drum roll please...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Hello from the scorchingly hot Pacific Northwest. Now, there's a sentence one doesn't hear too often. :)
I don't have a ton of news this week. It's been so hot around the country that I think everything and everyone has slowed down, and that includes writers and publishers. But I have finally seen a not-quite-finished version of the cover for my new book, Winter Garden, and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. You're absolutely the first people outside of New York to see it, and I look forward to your thoughts!
I think it's stunning, but in the end, its really what you think that matters. You can see from the cover image that this is a new setting for me. I have spent a lot of time writing about beachfront-type places around the Northwest. I am, as you all know, a sand and surf and mai tai girl, but in Winter Garden I've moved east a bit, to the central part of Washington state. Its a stark, fertile countryside, dominated by towering, snowcapped mountains, wide slow moving rivers and acres and acres of fruit trees. The Wenatchee valley, to be precise. When you hear about our famous Washington apples, this is where most of them are grown.
There are a lot of things that are new and different in this story, actually. It isn't set only in the northwest. Winter Garden has a big story to tell, one that spans decades and continents. The story moves from Washington state to Alaska to Africa to Russia. (You didn't think I'd go all the way to Africa and not tell you about it in a book, did you?) At it's core, it's a story of two estranged sisters and the promise they make to their dying father. To fulfill this promise, they will have to try to get to know their cold, distant mother. It is a promise that will lead them into the dark, unexpected landscape of their mother's unknown past.
In starting this novel, I began with a single question: Can a woman ever really know herself if she doesn't know her mother's secrets? What would you do if you found out that your mother had had a whole other life, about which you knew nothing...
Anyway, I'm sure that's enough scoop for now. The book won't even be out until February, but I wanted you all to have the first peek.
And now a little bit about the F word.
It was worth signing on to Facebook just to use that sentence. :) But really, I have to admit that I'm getting the hang of it a bit more and it's kind of cool. I see a few of my firefly friends on the fansite, and I want to thank you so much for buzzing over. It's great to see a friendly name posting. We had an interesting discussion over there, which I wanted to pose to you, too.
What are your favorite tearjerker novels? Here are a few of mine: The Thorn Birds, Shogun, Gone With The Wind, Prince of Tides, Terms of Endearment, Lonesome Dove, Hot Shot, and Katherine.
Keep checking in. I have some big things planned for the website next month--a cool new addition, and as always, it'll start with the blog. And a promotion dedicated to the fireflies...
Oh, one more thing. Soon, I'm going to bring you a guest blog from a wonderful writer who also happens to be a totally cool chick--Jacquelyn Mitchard. She's going to come around this month and tell you all a little about her new book, No Time To Wave Goodbye, which is the long anticipated sequel to her bestseller, The Deep End of the Ocean. I've read NTTWG and I can tell you that you're in for a treat. If you have any specific questions for Jackie, let me know and I'll pass them along.
aloha and keep cool---
Kristin
24 Comments:
I love that cover! It's so pretty. The book sounds really good, too. I kind of think you are your own person regardless of your parents at a certain point. I think it's a cop out to say you don't know yourself if you don't know your parents. Figure out yourself with the information given.
Hm... tear jerkers. I'd be remiss if I did not mention Cloud Nine (again). Seriously, that book destroyed me. I cry in one happy moment in Angel Falls EVERY TIME. It's seriously not sad, but it makes me cry at every reread. My most recent tearjerker was a Harlequin called The Mommy Plan which dealt with child organ donation. The heroine lost her son and falls in love with a hero who has a daughter who had a heart transplant. It's been awhile since I lost it while reading.
Glad to hear the review on Funny People. I read a mediocre review today. I like Judd Apatow films though and have no problem with the raunchy humor. My friend finally saw The Hangover, and I've been reliving the highlights of that movie this evening. Oh! Eric Bana is in Funny People and that brings me back to tear jerkers. 3 years ago, I read The Time Traveler's Wife and Jodi Picoult's The Pact. I haven't cried so much in one week since. I think I used up all my tears which is why no book since has really affected me. :)
I love it! Looks good. You said not-quite-finished... do you know what they're going to add/change?
I was at the bookstore today and saw the new cover for Between Sisters... it's beautiful. I love the colors!
