This has been a wonderful writing, reading, and research week for me, probably because it's been so cool and foggy and one of my sons is missing (at camp). Actually I'm a little worried that my new series is going a little too well. Writing is work and when it seems more like play I become concerned. Right now it's "all the playground" to quote Stephen King. I'm about 75 pages into this new series and it's just clipping along at such a happy pace I think I need to take a look for depth and quality before going further. I have a horror of writing a book as shallow as a puddle! Hmmm. Maybe some of you struggle with this, too. Or maybe by our 4th, 5th, or 6th books, we just get better and it's easier so my fears are unfounded?I've been so excited to watch North and South after one of you told me about it here. Only now I can't remember which of you it was:) But thank you! I ordered it recently from Amazon and am expecting it any day. I think Randy will like it, too. As soon as I ordered it, our TV died:) Isn't that just like life? You get all ready for lemon pie and are served a lemon instead:) Time for some garage saleing! If you've seen this BBC production, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I read Ann Rinaldi's The Family Greene this week and highly recommend it. But today I'm giving away a new copy of She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell complete with a bookmark. If you'd like a chance to enter, please leave a comment here. I'll announce the winner this coming Sunday.Special thanks to Rita Gerlach, author of Surrender the Wind, for hosting me on her wonderful blog today! If you like 18th-century settings for books, don't miss Rita's debut novel. Also heartfelt thanks to Michelle Sutton for her review of CML on the Favorite PASTimes blog. Michelle is a terrific author and friend. Nothing like being doubly blessed today:)
Have a wonderful weekend.
I have never heard of North & South but I just looked it up and it sounds really good. I will definately have to put it on my Netflix! I like Siri Mitchell, I read her book A Constant Heart and it was really good. I would love to be entered in your drawing. I have heard In Walks Beauty is a terrific book!
ReplyDeleteCassie,
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from you this morning:) I think we're both in for a treat with North and South. The Amazon reviews blew me away! So happy to enter you in the book drawing! Siri is one of my favorite authors as she writes with such historical depth and poignancy. I haven't read A Constant Heart but now you've made me want too:) Bless you, Cassie, and thanks for stopping by. See you Monday!
Laura!! NORTH & SOUTH!!! RICHARD ARMITAGE!!! Was it me?? Because I am ALL about N&S!! ;) Sorry, but seeing pictures of Richard Armitage just got me inordinately excited. I can't help it, you'll understand once you watch the show. :)
ReplyDeleteHello, Laura! I hope that you and Randy will have a wonderful time watching "North and South" together! So generous of you to offer a copy of "She Walks in Beauty". I've only read glowing reviews for Siri Mitchell, and this book is on my TBB list : )
ReplyDeleteRuth, I used Richard as a carrot to make you come over here:) I'm ashamed to say he is new to me! But I recognized him from your wonderful reviews of Robin Hood, etc. I think you and Amanda introduced me to N&S.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I've been looking for images of the perfect hero for my new series and googled BBC productions. Up pops Richard and I nearly swooned:) He is THE MAN in my series. And since he's in period dress I don't have to close my eyes and pretend!
Can't wait to watch! If his acting is as fine as his person, I am one smitten author:)
Hi Virginia!
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself entered:) Wish we lived closer and could whip up some of that Thomas Jefferson ice cream from the heavenly recipe you sent me! Looks like it's going to be a warm day. So happy to see you here. Would love to send a book to Virginia:)
Oh Laura, you are in for such a treat! N&S was my introduction to Elizabeth Gaskell's work and R.A.'s acting...and let's just say since then I've never looked back. :) And knowing that he's the template for your new hero...well how fast can you write that book? Because I need to read it like yesterday. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of this "North and South." The only one I was familiar with was the miniseries based on the John Jakes series, filmed at Boone Plantation in South Carolina. I'll have to check this out. My historical author friends have turned me into a lover of British costume drama!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your week has been productive! I'll think, on your behalf, that the ease in which the words are coming are God's way of laying His hand on you, and occasionally giving you a pat on the head! Go, girl!
