August Wrap Up

I’m trying something new here on the blog–posting a monthly round up of all that has been going on. I hope you enjoy this peek into my world.

Books Read:  I’m writing biographical fiction these days so I’ve been reading as many other writers of bio fiction as I can. The great standout this month was Alice Hoffman’s new novel, The Marriage of Opposites, about the woman who gave birth to Camille Pissaro, who became one of the world’s most influential Impressionist painters. The story is set on the lush island of St Thomas and in Paris and the descriptions are  breathtaking. I adored everything about this novel, and learned something, too.

It wouldn’t be summer without a beach book from Dorothea Benton Frank. I am always a year behind. This month I read The Hurricane Sisters, which features her trademark humor, quirky characters and that wonderful Lowcountry setting.This one carries a message about abuse that makes it a cut above some of her other titles.

I also read Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things, and Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman. Cathy Gohlke’s new WW2 novel, Secrets She Kept is a standout. All of her books are good, but this one is exceptional.

Meals Consumed: The summer veggies were at their peak here in August and I made a veggie plate nearly every week consisting of corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, fried okra, silver skin peas, and watermelon. A new little Italian restaurant called Napa Flats has opened in the neighborhood and we have become regulars there for the pizza and their wonderful fish tacos. Oh, and the fabulous gelato.

Movies Watched:  The Theory of Everything, a bio pic about Stephen Hawking. It was very well done, but strangely unsatisfying.

Writing stuff: I finished MRS LEE AND MRS GRAY on August 5 and turned it in to my editor. Now I am waiting for her revision notes and VERY excitedly waiting to see the first ideas for the cover. Meantime I had some lovely news about A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS–Romantic Times gave it a glowing review, and named it a TOP PICK. I’m excited for the release of this book next month.

I’m getting some very nice letters from readers of the Fair Magnolias novella collection. Four stories just the right length for the beach I think.

The most fun came from a letter from a reader who shares the same name as one of my characters from BEYOND ALL MEASURE. I love getting reader mail, and this one was especially enjoyable.

Last week I had a chance to catch up with my good friend and writer extraordinaire, Pamela Morsi. We don’t have time to get together often, but when we do, we make an afternoon of it. I’m thrilled that she is re releasing SIMPLE JESS, one my favorites.

So I’ll see you at the end of September. Meantime, may you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.