January 2023 - Resolution
Happy New Orbit! That's how a good friend of mine puts it. Both he, and one of my characters, are astronomers. So welcome to a brand new turn around the sun in this lovely solar system.
It was fun to play with double words all through 2022, some of which were made-up words. For the new year, I thought I'd try playing with single words beginning with "R." (Hope I don't run out of R words!)
Resolution has several definitions, or shades of meaning, that spring to mind. First, it means "firm decision," and this is certainly a popular one for the start of a year. Most of us make resolutions, mostly to do with improved habits. How long do these last? Diets famously fade fairly quickly; efforts toward better communication or more committed work practices tend to last longer. I'm working up to a few resolutions along those lines.
Second, it refers to the quality of an image, as in "high resolution," which is nearly synonymous with "high quality." I love to think of that metaphorically. As we strive to see things from the highest perspective, we see them more clearly.
Third, it's a key part of writing stories, where the major conflict must be resolved, and the tale brought to a satisfying conclusion.
Fourth, the word means "the action of solving a problem." So this month (or maybe it'll be this year?) I'm taking a look at what can be resolved.
Do we have anything that seems to persistently hang in the balance? Maybe it's a friendship that needs straightening out. Or maybe it's a project about which we need either to complete, or forego. Perhaps it's a country that needs to work toward a resolution of polarities.
Whatever resolutions you make, I hope they bring you a sense of progress, peace, and purpose. Happy January! And Happy New Year!
Upcoming Events
This promises to be a busy year! My 2023 Calendar at a glance:
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January - U.K. edition of Milford Haven Wales book goes to printer
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January, February, March - Aspiring Authors Scholarship Mentoring program launches
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April - Why Hearts Keep Secrets book launch & book signing, Morro Bay, California
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April - SLO Nightwriters Presentation, San Luis Obispo, California
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May - Why Hearts Keep Secrets "Secret Tea" joint event, Mara Purl & Judith Briles
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July - Christmas in July launch of Mystery Snow Leopard
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September - Colorado Authors Hall of Fame induction gala, Denver
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October - Theatrical reading of "Becoming Julia Morgan", Cambria
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October - Milford-Haven Lighthouse Party celebration, Central Coast
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December - Where Xmas Marks the Spot book launch
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January 2024 - With the Dreams in Milford-Haven book launch
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February 2024 - Publishing at Sea Cruise, Los Angeles to Mexico
Audio - When Otters Play - Now on Audible!
When Otters Play is the third bestselling adventure novella in the Milford-Haven saga. It recently hit #1 in several categories on Amazon.com, and was widely featured in the press.
I performed this audio book with a wonderful guest star, Ilona Stone, a noted audio actor for whom I created the role of reporter "Emily Wilkins." She performed this character in the original radio drama and continues her role in the audio books, several of which conclude with an "article" written by "Emily."
As always, the series audio books feature the original music of Marilyn Harris and Mark Wolfram, as well as the signature editing of Bill Berkuta at Afterhours Recording Company.
The audio was completed last month and is now available on Audible! Enjoy! When Otters Play @ Audible
Audio - When the Heart Listens - Now on Audible!
The prequel novella for the entire Milford-Haven saga is When the Heart Listens. I'm thrilled that the audio book has now been completed and is now available on Audible!
I do so enjoy performing audio books, both my own and those of other authors. This story is very close to home, as I got to play both sisters in this sibling tale. I always love working with "Engineer Bill," my audio partner, and the Milford-Haven audio books all contain the magic of music by the Harris-Wolfram team.
If you enjoy audio books as much as I do, try this one! When the Heart Listens @ Audible
Next in Milford-Haven
Lots is happening in my fictional town on California's Central Coast! I'm hard at work on the next novel in the series, Why Hearts Keep Secrets. I've received many requests for updates on Miranda, Zack, Samantha, Jack, Kevin, Sally, Tony, and the rest of the characters. Thank you for your patience!
Last summer I worked every day to complete this book---one of the most complex, challenging, and also satisfying of the series. In September I so much enjoyed working with my superb editor Derra Moyers. It's been a joy to bring several key storylines to important next steps---especially for Miranda! I'd tell you . . . but it's a SECRET!
This exciting new novel will launch on "No More Secrets Day," Thursday, April 13th, 2023. This, too, will have an Amazon campaign for its launch, offering a FREE ebook with lots of interesting posters that appear each hour for four days.
Also nearing completion is the first "Novelline," With the Dreams in Milford-Haven.
Update from Wales
As you know, I funded a new project in Milford Haven, Wales, this past spring. (This is the original town after which my fictional one is named. Mine has a hyphen; the original does not.) I'm working with an outstanding team at the Milford Haven Museum, led by the remarkable Sue Davies.
Two leaders in literacy for Wales---author Nicola Davies and former literacy director Eva John---conducted the classes and have done a brilliant job. Our students completed their segments about specific eras of local history, and their teachers helped them edit their work. Now Sue and I are working through the many details of publishing their work as a book, which will have both a U.K. and a U.S. edition.
I am thrilled and humbled to be able to work with our outstanding team, with school administrators and teachers, and with these promising students. I will keep you posted!
Year End Message to Readers
At year's end, I write a special note to my readers.
If you did not receive this e-card, or see it posted on Facebook, here's the link: http://jlcards.com/IV7a6Y
My Heart is Grateful . . .
. . . for an exceptionally busy December and a special holiday season. My husband and I were able to treat family members to several days in the beautiful Rocky Mountains for skiing, snowshoeing, and connecting. The weather was far colder than usual, so our condo felt especially cozy. Games, stories, and conversations in our multi-generational group were delightful and heart-warming.
This past year had its share of challenges personally and professionally, but also nationally and globally. The list includes hurricanes, heat waves, bitter cold, a severe winter storm that canceled thousands of flights, and other evidences of climate change; the war against Ukraine and its cascading economic impact across Europe and the rest of the world; the relentless pounding from the pandemic. Recently, President Zelenskyy pointed out that we need to stand up mentally to the bullying nature of tyranny. This is something each of us can do right here and now, and I'm grateful for his admonition, and for his sense of resolution.
I'm grateful for the courage and ingenuity these challenges bring forth. I'm grateful for the kindness that comes to the surface during crises. I'm grateful for all the good that continues to unfold.
I'm grateful for the colleagues with whom I've had the chance to work this year, and grateful for the clients I've been able to help and encourage. I'm grateful for the students and scholarship recipients whose talent is being acknowledged and for whom opportunities are being offered.
And I'm grateful to you, my readers and followers, who encourage and inspire me with your comments and by enjoying and sharing my books and audios! May you see through new lenses how deeply connected we are, no matter where we live on this amazing globe. We're looking forward to a brand new year and to the fresh possibilities it will bring. Wherever you are, may this January bring you new perspectives, exciting possibilities, and high resolutions.
As always, love and gratitude, from my heart to yours!
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