overcast and cloudy, cool, temps 13
This is about right for this time of year. Nice musky scent in the air, even in Toronto. I'm assuming it's leaves...but...doesn't bear thinking of.
Tomorrow's the BIG day. BURY YOUR DEAD goes on sale in US!!! It has been on sale in Canada for a few days-but the publisher here has worked very hard to make sure there're copies at all my events. I've come to realize that the publication date and the actual 'on sale' date can be two very different things. Like so much in life.
Had fabulous news. The US publisher just found out that People Magazine will be running a review of BURY YOUR DEAD in their Oct 11th magazine - which apparently will be on sale this Friday. Clearly People Magazine is very powerful and can shift time. And books, I hope.
Yippeee!
Please let me know what you think of the book - and if you like it, please tell others.
Had a fun day. A couple of interviews this morning, then off to sign books at a supplier called North 49. Then a fabulous lunch with these four dynamic and VERY interesting women who work at at place called CMMI - which does marketing of books for the big stores like The Bay and Zellers and Walmart. We talked books and the changing markets, but mostly we just talked about our own lives. One of them told a hilarious story about her high school history teacher who was near retirement, burned out and angry at the education system and decided that kids needed to learn practical stuff. Like how to negotiate a buffet table. Get small portions and go back often. That was his advice. Each class he'd give them some bit of 'wisdom', which sadly had nothing to do with history. or wisdom, it seems.
Then back home to read a manuscript someone had sent me. I actually sat in the hotel lounge...very nice lounge...with a chamomile tea (I'd forgotten what a comforting aroma it has) and read. Then called Michael, who was having a relaxing day going between the screen porch and the fireside, with his guests, Marjorie and Kate.
They're all going to the Auberge West Brome for dinner.
Tomorrow I have a 9am event at the Toronto Reference Library with Maureen Jennings, Joy Fielding and a few other authors to officially launch the GoodReads literacy books. And to tape some TV interviews.
A lunch later on with Hachette Canada (my Canadian publisher) people. Then I'll be doing an event at 7 tomorrow night at the Runnymede Library.
Fying to Pittsburgh Wednesday, for a 7 pm event at Mystery Lovers Bookshop - which is actually in Oakmont, PA. Then on to Boston the next day.
I mention all this because I'm not sure I'll be able to blog for a few days as things get hectic.
Such an exciting week!!! I will sure try to blog tomorrow, if only briefly, to yipppeee about BURY YOUR DEAD finally being published in the US.
Showing posts with label People Magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People Magazine. Show all posts
Monday, 27 September 2010
Monday, 28 September 2009
Stefanie Pintoff
steady rain, foggy, cool, temps 12
We need the rain, so while it's sort of dreary this is actually very good. This is the cod liver oil of weather.
Sat in front of the fire place, editing...very relaxing. This part of the process is. I think it must be like getting into shape. At first it's horrible and frightening and discouraging...and tempting to quit. That's what a first draft feels like. Also, that it will never, ever lead to anything worthwhile. Folly.
But after a long while it gets earlier...and easier. And now the book is in shape (i however have basically sat on a sofa for five years, so I am also in shape, but it looks like a pear) - and it's just fine tuning now. A buff book.
As you might know, I was supposed to go to Connecticut for a couple of events this Friday but cancelled because Michael's having eye surgery. Could not possibly pass up a chance to boss him around. But this meant cancelling a couple of very important events - and I feel terrible about it.
But the wonderful Stefanie Pintoff, another Minotaur author, has agreed to step in for me. She won the 2008 St Martin's Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Award for her stunning debut IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM.
So if you are anywhere near the New Canaan Library in Connecticut this Friday at noon you must see her speak. She's terrific. She's also drop dead gorgeous.
Had fabulous news...People Magazine is planning to run the review in the issue that goes on sale Thursday!! And - even more exciting - they say it is the lead review. Now, clearly, anything can happen and they change their minds...but so far the news is beyond fantastic!!!
