Julia McDermott's Blog, page 5
August 25, 2016
Find my books at Barnes & Noble!
The “Perimeter” Barnes & Noble on Perimeter Center West in Atlanta (near Perimeter Mall) now stocks signed copies of three of my books!
Find my psychological suspense novels UNDERWATER and DADDY’S GIRL, both set in Atlanta, on the shelf in Fiction & Literature…
And my memoir ALL THE ABOVE: MY SON’S BATTLE WITH BRAIN CANCER is shelved in Biographies & Memoirs. Look whose books I’m next to 
August 20, 2016
Wine with Wendy on Wednesday, numéro dix (10)
Last Wednesday,Wendy and I met at a Buckhead restaurant for our first déjeuner of the school year. We went to St. Cecelia, located across the street from Phipps Plaza and in the same place another restaurant used to be. It’s been redone, of course, and seems much lighter and brighter now.
I had a glass of rosé and she had pino grigio, and we ordered tasty, light dishes. She has a couple of big trips coming up – she’s probably on the first one now – but I don’t have one until mid-September. I love hearing about what she has planned, and chatting about things we do or don’t have in common. Turns out, over the last few months, both of us have committed to a healthier lifestyle, and we are both seeing some good results.
Wine notwithstanding.
As a writer, I sometimes feel isolated – even lonely – especially when the words aren’t flowing, and I’m not in the “zone.” Even when I don’t feel that way, it’s good to get together with great friends like Wendy. After a nice lunch with her (and a glass of wine), everything seems much lighter and brighter.
P.S. No “Pizza, Salad and a Movie” last night – we met a couple we hadn’t seen in awhile for dinner instead. Guess what kind of wine I ordered?
August 15, 2016
Pizza, Salad, and a Movie: Jason Bourne
This weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:
Anchovies
Jalapeños
That’s it – he asked for Arugula but they forgot it. Oh, well.
Wedge salad for me.
Movie:
Jason Bourne
I loved the first 3 Bourne films: The Bourne Identity, Ultimatum, and Supremacy. Did not like The Bourne Legacy. If you feel the same, you’ll like Jason Bourne. It’s what you would expect, and then some. All I will say is that, like Jack Bauer’s backup in 24, it’s not good to be Jason Bourne’s girlfriend/love interest: Things don’t really go well for you.
One other thing, speaking of love interests. I like both Julia Stiles and Alicia Vikander, but I did NOT like Alicia’s American (?) accent in this film. It just sounded weird. Let me know if you agree.
On the missing Arugula (see above), he didn’t mind too much. I confess I had a bite of this pizza (only because I couldn’t resist the anchovies), but luckily, the jalapenos kept me from eating much. Yay.
After that, things went very well.
August 8, 2016
Pizza, Salad, and a Movie: The Secret Life of Pets
This weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:
Capers
Jalapeños
Green Olives
I had the spinach salad.
Movie:
The Secret Life of Pets
This film was laugh-out-loud, very entertaining, sweet and lovable – kind of like Toy Story but with pets (and not just dogs). I really liked the cat (and I don’t really like real cats), and I loved all the dogs, especially the poodle. It was very funny and very cute. Next time, we’re going for an action/thriller (probably Jason Bourne), but I’m glad we saw Pets.
The pizza: Yes, we are still on a salad-for-me and jalapeños-for-him on the pizza (taking lots of it home) while I’m boycotting pizza. I suggested the other two toppings (I was thinking, why not do all green?) and he liked the idea.
He said it was tasty. So was my dinner, which was pretty green, too.
August 3, 2016
List Post, août 2016 (August)
It’s the Dog Days of Summer, and I’ve got a new list!
The Georgia Writers Association has just released the judges’ notes for Finalists and Winners of the 2016 Georgia Author of the Year Awards. Here’s what judge Iraj Omidvar said about my book:
“Julia McDermott’s All the Above, My Son’s Battle with Brain Cancer is replete with powerful dialogues and descriptions that bring to life the circumstances leading to — as well as the significance of — each of the often life-and-death decisions involved in fighting brain cancer. At the center of this drama is Jack, the courageous and much-loved young man whose struggle reminds us of the often invisible social ties that underpin our lives. In recounting the events, McDermott exposes the powerful relationships among parents and children, siblings, and relatives and friends that sustain life and work, here in face of tremendous stressors. The memoir is also a poignantly appreciative look at the dedicated physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals the family relied on for Jack’s surgeries and recovery.”
After my “Personal Journey” was published on July 10, 2016 by the AJC – Atlanta Journal Constitution – titled Fear and Gratitude, (click here to read), I connected with the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Association (headquartered in Asheville, NC). They help families with children who have been diagnosed with brain tumors, and they do great work.
I’ll appear on the Atlanta Writers Club Thriller panel at this year’s AJC Decatur Book Festival on Sat., Sept. 3 at 11:15 am at the Decatur City Hall. Afterward, I’ll sign copies of my novels DADDY’S GIRL and UNDERWATER, and my memoir ALL THE ABOVE: MY SON’S BATTLE WITH BRAIN CANCER.
That same day, from 2:00 to 3:00, I’ll be at the Atlanta Writers Club booth, to chat and sign copies of my books. I’ll also appear at the Sisters in Crime booth, time and date TBA.
Later in September: I’m traveling to New Orleans to attend Mystery Writers Conference, Bouchercon, and will appear on a panel titled Watch That Man – Thriller on Sunday Sept. 18 at 9:00 am.
