Susan Wiggs's Blog, page 16
November 5, 2016
Bella Vista and Lakeshore Chronicles :: What’s next? :: And where are the recipes?
Anyone remember The Velveteen Rabbit? It has a subtitle: Or, How Toys Become Real. 
SPOILER ALERT: Toys become real when a child loves them without question.
Which is my round-about way of describing one of the most exciting moments for a writer–that moment when her books become "real" to readers.
I love it when I get a note or message from a reader asking about future books. While writing, the characters and their situations feel very real to me, and it’s lovely to know a reader cares enough to wonder about the people in my books.
The big dilemma for me is that I get a lot of questions about this. I wish I could reply to each one individually, but that means taking time away from writing, which is my job, so I have to focus on that before everything else. So here in this post is my all-purpose explanation to questions about Bella Vista, Lakeshore, and recipes–by far my most frequently-asked questions!
What’s next for the Bella Vista Chronicles?
Readers of The Apple Orchard and The Beekeeper’s Ball know there’s more to the story. Even though the books are meant to be read and enjoyed in any order, sharp-eyed fans noticed that there is an intriguing question about Erik Johansen. Is he gone for good, or did he disappear again? And what about that baby?
Short answer: YES. There is more to the story. There’s enough to write a third novel in this lush, romantic setting.
Long answer: The book isn’t written yet. Thanks to the vagaries of the publishing world, my books are being released by a new publisher. And my current contract with HarperCollins is for stand-alone novels unrelated to Bella Vista or Lakeshore. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never get that third Bella Vista novel! I just can’t say when. Watch this space for announcements.
But here’s a bit of good news–The Apple Orchard is going to be a movie!
What’s next in the Lakeshore Chronicles?
Fans of the Bellamy family and Willow Lake–that oh-so-nostalgic setting–know the drama never ends in the charming Catskills town of Avalon. Even after eleven-and-a-half books in the series, there are more stories to tell.
But as I said above, my current contract with HarperCollins is for stand-alone novels. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never get more Lakeshore Chronicles. I still dream about Ivy and Adam and Suzanne and Max (after he’s grown) and a whole new generation of Bellamys. So again, watch this space for announcements, or join me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Where can I find the recipes featured in your books?
Most of them are right here on my site! Yay for my web designer! Also, I collect other recipes on my Pinterest board. Check out The Key Ingredient, The Sky River Bakery, and The Bella Vista Culinary School.
#books #reading #recipes #seriesbooks #lakeshorechronicles #bellavistachronicles @harpercollinsus @harlequinbooks
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October 28, 2016
The Fix Is In: Two Writers Have Found the Ultimate Cure for the Winter Doldrums
Where do writers go to recharge, relax, read…and get going on the next novel? World-renowned mystery author Elizabeth George and bestselling novelist Susan Wiggs tackled this topic, and the solution might surprise you. 
The authors and longtime friends both agree–connecting with readers is the lifeblood of creativity. “One of the magical things about a book is that for each reader, it’s a different experience,” says Susan Wiggs. “She brings her own taste and sensibilities to the novel, so even though I wrote it, she saw the story through different eyes.” 
“The act of reading is profoundly creative,” Elizabeth George points out. “The bond between the reader and the writer is a powerful force.”
Now Ms. George and Ms. Wiggs have come up with a way to take the concept to the next level– by connecting with readers on a Caribbean cruise. In March, the sloppy tail-end of winter, the authors will be hosting a book club at sea.
“This is not your grandmother’s Caribbean cruise,” Wiggs emphasizes. “The unfortunate thing is, when most people think of cruises, they picture cheesy lounge music, overstuffed buffets, lines of newlyweds and nearly-deads…”
“They’re not looking in the right places,” George adds. “We’ve found the ship–and the on-board experience–that will be the perfect fit for readers. It’s not a regular cruise, but eleven days of floating debauchery in the middle of winter. ”
According to the authors and the event organizers, this cruise really is something different. The cruise line is Silver Sea, which means every room is a suite, and every suite comes with its own butler. There’s an open bar, and all-inclusive really means all-inclusive–drinks, wifi, tips, special excursions and private events with the authors. Each reader who books through Vacations By Design will receive a special edition of the authors’ latest novels to read and discuss with fellow travelers.
“Being on board together opens up lots of opportunities for great conversation, fun events like literary trivia and movie night, a special shore excursion, and themed cocktail and dinner parties,” says Elizabeth George. “It’ll be an eleven-day book party. In perfect Caribbean weather.”
Arie Boris, editor-in-chief of Cruise Gourmet Magazine, has had a long career creating unique and memorable travel experiences. He’s designed cruises featuring musicians, chefs, wine enthusiasts, and celebrities–but this is his first cruise for readers and writers. “I’m amazed at the reception we’ve had so far,” he says. “It’s very gratifying to find people who are so passionate about books and authors.”
“We plan to celebrate readers,” Wiggs promises. “Not only those studying serious literature for the ages, but folks who love to curl up with a book of any genre. Trust me, we won’t treat you the way Flaubert did Madame Bovary, who cured her ‘addiction’ to romance novels by committing suicide.”
“Yeah, who does that?” asks George. “We’ll treat you right.”
“You should really join us,” Wiggs says. “Because, butlers.”
