Emilie Richards's Blog, page 20

The Guest House: A Unexpected Research Gift

I spent much of July acquainting you with The House Guests, my latest novel. Months ago, as I did research , I came across this powerful poem by Rumi because of the similar title. Today I want to share it with you.

Does “The Guest House” relate directly to “The House Guests?” I think it does, especially if you read last week’s blog. When you’ve read the book, let me know your thoughts. But even if you don’t, take and absorb Rumi’s words, across continents and centuries, and originally in a language I’ve never spoken.

Powerful still and because…

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jalaluddin Rumi, The Essential Rumi translation by Coleman Barks*

^As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small royalty if you purchase from this link.

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Sunday Inspiration: Perception is the key

 

“Some people could be given an entire field of roses

and only see the thorns in it.

Others could be given only a single weed

and only see the wildflower in it.

Perception is a key component to gratitude.

And gratitude a key component to joy.”

-Amy Weatherly

 

I must confess that as a gardener there are some days I go out into my garden and the first thing I see are the weeds that need to be pulled–or right now, the mushrooms sprouting after record rainfall. When that happens I try to remember to avert my eyes from the problems– at least until I can get into weed-pulling mode — and instead appreciate the beauty of the plants and flowers.

At the worst of times I do that with people, too. Do you? Instead of seeing  beauty, I zero in on a flaw or flaws. When I can be mindful of this impairment in my own vision and drop that filter, I am so grateful. Because I have given both of us a chance for a deeper relationship.

Have you had similar experiences?

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Saying Goodbye: Books are Like Children and Old Friends

I have four children, and I adore every one of them. But perhaps because I have four, empty nest syndrome was never a real problem in my life. When the first three took off, one after the other, the fourth was still around for years. And during that time the older three returned at varying intervals in varying ways, or at least stayed in touch so we could reach them at a moment’s notice. We’re still a family, and thanks to the miracles of modern technology, we’re still close even when we’re miles apart.

I was proud to see my children fly free, convinced from the start that preparing them to go out into the world was my real job as a parent. I was glad to be successful.

Luckily I never had to say goodbye. I said “see you soon,” and I have.

A week ago I said a final goodbye to my latest novel, The House Guests, during a live chat with friend and author Diane Chamberlain. This was my last promo gig, conducted over the internet, as most publicity is these days. Now the book must fly (off shelves hopefully) on its own. Cassie and Amber, Will and Savannah, must proceed on their own without my imagination to guide them into the next phases of their lives. I wish them well. It was time to move on.

I’ve been thinking about goodbyes a lot this past year. In 2020–and still today–all of us endured more than a year of “goodbyes” to normal lives, to the pleasures of friends dropping by, of traveling to see family, to indulging in longed for vacations. We said goodbye to jobs, to disposable income, to goods and service we took for granted.

On top of the goodbyes we all shared, sadly I’ve had to say goodbye to numerous friends who passed away in the past 18 months. Many of them were my friends here in Chautauqua, New York, where Proman and I spend our summers. Some were at home in Florida. Some were neighbors and some lived far away. Some I knew well, some I had hoped to know better.

Some of these goodbyes were simply due to aging. I’ve reached that point where I can no longer say of many friends “but he was so young!” Most of the deaths I’ve experienced were not those of young people, but friends and family who had lived long, useful lives and will be missed by everyone they left behind. We were honored to have known them.

What most of us couldn’t say this year was a proper goodbye when we needed to. On Sunday my husband conducted a memorial service for a wonderful man we’d grown to love. He died in 2020, and this was the first opportunity to memorialize him. Many more of our friends have had no service, no ceremony, no sharing of stories among friends, no “Do you remember when?” moments. Most of them never will.

Quite possibly the last thing you want to do right now is think back over the past months to find whatever meaning you can in what’s gone. But the things we suppress are the things that will rise up in the dark and shake us from sleep. Let’s name our losses, the people–if you lost anyone dear to you–and the other parts of daily life that are changed forever. And then let’s move on together.