Back to hot and humid here - and we're off to the KY State Fair tomorrow!
Bless you, Laura!
I must admit I have a very difficult time imagining you writing something with the depth of a puddle. ;)
ReplyDeleteI meant to tell you this earlier, but my mom has finished reading Morrow, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have borrowed North and South from the library three times this summer, and still have not watched it! So I just placed it on hold, yet again. Maybe this time, lol.
I have a copy of She Walks in Beauty on my shelf. So I'm not going to enter the drawing.
Oh Ruth, Chuckling here:) Love that word "template"! Perfect. And book 1 of this series is flying! You might have it sooner than you think:) I'm going to post about it next week so how's that for a tease?
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Gaskell is new to me, too, despite being an author from history. Her writing contains all the drama and narrative I love. Need to get my hand on the novel of N&S to compare. Fun! I'm anxious to pop over and read your review of the drama but better wait till I see it first:)
Regina,
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your take on why the words are coming easily this time round. Bless you so very much for that:) I do love my characters which helps immensely, I think. Since this is the first time I've written anything based on a synopsis (because my pub requires that for a proposal), that may partly explain why it's flowing. Before, being a panster, I just wrote in the dark. I like the light much better!
Have fun at the fair!! That sounds wonderful! I had to chuckle because a couple of Augusts ago, I was trying to find Locust Grove, got hopelessly lost in Louisville, and ended up at the very gates to the KY state fair without wanting to! And boy, did that take some undoing! Hope you have a blast:)
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Michelle:) I never liked puddles! It's so interesting that you've had your eye on this production, too. I'd love to hear what you think when you do find time to watch it. I'm like Regina and thought it was the old Civil War epic instead of the BBC one.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your mom liked Morrow! Thanks for telling me. Things like that keep a writer going:)
Hope you enjoy SWIB. Have you read my favorite of hers ~ Love's Pursuit?
Love's Pursuit is also sitting on my shelf. All three of her historical on my shelf, but I've not gotten around to reading them yet.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was a bunch of that mentioned it. North & South is wonderful! You will enjoy it. :) So happy to hear the new book is coming along well.
ReplyDeleteWriting to you from near Tillamook today. :)
When North and South was mentioned before I thought y'all meant the mini-series about the civil war. Something tweaked this time around and I realized the North and South you were talking about is very, very different! LOL. I've put it on hold at my library as well...though I'm 44th in line. It has rave reviews and has been likened to Pride and Prejudice by more than one reviewer. So I may get it by October. Something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to hear what you think of "North and South." Love that poster picture you put in the post! :)
ReplyDeletePlease don't enter me in the giveaway; I just wanted to say that I LOVED She Walks in Beauty, and I'm sure whoever wins it will really enjoy it, too! :D
And Laura, I was so tempted to get your book at Borders the other day--the cover is even more gorgeous in person! But I'm saving my Amazon giftcard so I can order it as soon as I find out my mailbox number when I get to school...and then I'll have something wonderful to look forward to! I just love mail. ;)
I'm so glad to hear your writing is going well, and I hope you aren't TOO worried about it. ;) Can't wait to read anything more that you write!
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Amber
I've never seen North and South but I have heard very good things about it. My brother in law one time said he liked that it wasn't slanted either for the North or the South, it shows the good and bad people on both sides. But I say, who has time for movies when there are so many books to be read!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for "She Walks in Beauty". Another one of those books with a beautiful cover - and on my list of books I want to read.
Thank you.
quiltyreader(at)gmail(dot)com
Oops! I was thinking it was the Civil War mini-series too! This one I've never heard of. Sorry.
ReplyDeletequiltyreader(at)gmail(dot)com
North and South is a wonderful period drama, enjoy! I've had She Walks in Beauty on my wish list after reading a few sample chapters. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks, Laura!
