LUCY BURDETTE: Back when I was the faculty advisor for the
Yale peer counselors, we started every meeting with a check in. The kids could
talk about how they were feeling or something terrific that was happening or
something that felt difficult. So I declare today a jungle red check in! I'll
start…
We have been in the process of moving from Key West to
Connecticut for the summer. It's really lovely both places, but the transition
is murder! I miss Key West desperately the minute we leave, and I'm sure I will
be feeling the same way about Connecticut in the fall. So I am just getting
back to my writing, trying to solve a knotty plot problem with my suspense
attempt. And wrestling with the plot of my Key West mystery in process. In some
ways, the Key West mystery is so much easier because I know the characters and
I love the setting I'm using (the Harry Truman Little White House). Of course
it's still hard, because I really want the story to feel fresh!
My hubby and I are very excited about visiting our grandbaby
(and her parents of course) later this week. She has started to crawl, and
crawls to any electronic device that she sees, and breaks into a huge smile
when she sees us on the screen. More photos to come, natch. She's grown and changed a lot since this was taken!
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| photo by Micolo J |
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I have a feeling I wish I could name. I
am wandering around the house, unable to concentrate and unable to decide what
to do. That should be easy, because my to-do list is enormous. But I just
hit "send" on the second-to-final draft of my as-yet-untitled
standalone, and am now experiencing some kind of malaise because it seems like
something is missing. I think what's missing is the enormous pressure of a
looming deadline. Now that it's not looming, there's the space where it used to
be. And that's odd to fill. I should be happy, right? But that's more likely to
happen when/if the editor is pleased.
I may also be very very tired.
But! The ducks in the back yard are so happy, and our tulips
are glorious-I have five vases full in our family room/kitchen/breakfast
place--and yes, I am very happy with the book. Very. Cannot wait to tall you
all about it. And now, returning to my crossed fingers.
HALLIE EPHRON: And I am at the opposite end (more in Lucy's
turf), wallowing at the start of a new manuscript where every page... make that
every paragraph involves a decision about where I want the novel to go.
Creating characters and putting them in their places, each with their own
wardrobe and attitude and issues and back story with some notion of where it's all
going. I'm exhausted just thinking about it and wishing I was much further
along.
Moreover, major distraction! I'm ramping up for a book launch June 6. Early reviews are all good, some really good. My launch schedule is brilliant! Hank will be interviewing me at Brookline Booksmith on the 6th and (yay!) Lucy will be here. The next night my daughter is coming in from NY for my event at my local library where I'll be speaking and introducing my friend whose doll-maker mother inspired YOU'LL NEVER KNOW DEAR. She says she's bringing me a doll, which I plan to take with me the next day to to the California Crime Writers Conference. And on... FanTAStic stuff.
Now if I can just relax enough to enjoy it.
Moreover, major distraction! I'm ramping up for a book launch June 6. Early reviews are all good, some really good. My launch schedule is brilliant! Hank will be interviewing me at Brookline Booksmith on the 6th and (yay!) Lucy will be here. The next night my daughter is coming in from NY for my event at my local library where I'll be speaking and introducing my friend whose doll-maker mother inspired YOU'LL NEVER KNOW DEAR. She says she's bringing me a doll, which I plan to take with me the next day to to the California Crime Writers Conference. And on... FanTAStic stuff.
Now if I can just relax enough to enjoy it.
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| photo by Lucie Provencher |
INGRID THOFT: Okay, deep breath. So far, 2017 has
been a doozy. DUPLICITY launched, and I went on a wonderful book
tour. I joined Jungle Reds and joined a terrific community of
readers and writers. A family member had major surgery and is still
recovering, and I’ve been contending with a herniated disc that doesn’t want to
heal. Oh, and I’m working on a new book. Taking a short break
from my Fina Ludlow series, I’m writing a standalone thriller/suspense/mystery
that is exciting and challenging me in equal parts.
My hope is that body parts will heal and the creative juices
will run like a mountain river in springtime. I’m reminded of a
quote that my mother has on display, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to
pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the
rain.” Cheers to that!