Even if I can’t share stories, I can remember, cry, and then set the sadness free. Like all the things I’ve loved, my friends will come home again. I’ll be reminded of them when I walk by their homes or read a book I know they loved, play Mexican Train, watch a neighbor’s rose bloom and know she would have been delighted. I’ll remember the way Bill always brought us ginger snaps, and Jane always brought pickled beets. I’ll remember Rich’s artisan bread and Joan and Jim’s generous invitations to enjoy a glass of wine on their front porch. I’ll still turn around when I hear their voices in a crowd, but I won’t feel sad when I realize I’m mistaken. Instead I’ll be glad I remember them.

In the words of E.B. White, “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

And isn’t it?

 

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Sunday Inspiration: Did I offer peace today?

“Did I offer peace today?

Did I bring a smile to someone’s face?

Did I say words of healing?

Did I let go of my anger and resentment?

Did I forgive?

Did I love?

These are the real questions.

-Henri Nouwen

Can you imagine asking these questions at the end of every day — and answering them honestly? What a transformation that would bring to each of our lives.

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Sunday Inspiration: Be Soft

“Be soft.

Do not let the world make you hard.

Do not let the pain make you hate.

Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.

Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree,

you still believe it to be a beautiful place.

-Iain Thomas

Tomorrow is my birthday — not saying which one — but here’s what I think would be the best gift of all. I want to be that person who never doubts that the world is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, birthday or not, I know this will never just be given to me. It takes a lifetime of effort, of paying attention to all the wonderful things I take for granted, and then trying to put the not so wonderful in perspective.

I’m always working on it. But you know what? Having the freedom and support to do that is a gift in itself.

I bet you’re working on it, too.

 

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Thank You For Your Reviews and Support

When I was finishing edits for The House Guests , I realized it was also time to write acknowledgements to include at the end.

I usually do just a page of thank yous, concentrating on the book my contacts helped with. But this time I wanted to recognize, if not all, most of the people who’ve helped me down my career path. The House Guests was something like my 80th book, and life comes with no guarantees. I saw that first hand this year, as did many of you, so I decided sooner than later was the right time to express my gratitude.

If you haven’t yet bought and read The House Guests, you may not know you’re right there, along with editors and research sources. Here’s what I said:

Finally, I’m thankful for my readers, the ones who write me letters or emails, and the ones who simply read. The ones who give suggestions and the ones who give praise. The ones who wish I’d write this or that but keep reading me anyway. I’ve gotten to know some of you through Facebook, my newsletter and my website. I am so glad I have because you’re the reason–at least one of the biggest–I write.

I’ve been so lucky, and best of all, I know it. I’m glad I can thank each and every one of you.

In the past my readers wrote me care of my publisher, and if I was lucky, I eventually got their letters . At the same time there were a few review journals, some put together by readers groups, who kept track of books in the romance genre and published reviews a month or so before the books were released. Those were my lodestones, the only feedback I got, the words that kept me going when I wished I could shut down my computer forever and find another career.

These days, of course, readers can contact me immediately through email, Facebook, and other social media. And reviews? Book blogs have multiplied exponentially, and if I’m lucky enough to be reviewed in a newspaper or professional publication like Publisher’s Weekly, or Library Journal, the reviews reach me that very day.

Everything has changed and continues to change quickly. Today I came across all the reasons I should immediately sign up for a class to learn to make and publish book videos on Tiktok.

Not going to happen.

But I am so grateful to the bloggers who took the time to read and publish their thoughts on The House Guests. It’s not a quick read. It’s a book a reader should sink into and ponder a bit. The characters needed room to grow and change, and the story had to unfold in stages. So every blogger who read and reviewed was one who took hours of his/her life to do so. That’s not a small commitment, and they are much appreciated.