ReplyDeleteLAURA!! You finally ordered North & South!!! :D
ReplyDeleteYou are gonna LOVE this movie!!! Quite possibly some of the finest period acting, especially from Richard Armitage- *swoon* is right!! Like Ruth, this was the movie that first introduced me to him and it's still talked about as one of his best roles ever! The relationship between John Thornton (his character) and Margaret Hale is so breathtakingly beautiful to watch unfold!! A romance forged through the fire of misunderstandings and prejudices. There is instant chemistry between them, yet it seems everything is standing in their way. There is a good handful of scenes that will just blow you away with the powerful emotions that seem to have no need to be expressed by words because all is spoken through the eyes of the characters!
All the supporting characters are wonderful, too- my favorite being Nicholas Higgins, I think the actor who played him was perfect for this role. Oh, and the settings! There is such a stark contrast between the colors, sights and sounds of the north and south that really helps to tell the story, as well. BBC did a FABULOUS job with this one!! Gosh, there is so much I want to say but I don't want to spoil it for you or anyone else. Just know that if you are a fan of historical romance, especially period dramas, this movie is a MUST SEE!!!!! Can't wait to hear what you think of it :)
And I'm delighted to hear Richard is THE MAN in your new series :D And so blessed for you that the writing is fun and the words are flowing! Praying you have a beautiful weekend, my friend, with lots more fun, flowing words and a great deal on a TV :)
Oh, and thank you so much for a chance to win Siri's book! I've never read any of her stuff before but I've only heard great things about it!
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
I think I would enjoy watching it. I can't remember seeing it. We have three more episodes of Pillars of the Earth to watch. It is good but too brutal, too much violence, nudity... I am into Kate Hepburn and maybe Cary Grant. My speed is in a safer vintage of watching. I am finishing up reading "Miss You Most" by Elizabeth Bass. Solid story and I am not sure how it will end. My other current is a re-reading third time of all of Lauraine Snellings books revolving around "Blessing". She, like you, does the research and that is what makes your books so tremendous.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend. Send some prayers of clouds of rain to Texas please.
I think you ladies will really like North and South and the book is wonderful as well. I have to admit to being bored and unable to finish the book of Cranford though. I already have that book, so no need to enter me...looking forward to reading it. I have far too many books staring at me :)
ReplyDeleteSiri's another one of my favorite writers. Loved She Walks in Beauty.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen N&S yet, but I hope to soon. Looking forward to hearing your take on it.
Laura, that is excellent news about how your new series is coming along. I am looking forward to hearing a bit more about it!
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention my reviews, I may have to dust off my initial review of N&S and re-post it to my current blog. My North & South obsession is long overdue for revisiting. :)
N&S is just this perfect mix of Austen-esque romance and Dickensian depth & scope as regards social issues/setting...love every second of it!
And Amanda...I second and third everything you said regarding N&S. I agree completely! :)
Laura, don't second-guess yourself and stop your forward progress to your story. You're in the zone---don't get out of it because your analytical side is feeling neglected! Stay in that creative space and just allow yourself to play on the playground. You'll have plenty of time to analyze AFTER YOU FINISH THE FIRST DRAFT (said by someone who usually turns in her first draft because she doesn't have enough time to go back and analyze before the due date).
ReplyDeleteMy copy of N&S (Gaskell)* is still sitting on my desk---I "watched" it as I was working on my historical proposal last weekend. (Followed by Cranford and then Wives & Daughters---you need to get those, too.) [As opposed to my set of N&S (Jakes) that is still on the DVD rack in the living room, which I did pull out to watch the "Mama, it's Billy" scene after I got home from Charleston, where I got to stand on the front porch of Boone Hall Plantation right where Genie Francis said that!]
