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We all deal with grief in our own way. For some, the thought of living life without their loved one can be debilitating, especially when it is the loss of a spouse. Others choose to celebrate the passing of a life by remembering the person in a special way. Unfortunately, it is a difficult time no matter what the circumstances. We all know that one day we will die. If only we had more time.

This month's Jen's Jewels Ellen Block tackles this very topic in her latest release, THE LANGUAGE OF SAND. It's the story of a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her husband. Hoping to reconnect with him by revisiting his past, she chooses to relocate to the island where he spent his summer vacations. A poignant novel which gently reminds us of the importance of letting go in order to move forward, THE LANGUAGE OF SAND is a must-read.

As part of this interview, Bantam Books has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: Your latest endeavor, THE LANGUAGE OF SAND, is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of your writing career. Best known as Brett Ellen Block, you have penned THE GRAVE OF GOD'S DAUGHTER, THE LIGHTNING RULE, as well as a book of short stories titled DESTINATION KNOWN. So that my readers have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.
Ellen: I should start by admitting that I never wanted a "real" job, nothing corporate, no cubical, no staff meetings, none of that. Fortunately, I discovered that I had a knack for fiction after I broke my foot during my sophomore year at the University of Michigan. I was stuck on crutches and the only class I could actually get to was Creative Writing. So I consider the break to be my break. Looking back, it was definitely "happy accident."
I was accepted into the Iowa Writers' Workshop right out of college then went directly into another writing program in the UK afterward. Up until that point, my plan to buck any proper form of employment was working out just fine.
Once I was done with my second Master's Degree, I finished a collection of stories, which was awarded the Drue Heinz Prize for Short Fiction. From there, I started work on my first novel. The rest is history, which is conveniently charted by year on Amazon.com and sometimes even I have to log on to see when the books I've written came out!
I wish I could say this whole not-having-a-traditional-profession thing was part of a grand scheme I'd hatched from the very beginning, but it was a lot of luck and hard work as well as a desire to write the best fiction I could. I still don't think of myself as having a "real" job, even though being an author is very much a genuine occupation. Maybe that's why I continue to enjoy it so much!

Jen: An obvious question, but one I must ask, why the subtle name change for your latest release?
Ellen: I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to friends and relatives that I'm not off my rocker. In light of all the odd and unnerving things I've penned in past books, they had their doubts. When you write darker material, people tend to think you're, well, dark. Anybody who knows me is well aware that couldn't be further from the truth, so writing a novel with a lead that was much more like me - a quirky intellectual - felt right as my next move.
Since the novel was a stylistic departure from my previous works and is geared specifically toward women, I thought this would be a great opportunity to express a different side of my writing personality. Bidding adieu to the masculine sounding "Brett" and embracing the more feminine "Ellen" was akin to getting into character for the new book and I believe it helped the process.

Jen: THE LANGUAGE OF SAND reminds me of Jan Karon's Mitford series in the sense that it has a delightful set of characters about whom I want to know more. First of all, how did you arrive at the premise?
Ellen: This is a terrible answer - I don't actually recall how the exact premise came to me. Shameful for an author to say, I know.
The first thing I remember about the process was a desire to have a lighthouse figure prominently in the story, that and the need to build a world around it in a way that would be intriguing yet have a sense of homecoming.
Perhaps I watched too many episodes of "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" as a kid, but I always thought of lighthouses as refuges, literal and metaphorical beacons for anybody who was lost. Seeing as our heroine, Abigail Harker, arrives on Chapel Isle very much a lost soul, having her live in a lighthouse was ideal.
The locale that sprang up around the lighthouse as well as the characters that inhabit the island is a patchwork of different places I've visited and people I know. Of course, all my friends are eager to claim which characters are based on them, but I'll never tell!

Jen: As I began reading the novel, I was struck by the similarities of the story's setting to Ocracoke Island, NC where I have visited. Of course, I was tickled pink when I later learned that indeed Ocracoke was your inspiration. Please share with us your ties with the island and why you chose to incorporate its charm into your fictional locale of Chapel Isle.
Ellen: I spent a few summers on Ocracoke Island when I was kid and those memories remained surprisingly vivid to me for years afterward, as if to insist they be woven into a story. Young as I was at the time, I didn't have much direct interaction with the natives, so the fictional characters aren't based on particular individuals who live there, something I'm sure the locals will be happy to hear.
What stuck with me about Ocracoke were mental snapshots of collecting shells at the beach, playing Bingo, the ferry ride over, the smell of the bay, the swaying movement of tall marsh grass - sight and senses that took on a life of their own in my head. That collage became Chapel Isle, my tribute to an unforgettable island that filled the mind of a girl with dreams that ultimately became something greater than the sum of their parts.

Jen: Your main character is a grieving widow named Abigail Harker who has a very unusual job, a lexicographer. What led you to select that as Abby's professional? And for those readers not familiar with the profession, please gives us a brief job description.
Ellen: First, the definition…a lexicographer is a writer, complier or editor of a dictionary. It takes a detail-oriented, methodical, and dedicated person to do the job, which is not wholly dissimilar from being an author.
As for my interest in the profession, that's down to my mom, who would always make me look up the definitions to words I didn't know. That got me interested in more esoteric words. Why refer to something as "nice" when you could describe it with far more precision and flair?
Abigail thinks that using the perfect word to describe a certain situation is like having the right tool for the job. It makes life easier for her to handle. Since my responsibility is to tell a story using the right characters, setting and plot for the job, I suppose Abigail and I are coming from a common place.

Jen: Tacking onto that last question, each chapter begins with a dictionary definition of an unfamiliar (at least for me!) word. How did you go about selecting these words? And, what connection, if any, do they have with the story itself?
Ellen: Ah the definitions, they took some doing. I fell in love with a website called www.phrontistery.info. It's packed with more wild and wacky words than you can imagine.
I'll be honest and say I wasn't familiar with most of the ones that wound up in the book. I opted for unique, obscure words in the hope that readers would want to know not only what they meant but also how they related to each segment of the novel.
Every word chosen hints at what is to come in the chapter, either thematically or emotionally. Like those Word-A-Day calendars my teachers always had on their desks, I figured this would be a fun way to introduce readers to new words they could impress their friends with!

Jen: Ghosts play a key role in this book. Do you believe in them? And, how does the ghost's presence in the lighthouse help Abby move forward as she finally leaves behind the ghosts from her past?
Ellen: I do believe in ghosts! I watch all the television programs about them too. Fascinating stuff.
Ghosts also happen to be the ideal metaphor for what Abigail experiences throughout the course of the novel. Haunted by her past, she's a ghost of her former self when she comes to Chapel Isle. The notion that the lighthouse might be as haunted as she is mirrors Abigail's experience and ultimately shows her that she is indeed still alive, forcing her to confront what that means for her and to her future.

Jen: Throughout the book, we are introduced to many colorful characters which make the story an endearing tale. Let's talk about a couple of them. Merle Braithwaite and Abby are quite similar. He is the backbone of the community, and she was the backbone of her family. What does he see in Abby that makes him reach out to her?
Ellen: Merle, as well as many of the other natives, isn't one to trust a stranger easily, but given his own troubled past, he sees himself in Abigail. Likewise, Abigail is having trouble relying on herself and her own senses - is the ghost legit or is she losing her marbles? So she must take a leap of faith, which is what Merle does too when he entrusts her with his work responsibilities. Showing solidarity with Abigail is Merle's stamp of approval. If he accepts her, the rest of the island should as well. As with most things in life though, it's not quite that simple.

Jen: Let's switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. I love the Reading Group Guide included in the book! I am definitely going to make THE LANGUAGE OF SAND my next book club pick. Do you participate in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?
Ellen: I'm so glad you enjoyed THE LANGUAGE OF SAND! I'm absolutely available for author phone chats. They're a lot of fun. Readers simply have to contact me via my website or email (info@ellenblock.net) to set things up!

Jen: Do you have a website? If so, please take us on a brief tour.
Ellen: My website is www.ellenblock.net and it's a great destination for readers and groups that want more information about the book, past works and tidbits about me. I'm hoping to add a page dedicated to my readers' favorite weird and wonderful words soon.

Jen: I am most excited about the talk of a sequel. Would you be able to share with us an inside peek as to what may be on the horizon for Abby? And more importantly, when will it hit bookstores?
Ellen: I'm excited about the sequel as well! While I can't give too much away, I will say that Abigail gets to see an entirely different side of Chapel Isle come summer when hordes of tourists descend upon her private haven and turn not only her town, but her world, upside down.
We'll get to visit Abigail and all her island friends again some time in late 2011 or early 2012.

Jen: Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with my readers. I look forward to visiting again with my favorite friends on Chapel Isle in the near future! Best of the luck with the book!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Ellen Block. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of THE LANGUAGE OF SAND today. Better yet, how would you like to win one?

Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you'll win!

What is the name of the main character in THE LANGUAGE OF SAND?

Next month, I will be bringing to you my interview with debut novelist Aidan Donnelly Rowley. You won't want to miss it.

Until next time…

Jen

I can only imagine what it's like being a single parent. Trying to work full-time while coordinating the children's school and extra-curricular activities would be a Herculean task to say the least. Unfortunately, many women find themselves in this role due to the unexpected death of a spouse. No matter what the circumstances, it is a role no woman (or man) ever wants to play.

This month's Jen's Jewels Gil McNeil tackles that very question in her latest release, NEEDLES AND PEARLS. The sequel to her highly popular book, THE BEACH STREET KNITTING SOCIETY AND YARN CLUB, she picks up a year after the death of Jo Mackenzie's husband as Jo struggles to adjust to her new life raising two sons all alone. With Gil's British wit and sensational storyline, she welcomes the reader into the zany lives of a hilarious cast of unforgettable characters. As a side note, you don't have to read the first book to enjoy the sequel. Although, it is a great read!

As part of this interview, Hyperion Books has generously donated 5 copies for you, my lucky readers, to try to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: As a British author, your audience across the pond in the U.S. may not be as familiar with your work as your fellow countrymen. So that we may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.
Gil: After University, where I studied History, I worked in an art gallery, film production and a literary agency before moving into publishing. After building up a range of publishing clients, I expanded my freelance work and moved into working with charities I'm currently Director of the children's charity PiggyBankKids.

Jen: At what juncture in your life did you decide to take the plunge and pursue a career in writing? And, what was the most challenging part of the process?
Gil: I've always written, or been involved with writing, so I was in the lucky position of having good friends in the publishing business who encouraged me to write my first novel, in 2001. The Only Boy for Me was such a joy to write I was keen to carry on, and happily so were my publishers Bloomsbury, so I wrote my second novel Stand by your Man, and then In the Wee Small Hours (which continues on from The Only Boy for Me) before I wrote my fourth and fifth novels DIVAS DON'T KNIT (published in the US as THE BEACH STREET KNITTING SOCIETY) and NEEDLES AND PEARLS.

I've also edited seven fundraising anthologies for the charity PiggyBankKids, which have been a real treat to work on since I've been able to include some of my favourite authors, who have all generously written stories for us to raise funds to support our work to improve children's lives, and support our groundbreaking research into pregnancy difficulties and help save newborn lives (www.piggybankkids.org)
The most challenging part of the process of the writing for me is finding the time - I carry around cards and notebooks and jot down snatches of conversation, ideas, and sometimes scribbles that I can't actually read when I get home...