A great way to start the week.
Also want to remind those of you in the area...the official Canadian launch for THE BRUTAL TELLING is this coming Sunday, here in the Townships. Danny and Lucy, of Brome Lake Books, are organizing a special brunch - that is also a fundraiser for the local Yamaska Literacy Council. I'll be giving a talk, taking questions, doing a brief reading from THE BRUTAL TELLING and of course, signing books. Great way to pick up early Christmas gifts!
Now, to be honest, I don't know if Danny and Lucy have any tickets left. The event will be held at the local Lakeview Hotel...but you can call them. Their number is: 450-242-2242.
Am off to Knowlton, actually for a breakfast meeting with Danny and one of the organizors of the very young local literary ferstival. After that I have a 1 hour taping with the local radio station, and Kate Wisdom - who is brilliant. Then home to write the October newsletter.
I find if I don't keep on top of things, it all comes crashing down...Some people are amazed when I respond immediately to emails, but I find if I don't, then suddenly I have 100, and am overwhelmed...or things get forgotten.
It's a great life...and long as you keep moving...
We need the rain, so while it's sort of dreary this is actually very good. This is the cod liver oil of weather.
Sat in front of the fire place, editing...very relaxing. This part of the process is. I think it must be like getting into shape. At first it's horrible and frightening and discouraging...and tempting to quit. That's what a first draft feels like. Also, that it will never, ever lead to anything worthwhile. Folly.
But after a long while it gets earlier...and easier. And now the book is in shape (i however have basically sat on a sofa for five years, so I am also in shape, but it looks like a pear) - and it's just fine tuning now. A buff book.
As you might know, I was supposed to go to Connecticut for a couple of events this Friday but cancelled because Michael's having eye surgery. Could not possibly pass up a chance to boss him around. But this meant cancelling a couple of very important events - and I feel terrible about it.
But the wonderful Stefanie Pintoff, another Minotaur author, has agreed to step in for me. She won the 2008 St Martin's Minotaur/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Award for her stunning debut IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM.
So if you are anywhere near the New Canaan Library in Connecticut this Friday at noon you must see her speak. She's terrific. She's also drop dead gorgeous.
Had fabulous news...People Magazine is planning to run the review in the issue that goes on sale Thursday!! And - even more exciting - they say it is the lead review. Now, clearly, anything can happen and they change their minds...but so far the news is beyond fantastic!!!
A great way to start the week.
Also want to remind those of you in the area...the official Canadian launch for THE BRUTAL TELLING is this coming Sunday, here in the Townships. Danny and Lucy, of Brome Lake Books, are organizing a special brunch - that is also a fundraiser for the local Yamaska Literacy Council. I'll be giving a talk, taking questions, doing a brief reading from THE BRUTAL TELLING and of course, signing books. Great way to pick up early Christmas gifts!
Now, to be honest, I don't know if Danny and Lucy have any tickets left. The event will be held at the local Lakeview Hotel...but you can call them. Their number is: 450-242-2242.
Am off to Knowlton, actually for a breakfast meeting with Danny and one of the organizors of the very young local literary ferstival. After that I have a 1 hour taping with the local radio station, and Kate Wisdom - who is brilliant. Then home to write the October newsletter.
I find if I don't keep on top of things, it all comes crashing down...Some people are amazed when I respond immediately to emails, but I find if I don't, then suddenly I have 100, and am overwhelmed...or things get forgotten.
It's a great life...and long as you keep moving...
Friday, 25 September 2009
Trying
sunny, cool, temps 15
In the sun, out of the wind, it's gorgeous. In the shade, in the wind, it's like the arctic. Makes dressing quite a challenge.
We're in Montreal...arrived about midnight last night after a great time at the Kingston Writers Festival. Fabulous time. Wonderfully organized...terrific line-up of authors...very exciting. And the volunteers were amazing! Fun, vibrant, happy to be there. Made everything a joy.
