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​