The last time I bought stamps, I pointed to the most colorful set available and was startled to discover the beauty of Life Magnified, a set of stamps that highlight the miniature beauty that surrounds us. Moth antennae. Diatoms. The front foot of a diving beetle. The minute scales of a zebrafish. Each image has a delicacy and an elegant grace that has me returning again and again to discover new subtleties.
These photos have prompted me to focus on other small corners of life—watching for details that normally get lost in the flurry. When I wake at 3 a.m. to a duet of two great-horned owls, I pause to enjoy the symphony instead of mumbling at the interrupted sleep. My daily dog walks have become an opportunity to notice moss and anthills and the tiny emerging leaves of the first crocus. When I sit with my mother, it is often the touch of a hand or the hint of a smile that moves me the most.
Fiction directs a magnifying glass at life. The words we put on the page point the reader in one specific direction, zeroing in on whatever details we choose to provide. When you read—or write—what do the characters notice, and what does that say about them? In your own life, what have you noticed today? What detail, overlooked by others, have you paused to absorb? In what ways has your life been magnified?
Etcetera
It’s been a tumultuous few months on the writing front. The manuscript that has been out on submission for the past year has not, alas, found a publishing home and returns to the drawer, at least for now. After careful thought and long discussion, my agent and I have decided to part ways. My focus now turns to polishing my current manuscript, a tale that takes place on an island in the Pacific Northwest. Stay tuned as I figure out my next steps in the publishing world.
And, of course, I have to include an obligatory granddaughter photo here, as well as a glimpse of Kalen, my faithful walking companion, who is always alert and watching for details.
Keep scrolling for this issue’s TWO Giveaways.
This Issue I’ve got Two Amazing Giveaways Perfect for Book Clubs
(because one just wasn’t enough)
FOR ROGER by Laura Drake
In this amazing book, Joan Merritt is faced with the most difficult decision imaginable. Her much-loved husband is terminally ill, unable to take action, and asking for help, but his situation forces Joan to choose between mercy and the law. Can she grant him the peace he desperately wants and needs? With empathy and a keen understanding of all points of view, this is a story about family, love, and acceptance of tough consequences. A beautifully written book you will long remember—a book I highly recommend.
WHEN THE JESSAMINE GROWS by Donna Everhart
Author Donna Everhart is unquestionably the queen of gritty Southern historical fiction, and her newest book proves why she deserves the title. This is the story of Joetta McBride, a tough, independent woman who must keep family and farm together when her husband and son are swept into the turmoil of the Civil War. Although politically neutral, believing this is not her war, she pays a heavy price as the country is battered by conflict. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this book is a wonderful addition to your TBR list.
If you’re a subscriber, you're automatically entered to win.
Congratulations to Christine M, who won a copy of INDIGO FIELD by Marjorie Hudson in my last issue.
Book Clubs
I love meeting with Book Clubs--in person if local, or I'm always happy to join you via Zoom. Just send me a message through my website.
Sorry to hear about your publishing hiccups—mine happened after two novels as well. Steady as she goes—keep up the great work!