The scott or phone 800-828-4813 extension 1003.
#butlers #cruises #readinggroups #bookclubs #SilverSea #ElizabethGeorge #Caribbean #luxurycruise #wintergetaway #books #reading
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October 25, 2016
cheap reads
I’m on sale this week! The digital edition of FAMILY TREE is just $2.99, ten bucks off the regular price. Snuggle up with your favorite e-reader.
Family Tree
By Susan Wiggs
“This is Susan Wiggs at her best” (Debbie Macomber). When Annie Harlow wakes from a yearlong coma, she returns to her family’s home in Vermont — where she must solve an old mystery with the help of her grandmother’s cookbook. From a #1 New York Times bestselling author!
$2.99 $12.99
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October 21, 2016
Ten Years at Willow Lake
It’s the 10-year anniversary of Summer at Willow Lake, which was the first book in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. It’s just been reissued in a special trade paperback edition.
I love this cover. I especially love the "Camp Kioga" logo on the paddle. I totally made up the name and even made up the story behind it, just because that’s what summer camp is all about–getting away from the real world into a world of make believe, a world where anything can happen.
(An aside–while traveling in the "real world," I did come across a scene that could be right out of Willow Lake. (It’s a canal in Holland, though.)
The Lakeshore Chronicles are a joy to write. Sometimes the town of Avalon, Willow Lake, and all the Bellamy family seem as real to me as my own friends and family.
Are there more books to come? Gosh, I hope so! I currently have commitments to write other books, but we’ll see what the future holds. Here’s a list of the first eleven titles. Enjoy!
#SusanWiggs #LakeshoreChronicles #seriesbooks @harpercollins @WmMorrowBks
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September 22, 2016
bonjour, bruxelles
Look where we are, look look look
#brussels #grandplace #researchtrip #amwriting
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September 21, 2016
Writers brainstorming trip
24 hours of food, fun, and fiction #porttownsend #brainstorming #amwriting
(via mobile)
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September 15, 2016
Story Book Places —
From my e-mail queue–just a bit of eye candy. I’m not sure what the source is on this one but these are lovely pics. Let’s go traveling!
Places That Look Like They Are Out of a Story Book.
Beautiful flowers hanging off the balconies in
Cagnes-sur-Mer, Provence, France.
After the rain in Bibury, England, United Kingdom.
A quaint little town called Rothenburg ob der Tauber,
located in Germany.
A magnificent waterfall in Gásadalur, Faroe Islands.
Unknown
The breathtaking view in Hallstatt, Austria.
A beautiful, sunny day in Bagnone, Italy.
Manarola, one of the five famous Cinque Terre
towns in Italy.
A quiet, traditional town called Gokayama in Japan.
Unknown
Waves crashing against the shore of the small fishing
town of Hamnøy in Norway.
Local residents tending to their daily tasks in
Eguisheim, France.
Mother nature takes over this abandoned fishing
village in the Shengsi Islands, China.
Clouds wrapping themselves around the towering
mountain in Renndølsetra, Norway.
The Winter Wonderland in Shirakawa, Japan.
The impressive island that is Monemvasia, Greece.
One of the many beautiful mountain villages
in China.
Gorgeous roses lining the exterior walls of houses
in Penne, France.
The incredible view in this small town in Oia, Greece
is simply breathtaking.
The spectacular Foroglio Waterfall can be seen from
this quaint little town in Foroglio, Switzerland.
The small town of Bled stands proudly in front of the
Julian Alps in Slovenia.
Unknown
These snow-covered houses in Røros, Norway look
just like something out of a Christmas tale.
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September 14, 2016
team effort
If you’ve ever wondered how a working writer manages to do all the things that have to be done in addition to writing a novel…
The lucky ones like me have a crack team helping to connect with readers, reading groups, booksellers, librarians…even the occasional snake.
Here are two of my adorable helpers, Tavia and Megan at HarperCollins, brandishing the Seattle Chocolate I sent to thank them with their help on the Great Reading Group Project. Thanks, girls! @SeattleChocolates @SeattleChoc @HarperCollins @WmMorrowBks
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September 12, 2016
Mineral County Library :: Superior, MT
Quite possibly, one of my favorite author events. Definitely the best original artwork I’ve ever seen for one of my books. The Mineral County Library is a haven for good-hearted readers.
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September 11, 2016
backstory :: behind the Chicago Fire trilogy
So I had a dilemma–I wanted to write a trilogy of novels that could be published together. But I didn’t have time to research three books in the short amount of time I had to write them.
Solution: Research one setting and situation, and place all the novels in that setting.
A brand new e-book edition is on sale now–all three books in one.
I chose the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was dramatic and sweeping, it created chaos, and the time frame was compressed. That’s how I came up with The Hostage, The Mistress, and The Firebrand. Three young ladies were all at the same party on the night of the fire, and the ensuing emergency sent them scattering…and of course, they all ended up finding true love.
Each book starts the same, the moment the fire is sparked. Here is page one of each book. Here’s THE HOSTAGE:
…and then we have THE MISTRESS, which plays with the theory that the fire was started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern:
…and finally, THE FIREBRAND, in which Lucy will rescue a baby and raise it as her own:
And there you have it. Three books, one huge drama.
#historicalromance #Chicago #ebooks
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