Pictured here are a few of the original Pachamama Sisters, that group of brave gals 
who came on my first trip to Ecuador—the journey that served as the inspiration for Fill the Sky. None of us knew exactly what we were getting into, but all of us were drawn, somehow, down to that sacred place. Inspired by nature, the shamans and each other, that trip set us all down various paths of transition, and bonded us forever. I was so lucky to have had this group come to Cape Cod for a book blessing this past weekend. Each of us wrote out our intentions for the book, placed the messages in a bottle, and set them out to sea. My intention? That this books finds just the right people in the world who will enjoy it, embrace it, and pass it on. Good luck, book!
Musings
Tuesday, September 5, 2016
This is what college roommates who have become friends for life looks like thirty years later! I was blessed on Labor Day weekend with a visit from this awesome Colorado girl. Our visits are always too short, but full of fun. While none of the characters in Fill the Sky are modeled after my actual college roommates, I was incredibly lucky to have not just one, but two freshman roommates who became fast and long-lasting friends, one of the key inspirations for the friendship that runs deep in my novel. Miss you already!
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Monday, August 29, 2016
My first-ever public reading of Fill the Sky (a full two months before launch!). What an incredible way to begin the process of sharing this story with the world. My wonderful friend Susan hosted a beautiful afternoon reading in her back yard featuring Louise Miller (who’s terrific book The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living debuted this summer) and me! The afternoon included inspiring fiddlers, in keeping with a musical thread that runs through Louise’s book, lovely food and drink and a lawn full of avid readers. It was a treat to read a few passages, answer questions about the book and the writing process and share my excitement with readers. Susan even pre-sold the book for me so her friends will be getting their very own copies soon after publication date. Thank you Susan and Louise for a wonderful day!
Monday, August 21, 2016
emotion of really good writing. Summer is one of those rare times when indulging in reading for hours at a time is guilt-free. As a superior rationalizer, I think of it as a more intellectual version of sunbathing (even if I am under the shade of an oak tree, soaking in a lazy breeze). Leaving Lucy Pear is a wonderful study in complex characters struggling to survive the consequences of both long-ago and immediate choices. A wonderfully told tale full of life and texture. As a writer, I often find myself distracted by structure or technique, analyzing how a writer accomplished a particular effect rather than stepping into the vortex. Anna Solomon got me to that mystical place of “forgetting” I was reading and just going along for the ride. What a beautiful ride.
Monday, June 20, 2016
I was lucky enough to hear Elin Hilderbrand and Nancy Thayer speak at the Nantucket Book Festival this weekend. Here are two life lessons I took away: 1. Check your ego. Even when you are a famous enough author that the Yankees ask you to throw out the first pitch (Hilderbrand) all your sons really care about is making sure you don’t embarrass yourself by failing to get the ball over the plate. 2. Squirrel Away. The most wonderful way I have heard yet of finding a way to write an astounding 23 novels (Thayer) is to make a house rule. No one is allowed to disturb the author before noon as she labors away in her office, and she cannot be expected to accomplish any tasks that require thinking for 2-3 hours afterward. Taking long walks—in. Cooking—out! That is the life of my dreams. Thank you ladies for a charming talk, and the Nantucket Book Festival for a wonderful weekend of all things literature.
Friday, June 18, 2016
ARCs for Fill the Sky just arrived! That’s publishing speak for “advance reader copies,” the early copies that go out to press, reviewers, bookstore sellers, and anyone else we are hoping will get interested enough in the book to give is some attention come October. My fabulous publicist, Caitlin Hamilton Summie has a huge mailing in the works. Wish these puppies luck out there in the world!