J'aime Paris..

Paris © Judi Getch Brodman

J'aime Paris!  I do love Paris and adore the French country side.  I've stayed in chateaus that I never wanted to leave - one in fact, Chateau de Marcay in Chinon, had us staying in a room attached to the turret which served as our huge bathroom and then eating in the "great" room where the menu offered roasted pigeon;  in B&Bs that were extraordinaire which served fresh yogurt that I have yet to match here in the US.  I've eaten things that were délectueux and other things that tourne mon estomac - :-) But I remember each and every one of them. I find that's the beauty of traveling... we had a wonderful little apartment on rue Cortot that overlooked the streets of Monmartre and in the distance gave us a view of the city of lights. There was the Hotel Du Palais in Biarritz -- the summer home of Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo.  It's history oozed elegance, frivolity and worldliness as they themselves say.  It sits where the waters of Spain and France meet.  I had wished to stay there... forever!

Anyway, I carry on about Paris and France which is why I had to write the novel that I'm currently editing.  I had also read a story that intrigued me about a happening in Paris so putting both of these things together and building two wonderful characters, I allowed myself to visit Paris again from right here at my desk.  When it's released, you will be able enjoy the Parisian surroundings as well.  We'll visit the church of Joan d'Arc,  the farmlands of France and Paris parks.  I'm shooting for a May/June release... a beach read.

As for other news, my cable TV interview went very well and as soon as I receive the DVD, I'll post it.  

My two book clubs were awesome.  Both groups are awaiting the release of my next "Oyster Point Mystery" which I'm hoping will be released for Christmas.  I'm working on it now.  

I hope you are reading and writing... taking courses and upping your writing game!  No time like the present.

Till,

Judi

Reflection and Renewal...

Every New Year's Eve, I find myself looking back.  And this one was the same.  I remember as a child, we celebrated as a family toasting in the new year, given that we could stay awake.  If we fell asleep, my Dad would carry us upstairs to bed and Mom would tuck us in as she always did.  As I grew older, throughout high school and college, my boyfriend, who played in a band and worked on Saturdays and holidays including the Eve, would call when he could after midnight and stop by on his way home for a wish and a kiss.  Then my life took a sharp turn when my father died... I remember thinking how I didn't want the year to change... for some reason, I didn't want to say "he died last year."  But the year sadly turned and my life went on.

I lived in the city with a group of friends - it was the best time!  We spent New Years in our rented ski chalet in NH.  On the Eve, we celebrated (not much drinking) and on the day, we skied.  After we all married, we would gather on the Eve toasting in another year.  How the years seem to fly by... one new year after another!  And here we are again... remembering, reflecting and looking forward.

On this Eve, I'm so very thankful for the wonderful year that I've had.  We stayed healthy, the kids continue to grow into good and thoughtful children.  Their hugs are the best.  My writing career, after all my hard work and studying, really took off... two books published, a cable TV interview and a number of book club invites!  I'm almost afraid to step into this new year... how could it get any better??? 

But I'm looking forward to traveling with my husband in 2019... not sure where yet, but we shall find an intriguing spot somewhere.  Day ago, I finished the draft of another novel - not a Oyster Point Mystery, but one I hope my readers will love just as much.  It has a French flavor to it.  I've started another Oyster Point Mystery and as soon as I finish up this current novel, I'll be following Jack and Jamie on another very scary adventure.  I love those two characters as I gather my readers do.  Jack is especially a hit with the ladies.

All I can wish for you all is a happy, healthy and productive 2019!  May your dreams come true and when they don't, may another door open for you... as my mother used to say.

Keep writing, 
till,
Judi





The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.​​ — Auguste Rodin​

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Remember - it's not too late to order the Fiona children's series for a gift from Santa (proceeds go to my sister's scholarship fund) or, for Santa's helper, the first of the Oyster Point mysteries... She's Not You, which by the way is receiving 5 star reviews!  My new historic time travel, The Looking Glass Labyrinth, has also been a hit... a little romance and a handsome sea captain fill out the story.  A good read for a stay-at-home January day.

Amazon has them all:
https://www.amazon.com/Judi-Getch-Brodman/e/B0745KVKFT

Enjoy and a happy holiday/Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and productive 2019!!

I have finished my next novel's first draft!!  I'll tell you more about this one after the New Year!
Till,
Judi

Busy Book Update!!

Borrowed this photo from a friend!  I love it... 

