Happy Thanksgiving!

While the Macy's Day Parade might be the biggest Thanksgiving Day parade going, the annual Thanksgiving parade held in Plymouth, Massachusetts bills itself as "America's Biggest Hometown Parade."

There aren't any Broadway performers, but there are floats and marchers representing every stage of American History, from the Plimoth Wampanoag Natives through the Revolutionary War, the turn of the century, and Civil War soldier re-enactors. The State Police Marching Band is there, as well as the Highland bagpipe group from Cape Cod, kilts and all despite the chill wind.

There are marching bands and fife and drum corps from up and down the East Coast, only one of which is a high school band (from Plymouth High.) Restored antique cars of every era are represented, and there are several groups on horseback - including a team of giant Clydesdales pulling their wagon! The parade winds its way through Plymouth's streets and waterfront district for more than 2 hours.

Vendors hawk their wares to the crows lined along the sidewalks... cotton candy, balloons, hats, mittens, scarfs, plastic toys and noisemakers of every description... including knockoffs of the annoying horns that became so infamous at this summer's World Cup matches.
There are even parade balloons! Not quite the size of the ones in New York City, but impressive nonetheless.
And what Thanksgiving Day parade would be complete without Santa riding near the end of it all?

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving Day!

PERFECT STRANGERS is sighted on Long Island

Another friend has received her copy of my book in the mail, and posted a photo on her Facebook wall to tell all her friends!

Annie was a girl whom I went to high school with in Northern New Jersey, and we played on the volleyball team together for four years - the team even went off to volleyball camp up in upstate New York together one summer to hone our skills. I saw my first Who concert with her and some other girls at Shea Stadium on the band's (first) farewell tour.

I hadn't seen or heard from her until our 20th high school reunion, which she helped organize. It was great to reconnect, and we've been Facebook friends ever since. FB is a great tool for that kind of thing! And it's such fun to receive the comments and photos from old friends, cheering on my new career.

But I have to admit to a bit of anxiety - what if no one likes my book? Do you think big-name authors still go through this kind of stomach churning worry, when they know friends, family and the New York Times Book Review are sitting down with a glass of wine to read their latest offering? Does Nora Roberts still worry?

I have my fingers crossed that people are enjoying the story - and I hope to hear from them either way to get some input. I'm at that same crossroads where I stood a year ago when my first e-book was released... it's hard to move on and write anything new until I know whether people give my current writing the thumbs up or down.

UNFOLDING THE SHADOWS garnered great reviews from critics and friends, but few sales. So far with this book, sales have been good, but no reviews...

Are you an author? Do you worry about these things, and if so what do you do to get over the anxiety?

Sunday Reading

My daughter loves Meg Cabot. She has a rotating list of favorite authors, and Meg Cabot is currently in the number one slot, edging out Gail Carson Levine by a hair.

When my girl scout troop had to write reports on women they admire, who inspire others, the reports ranged from Anne Frank and Helen Keller to Miley Cirus and Kelly Clarkson. My daughter chose Meg Cabot. After reading her biography and doing some research on the internet, she fell in love with her even more.

For 9 and 10 year old girls, Meg Cabot captures their current emotional experiences perfectly on the page, putting into words feelings the girls have trouble expressing even to themselves. Or as my daughter says, "I just like the way she writes."

My girl devoured the first three Allie Finkle books, and wants the next three for Christmas. Or sooner. They're never available in the library, and the waiting list was discouragingly long. At least it's a gift Santa will feel good putting under the tree!

I'm trying to remember feeling that way as a kid, about the authors of the books I read. I remember having to read every book in the Nancy Drew series, and the Louisa May Alcott books (after Little Women, Jo's Boys was my absolute favorite!) I had all of Mark Twain up on my shelf, but got lost half-way through Puddin'head Wilson (although I reread the Connecticut Yankee tale numerous times...) (...and now I think I need to read his autobiography!)

But I don't recall specifically studying authors until high school, when I researched Virginia Woolf for my English Honors class. Even then, I wouldn't say I fell in love with Virginia Woolf - I was inspired by her writing and her tenacity, but love? Worship? Nah, I didn't even enjoy all of her writing.

Is it our culture today that encourages us to idolize those who've achieved success?

Or are my children simply more aware of authors as people? People who work hard to write these books they love, and deserve to be recognized for their efforts. My kids watch me sitting at my computer, banging away... getting alternately happy when something goes well and dejected when rejections flood my inbox. Maybe my daughter sees Meg Cabot as the role model of what I could someday achieve - boy, wouldn't that be wonderful?

Something to ponder - what do you think?

So what are you - and your kids - reading?


In other writing news, my latest book PERFECT STRANGERS is now available for Kindle, as of today! You can click on this Link to buy Kindle version from Amazon.com : http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Strangers-ebook/dp/B004D4Y6BS/ref=kinw_dp_ke?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

PERFECT STRANGERS has been sighted in Virginia!

It's really official - my book has been spotted out and about in the real world! My Aunt Kate just received her copy in the mail Thursday night, and sent me photos to prove it!

Don't feel left out! Order your paperback copy today from the publisher at www.MoongypsyPress.com or from Amazon.com and start reading!

(And thanks for sharing the photos, Aunt Kate! It means a lot to me!)