Back to Everything!

The news from Paris...

Hello! Bonjour!

Here in Paris, it is the rentrée. The word can be translated as re-entry, and is similar to the idea of Back to School. But in France - as folks return from vacation, and businesses that were closed for a month re-open - it is Back to Everything. As a student and later as a teacher, I love how every year has two beginnings, first in January and then in September. It always feels like I’ve been given a second chance.

And speaking of possibilities, my publisher Atria has created a beautiful new cover for the trade paperback edition of Miss Morgan (April 2025). What do you think?

I’m looking forward to so many things this school year! Having recently turned in my latest manuscript, a novella set at the American Library in Paris in the 1990s, I have some free time and am taking a class with one of my favorite authors, Deesha Philyaw. I’m a life-long learner. As someone who’s usually in charge of my fictional characters or students in the classroom, it will be great to just relax and enjoy.

On September 4^th, I hope you’ll join Kate Thompson & me online with Adventures by the Book as we discuss our latest novels. Usually, I go to bed early, but will be up until 1 a.m. for this special event. Sign up here: Adventures by the Book with Kate & Janet

After a fabulous event with the Alliance Française for The Paris Library, I’m thrilled to be invited back to discuss Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade on September 26 at 3 p.m. ET. Not many American women have been honored with a French stamp. To learn more about Anne Morgan, register here: Online event with the Alliance Francaise

Growing up in rural Montana, I had the desire to write a novel, but did not know how. Reading books, taking workshops, and meeting with authors helped. One thing I have learned is that though writing is a solitary passion, publication is a team effort. I don’t know where I would be without my writing groups, with a special shout-out to Emily Monaco, who has read my manuscripts countless times and is always insightful.

These last twenty years, one of the great joys of my life has been leading writing workshops. One of the most important parts of my writing process is reading other people’s manuscripts. Looking critically at someone else’s work helps me read my own more closely. When I notice the dialogue in a friend’s short story needs work, it is usually because the dialogue in my own needs to be improved.

If you are working on a book, I hope that you’ll consider joining us in April 2025 for a fabulous five days of writing, workshopping, and the positive energy that comes from giving yourself time to do what you love. More info here: Northern California Writers’ Retreat.

I hope that you have some great plans for the coming weeks! What are you looking forward to?

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My best,

Janet