As I end my final blog of this series devoted to different aspects of writing The House Guests, let me end with a few review snippets. You can read the professional reviews here, on my website, but let me acquaint you with some of the online bloggers, so you can visit them when you’re looking for new authors to try. These are the most recent.

I’ve long been a fan of Emilie Richards and she never ceases to surprise and delight her readers. In The House Guests she has penned a richly woven domestic drama liberally imbued with danger, terror, intrigue and suspense that will certainly keep readers turning the pages. —Bookish Jottings

The House Guests is an emotionally compelling novel with a hint mystery and a dash of intrigue. —Book Reviews and More by Kathy

The novel is very unexpected. I was expecting a high-octane thriller, but instead, I experienced a low simmer building of suspense with each flip of the page. I found myself continually holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop, and that kept up the tension until the multiple explosions at the end as the secrets revealed and the consequences faced. —Tessa Talks Books (Tessa wished the book were shorter. Little did she know how many words I cut before I turned it in, but you do.)

I found myself completely engrossed in this storyline.  I couldn’t wait to see how it all wrapped up.  At the same time, I hated to see it end. — Socrates’ Book Reviews

Even though I like many things about a story, I’m usually slow to hand out 5 stars. By doing that I want that rating to mean more to my readers. But this story ticked all the boxes.

Interesting Characters with believable dialog Well though-out story with two families and two different secrets The writing flowed The ending was satisfying

For some unknown reason Emilie Richards has flown under my radar. This is the first time I’ve read a book by her, but I will guarantee you I’ve got her spotted and I’ll be watching for her next one. —Pick A Good Book

I’m so grateful for these and the many other reviews I’ve received.

If you’ve read The House Guests, you can add your own review. Look for the book’s page on any of the online booksellers–they’re all listed right here on my website. You can also review on social media, or in your favorite book group. Trust me, all reviews make a difference, especially to the author. Need review tips? Here you go.

Thanks for reading as I explored the ins and outs of writing this book. I hope you’ve enjoyed the blogs and more importantly, the book itself.

******

***And a reminder. Diane Chamberlain and I are doing a virtual book chat at A Likely Story Bookstore on July 11th at 7 o’clock PM.   Come listen, ask questions, and even buy an autographed copy of The House Guests. The more the merrier.

Click here to join us Sunday night.

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Celebrate the Launch of The House Guests with Sara DiVello Today

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Sunday Inspiration: Summer

“Summer was our best season:

it was sleeping on the back screen porch on cots,

or trying to sleep in the treehouse;

summer was everything good to eat;

it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape.”

-Harper Lee

 

May your summer be filled with happiness, good food, and a thousand colors!

 

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From Start to Finish (The House Guests)

From start to finish, a novel takes more time and work than I ever dreamed as a reader.

Before I was published the first time, I assumed an author finished a book, turned it in, and readers had it in their hands in a matter of months. But, of course, I immediately learned that in traditional publishing that’s definitely not the case.

Since this month, Southern Exposure is all about different aspects of writing my new book, for fun, I went back to my notes. When exactly did I turn in The House Guests? Since, like many of us, time seems skewed this past year of quarantine, I really couldn’t remember.

I found an email from my editor dated June 20, 2020. So by the time the book is on shelves at your favorite bookstore next Wednesday, the manuscript will have been in production for a year.

Really, that’s not as long as I thought because frankly, it seems like a century ago.

What were the steps along the way? Here’s a very basic analysis of how a book makes its way to bookstores.

First the author decides on a plot and either passes the idea by her editor or creates a detailed synopsis to hand over, and sometimes chapters, too–which is called a proposal. Every author and publisher is different, and, of course, independently published authors don’t always pass their ideas by anyone, at least until the book is finished. But let’s talk traditional publishing from this point on.

The editor approves the idea/synopsis, often asking for changes that range from astronomical to minor. Neither Emily (yes, my editor and I share the same name, if not the spelling) nor I were happy with my first synopsis, but months later, we were both happy with my second version. I’ll confess that’s a bit unusual for me. Usually by the time I turn in a synopsis–which, unlike many of my colleagues, I really like to write–I’ve worked the kinks out of the story. But not this time. The kinks got straightened out the second time around. In fact last week I explained some of the story elements that changed from version to version.

