So many things can happen in a week:) Thought I'd share a few highlights with you here. I'm still knee-deep in red ink on revisions for The Colonel's Lady. Seems like I have edit fever now. My laptop is dying by slow degrees so will have to give myself an early Christmas gift and go shopping soon. Meanwhile, prayers appreciated as I meet this October deadline. You just don't know how much your encouragement and support mean to me. You are the reason I write, don't ya know:)Yesterday I was sent the final cover for The Colonel's Lady. When it popped into my inbox I think I squealed (and I'm so NOT a squealer:). Mostly I was anxious to see how much the cover had changed from the first comp the art team sent me last month. Hmmm...! It's amazing to see how much a cover can alter during production. When I lined the two comps up side by side, Randy and the boys liked this second one much better. I'll show you as soon as I can.
I'm currently on page 123 of our beloved North & South. Sigh. After watching it several times (but not back to back) during a lull in writing back in August, I decided I'd best graduate to the novel itself. I must admit this particular descriptive passage made me smile...
Now, in Mr. Thornton's face the straight brows fell over the clear, deep-set earnest eyes, which, without being unpleasantly sharp, seemed intent enough to penetrate into the very heart and core of what he was looking at. The lines in the face were few but firm, as if they were carved in marble, and lay principally about the lips, which were slightly compressed over a set of teeth so faultless and beautiful as to give the effect of sudden sunlight when the rare bright smile, coming in an instant and shining out of the eyes, changed the whole look from the severed and resolved expression of a man ready to do and dare everything, to the keen honest enjoyment of the moment...Margaret liked this smile; it was the first thing she had admired in this new friend of her father's...and it seemed to explain the attraction they evidently felt toward each other.
~North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, page 52-53
If you want a few minutes bliss, sit back and listen to a reading of this...
North & South
If you are not a sqealer and it got you that excited, then I can't wait to see that cover!
ReplyDeleteAnd praying, praying, praying whenever I think of you! I am using one of your bookmarks now so that should be an easy reminder. Bookmarks seem to be a very helpful tool in that respect. *grin*
Casey, So, so appreciate you! I think your prayers are keeping my laptop alive! Love that my bookmarks are serving some useful purpose:)
ReplyDeleteStay tuned ~ more bookmarks coming your way for The Colonel's Lady. That blue gown she's wearing will put your eyes out!
Okay, so I was heading back to finish my church newsletter, saw this post and just had to stop! OH, that passage you shared from N&S was WONDERFUL! How are you liking the book compared to the movie? I would love to read the book because I know it must go into a lot more detail and you get a look inside their heads, too :) Though, RA is such an AMAZING actor-- oh, those facial expressions!-- that I'm sure he brought the book to life! Thanks for the smile, Laura :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, that is such WONDERFUL news about TCL cover!!! I'm sure it is GORGEOUS!!! Can't wait to see it!!! Will definitely be keeping you in prayer as you make your revisions and tweaks :)
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
*sigh*
ReplyDeleteAny post about North & South is now bound to make me smile. :) I don't know if you ever had a chance to hear my thoughts on the movie, but if you would like to read them sometime, you can check out the "Movie Review" link in the "Labels" section in my sidebar. I will be forever grateful to you and your blog followers for introducing me to that wonderful, wonderful movie!!! :D
Anyway, I'm so excited to see the cover of your future release! I just know it must be beautiful. :) I LOVE the cover for Courting Morrow Little, and I'm so glad I have the opportunity to own it and savor the anticipation of diving into it in the hopefully not-too-distant future!
~Amber
I can't wait to see the cover! If it's better than the first, then it must be very special.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for the editing. I'm hoping to finish the first draft of Willa by the end of October, or at least come very close.
Can't wait to see the cover. I'll be praying for you too, though I am sure everything will work itself out beautifully. Have a good day!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your deadline today, Laura. If you think of it, could you pray for my my mother today. She is having severe shooting pains into her spine and legs. Her MS has been in remission for years and I'm wondering whether this is MS-related.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the cover of Colonel's Lady! And I'm so glad you're enjoying North and South! I loved it!
OOooh, editing fever! Look out Colonel's Lady! I cant wait to see what your newest cover will be. Its like the cherry on top!~
ReplyDeleteAfter reading description of Mr. Thornton from the book,I believe they got the right person to play him in the movie. When I took it back to the library I think I had the librarian so excited to watch it,she just about left the job to go do so! haha I can't wait to see new cover;when should it be available for us to view?!! I see you took some of our advice with the blue dress thing(hmmm...wonder if she'll be wearing a cloak)? I know we'll love whatever you decided!! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI thought you might like this post and that smiling man:) I'm catching glimpses of RA in the book and have to say the screenwriter's did a good joy of capturing who he was in the film. However, the book is not light reading and heavily narrative as was typical of 150 plus years ago. My version contains typos and quotation marks are often omitted so it requires some slowing down. That said, Gaskell is amazing with dialogue and capturing the flavor of Milton vs. Helstone. Her characters have so much DEPTH, right down to the dialogue. And the book is beautifully written, something sadly lacking in most fiction today. I urge you to read it. I'm actually highlighting beautiful sentences/passages in the book and writing them down in a notebook which I tend to do for best loved books. One of my quirks!