I had a panel discussion with Howard Engel, moderated by the terrific Therese Greenwood, who writes short stories. Howard, Michael and I went for dinner in Kingston to a restaurant called Chez Piggy. Infact, one of the recent comments on this blog suggested we try out Chez Piggy...so we did. Sat outside. Had steak frites...all three of us. Michael called it Miss Piggy's the whole time and everyone recognized Howard from the night before...making me wonder what he'd done the night before that made him so memorable.
Got back to the venue in time for our panel...the place was sold-out. Packed. Therese was fabulous. Being a moderator is the most difficult job on the panel. We had loads of fun - then Michael and I jumped in the car for the 2 1/2 hour drive back to Montreal.
Went to Stuart's visitation today. So difficult seeing all those photos of him, healthy and happy. Poor Donna and Jeremy.
Thank you to everyone writing in with kind words about Stuart. We're meeting Susan and another friend, Elise Jacob for breakfast, then we're all going to the funeral. Elise used to be a receptionist at CBC and is now a famous photographer. Next week she's doing a portrait of the Dalai Lama. Aren't people unexpected and amazing.
I always liked Elise...which is why I named one of the characters in Still Life after her. I wonder if she knows...I wonder if I should tell her. Oh oh. Still, if she's photographing the DL surely she's not allowed to haul off and hit me.
Speaking oif photographs, we had a bunch of new ones taken of me earlier this week in Toronto. It was a bit of an emergency...yes, a photo emergency. Only in publishing are you likely to get that.
People Magazine said they might (stress, might) be interested in running a review of THE BRUTAL TELLING in the issue that goes on sale next Friday - Oct 1st. But they needed a new photo of me.
Of course, I was told just as I had a mouthful of french fries, in my sweats, in the hotel room. Mwarwch? I said. Yes, the publishers said - and we need it now.
So once we'd established that People Magazine could probably not make do with a snapshot taken by Michael's blackberry, we remembered that our good friend Ian Crysler lives in Toronto and is...a photographer!
Poor Ian got the call at 9pm that he needed to be at the SoHo Met at 9am the next morning...pleeeease...
Bless him - such a wonderful guy...he dropped everything (I'm sure that bride didn't care) and showed up. By then I'd gotten the cheesecake out from between my teeth, and even managed to shower...and we spent the morning shooting.
Very fun, really. Much more fun with a friend, so I could relax. Sort of.
If People runs the review, which would be terrific, you can see the outcome.
This puiblishing world is exciting and peculiar. There is SO much that is beyond anyone's control. Like being the Barnes and Noble main selection. Unbelievably fabulous...but we couldn't make that happen. And reviews...there's so little print space left for reviews...there's no way you can 'buy' a review. Or the People Mag. Something that potenially influential, and all we can do is wait and hope.
It is a great exercise for me in patience, and in having faith that whatever happens was meant to. Both for the good, and sometimes for the not-so-good.
Acceptance. And trying not to wreck something with worry.
You know, seeing that montage of Stuart at the visitation today reminded me of what passion he had, for so many things. Gardening. local politics. His home in the country. Military history. Mr. Bean. Trying to save the local hospital. And of course, his family.
I think if there was one thing I walked out of there with for my life it was to at least try. With all my heart. And not worry so much about the outcome. Just try.
In the sun, out of the wind, it's gorgeous. In the shade, in the wind, it's like the arctic. Makes dressing quite a challenge.
We're in Montreal...arrived about midnight last night after a great time at the Kingston Writers Festival. Fabulous time. Wonderfully organized...terrific line-up of authors...very exciting. And the volunteers were amazing! Fun, vibrant, happy to be there. Made everything a joy.
