Hello out there. It has been a busy fall here at Casita Marron. We enjoyed a few mild days, multiple beautiful full moons, and lots of delicious Italian food at Elio’s, our favorite neighborhood hangout. We’re usually there at the same time on Fridays, and have come to know the staff by name. It’s a cozy place with red and white checkered tablecloths and Dean Martin and Perry Como on the muzak. There are a few outdoor tables shaded by umbrellas. Walking in there feels a little like going home.
Thanksgiving was quiet. We enjoyed the traditional meal before curling up with new books to read and too many football games to watch. I recently finished reading William Kent Krueger’s The River We Remember which brought back memories of the seven years we lived in the Midwest, near the fictional setting for the book. His detailed descriptions of the landscape are spot on. I moved on to another of his books, This Tender Land. I’ve been a fan since Ordinary Grace but got behind in my reading due to my own writing projects.
Speaking of which, I have a new book releasing in February, the first one for my adult readers set in the 20th century. Set in 1968, A SEASON IN SAIGON pays tribute to the women who covered the Vietnam war. As in all of my books, there is romance and mystery and a setting I hope readers will enjoy exploring. I’ve always felt that fiction should be entertaining, of course, but that it can also illuminate important events and people, and challenge our thinking about our history. Between now and February, I’m posting some short biographies of the women whose lives and work are at the heart of my story. I hope you will enjoy learning about them.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to wish everyone peace and joy, connection and hope. Happy December.
All my best to all of you, Dorothy
