Elizabeth Atkinson's Blog, page 9
March 10, 2015
That reminds me–
There’s a long-running joke in my family at my expense ~ whenever I travel, I can’t help comparing new places to former experiences . . . with enthusiasm and wonder and awe. So as soon as we step off the plane, someone will sarcastically remark: “What does this remind you of?”
It just so happens I’m on the beautiful island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean right now and, I have to confess, I’ve been constantly reminded of so many other gorgeous places I’ve enjoyed before….
The tropical winds remind me of the warm Hikkaduwa breeze in Sri Lanka and…
…the architecture reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans and…
…the shell-crackled white sands remind me of the shores of Wellfleet on Cape Cod and…
…the colorful homes remind me of the welcoming neighborhoods of Campos in Brazil and…
…the sea-glass waters remind me of the secret coves circling Maui in the Pacific and…
…the working harbors remind me of the vibrant Algarve in Portugal and…
… and I could pretty much do this all day – interpret the world through my metaphor-filtered glasses. Just one of many occupational hazards of a roving writer.
It just so happens I’m on the beautiful island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean right now and, I have to confess, I’ve been constantly reminded of so many other gorgeous places I’ve enjoyed before….
The tropical winds remind me of the warm Hikkaduwa breeze in Sri Lanka and…
…the architecture reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans and…
…the shell-crackled white sands remind me of the shores of Wellfleet on Cape Cod and…
…the colorful homes remind me of the welcoming neighborhoods of Campos in Brazil and…
…the sea-glass waters remind me of the secret coves circling Maui in the Pacific and…
…the working harbors remind me of the vibrant Algarve in Portugal and…
… and I could pretty much do this all day – interpret the world through my metaphor-filtered glasses. Just one of many occupational hazards of a roving writer.
February 25, 2015
If These Walls Could Talk
Despite the mountains of snow in our front yard and an icy driveway, several real estate agents have trekked through our house in recent weeks as we’re putting our home on the market before mud season hits.
While we love our cozy Cape, there’s nothing particularly special or unique about it . . . except the bathroom in the basement, which always takes the touring Realtor by surprise.
The walls, ceiling, and door are covered in 18 years of graffiti.
When I was a kid growing up in Harvard (i.e., ‘My Life So Far‘), we also had a bathroom in the basement covered in graffiti. And to this day, decades later, childhood friends still remember it.
As a young girl who spent way too much time daydreaming, I loved expressing myself anonymously on those white walls – largely because (as everyone knows from an early age) drawing on walls is a huge taboo. And here was this wonderful outlet inviting us to break the rules without the guilt!
When my kids and their friends were growing up in our current house, I used the same graffiti guidelines as my mom did: Say whatever you want as long as it isn’t X-rated or hurtful to anyone else.
As you can well imagine, most of the free-flowing restroom epiphanies (during both eras) involved typical bathroom humor, but you’d be surprised to also read a few political statements, some deep romantic confessions and significant milestones, as well as secret codes clearly meant for someone else (who may be visiting at a later date).
Of course, these days social media is a virtual form of graffiti – it’s enabled us to anonymously say anything we want, no matter how tremendously hurtful or offensive. But I still think there’s value in good old-fashioned handwritten household graffiti – an ongoing family art project that doubles as a time capsule. You can literally see your children and their friends grow up on those talking walls.
While I know it will be very difficult to pack up the 18-year old basket of markers and leave this little room behind – or worse, whitewash it as we’ve been strongly advised to do – I can only hope my kids will encourage their children to live creatively . . . and scribble their childhood thoughts all over a wall or two.
While we love our cozy Cape, there’s nothing particularly special or unique about it . . . except the bathroom in the basement, which always takes the touring Realtor by surprise.
The walls, ceiling, and door are covered in 18 years of graffiti.
When I was a kid growing up in Harvard (i.e., ‘My Life So Far‘), we also had a bathroom in the basement covered in graffiti. And to this day, decades later, childhood friends still remember it.
As a young girl who spent way too much time daydreaming, I loved expressing myself anonymously on those white walls – largely because (as everyone knows from an early age) drawing on walls is a huge taboo. And here was this wonderful outlet inviting us to break the rules without the guilt!
When my kids and their friends were growing up in our current house, I used the same graffiti guidelines as my mom did: Say whatever you want as long as it isn’t X-rated or hurtful to anyone else.
As you can well imagine, most of the free-flowing restroom epiphanies (during both eras) involved typical bathroom humor, but you’d be surprised to also read a few political statements, some deep romantic confessions and significant milestones, as well as secret codes clearly meant for someone else (who may be visiting at a later date).
