I have just shoved another book out of the nest, with the kind support of friends, who, armed as instructed with glasses of wine or prosecco, toddled along to their computers to enjoy a spot of zooming. I’m always a bit wary about drawing attention to myself, as it was firmly in the category of ‘not done’ in my childhood home, along with mustard and catsup, and ungrammatical speech, but, in fact, people give every appearance of wanting to celebrate along with me when I launch a new book, and it was no different this time. So now, like any good avian mother, I have my fingers crossed that A Lethal Lesson, book eight in the Lane Winslow series, cheered on by a slipper-shod crowd of well-wishers, will fly.
This year my book launch corresponds with having finished the essential writing of book nine, and having sent it off to my initial readers, and I now am officially ‘inter-bookum’. It’s a strange feeling. I find myself wandering around the house touching the surfaces of shelves and wondering what I used to do before I was a writer. I have heard that some writers feel sad and drained, but I don’t feel sad so much as perplexed. Did I used to clean these surfaces more than twice a year? Did I plan my weekly menus? No, surely not! I remind myself that I have never planned a menu in my life, but lurch toward each mealtime with the same surprise. What? Suppertime again? Will I have to pop out to the shops, or is there something in the freezer? Gosh, much to late for something in the freezer. Shops it is then.
I have been telling people I already have a sense of my next book, but now I wonder, my computer open, the curser blinking eagerly, if I was a bit too precipitous in saying this. I know that on Monday through Friday mornings I always write, but now I am trying to persuade myself to take a ‘few well-earned days off”. To do what? Clean shelves? Sort my wardrobe? I suddenly remember how much I used to enjoy that. But actually, looking at my open closet door from where I am sitting just now, the clothes look fine to me. A bit crammed in, to be sure, but if I close the door, I won’t even think about pruning out that weird grey and black vest from ten years ago.
It’s clear that if you organize your life around being a writer for long enough, you get to where you just don’t feel in tip top form unless you’ve thrown a few words on a page. I spoke to the wonderful writer Francine Mathews at a recent event, and she pointed out that you spend a whole year immersed in another world and time, so it’s not surprising you come blinking into the daylight, wondering what’s what.
It’s probably a balance…you do take a few well earned days off, but you don’t get too used to it, otherwise you might put off your next assignment. Right. I’ll give myself the weekend, and then it’s back to work. But just to be clear, I am not planning anything during my free time, but my weekly cocktail!
I started reading your books this winter on the recommendation of my sister who lives in Chatham, Ontario. I just finished #6. I am Canadian by birth, but have lived most of my adult life in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. So, you can imagine how I laughed when I read at the end of An Old, Cold Grave that Inspector Darling was named after Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia. (I happen to have a CD of one of the symphonies he composed.) Because FtheG sent Prussian troops to help the British colonies fight the French in the Seven Years War, many taverns in PA were named the King of Prussia. The one here, built in 1769, was still in business in the 1950s. The village at the crossroads where it stood took its name from the inn. It is now a thriving suburban community 10 miles from Philadelphia and home to one of the largest shopping malls in the world. I’m happy to hear there are more Lane Winslow stories to look forward to. Thank you.
When will the next book be published? I’m really hooked!!
Enjoying your books from Kelowna.
I stumbled onto “The Lane Winslow” series when reading a blog…if you like Maisie Dobbs, you’ll like Lane.
Love the series! Have read 1-7 since May 20th, surfacing only for eating or to finally turn out the light, doing away with dusting, vacuuming etc.
Thank you. I just discovered there’s a book 8 I need to find now! Please keep us up to date with the activities of Lane and the inspector, and now if seems with Amsey and Tina!
I just “binge read” all the Lane Winslow books. I’m hoping for more!
my husband & I eagerly await book #9. What a great series! We have frequented the Nelson area for hiking & skiing so the descriptions of how it might have been 70 years ago is fascinating.
Just finished #8. Eagerly looking forward to the next book!
Well, I have read book one and book eight. I am really enjoying your books. I live in Texas but I visited Nelson , BC in the mid 80’s crossing the lake on the ferry and then returning via Salmo Pass. It is a pretty area. I have requested some of books between 1 and 8 so they will be coming around before too long. Thank you for writing without the addition of vulgar language. Looking forward to the next book.
Hello
I have read all 8 books of the Lane Winslow series. I have given some to my friends and they are as hooked on them as I. When will book 9 come out? We can hardly wait! You have such an amazing talent! My girlfriend just finished book 8 and sent me the following: Just finished #8. She needs to write at least 2 more books. Maybe about Dave Bertolli’s history, Maybe Ames & Tina walk down the aisle and maybe a baby for Lane & hubby.
We are all looking forward to your next book!
Stay safe and be well!
I really love to hear what it is that people are curious about. It often helps to direct how I think about my characters. Thank you for this kind note, Eraina, and for being such a big fan! look for the next book in April!
I have just finished It Begins In Betrayal, after having read the previous books leading up to it. What an excellent book! I am already looking forward to the next one (in order, of course!) Thank you for this series of books and for introducing us to Lane and Darling, as well as all the other great characters. I know that part of B.C. well (although I live in Toronto) and you have captured it perfectly.
Marvelous series! I’m one of your newest fans! I love Maisie, so of course I love Lane. But hey, what happened to Aptekar walking Lane down the aisle and not appearing at the wedding?! Hope he’s still alive! On to Book 7. . .
Easter month blessings,
Millie Samuelson
Rapid City SD