I used R.A. as the template for one of the main characters in the proposal for a follow-up series to the Ransome Trilogy---he just fit so well as Sir Drake's son. When I had to scrap that proposal and come up with something else, I thought about using him, but all I could see him as was as that other character. So I'm saving him for another book some other time.
One word of caution about N&S (Gaskell)---stick with it in the first episode. After hearing Ruth rave about it, I Netflixed it a few years ago---and almost turned it off when it gets to the scene where Margaret first encounters John Thornton. But I persevered---and I'm SO glad I did!
I agree with Kaye, you just have to see Wives & Daughters! It was a great movie and I've been wanting to buy it because I know my mom would really enjoy it, too :) Didn't really care for Cranford though, but I loved Lark Rise to Candleford!!
ReplyDeleteAnd about that first scene between John and Margaret- it's emotionally charged and doesn't paint John in the nicest light (as far as anger goes), BUT their very next scene together explains why he reacted the way he did. This is also an emotionally charged scene, but very powerful to watch (the acting is superb!) and sorta sets the tone of their relationship for a good part of the movie. Alright, I won't say anymore ;)
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Michelle, Let me know which you like best of Siri's books:) Then I'll tell you my top pick...
ReplyDeleteWhoops, am I being redundant or what? Also typing this sans reading glasses. Oh my...
ReplyDeleteSince I already told you my favorite Siri book, Michelle, guess you'll just have to tell me yours:)
Lori, Good to see u here, in Tillamook or elsewhere:) I'd love to visit down there and have ice cream and some cheese. Thinking of you as you travel. Praying you feel inspired!
ReplyDeleteKav,
ReplyDeleteLove that y'all you snuck in there:) And I may have to wait as long as you before we get a TV to watch this. Guess I could watch it on my laptop but the screen is rather small and I'd so love to see it "large" if I could. We'll compare our favorite scenes once we do:) The BBC must have outdone themselves on this one as there are so many great comments here. Thanks for adding to the excitement!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you and Casey, wondering when you head back to school. Reminds me of my college days:)
So happy to hear Morrow is at Borders! Makes my day! Love that sort of thing... I am so pleased you want to read and are looking forward to it. I'm like you and love book mail. If you need any bookmarks I'll be glad to send some to you. Can't remember who I've mailed them to and who I haven't!
Bless you as you get ready for school. I remember what fun it was reuniting with old friends and sharing summer escapades!
Amanda, You've not only stoked my curiosity but answered my questions about the title and what significance it has to the movie:) Thanks so much for that! I went to school in southern England and am somewhat familiar with it but didn't spend much time up north. Will be fun to see the contrast onscreen.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I've already fallen in love with the production and I haven't even seen it based on your lush descriptions here!! I'm even curious about the DVD cover now.
Oh my, and I haven't even begun to think of the soundtrack...
You really have to write a book or start a blog, Amanda girl! You are a WRITER who paints pictures with words:).
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you here again:) And don't worry ~ I thought there was only one North and South, and seeing as how I'd seen it already, thought it was the only one that existed, too.
Happy to enter you in the drawing. I'm so with you - who needs movies when there are so many books! I must admit I rarely watch TV because of that sweet fact. But am thinking North & South may convert me:)
Laurie, Wish I could deliver a bonafide thunder buster to you and great gobs of rain:) Minus the lightning, of course. I know you must be suffering with the heat. It's been so intense there.
ReplyDeleteYou've really intrigued me with the Blessing books. I know they are very popular. I think they even named a town Blessing in her honor after those books not too long ago. A friend of mine just went to a conference and she was the keynote and was so interesting, inspiring, and downright funny. Would love to meet her.
We have another common interest - Cary Grant and K. Hepburn. We are old movie fans. Hollywood today simply pales in comparison to those classic stars, though these period dramas simmering here are certainly keeping this blog busy today:)
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Laurie. Wonderful to hear from you, as always!
