Book Launch Week for Open Bar
I’m incredibly grateful for everyone’s support this past week for the publication of Open Bar. And I’m so excited by all the new friends and subscribers who joined this Substack since the novel’s launch - welcome!
Because of all you did to help spread the word about this new novel, Open Bar became #1 on the “Amazon Hot New Releases” list for Political Fiction:
For new subscribers who don’t know me well, I’m a former New York sex crimes and domestic violence prosecutor who now conducts sexual misconduct and other discrimination and retaliation investigations for educational institutions and other organizations. I have a lifelong love of reading and writing fiction, which I wrote about here and here. In my novels Final Table and Open Bar, I combined these interests and experiences to show a side of these worlds that’s generally hidden from public view.
In both novels, I addressed the challenges and consequences of standing up for justice against those in authority. And I was thrilled to be able to discuss these issues and the publication of Open Bar last week with
live on her Substack. If you’re familiar with Olivia’s story, you know that she has lived those concepts in a way that few people have. You can check out the full video of our conversation by clicking the box below:
So what’s this Substack about? We’re a friendly, growing community of fiction readers and writers, discussing novels and writing, as well as important societal issues that are often best illuminated and explored through fiction. We also have a regular Zoom Book Club (registration for next meeting here) that’s developed a reputation for fun and interesting conversation about compelling books. You’ll have to join one of our meetings (with or without your drink of choice) to see why…
And what’s the latest buzz on Open Bar from the first week of publication? News 12 Westchester covered the launch with this story:
Here are a few other Open Bar items from the past week:
Title IX and Civil Rights Podcast episode
WPKN interview with Bob Johnson (starts at 4:00 mark)
S.F. Prescott’s book review
Yonkers Times article
Author questionnaires with Annie Mondesir, Elizabeth Rynecki, and Sarahlyn Bruck (plus, general thoughts on author quetionnaires here)
Again, thank you so much for joining this Substack and supporting the release of Open Bar. If you’re interested in helping others learn about this novel and our reader/writer community, please invite them to subscribe for free. And here are three other quick ways to assist:
Share news about the publication of Open Bar on social media, and please make sure to tag me if you’re posting on Substack, Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.
After you’ve read Open Bar, please post a review or rating on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or any other book platform you use. Reviews are extremely helpful for letting potential readers know about Open Bar and why they should check it out!
If you belong to a book club or know anyone with a book club, please tell them about Open Bar as a great book club read. I’m happy to Zoom in to any book club that’s discussing Open Bar and answer any questions!
Speaking of book clubs…
Book Club
Our next Book Club will be via Zoom on Tuesday, September 9 at 8pm ET, when we’ll discuss New York Times bestseller Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Registration is open here.
The book description reads, “From the author of The Martian, a lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this ‘propulsive’ (Entertainment Weekly), cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor, and fascinating science.” The film version starring Ryan Gosling is coming in March 2026.
Feel free to attend even if you don’t read the book, and please pass on the info to anyone else who might be interesting in joining!
Open Bar Info
My second novel Open Bar is published by SparkPress and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Based on my experience as a New York sex crimes prosecutor and a sexual misconduct investigator for educational institutions, Open Bar follows the chaotic fallout when a high-profile sexual misconduct scandal rocks a prominent university.
You can find more information and links to order here and here. Kirkus Reviews calls Open Bar “A timely and absorbing novel that asks what it costs to tell the truth” and says, “Schorr’s prose is clean, fast-moving, and often laced with dark humor” (full review here). The American Fiction Awards named Open Bar as this year’s Winner in the “Thriller: Political” category - you can see the full awards list here.
You can also listen to the first chapter of the Open Bar audiobook, narrated by Moniqua Plante.
Welcome New Subscribers!
Thank you so much for joining me on my reading, writing, and publishing journey. I welcome all of your comments, questions, and suggestions for future content. If you already subscribe, please share with other readers and writers: