Let me add my best wishes, as well, on recovering from that back pain. And, let me add my congratulations on the reception of your book of poetry! And I love that you are continuing with the Combs/Watson series. Good for you for finding a way to work with The Valley of Fear! I'm excited to see what you arrive at.
I've been meaning to mention this for a few months now: I did read the second in P.D. James's Adam Dalgleish series. Unlike the first book, the second had me riveted from the first sentence. The characters and storyline were rich and totally engrossing. I will be reading more.
It was after that that I finally obtained the book on writing you, Sandra, recommended. I apologize: I've got the title and author's name in my notes ... somewhere ... but of course can't find the info. It was an interesting, worthwhile read, thanks! Right now, I'm rereading Richard Lederer's A Man of My Words. A highly developed linguist, Lederer manages to be both informative and funny. What a treat, being guided on a tour of the language we speak (more or less accurately and well) every day by someone who truly gets it.
As for writing, I've been focused on a possible article about a French 1976 film, SERAIL (aka SURREAL ESTATE, the funniest pun ever, btw). Among the film critics who've reviewed this flick (the vast majority amateur critics, including some highly insightful people), it surprised me that none of them seem to understand what the title of the film means. Those who mention it think it's French for "surreal," but au contraire! It's French for "seraglio," aka "harem," and therein lies the tale .... It is accepted that the film is (like CELINE AND JULIE GO BOATING, the predecessor to and you could say the parent of SERAIL) is heavily influenced by Lewis Carroll's ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, Scheherazade's Arabian Nights tales, and certain works of Henry James's (THE OTHER HOUSE, book and play, for CJGB and I "The Aspern Papers," "The Romance of Certain Old Clothes," and possibly other HJ works).
Sorry for running on. It's just very much on my mind.
Anyway, Sandra, do feel batter, and do keep posting what you're up to.
Sarah, what a wonderful post. Thank you for the well wishes and kudos. Thank you for the book recommendations (and reports), and for mentioning that interesting sounding film. Do you speak French?
I hope you feel better soon. Your book sounds interesting. I like mysteries. I’m reading Bluebird Bluebird now which is a mystery by Attica Locke. It also is in the present day. In addition to writing my weekly pockets which are so fun, I’m working on a memoir about our experience fostering and the gifts that are created through the willingness to have our heart broken. I need to start engaging with my book daily - I think I’ll make that an August goal- it feels a little bit like a grudge right now.
I understand about it feeling like a grudge. ha. And I know for me that interacting with my work in progress every day keeps it moving forward. Bird by bird, eh?
You're most welcome, and nope, I do not speak French. It's a blessing that the two films I mentioned come with subtitles.
Let me add my best wishes, as well, on recovering from that back pain. And, let me add my congratulations on the reception of your book of poetry! And I love that you are continuing with the Combs/Watson series. Good for you for finding a way to work with The Valley of Fear! I'm excited to see what you arrive at.
I've been meaning to mention this for a few months now: I did read the second in P.D. James's Adam Dalgleish series. Unlike the first book, the second had me riveted from the first sentence. The characters and storyline were rich and totally engrossing. I will be reading more.
It was after that that I finally obtained the book on writing you, Sandra, recommended. I apologize: I've got the title and author's name in my notes ... somewhere ... but of course can't find the info. It was an interesting, worthwhile read, thanks! Right now, I'm rereading Richard Lederer's A Man of My Words. A highly developed linguist, Lederer manages to be both informative and funny. What a treat, being guided on a tour of the language we speak (more or less accurately and well) every day by someone who truly gets it.
As for writing, I've been focused on a possible article about a French 1976 film, SERAIL (aka SURREAL ESTATE, the funniest pun ever, btw). Among the film critics who've reviewed this flick (the vast majority amateur critics, including some highly insightful people), it surprised me that none of them seem to understand what the title of the film means. Those who mention it think it's French for "surreal," but au contraire! It's French for "seraglio," aka "harem," and therein lies the tale .... It is accepted that the film is (like CELINE AND JULIE GO BOATING, the predecessor to and you could say the parent of SERAIL) is heavily influenced by Lewis Carroll's ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, Scheherazade's Arabian Nights tales, and certain works of Henry James's (THE OTHER HOUSE, book and play, for CJGB and I "The Aspern Papers," "The Romance of Certain Old Clothes," and possibly other HJ works).
Sorry for running on. It's just very much on my mind.
Anyway, Sandra, do feel batter, and do keep posting what you're up to.
Best wishes to all!
Sarah, what a wonderful post. Thank you for the well wishes and kudos. Thank you for the book recommendations (and reports), and for mentioning that interesting sounding film. Do you speak French?
I hope you feel better soon. Your book sounds interesting. I like mysteries. I’m reading Bluebird Bluebird now which is a mystery by Attica Locke. It also is in the present day. In addition to writing my weekly pockets which are so fun, I’m working on a memoir about our experience fostering and the gifts that are created through the willingness to have our heart broken. I need to start engaging with my book daily - I think I’ll make that an August goal- it feels a little bit like a grudge right now.
I understand about it feeling like a grudge. ha. And I know for me that interacting with my work in progress every day keeps it moving forward. Bird by bird, eh?
So sorry to hear about your back. We creak a little ...