Last Wednesday was nuts. Not only did I wear tinted moisturizer, a dress, Spanx, heels and a scarf as an accessory ( not all at once + this is unheard of for me as the mom to a 13 month old and writer on a deadline), but I had the pleasure of speaking to two lovely groups of human adult people (also unheard of for me / see above).
In the morning, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Atlanta chapter of the Brandeis National Committee about my writing - past, present and future - and then enjoyed lunch with this group of sophisticated, warm and well read women.
Then, that evening, I joined my colleagues Lisa Baron Shore and Elisa Dimitria Bowman at The MJCCA to speak about The Atlanta Writers Academy. Together with these very talented women and The MJCCA, we're offering Memoir, Novel Writing and Screenwriting classes this April. The turnout was fantastic, and I'm excited to start teaching this Spring.
Spring! Just typing that word made me happy. We're close, people. In the meantime, here are a couple of shots from the day.
Posted at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Hidy ho.
I've decided to give teaching a shot, and am really excited about it.
If you're in Atlanta and longing to get your novel up and running, sign up for my Novel Writing 101 Class at the MJCCA. Running on Thursday nights throughout April, it's going to be an intimate workshop designed to get your ideas out of your head and onto the page. Sign up here!
And if you're not in Atlanta, and Women's Fiction is your genre of choice, check out my class on Lit Reactor. I'll be sharing my knowledge and insider industry info as well as offering a critique of both your synopsis and first 10 pages. Sign up here for that one.
And of course, if you have any questions at all, email me. Happy to answer them.
See you in class!
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My lone Springfield photo. Had a wonderful time reminiscing in Boston with my good friend Lauren beforehand and then, off to Springfield for a nice talk at the beautiful Longmeadow Library. Added bonus: my old college roomie and all around homey Bev came with her fam to show support. Hadn't seen her in years and years. Happy.
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I had a wonderful time speaking at the Ann Arbor JCC Book Festival on Monday night. My Aunt Alice and Uncle Mike sponsored the event, and the turnout was fantastic. I felt so special. Huge thanks to them.
And! I even took a nap. Not during the event, but the day of. A real live nap without worrying about the little guy. Speaking of, I owe another giant thanks to Ronen, Karen, Nurit and Michelle for making it okay to leave for two days.
Here are some photos.
Bertie: the cutest dog in the world.
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Baby, book. Book, baby. Small bit of beach. That was my June-mid October. Turned in aforementioned book - just the first draft, which could end up looking nothing like the final draft, mind you (fingers crossed that there is something redeemable there as I anxiously await my editorial letter) - on 10/13 and man, oh man, did it feel good to press 'send'. Prior to June, I had about 70 pages and an outline, but both changed pretty significantly as I threw myself into the fire. I think I like what I've written. At this point, it's so hard to say, since I've read and edited and re-edited so many times. Que sera, sera.
In a nutshell, it's about the effects of impending motherhood on three friends at different transitional stages in their lives. Only one protagonist, but now I'm wondering if dueling perspectives might serve it better. Eek. We shall see. Let's change subjects, shall we?
I spent a fantastic weekend with some college pals at my gracious friend Arin's home on Lake Lanier. The home was gorgeous - that kind of easy elegance and warmth that just makes you feel safe and rested, and the company hilarious. It had been a long time coming. The laughs we had! I am so grateful for funny girlfriends. To think about how far we've come since 1998....crazy. Moms and career people, all of us. And yet, still the same gummy bear faced (to quote my friend Lisa) girls of yesteryear.
What else...forgive this post - I'm rambling and can't seem to string an eloquent sentence together - ...oh yes! Birthdays! This weekend Ronen turns 40, I turn 36 and baby Ari turns 9 mos. 10/27, 10/28 and 10/29. Cute, right? Thirty-six. Wow.
And now to the book travel - November is going to be so exciting! Ann Arbor and Springfield, MA with a pit stop in Boston are my travel destinations. I'll be speaking at JCC Bookfairs there, as well as here, in Atlanta. The dates and times are listed on my Appearances page, but I'll post more here as we get closer for sure. Very excited about the Boston pit stop. BU is my alma mater and it has been many moons since I last traipsed down Commonwealth Avenue, let me tell you. And now, returning as a mom, a wife and a writer.
Okay, that's enough blah blah blah for now. Time to play with baby.
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Wow, what a festival! Loads of book-lovers, lots to see and tons of support. I sincerely love Decatur. We're actually trying to make the move there come 2013, so anyone that knows of a great rental opportunity coming down the pike, please let me know. Anyway, bit of a digression there, sorry.
Long story long - great city, fantastic festival and a terrific way to close out the summer. I cannot believe today is Labor Day. That said, I am excited about the prospect of wearing sleeves again. Come on Atlanta, give us a fall!
Posted at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
I thought so.
Come see me at the Local Prose Stage at the Decatur Book Festival this Saturday from 1:45 to 2:15 PM. I'll be reading from and answering questions about Saving Ruth.
Hope to see you!
Posted at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)