And I hope you like the cover. It is very, very different but just right for the book. Can't wait to post it when I get the green light!
And thanks so much of your prayers. I need them. I've been praying for your family's health and healing and that you stay well and finish that newsletter:)
Amber,
ReplyDeleteSo happy you loved the movie as I/we did:) I was telling my editor about it in Indy. And I must have been gone when you posted on that so will go over and read today!!
Glad Morrow is tucked away with you waiting to be read:) No rush. I really do think anticipation is half the pleasure at least! You should see my TBR stack! Sakes! And I just ordered ANOTHER book yesterday...
Hoping you're having a beautiful college fall where you are!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteWow ~ Willa is almost done. Since your first drafts are like final drafts, I can't imagine it would take much more work!!
The cover is lovely and quite different than the first. I will try to post them side by side in future and let you all see the difference.
Hope you're having some good weather your way though I know you like it more cool than sunny:)
I must watch this movie, it believe it's on my list for Netflix. If I can get the kiddos to finish watching theirs North and South is next for me!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the cover for TCL!
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts/prayers mean so much. And I really appreciate your saying that things will come out beautifully. So true. So much that we worry about never happens. God always provides grace even in the most trying situations.
Can't wait to post this cover. You readers have that blue dress you requested:) And it's just as pretty as Morrow's raspberry silk!
I just bought the book North and South! I can't wait to start reading it although I already have a stack of books to read. I have watched the miniseries twice so far though. Definately one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteJust prayed for your mom and will continue as the Lord brings her to mind. I am somewhat familiar with MS as my cousin (who is more like my sister) has it but hers is the most aggressive kind and she is in a wheelchair. There are many types of it. So thankful your mom has been in remission. Please let me know how she's feeling.
I think you said you read N&S in your nursing days:) I logged quite a few books in mine, too! Two babies = 2 years of good books during feedings. Only I used to get so sleepy!
Heather, Love the cherry on top:) Such an apt description! And yes, TCL is undergoing some major construction. But it's making a better book:) Hoping you sneak in some writing time there, only I'd hate to be pulled away from your wonderful art!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteOh, you'll love that blue dress and it really did come straight from you readers here! I hope to post sometime in October. I have to wait until it appears on the Revell site. As of now, I can't even transfer it from the file the art dept. sent! Though I'm dying to print it out if only for myself:)
I'm chuckling at the librarian:) No doubt she enjoyed it as much as we did! They did get the perfect person to play John Thornton. You're so right. I can't wait to get this deadline over and watch again! Bless you today, Diana!
Well hello there Mr. Greg Wise! WOW not only can you act but you can read. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI must say that the passage that you have shared from N&S really describes Mr. Thornton as played by Richard Armitage! Wow he is a perfect fit for the role!
And I really don't know how the cover folks can top Courting Morrow Little (love the pink dress LOL)! I can't wait to see it!
XOXO~ Renee
Cassie, So glad you bought the book! Me, too:) I may give a copy away here soon. And like you, I LOVE the movie and can't wait to watch again. It's amazing all the little details you miss and then catch when you enjoy it yet again:) Bless you today!
ReplyDeleteRenee, LOL ~ we should have a dress contest here! Actually, you've given me a GREAT idea:) I'll post Morrow's cover alongside Roxanna's and have you all vote on best dress:) Must be a girl thing! Poor Lael looks a bit like Cinderella in comparison with that plain homespun...
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a scene that gives you pause ~ what a voice! And I recently discovered that RA is reading Georgette Heyer's works on audio:) Two of them, at least. Now to get my hands on those...
So glad you are up and enjoying cyberspace again. You are a GEM!
Winter,
ReplyDeleteYou will love this movie, all 4 hours:) But let me warn you as Kaye Dacus did me, if the fight in the factory scene is a bit over the top please close your eyes and wait it out. Every episode is just better and better. Bring popcorn! And kleenex!
And I so hope you like the TLC cover!! So fun to share it with you! Praying for you and your family today.
Aww poor Lael if the book ever gets reprinted with a different cover maybe she can at least get a flower on something in her hair. LOL I'm totally kidding! All the cover's are great and both the heroines are gorgeous! I will definitely be voting in that cover contest if you decide to run it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you find those books read by RA, I will melt!
I'm glad to be back up online again with NO PROBLEMS (knock on wood)!
XOXO~ Renee
O.O.O. can't wait!! I will put it up like I did Morrow's. :D I have an award for you if you want it. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://enjoyingthewritingcraft.blogspot.com/2010/10/book-news-blog-award-interview-link-oh.html
LAURA! RENEE!