Jen: Your latest endeavor is the sequel to THE BEACH STREET KNITTING SOCIETY AND YARN CLUB which received starred reviews. For my readers who are unfamiliar with this novel, please give us a brief overview of the premise.
Gil: Jo Mackenzie needs a new start. Newly widowed with two young sons and a perilous bank balance she has leave London to take over her grandmother's wool shop in a small seaside town. They arrive in the pouring rain, but with a shop full of dusty wool in horrible colours, two lively sons, an A list actress moving into the local mansion, Trevor the loony Wonder Dog, and a knitting group addicted to cake it's not going to be easy.

Jen: In NEEDLES AND PEARLS, the story picks up one year after the tragic death of Jo's husband. Having relocated to a quiet, small-town, Jo is now a single parent, manager of a yarn shop, and a young widow trying to make peace with the circumstances surrounding her husband's demise. Which one of the three is the most difficult for her to fulfill and why?
Gil: Like most of us, Jo struggles with combining everything - doing her best by her boys and her business, and still trying to find time for herself somewhere in the middle of all the chaos. But I think she'd say the most important thing for her, by a million miles, are her children.

Jen: The story centers around Jo's grandmother's yarn shop. A question I just have to ask, is knitting a passion of yours? If so, what is your favorite type of project and yarn?
Gil: Yes, all the women in my family knit. My grandmother was a champion knitter, and knew a whole range of patterns off by heart. She had a tough life, with six children and very little money, so she'd unpick a sweater belonging to one of her older kids, wash the wool and reknit it for one of the little ones. By the time she was knitting for her grandchildren things were easier, and she'd spend ages with my knitting for my dolls. We'd all sit knitting by the fire, with my mum and my aunts swapping patterns and working out complicated stitches and I'd sit cross legged on the floor and they'd forget I was there, so I got to hear all sorts of family gossip usually reserved for child-free moments. It was fabulous.

Jen: Jo's relationship with her grandmother is one of true admiration and respect. However, the one with her mother is not. What has caused the rift between mother and daughter? Who, if anyone, is to blame?
Gil: I think mothers and daughters can be tricky, and in the past I've written about mothers who are wonderful (a bit like my mum) so I wanted to have some fun writing a mum who is selfish and hopeless. Jo's mother is searching for an artistic life where she feels central, and finds her children's lack of enthusiasm for taking part in her Me Me Me dramas annoying. And after years being dragged round art galleries with their mother in unusual floaty outfits they just find her exasperating. I think there is a definite stage where however you much you want to wear kaftans and beads, or very short skirts and high heels, your children just want you to blend into the background, keep quiet, and make lovely suppers... One of the nicest things about being a mum is perfecting the art of hovering in the background. I'm rather partial to a bit of hovering, I find it can be quite relaxing, as long as you mix in the occasional shocking moment, just to remind small people you have not actually morphed into a household appliance ...

Jen: Every woman needs loyal girlfriends to help her get through the good as well as the bad times. Jo is no exception. Let's start with her best friend, Ellen. As a famous
Newscaster, the world is her oyster yet she is quite envious of Jo's simplistic lifestyle. In what ways do these two women compliment each other?
Gil: Like all good girlfriends they trust each other implicitly. They can be honest, know each others strengths and weaknesses, and will stick up for each other when times get tough. They also share the same sense of humour - a vital ingredient in any good friendship.

Jen: Unbeknownst to Jo, her movie star friend, Grace, plays a significant role in her life. In what ways does Grace's exuberant wealth serve as a subtle reminder for Jo of the importance of accepting people for who they truly are rather than judging them on appearances only? Why does Grace include Jo within her inner circle?
Gil: Jo is dazzled by Grace, and also touched by how vulnerable she is, despite all her wealth and power, especially when she is pregnant and feeling nervous. She also understands, from her background working in television news, how important it is not be grabbing at people, not to ask questions and turn yourself into yet another person who wants something, a snippet of gossip to trade at a dinner party, or even sell to a newspaper...And Grace recognises this. And with Jo as her knitting coach she can find some calm and relaxation, and feel like a proper mum, knitting for her baby, instead of a movie star always in performance mode. When I was doing some of the research for the novel I was interested to see how many actresses are knitting on set - from Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz to Sarah Jessica Parker and Madonna - and having spent a fair amount of time on film sets, which sound exciting but actually involve huge amounts of time hanging around while nothing much happens, I could see how something calm and repetitive like knitting would be a great antidote to nerves and drama.

Jen: Elsie, Jo's co-worker at the shop, is a peculiar lady who just can't seem to make up her mind about Jo. On one hand, she disapproves of Jo's choices in life; however, she has a special fondness for her as well. Why does Jo choose to accept her gruffness rather than confronting her?
Gil: Elsie has a heart of gold, but she keep sit well hidden, and Jo knows that a few packets of biscuits and a cheery manner are the best way to get her on side in the shop.

Jen: A question I just have to ask, will there be a sequel? (I hope so!) And if yes, what can you share with us?
Gil: I'll have to talk to my publishers about that - I'm not working on anything at the moment, but I do have lots of ideas on what might happen next, so maybe...

Jen: Do you have a website? Do you have any patterns or knitting materials available for readers?
Gil: I've put some patterns on the McKnits website - www.mcknits.co.uk - so that readers can see examples of the things Jo talks about in the book.

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time of your busy schedule to stop by and chat with my readers. I truly enjoyed NEEDLES AND PEARLS. Best of luck with your book tour!
Gil: Thank you for asking such great questions. It has been such a treat getting so many letters from readers in the US telling me how much they loved the first book; one woman told me she laughed so much people started giving her odd looks on the train. So if you see anyone giggling on a train, it might just be my fault...I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Gil McNeil. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of NEEDLES AND PEARLS today. Better yet, how would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question.

Where can you find samples of knitting patterns mentioned in NEEDLES AND PEARLS?

Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Ellen Block, author THE LANGUAGE OF SAND. You won't want to miss it.

Until next time...

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

Have you ever wondered what your parents were like as a newly married couple before they had kids? Sure, we've all seen the photographs from their pre-parenthood days and have heard the story of how they met, but that doesn't really tell us anything. Was theirs a whirlwind romance that would make you swoon? Or, was it filled with tumultuous times that tested the strength of their love?


This month's Jen's Jewels Holly LeCraw explores a sister and brother's intense struggle to come to terms with the haunting revelations from their parents' past in her debut novel, THE SWIMMING POOL. Splashing on the scene with her expertly written book of dives and dips and twists and turns, this psychological tale will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning. Mark my words...Holly LeCraw is the new IT girl in the publishing world!



As part of this interview, Doubleday, a division of Random House, has generously donated 5 copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.


Jen: As a debut novelist, the story behind the path that led to publication can be just as fascinating as the novel itself. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.

Holly:I don't know about fascinating....the path has consisted of working hard, alone, in little rooms, for a long time. Also, battling myself for a long time--that is, learning how to get out of my own way, and to trust the results.

I have a degree in English from Duke and a master's in English from Tufts--an M.A., not an MFA. My original intent was to get a Ph.D. and go into academia, but I realized that was the wrong place for me. I did go to writing workshops at Bennington (back when it was a summer program), the Sewanee Writers' Conference, and a few other places.

When I first got out of school, I worked briefly in publishing, but once I realized I wanted to write, I started waitressing and temping and things like that. In retrospect I'm not sure that was the best route, but at the time I couldn't envision putting my creative energies into both a job and writing. Then I started having kids and became a stay-at-home mom, and fit writing in wherever I could.

Jen: Describe for us your "Ah! Ha!" moment when the decision to pursue a career in writing became a reality.

Holly:For a long time I didn't think of it as a career--because "career" connotes "money," which I definitely was not making from writing. And, also, a sense of legitimacy that took a long time for me to feel. But one answer to your question is that there were a series of moments when I proved to myself, over and over again, that I was miserable if I wasn't writing. I thought that in order to be a grownup you had to work in an office and wear high heels and be otherwise respectable, but whenever I tried to be that person I failed miserably, so I finally threw in the towel.

The first true artistic "ah-ha" moment I had was when I was writing a story called "August," about seven or eight years ago. This was after I had spent years writing a not-very-good novel, and had finally put it aside. I had three little children and not much time; I was pretty discouraged. But I had started this story, and I guess because I figured I had nothing to lose, I was being freer about it--I didn't know where it was going at all. I had some images in my head, and I was just swimming from one to the next.

One afternoon I was working and realized I just had a few minutes before I had to leave to pick up kids. Normally I would have stopped, but I decided to press on, what the hell--and then, all the sudden, I had finished the story. I hadn't even known I was near the end. And the end was a complete surprise to me; but it was perfect. That was the first time that I really got out of my own way--that I had not tried to control every word before it came out.

That story was nominated for a Pushcart, and led to some wonderful things. And I remember that moment, sitting at my desk, looking at those words I had just written, going, "Oh. So that's how it works."

Jen: Your debut novel entitled THE SWIMMING POOL has made a definite splash in the publishing world. An intricate storyline layered with emotionally charged characters makes this book a must-read. I could not put it down. Bravo! How did you arrive at the premise?

Holly:It started with Jed and Callie, the brother and sister. I knew their mother had died, and they didn't know who had killed her. I thought it was a short story. And then my husband took the kids away for a weekend, and in that lovely quiet the basic outline of the book appeared. The key was Marcella; she was a very small, ancillary character for about three minutes, and then I realized she was major.

Jen: As I mentioned, your book is a story within a story. Let's start by dissecting its parts. Betsy and Cecil McClatchey have a typical country club marriage. From the outside, it looks as if they lead an idyllic life. Yet, one day Cecil dares to cross the line and has an affair. What is the catalyst that leads him towards the path of self-destruction?

Holly:I don't want to say it's a garden-variety midlife crisis--although maybe it is. Actually, I think midlife crises aren't garden-variety all the time. I think they can be profound existential crises. You're confronting the idea of mortality and realizing it might be too late to reinvent yourself, and realizing all the decisions you made that you didn't even realize were decisions at the time. Some people panic and throw everything away. I've seen it. I don't want to play to stereotypes, but it seems like men panic much more easily.

I have to confess that I have the least sympathy for Cecil of any of my characters. I had to work hard to understand him--because Marcella falls in love with him, and I had to respect that, and respect him. People have affairs all the time, and usually they're not evil people. But a betrayal like that, especially in what is a good, solid marriage, is just incomprehensible to me personally. So I had to work very hard to try and figure it out. I think Cecil just decided he hadn't taken enough risks. He had always played by the rules, and he began to wonder what would happen if he didn't. I think Betsy could also sometimes be rather closed; she is almost frighteningly self-sufficient. I think he was attracted to Marcella's vulnerability, because it was so different from Betsy, and made him feel useful, and powerful.

Jen: Why does Betsy choose not to confront Cecil even though she is well aware of his indiscretion?

Holly:Well, she's aware, in an intuitive way, but she doesn't have any concrete evidence. And it's really only right before the end of her life that she admits to herself that she knows. This just occurred to me, but I think she's like Elizabeth Edwards was for a long time (or the public perception of her, anyway)--she's just going to rise above, and hope this bad thing goes away. Betsy is a very orderly person; this is the ultimate disorder, and she is just not prepared to face it head on.

