keynote author event w/ elizabeth kostova in asheville, nc

I’m thrilled to announce that bestselling author Elizabeth Kostova and I will be heading up the inaugural Great Smokies Writing Program Keynote Lecture at the University of North Carolina-Asheville this summer!

I have to first get this out of the way: I have adored and admired Elizabeth’s novels for years. I reread The Historian almost every October, and I’ve recommended it and her others to countless friends. Her work is gorgeous and smart, braiding past and present in a way which sings to my storytelling (and history nerd) soul. When my first novel, Keowee Valley, was published, I met Elizabeth at the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, where she was the headlining author. She could not have been kinder and more welcoming. She immediately put a newbie like me at ease.

Fangirling aside, I’m honored and proud to be featured at this inaugural event on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Highsmith Student Union at UNC-Asheville. Tickets are on sale now, and a variety are available: Some just for the lecture, some include a copy of The Miniaturist’s Assistant, some include a copy of Elizabeth’s most recent, The Shadow Land—and another option includes both our books.

I do hope to see y’all in Asheville on July 12th! (And Asheville is glorious in summer!)

For more information, and to get your tickets, click here.