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!
Book Review: The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfus
Fantasy 5-/5
Kvothe is separated from his family as a child by the feared, mythical Chandrian, and must make his way through a harsh world, seeking revenge. This is a book you read for style—every sentence is beautifully written and compelling, and each drew me deeper into the story. Ultimately, though, it was unsatisfying: it is a Book 1 (and I hate books that draw you in for no payoff at the end), and on reflection, it is a long, wandering plot that ultimately gains no sense of momentum. Highly recommended, but don’t expect much at the end.
Interviewing a Historian in Lyon?
Spent the week editing a novel for a client–close to finishing (should be done in the next couple of days). Also, my correspondence with the Centre D’histoire De La Résistance Et De La Deportation, resulted in an invitation to speak to the chief historian there as part of researching my next book. And, she recommended another historian in Grenoble, which my husband and I also plan to visit during our trip. Finally, I’d exchanged contact info with a woman I met in November–who’s from Lyon–and she may be able to get me a translator. Let’s hope it all works out!