Of course, these days social media is a virtual form of graffiti – it’s enabled us to anonymously say anything we want, no matter how tremendously hurtful or offensive. But I still think there’s value in good old-fashioned handwritten household graffiti – an ongoing family art project that doubles as a time capsule. You can literally see your children and their friends grow up on those talking walls.
While I know it will be very difficult to pack up the 18-year old basket of markers and leave this little room behind – or worse, whitewash it as we’ve been strongly advised to do – I can only hope my kids will encourage their children to live creatively . . . and scribble their childhood thoughts all over a wall or two.
February 12, 2015
Where I long to be
A year ago today I returned from a month in Ireland during some of the strongest storms and highest tides on record for that part of the world. Winter on the west coast is tremendously windy and bone-chillingly damp, constantly fluctuating between bright sunny skies and pelting rains. At the same time, it remains spectacularly green, laced in never-ending rainbows. Nature amplified.
Originally, I planned to stay two weeks to visit my son who was studying nearby at the Burren College of Art (below), and also to work on my latest book, a story I was struggling to tell.
The rent for my simple cottage was inexpensive and I lived on delicious soups & stews from the corner pub, where a peat fire continually burned. Every afternoon, no matter the weather, I walked and walked across farms, up dirt roads, down hidden trails, and along the sea.
Within a few days, people in the village began to recognize me as the outsider and often asked how I was getting on. A bus north to Galway and south to the Cliffs of Moher ran daily if I needed a break. I had developed a routine and it was working.
At the end of two weeks I was close to finishing the first draft, so I made a crazy decision and extended my trip another two weeks, something I’ve never done before. But I was officially in the zone – and anyone who writes fiction for a living knows how precious that rare space can be. And something else had happened…. I had fallen in love with Ireland, and I couldn’t bring myself to leave.
I know of no English word to describe the way I feel about this ancient island, but in Portuguese the word is “saudade” – an inexplicable deep longing for some one or some time or some place no longer with you, a yearning for something that might have been.
Is there a place where you long to be?
Originally, I planned to stay two weeks to visit my son who was studying nearby at the Burren College of Art (below), and also to work on my latest book, a story I was struggling to tell.
The rent for my simple cottage was inexpensive and I lived on delicious soups & stews from the corner pub, where a peat fire continually burned. Every afternoon, no matter the weather, I walked and walked across farms, up dirt roads, down hidden trails, and along the sea.
Within a few days, people in the village began to recognize me as the outsider and often asked how I was getting on. A bus north to Galway and south to the Cliffs of Moher ran daily if I needed a break. I had developed a routine and it was working.
At the end of two weeks I was close to finishing the first draft, so I made a crazy decision and extended my trip another two weeks, something I’ve never done before. But I was officially in the zone – and anyone who writes fiction for a living knows how precious that rare space can be. And something else had happened…. I had fallen in love with Ireland, and I couldn’t bring myself to leave.
I know of no English word to describe the way I feel about this ancient island, but in Portuguese the word is “saudade” – an inexplicable deep longing for some one or some time or some place no longer with you, a yearning for something that might have been.
Is there a place where you long to be?
February 4, 2015
Waiting for your big break…?
When I give talks to kids as a tween author, or to adult audiences as one of the Nevertheless Writers, I sometimes get asked about my big break. My answer usually surprises people:
I never got a big break because big breaks don’t happen to most of us, and opportunities rarely just fall into anyone’s lap.
The younger you understand this, the further you will go in every facet of your life . . . your education, your favorite sport, your dream job, your art, your finances, and your relationships.
The truth is life is filled with lots of little cracks – not big breaks – and that’s where you’ll find the opportunities and, eventually, your success.
99% of my writing career has happened because I persistently work at it and make it happen. Three steps forward, two steps back, and repeat. It’s not glamorous, and it’s not what our media-hyped culture wants you to believe, but I guarantee it’s the real-life journey of most determined people who reach their goals.
As for that remaining 1% of my career, once in a blue moon (aka, a scarce occurrence) someone reaches out to me with an offer. For that, I’m extremely grateful. That’s a very good day. But I don’t sit around and hope those opportunities will appear, because those rare moments are out of my control.
So don’t waste your time waiting for a big flashy break. Instead, focus on those fine (sometimes hard to see) cracks of light. Create your own destiny.
January 26, 2015
I, EMMA FREKE the movie?