I had a panel discussion with Howard Engel, moderated by the terrific Therese Greenwood, who writes short stories. Howard, Michael and I went for dinner in Kingston to a restaurant called Chez Piggy. Infact, one of the recent comments on this blog suggested we try out Chez Piggy...so we did. Sat outside. Had steak frites...all three of us. Michael called it Miss Piggy's the whole time and everyone recognized Howard from the night before...making me wonder what he'd done the night before that made him so memorable.
Got back to the venue in time for our panel...the place was sold-out. Packed. Therese was fabulous. Being a moderator is the most difficult job on the panel. We had loads of fun - then Michael and I jumped in the car for the 2 1/2 hour drive back to Montreal.
Went to Stuart's visitation today. So difficult seeing all those photos of him, healthy and happy. Poor Donna and Jeremy.
Thank you to everyone writing in with kind words about Stuart. We're meeting Susan and another friend, Elise Jacob for breakfast, then we're all going to the funeral. Elise used to be a receptionist at CBC and is now a famous photographer. Next week she's doing a portrait of the Dalai Lama. Aren't people unexpected and amazing.
I always liked Elise...which is why I named one of the characters in Still Life after her. I wonder if she knows...I wonder if I should tell her. Oh oh. Still, if she's photographing the DL surely she's not allowed to haul off and hit me.
Speaking oif photographs, we had a bunch of new ones taken of me earlier this week in Toronto. It was a bit of an emergency...yes, a photo emergency. Only in publishing are you likely to get that.
People Magazine said they might (stress, might) be interested in running a review of THE BRUTAL TELLING in the issue that goes on sale next Friday - Oct 1st. But they needed a new photo of me.
Of course, I was told just as I had a mouthful of french fries, in my sweats, in the hotel room. Mwarwch? I said. Yes, the publishers said - and we need it now.
So once we'd established that People Magazine could probably not make do with a snapshot taken by Michael's blackberry, we remembered that our good friend Ian Crysler lives in Toronto and is...a photographer!
Poor Ian got the call at 9pm that he needed to be at the SoHo Met at 9am the next morning...pleeeease...
Bless him - such a wonderful guy...he dropped everything (I'm sure that bride didn't care) and showed up. By then I'd gotten the cheesecake out from between my teeth, and even managed to shower...and we spent the morning shooting.
Very fun, really. Much more fun with a friend, so I could relax. Sort of.
If People runs the review, which would be terrific, you can see the outcome.
This puiblishing world is exciting and peculiar. There is SO much that is beyond anyone's control. Like being the Barnes and Noble main selection. Unbelievably fabulous...but we couldn't make that happen. And reviews...there's so little print space left for reviews...there's no way you can 'buy' a review. Or the People Mag. Something that potenially influential, and all we can do is wait and hope.
It is a great exercise for me in patience, and in having faith that whatever happens was meant to. Both for the good, and sometimes for the not-so-good.
Acceptance. And trying not to wreck something with worry.
You know, seeing that montage of Stuart at the visitation today reminded me of what passion he had, for so many things. Gardening. local politics. His home in the country. Military history. Mr. Bean. Trying to save the local hospital. And of course, his family.
I think if there was one thing I walked out of there with for my life it was to at least try. With all my heart. And not worry so much about the outcome. Just try.
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Starred Publisher's Weekly review!
Sunny, hot, beautiful day - temps 30
Anotehr perfect summer day. spent much of the morning in or by the pool! Reading, relaxing. Did some ellipticating...then dove in the water. Fabulous. I feel buoyant, in and out of the water...freed of anxiety. This is the first day in a very long time I haven't had work to do...haven't had social engagements. Nothing.
Peace and quiet. And I'm taking FULL advantage. Basically, doing nothing. Plan to watch the golf soon.
Had fun yesterday afternoon at the SPCA fundraiser. Offered our property for it next year. Not sure they'll take us up on it. They might prefer a place in a different location since we're just down the road from Kirk and Walter. But if not next year, perhaps the next. Whatever works for them!