JENN MCKINLAY: Ingrid, I love that quote. It's a good
reminder that the rain will come and is necessary for growth so you might as
well try to find the joy in it. My check in feels more like a rollercoaster
ride. ASSAULT AND BERET came out in January and is the final in the London
series. A thrill and a bump as the car grinds up to the next peak. CARAMEL
CRUSH just came out in April and that was great fun because it did really well
and hit the BN bestseller's list! Whoosh! Hands in the air, everyone! And then,
life happened. One of my Hooligans needs major surgery and if all goes as
planned, we will be spending much of June in the Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Hub and I are pretty freaked out, which is sort of like that terrifying feeling
accompanied by the clack, clack, clack of the car climbing to the topmost part
of the roller coaster, you know, when you think you'd really like to bail but
jumping isn't an option. We have the best surgeon for the procedure in one of
the best hospitals for children, so we're hoping that a Whoosh! of great relief
will follow our boy's successful surgery. For now, we're just strapping in and
hoping for the best. Of course, I decided to branch out into romantic comedy
writing this year, and the first book in the series ABOUT A DOG comes out right
before my boy's surgery. Funny, how I just don't give a hoot about this book
right now. I hope it does well, and it's already gotten a starred review from
Booklist, but it's just not a priority for me anymore. Frankly, I'll be happy
when the rollercoaster docks and I can go for a cotton candy.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: I think we all dream of nice, quiet,
orderly years, but they never seem to happen. That's probably a good thing,
because we'd be bored witless, but I, at least, am dreaming of a nice quiet
summer in which to write a big chunk of my new book. I'm closer to Hallie's
state than Hank's, still in that planning and plotting and character building
phase when the book hasn't quite taken on a wayward life of its own. I do have
a working title, though, which makes me very happy since I never make much
progress until a book has a name.
In September I'll go to England for a month to do research and just to soak up English life. October is Bouchercon in Toronto, then a speaking date in Tulsa. Then it will be the holidays and I'll be in deadline funk until the next book is finished and, hopefully, the cycle starts all over again. In the mean time, I'm planting roses and gardening and enjoying playing with my granddaughter.
In September I'll go to England for a month to do research and just to soak up English life. October is Bouchercon in Toronto, then a speaking date in Tulsa. Then it will be the holidays and I'll be in deadline funk until the next book is finished and, hopefully, the cycle starts all over again. In the mean time, I'm planting roses and gardening and enjoying playing with my granddaughter.
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| photo by shira gal |
RHYS BOWEN: Oh, how I can appreciate what Jenn is going
through! On the actual day that In Farleigh Field hit #1 on Kindle I was
sitting on a hard chair in a hospital waiting room while my husband had major
surgery. Instead of that celebration dinner I got home at 10:30 p.m.and
opened a can of tomato soup. It really made me think about what was really
important in this life!
So I've enjoyed the unreal highs of a book that has done really well at the same time as working to get John back on his feet and help him put on weight again.
Writing-wise I've just turned in next year's big stand-alone, called THE TUSCAN CHILD. I was excited to do this as it is two separate stories in two time periods, therefore quite a challenge. I love the freedom of being able to decide what I want to write next! So I'm at that between-books moment when I can breathe and tidy up my office. And hopefully we're heading for Europe in a couple of weeks.
Also I have a new Royal Spyness book coming out in August, called On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service, and a Molly book coming out in November called The Ghost of Christmas Past. Yes, I know, three books in one year is insane. I keep trying to slow down but nobody will let me!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I'm juggling working on the book (the same book, sigh,) driving a busy teen around, walking the dog and keeping a 200-year-old house from falling down around our ears. I went to my agent's house in Nantucket for a few days in April to write, and it was a wonderful, inspiring getaway.
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Jungle Red Readers, tell us what’s new in your lives!
What a darling picture of your grandbaby, Lucy.
ReplyDeleteWith the Jungle Red ladies working on books or finishing books, it does sound as if there are going to be lots of new books for us readers to enjoy . . . .
Generally, summers are simply more of the same around here, just with much better weather. But this year, it’s going to be a bit different. Our Colorado daughter is coming to Virginia with her husband and children to deliver baby things for her sister. So we are going to spend a few days in Virginia with both girls and the grandbabies.
