Grateful for You
A letter from Janet Skeslien Charles
Hello, friends,
As we move closer to Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude for you and for your interest in my work. As a young girl in rural Montana who dreamed of becoming a writer, I never thought that one day, I’d be able to talk directly to readers through novels and newsletters. I’m thankful for readers, listeners, booksellers, book clubs, friends, and family who have supported me. Many thanks for sending notes and emails, for responding to my newsletter and posts. You keep me going.
Last month, Eddy and I went to Basel, Switzerland and Bruges, Belgium, both great walking cities and only three hours by train from Paris. On our weekly Sunday catch up, my dad, sister, and I noted that in Montana, three hours on the road would get us halfway from Shelby, our hometown near the Canadian border, to my sister’s place near Billings in the southern part of the state.
In Basel, Eddy and I were charmed by this fountain. Is the basin a water bowl for dogs or a bird bath? Either way, what a lovely thought and a great design.
And in Bruges, we averaged 20,000 steps a day, and probably 20,000 calories as well! Totally worth it. We snapped the photo on the left before heading to the Beguinage. The convent was my favorite place to write, but it closed to the public in 2020. Luckily, Eddy and I were able to join the nuns for tea, before moving on to dinner, where we enjoyed mussels and fries.
October 5-11 was Banned Book week. Through AAWE, Chloé Chandler and I organized an event to celebrate literature and the importance of reading freely. Joined by authors Lucy Mushita and Anne Korkeakivi, who inspired us to host the event, we raised $3,250 for the Authors Guild Freedom to Read fund. It was a fabulous evening. Read a recap here.
I had a great conversation about The Parisian Chapter with Steve Cuden. You can listen to it here. And speaking of listening, this month, I sped through Stop, Rewind, by Emma Jane Kirby. This true story recounts the journey of a boy from India who was adopted by a Mormon family in Utah. The parents were told that he was an orphan - but in fact, he’d been kidnapped. Perfect for fans of the film Lion, staring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. I devoured Emily Monaco’s new podcast, Fishwives of Paris. Perfect for Francophiles, foodies, and anyone who loves learning.
Listening to Deesha Dyer narrate her audiobook Undiplomatic felt like a wise friend giving me advice about applying for opportunities and reaching out. I then had the honor of interviewing the former White House social secretary at an AAWE event organized by Chloé Chandler and hosted by Kathleen De Carbuccia.
Deesha regaled us with stories of the uplifting events she oversaw, for example, welcoming Pope Francis. Just days after our conversation, the East Wing - where she planned programs and where the nation’s First Ladies worked - was demolished. As a writer, I can’t help but see it as a metaphor of taking a wrecking ball to history, specifically women’s history. Many of us are frustrated by the state of the world and worry about budget cuts for programs like Head Start for children as well as SNAP, which provides food for families and revenue for farmers who sell their fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. Deesha reminded us of the importance of giving time, expertise, or funds to our local communities.
It was a thrill to receive the advance reader copies of The Parisian Chapter. The novel comes out May 5, 2026, but it is available for pre-order. Pre-ordering is a show of support that helps keep your favorite authors writing and publishing as well as beloved indie bookshops thriving.
I had the joy of speaking with Luci Baum and her wonderful class. The Parisian Chapter is the fourth of my novels that she has chosen, and it was the first time that I have discussed my latest work with a book club. I am forever grateful for Luci’s support and friendship! This is why I write - to connect and create connections. I am also grateful for the technology that brings us closer together.
I then joined Hilary Gustafson, owner of Literati Bookstore and Literati Tours. Living abroad, I don’t often get the chance to have in-person connections with book groups, so it was wonderful to meet for a meal. What a pleasure to discuss my writing life as well as to hear about their experiences with a French book binder and a tour of a publishing house - both sounded right up my alley! We ate at La Petite Chaise, right across the street from where directress Dorothy Reeder from The Paris Library lived on rue de la Chaise.
This month, I’m excited to return to the Geneva Writers Conference! In 2006, I first attended as a participant, with just the beginning of an idea for a book. In 2008, I pitched my manuscript and found my first agent there. In 2010, I returned with my debut, Moonlight in Odessa, about the booming business of email-order brides, which was published in 12 languages. It means a lot to be invited back as an instructor.
Wishing you a warm, cozy November! I hope that it will be full of good books, time with loved ones (and if you are like me, time alone to recharge; - ), as well as lots to be grateful for. Thank you again for your support!
My best,
Janet
So lovely to see all the wonderful things you’ve been up to!
And I loved seeing the red shoes come out at the Banned Books Week event and in Belgium 😍
The book version of The Parisian Chapter looks so beautiful - another beautiful book for the collection! 📚📚💕💕
Thanks for this interesting newsletter. I enjoyed your pictures from Bruges and Basel. I especially like your comparison of the destruction of the East Wing to taking a wrecking ball to women's history.