Great thanks to Kevin Cooper for this fabulous review. I was so glad to read it!
Category: Book Reviews
Oh… Thank you!
Of course I’m anxious. Wouldn’t you be?
The book I ran away from, repeatedly, is finally published. And now I wait.
Except, several bloggers have done a lot to make the waiting easier. Some sent me wonderful email reviews as they read An Honest House: “I’ve reached (this) part now and I’m loving it!” Or: “I stayed awake till 2 in the morning, reading!” And so on.
That’s a new experience for me, and I appreciate it.
Then, Sally Cronin, a European blogger who has done much to help authors and other bloggers around the world, kindly highlighted An Honest House.
And, from Gibraltar, Katherine, the sharp-eyed editor and tough book reviewer who previewed the book before it went to print, published her review last weekend. Finally, I found out what she thought of the finished product. (I was anxious.)
https://roughseasinthemed.wordpress.com/2016/05/29/homes-and-gardens/
Am I thankful?
You bet.
That Extra Pair of Eyes
Every writer needs an extra pair of eyes, but the reality is we only have two!
Here’s a shout-out to two women who have kept faith with me at different stages of the writing of An Honest House:
Lesley, my writing coach, mentor and first editor.
Lesley Marcovich believes everyone has a story to tell. She runs a writers’ group, biography workshops, and is the creator of www.biographytimeliner.com.
I’ve been blessed to find this woman. Strong on storytelling structure, she divines the things I’m scared to write about, and tells me – gently but firmly – that I have to do it. On my rougher days, she even traveled for meetings on my verandah.
THANK YOU, LESLEY.
~~
Katherine lives in Gibraltar and provides valuable services to authors around the world. She’ll:
- Edit your book.
- Provide a pre-publication review of your manuscript, AND provide critical feedback.
I was blessed with great editors and generous, smart, first-draft readers. As the book neared completion, I wondered: how could I get the kind of review that usually comes only after the book is released?
(Photo of Katherine’s desk)
And that’s where Katherine came in. Her review and report — she writes a thorough report — were excellent. Katherine – a former journalist – asked great questions, made key observations.
Back I went to the manuscript — polishing, polishing.
Congrats to Katherine for her keen eyes, skillful suggestions and empathy for anxious authors. Other authors tell me she’s also a wonderfully professional editor, which makes total sense to me. But even if you already have your own editor, I’d still recommend Katherine, as an extra pair of eyes.
BRAVA, KATHERINE.
Incredible You
Readers of this blog and A Good Home have encouraged my family and me through some crazy times this year.
You’ve consoled and encouraged me in the domestic arts, including the two times I tried making outdoor Christmas arrangements! Several readers offered compliments, tips, commiseration, inspiration.
And Arna sent me this photo.
“I told you I have a planter like yours!” she said.
Yes, Arna, but yours is far more assured.
**
From last fall to this spring, I had to abandon virtually all my book-related activities and take to my bed.
Some of you decided to help. You bought my book, and wrote wonderful reviews.
Phil reviewed A Good Home for an American book website last year, then created computer-assisted images promoting the book.
John G. took my book with him on his annual canoe trip, then wrote a review too.
**
In Avery, Texas, 90 year old Lou Mathis and his wife Aggie were themselves struggling this September. Their farm business was suffering because of its name, “Isis”. (Isis was the ancient Egyptian goddess, but in today’s climate, not a popular name.)
Lou asked on their blog: “WHAT DO YOU THINK? For some reason I refuse to give up the… ISIS FARMS. But would painting the sign OVER IN GREEN……”
I asked you to reply to Lou and Aggie and many of you did. Wonderful, caring replies that helped them make their decision. It’s now called “Aggie’s Farm”.
**
In October, Canada’s national radio network, CBC, aired my interview with celebrated host Shelagh Rogers.
I’d been nervous about it. But people like John V. wrote to my blog afterwards:
“I heard you speak on the radio about healing and it gave me perspective and hope for my own circumstances. Sincere thanks for sharing.”
Such validation for a book completed in dire times!
**
On crazily painful days, I often forced myself to write poems, making fun of myself and my home life. Some (like Stiletto Heels) became blog posts, which made you laugh, uplifting me in return.
Andra wrote: “I absolutely howled with laughter reading this. Thanks, Cynthia! Have had similar thoughts watching the young ladies strutting about in high heels and skimpy dresses in inclement weather. And like you, I recall being just as foolish back in the day. Great poem.”
**
Then, without warning this fall, life changed perilously. My husband nearly died.
Titled No Words, my poem expressed the raw agony our family experienced.
In reply, you warmly supported us with prayers, consolation and good wishes.
Incredible kindness, especially because I’ve never met most of you in person.
**
“Thank you” hardly seems enough. But thank you, anyway.
For your kindness.
And for being part of my world.
My best,
Cynthia.
Cynthia Reyes 