When he/she is satisfied the story is going to succeed, the author begins work. How long does that first draft (or several drafts) take? Sometimes a completed manuscript takes months or even weeks, and sometimes years. The House Guests, because I was weaving suspense with family drama, took longer than most of my books. I’m guessing 14 months? Like I said, time is something of a blur.

The repeatedly edited and revised but temporarily finished manuscript then goes to the editor, who has already submitted the idea in house to several teams, including the talented people who create the cover art and accept or reject the title. He or she knows something of what to expect, but frankly there’s a lot of room for change between a proposal and a finished manuscript. And editors know that might be the case.

The manuscript is edited and returned to the author, who makes changes or not, according to many variables. Does she agree with the editorial changes? Does she see the need for the editor’s comments, but doesn’t agree with the way the editor wants the book revised? Does she now feel the book needs more rewriting than even the editor has suggested? At this point the author dives in and works on the manuscript more before she resubmits.

If the editor is happy, the book then goes to a copy editor (in charge of timelines, punctuation, fact checking etc.) and after those changes, the author sees it again and comments. All disagreements are cleared up and settled, and the manuscript next goes to proofreaders.

Theoretically a proofreader just matches the manuscript version she’s given to the edited one. But sometimes, the proofreader(s) also find errors and ask for clarification or changes. That happened in The House Guests, and I am profoundly grateful that the proofreader caught a few mistakes that would have confused readers. I was confused at the way they’d slipped through everyone’s (including mine) careful reading and editing. Remember how many words there are in a book? There are about 145,000 words in this one. Mistakes are understandable, but all of us try hard to make sure they’re caught before the book goes to press.

The cover is finalized, and marketing begins work on how best to present the book and to whom. At the same time the author and publisher begin to plan promotion.

THE BOOK ARRIVES AT BOOKSTORES.

Whew!

I’m delighted to say that after all that, The House Guests will be at your favorite bookstore or online bookseller on June 29th. Bookstore links are here.

There’s nothing simple about start to finish. Expanding a vague idea into a novel that will be distributed to thousands–and sometimes millions–of readers is no small task. But now that this one is ready to launch, I’m delighted I made the effort. I hope you’ll be delighted, too.

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Brainstorming (The House Guests)

June brings the debut of The House Guests on the 29th, so for all my blogs this month I’m giving you glimpses into the book, even before you have the opportunity to read it.

The first week I talked about the setting, Tarpon Springs, Florida, and my personal reasons for setting the book there. I also gave you a peek at Yiayia’s Kouzina (Grandmother’s Kitchen), the Greek restaurant owned and run by Cassie’s (one of the two main character’s) grandmother. I shared my own recipe for moussaka, along with a link to a pastitsio recipe from Ina Garten, and a simple step-by-step for making horiatiki salad, which I ate everywhere on a trip to Greece.

For my second week I talked about the way I cut 20,000 words from the novel once it was completed. I didn’t cut because I was asked to–although most likely I would have been–but because I knew it was necessary. Along the way, I introduced you to all the weeds in the garden of our summer cottage and how similar weeding and editing are. I’m happy to say our summer garden is looking much better, although there are still days of weeding ahead of us. You’ll have to decide on your own if I “weeded” the book enough to suit your tastes. I hope so.

This week was special to me. I put everything on hold Sunday through Tuesday as my brainstorming friends came to stay once again. I’ve blogged about this process before. You can read back over those posts here. I will say that this year we were so over-the-moon delighted to be together after our forced Covid hiatus last summer, that a large part of what we did was simply catch up and talk about how glad we were to be together again. And how lucky.

In the photo we’re celebrating our time together with dinner at a local (windy) Italian restaurant. I can’t say enough good things about their cauliflower pizza crust.

