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"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel


Jan 2, 2019

2018 Catch-Up, 2019 Beginning

The old year concluded with a burst of activity of all sorts.

After the launch of Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, I was delighted to appear in several bookstores, and talk to readers--friends and strangers--about the novel, its incredible protagonist, and the writing life. It's my thirteenth work of historical fiction to be published, but the thrill of a new release never fades.








Equally gratifying, the press attention the novel has received, and the wonderful reviews--in print and online publications locally, nationally, and internationally.





As all of this was happening, I was simultaneously participating in National Novel Writing Month, and successfully competed the challenge to write "50,000 Words in 30 Days." The next novel is off to a good start!


December was a time for fun and festivity--cutting and decorating our tree, which naturally included a Beautiful Invention ornament . . . as well as the cast of characters from A Pledge of Better Times




We hosted our annual Christmas Caroling party, welcoming 30+ friends and neighbours and local musicians for food and frolic.



Exactly a month after having to put down our dear and devoted 12-year old Border collie/black lab Jewel, we were fortunate to bring a mixed-breed puppy into our home as a companion for us and Ruth, our senior BC mix. Dot has settled in beautifully, and we're so grateful to the family that fostered her so well, and the rescue organisation from which we adopted her. Shortly after her arrival from a state in the southern part of the U.S., she experienced her first snowfall.



After a few weeks' break from writing, I'm resuming work on the next novel, and scheduling my 2019 speaking engagements, book club appearances, writers' conference presentations, and planning domestic and international travels. This year isn't very old, but it's already clear that it will be a very busy and productive one!