We went to a book party for Timothy Schaffert’s new novel this weekend, and had a great time, even though our stay was brief. We were there for the hors d’oeuvres, but missed out on the near-tornado. (You can win ’em all.)

If you haven’t checked out The Coffins of Little Hope, Tim’s latest, you really should. Don’t take my word for it, the book has been reviewed in glowing terms by the New York Times, Washington Post, People, Publishers Weekly, and The Millions, among many others.

It’s really been fun to watch the outpouring of enthusiasm for Tim’s work. In addition to writing, Schaffert directs the Nebraska Summer Writers Conference, founded and runs the (downtown) Omaha Lit Fest, teaches at UNL, is the interim Fiction Editor for Prairie Schooner, and, I can only assume, rescues confused kittens that have become trapped in trees. He’s probably the preeminent novelist in Chalco too. In short, he’s a great advocate for writers and writing, and I couldn’t be happier for his success.