Met a wonderful woman named Mary who was doing some of the catering for the garden party. She's just moved to these parts. Since Michael and I are having a small dinner party this coming Friday I invited her to cater it. I'm very happy about that - as will our guests be. They needn't eat before they come.
Had a fun experience last night too. Was lying in bed with the latest People Magazine - opened it to the books section first, as I always do...and there was a fabulous mention of the Audio Book for A RULE AGAINST MURDER (aka - THE MURDER STONE). It was in a section they called Thrilling Mysteries for the Road. I was sure thrilled!
But, more was to come. Had an email from my New York editor, Hope Dellon - late Saturday night, to say she'd just found out THE BRUTAL TELLING would be getting a starred review in Publisher's Weekly!! She even sent the review.
Here it is:
STARRED Publisher's Weekly Review -
When the body of an unknown old man turns up in a bistro in Agatha-winner Penny’s excellent fifth mystery set in the Quebec village of Three Pines (after Jan. 2009’s A Rule Against Murder), Chief Insp. Armand Gamache investigates. At a cabin in the woods apparently belonging to the dead man, Gamache and his team are shocked to discover the remote building is full of priceless antiquities, from first edition books to European treasures thought to have disappeared during WWII. When suspicion falls on one of Three Pines’ most prominent citizens, it’s up to Gamache to sift through the lies and uncover the truth. Though Gamache is undeniably the focus, Penny continues to develop her growing cast of supporting characters, including newcomers Marc and Dominique Gilbert, who are converting an old house-the site of two murders—into a spa. Readers keen for another glimpse into the life of Three Pines will be well rewarded.
Yay!
Alright, I'm off - have to hurry up and do more nothing! Hope you're also having a quiet Sunday.
Anotehr perfect summer day. spent much of the morning in or by the pool! Reading, relaxing. Did some ellipticating...then dove in the water. Fabulous. I feel buoyant, in and out of the water...freed of anxiety. This is the first day in a very long time I haven't had work to do...haven't had social engagements. Nothing.
Peace and quiet. And I'm taking FULL advantage. Basically, doing nothing. Plan to watch the golf soon.
Had fun yesterday afternoon at the SPCA fundraiser. Offered our property for it next year. Not sure they'll take us up on it. They might prefer a place in a different location since we're just down the road from Kirk and Walter. But if not next year, perhaps the next. Whatever works for them!
Met a wonderful woman named Mary who was doing some of the catering for the garden party. She's just moved to these parts. Since Michael and I are having a small dinner party this coming Friday I invited her to cater it. I'm very happy about that - as will our guests be. They needn't eat before they come.
Had a fun experience last night too. Was lying in bed with the latest People Magazine - opened it to the books section first, as I always do...and there was a fabulous mention of the Audio Book for A RULE AGAINST MURDER (aka - THE MURDER STONE). It was in a section they called Thrilling Mysteries for the Road. I was sure thrilled!
But, more was to come. Had an email from my New York editor, Hope Dellon - late Saturday night, to say she'd just found out THE BRUTAL TELLING would be getting a starred review in Publisher's Weekly!! She even sent the review.
Here it is:
STARRED Publisher's Weekly Review -
When the body of an unknown old man turns up in a bistro in Agatha-winner Penny’s excellent fifth mystery set in the Quebec village of Three Pines (after Jan. 2009’s A Rule Against Murder), Chief Insp. Armand Gamache investigates. At a cabin in the woods apparently belonging to the dead man, Gamache and his team are shocked to discover the remote building is full of priceless antiquities, from first edition books to European treasures thought to have disappeared during WWII. When suspicion falls on one of Three Pines’ most prominent citizens, it’s up to Gamache to sift through the lies and uncover the truth. Though Gamache is undeniably the focus, Penny continues to develop her growing cast of supporting characters, including newcomers Marc and Dominique Gilbert, who are converting an old house-the site of two murders—into a spa. Readers keen for another glimpse into the life of Three Pines will be well rewarded.