Oh my, Julia, I now must read the book since you said it was good, but will wait till I watch the movie first. Good for you for reading the book ~ it's not an easy read, I'm thinking, compared to the standard fare of today. My stack of books is so huge it actually collapsed the other day:( Time for a sturdy bookshelf, I'm thinking. Or else start selling books on the side!
ReplyDeleteSally,
ReplyDeleteI read your very fine review of SWIB a few days ago:) I'm going to be able to meet Siri at conference next month and am really looking forward to that.
Would love to hear your review of North&South when you watch. We might turn you into a bonafide historical lover yet:)
Merry,
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you here! Please consider yourself entered in the drawing:) Also am amazed that so many of you have seen North&South. I feel postively stone-age! I now have to see the others mentioned here. Thanks so much for your comments:)
Ruth, I'm now so gone on North&South I am going over to read your review. Hopefully most of it will be over my head and I won't remember anything come screen time:) BTW, your archives look pretty fabulous. Where have I been!?
ReplyDeleteLaura, your interview did not sound like your usual self and I read the post on Rita's blog twice! I keep hearing about Siri Mitchell's book, but my TBR pile is too deep right now including some other 18th century titles that get first reading priority. Praying a new wonderful tv pops right up somewhere for you!
ReplyDeleteKaye,
ReplyDeleteI almost emailed you a couple of nights ago about this but know you're under deadline (of course, we never really stop being under deadline, I'm thinking) and then I became sidetracked and didn't. So feel it's providential you popped in today:) Thanks so much for that!
I love how you describe this writing torrent as being in the "zone" ~ what a pleasant place to be:) I left my legal pad on the breakfast bar today (I still write my manuscripts in longhand first) and Randy came across it and asked if I ever run out of ideas for that next paragraph. NO, I said. Right now it's like water and just floods out of me so fast I have to make continual notes in the margins to keep up with the next story thread, dialogue, plot point, etc. So much better than the dry places I've been. I'm sure they'll come again but for now, like you said, I'll just enjoy the ride.
I knew you would have the right perspective on things as an author and writing teacher. I love the creative talk about the process of writing itself. You really understand. Thanks so much for that.
And thanks for the insight into N&S. I think this is one I'll watch over and over and that's why I bought it when I own so few movies.
Praying your writing is going exceptionally well.
I'm so glad things are going well with your new book. Isn't it fun when the words flow?! Though I pray you find depth in those words when you reread.
ReplyDeleteShe walks in beauty has a gorgeous cover! Please enter me.
WOW, Laura, you went to school in England??!! I think that is SO BEYOND COOL!!!! I would LOVE to hear about it sometime :)
ReplyDeleteNot sure if there's a soundtrack for N&S, but the opening music is beautiful (and has been playing in my head all night, LOL!) and it goes perfectly with the breathtaking landscapes at the beginning! I must say, all this talk about it has me wanting to watch it again something fierce! I think that's what I'll do this weekend :D
Thank you so very much for your kind and encouraging words, my friend, I'm honored you think that of me. It's truly the highest compliment coming from you :) You are so incredibly sweet! And I've been praying and asking God what He wants me to do concerning a blog, and how He could and wants to use me. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but you'll be the first to know when He tells me ;)
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Laura,
ReplyDeleteMy mom is driving me up to Oregon on August 29--a week from Sunday! I can hardly believe that summer is almost over. It's gone by so fast!
I would love some of your bookmarks! :D Can't wait to read your book!
Thank you for thinking of me. :)
~Amber
stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love Siri's latest. It really offers a great escape into the late 19th-century and all that feminine stuff:) But it strikes a serious tone which is what I love about Siri. So consider yourself entered:)
And yes, I'm so thankful the writing is going well. After months of only edits and marketing, I get run down. Writing really restores all the JOY:)
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYes, I really did! If you have a minute (between episodes of North&South:), to into my archives and pull up Sept. 9, '09 and you'll find pics and a post on England and the place I lived. It's the reason I gave Ian a title and castle in TFD. Being there was one of the highlights of my life. They offer tours to returning students and I'd love to take one and spend even one night. I think being there fueled my imagination for life. God is so good:)
And no pressure about the blog! You bring a lot of life and joy just by your comments. Wouldn't want to lose that as I am sure other bloggers feel the same when you name pops up!
