Happy Summer!
Bonjour de Paris
Happy Summer! This week in Paris, it is 100 degrees. Hopefully, the weather is a little cooler where you are.
June started with the Paris Writers Workshop, a fabulous week that focuses on the written word. I first attended in 2008. This time, I moderated two discussions, including the fiction panel with Hallie Ephron, Samantha Chang, and Kevin Brockmeier. This program is entirely run by volunteers. Director Ellen Bryson did an amazing job. Meredith Mullins took beautiful photos.
That same week, I had a lovely time talking about the inspiration for THE PARISIAN CHAPTER at Bill & Rosa’ Book Room. Many thanks to Iasmina for the warm welcome and to Lisa Vanden Bos for this beautiful artwork! It's made of recycled novels and features two of my book covers. The piece looks great on my mantel.
It’s always a pleasure to connect with readers. I recently spoke with fellow author Jake Brown at ABOUT THE AUTHORS TV about the inspiration for my work. If you’d like me to be on your podcast, come to your book club, or speak at your conference, event, book festival, please email me at pariswritingworkshop@yahoo.com.
Eddy and I flew to California to spend time with family on the occasion of our niece’s graduation. We are incredibly proud of both of our nieces. It was wonderful to see everyone. Lots of laughs, fantastic food, and good conversation.
I’m fortunate to see author Cara Black when she comes to Paris for research. This time, Eddy and I got to spend time with her and her husband Jun over a delicious meal in their home. Eddy and I visited bookstores and libraries and found my novels at the Best Bookstore in Union Square, Book Passages, and the San Francisco Library, where the security guard greeted us by saying, “Welcome to the best place in the world.” It still thrills me to find my work out in the wild.
It’s been a great month for reading. I recently finished Jennifer Steil’s manuscript The Museum of Forbidden Art (A gorgeous meditation on the secrets we keep, the importance of art, and the price we pay for following our passions. It’s a travel guide to a lost era, a love story, and richly researched historical fiction). I wanted to dive into another of her books. The Ambassador’s Wife was like finding an old friend. I was swept up in the story, which takes place at the intersection of art, women’ rights, family, and love. It’s filled with danger, sacrifice, the passions we live for, loss, and ultimately hope. Get your signed copy at the Red Wheelbarrow bookstore.
Tomorrow, I’m returning to western France, where I’m the fellow at the Nantes Writers’ Workshop. I first workshopped Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade there.
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter! I appreciate your support of my work.
My best,
Janet
Another fantastic newsletter! You had a fun-filled action packed June! Try to stay cool…your weather looks miserable to me! I love you
That art by Lisa Vanden Bos is SO COOL! I want one! :)