CIEL

New Book

On July 8th I got a call from Robert Arthur, the publisher of San Francisco Bay Press. He wants to publish my new manuscript, "A Dreamer's Guide to Cities and Streams." I was, and am thrilled, of course. (And, I didn't want to post anything until we were ready to go to press. We are now.) It's been an adventure with the myriad of important details; the close editing, a new headshot which required two sessions, new bios, and of course the stress of 'letting it go.' I've been spending most of the past month working on getting some fantastic endorsements to add to the one I already had from Al Young. Lucy Lang Day, Martha Meltzer and Becky Foust all came through royally. But here's the thrilling, and unexpected result of Bob's vote of approval (besides a final mss.): a renewed energy and enthusiasm for my work. My confidence is at an all time high and I feel really motivated and juiced. I went off on my own for a few days of 'retreat' and I was blown away by the quality and quantity of work I got done. More on the retreat in my next post...

Authors, creative process, poetry, Writers

WNBA SF Writer Goes Big Time

Former WBNA-SF board secretary and current member C.W. Gortner's second novel THE LAST QUEEN (Ballantine Books, $25.00) was released on July 29, 2008. THE LAST QUEEN is the passionate story of Juana of Castile, her tumultous relationship marriage into the Hapsburg Empire, her dynamic relations with her parents Ferdinand and Isabella, and her courageous fight to hold on to the throne that is rightfully hers. Publishers Weekly calls it, ". . . an enthralling story, brilliantly told." To find out more, visit: http://www.cwgortner.com Christopher held his launch party, complete with Spanish wine and cheese, at WNBA-SF's sponsoring bookstore, Bookshop West Portal. This image was painted onto the celebratory cake!

Authors, Fiction, San Francisco, WNBA, Writers

My Phalenopsis

There is a connection between me and my phalenopsis, and it's not only that I love it when it blooms. It occurred to me, when it bloomed last week that our relationship parallels my relationship with my writing. All year - yes - all year, I water its green foliage. I talk to it and keep it in the window, with the sun shade down so it is spared the hard light of afternoon sun. This year it gave out three branches of blooms. The blooms are spidery, elegant, white and deep egglplant purple marked with brown spots. To look at them is one of those 'how can you not believe in a higher power?'moment. So, for your enjoyment, I will post a photo of them in all their glory.

creative process, Writers