Just to keep things interesting, our youngest daughter’s husband is deploying for a year so come August I’ll be going back to Virginia to be on hand when the newest grandbaby makes her debut.
A summer filled with family and grandbabies promises to be absolutely perfect . . . .
that sounds wonderful Joan, except for the deploying part. where is he headed? we will keep him in our hearts, and your daughter too...
DeleteThank you, Lucy . . .
DeleteLawrence is headed for the Naval Support Center in Bahrain.
Thanks Reds for checking in and letting us know what is going on book-wise and life-wise.
ReplyDeleteWe are still waiting for spring here in Ottawa. It is snowing lightly this morning! And we are having the worst flooding in over 20 years since we have had more than triple than amount of normal rain in April and we already doubled our May rain totals and it is only May 8! The military have been called in to help on the Quebec side of the river but not yet in Ottawa. And it's weird to see bike paths, walking trails and parks underwater and some neighbourhoods.
And we were looking forward to the start of local produce and farmers markets here. I wonder how the farmers will be faring.
So still waiting for spring and summer to arrive. It gives me an excuse to stay inside and read more books, though.
wow Grace, that's terrible! something very weird is going on with our world weather. it's freezing in New England too--or else my blood has gotten extremely thin...
DeleteYes, Lucy, the weather has been getting weirder and you don't need to be a former climate change researcher (like me) to notice. The rivers here probably won't crest until Wednesday so the worst is yet to come. And also no gardening yet. Last year I had to wait until the first week of June to put my herbs and vegetables outdoors!
DeleteWhen we lived in Ohio and then Minnesota one did not plant a garden until after Memorial Day.
DeleteSo much happening for you all! Jenn, Ingrid, Rhys - wishing you and yours easy healing and successful outcomes. It's tough to be laid up and needing to write, and tougher when a dear one is going through painful times.
ReplyDeleteI have three weeks to put final polish and revisions on my first Cape Cod mystery, but the five days I spent there last week really helped to add the little details that make it come alive. Then I plunge into writing Quaker Midwife #4! No grandbabies in my summer, alas, but son #1 got engaged over Easter (yay!), so hoping for some in the next few years, and my goddaughter is giving birth in September, which is a very happy thing.
Hallie, I'm going to miss your launches - I have a retreat in PA that week (but it's with Ramona, so it's worth it...). I can't wait to read it! Julia, I sat next to your agent on the train home from Malice and we had a lovely chat. I'd never met her before.
No rest for the productive! Tell us more about the retreat with Ramona?
DeleteWe are going to the convent retreat house again! We went last summer and - no wifi in the house - were very productive, with much hilarity and story telling over wine in the evenings.
DeleteThank you, Edith. I'd give anything to be able to take the surgery for the boy, sadly body switching is not an option...yet. I love Cape Cod - can't wait to read your mystery!
DeleteIt's really a beautiful time of year here in Texas, when the days are warm, the nights cool, and it's easy to get out and work in the garden. In another month the temps will be in the 90s, it will be humid, and gardening will be a sticky mess, so I'm enjoying it while I can.
ReplyDeleteWe wrapped up our concert season in mid-April, followed by a major band festival, followed by one of those tiny windows of time in which I can safely take a vacation. I spent a couple of days in Brenham, Texas, immersing myself in roses at the Antique Rose Emporium, then finding places in my perennial garden for all the new stuff I bought. And napping. Lots of napping.
Today it's back to work, with a big band camp, the July 4 concert crush, and a new recording to look forward to, plus finding the time to write liner notes for the last recording we did. And then there's my house. I always swear I'll work on cleaning out and putting stuff away when I have a few days off, but somehow all I ever manage to do is catch up (sorta) with the laundry and the border collie hair that drifts into all the corners. I always dream I'll have a lovely house some day, but it won't be this day.
Your life sounds wonderfully hectic GIgi! And your house sounds like mine…
DeleteGrace, we're waiting for spring here in New England, too... woke up to 50 degrees. But I'm looking out the window at my lilacs. LILACS have gone bonkers this year!! Anyone near a botanic garden with lilacs, get thee out there and smell those flowers.
