*Titled as such even though I prefer tea because saying “if we were having tea” sounds so high brow for a Midwestern American, even if I am an Anglophile.

Lately I’ve posted book reviews and left it at that, so it seemed like it was time for another one of these posts! And because it’s approaching summer (oh god), I’m gonna use tea gifs! Sound good? Good.

If we were having coffee…I would tell you how I’ve read so many books for fun this year so far, but seem to fall behind on writing reviews for them now. Not that reviewing isn’t fun, or that blogging is a chore. Neither of those things! I’m just…reading more than usual? Both as an agent and as a reader. It’s a great feeling finally going through my TBR, checking out books from the library, and setting out little monthly goals on Instagram. The pressure to read the hottest ARC seems to have fallen away, and I’ve become more selective on ARCs in general, too.

If we were having coffee…I’d strongly suggest you watch Band of Brothers. It’s an HBO one-season series set in WWII about the 101st Airborne, and it came out in the early ’00s. The Beau strongly suggested we watch it together sometime, and I was a little wary. As much as I love war books, the movies can get intense. And yet, as intense as Band could be, the writing and cinematography and deep character development really grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop watching. Have you seen this show? It’s so good!

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you how I sold a manuscript and acquired a new client all within the same month and it made me so happy. My other clients are also working on new projects that I’m super stoked to share with the world. Keep sending good vibes to the Team Laura sector of #TeamTriada. Going out on submission with new material is super exciting for all involved!

If we were having coffee…I’d tell you about my trip to NYC. The excuse was Book Expo — bought a badge and everything — but I was rarely at Javits (and only received one galley from the floor. All the other galleys that came home with me were directly from editors’ desks to my hands, and that feels far more meaningful). I spent the majority of my time traveling all over Manhattan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meetings, mid-morning and afternoon imprint-wide meetings, and agency meals. It was so neat to put voices and faces to names, to see and meet the editors in person after years of exchanging emails and phone calls. All in all, this trip was far more fun and productive than previous NYC visits. This was also the first time the agency was all together, in person, in one room. Isn’t that nuts? I loved every second of it.

Though I’m not a fan of the city itself (cities in general, let’s be honest — they stress me out), I was happy to be with enthusiastic bookish bookworms gushing over the latest novel, our cats, the news, dream travel destinations, and the delicious food in front of us. (That’s one thing cities have going for them: the variety of restaurants and cafes!) PLUS I was reunited with Lindsey @ Bring My Books and ran into Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books a few times. Oh, and flailed about Outlander and Sam Heughan with Sasha Alsberg when she was on her way to see her publisher. Haha!

If we were having coffee…I’d show you what a complete nerd I am by whipping out my phone, opening up the Forge of Empires app, and gushing about the game. Guys, I just reached the High Middle Ages (nearly there to the Late Middle Ages) and I’m so poor now because I’ve purchased so many homes, production buildings, and supply buildings. Time to crank up the supplies!

If we were having coffee…I’d grumble about my lack of self control when it comes to chips and queso. Oh my god. It’s just bad. Really bad. Like, I crave salt (and cheese) all the time. It’s my baseline. And I love sugar, too, so I’m all sorts of messed up in cravings. But chips and queso is my vice, my sin, my guilty pleasure. About a year ago I tried giving it up and doing more yoga instead but THAT DIDN’T WORK BAHAHA. Help me.

If we were having coffee…I’d ramble on and on about this trip to Greece I’m going on next summer. I’ve been to cooler climates in Europe, so heading to the Mediterranean in the summer will certainly be something new to experience. Scenes from Mama Mia! and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants keep dancing in mind. Blue skies, white buildings, lots of water, great culture…Have you been to Greece? Any tidbits, advice, or fun facts?

Short, quick, and something to break up all the reviews. Anything new in your life? Have you seen Band of Brothers? Did you go to Book Expo or Book Con (and if so, what’d you snag)? Are you into any particular app game? Comment below!

If we were having coffee, what would we talk about? Let’s chat!