Jen: Within a blink of an eye, everything changes when Betsy is brutally murdered by an intruder in her own home. How does Cecil's decision to not expose his affair, even though it would prove his innocence, affect his relation with his daughter, Callie? And, with his son, Jed?

Holly:I think Cecil is so shattered he is not thinking clearly. He can't connect A to B. He assumes that his children will know he's innocent, and by the time he realizes that maybe that isn't the case, he feels powerless to do anything about it. His feelings for Marcella are completely eclipsed by what has happened to Betsy; he decided at the beginning not to tell anyone, because it seemed irrelevant to him and because it seemed like a betrayal of Betsy, and later he doesn't have the wherewithal to revisit that decision. He traps himself. And when he dies, he leaves Callie and Jed in the trap.

Jen: Years later, Callie and Jed are still suffering due to the circumstances surrounding both of their parents' deaths. (Cecil dies not long after Betsy's murder.) When Jed accidentally finds an old bathing suit hidden in their summer home, what makes him search out the owner? Or, is it simply a subconscious effort to bring the past back into the present?

Holly:The book takes place, as books do, when the characters are at a crisis point. Their parents died seven years ago, but the premature birth of Callie's daughter has pushed Callie to the brink. Jed senses this, and he is ready to join her there--ready to shake himself out of his emotional paralysis. The bathing suit reminds him of a time when he still felt life held endless possibility--and, incidentally, when he was attracted to someone, which he hasn't truly been in a long time.

Jen: Marcella is a troubled woman whose life has been a series of disappointing events that have stripped her of all semblance of self-worth. Quite simply, she is an empty shell yearning for love. When Jed shows up on her doorstep looking for answers, why does she choose to open Pandora's Box?

Holly:That is a very, very good question. Maybe a bit of a chicken and egg situation. The first answer is that they have a powerful sexual attraction from the beginning--but why? Honestly, it is something I didn't want to examine in too analytical a way when I was writing it. It holds a magic that I didn't want to parse away. Their relationship is taboo, definitely; it has quite an Oedipal tinge. Jed has lost his mother (who, however, was nothing at all like Marcella), and Marcella never had the son she longed for so desperately. She doesn't think of him as a son, but that suggestion is there.

But at the same time, they're equals. They're mourning the same person, the same situation, and they're both so broken. It's possible that each was the only one that could have brought the other forward.

I think Marcella also might initially give in to Jed partially out of guilt. She feels she has helped to wound him, and so wants to comfort him. Which she does. He hasn't been able to love anyone, really, since his parents died, until he reconnects with her.

Jen: When Marcella reveals the details of her relationship with Cecil, how does Jed's opinion of his dad change? Or, does it? Is he more sympathetic or critical of his father's imperfections?

Holly:I think Jed hasn't been able to mourn either of his parents fully, because of the ways he lost them--that's why he is so stuck. With his father, he has been stuck in rage. When Jed finds out about his father's affair, in an odd way it re-humanizes Cecil for him. Jed is disgusted and devastated, but his father also becomes less monolithic in his mind, and that is the beginning of being able to really see what he lost.

Jen: The wounded soul in this story is poor Callie. Unable to accept the fact that her parents are dead, she barely exists in a world that has shown her no mercy. How is her relationship with her husband Billy a direct correlation to the way in which she views the atrocities in her life?

Holly:That's a very interesting question. In some ways she has been much more functional than Jed since they lost their parents--she's gotten married, had children. I think though that her relationship with Billy is quite shallow--just as probably all her relationships are shallow at this point, except with Jed. She is a great one for soldiering on, like Betsy, and what happens during this book is that she finally cracks under the pressure. Being a trouper like that requires a lot of energy directed outward and not much inward, and that's not sustainable for Callie.

Jen: Without giving too much away, how does Marcella's new relationship with her ex-husband Anthony help her to reconnect with her daughter?

Holly:I don't think it's her relationship with Anthony so much as the fruits of her relationship with Jed--she begins to wake up, to be able to see other people, to feel some agency. She begins to dwell less on her losses and the things she never had, and to look instead at the things she does--namely, her daughter. She's also able to reconsider her relationship with her own mother, who died when she was about Toni's age, and which had never been very functional; and that helps her to see herself as a mother and to think more clearly about how she and Toni relate. It goes the other way too--as Marcella begins to thaw, their relationship becomes vital again, to each of them.

When I was writing the book, I was very conscious of the beauty of these people's lives. That might sound crazy, given all the tragedy and drama in the book. But their connections are profound, and they all begin to sense the wonder and depth of their love for each other, both the people they have lost and the people they still have. I hope that in the end readers feel it is a hopeful story.

Jen: I wish we could talk about the shocking ending, but we can't. Suffice it to say, my readers will not be disappointed. So, let's switch gears and discuss your promotional plans. First of all, do you have a website? If so, please take us on a brief tour.

Holly:I do have a website-- www.hollylecraw.com. All the info about the book's promotion is there, and more about me, and writing the book. And there are links to friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Jen: Are you planning a book tour? Also, will you be participating in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?

Holly:I am going on tour--I'll be in Atlanta (where I was born and raised); Seattle; Washington, DC; Nashville; Durham, NC; and Oxford and Jackson, MS. And I'll be at a bunch of stores here in New England and also on the Cape, where the book is mostly set.

I'd love to do phone chats and book group visits! You can reach me at holly@hollylecraw.com. The contact info is also on my website.

Jen: Are you currently at work on your next novel? If so, what can you tell us about it?

Holly:Right now it's called The Sweetness of Honey. It's a bit of a Cain-and-Abel story--there are two half-brothers, one middle-aged and one just out of college, and they are both teachers at a prep school in New England. They each fall in love with the wrong people--and, just to make things interesting, the same people.

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by and chat with my readers. What a powerful and well-written novel! I do believe this is only the beginning of a long, successful career. Best of luck!

Holly:Thank you so much. You asked wonderful questions. And I certainly hope you're right.

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Holly. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of THE SWIMMING POOL today. Better yet, would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first 5 readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you'll win! Good luck!

What is the working title of Holly's next book?

Next month, I will be brining to you my interview with Gil McNeil, author of NEEDLES AND PEARLS. You won't want to miss it.

Until next time...

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

April 1, 2010

The Internet can be a valuable resource. Whether researching a topic for school or keeping abreast of the latest political news, we always seem to be connected in one way or another. It's hard to remember what our lives were like before its conception! Nowadays, we even have Face Book and Twitter. The advances in technology are truly amazing.

Just as we have embraced this new movement comes the alarming reality of the dangers associated with these networking sites, especially for our youth. The number of predators lurking in cyberspace is disheartening. From prostitution rings to drug trafficking, the Internet has become a very nefarious place.

This month's Jen's Jewels Alafair Burke tackles this very controversial topic in her latest release, 212. The third installment of her highly popular The Ellie Hatchet Series, Alafair takes us through the streets of New York in search of a cyber killer. Fast-paced and brutally honest, she exposes the secret lives of women caught up in the Internet sex industry.

As part of this interview, Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: Without a doubt, the headlines are the spark that ignites your suspenseful stories that keep your readers on the edge of their seats. So that we may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.
Alafair: I'm a law professor at Hofstra Law School outside of New York City, where I teach criminal law and procedure. Prior to that, I was a prosecutor in Portland, Oregon and a law clerk to a federal appellate court judge. I graduated from Reed College and Stanford Law School.

Jen: I think it would be fair to say that your legal career gives you a leg up for writing in this genre since your experience lends credibility to your plot. At what juncture in your life did you decide that writing needed to be part of the equation? And, how do you manage to balance a law career with writing full-time?
Alafair: I came to writing as a reader. I'd always been an avid reader of the genre. After five years of working at the District Attorney's Office in Portland, I felt like I was ready to contribute. By then, I could imagine the kinds of settings, characters, and dialogue that would color a series set in the Portland prosecutor's office. I also had a plot, inspired by two actual cases that arose while I was in the office. That idea became my first novel, Judgment Calls.

As for the balance, I have to be diligent. I'm always working on something whether a book, or a law review article that no one will ever read, or teaching. It pretty much means I work a lot, but it's all stuff I love. I know I'm lucky.

Jen: Your latest release is the third book in your highly acclaimed The Ellie Hatcher Series. 212 is a riveting novel that delves into the clandestine world of the sex industry. For those readers unfamiliar with your books, please give us a brief overview of the series and its main characters.
Alafair: Ellie Hatcher is a detective in the NYPD, relatively new to homicide cases. Her father was a cop whose mysterious death plays a big part of her back story, but because she was raised in that atmosphere, she has good instincts about human motivations. She and her partner, JJ Rogan, are still finding their way, but they're a good team.

Ellie was raised in Wichita, but she's been in New York for over ten years after initially following her big brother, Jess, there. Jess is a terrific character, a struggling musician who crashes on her couch during frequent bouts of unemployment.

Jen: Ellie Hatcher is not your typical detective. Hard-nosed but sensitive, she runs the gamut with her emotions. Yet, with every step she takes, she inches closer to the killer. What is the driving force behind her desire to succeed?
Alafair: There's no question that Ellie is always looking for approval from her dead father. She also has an overriding desire for justice. She wants to do what's right, even when it puts her in peril.

Jen: Ellie's partner J.J. is a rough and tough kind of guy who definitely has a soft-spot for her. Like a protective older brother, he's got her back. What makes these two such formidable partners? And, are they truly equals in each other's eyes? Why or why not?
Alafair: JJ's got the experience, but he's careful not to use that against her. He started out partnering with her when other detectives were skeptical after Ellie's rapid movement in the department. I love the comfort they've managed to find in each other after a pretty short relationship. I've also been careful to steer clear of the usual romantic sparks. Their relationship is absolutely platonic.

Jen: The suspect in 212 is Sam Sparks. A Donald Trumpish kind of character who believes himself to be above the law, he irks Ellie from the get-go. If this character were Samantha Sparks, would Ellie have reacted in the same way? Why or why not?
Alafair: What a terrific question. It recognizes that women are often their harshest critics. In this case, however, I think Ellie would have reacted the same. Sparks gets under her skin not because he's a man, but because he's part of an extremely elite class that she knows does not accept her kind and that she'll never be a part of. I don't want to say too much, but Sparks turns out to be more than he appears.

Jen: Without giving too much away, the essence of the plot centers on some girls getting caught up in a prostitution ring via the Internet. I was shocked by my own sense of naiveté when it came to this topic. How are social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Craig's List a crucial part of the mainstreaming of the sex industry?
Alafair: What the book explores (in an entertaining way, I hope) is the mainstreaming of today's sex industry. Walking on corners has been replaced by ads in Craig's List, and ads on Craig's List don't seem so different to some young women from social networking sites. At the same time, the dating world has become courser, as many girls routinely “hook up� with free-spending guys on the assumption that there's no future, just an expensive night. As Eliot Spitzer's escort has since explained, she didn't see a big difference between hooking and what she and her friends had already been doing.

