Sunday Fun—Meet Lily

Several weeks ago, while traveling to Susan Wiggs’ writing workshop in Vancouver, I met a delightful woman on the ferry. Her name is Lily, she’s a poet, and she’s turning 94 in a couple of weeks. Lily was on her way to a wedding at which she would be reading some of her poetry.

After a bit of writerly chat, she graciously agreed to pose for a photograph. Here she is, holding my business card and one of my bookmarks, which we both thought went rather well with her outfit.

I especially love her hat. I can’t remember everything that’s on it but there’s a charming little blue and green bird perched right on top. When I'm 94, I'm going to wear a hat exactly like that.

Lily invited me to visit her, so we exchanged contact information and now I’m looking forward to tea with a fellow writer.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

Today is my first day of school! Starting tonight, I’m taking an introductory Finnish class one evening a week. Why Finnish? My grandmother immigrated from Fnland and was so determined to learn to speak English, she didn’t teach her children or grandchildren to speak Finnish. She was one determined woman, and I loved and admired her for it, but I’ve always wished I’d had the chance to learn her first language. So after many years, today’s the first day of that journey.

Last Saturday I presented a workshop—The Hero’s Journey: Creating Characters Hollywood Style—to the Vancouver Island Chapter of Romance Writers of America. I used one of my favorite romantic comedies, Love Actually, as an example of how screenwriters use archetypes to create dynamic characters. I received lots of wonderful and positive feedback, which is always great, and as always when doing something like this, I learned a lot while putting the workshop together.

Can you believe we’re into autumn and it’s almost October? This weekend I’ll be taking part in the BC Women’s Show in Victoria, BC. Then I’m heading to the Emerald City Writers Conference in Seattle—October 9 to 11—and am so looking forward to connecting with a group of other writers. Busy days!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—My Amazing Critique Partners

Anita Birt recently held an elegant afternoon cocktail party to launch the print edition of A Very Difficult Man. Here she is, captivating her friends and family with a reading.


Congratulations, Anita! Thank you so much including me in your special day.

Jo Beverley is on the New York Times Bestseller List with her current release, The Secret Wedding. Bravo, Jo!

Shereen Vedam won 2nd place in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence Ccontest. Beth and the Beaumont Murder is a paranormal historical regency. WTG, Shereen!

I told you they were amazing! And then there's me, basking in everyone's glory!

Until next time,
Lee