Kristin,
My very first impression of your new cover -- warm and cozy! It makes me want to snatch your book and curl up by a fire. Good cover for a January release!
Have been thinking about the butterfly though -- transformation and rebirth? Perhaps I'm reading too much into it. But, it does make me wonder. You're going to love teasing us until its release! Can't wait to read it -- love stories that span the globe.
April, I understand your viewpoint about being your own person and not needing to look at the past. I also feel it can be very enlightening to look at your mother, grandmother etc. and look or themes that stand out -- i.e., all the women are single mothers raising children. You may find a a theme in your own life and it gives you the "aha" that allows you to choose another path, work at endinh the pattern so you don't perpetuate it in your own life/family. I learned some secrets from my mother a few months ago when she was at the end of her life -- they weren't earth shattering, but they certainly helped me understand her and love her even more.
Kristin, have scanned the Firefly Birthday card, but haven't figured out how to send it to you. I am not real computer savy-- maybe I can figure out how to send it to your facebook. Or, I post it to my facebook photo album and you retrieve the card.
Blessings,
Patricia
BREATHTAKING! I love the cover, and can hardly stand the wait to dive into the book. The story sounds very interesting. What a wonderful treat for a cold winter day in February - - - to curl up with one of your books.
Books that are tearjerkers for me.... first, and always first, Lonesome Dove (made me smile to see that you felt the same, Kristin). Others include, The Notebook, The Things We Do For Love, Coming Home, Ya-Ya Sisterhood...
I could go on and on and on. I'm a cry baby. =)
OK, I want to check Kim's book out on Amazon, but I don't know the title or her last name. I might have been on vacation if that was ever disclosed. Please, enlighten me so that I can get excited about another book I'm going to buy!
Tata for now ...... Lisa
Patricia,
I definitely think it can help understand other people and other family members. I'm mostly saying I think it's a cop out when people blame their parents or secrets their parents hid from them when they're like 30. Suck it up. Also, I'm adopted so it bothers me when adoptees fixate on their biological parents. I know I'm lucky with my parents, but there is no guarantee that the biological parents are better and, most times, children were relinquished for a reason. That's my background on why I believe what I do.
:)
~ april
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a GORGEOUS cover!! And Fireflies wait until you get to read Winter Garden (I know...I know, so unfair of me to say). But wow, wow, wow. An unbelievable book that will stay with you f.o.r.e.v.e.r.
And the assistant is the last to know. LOL LOL Jacquelyn Mitchard is going to be a guest here?! How fun!! We'll have to make sure we give her a big Firefly welcome. :)
April, did I read that your hubby lost his job? If so, my thoughts are with you guys and I hope he finds a new job soon. LOVE the video of Little Miss!! Tooo tooo cute!!
Patricia--I love your take on the butterfly!!
Lisa, Kristin told me that the author of Ya Ya Sisterhood has a new book out. I can't wait to read it!!
Yeah to Melissa for becoming The Next Food Network star! For those of you who saw the finale, I'm making her 4 step chicken for dinner. I'll report back! :)
Kim
Well, Ms. Kimberly Fisk (smile), I am checking out Amazon when I finish here, and pre-ordering your book! If you've disclosed your last name before now, pardon my brain fart. =) I can NOT wait to read your book !!!!!!!!!
Your tease to us all about Winter Garden is just down right ugly and cruel, since most of us want your job anyway !!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, good idea just hit me!
When you are too famous to assist Kristin, you both should remember that I have been lobbying for your job for a long time (hehe) and have 20 years experience. I can assist you both !!! Let me know where to forward the references.
April - I love reading about your sweet Little Miss. I think you need to start a journal titled something like "The Delightful Mishaps of Little Miss" ...... and then publish it !!!!! I would be your assistant, but as you can see, I'll be way too busy with the K sisters.
Kim - yes, I have just read my first chapter today of The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder (Rebecca Wells, the
Ya Ya super writer) and will let you know how I like it.
Calling all Flies - I can't elaborate right now (literally, emotionally spent), but please keep my Dad and his sister, in your prayers tonight. I'll tell you more when I can, but it's been a VERY long two weeks for the health of my favorite guy in the world (Dad) and his only living immediate family member.
