And they say you can't go home again...

Saturday, May 24, 2008


Aloha friends---


Well, here I am again, back in the lush, green and blue Pacific Northwest. I have to say that when I woke up in the morning (after traveling ALL day and night), I was literally awed by the beauty of my own back yard. We came home in this end of spring, start of summer time, and the view from my office window is nothing short of spectacular. Everything is in bloom--azaleas, rhodies, irises, heather, and my gorgeous golden chain trees. The lawn looks like a carpet of emerald green velvet. Just beautiful. So beautiful in fact that I hardly noticed the gray rain drizzling down...


I guess that's how you know you live in the right place for you--after three decades of looking at the same view, it can still take your breath away.


But now that I'm home, it's back to work. First up is updating my blog. I appreciate all of you sticking with me while I slowed down a bit for vacation, and I promise to make it up to you. First thing, though, I am kind of immersed in motherhood. My son, who as many of you know, just finished his sophomore year of college (yippee!!), came over to Hawaii for a few wonderful days. You can imagine how much I enjoyed that--we sat on the beach side by side, reading, just as we've done for the whole of his life. Then, once we were home again, he went immediately in for oral surgery. Wisdom teeth. Which means, of course, that I've been playing Florence Nightengale and loving every minute of it. Since he's twenty now, I don't get much of a chance to take care of him anymore. :) Next week, we're watching him leave again, for California, and a real world internship. It's so cool to watch our kids begin to really grow up and discover who they're going to be...


I've mentioned the new book, and voila! the copy edited manuscript just arrived--thudded--on my doorstep, so I guess that's on the list now, too. If any of you have questions, by the way, about any part of the publishing process, please don't hesitate to ask. I can tell you that they're working on the cover for the new book, while i review the copy edit and get my last crack at nailing the book exactly the way I wanted to. Which never happens. Every book is simultaneously better than I'd imagined and less than I'd hoped. I guess it's that quest for the perfect realization of one's dream that keeps us writers starting over, one book at a time.


And sorry about the missing photograph. :) What can I say, I screwed up somehow! I'll try to attach it again, or find another one.


So what's new with all of you? Were you all surprised about David Cook winning on Idol? And thrilled about Kristin and Mark? And what are you reading? Don't be afraid to share...


Have I already recommended Harlan coben's Hold Tight? If so, I guess I really mean it; if not, I can't recommend this author strongly enough.


Keep in touch and take care. Say a prayer this Memorial Day weekend for all of the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country.


Aloha,

Kristin
PS: The photo worked this time, but it IS sideways. I'm sorry, I have no idea how to fix it! :) Still, it's my view. I hope you enjoy it.


10 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your backyard view is simply breath-taking if the picture is anything to go by .. :-)
I can imagine how beautiful that might look in the early mornings, when dew and fog envelope it.

I havent been watching American Idol, hence I dont care who won and who lost, But I do love watching 'So You Think you can Dance' ... ;-)

P.S: I read your recent book 'The Firefly lanes' It was a beautifully written book. I am a GREAT fan of yours, and want to thank you for writting such wonderful books .

Maryam

May 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I did read Hold Tight. I love Harlan Coben. This one not one of my all time favorites of his, but still a great read. I saw him speak at the National Book Festival last fall.

I read The Thirteenth Tale and had to force myself to finish it. I then read the jacket lining and have to agree, it is a 'strange, gothic tale.' I found it did not have many likeable characters. People I know absolutely raved about the story. But, that is the great thing about books; there is truly something for everyone.

May 26, 2008 at 10:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad to have you home! And yes, I was happily surprised that David Cook won. But both of those Davids are going to have great singing careers ahead of them. BTW, your yard is GORGEOUS. I've always wanted to go there. A VERY DEAR friend of mine has promised for two years I'd get to travel with her to Hawaii but it hasn't worked out. Next year for sure--even if I have to tell her hubby to stay home! LOL LOL
Kim

May 27, 2008 at 12:00 AM  
Blogger Cindy W said...

I LOVE so you think you can Dance and will be watching too!

Anyways, Hi Kristin! I just finished reading Sugar Daddy and am reading Blue Eyed Devil, I am almost done. LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT. I picked up On Mystic Lake and Once in a Lifetime this weekend at the book store.

If anyone is interested in doing a summer reading book challenge, visit me at www.shelfari.com/cindyw5 It's the Readers of Romance Book Challenges group, we are starting 6/1, there are 2 authors that are doing this with us! That's what I'll be up to with some traveling... Cocoa Beach, that's my escape. My husband surfs so he's always eager to get away.

I can't wait to hear more about your new book. Will Firefly lane be issued in Paperback when your new book comes out? How does that work?

May 27, 2008 at 10:08 AM  
Blogger princessapr said...

I actually don't watch reality television at all. I know I'd get obsessed so I just nip it in the bud right off the bat.

I'm reading Heart-Shaped Box in the day time. It's too creepy to read at night, just the description of the eyes is creeping me out, but I'm really enjoying it. It's been awhile since I've read anything like it. I'm also read some romance. It's also been awhile since I've read just happy little romances, and I'm enjoying it.

I actually went all through college without losing my wisdom teeth and, after I graduated grad school did my mom nurse me with chocolate fudge brownie milkshakes. :) Nothing like Mom when you're not 100%.

Welcome back to the mainland!

May 27, 2008 at 3:22 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear maryam--

Welcome to the blog! Thanks so much for checking in. I'm glad you enjoyed Firefly Lane. It will be coming out in paperback sometime next year. I'll have more scoop on that soon. Still waiting for word on the month, cover, etc. Keep your eye on the site!

aloha,
Kristin

May 28, 2008 at 9:56 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Lynn--

So sorry about the 13th tale. I guess that's what makes reading so fun. We all see the world a little differently. What book have you loved lately?

aloha,
k

May 28, 2008 at 9:57 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear Kim---

LOL!!! You crack me up, and usual...

and Cindy--I'm sorry. That was your question about the paperback release of Firefly. :) I'm going slowly--or not so slowly--mad. I can't remember anything lately. Anyway, I'll let you know more when I know it. At least I think I don't know it...

:)

aloha,
k

May 28, 2008 at 9:58 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Dear April---

I think that's the same exact memory my son will have! Except it was strawberry milkshakes and yoghurt smoothies...

and swolled cheeks. :)

aloha,
K

May 28, 2008 at 9:59 AM  
Blogger Lorig415 said...

Hello Kristen....I have been a fan of your books for so long. I just discovered your blog. YAY!!

I loved loved loved Angel Falls and On Mystic Lake. I can't wait to read Firefly Lane!

I, too, love American Idol and was on the edge of my seat at the conclusion of this year's show. I wanted little David to win but am pleased that David Cook won. They will both do well.

I know that your other home is in Hawaii. My daughter has been living there since March. She is stationed at Fort Shafter on Oahu. I have been getting a "tour" of the island via cell phone pics and emails. The weather is unbelievable. Wow. Hard for a western New Yorker to get used to!

Thanks for brightening my days with your books.....

Lori

May 31, 2008 at 6:59 PM  

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