Jen: In terms of the storyline how does the role of technology help as well as hinder Ellie's investigation? With prepaid, disposable phones and unidentifiable IP addresses, how can today's law enforcement effectively protect our citizens? In your opinion, are they able to remain one step ahead of the criminals? Or, are they constantly just trying to keep up?
Alafair: Technology has become a part of the cat and mouse game between police and criminals. Johns no longer have to circle a high vice area in their car to pick up a prostitute; they can go online, making it much less likely they'll be stopped in advance. On the other hand, internet use leaves more of a fingerprint than people realize. If the trick goes wrong and police are looking for the person who hired the victim for the night, chances are they'll be able to track the person down through technology. That, in turn, causes more sophisticated criminals to hide their tracks, using public cyber cafes and downloading programs that block their identifying information. I find it all fascinating. So much has changed even since I was a prosecutor.

Jen: In 212, the character Katie Battle is a real estate agent who turns tricks at night to make ends meet. Nowadays, celebrity news magazines seem to glorify these types of women making their pursuits a desirable profession. How do you think this will affect future generations of young women? And, what can we do to stop it?
Alafair: Oh, if only I knew. As a writer, it's much easier to point out and fictionalize social ills than to fix them. I do think we have created a culture in which young women think it's normal to see Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears dance on stripper poles, for women to engage in girl-on-girl flirtations not because they want to but to titillate men, and even for them to sell their bodies for money if the price is right.

Jen: Of course, every leading lady must have a strong, sexy man to share her bed. Max Donovan is definitely hooked by Ellie's charms. Why then is she so reluctant to just let herself go and fall deep in love with this super guy?
Alafair: I try to leave that for the reader to figure out. It could be that Max just isn't the right guy. More likely, she's so used to being the one who has to take care of everyone that she's just not able to need another person. She's getting better, though. It's part of her journey.

Jen: What's next for Ellie now that she has closed this case? And, when can we expect to see it in bookstores? (I will be the first in line!)
Alafair: I'm working on a standalone right now, also set in New York City, but a little different for me. The main character's not in law enforcement. Then it's back to Ellie. I'm pretty much on a book-a-year schedule.

Jen: Let's switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Will you be going on a book tour?
Alafair: I'm already on the road! I launched in NYC last week, then went to Pittsburgh over the weekend and Houston today. This week I'll be doing a joint event with Harlan Coben in Phoenix, and then I'm off to Seattle and Portland. The full schedule is at www.alafairburke.com/events

Jen: Please take us on a brief tour of your website. Do you e-mail notification of upcoming releases? Do you give away signed bookplates?
Alafair: I have a newsletter than people can subscribe to on the website. I also have a blog that I update regularly with videos, interviews, announcements, and, yes, giveaways.

Jen: Do you participate in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?
Alafair: I have been experimenting with Ustream, which allows me to do live video chats. The first one was a great success. Sign up for my newsletter for notice of future chats.

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time out of your very busy schedule to stop by and chat with my readers. I absolutely loved 212. I look forward to seeing it at the top of the bestsellers lists! Best of luck!
Alafair: Thank you so much for including me in your interview series. I'm proud of 212, so really hope your readers will enjoy it.


I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Alafair. If you would like to read more, please check out my Reviews Page which contains a Browse Inside excerpt of 212. Also, please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy today. Better yet, would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you'll win!

Name the lead character in 212.

Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with debut novelist Holly LeCraw. You won't want to miss it.

Until next time...

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

Cooking has always been an interest of mine despite my lack of aptitude. Sure, I can whip up a tasty meal courtesy of my ever-reliable crock-pot. As far as I am concerned, being able to cook an entire meal in one pot is worth its weight in gold. However, when the task of grilling meat while simultaneously sautéing veggies with perhaps a side of you-name-it comes into play, that’s when I call in the reinforcements…my husband and sons!

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Lucie Snodgrass is always a welcomed guest in our home. A culinary expert in her own right, she has cleverly combined her passion for cooking with her love of our bountiful state in a delightful new cookbook, DISHING UP MARYLAND. From each of the four seasons, she shares with us some of the most scrumptious recipes indigenous to this area. From the novice cook to the professional chef, there is something here for everyone.

As part of this interview, Storey Publishing has generously donated five copies of DISHING UP MARYLAND for you, my faithful readers, to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure. Bon appétit!

Jen: Cookbooks such as yours are a special treat! Filled with delectable recipes and anecdotal tales, DISHING UP MARYLAND is a delightful adventure from the Alleghenies to the Chesapeake Bay. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.
Lucie: My background is in public policy, although I also have a Master’s degree in writing. My undergraduate education was a double major in English and Political Science from Vassar College. I also have a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University and a Master’s in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. I think it’s fair to say I’ve always done a lot of writing in my public policy jobs, and I’ve brought public policy to some of my writing. I’ve worked as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill for U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, I was in Legislative Affairs at the State Department during the Clinton administration, I spent years at a senior level in county government, and I went back to work for Senator Mikulski in 2009 as her State Director. In between that, I worked as a freelance writer for numerous magazines and newspapers and I co-authored a horticultural book with my husband, Ed.

Jen: Not only are you married to a horticulturist (Edmund Snodgrass), but also your background in agriculture stems from your love of nature and the environment. Quite naturally, your passions lead to the writing of this book. Describe for us the evolution of the project.
Lucie: Well, as you know, I married into an old farming family, so that in addition to gaining a wonderful husband and two terrific boys, I came to live on a farm. And I just fell in love with the farm community in our county and became a committed supporter of local farms. Both Ed and I are passionate about preserving his family’s land, but we’re equally dedicated to preserving the farmers who live on farm land. There’s a popular bumper sticker in our part of the state that says “No Farms, No Food,” and that about sums it up for me. Food doesn’t come from supermarkets, it comes from farms and farmers, and too many of us — especially children — have lost all connection with where our food originates. It’s why I agreed to co-chair my Governor’s Agriculture Transition Team and why I helped to bring about cookouts at the Governor’s mansion featuring Maryland foods, and why I was on the steering committee to start “Maryland Homegrown Lunch Week” in our public school system. This book grew out of my desire to help reestablish that relationship for people in Maryland and show them how many wonderful local food choices exist here — year round! And I also wanted to tell them that when they buy local oysters or watermelon or rockfish or strawberries or any of the other myriad foods that are grown or harvested in Maryland, that they’re supporting a family and a lifestyle that is part of the essence of our country. I also wanted to encourage people to eat seasonally, because that helps to support our local food producers, as well. When you eat a tree ripened peach that was picked that morning, it didn’t come from 1500 miles away, expending hundreds of gallons of fuel in the process. It probably came from less than ten miles from where you purchased it. But part of that equation is that you can only find local peaches from July to September in Maryland. I’m fine with that, partly because I can my own peaches and so have them for the whole year, but also because it makes the seasons meaningful to me and gives me the pleasure of anticipation. Sure, we all buy bananas and many other things that aren’t local or seasonal — I love them as much as everyone else does — but I consciously try to grow or buy as much local food as I can, cooking and eating what’s in season as much as I can. In the book, I try to show that there are lots of good things to eat in each season, but that it varies, so that you won’t find strawberry recipes in December, say.

Jen: At the forefront, how did you go about deciding on the format? How did you choose which farms to include? And, what was the most challenging aspect of organizing the writing process?
Lucie: Well, I knew that I wanted to organize the book seasonally, so that gave me the structure I wanted. I then made a list of the ingredients that I wanted to include in the book, starting with asparagus in spring and ending with cabbage and kale in winter, for example, and then adding in seasonal seafood like oysters and crabs, and then including local meats, cheeses, etc. Then I began thinking about farmers and watermen and chefs who might be good to include because of a crop they grew, or livestock they raised, or for their commitment to purveying local ingredients in the food they cook. The hardest part of the book, by far, was having to limit the number of farmers, watermen and other people I could include. I had so many wonderful choices from across the state that it was agonizing having to make cuts. I did try to feature a farm or a waterman or a chef from every part of Maryland, and I’m proud to say that I was able to do that, and I attempted to include a lot of diverse products — like maple syrup — that people wouldn’t necessarily associate with Maryland. Now, I’m sure someone will say that I didn’t do enough about their part of the state, and they’re right. That will give me the excuse to write “Dishing Up More of Maryland!”

Jen: Dividing the book into seasonal sections makes the cookbook very user friendly. With that being said, how much research was needed prior to each season in order to be prepared for its arrival? At any point in the creative process, did you feel time constraints due to the necessity to use seasonal ingredients?
Lucie: I wrote the book in a year, so I went through all the seasons as I was writing and cooking, which worked well. I began in the fall and finished in the late fall, although the book starts with spring. I did research as I went along, shopped at farmers markets around the state, and I relied on lots of tips from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and from others across the state who became interested in the project. The only real pressure I felt was when Edwin Remsberg, the talented photographer for the book, asked to do the crab feast shoot in February, for scheduling reasons. I cheated then and my sister in law and her husband, who own a seafood business, shipped up crabs from their plant in Texas and we bought Florida corn and cooked it and arranged the whole spread on newspaper, just like you would in the summer, and it turned out wonderfully. And I hate to admit it, but those Texas crabs were tasty, too, even if not as sweet as Maryland crabs!

Jen: Are the recipes your own? If not, from where did you collect them?
Lucie: The book has a mix of recipes. Many, probably half, are my own, while others come from farm families, from chefs, from watermen, etc. It’s a great mix of old and new, borrowed and blue (as in crabs!).

Jen: A question I just have to ask, did you actually prepare each recipe included in the book? If so, which was the most challenging and why?
Lucie: Yes! I did prepare just about every recipe in the book, often multiple times to get it right, with a very few exceptions, and those dishes were prepared by the chefs who created them. And truth to tell, I despise oysters, probably because I’m allergic to them, so I left the oyster dishes to others. Other than that, I cooked like a mad woman for months on end, and let me tell you I had the highest food bills you’ve ever seen, although I was so fortunate to get lots of meat and cheese and fruits and vegetables and seafood donated. And if you’re wondering who ate all of that food, it was my husband’s staff. His nursery business is on our farm and he has a business partner and a staff of six to nine, depending on the season. So I would spend the morning cooking and then carry the food across the lawn to the old dairy barn, where their offices are, and we’d all eat lunch together. It was such fun, because I made them critique the food as part of the bargain, and we shared a lot of laughs over the occasional failures. On the whole, they were one fat and happy crew of people, I can tell you that.

Jen: Let’s talk about a few of the people included in the narrative. I especially enjoyed learning about Michelle and Jimmy Hayden from Dorchester County. They are a part of a dying breed of watermen. No insurance and very long hours, their passion for the Chesapeake Bay keeps these two afloat. From your encounter, what sets these two individuals apart, and warranted their inclusion in your book? And, how has the economy affected their business?
Lucie: Well, many things set them apart: their young ages in that field, the fact that they worked together, their determination to stick with (most would say) a dying way of life, and their love for what they do. They work so hard and are beset by huge challenges, including a serious health condition that Michelle is now facing, and yet they don’t give up. There was both nobility and lunacy in what they’re doing, and I just couldn’t leave them out of the book. I spent one of the coldest mornings of my life dredging oysters, thinking they were crazy for doing it willingly every day, but there was such beauty in the gray winter sky and such a sense of freedom, being out there all alone. And there were so many others who touched me, too, like Leo Shinholt, who has been tapping maple trees for maple syrup for over half a century. He refuses to raise his prices to where average families can’t afford it — despite plenty of opportunities to make more money. I just loved him for that! Over and over, I found wonderful people who worked the water or the land because they loved doing it, regardless of how much or little they earned. And all of us are richer and eat better for knowing those people. The Haydens, like many other families, have been severely affected by the downturn, which is why Michelle makes and sells jewelry on the side and Jimmy works construction and odd jobs to keep food on the table. I want people to think about the choices they make when they buy their food and the impact their purchasing power has on local farmers and watermen.

