Thursday, February 11, 2010

England Swings


Have I mentioned my never-ending love affair with England? As I was brewing up my very special young adult book concept, I armchair traveled all over the U.K.. The minute my book is picked up I am booking my flight to London and catching the train to Salisbury to follow in my heroine's footsteps!

The first picture was painted by John Atkinson and captures some of the feeling I've come to treasure about England. In some ways my northwest area is very similar to the U.K.. I certainly know that damp, gray rainy feeling! But I also love it. The gratitude one feels for the return of the sun is quite striking. The memory of spring, the beauty of the countryside, the houses and people, all weave a special spell for me. Perfect setting for a book about~~ reincarnation.

I've been so pleased to receive so many fan letters from the U.K. and beyond as Little Black Dress continues to release all my books, repackaged and spruced up. We had to go through each one and tweak some of my very American language. The editors at L.B.D. were just the kindest most lovely people to work with. Hopefully when my Y.A. comes out it will be a big hit in the U.K. too!

My young adult book is about my heroine's strong pull to return to England, and Salisbury in particular. There is a choral arts school there- The Salisbury Choral School, that delighted me every time I read about it. The cathedral at Salisbury is equally amazing to study.

Here's to Spring in Salisbury~

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

NEXT UP, SPRING! The Abundance of Nature


Anonymous 17th-century watercolor of the Semper Augustus, the most famous tulip bulb, which sold for a record price. (Source: Wikipedia)

I think the whole idea of tulips being insanely expensive and used for cash is fabulous. At one point 12 acres (5 ha) of land were offered for a Semper Augustus bulb. Thus we are treated to the amazing abundance that is SPRING! Yes, I swear it is coming. I've planted some lovely bulbs and they are starting to peak out. Of course there is the pile in the garage I forgot to plant so I put them in a pot and we'll see what unfolds. Also out my office window is a very old cherry tree that is starting to bloom! LOVE IT! We call it Pinky and it has been with us for probably thirty years or more. Thank you Pinky, for sharing your beauty with the birds and my cat who climbs up there to visit the birds, and our entire family.

In the meantime I have used the winter to write write write and I am positive there will be good news to share soon. THERE WILL BE BOOKS!

Thursday, January 21, 2010



I am so grateful for so many things in my life. My family is amazing. I've been blessed with four children of extraordinary character. And this April my oldest son and dear daughter in law are expecting the first grandchild. How awesome is that! We live in a beautiful area. Here is a photograph my daughter took at Bloedel reserve this fall. The northwest is a never ending blooming abundant green garden. My cat Milo is the never ending clown. I am surrounded with love and support. The people I work with in my writing adventures are enthusiastic, positive visionaries! Thank you, Universe!