Spring Book Tour, Continued

A busy time, for author events and for garden tasks, now that spring is here.

I attended the New Hampshire Writers Project 603 Conference, and was so inspired by Gregory Maguire's keynote speech, "The Light Within the Story: Fairy Tales in a Dark Time." It's always fascinating to enter another writer's mind, and learn about their motivations and process, and receive insights This was a truly uplifting and wide-ranging presentation, with excellent use of visuals. I will be pondering it for some time.

My next appearance is coming up soon: Margaret Porter at Taylor Community, Laconia on May 6. As  part-time resident of the Lakes Region, I'm excited about this event.

Recently I had the pleasure of a television appearance at a local station. What was especially meaningful was being interviewed by someone who is not only a Hollywood insider, but was friends with individuals who worked at MGM during the Golden Age of cinema and were personal friends of Hedy Lamarr. How wonderful to have such a knowledgeable broadcaster, and one with a great love of cinema history. The 25 minutes of our conversation passed in a flash, and I look forward to our getting together again--off camera. I need to pick Paul's brain for my next Hollywood novel!

On set, before the interview

After my interview. He's read my novel 3 times! 

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!

Beautiful Invention Pre-launch happenings

For those who use a Kindle for reading books, or use the app on their tablet or phone, Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr is available for pre-order.

 

Pre-Order Beautiful Invention for Kindle and Kindle app

 

 

 Promo items arrive daily. ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) have gone out to reviewers and press.

On Twitter, I've been posting 1930s-40s news items about Hedy to correspond to #OTD (On This Day).

Bookstore appearances are being scheduled.

I do hope reader anticipation about the release is building. I know mine is!