Today I thought you’d enjoy a look back through time and the way past brainstorming sessions relate to The House Guests.

I introduced my ideas for The House Guests in June 2018’s brainstorming sessions and began to transcribe our notes from that session in early 2019. At that point the book was titled Lies and Other Mercies, suggested in one of our sessions by Casey Daniels, and remained that title until well into its publishing life when a member of the Mira marketing team pointed out that the title sounded like it belonged to a short story collection.

Whether that was really true or not, the decision was made to change it. And while I loved the original title, I didn’t want readers to be confused. My editor and I batted ideas around, but the final title was her idea. I loved Lies and Other Mercies, but I liked The Houses Guests immediately, too. Sometimes it’s best not to argue. (Advice from someone who’s been published since 1985.)

The title was only one of the changes. Here are some elements I found in my brainstorming notes from 2018 and 2019. I can’t compare my original ideas and the finished book too closely since you haven’t read it, but here are a few teasers.

Mark’s name originally was Nick. And for a while, Mark was the character from Tarpon Springs, not Cassie. Cassie was from a prestigious New York family, but her father, a professor in medical school, spent his life paying off his family’s debts. In that version after she marries Mark (then called Nick), Mark is the one who invites Amber and Will to live with them until their future is secure. Savannah is not Cassie’s stepdaughter, but their daughter together.

Looking at the names I originally chose was fun. When I decided not to call the husband Nick, apparently I went through a long list of names: Royce, Trent, Tad, Scott, Paul, Todd, Kyle, Mark, Damon, Brent, Ian. Obviously Mark won, but I can’t tell you why because I don’t know. These things are mysterious, even to me.

Cassie was Courtney (although apparently I considered Camille, Celeste and Carrie, too) until her entire ethnic background changed and I fell in love with Cassie for her.

While Mark/Nick changed enormously as the story changed and changed again from one brainstorming session to the next, a year later, Roxanne underwent huge changes, too. Who’s Roxanne? Originally Roxanne–now Cassie’s aunt and a colorful, wise but frustrated chef at Yiayia’s Kouzina–was Mark’s sister with mental health issues–or so they believed–but in reality a renowned artist and benefactor at Philoxenia House for homeless women.

The original Roxanne really had no good reason to be in the story, but she would have been great fun to write about. So “new” Roxanne had to be quirky and fun, too, even if she’s completely different. And she had to be content with a back seat in the story.

Amber was always Amber, but not a server in a restaurant. In original versions of the story, Amber cleaned Mark’s office building, where she was able to discover some very useful information about him and the things he was into.

There was no Yiayia and no Greek restaurant. I am so relieved that changed.

You’ll understand how and why Amber’s original plot was jettisoned once you read The (real) House Guests. But let me also say that her story is far less exciting in the original versions, and story suspense is entirely provided by other plot lines and characters. In the original version Amber is more or less a tool to move the rest of the story along.

Not anymore.

The very most helpful thing my wonderful brainstorming friends did for me? After I wrote my first synopsis and sent it to my editor, I tried, in our 2019 session, to explain the story to them. Five minutes into it Casey pointed out that it was a mess. Since both my editor and I had already seen that, I couldn’t have been more grateful to hear it again. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. The entire heart of the story was missing. And between that session and many, many hours of beating my head against the wall at home alone afterwards, The (real) House Guests finally emerged.

I’ve been lucky to have talented, insightful friends to bat around story ideas with me. All of us love the process, and all of us know that whatever we learn from it will change enormously as our books are written. Sometimes what seem like our best ideas end up on the cutting room floor because they don’t work or take the story somewhere the author doesn’t want it to go. And oddly enough, more than once an idea I discarded immediately actually ended up in my book anyway. Because with time and thought, I saw the wisdom.

The House Guests is available for preorder and will be at your favorite bookstore soon. Feel free to ask about changes I made once you’re read it. They will be fun to discuss.

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