Just got back from Rio Hondo. Got some super-helpful critiques on a novel. Awesome group to work with!

Historical 5+/5

This novel is based on a pastiche of actual historical events, but particularly on the life of Edith Hahn Beer, who survived being a Jewish woman during World War II partially by marrying a Nazi party member who loved her and kept her secret. This story is gripping from beginning to end, and also casts a new light on life on the other side of the Allied/Axis line, which we don’t often get from stories by Western authors.

I’m at Rio Hondo! Crossing the border was no problem, flights were smooth, and I have all the stories downloaded for critique this week. I’ve read 5 so far, and we critique 2 tomorrow starting at 11AM. I’ve only done Rio Hondo once before, but this is an excellent place to learn tons and up my game.

Literary 3+/5

Del is a young girl who grows up to young adulthood in a small town and observes events surrounding the many familiar people in her life. Well written, but slow paced—in other words, I can admire the work, but it’s not my genre.

I finished my editing contract last week, all except for a final Zoom call with the client to go over any questions she has. On Saturday I’m heading to Rio Hondo, a 1-week writers’ critiquing session in Truchas, New Mexico, with a few of my American writing friends, as well as an opportunity to meet some SFF writers I haven’t worked with before. VERY much looking forward to it!