Didn’t get the next grant application in, but DID get a lot done on the book I’m editing.
Book Review: Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Horror 5-/5
Worried for her cousin’s safety—or mental health—Noemi travels to the decaying mansion to convince the new husband to let her return with Noemi to Mexico City; but of course, no one can ever leave High Place. Noemi is a beautifully flawed and naïve protagonist facing obstacles and antagonists on every front. Yet she has strength and resilience, too—and smarts. Couldn’t put this one down.
Editing and Grant Applications
Worked on my second editorial contract for 2023, and this one is another beautiful book. I also read Into the Woods, by John Yorke, and found it excellent–it’s on the 5-act structure. And, I submitted a second grant application (out of 4). Another one to submit this week.
Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine
Literary 5/5
Eleanor is certain the local pop star is going to marry her—even though they have not yet met—so certain, she fails to recognize the true affection of one of her co-workers. This novel was funny and sad and worked a magical slow reveal of the forces shaping Eleanor’s life that made the book impossible to put down.
Edits, Research and Noodling
Got the client’s novel done and the editorial comments sent; did a chapter on a co-authored book (the one on courage) and started edits for a new client.
I’ve been researching ideas for my historical fantasy (the one set in Lyon) and found out: Klaus Barbie sent 44 orphans to Auschwitz in about 1943-44, the time frame of my book. The McGuffin is a missing child, so I can see a clock there. I ordered a couple of books from the library on Barbie (he also had a fascinating post-war career working for the CIA, though that’s irrelevant for me), but I will probably buy one as well–one needs to know the villains intimately.
Also, I realized that the hidden villain from Book 1 was shot…but he doesn’t have to die. He was a psychiatrist doing medical experiments who wanted to work for the Nazis because of fewer restrictions–and he knows some of the info on my protagonists, so could be a mechanism by which I draw them into the plot. Noodling is so much fun!