Carrie,
ReplyDeleteGlad you have more 18th-c. stuff to read:) The interview on Rita's blog is not my usual so that may be why it sounded unlike me. I thought people might be getting tired of the old "it took 40 years for me to get published and the Lord threw open the door" routine. I don't, of course, but others might:) Thanks for stopping by and reading. We're off to TV hunt soon. Somehow North&South deserves widescreen viewing but I don't think we'll be that lucky!
Amber, Would love to send you bookmarks ~ some for your friends, also! I've given out all of Kaye's but will send a few of Siri's with mine. Feel free to pass them out like candy! Oh, just send me your snail mail addy. I don't think I have it but would love to have it on hand.
ReplyDeletePraying for you as your mom takes you to OR next week:) I hope it will be a stellar year for you!
I'm not "on deadline" until October (due date October 15), so even though I'm busy, I always have time for questions, venting, concerns, or just "whatever" kinds of e-mails!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kaye. I'll remember that and will take you up on it in future:)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so happy to hear that you're reading and writing at such a brisk pace! I cant wait to hear what this new series will be about :) And please do enter me in your giveaway! I'm always looking for good books to get lost in :) glad to hear you're having a nice misty cool summer....wish some of that would come down my way!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I was hoping you would show up! The party's not quite the same without you:) Love the word "brisk" ~ that creative pace is quite nice. Hope your endeavors are going wonderfully well. And you are officially in the drawing. You're in for a treat with Siri's books!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed North and South. I envy your current ease in your writing. Not so with me of late. :)
ReplyDeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteWelcome here:) I see that you're an author with Wild Rose Press! And a history lover, to boot. I wish I could say the writing was this easy all the time. NOT! Just for the moment. After months of only editing I think I've missed it so much it's just that first draft love affair. Summer is a hard time to write. So many distractions.
I think you and some others here are from Virginia. Ah, do I envy you!! Please come back by.
Well, I couldn't not comment when Richard popped up on my screen! I have been touting the wonders of Richard and North & South to anyone willing to listen for years:) I don't think I'll mention how many times I have watched it.
ReplyDeleteNow don't all throw things at me but in my opinion it is better than P&P, even dear Colin Firth! It is more gritty with the background of the industry and the beginning of Unions and tells each perspective brilliantly.
I guarantee you will watch the final scene over and over ;-) And then there is the fruit scene and the loosening of the cravat scene and the...okay, stopping now - LOL!
If you want to see more of Richard in a contemporary series, he is in Spooks (MI-5, in the US, I think) from series 7 on. He plays another tortured soul, too. He is great in Robin Hood too, although they apply the makeup a little too thick!
BTW Laura, I'm always happy to choose the perfect picture of him for a character spotlight - LOL!
Yay! Rel is here:) I'm so thrilled you love N&S! I actually got it in the mail on Saturday and am so, so anxious to watch it. Your wonderful preview of scenes leaves me a bit breathless:) Love the blurb from the DVD jacket: "...packed with passion, tension, class warfare and smoldering sexual energy."
ReplyDeleteWhew!
Not having been very aware of Richard Armitage until I googled him for a character template about a week or so ago, I've been just giddy:) He's perfect for my new series which I'm going to post about later today, hopefully. So please stay tuned, dear Rel, as I'm trying to do a spotlight on the first book of the series, kind of like yours (only I'm not nearly as good at it!) Thanks so much for stopping in!
Praying things are going well for you way over there!
Laura - and I haven't even mentioned his amazing voice - LOL!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear your thoughts on North & South :)