Jen: Surprisingly, Maryland has 14 registered bison farms around the state. Who knew?! I certainly didn’t! On the menu at The Savage River Lodge, one can find this delectable meat. What makes this charming hide-a-way a favorite destination year after year?
Lucie: The Savage River Lodge is just a wonderfully romantic, relaxing, beautifully run lodge in Western Maryland, where, among other things you can cross country ski and tap your own maple syrup in winter. Jan and Mike, the owners, have decades of experience in the hospitality industry, and it’s apparent in everything at the lodge, from the wonderful food and roaring fireplaces to the beautiful cabins and the excellent wine list — including, let me say, some great Maryland wines. Plus, it has great hiking trails where the occasional bear and bobcat are spotted — again, don’t you just love everything that Maryland has to offer?

Jen: Our very own Broom’s Bloom Dairy in Harford County has the best homemade ice cream I have ever tasted! What makes Kate Dallam’s treat so sweet?
Lucie: Kate is one of the smartest, pluckiest women I know, and I think her ice cream tastes so good because she puts so much of herself into it. She buys local fruits when she can, so summer offers some especially delicious flavors for my taste, and she or one of her employees makes the ice cream fresh every day. It’s no wonder that there are long lines out the door year round. And Kate and her family just do everything right, from the fact that you can look over to the dairy barn while eating your ice cream, to the homey ice cream parlor and store that was built by her brother with local hardwoods, including a downed cherry tree from their farm, artifacts from Kate’s parents’ farm, including some old doors, and a chalkboard with the day’s flavors written on it. I’ve never met a person who went to Kate’s who didn’t think it was one of the most special places around. If she wanted to, she can franchise her business or open locations all over, but she doesn’t want to, because she knows that part of what is so special about Broom’s Bloom is that families get to come to a working farm that’s been in her husband’s family since the 1700s.

Jen: A fact my readers may not know is the abundance of wineries in our state. As you mention in the book, some of these vineyards are second and third career endeavors by their owners. In addition, their processes for grape production are unique. For example, Black Ankle Vineyards utilizes biodynamic principles. Please share with us its core principles and how this affects our environment.
Lucie: Biodynamic principles were developed by the Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner in the 1920s. They are rooted in organic farming, but they go beyond that, relying on the rhythms of the sun, moon and planets for planting; utilizing vegetable and animal waste and fermented herbal and mineral composts to boost the soil, and operating farms as self-nourishing and sustaining entities.

Jen: Crabs, crabs, crabs! I’d be doing a disservice to my readers if I didn’t mention our favorite crustaceans. For all those non-Marylanders out there, what is a soft-shell crab? And, what is the best kind of crab to use in crab cakes and why so?
Lucie: Soft shell crabs are those that have molted, which crabs will do 20 or more times in the course of their lives. Immediately after they have molted and before the next shell begins to harden, the crabs can essentially be eaten whole. I will say that many non-Marylanders are totally revolted by soft shell crabs, which are most often prepared by dredging them lightly in flour and frying them. To that, Marylanders simply say, “More for me, thank you!” It’s our version of haggis; you may have to grow up eating them to love them. As for crab cakes, you want to use either jumbo lump or backfin crab meat, because you’ll get nice chunks of crab meat and don’t have a lot of cartilage and shell to deal with. Claw and “special” crab meat is used for other crab dishes, like soups and appetizers.

Jen: As the ink dried on the very last page, how did you feel as your beloved project finally came to an end?
Lucie: It was bittersweet, of course. I loved writing the book and in one way didn’t want that experience to end. I’m an introvert, so writing the book gave me a legitimate excuse to poke my nose into other people’s lives, which I’m usually too shy to do, so I adored that. Plus, I love learning new things, so the process was wonderful. But I’m really a results oriented person, and so I’m delighted to finally see the book come out, and more than anything, I’m excited to have the spotlight shining on our farmers and watermen.

Jen: What’s next for you? Will you undertake another grand project? Or, is it simply time to savor the sweetness Maryland has to offer?
Lucie: As you know, I’m always on to something new. My fulltime job as State Director for a U.S. Senator keeps me very busy, but I also have a huge garden, which I’m gearing up for, and I’m sure I’ll start on another writing project soon — maybe a novel this time — like my dear friend Jen Vido!

Jen: Thank you, friend, for taking time out of your very busy schedule to share our bountiful state of Maryland with my readers. I look forward to trying my hand at some of these tempting recipes. As the French would say…bon appétit!
Lucie: It’s been a joy doing this, Jen. Thank you! And remember, eat locally!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Lucie. Whether you live in Maryland or as far away as Washington State, this cookbook is a must have. As an added bonus, I have included an audio link. Please check it out. http://remsberg.com/soundbooks/lucie_web/

Also, please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy today. Better yet, how would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you’ll win! Good luck!

What is the name of the farm that makes the best ice cream in Maryland?

Next month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Alafair Burke. Her upcoming release 212 is a roller-coaster ride of suspense. You won’t want to miss it.

Until next time…

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

The topic of fertility clinics is a touchy subject. Some think that it's every woman's God given right to bear a child. Although honestly, the thought of having eight children makes me shudder! Others believe that it should be left up to the Creator alone. Tell that to a barren couple. I'm sure they would have to disagree. You may be adamant about your own beliefs, but until you are faced with that decision, I think the jury is still out.

This month's Jen's Jewels Kate White tackles that very issue in her new release, HUSH. Known for her quick-paced suspense novels, Kate's latest endeavor is just as riveting as she uses the fascinating world of fertility clinics as her backdrop. From legal to moral issues, her story will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! And, believe me! You'll never guess how it ends!

As part of this interview, Harper Collins has generously donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.


Jen: Most of my readers recognize your name as the editor-in-chief of the best-selling women's magazine in the world, Cosmopolitan. Yet, your career as a writer has been just as successful. So that we may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please share with us your educational and professional background.
Kate: From the time I was about 12, I dreamed of being a writer and an editor, but I had no clue how to go about it. This was before the Internet and you couldn't easily research anything. So I ended up getting a BA in English from Union College, assuming that would work for a variety of jobs in publishing. I had planned to take some journalism courses there, too, but they did away with them the summer before I arrived. But that was okay. Writing and editing, it turns out, don't require any kind of graduate degree. You just have to go someplace and get started-and keep at it. Of course it also helps to get your foot in the door somehow-with something like an internship. I won Glamour Magazine's Top Ten College Woman Contest and that enabled me to start at Glamour as an editorial assistant. I moved up the ladder and eventually became the editor in chief of Child, Working Woman, McCall's and then Redbook. I've been the editor in chief of Cosmo for 11 years.


Jen: Your high-powered position at Cosmo must be very demanding on your professional as well as personal life. With that being said, describe for us the driving force behind your decision to undertake a literary career while maintaining your current post at the magazine. How do you manage to find the time to do both so well?
Kate: It seems insane at times for me to do both, but like many women, I had a couple of dreams bouncing around in my head. I wanted to work in magazines but I also wanted to write mysteries. And one day, deep into my magazine career, I realized that if I didn't get started on the mysteries, they'd never happen. To pull it off I took a look at my time and my schedule. Things were gonna have to come off the list. I didn't want my writing to interfere with the kids so I knocked off learning to play tennis, shopping, and endless puttering, which I happened to love. I try to write one page every day during the week and five or six pages every Saturday and Sunday. Now that the kids are in college, I write all morning on the weekends, but originally I'd do it very early before they got up. And I write every day on vacation, no matter where we are. Two tips: 1) if you are going to write, write every day, even for a short while or it will be so hard to get started again. 2) Don't bite off more than you can chew. For the first six months of working on my first mystery, I only wrote 15 minutes a day because I knew if I set a goal to do more than that, it would be too daunting and overwhelming-and I'd avoid it like the proverbial plague.


Jen: In terms of your writing career, you write both non-fiction and fiction. Let's start by talking about your non-fiction titles. You have written WHY GOOD GIRLS DON'T GET AHEAD...BUT GUTSY GIRLS DO, 9 SECRETS OF WOMEN WHO GET EVERYTHING THEY WANT, and YOU ON TOP: SMART SEXY SKILLS EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO SET THE WORLD ON FIRE. From your experiences, what is the defining factor that leads to success for any woman whether in the bedroom or the boardroom? And, what is the biggest hindrance for us women in being able to achieve it?
Kate: I think you just have to be gutsy-and that means asking for what you want (the squeaky wheel does get the grease), letting people be aware of your accomplishments, and sometimes breaking the rules. By breaking the rules, I don't' mean cheating on your expense account but rather coming up with bold new ways to do things that will knock people's socks off (for instance, your boss or your husband). I love the expression "Go big or go home."


Jen: Your career in fiction catapulted to the forefront when your first novel, IF LOOKS COULD KILL, was selected as Live with Regis & Kelly's first Reading with Ripa book selection. (You and I both are thankful for her book club!) How did this opportunity set the stage for your present day career as a highly regarded novelist?
Kate: It was such an amazing experience. Kelly is a dynamic, lovely woman and her endorsement made the book climb to number one on Amazon and helped me build a fan base for the next books in the mystery series.


Jen: Your character, Bailey Weggins, is one of my favorite all-time sleuths. Her take-no-prisoners attitude and gutsy charm make her a force to be reckoned with. Your books have been optioned by Lion Gates Pictures. What exciting news! Will you have an active role in bringing Bailey to the big screen? Also, when can we hope to read about her next big case?
Kate: Thanks so much for saying that. I feel sometimes like I know Bailey. I have another Bailey book finished but Harper Collins plans to bring it out after Hush and another thriller-so probably not for two years. In terms of a movie or TV, it would be great, but those things so seldom happen. I'm not betting the ranch it will happen!!!


Jen: Your latest project, HUSH, arrives in bookstores this month. Not surprisingly, this novel is a roller-coaster ride of suspense! (I did not see that ending coming! Bravo!) First of all, this title is a stand-alone. So, all of you Bailey Weggins fans out there, get ready to meet Kate's newest power woman, Lake Warren! (Love the name, by the way!) How did you arrive at the premise?
Kate: I finally figured out a system for coming up with book ideas, though it took me awhile. With my first book I panicked because I knew a nanny was going to be murdered, but I didn't know whose nanny it was or why someone would want her dead. Now I keep a huge file of clippings-crime stuff and just fascinating scientific stuff. When it's time to start thinking about the next book-which is always smack in the middle of when I'm writing the last one-I will get out the folder and go through it with a cup of tea. Then I take a nugget-perhaps from one of those clippings--and ask myself "What If..." Terraces in New York City have always intrigued me. I had one as a single girl. And I asked myself, "What if you were out on your terrace and something was going on inside that you weren't aware of?" It also can help to put your question to the universe. For instance, "Why is the nanny dead?" You often bump into the answer.


