The Book Pusher: August 2018

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THREE DAYS MISSING Kimberly Belle: Women's Fiction

With a tautly plotted, tightly written story of a mother's worst nightmare, two mothers become connected even though they couldn't be more different. This is a page turner of a story!

SHOGUN James Clavell: Historical with elements of Romance

Clavell's Asian Saga is a periodic reread for me. Here's the book that caused such a stir with it's debut in 1975 and it became a hit mini series as well. The book tells the story of old Japan, replete with samurai, ninja, geisha, and characters who will live forever--Toda Mariko, Yoshi Toranaga, and the English pilot who turns their live upside down-John Blackthorne. 

THE WAY OF BEAUTY Camille Di Maio: Women's Fiction

Centered on New York's Penn Station, Di Maio crafts a story of three generations of women who challenge and cooperate with the ways of life and family. Good Read!

LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb: Historical Fiction

Told through evocative letters from the home front and the trenches of WWI, the authors enchant, intrigue, and best of all, honor our ancestors for their steadfast honor and love. Good read!

AT HOME IN MITFORD Jan Karon: Christian Ficiton

In the first of her Mitford novels, Karon tells a story of decency, caring, and love. All of us can learn at lot from Father Tim and his neighbors.

MADAME TUSSAUD Michelle Moran: Historical Ficiton

There's more to the story of this artist than we know. A survivor and business woman who must thread her way through the French Revolution, she will be remembered for her artistry. This is a story that is by turns fascinating and horrifying. You can't look away from one riveting page to the next. Amazing fictionalized biography!

IWSG: August 2018

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Insecure Writers Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Co-Hosts: Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!

Question: What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

Answer: Don't get so wrapped up in the "win"--the agent, the contract, the publication (of any variety) that you ignore the real world--family, health--theirs and yours. Be realistic about your needs--emotional, relationship, economic. Don't put all your eggs into one basket--that one pitch, that one query, that one top agent--that you miss the good things--baby kisses, elderly parents and their stories, good time with  significant others, and siblings and friends. In a word, cultivate balance. Learn to live and create at the same time. 

Speaking of balance, I'm learning that lesson as I go. One of my chronic illnesses has decided to add symptoms that are worrisome and potentially something else entirely. By the time this goes live, I might know which. Either way, writing has had to take a backseat for many reasons, starting with my mother's health in the last year. Wish me luck. Say a prayer. Whatever your tradition, I'd love the wishes.

Update: I've developed persistent nausea. After normal CT scans of my abdomen and pelvic regions, we think the cause is my Fibro. Up to 70% of Fibro sufferers have this and it's characterized as morning sickness. At least I have meds and crackers. It could be far worse. 

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