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I just read your comments about RA doing the audio books, and I found them!! They're on iTunes!! The 2 audio books I found there were "Sylvester" and "Venetia" both by George Heyer. THEN, I also found that RA does the audio books for Robin Hood!!! So, run on over to iTunes ladies and let the JOY begin :D
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Oooohhh...one of my Canadian college friends introduced me to Georgette Heyer, from what I've read they seem to be quite clean-cut. I've only read 2, I think. But I'm heading to look for the audio.
ReplyDeleteYes, I did read it while nursing. I used to read a book every 2 days with Elizabeth. She had weight problems so it seemed like I was on an around the clock feeding schedule. But I miss those days, too :). It all goes so fast :)
Renee,
ReplyDeleteYES, cover contest on the way! It would be wonderful if Lael graduated to a different dress in reprints:) Bless ya for sayin' so!
Casey,
ReplyDeleteBLESS YOU!! I will be right over. And please keep praying ~ my laptop died this afternoon and just came back to life. Sigh. Thanks so much for the reward:) If I delay a bit you'll know why...
Oh Amanda, Bless u! And itunes:) Robin Hood sounds even better! I think one of the best things about RA is the voice God gave him. Heavens! Thanks so much for investigating. I deem you our investigative reporter along with Sylvia and a couple others here:) Let the joy begin indeed!
ReplyDeleteLaura, I pray all is going well on your revisions, and that the laptop is behaving.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see the cover for The Colonel's Lady. I'm certain it's beautiful! I'm definitely hoping the Ohio is somewhere in the background.
I'm thinking I'm going to be making a trip to Barnes and Noble next Friday. I'm really wanting to buy a copy of North and South. I'm hoping my mom will be able to order the DVD for Christmas, but I'm definitely going to read the book. I did find the free version for kindle, but most of my reading time comes while I'm working. So a nice paperback copy would be very nice.
The excerpt is just lovely, I've bookmarked the site so I'm certain I'll listen to others too.
Have a great weekend!
I wonder if writers are harder on their laptops? Do you think they type them into the ground? LOL. I'll be praying for you through your edits.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently 25th on the hold list at the public library fro North & South. I can't wait!!!!
I'll be excited to see your book cover. I seem to remember that it generated a lot of discussion on this blog a while back.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteOh I love to think of you reading the book while I'm reading:) Let me know if you find one at B&N. I've been to that very one!
About that new cover...:) Would you believe this is the first cover that is INSIDE! You'll be intrigued by her surroundings though ( or so I hope). That is interesting you said that as I'd not given any thought to the outdoor setting of the first 2 covers. Roxanna is definitely indoors on this one. Another huge difference.
My laptop came back to life this afternoon and good thing as I had a quick assignment from my editor. I've finished my major edits and now must read through the manuscript several times very thoroughly and address small issues. I so appreciate your prayers.
Will be thinking about you as you go to Southland Sunday:)
Kav,
ReplyDeleteYour numbers are improving with your library wait! I remember it being some ghastly delay at first!! Well, it will be well worth it, let me tell you. I have N&S withdrawal:)
I hope you like the cover. It's very different but I don't want to spoil the reveal so had better quit while I'm ahead:) Readers did get their blue gown. We're going to have a cover contest between Morrow's dress and Roxanna's. Will have to think of a good prize...
Hoping your writing is going well and your laptop is behaving. Hey, we are kindred spirits. A little bird just told me that you write all your manuscripts out longhand like I do:) LOVE that!
I just sat with my coffee and listened to North and South being read aloud. It was glorious. I didn't want it to end. Now I have to get more coffee and get on with my day but it's a little difficult! Thanks, Laura. Blessings on your day.
ReplyDeleteOh Myrna, Coffee and a reading sounds divine:) Thanks so much for reading and listening. Think I'll do the same:) Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteJulia,
ReplyDeleteThose nursing days are a blur for me and they did go fast. But oh, what a sweet time! I had many problems nursing but kept on. I had to chuckle because unlike your sweet Elizabeth who had trouble gaining, my Wyatt was nursing around the clock and had weighed 16 pounds at 2 months of age! My doctor said she felt she was examining a 6 month old:) Sadly, my weight went up along with his:) But that's another story!
Ah, sigh :) Love that quote!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward top seeing your cover, Laura!
Hugs and big congrats on your INSPY shortlist nomination :)
Rel, So good to see you:) I thought of you when I found this cravatless pic:) I hope you come back Monday as I'm working on a special post for the INSPY Award! And thanks so much for the congrats. The award means so much because of its literary nod and also because it comes from the hearts and heads of bloggers. A huge blessing!
ReplyDeleteOh, I cannot WAIT to see the cover for The Colonel's Lady! The suspense is killing me! ;)
ReplyDeleteRuth, And I can't wait to show you:) Will be interesting to hear your thoughts as it's so different than the first 2. Since you are in the book business will be interesting to see what you think of this cover trend. Bless you bunches!
ReplyDelete