Jen: As you mentioned, this book takes on a controversial topic, fertility clinics. Approximately how much research was needed in order to accurately portray their day-to-day operations?
Kate: I actually took some workshops at fertility clinics. They were open to the public and very helpful. I also read several books and did a ton of research on- line. The Internet is a godsend for writers.


Jen: Tacking onto that last question, what was the most surprising revelation you discovered? And, how did it affect your view of fertility clinics in general?
Kate: The shocker was discovering that they're not really very regulated. Fertility clinics do awesome, wonderful things for women. But because there's so little regulation, there's room for abuse. Just look at Octomom.


Jen: In this story, your lead character Lake Warren has been dealt a very bad hand! Her ex-husband is filing for full custody, and she happens to flee a murder scene after having a one-night stand. Ouch! How do her husband's devious ways positively affect her unflappable will to beat him at his own game? What is the source of her inner strength?
Kate: Though Lake's husband acts like a real jerk, it forces hers, as you say, to tap into reserves of strength and spunk she never knew she had.


Jen: After the murder takes place, Kate is pulled in many directions. In order to fly below the radar, she must keep her wits about her. Despite knowing that her children may be in grave danger, she insists on pursuing the mastermind behind the evil plot to destroy Dr. Keaton. Why is she so willing to jeopardize theirs as well as her own safety?
Kate: She has to make a tough choice. Trying to figure out who the killer is puts her in danger, but if she doesn't find out, it may be an even bigger risk to her and the kids.


Jen: In order for a story to be successful, it must have strong secondary characters. No doubt! HUSH has an entire entourage of people! From evil doctors to innocent by-standers, you keep us guessing whodunit. Let's talk about Hayden, Lake's damage control PR person who comes in to hopefully save the clinic. A question I just have to ask. Does she realize Lake is hiding something? And if so, does she just choose to ignore it due to their friendship?
Kate: I'm so glad you liked Hayden. I based it loosely on a dynamo PR woman I know. Hayden is smart but she's too caught up in her own ambition to realize that Lake is in trouble.


Jen: AH...the love interest! Archer, Kate's journalist friend as well as confidant, is the best! What makes these two such a good pair?
Kate: I love Archer. I honestly have to confess, I felt attracted to him when I was writing the book, though don't tell my husband, please. I based him on a guy I saw at Penn Station with prematurely white hair. I think he's appealing because he's confident and cocky-the investigative journalist-but he's a decent man. He adores his stepson and is involved in his life even though he's not married to the mother anymore!



Jen: Let's switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Will you be involved in a book tour? Do you have a website? If so, what can you tell us about it? Also, do you participate in author phone chats? If so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?
Kate: Because of my crazy day job, I can't do a book tour. But I'll be on the Today Show on March 2, I'm doing lots of radio and I relaunched my web site with some interesting stuff on it. KateWhite.com


Jen: It has been an absolute pleasure being able to spend some time with you! Thank you so much for stopping by to chat with my readers. I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of HUSH today! I wish you all the best!
Kate:Thanks so much. I think this book is fun and scary and I love the fact that so many people are telling me they couldn't guess who the killer is. I also have to say that these are awesome questions. As an editor I have so much respect for smart, thoughtful questions. You don't' always get them! So thanks for that, too!!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Kate. If you haven't picked up a copy of Cosmopolitan Magazine lately, you may want to check it out! While you're at the bookstore, you may want to also pick up a copy of HUSH today!

Better yet, how would you like to win one instead? Okay, be one of the first five people to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following question and you'll win!

What is the name of the lead character in HUSH?

Later this month, I will be bringing to you a special interview with my fellow Marylander, Lucie Snodgrass. Her latest release, a delightful cookbook called DISHING UP MARYLAND, is the perfect treat! You won't want to miss it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

Life never seems to unfold as planned. From unexpected roadblocks to joyful celebrations, each day harbors new beginnings. Yet with all of the uncertainty life brings, one thing is constant. There are never enough hours in the day. From dawn to dusk, it seems as if each moment is accounted for, and the demands on our time are endless. Wouldn’t it be nice if for just once you could simply say…someone will be with you shortly?


This month’s Jen’s Jewels Lisa Kogan has done just that! You may recognize her name as the witty columnist from O Magazine. Each month, she shares with readers her unique take on the idiosyncrasies of life. Her latest project sums up her hilarious account of living in our crazy world aptly titled, SOMEONE WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY. If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, this book is for you.

As part of this interview, HarperStudio has generously donated five copies for you, my lucky readers to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: As a journalist, you have written for a wide variety of publications throughout your career. This broad personal knowledge coupled with the hysterical everyday occurrences in your life contributes to your unique voice. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the spectacular woman behind the words, please give us a glimpse into your educational and professional background.
Lisa: There’s nothing particularly spectacular about my background, I’m a product of the Detroit public school system. I was in advertising for a while and I sold Real Estate for a few years. But I kept squirreling money away, so I could afford to take a job as an assistant at a tiny magazine that soon folded. After that I went to Egg (folded), Mirabella (folded), ELLE, and O. Somewhere in there I stopped being an assistant and started being a writer.

Jen: Let’s go ahead and jump right in with the Oprah question! How did your position as “writer-at-large” at O Magazine come to fruition?
Lisa: When my former boss at ELLE became Editor-in-Chief of O the Oprah Magazine, she invited me to come along for the ride. That was nearly 10 years ago.

Jen: Describe for us what a typical day might look like for you at O Magazine. And, what has been the most challenging part of working for one of the most powerful women in the world?
Lisa: The nice thing is that I don’t have many “typical days.” I start to write, and from there, anything can happen. Now, the second half of your question is a little tricky, because there’s virtually no way to answer without sounding like I drank the Kool-Aid. But the truth is, Oprah Winfrey is everything you’d hope she’d be: a straight shooter—generous, funny, always aiming for excellence. See…I was right, it sounds like I’m sucking up.

Jen: Your column appeals to a wide range of audiences due to your innate ability to take a normal situation and turn it into something quite extraordinarily funny. In my opinion, you are a female version of Jerry Seinfeld! Have there been any instances when a somewhat ordinary topic in your column has inadvertently caused you to take a step back and evaluate your own life in a different light? If so, please tell us about it.
Lisa: Actually, the column has turned me into a bit of a cannibal. Friends have taken to prefacing every conversation with, “Please don’t write about this but…” The thing is when you have to fill a 1,500 word space each month, nothing—and I mean NOTHING—is off limits. I saw a woman trip in front of Bloomingdales last winter and instead of rushing to help her, I stood there wondering what she was doing in such ridiculously high heels and whether or not I could get a piece out of it. That gave me pause.

Jen: Not only do you contribute to O Magazine, but also you are on Oprah Radio as part of the O, The Oprah Magazine Show. (I am an Oprah Radio fan!) What challenges have you faced in participating on a live radio show? And, which is more your comfort zone…radio or writing? And, why?
Lisa: I love that you think I have a comfort zone! I envy writers who find deep pleasure in writing or people who are natural born broadcasters. None of this comes easy for me.

Jen: Your latest endeavor entitled SOMEONE WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY is your take on living your best life. Plain and simple. You tell exactly how it is being a forty-something woman in the crazy world in which we live. How did the book idea come about?
Lisa: I’m not sure you choose what to write—I think it chooses you. You’re absolutely right, the world’s gone off its rocker, and I didn’t see a way not to write about it.

Jen: The words “ideal weight” when used in any sentence makes the average woman cringe. In the book, you openly discuss your need for a fashion intervention by Adam Glassman, creative director and fashion expert for O. (By the way, I loved your purple jersey dress from Old Navy!!) Describe for us what was going on your life at that time that led you down this path. And, what was the most exciting part of the makeover?
Lisa: You know that moment when you feel like you just want to do a swan dive into a burlap sack because you can’t bare to go another minute looking like such a mess? Well, I went another 2 years in mess mode! That’s where your friends come in. And let’s face it; a stern talking to from Adam Glassman is a small price to pay for a flatter looking tummy. The guy knows his Spanx. Finally finding the right underwear was pretty thrilling.

Jen: Tacking onto that last question, how can we as women move ourselves to the top of our own priority list without feeling the guilt associated with putting ourselves first?
Lisa: Oh Jen, if I only knew! I mean, I know that’s what we’re supposed to be doing but the reality is that I put myself first for 42 years. Now my priority is a sticky little six-year-old with a Barbie lunch box. Like every working mom, I wrestle with major guilt when I have to be at the office instead of the class trip. But some days you just can’t be “the good mother,” you have to give yourself permission to be “the good enough mother.”

Jen: Motherhood is truly a gift from God. There’s no doubt about it. However, as you know all too well, single parenthood can be a difficult road to travel. How do you find that unique balance between being both parents to your daughter (when her father is not around) while still being true to yourself?
Lisa: I can’t be both parents…unless of course I stop waxing my upper lip, in which case I could probably swing the dad part.

Jen: I was interested in your mention of diabetes in the book. How has this disease affected your overall pursuit of good health? What is the hardest part of living with a chronic disease? And, how has it changed your outlook on life?
Lisa: Here’s the bottom line: It really stinks when your body doesn’t behave the way it’s supposed to. But what does not kill me makes me funnier. It also makes me more vulnerable, more anxious, more compassionate and more keenly aware of mortality.

Jen: Chapter 24 wittily deals with the lack of etiquette today. I wholeheartedly agree with you! Do we even know what the word means anymore? How can we do our part to help whip society back into shape?
Lisa: There’s a definite lack of civility out there and if I remember my 7th grade history correctly, the death of civility leads to the death of civilization. At the risk of sounding way too gooey, I think it’s imperative that we practice good manners on a daily basis. I’m not talking about drinking tea with your pinky up. I’m talking about going out of your way to make people feel like they’ve been heard.

Jen: After completing SOMEONE WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY, what did you surprisingly learn about yourself?
Lisa: I learned that the writing system I employ—finish a paragraph, eat a potato chip—might not be doing me any favors.

Jen: Let’s switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Do you have a website? Will you be participating in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about arranging one?
Lisa: As the song says, I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg! Really, I’ll do whatever anybody wants. I can be reached at harperstudio@harpercollins.com and I can be followed at twitter.com/lisakogan.

Jen: What’s next for Lisa Kogan?
Lisa: Well, I’ve penciled in a nap for the fall of 2011. Aside from that, I’m just going to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with my readers. It was an absolute pleasure being able to speak with you! I look forward to the next issue of O Magazine! Best of luck with the book!
Lisa: Anytime, Jen. Thank you.

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Lisa Kogan. Please stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of SOMEONE WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY today. Better yet, how would you like to win one instead?

Okay, be one of the first five people to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you’ll win!

Who is the creative director and fashion expert for O Magazine?

Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Kate White, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine! You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time…Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

Isn't it amazing how sometimes life throws you a curve ball? Take for instance our recent snowstorm here in the northeast. Sure, we knew it was coming. All the newspapers and television channels predicted huge amounts of snowfall. Naturally, we ran to the grocery stores and stocked up for what surely would be an adventure. Best of all, the kids were looking forward to a couple days off from school. What we didn't expect was a second snowstorm right behind it that quickly turned the fun into a national weather emergency.