In November, I’ll be a participating moderator/panelist on a nonfiction panel at the Milton Literary Festival, and next March, I’ll be a “Regional Writer” at the Dahlonega Literary Festival.
August 1, 2016
Pizza, Salad, and a Movie: Ghostbusters
This weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:
Chicken
Jalapeños
Sliced Tomatoes
Me? I had a wedge salad again.
Movie:
Ghostbusters
The film: A solid remake, funny, entertaining, well cast, and if you liked the original, you’ll probably like this one, too.
The pizza: He’s on a jalapeños kick (with my blessing) because I’m not eating pizza for the foreseeable future. My salad was great, though.
Movies we want to see very soon: The Secret Life of Pets, Jason Bourne (we’re binge watching the previous ones, all of which I LOVE), Captain Fantastic, Bad Moms (note: I almost titled my last novel, DADDY’S GIRL, as BAD CINDERELLA – and maybe I should have), and later on, Ben-Hur.
July 23, 2016
Pizza, Salad, and a Movie: Love and Friendship
This weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:
Ham
Jalapeños
Spinach *
(I had a wedge salad with chicken.)
We my husband chose jalapeños since I’m not eating pizza right now (and for a while), and I don’t like them.
Movie:
Love and Friendship
All in all, I liked this film, but lots of characters are introduced early in the opening credits, and it was hard for me to keep track of them – almost overwhelming. It was distracting as I tried to follow the plot. However, I love Jane Austen, and if you do, too, I think you will like this movie.
One reason we chose to see it was that it was playing at the right time (7:15). Other films we want to see were playing either too early or too late at our theater of choice: Ghostbusters, The Secret Life of Pets [me], and Star Trek Beyond [him – I just don’t like Star Trek.] Pets was playing at 7:00 so that was doable, but after Finding Dory last time, he requested we not watch an animated movie, and I agreed. Maybe next time, though. Or maybe Ghostbusters at a different cinema.
I ain’t afraid of no ghost.
*He asked for Sliced Tomatoes, but he got Spinach instead, and said it was tasty.
July 19, 2016
Sharing support: reaction to my article in the AJC
I’ve been overwhelmed with all the support and kind wishes that Jack and I and our family have received since the publication of my “Personal Journey” article titled Fear and Gratitude in the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) Sunday edition of July 10, 2016.
Here are some quotes from the messages, letters, and comments:
“Thank you for sharing your story. My son is your son’s age and was a Terry student at UGA. I can’t imagine how hard this was but so glad things worked out well for him and your family.”
“…Had me in tears…Congrats…Awesome…Very cool…”
“…so proud of your good writing as I sorrowed along with you, Jack, and the whole family.”
“Your story touched my heart…Kudos…Fabulous article…This is beautiful.”
“…your strength and talent go beyond the pages you write.”
“Excellent article…Amazing journey…Well done! Very moving! Thanks for sharing your experience.””
“…brought tears to my eyes and reassurance that goods thing can happen in this world…Inspiring! That’s the one word that would describe Julia McDermott’s Personal Journeys’ story of her son, Jack’s, battle and victory over brain cancer. We’re reminded that our lives can change in a moment and the only way to meet fear and tragedy is through positive action, courage, and faith.”
“…unbelievable…I marvel at your family’s courage and faith through it all!…Don’t we learn in the most unimaginable situations?”
From a friend in my French conversation class: “Quel article dans le journal ce dimanche passé! Cette histoire est incroyable, une source d’inspiration! Tu es vraiment douée comme écrivaine et comme mère extraordinaire!
Et ton fils est un modèle de courage et de ténacité pour tout le monde.”
And:
From Dr. Allan Friedman of Duke, in an email to me: “You are a gifted writer. This is a very nice article….Give him my best.”
From UGA President Jere W. Morehead, in a letter to Jack: “I read about your battle with cancer in…the AJC. I was deeply moved by your experience. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to confront such dire circumstances as a student. The strength that you demonstrated to overcome the illness and complete your education is truly inspirational. Your story sends a powerful message of hope and courage to so many, and the University of Georgia is proud to call you an alumnus.”
IF I’ve forgotten to include your message, or if you would like to send one, please post it in the Comments below!
July 12, 2016
Pizza and a Movie: Finding Dory
This (last) weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:
Bacon
Extra Cheese
Green Olives
Movie:
Finding Dory
I had a spinach salad and two slices of pizza (although I’d planned not to have any pizza). He chose all the toppings, and since I’m trying to eat less (or no) pizza now, I suggested he choose jalapeños next time. (That’ll ensure I stick to a salad alone.)
I loved Finding Nemo, and this film was quite good too: entertaining, visually dazzling, funny, sweet, and everything good that is Pixar. The only thing I didn’t absolutely love is that Dory kept saying that she suffers from short-term memory loss (which we knew from the first movie, but that came out a long time ago, so there you are). She’s adorable, though, and I loved the story.
When my husband was a little boy, the story goes, one evening, after playing outside, he kept asking his parents the same questions, and couldn’t remember their answers. They realized he was “suffering from short-term memory loss” and took him to a doctor, who said he had had a concussion. He recovered, started remembering things again, and never had another concussion, thank goodness. I never had an experience like that, so I don’t know what it’s like.
But he never forgot.
July 8, 2016
List Post, juillet 2016 (July)
Check out my Events tab for my upcoming appearances, including the one on Thursday July 14 at 6:30 pm at the Book Exchange Marietta
I’m hard at work on my next novel, and hope to have half of the story written by the time I appear at this year’s AJC Decatur Book Festival on the Thriller panel!