ReplyDeleteMy new-last-year baby lilac bush is covered in blooms, Hallie. Fabulous.
DeleteHallie: Lilacs are another month away in June. Ottawa is famous for its tulip festival. It the 65th year, and tens of thousands of tulips are supposed to be on colourful display in the next two weeks. At least these flowers are hearty enough to withstand the cold and rain!
DeleteLucy, I remember when my parents were excited to see "David and Jeff (our kids) and those people who drive them around."
ReplyDeleteIngrid, it was great fun meeting you on your trip here in January. I love the quote about dancing in the rain, and I hope your disk clears up! It seems as though several Reds and friends are facing medical "opportunities" for family members or selves; I'm holding all of you in the light.
I'm two weeks into getting acquainted with a new hip and it's going quite well. We're putting our house on the market on Friday, so we've been liberating lots of items that we won't have room for in our downsized life. Of course, that did not include the "I Read Red" button that I found in my desk last week.
Oh moving! You'll find lots of treasures, I bet!
DeleteJim, are you a Friend, by chance? ;^)
DeleteJim, it was great meeting you, and I hope the new hip doesn't give you any trouble! Moving is so stressful, but I have to admit that I love sorting and pitching things out. It's so energizing!
DeleteWow Jim, getting a new hip and putting the house on the market two weeks later?? You are intrepid!
DeleteHa! I remember when my mother would run right by me to get to the boys - huh - she still does now that I think on it.
DeleteIt's so nice to read what all the Jungle Reds are up to. Nice idea, Lucy! I hope all the surgeries are successful.
ReplyDeleteI was recently laid off, and have made my main goals walking and writing during the lay-off (along with looking for work, of course). I do have to still run my small side business, work in the yard, keep the house somewhere near clean, make sure the dog is clipped and bathed, conquer the laundry mountain, and get meals on the table here and there for myself and two grown children -- who appear here and there, even thought they're officially living here. Well, you all know what I mean on most of those counts, I'm sure.
Last week some friends and I went on a lovely writers' retreat in Key Largo. (I never got to Key West, Lucy, or on an Everglades Tour, both of which I was very disappointed about. But to me that just means I'll just have to go back someday!) The main goal of the weekend was writing, so we didn't have much time for sightseeing, but it was magical. The weather was perfect, as were the good food, good drinks and laughing with friends. I am hoping to extend the writing routines into my everyday life now that I'm home. Next month, I'm taking a multi-week writing course at Grub Street in Boston: Jumpstart Your Novel. That should also help keep me on track.
As far as my walking goal, it's been difficult. I usually walk on hiking trails, and as others have noted, the New England weather hadn't been cooperating. I've been going out when I can, but I miss the daily hikes. Hopefully I'll be able to be more consistent with that soon!
MARY, eager to hear about your Grub Street class! It will be life changing!
DeleteA writer's retreat in Key Largo sounds heavenly! Is it an annual gathering, Mary?
DeleteSorry about the layoff Mary, but sounds like you are making the very best of the time! Definitely plan another trip to include Key West!
DeleteLucy, I agree that Jim is intrepid! Good luck with the house, Jim, and it sounds like you are already adjusting to the new hip.
ReplyDeleteThose writing retreats sound wonderful. I'm wondering how I can do one at home! As Gigi said, we are doing everything we can to take advantage of this glorious May weather. I may have to resort to pulling my rolling laptop table out onto the deck for a few hours in the mornings.
You guys are all so busy! So much productivity among the group.
ReplyDeleteI'm head over heels with gardening, between the veggie and berry garden at the farm, and my perennials and herbs at home. Planting potatoes and green beans today.
Everyone one sounds like they are hanging in very well indeed! My hub and I drove to Ohio and back recently to attend a wedding, the older son of some very good friends. Our grand-daughter also lives in the vicinity so we had a quick visit with her. She is in HS and we fly her down for spring break and a summer break annually. We managed to have dinner with another family who became our family while we lived there years ago. Their two grandkids are our godchildren so we got caught up on their lives. A good trip.