Firefly hugs to all ..... lw
OK, just checked it out on Amazon. Lake Magic ....... am I right?
I love it !!!!!!!! I am on it !!!! I am pre-purchasing ASAP.
January and February 2010, between Kim and Kristin - - are looking very, very bright !!
You guys rock! Way big! HUGE!
I needed this tonight! BAD!
On another note - Leen, even though you won't see this until your big Canadian adventure is over, I hope you are having a great time and the best "KateAndTully" adventure ever!
Night! Lisa
Lisa, you are too cute about the book. What a sweetheart. When we meet (because I know we will)drinks are on me!! :) And you would be the PERFECT assistant. I'm lucky you live so far away or my job would be in serious jeopardy!! :)
The Delightful Mishaps of Little Miss is a MUST!! April, you have to do this!!
Rebecca Wells--duh. I had a complete blank out on her name.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and aunt. They are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm sending you a huge hug. Such a hard time when a loved one (loved ones) are having health problems.
Kim
Lisa,
Sorry to hear about your father. Will hold your father and aunt in prayer and healing grace! Know how hard it is when parents have health issues. You take care.
Blessings,
Patricia
Lisa, will totally keep your father and his sister in my thoughts and prayers and hope you are able to breathe easy soon.
No plans to publish a biography of Little Miss, but maybe when she's famous! Relatives just met her for the first time and said she was a drama queen. I'm kind of insulted (but she kind of is). I want to try to post more video (posted yesterday 15 seconds of her laughing non-stop).
It's nice to have such a community here.
~ april
I CAN'T WAIT to read this one. I was hoping you'd write a book that takes place in Eastern Washington. I grew up in Quincy, which is just 30 minutes from Wenatchee. I'm SO excited. Cover looks great!
Oh....and I'm really annoyed by the Paula Abdul thing too.
Can't wait for Winter Garden. Sounds wonderful w/all the traveling. Love all of your books.
April--
Actually, I agree with you about not blaming your parents for everything. There comes a time when your life has to become your own. My point with this book is more about the reverse of that; it's saying that sometimes you make a judgment about your parents that turns out to be wrong, and sometimes you can't know them until you know their true life stories. If you don't know your parents' true lives, you don't really know your own history, and I think that loss can diminish you somehow. That's more the point of Winter Garden. These two women have carried an idea of who their mother is, and when they find out how wrong they are, it will change how they see their whole lives and themselves.
Did you see Funny People?
Jenny---
thanks! I don't know what, if anything, they're going to change. I just know that they aren't calling it finished quite yet. I'll let you know when I do.
:)
Patricia--
thanks for the firefly card! If everyone hasn't seen it, go over to the facebook fan site and check it out. Cool!
And thanks for your thoughts on the power of knowledge. I agree and appreciate your opinion. The older I get, the more I find that I'm connected with my parents and grandparents' lives.
Lisa---
Am trying to get Kim to post a picture of her cover, but she's too shy. Fireflies---ask her to show you!
Lisa--
I know I speak for all of us when I say that I'm praying for you and your family...
xoxo
Kerry---
I adored this setting. I hope you love it as much as I did. The images of acres and acres of apple trees in snow just captivated me.
:)
Kim, pretty please ????? We want to see your cover !!!!!!!
Well, I'm sure the book is different. :) I was merely answering the question as presented.
I did not see Funny People. I probably won't in the theater, but that's ok. Based on what I've read, I think I'd like it. I've been reading a lot this summer which is a nice change and took a little bite out of my TBR pile.
Little Miss and I were at the pool today (the In-Laws' building pool anyway) and saw a butterfly. I thought of the book cover when I saw it. Patient butterfly. Stayed still until I took a photo and then fluttered away. Little Miss waved as it flew up and over the building. Took a photo of the butterfly but missed Little Miss waving to him/her.
Kristin, Hi! Glad to know that you have another book on the way- Congrats to you!!! Can't wait to read it. Thank you also for writing me back , it's really cool to get a letter back from someone that takes the time out to do so, love to hear from you anytime.
The cover? Well, looks like a #1 Bestseller to me!
Hope that you and your family are well. Take care, Tina in Florida
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