I apologize that my newsletter last week ended up with a blank image. I learned a lesson. Once sent, don’t change, not matter that the platform says you can. I think the thought I shared a stellar one, so I’m repeating it:

Thinking of my own work as a writer, I focus on the extraordinary in the everyday. The backbone of civilization is carried on those magnificent men and women who continue to get up every day, day in and day out, and do their best to cook good meals for others, wait on others, make all the things we need, tend our families and our homes. These are not the people who get accolades or show up on the news. These are people who keep life going. And these are the people whose lives fascinate me.

For today:

The editing on my own current work-in-progress has been derailed a number of times. I am easily distracted, but, in my defense, I am also preparing to move. It is time for a smaller house. This begs the question: What to keep, what to let go? The move is emotionally difficult, as is any move at any time, but I find that I am ready. Change comes. You cannot hold it back. I am ready to give up mowing acreage, part of it I never could mow myself, and tending a pool, and even a two story house. I am simplifying my life, making room for what is important to me.

I am, to my delight, reading a great deal again, and I want to pass along a couple of book recommendations. I finished the last books of the Vish Puri Series by Tarquin Hall. I enjoyed the series so much! My favorites were the first book of the series and the last. These are complicated books, with lots of characters, and a lot of foreign words. I found that I got lost at time, however, I liked the characters–they were real to me–especially Vish Puri himself, and his mother, Mummy, and kept on reading to find out what would happen with them. Imagine the mother of a hard-boiled detective. Love her! I wish Hall would write more books in the series.

For the fans of Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, there is a new one! The American Agent. This one is not to be missed, dear readers. I enjoyed this novel more than the previous three of the series. The time and setting of World War II always draws me in, as does Winspear’s ability to portray the small but important details and nuances in people and relationships. She leaves a lot to the reader’s imagination, too, not having to fill in every detail, therefore, I tend to read nearly every word. Winspear is a gift to the world. Get this book!

Blessings,
CurtissAnn