ReplyDeleteI still have the urge to start clearing extraneous stuff from our house, but the thought is overwhelming. I started on my closet. Bit by bit. I'll no doubt stretch it out over several days because I can only stand so much. I'm going on a road trip with my sister in June. Had to twist her arm but she agreed. We're going to the Black Hills to enjoy the beautiful scenery and history and meet author Ann Charles at a couple of events. It just sounds like fun and we both love her stories. Other than that I am in a holding pattern. Waiting and hoping my hub finds employment or consulting jobs soon. I don't feel we can travel right now because of that. We both have our mothers in town to keep an eye on and take to appointments. Oh well. Treading water here.
Oh yes, you are treading water! Fingers crossed for the jobs and the mothers...
DeleteWow! The Reds and the rest of us are definitely in busy mode. I'm excited to hear about all of the writing the Reds are finishing and starting. Standalones from Rhys, Hank, and Ingrid will be such great bonuses to the series from them. Hallie's new book is just around the corner, and I am so happy that Lucy is working on the Key West series. I know that Julia is going to hand over more Russ and Clare soon, and Debs is going to gain all kinds of inspiration in London for Gemma and Duncan. Jenn has so many things for me to catch up on, I really need her to hit pause. And, those of my darling Reds with health issues or loved ones with them, I will keep you all in my prayers. Rhys, I'm glad that John is doing well enough to go to England soon. He is such a special person. Jenn, I can't imagine the stress you're going through with a child facing major surgery. Ingrid, I hope you are good as new soon.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of May and June are going to be crazy busy for me, but with good things. Today, I'm going to an appearance by Lori Rader-Day, whose latest book The Day I Died is a favorite of mine. She has promised me a giant hug for my review and a get-together after the event, so I'm really excited. I also have a high school graduation (of brother's twin daughters), a granddaughter's piano recital, and a trip to Universal Studios Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter (with daughter and her family that goes into the first of June). June brings my son's 30th birthday and my 45th high school reunion. So, I am ready for some good times. And, of course, there is so much great reading coming out and reading I need to catch up on.
Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate the good thoughts. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. Yes, a pause button sounds like a fabulous idea - LOL!
DeleteThank you, Kathy! And safe travels to you in your upcoming busy schedule
DeleteRhys
Wow, everyone is so busy with all their various projects, medical issues and so many other things.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of glad that I don't have nearly as much on my plate as everyone else does.
For everyone dealing with medical problems, I wish you a speedy recovery. Hank, if you are at loose ends with no deadline to worry about, maybe think about taking in a Red Sox game and if the schedule works, maybe even a DAY game!
I've got a couple of books and a bunch of CDs to review but only books are on a deadline so not too much pressure there.
As far as looming summer plans, I really only have an August Red Sox game and some concerts to look forward to. I was going to hit Boston Comic Con but looking at the prices I had to cross that off my list since I also want to hit Rhode Island Comic Con in November.
This past weekend was Free Comic Book Day and I'm a yearly participant in that. I usually preorder a bunch of copies of various titles that I buy and put away until Halloween. Then...my house ROCKS on October 31st since I give out candy, comics, prizes for great costumes and the first person to come to the door in a specific kind of costume (Star Wars, superhero, etc). I also took the opportunity to touch base with Boston based writer Jennie Wood, author of the Flutter graphic novel series, at one of her two FCBD appearances. I'm a pretty big fan of both her and her work. I wrote up a recap of my adventures on the day should anyone have a few minutes they want to waste: http://classic-rock-bottom.ning.com/forum/topics/free-comic-book-day-2017
I got the court documents officially designating me in charge of my mother's estate so now I have to take care of the things I couldn't do before now because various institutions couldn't legally talk to me (yet still expected to be paid).
And I have to dig out the lawnmower and make sure that is in working order since I now have to go back to doing the grass myself.
So...nothing that really cries out "EXCITEMENT OVERLOAD" to anyone but perhaps me, but that's my "life" for the next few months, outside of the regular job that pays me money thing.
Oh my, we all need to visit your house for Halloween. That sounds amazing!
DeleteLucy/Roberta,
ReplyDeleteI theme the comics that I give to the costumes kids where if I can and make sure they are all age appropriate. I have kids that get so excited that they are coming to the "Comic Book House", that they sometimes forget to wait for the candy.