Yay!
Alright, I'm off - have to hurry up and do more nothing! Hope you're also having a quiet Sunday.
Thursday, 6 March 2008
May I be honest with you? Oh oh.
sunny, beautiful day, highs minus 5
'Honesty' without compassion and understanding is
not honest, but subtle hostility.
Rose N. Franzlau
Love that quote.
It's a gorgeous day. Have abandonned the quota system of writing - I was aiming at minimum 1,000 words a day - in favour of an overall goal. There's a pivotal scene in the book that I'd love to reach before heading out on tour. Sadly it seems the more I write the further away it gets! I keep thinking surely Gamache will make that discovery - but no, other scenes become necessary. But it's fun because the pace picks up as the characters race toward this event - unknowingly. Still, I don't seem to be 'racing'. I need to be less concerned about the length of the overall novel and the structure just think about getting the story down.
All my first drafts are terribly long. About 25 percent too long. happily, I love to edit, and that's where the shape comes out - the structure. I take out here, add there. Characters disappear, or appear. Names get changed. But I have to have something to work with. I consider the first draft my raw material. Why I think I'll get it right on the first draft is nuts. Never have, never will. Though, to be fair, the books need a lot less editing as I go along and gain confidence, and just get better with practice. But still - editing is my friend.
Had more wonderful news yesterday from Hope Dellon, my editor at St Martin's Minotaur...PEOPLE magazine is doing a review of The Cruelest Month! It's to hit newsstands a week from today.
That's a great email to receive. I read People Magazine. In the bath. Divine.
Another piece of news is that a great friend and wonderful crime writer will be in Montreal on March 12th, doing a signing. He's Rich Blechta, and his latest novel is called A Case of You. He's signing in the Schulich School of Music lobby at McGill University, which is a brilliant idea. He's a grad from the school of music of McGill, and his books are wonderful melding of murder and music. He really is well worth a read - and if you can get to McGill for the signing you're in for a treat. I'd be there too lining up if I wasn't going to be on my own tour.
Thanks for reading - I'll speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
'Honesty' without compassion and understanding is
not honest, but subtle hostility.
Rose N. Franzlau
Love that quote.
It's a gorgeous day. Have abandonned the quota system of writing - I was aiming at minimum 1,000 words a day - in favour of an overall goal. There's a pivotal scene in the book that I'd love to reach before heading out on tour. Sadly it seems the more I write the further away it gets! I keep thinking surely Gamache will make that discovery - but no, other scenes become necessary. But it's fun because the pace picks up as the characters race toward this event - unknowingly. Still, I don't seem to be 'racing'. I need to be less concerned about the length of the overall novel and the structure just think about getting the story down.
All my first drafts are terribly long. About 25 percent too long. happily, I love to edit, and that's where the shape comes out - the structure. I take out here, add there. Characters disappear, or appear. Names get changed. But I have to have something to work with. I consider the first draft my raw material. Why I think I'll get it right on the first draft is nuts. Never have, never will. Though, to be fair, the books need a lot less editing as I go along and gain confidence, and just get better with practice. But still - editing is my friend.
Had more wonderful news yesterday from Hope Dellon, my editor at St Martin's Minotaur...PEOPLE magazine is doing a review of The Cruelest Month! It's to hit newsstands a week from today.
That's a great email to receive. I read People Magazine. In the bath. Divine.
Another piece of news is that a great friend and wonderful crime writer will be in Montreal on March 12th, doing a signing. He's Rich Blechta, and his latest novel is called A Case of You. He's signing in the Schulich School of Music lobby at McGill University, which is a brilliant idea. He's a grad from the school of music of McGill, and his books are wonderful melding of murder and music. He really is well worth a read - and if you can get to McGill for the signing you're in for a treat. I'd be there too lining up if I wasn't going to be on my own tour.
Thanks for reading - I'll speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
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