Mary Simses's Blog, page 5
August 30, 2014
Working on My New Book
I've been working on a new book for several months (longer than that, actually, but I'm embarrassed to say exactly how long). People often tell me that they can never imagine writing a book. That statement is usually followed by a comment like, "I just don't think I could sit down and write every day and have that kind of discipline." Well, guess what? Neither do I.
I don't write every day, although I try. I try to write in the morning because my mind is fresh and the rest of the day hasn't begun to interfere yet. But, often, I have other things I have to do in the morning and I can't get to my writing until the afternoon or even the evening. Sometimes the entire day gets away from me and I'm unable to write at all. I always come back to it, however, usually the following day. One thing I do know is that my book will always be there, waiting for me. It's kind of a comfort in a way, to know it's there and to know that I'm making progress, little by little.
My new book features a woman as the main character and takes place in a fictional seaside town in Connecticut. It also involves some issues from the past that the main character has to deal with. I guess these are my themes - women in small, New England towns with issues from the past to sort through.
Well, I'm off now - to have dinner and maybe get some writing in before sleep.
Happy reading!
Mary
I don't write every day, although I try. I try to write in the morning because my mind is fresh and the rest of the day hasn't begun to interfere yet. But, often, I have other things I have to do in the morning and I can't get to my writing until the afternoon or even the evening. Sometimes the entire day gets away from me and I'm unable to write at all. I always come back to it, however, usually the following day. One thing I do know is that my book will always be there, waiting for me. It's kind of a comfort in a way, to know it's there and to know that I'm making progress, little by little.
My new book features a woman as the main character and takes place in a fictional seaside town in Connecticut. It also involves some issues from the past that the main character has to deal with. I guess these are my themes - women in small, New England towns with issues from the past to sort through.
Well, I'm off now - to have dinner and maybe get some writing in before sleep.
Happy reading!
Mary
August 14, 2013
A General "Thank You"
My book, The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe, has been out now for a few weeks and I would like to say THANK YOU to all of the people who have read the book and to those who have commented on it, through goodreads, facebook, or my website.
I've been really touched by all of the positive messages and well-wishes I've received from readers across the country and in foreign lands. I know that there are thousands of great books out there to choose from and that an investment in a book means time and, usually, money. I appreciate the investment that readers have made in my book - whether they loved it or felt it wasn't their "cup of tea." It means a lot to me.
Mary
I've been really touched by all of the positive messages and well-wishes I've received from readers across the country and in foreign lands. I know that there are thousands of great books out there to choose from and that an investment in a book means time and, usually, money. I appreciate the investment that readers have made in my book - whether they loved it or felt it wasn't their "cup of tea." It means a lot to me.
Mary
July 23, 2013
Stockpiling Books
There is nothing I love more than to have a stockpile of good books to read. I currently have one of the biggest piles I've ever had sitting on my bedside table. There are twelve books there right now. I was fortunate to receive a number of them from my publisher. One of the perks of having a publisher (and my publisher Little, Brown is the absolute best!!) is that they give you books. When I go to their offices in New York, which I only do once or twice a year, my editor and my publicist open up the doors of several huge closets that are FULL OF BOOKS and I pick out half a dozen of them to take home. It's like Christmas! Now, it's not that I couldn't just go out and buy those books myself because I could. But there is something about those big closets with their shelves and shelves of brand new books that is just magical. Who could resist?! I'm like a kid in a candy shop!
Why Writers Write about Maine Panel
I want to thank the goodreads members who posed questions to the panel I took part in, on July 9, about why writers write about Maine. Although my debut novel came out that same day, making me the "beginner" in the group (the other authors being Anita Shreve, J. Courtney Sullivan, and Ursula DeYoung-quite an accomplished group indeed!), I really enjoyed the questions and comments that readers submitted. Joining goodreads has been one of the best things that has happened to me as a reader and an author. Thanks to everyone who participated!
June 17, 2013
Things I Love
I love taking photographs, which is one reason why I made Ellen, the main character in my book, a serious shutterbug. I think that taking thousands of photos over the years has helped me become a better writer because it's sharpened my ability to describe places and scenes. In the book, the fictional town of Beacon, Maine is almost a character itself. I have a number of photos of Maine on my website. I hope you will visit and take a look at them.
http://www.marysimses.com/extras/mary....
http://www.marysimses.com/extras/mary....
June 4, 2013
My New Website is Up!
My new website is up and running. There is information there about my book, The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café, coming out on July 9, about upcoming book events I’ll be doing, my photos, and a lot more. Please stop by for a visit!
http://marysimses.com.
http://marysimses.com.