Over the last couple years, my agent and I have had a few (i.e., 3 as far as I know) inquiries from movie producers regarding film rights to I, EMMA FREKE.
While film rights have yet to be “optioned,” I can’t help daydreaming about my own movie version of EMMA F . . . .
Neither can my readers, because it’s probably the number #1 question I get in fan mail and from kids when visiting schools!
During one Skype visit last year, a class from Illinois told me they had casting suggestions for every character in the book
Starring as EMMA, they would cast Eden Sher (after dying her hair red) who plays SUE HECK on the TV sitcom, THE MIDDLE.
While I love her work (and that show!) I don’t quite see it.
My choice would be more like Karen Gillan who played AMY POND on the BBC’s Doctor Who
or maybe Emma Stone….
….both when they were a few years younger.
So if and when I, EMMA FREKE is optioned and made into a movie, whom do you see playing the lead?
While film rights have yet to be “optioned,” I can’t help daydreaming about my own movie version of EMMA F . . . .
Neither can my readers, because it’s probably the number #1 question I get in fan mail and from kids when visiting schools!
During one Skype visit last year, a class from Illinois told me they had casting suggestions for every character in the book
Starring as EMMA, they would cast Eden Sher (after dying her hair red) who plays SUE HECK on the TV sitcom, THE MIDDLE.
While I love her work (and that show!) I don’t quite see it.
My choice would be more like Karen Gillan who played AMY POND on the BBC’s Doctor Who
or maybe Emma Stone….
….both when they were a few years younger.
So if and when I, EMMA FREKE is optioned and made into a movie, whom do you see playing the lead?
January 12, 2015
just say yes
Yesterday – like so many winter days in New England – the skies were steely gray and cold. A perfect day to stay home in my sweats, drink tea, and continue to work on book revisions which are due very soon.Instead, I said yes to an invitation to attend the Humanist Hub in Cambridge – a weekly gathering of free thinkers who meet in a warm, cozy space each Sunday (right after the Ethical Society) in Harvard Square. I’m so glad I did! This week the discussion focused on what it means to “join” . . . something I’m often resistant to do.
Today, I was asked to a private event (later this week) featuring a famous author whose career I’ve admired and followed my entire adult life. Would I rather avoid the awkward, intimidating moment when I will be introduced to this larger-than-life artist? Absolutely! However, I know (from years of stepping outside my comfort zone) an opportunity like this is not to be missed.
Recently, I heard from someone I haven’t seen since I was 14 years old (almost 40 years ago) and we talked about finding the time to meet for coffee very soon. Will our get-together feel stiff and strange at first? More than likely. And would my world be different if I never saw this individual ever again? Probably not.
But what I do know is this: Whenever possible, say yes. Because your life will be so much richer when you step outside yourself, remain open, and walk toward something you cannot see. And more importantly, it makes us kinder, more compassionate beings.
January 1, 2015
December 21, 2014
What do you love most?
The holidays are upon us ~ Chanukah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hogmanay, Chinese New Year ~ to name a few.
For me, this time of year is all about reconnecting . . .
through beautiful music,
delicious food by the fire,
long conversations,
and wandering in the wild . . . .
What do you love most about your winter holiday?
For me, this time of year is all about reconnecting . . .
through beautiful music,
delicious food by the fire,
long conversations,
and wandering in the wild . . . .
What do you love most about your winter holiday?
December 15, 2014
WIN this Friday!
I’m part of a wonderful cross-genre group called the Nevertheless Writers.
Between the five of us we’ve published memoirs, mysteries, humor, picture books, contemporaries, chicklit, non-fiction, and tween novels.
We lead discussions at libraries, schools, and book events in order to create a supportive writing community, especially for writers trying to navigate the publishing industry.
This week ~ in the spirit of the holiday season ~ we’re offering a chance to win signed copies of our books!
Please see below for details and pass it on….
HOLIDAY CONTEST
Win a signed book from all 5 Nevertheless Writers!!
HOW?
1) “Like” us on Facebook – OR – “Follow” us on Twitter (@NTLWriters) this week.
2) Email us at NeverthelessWriters@gmail.com to tell us you either ‘liked’ or ‘followed’ us by Friday, December 19th.
One winner will be randomly selected from all entries this Friday at 5pm!!
The winner will receive signed copies of:
BEACH PLUM ISLAND by Holly Robinson
A TINE TO LIVE, A TINE TO DIE by Edith Maxwell
THE MOTHER LOAD by Nancy Crochiere
I, EMMA FREKE by Elizabeth Atkinson
EDNA by Susan Paradis
And don’t forget to spread the word to other readers & writers in your life!
