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SOME FAVORITE QUOTES ON WRITING These are from two of my favorite books for writers: The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White, and, If You Want to Write, by Brenda Ueland.
"When he delivered his oration on brevity to the class, he (William Strunk) leaned forward over his desk, grasped his coat lapels in his hands, and, in a husky, conspiratorial voice, said, "Rule Thirteen. Omit needless words! Omit needless words! Omit needless words!" --E.B.White, The Elements of Style.
"But the moment I read Van Gogh's letter I knew what art was, and the creative impulse. It is a feeling of love* and enthusiasm for something, and in a direct, simple, passionate and true way, you try to show this beauty in things to others. . ."
"*Or it can be a feeling of hate and abhorrence too. Though the work of the men who have worked from love seems to be greater than those who have worked from hate." --Brenda Ueland, If You Want To Write
And the following, also from Ms. Ueland, cracks me up! Probably because it feels very familiar to me!: "It is hard to be carefree when you have many anxieties. But the more you have, the more necessary it is to feel carefree for a time, so that you will get some new ideas on how to deal with your anxieties." -Brenda Ueland, If You Want To Write
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"I am always at a loss to know how much to believe of my own stories." --Washington Irving, Tales of a Traveller
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November 1, 2006 Happy November, dear readers!
First, some travel news: I'm coming to Beantown this month! If you are near the Boston area I hope you'll stop by the charming Andover Bookstore, just north of Boston, on Sat. Nov. 25 from 2:00-3:00 pm. (www.andoverbookstore.com 89 R Main Street, 978-475-0143). Also, I'm thrilled to announce that Around the Next Corner hit the #2 fiction bestseller spot in the Sunday Denver Post. This is due in large part to the many book groups reading ATNC. If your group has read or is planning to read my novel, and you'd like me to participate in a discussion, either in person or by phone, please email me: readermail@elizabethwrenn.com
I love visiting with book groups* and hearing the thoughts and responses of so many amazing women.
Given how fast October came and went, the holidays will be here in no time. Is there a woman on your Christmas list who might like an autographed copy of Around the Next Corner? Maybe a dog-lover? Or a mom facing the empty nest? Or a friend who is feeling a little lost? Or simply a woman who loves to read? Maybe even you! Beginning November 8, you can order a copy of my book, personally signed by me, from the Boulder Book Store (BBS). I write "Follow your dreams!" in every book, along with my signature. (Sorry, due to the demand over the holidays, I can't personally inscribe books to individuals.) BBS will then mail it, (ask for free gift-wrap, if you like), to you or directly to the recipient, along with a gift card with your name. To order, call their toll-free number:
1-800-244-4651
If ordering more than one copy, be sure to ask about their bulk discounts. Please order soon to be assured of sufficient inventory and processing time before the holiday rush.
As always, thank you for ALL your support and for being so active in spreading the word about Around the Next Corner! I've been so moved by your letters and actions! Some of you have sent me lovely reviews of ATNC that you've written for your local bookstore or an online site, others have said they've sent emails to all their friends about it, and two even suggested it to Oprah for a book club pick! (THAT made me laugh out loud, but I am very flattered.) I was even mailed a mock PLAYBILL that a reader had painstakingly made for "when ATNC hits Broadway"! So fun! I am truly flattered and grateful. Thank you all. Your support means so much me.
As I continue work on my second novel, about the growing and changing friendship between three women in the "second half" of their lives, I'm thinking every day about how women support one another, and see each other through life's transitions. I am inspired not only by my women friends, but also very much by hearing from my readers. Soon I will be creating a blog-type exchange on my website so I can hear your thoughts and experiences on some of the themes I write about. Please check my website in December for that. Also, as most of you know, I respond to all emails from my readers, though it may take me a week or more to get back to you, especially if I'm traveling.
I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. Know that you, my readers, are at the top of my "thankful for" list this year!
Elizabeth Wrenn
PS-Other travel news: I'm hoping to be at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville at the end of March. I'll keep you posted.
PPS-*If you would like to join a book group but don't know how, please contact your local library and/or bookstore. Librarians know everything, so they're always a good place to start! Additionally, many booksellers now have programs and events specifically targeted to book groups, and they can hook you up. Often the independents are more active with local book groups, but try whatever is near you.
PPPS!-All newsletters, including this one, are on my website, www.elizabethwrenn.com
Just click on the Newsletter page. The current month's newsletter should be posted on the page but you can find all editions archived in left column. Just click on the month you want. If you are reading this on the website and didn't recieve it as an email, even though you signed up, then you likely did not reply to the "Confirm" email. Please try again.
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Novel
Around the Next Corner (US; NAL/Penguin)
"A hilarious and poignant debut novel about a mother of three who's suffering from a case of middle-aged invisibility and a soon-to-be-empty nest--and the dog who guides her out of the darkness..."
Children's Picture Book
The Christmas Cactus
A touching story for children on the loss of a grandparent.
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