This month's Jen's Jewels Maria Murnane chronicles that same kind of unexpected mayhem on the dating scene in her comical debut novel entitled PERFECT ON PAPER. Just in time for February, the month dedicated to love, I guarantee the misadventures of her hilarious main character Waverly Bryson will tickle you pink! Not to mention, you might pick up some dating do's and don'ts along the way!

As part of this interview, AmazonEncore has donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don't forget to look for the trivia question. And as always, thanks for making Jen's Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: Since the conception of my column years ago, all of my Jen's Jewels have been published by the major houses. Luckily for me, your manuscript came across my desk from the newly launched AmazonEncore line. For those readers not familiar with the program, Amazon finds self-published books that have been overlooked and re-introduces them to the public. Bravo for Amazon! They found a sparkling gem... PERFECT ON PAPER! How apropos! Let's start by finding out more about you. Please fill us in on your educational and professional background.

Maria: Hi there- first of all, thanks so much for choosing to read my book! I really appreciate it. This is all so exciting, isn't it? To answer your question, I majored in English and Spanish as an undergrad at UC Berkeley and also have master's degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University. Before I wrote PERFECT ON PAPER, I spent several years in public relations on the agency site.

Jen: As you mentioned, you had a career in PR just like your main character does in PERFECT ON PAPER, Waverly Bryson. At the time, what happened in your life that led to your writing this book?

Maria: I guess you could say that spending a good chunk of my twenties working and being single in San Francisco was what first got me thinking about it. It got to the point where I had so many funny stories running around in my head that I knew I could probably come up with a pretty good book. But I never had the time or mental energy to seriously pursue it.

Then one day I quit my job because I just didn't want to be in PR anymore. It was scary to walk away from a career path I'd been on for so long, but I knew I had to make a change or I'd be miserable forever. I wasn't ready to face the question of what to do next, so I bought a ticket to go to Argentina and Chile by myself for 2.5 weeks to practice my Spanish. After two weeks I had no desire to go home, so I got a job playing semi-pro soccer and decided to stay for a year. (Random, but true - I even got paid!) So there I was, living in Buenos Aires playing soccer, and one day I realized that if I was ever going to write the book I'd always talked about, that was the time. So I started writing and writing and writing, and eventually I had the first draft of what would become PERFECT ON PAPER.

Jen: A simple question but one I just have to ask, how did you come up with her name? (I love it!)

Maria: HA! I'm so happy to hear that, because I recently saw a review on Amazon where the reader said she hated the name Waverly so much that it literally ruined the entire book for her! I wanted to choose an unusual name for the main character, something that would really stand out in a good way. When I was in high school, a girl on my soccer team had a baby sister named Waverly, and I always thought it was such a cool name. Waverly (spelled Waverley) is also the name of a street in my hometown, which is sort of cool. So I picked Waverly and never looked back. The last name (Bryson) I made up because I thought it went well with Waverly, but then I found out that Bryson is also a street in my hometown. They don't intersect though. Now THAT would be cool, and maybe even worth a misdemeanor to have those intersecting signs on display in my living room...

Jen: In terms of the format, each chapter starts with a Honey Note. First, please explain to my readers exactly what a Honey Note is. Secondly, what connection do they have with Waverly?

Maria: A Honey Note is a witty greeting card for female friends to send to each other "just because." At first Waverly invents them as a way to help her manage the pain of a breakup, but soon they begin to reflect her insightful into much more than just romance. They appear throughout the book, and the ones at the beginning of each chapter represent the main theme of the chapter, for example:

Front: Ever feel like you don't know anything at all?
Inside: Honey, congratulations. At least you finally know that.

Jen: The story centers on Waverly's "misadventures" on the dating scene in San Francisco after being left at the altar. With her two girlfriends, Andie and McKenna, by her side, she tries to juggle her sports PR career with finding a suitable mate. In what ways does Waverly's dissatisfaction in her personal life affect her attitude towards her job?

Maria: Waverly's breakup with her perfect fiance jolts her into realizing that the relationship she has with her career might not be so perfect either, even though she's always been committed to it. She thought her personal life was going to be one way, and then it suddenly changes, just like that. It's extremely painful, but it also teaches her that acknowledging that something isn't a perfect fit isn't a bad thing, especially if her heart isn't in it. It takes her a while, but she finally sees that the old cliche is really true: Life is what you make of it.

Jen: Being an only child as well as motherless has taken a toll on Waverly. How does her rocky relationship with her less-than-perfect father affect her attitude towards men?

Maria: There's a part in the book where Waverly finally realizes that she's spent a lot of energy worrying about what the men in her life want, not what SHE wants. That's probably why she ended up engaged to the wrong guy in the first place. Her dad's inability to express how proud he is of her has clearly made her insecure on the romance front, but I also think it has shaped the way she interacts with her male friends and colleagues - albeit to a much lesser degree. On some level she expects all the men in her life to think she's not quite good enough.

Jen: Words just cannot describe the importance of having a close circle of friends. Luckily for Waverly, her adorable sidekicks help keep her sane! Yet sometimes Waverly uses them as a crutch. Why does she tend to view herself as more imperfect rather than near perfect?

Maria: I think we can take the last sentence of the above answer and change the words "all the men" to "everyone."

Jen: From one escapade to the next, I found myself laughing out loud all the way through the book. Waverly is one hysterical character! (My favorite scene was her girlfriend's bathroom experience at the apartment party!) How much of this book is based on your real life?

Maria: I'm so glad that you laughed out loud! (You just made my day, btw.) The main plot of the book is completely made up, but many of the funny things that happen along the way did indeed happen to me or my friends. And yes, that includes the scene you mention above. But it wasn't me-I swear!!

Jen: For a novel to be successful, it must have strong supporting characters. Without a doubt, you most certainly do! The character that was most intriguing to me was the loner, Brad Cantor. We all know a "Brad." How does Waverly's relationship with him mirror how she really feels about herself?

Maria: Ah, Brad. Such a nice guy, so socially awkward. I think Waverly is so annoyed by him because he genuinely likes her, and deep down she thinks that she's not worth liking that much. Not that he's not annoying, but he's probably less so to people who aren't as insecure around men as Waverly is. I loved how he eventually shows that there's more to Brad Cantor than meets the eye.

Jen: As in every typical office environment, there is the barracuda hoping to chomp his or her way up the corporate ladder. In PERFECT ON PAPER, her name is Mandy. However, Waverly may hate to admit it, but she and this fierce fish do have much in common. In what similar ways are these two women struggling with their own inner demons?

Maria: Professionally, Waverly is accomplished and well-liked but is struggling to figure if she even wants a career in PR, while Mandy wants the career and is capable but is struggling with her interpersonal skills. Romantically, however, deep down neither of the two thinks she deserves to be loved. I like the dynamic between them because it shows how complex people can be, how a wrong first impression can taint an entire relationship, and how sometimes two people can be so similar in one way yet clash terribly in another. That last part can be true even between close friends.

Jen: I liked how you tied in superstar basketball player, Shane, and his wife, Kristina, with Waverly's storyline. How does her brush with celebrity types help to keep her grounded especially when things start turning around?

Maria: I mentioned earlier how Waverly eventually begins to believe in herself and realize the truth of the "Life is what you make of it" adage. Her exposure to successful people who are doing just that reinforces that message, which she apparently needs to hear a billion times before it sinks in. But at least it finally does!

Jen: Without giving too much away, what has Waverly's zany adventures taught her about the importance of family and friends?
Maria: That Honey, if you have family and friends who love you, you are never alone!

Jen: The most important question of the interview… will there be a sequel? (I hope so!!)
Maria: Oh gosh, I don't know! I would really love to write a sequel, so let's cross our fingers that the first book does well enough to allow me to take the time to do that. Unfortunately, Waverly needs to eat!

Jen: Let's switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Do you have a website? Will you be participating in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?
Maria: My Web site is www.mariamurnane.com, and I am more than happy to do author chats. Readers can email me through the site or send a note to mariaATmariamurnaneDOTcom. I love getting emails from readers and answer every single one.

Jen: What's next for you? Will writing remain your full-time job?
Maria: Actually, so many readers asked me to make the Honey Notes for real that I decided to give it a try, and right now I'm in the middle of launching a line of products called Waverly's Honey Shop! To start it includes Honey Notes just like the ones in the book, plus Honey Tees, Honey Hoodies and Honey Totes featuring witty quotes from Waverly. The past week I've been carrying a Honey Tote around that says "Is it worse to be fake or bitchy?" and a couple women have literally stopped me in my tracks to ask where I got it. How cool is THAT? The site is www.waverlyshoneyshop.com. I'm not sure if all the Honey products will be up there by the time this interview runs, but anyone who wants to order one can send me an email - I'll hook them up!

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time to stop by and chat with my readers. I wish you the best of luck with your career. Thanks for sharing Waverly with all of my readers!

Maria: It was my pleasure. Thank you so much for inviting us!

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Maria. If you're not snowed in, please stop by your favorite bookstore or library branch and pick up a copy today. Better yet, how would you like to win one? Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me with the correct answer to the following question and you'll win. Good luck!

Where can you buy Maria's "Honey" products?

Next month, I will be bringing to you interviews with Lisa Kogan from O Magazine and Kate White editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine! You won't want to miss it.

Until next time...

Jen

Labels: Jen's Jewels

Growing old is something most people don’t like to think about, no matter what their age. Sure, retirement does sound appealing. Sleeping in late and watching glorious sunsets. No worries, just ample time to lazily enjoy precious moments with your spouse. Yet for some, with age comes the telltale signs that something more serious is happening. Simple occurrences like misplacing keys and not remembering familiar places become the norm. All too often, these are the beginning stages of a debilitating disease called Alzheimer’s.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Dr. David Dosa has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of dementia. In his debut novel, MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR, he shares with us the incredible story of a cat named Oscar who changed his life forever. For those of you with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, this book is a must-read. And, for those of you who are just curious, you won’t be disappointed. Truly, this is a story that needs to be told.

As part of this interview, Hyperion Books has generously donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: In order for a book to be exemplary, it must take the reader on a journey to a place where unknown truths and miraculous discoveries are made. MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR epitomizes the essence of a feel-good book with just the right blend of compassion and courage. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the man behind the words, please give us a glimpse into your educational and professional background.

Dr. Dosa: I’d first like to thank you for inviting me to participate in this Question and Answer and for your interest in my book. Writing this book has been an incredible journey for me—and the finished product is meaningful to me on many levels. My wife is now the caregiver for a family member with dementia and, in part, I tried to write a book that she could read to better understand the disease that she was confronting. Obviously, though, there is a lot of Oscar in the book….

I am a trained geriatrician and internist. For those who may not know, a geriatrician is a specialist who focuses on the care of the elderly. Despite the aging population, there really aren’t many of us—only about 6500 by the last count I saw. The biggest difference between being an internist and a geriatrician is the particular focus on improving quality of life for patients with multiple chronic medical conditions.

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia where I did a fair amount of creative writing and journalism in addition to biology. After settling on medicine as a career path, I attended medical School at the George Washington University in Washington DC and then trained—first as an internist and then as a geriatrician at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, I also received my Masters in Public Health.

