five-star meals, and playing in fresh snow with my little family! It was a joy to meet readers from all around the country and talk about my new book, Most Wonderful, which is set just a stone’s throw from Scribner’s.
Our family stayed in The Rounds, charming and beautifully designed private cabins where we soaked in the outdoor tub, watched deer wander by, and gazed at starry skies. Huge thanks to organizer Gabriella Valladares (who took most of these pix), the staff, and all the readers who made the weekend unforgettable.
In other news, I hit 90,000 words on my new draft! I’m so close to finishing and I kind of can’t believe it—I’ve never written a book this quickly. It’s such a fun world to be in, filled with all the things you’ve come to expect from me: EMOTION (so much of it), jokes (you know I love trying to make you laugh!), spice, sass, heart, nostalgia, and a unique world you never want to leave….
It’s another queer ensemble romance that revolves around something I used to do as a kid (not drugs but good guess; I did smoke a LOT of weed in my Youth). Hopefully, it’ll drop in summer 2026. I’m very curious what my editors will think—I’m handing it in early January. Wish me luck!
🎉A Most Wonderful reception for Most Wonderful! 🎉
I have been BLOWN AWAY by all the amazing support for my book! Could not believe that I made into the New York Times (!!!) and The Cut, but the biggest feather in my cap was being a Book of the Month pick, which is prestigious and validating, and the first of my seven books to receive this honor. BOTM said “Most Wonderful is like a warm hug, featuring chaotic and lovable siblings, disastrous and adorable relationships, and the beauty of being home for the holidays. Nothing can heat up winter better than a steamy, cheery love story (or three)! Most Wonderful is not to be missed.” Aw, thanks team!
I was also featured in People, Vulture, Autostraddle, The New York Post, Scary Mommy, and many more! Don’t be a grinch—do as alllll these folks suggest and indulge in Most Wonderful during peak holiday reading season.
Buy from your local indie via Bookshop.org
Buy from Barnes & Noble
Buy from Amazon
Quick Q+A with my editors at The Dial Press!
Curious what catches an editor’s eye? What their favorite scenes are? Enjoy with mini-Q&A with my two editors!
First up, Katy Nishimoto, Executive Editor
Q. Katy, what initially drew you to Most Wonderful?
A. As the middle of three sisters who live 3,000 and 6,000 miles away, the idea of three siblings reuniting for Christmas was so cozy and nostalgic for me. I’m intimately familiar with their dynamic: relentless teasing but also ride-or-die.
Q. What's your fave scene in Most Wonderful, and why?
A. One of the things I love about this book is how chock-full it is of surprises, adventures, plot twists, and festive chaos. But one of my favorite scenes is actually a quieter one, where we get to slow down and see the oldest sibling, Liz, take her love interest on a deeply romantic date. Emotionally, it’s a big risk for her—and the reward is so worth it.
Next, we have Emma Caruso, Senior Editor
Q. Emma, what initially drew you to Most Wonderful?
A. I am SUCH a huge fan of ensemble rom-coms in every shape and form (He’s Just Not That Into You, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve), and I LOVE rewatching my favorite holiday rom-coms every year, so this novel felt like all my favorite things mashed together, but with the added bonus of centering queer love stories and Georgia’s fantastic sense of humor.
Q. What's your fave scene in Most Wonderful, and why?
A. As soon as I read the scene featuring Rafi’s failed public proposal of marriage to his co-worker, I knew I had to work on this book. It elicited full-body cringe while making me laugh out loud, and it was just such an excellent starting place for his character development and his journey to understand his heart that takes place over the course of the novel.
Sale sale sale!
I’m running a holiday sale on book coaching!
One session, usually $250 = $200
Three sessions, usually $600 = $450
Sessions never expire, so grab ‘em now and use ‘em next year!
Book coaching is an intimate form of 1:1 creative support, tailored to each writer’s needs and goals. We can brainstorm ideas around what to write and why; discuss craft aspects such as character development, narrative strategy, plot and scene-work, perfecting on a line level; discuss revision or feedback; strategize around submission and a compelling query letter. I can be an editor, a mentor, an accountability partner, a teacher or a cheerleader—or all five.
Message me through the intake form on my website to book a free 15-minute discovery call to learn more and/or buy some sessions. Sale ends 12/31.
I’m reading The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Finally out of my reading slump! I’m LOVING this clever, bingeable speculative fiction from U.K. author, Holly Gramazio. Lauren is single when she arrives home from a hen do, only to find a strange man in her apartment. Her husband, something everyone in her life knows about except her. She’s still adjusting to this when he pops up into the attic—and another, different husband comes back down. So begins this story of a magic attic, endless husbands, and a nuanced, surprising journey of self-discovery. Im not even finished but pretty sure this’ll be a five-star read for me.
I’m watching a buncha Christmas stuff
TBH, I’m still neck-deep in my Buffy rewatch (just made it to season five—Dawn is not my favorite, but I’m nothing if not committed), but I’m still gearing up for some fun Christmas nonsense. Our Little Secret feels like a must, Christmas Eve in Millers Point is meant to be good, I always watch the Great British Baking Show: Holidays while cooking (fun!). My wife and I are excited for Black Doves, not seasonal fare, but spy thriller is a genre we both love.
What else should I watch! Send me your recs in the comments!
I’m performing at Wine & Pine Reading Series tonight!
Join me tonight (Monday December 16th) at Ten Degrees Bar, NYC, for a cozy night of authors reading spicy scenes! It’s free, with free homemade desserts.
Other than that, enter this giveaway on my Insta to win two seasonal candles from my fave candle company, The New Savant, and two signed copies of Most Wonderful.
Apply now for the dreamy Generation Women Writers Retreat, March 7 - 10, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis: first come, first serve.
Aspiring romance and women’s fiction novelists may find my monthly, virtual Writers’ Group is exactly what you need. First session next year is 1/29/25.
That’s it for this month! If you’ve read this far, let me know by clicking the “like” button below. Chat with me in the comments—I reply to every message and I’d love to hear from you!
Georgia xo
I binged through Black Doves so fast, and am on a rewatch. Highly recommend!
Hi Georgia - congratulations on all the well-deserved love for your book - it's so exciting! Black Doves is insanely good...and it occurs during the Christmas holiday season in London, so it's very festive (in between all the killing and deception😉)!