Second Book Club was awesome and I then was invited to do a cable TV interview... all very exciting.  Also had a book signing... things are going great!

More next week! Meanwhile - do a little holiday shopping at Amazon :-)

Till,
Judi
FB: Judi Getch Brodman
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Judi-Getch-Brodman/e/B0745KVKFT

Book Clubs and Signing Events...

Well, my first book club meeting with readers was so much fun!  They had read "She's Not You" and had really enjoyed it.  I was very pleased with the feedback. One member was an English teacher who had taught writing.  She said that she was very surprised at how well written the book was.  One item she picked up on was the use of all the senses - smell, touch, hearing, sight and taste.  I had to agree with her that most writers have a favorite sense that they use all the time.  You have to work hard not to depend on that favorite sense -- usually sight or touch.  Anyway, the feedback from this group was terrific.

My next book club is in two weeks and I'm looking forward to meeting this new group of readers.  Since they are meeting before the holidays, there will be a "Yankee Swap."  I'm bringing a copy of "The Looking Glass Labyrinth" as my swap.

Right before the upcoming book club, I have a book signing during a Christmas Stroll.  I did this a number of times for this Gallery... when my children's books (Fiona - the Lighthouse Firefly and Fiona the Lighthouse Firefly - LOST!) came out and again when "She's Not You" was released.  There will be music and refreshments -- a wonderful holiday event.

The books make wonderful gifts... go to Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Judi-Getch-Brodman/e/B0745KVKFT and pick up a copy!

I'm almost finished with the first draft of my next novel.  Still searching for a title!  Any ideas?

Will check in after my next book event.  This is a busy and exciting time for me!

Keep working on your writing.
Till,
Judi

"The Looking Glass Labyrinth" is OUT!!

I'm so pleased to let you know that after weeks of editing and proofreading, "The Looking Glass Labyrinth" is now available on Amazon:  

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JFYGHRW

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625268483

It's a historical novel that takes you back to 1804.  Rachael doesn't heed warnings from her best friend and attends an estate sale at a “haunted” crumbling Victorian where a painted woman's sparkling blue eyes follow her every move.  Moving to the bedroom, she picks up a cracked discolored hand mirror that reflects another woman's face.  Words mysterious appear in a diary.  All these events create a vortex through which Rachael Corbet is sucked back to 1804 and into Lady Rachael Johnston’s body. 

I loved writing this book... it takes you to another time and place where sea captains and their women live and love.

Invitations have arrived from Book Clubs inviting me to attend their meetings.  They will be reading "She's Not You."  I'm looking forward to meeting more readers, discussing the story and my writing process and answering their questions!  

I'm still working on my Paris/Boston manuscript.  It sat for a few weeks while I worked with the publisher to release "The Looking Glass Labyrinth."  Now it's time to resume writing my draft.  I still haven't found a title that fits the story but there's still time.   I have about 90% of the draft complete and then the real work begins for me.  I'll go through it over and over refining and rewriting.  Not a chore but a labor of love!

More when all calms down,  Order your books early for the Holidays!!

Till,

Judi

It's weeks away...

3-D version copyrighted 2018

I've been busy working with the editor on "The Looking Glass Labyrinth" and we are currently on our second edit.  I'm thrilled that there hasn't been a lot of rewriting - a few nits here and there.  I'm still looking forward to an October release.

Looking back on the journey with my debut novel, "She's Not You," the real hard work wasn't writing the manuscript or editing it, but marketing it.   How do you put it out there so readers can find it?  Yes, the publisher distributes it to all the outlets, but how do reader's find you as an author?  How does your book stand out among the hundreds and hundreds of new ones available?  Sounds daunting , doesn't it... and it is. Even with great reviews, it is next to impossible to be recognized.

But, saying all that, word of mouth is important. Take for example the article that was published on me and my debut novel in a local newspaper - it helped immensely spawning two speaking engagements and two book club appearances.  I know, that seems like tiny steps but that's how you begin to become known as an author.

This weekend, I met with a group of published authors and those wanting to be published for a 'meet and greet' where we discussed how hard it was to set your book apart from all others.  We all know that we will probably not make the Best Seller list or make a fortune on our books... but saying all that, one of us might have that gem that could possibly make it.

Work hard... write a fantastic book, put it out there and give it wings!

Off to continue my second edit... remember, it's coming soon!!  Let's boost it to the Best Seller list... LOL!

Till,
Judi