Between the five of us we’ve published memoirs, mysteries, humor, picture books, contemporaries, chicklit, non-fiction, and tween novels.
We lead discussions at libraries, schools, and book events in order to create a supportive writing community, especially for writers trying to navigate the publishing industry.
This week ~ in the spirit of the holiday season ~ we’re offering a chance to win signed copies of our books!
Please see below for details and pass it on….
HOLIDAY CONTEST
Win a signed book from all 5 Nevertheless Writers!!
HOW?
1) “Like” us on Facebook – OR – “Follow” us on Twitter (@NTLWriters) this week.
2) Email us at NeverthelessWriters@gmail.com to tell us you either ‘liked’ or ‘followed’ us by Friday, December 19th.
One winner will be randomly selected from all entries this Friday at 5pm!!
The winner will receive signed copies of:
BEACH PLUM ISLAND by Holly Robinson
A TINE TO LIVE, A TINE TO DIE by Edith Maxwell
THE MOTHER LOAD by Nancy Crochiere
I, EMMA FREKE by Elizabeth Atkinson
EDNA by Susan Paradis
And don’t forget to spread the word to other readers & writers in your life!
November 26, 2014
Cover Reveal….
I’m so happy to reveal the cover of my new tween novel
THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW BALL
coming to a neighborhood bookstore near you in October 2015!!
From ISLANDPORT PRESS:
“Coming next fall: the quirky, upbeat story of Ruby LaRue, an eleven year-old girl with an enthusiastic zest for life, and her shy, brilliant friend, Eleanor Bandaranayake.
Ruby and Eleanor live in the quaint town of Paris, New Hampshire, located at the base of Sugar Mountain, an exclusive ski resort in the White Mountains. Every winter, Paris comes alive with “Outers,” wealthy families from out of town who own ski condos and wear designer clothes, luxuries that Ruby and Eleanor (and most of the year-round residents of Paris) can’t afford.
One December day, Ruby and Eleanor stumble across Madame Magnifique, the “World’s Most Divine Psychic,” who urges them to unlock their deepest dreams. Ruby has always longed to mingle with the Outers and now, more than ever, she is determined to make that dream come true.
As a chain of events unfolds over the winter months, both girls find themselves on a journey of self-discovery that includes unlikely friendships, crushes, profits, secrets, and a surprise ending!!
A relevant story in today’s world – exploring cross-cultural sensitivities and diversity within a classic New England microcosm – The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball questions the role of destiny and the ability we all have to achieve that which seems impossible.
Please watch for pre-ordering info soon and share with the tweens, students, friends, librarians, and teachers in your life!
Happy Reading!
And Happy Turkey Day!!
Elizabethxx
(Note: If you’d prefer not to receive my weekly “Wandering & Wondering” blog, please feel free to unsubscribe or contact me if you need assistance.)
THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW BALL
coming to a neighborhood bookstore near you in October 2015!!
From ISLANDPORT PRESS:
“Coming next fall: the quirky, upbeat story of Ruby LaRue, an eleven year-old girl with an enthusiastic zest for life, and her shy, brilliant friend, Eleanor Bandaranayake.
Ruby and Eleanor live in the quaint town of Paris, New Hampshire, located at the base of Sugar Mountain, an exclusive ski resort in the White Mountains. Every winter, Paris comes alive with “Outers,” wealthy families from out of town who own ski condos and wear designer clothes, luxuries that Ruby and Eleanor (and most of the year-round residents of Paris) can’t afford.
One December day, Ruby and Eleanor stumble across Madame Magnifique, the “World’s Most Divine Psychic,” who urges them to unlock their deepest dreams. Ruby has always longed to mingle with the Outers and now, more than ever, she is determined to make that dream come true.
As a chain of events unfolds over the winter months, both girls find themselves on a journey of self-discovery that includes unlikely friendships, crushes, profits, secrets, and a surprise ending!!
A relevant story in today’s world – exploring cross-cultural sensitivities and diversity within a classic New England microcosm – The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball questions the role of destiny and the ability we all have to achieve that which seems impossible.
Please watch for pre-ordering info soon and share with the tweens, students, friends, librarians, and teachers in your life!
Happy Reading!
And Happy Turkey Day!!
Elizabethxx
(Note: If you’d prefer not to receive my weekly “Wandering & Wondering” blog, please feel free to unsubscribe or contact me if you need assistance.)
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