Since finishing my training in 2003, I have been on the faculty at Brown University in Providence RI where I conduct health services research; teach medical students and residents, and see patients in a variety of different environments. When I’m not working I try to spend as much time as I can with my wife and two children—ages 5 and 3.

Jen: In the beginning of the book, you discuss openly how becoming a pediatrician runs in your family, yet you chose to be a geriatrician. What attracted you to this field?

Dr. Dosa: There have been a number of pediatricians in my family. While I love the field, I always felt that pediatricians deal with blank canvases---little patients with bright futures ahead of them but few stories to tell. Geriatrics has always appealed to me on a certain level because of the patients and their life stories. You need only listen to a veteran of World War II to become instantly transfixed. I’m constantly learning from my patients and that makes the experience of caring for them all the more rewarding. Caring for patients with multiple medical problems is also complex and challenging.

On a different level, I’ve also always been fascinated by geriatrics because of the public health questions. We are definitely coming to a crisis point in our society where the aging baby boomers are upon us and our ability to care for them under the current system is severely limited. We are completely unprepared to meet their medical needs and finding ways to provide high quality care under these circumstances is intellectually fascinating to me.

Jen: Playing the cards we are dealt is not easy, especially when a chronic disease is involved. As my readers know, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of eight. You, too, suffer from arthritis. Let’s talk about how you have adapted your successful career to incorporate your fight with the nation’s #1 crippling disease. And, in what ways has it changed your outlook in terms of helping your patients cope with pain and suffering?

Dr. Dosa: I am sorry to hear about your arthritis—I don’t wish that on anyone—certainly not someone in their childhood. There are certainly days when battling arthritis is tough. As you mention, I’ve had inflammatory psoriatic arthritis since my mid-twenties and there have been low points in my life when I’ve let the pain and discomfort get to me. Nevertheless, by experiencing those low points, I’ve also become a better person, and a better doctor. When you have uncertainty in your own health, you become better at prioritizing what is important in your life. Since, I’ve developed arthritis, I can honestly say that I’ve started living my life rather than letting it slip by. As a physician, I’ve also come to understand my patient’s needs better and my patience for their concerns and their uncertainty has also increased.

Jen: MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR centers on your experiences as a physician at Steere House. First of all, what circumstance led to you accepting a position there?

Dr. Dosa: Steere House is just part of what I do—I also do research—but my position there came about because of my interest in nursing homes and their residents. Most of my research focuses on improving the quality of care that we deliver to frail nursing home residents and it has always been important to me to maintain a foothold clinically in the nursing home world. It’s hard to do research when you don’t have that clinical reality check of what life is really like in that environment.

Jen: Tacking onto that last question, please describe for us the role of the facility, its location, and its overall goals in terms of patient care.

Dr. Dosa: I am actually just one of the 4 or 5 doctors on the staff at Steere House. I have no special role there other than the fact that I maintain a handful of patients in the nursing home. The facility itself is located next door to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. As a facility, Steere House is clearly a special place. While you can get good and bad care at any nursing home, Steere House is one of those homes where you would want a parent or spouse if push came to shove. They pride themselves on being “more of a home–than a nursing home” and this is exemplified in part by their commitment to animals—they have 6 cats, and several birds—which lend a homey atmosphere to the place. They also pride themselves on their staffing and commitment to providing the best care that they possibly can given the economic realities of nursing home care.

Jen: A question I am sure my readers will want to know, what is the average rate of availability for a room in this facility? And, how has the release of your book affected this wait time?

Dr. Dosa: I’m not sure what the book will do in terms of wait times for “rooms at the inn”, but I know the New England Journal essay I wrote about Oscar in 2007 certainly made a splash. Thankfully, if anything, it has only increased the popularity of the nursing home. Caregivers generally like the idea of animals like Oscar being on the job.

Jen: Without further ado, let’s talk about Oscar as well as his five fellow companion cats. First of all, how did the notion of having animals in the facility come about? And, how do they attribute to the overall well-being of the residents?

Dr. Dosa: Steere House made a commitment to animals many years ago. I’d like to say that they made this commitment based on the benefits of having an animal companion program but truthfully—it mostly occurred due to a cat named Henry. When the current building was being built, an unnamed cat was known to frequent the construction site. Shortly after the building was dedicated, said cat wondered into the nursing home and sat down in the lobby. Despite best efforts, he refused to leave. Eventually, the staff got tired of shooing him out of the nursing home and decided to just let him stay. They named him Henry—after the building’s benefactor and the facility’s animal program officially commenced. We now know from numerous studies that animal companion programs can be incredibly beneficial to nursing home patients—with and without dementia. They help to reduce depression and decrease agitation rates.

Eventually, Henry died—but the nursing home was not the same without him. After a brief mourning period, the nursing home adopted 6 cats to replace the one—Oscar being one of them. I’m often asked how the animals affect resident well-being. I think they just make the place homier. So many of us own pets during our lives but yet we make our health care facilities sterile places. The animals contribute a lot to the patients. Those that don’t have dementia certainly enjoy spending time with the animals. Even those with dementia—who might not be able to tell us—seem to get a lift from having animals around. Perhaps our closeness to animals is something innate rather than learned and therefore impervious to the affects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jen: Being a cat owner, I can attest as to their innate ability to be able to sense when their owner is in need. Describe for us Oscar’s abilities and how they were discovered.

Dr. Dosa: Oscar was not all that friendly at first. He generally kept to himself choosing to hide in quiet corners or under beds rather than sitting out in plain site. This continued till he was about 6 months. Then his behavior started to change. Occasionally you would find Oscar out in the open—sitting with a patient. It took us all a little time to figure out what he was doing. At first we just thought he was sitting with residents who didn’t bother him. But each time he came out of hiding, the residents that he sat with died shortly thereafter. It was uncanny and definitely eye opening. I’d like to say I was the first one to notice Oscar’s ability but I wasn’t. Truthfully I was one of the last.

Jen: In the beginning, you were Oscar’s Doubting Thomas. Naturally, being a physician you needed concrete evidence in order to prove Oscar’s abilities. Please describe for us your “Ah! Ha!” moment when you finally realized that Steele House’s very own cat was indeed special.

Dr. Dosa: The “ah ha” moment for me came during a time when there were two patients in their final stages of dying at opposite ends of the unit. We all thought one of those patients was going to go first and some people on the unit became upset that Oscar’s streak of predicting deaths was going to end. One of the aids went looking for him and found him with the other patient. She picked up the bewildered cat and brought him down to the other room so he could “be with the sicker patient who was going to die first.” As soon as she put him down, Oscar looked at everyone like they were all crazy and sprinted back to the first room.

Oscar was right….the other patient died later that evening faster than any of us could possibly have predicted. The “sicker” patient rebounded and lived several more days. Nevertheless, 4 hours before the patient finally died, Oscar walked into the room and curled up next to him.

Jen: Every main character needs a great supporting cast in order to perpetuate the story. Let’s talk about your proverbial right arm, Mary. In what ways are she and Oscar alike? And, how do both of them attribute to your success in making Steere House a better place?

Dr. Dosa: Mary was very much the glue that held the third floor together for many years. I use past tense because, unfortunately, Mary has moved on to a different nursing home. We all definitely miss her at Steere House. Having thoughtful caring nurses like Mary is critically important in any care environment—I dare say even more important than having a good doctor. When Mary said something about a patient, I learned to trust her without question. She was also the maternal figure on the unit—the patients on the unit were all her “children.” Family members also came to rely on her to be their loved one’s advocate when they were not around. Some have speculated that Oscar is just patterning behavior. If so, then he learned from one of the best in Mary.

Jen: As you explain in the foreword, some of the names of patients described in the book have been changed in order to protect their privacy. The story that touched me the most was the Rubensteins’. At the point when Ruth could no longer recognize her husband due to her advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, Frank chose to never return to Steere House. Is this common? And, how do you help patients’ families come to terms with harsh realities of the disease?

Dr. Dosa: Frank and Ruth’s story comprise one of the emotional backbones of the book. Perhaps the book’s denouement occurs when Frank leaves the nursing home despite his staunch advocacy for his wife to that point. I think that this episode in the book says more about the horrors of Alzheimers than any other. Many caregivers talk about the notion of death before physical death. Jack McCullough uses the phrase “The Woman upstairs who looks like my mother.” Other characters in the book talk about the need to embrace the new normal. Unfortunately, this is what Alzheimer’s does and caregivers come to the realization at different speeds. Some caregivers adapt to this reality better than others.

My sense is that Frank left because he could not bear what the disease has done to his wife. As long as there was an ounce of recognition, Frank could continue to remain her staunchest ally. When that recognition faded, perhaps it was time for Frank to simply let go. As I say in the epilogue of the book—the final act of love is “letting go.” Some people just do this in different ways.

Jen: Without getting into the pros and cons of health care reform, in your opinion, what is missing in terms of essential care needed for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s?

Dr. Dosa: Our health care system does a terrible job of caring for patients with chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s. We have a system that is based on acute care. Doctors are reimbursed for doing things—rather than limiting treatments, even when the latter is the better option. We also buy into the myth of the acute care hospital: when we are sick acute care hospitals can make us better. Unfortunately, that is sometimes the worst place to go if you are a patient with dementia. Hospitals are just plain understaffed, and even at times uninterested in adequately caring for patients with dementia. Their chief goal is getting patients in and out (to maximize revenue) and patients with dementia take longer to get better. So if you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver, my advice to you is to become an advocate for high quality care. Seek out the doctors who will tell you how it is—rather than the doctors who seem to disappear when there are no more procedures or tests to do. Make sure your parent or loved ones gets the attention they deserve when they are admitted to the hospital.

Jen: Finally, how is Oscar doing today? Has his sudden stardom changed the way in which he lives? And, have the two of you bonded in your own way?

Dr. Dosa: Oscar is doing fine—I left him the other day sitting on a window looking at the world go by outside. I truly think that is his favorite activity (other than perhaps lying down in a sunbeam). I don’t think that his stardom has affected him in any way—but I will say that our relationship has improved. Recently—he even let me hold him when a photographer came to snap pictures---a far cry from my first experience with him when he bit me. Perhaps I am finally getting over that fear I had of cats growing up☺

Jen: I must admit. As a reviewer, many great books come across my desk; however, MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR is in a class all by itself. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary story with my readers. And most especially, thank you for giving those suffering with Alzheimer’s a voice with which to be heard.

Dr. Dosa: Again, thank you for taking an interest in the book. I hope readers will come away from this book embracing the mystery of Oscar and what he does. In the end, I suppose it really doesn’t matter why he does what he does. The important thing is that he does it and his presence serves as a comfort to caregivers at difficult times in their lives.

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Of all the interviews I have done to date, I have to say that this one touched me the most. I hope you agree. Please stop by our local library branch or favorite book store today and pick up a copy of MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR. In the back of the book, there are some invaluable words of advice for helping families cope when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Now it’s time for the contest. If you would like your very own copy of MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you will win! Good luck!

What was the name of the very first cat to live at Steere House?

Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Maria Murnane, author of the hilarious debut novel PERFECT ON PAPER. You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time…Jen

Photos by Mary Ann Rosenlof

Labels: Jen's Jewels