BLOG.LAURAWIESS.COM

Watching for Crocuses

Laura Wiess — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:22:00 GMT

Okay, so winter isn't my favorite time of year.

I admit it. I'm a spring girl, all the way.

Beginnings. A green haze through the woods. Soft breezes, Crocus, daffodils, lily of the valley, grape hyacinths. Ahhh. Love them. Spring always makes me feel like all things are possible.

In the meantime, I'm still working on this next manuscript, and loving all the odd, fifty degree days coming my way.

Can't wait until the windows can stay open, night and day!

Holly Jolly

Laura Wiess — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:13:00 GMT

Ahh, what a festive time we've had! And happily, it isn't over yet.

Company's here and there's a rousing, cut throat game of Monopoly going on in the living room. I've stolen away for a few moments to sit back and exhale, and enjoy the sounds of their laughter because it really is wonderful. We had a lovely dinner at my friend's today, with good company and an astounding feast, gifts to open and much merriment.

I was lucky enough to meet a fabulous dog today, too, a rescue greyhound named Blaze (Blaise?) and her person Norman, who she adores.

I'm feeling very grateful right now, peaceful and full of hope. Looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family next, and hugging them till they beg me to stop!

And then? Well, then it's writing like crazy and getting ready to ring in the new year.

What a beautiful season. Wishing you all the best of it.

Christmas Eve

Laura Wiess — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:25:23 GMT

I woke up to a lovely, glittering dusting of snow and briliant sunshine. What a great combination for the holiday! The baccala is in the oven for tonight, the kalacs and kruschiki already made, and delicious. (Despite the fact that yeast baking and me have never gotten along, and it's no different this year!)

I've been thinking a lot this last week about loved ones, family, old friends and new ones, and I'm feeling really lucky to know so many wonderful, caring individuals. I've spoken with old friends this week that I'd lost track of and haven't talked with in years and it was so easy, and so grand. We share a history, came up together and it was delightful.

So, a deep curtsy to old friends, and the memories, history, joy and laughter they bring. Thank you.

I was also lucky enough to sit down this week and hang out with one of my lovely new friends, have some good conversation, the kind that goes beneath the surface and actually means something, and that's irreplaceable.

And then, of course, there's my family, who I CANNOT WAIT to see, hug and hang out with again. Yay!

There's a lot going on right now -- I'm still working on this new book -- and thinking hard about the kind of person I want to be, the traits I admire and what I hope to accomplish in 2012. It's a decent list, not written out yet but it will be before New Year's Eve. I'm looking forward to it.

So what I'll wish for you is all the beauty of the season, all the joy, peace and happiness, all the grand challenges and personal satisfaction, the small and simple kindnesses that can make a huge difference for a person or animal in need, bright smiles, warm hearts and hands extended in sincere friendship.

But most of all, I wish you hope, and love.

Happy holidays!

All Those Ones

Laura Wiess — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:34:50 GMT

11/11/11

Interesting. Was it a lucky day for you? There are a lot of people out there saying "Make a wish, it's a magical day," and it would be really cool if it was, so... Why not give it a try?

I haven't been here in a while and am backed up on responding to emails, etc.. This always happens when I'm writing and in deep. I disappear for a while, not many updates on Facebook, that kind of thing.

But I'll resurface at some point and breath again. The hardest part about disappearing to write is always all the things that are left in progress, waiting for attention and resolution. It's a mad hustle, and it's been this way all year.

So, it's back to work now but I just wanted to send a deep curtsy to the veterans today, especially the ones I know and love.

Passionate About...

Laura Wiess — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:54:04 GMT

It's been cold, windy and rainy all day, and my internet connection has been bouncing in and out, so if this ends in the middle of a sentence, you'll know why.

Maddening.

I had the pleasure of doing a Passionate About Pets radio interview over at WCHE1520 on Monday with the always charming and talented host Rich Britton. One of the things we talked about was my new book Ordinary Beauty and the kinship in the story between the main character Sayre (pronounced Say-er, since I know some of you asked ) who grew up knowing she was a mistake, unwanted and unloved, and the orphaned feral kitten she befriends. Both are hungry for kindness and affection, a safe place to rest, and the love they didn't get the first time around.

If you want to listen in, and this attempt works, you can listen here WCHE radio interview and decide I sound nothing like you thought I did. That's all right, because I sound nothing like I thought I did, too.

Apparently my voice gets higher the more passionate I am about a subject (my friends and family will attest to that. Also to the arm waving, and talking with my hands) but happily, you can't see that wild flailing in a radio interview. That takes hanging out in person.

I mean, who doesn't love a great, passionate conversation, especially when it involves strong coffee and good friends? That's the stuff that dreams are made of.

Oh, the Water

Laura Wiess — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:15:16 GMT

So where to start?

How about with all of the wretched and frightening flooding going on here right now? I'm fine up here out in the woods -- our road washed out by the creek bridge -- but I'm high and dry, lucky to be so, when others aren't as fortunate.

There's about an 8 foot deep crevasse there now. Yikes.

The photos of the flooding in NE PA are over at http://www.wnep.com at photolink and they're horrifying. Even if we could get out, I'm not sure where we'd go. I've heard that 200 roads are closed, washed out, under water. Thousands have been evacuated. I have no idea how long the recovery will take, especially since the Susquehannah River is still supposed to be cresting soon.

My heart goes out to everyone. Stay safe.

And because life still marches on, even when you're in the middle of a flood, I'll mention a couple of pieces of good news:

On Monday, September 12th between 3 - 4 pm est I'll be a guest on Passionate About Pets, talking with the fabulous Rich Britton and you can hear it here:

http://www.wche1520.com/

Also, because I'm a huge fan of Stop Staring! dresses, I'm over here, too, along with a bunch of other fans: http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/sunshop/index.php?l=fan_gallery and what fun! I wore another Stop Staring! dress to the CCSPCA event back in June, and one last NY's Eve, too. I just love what they offer.

Right now it's wellies and an umbrella, though. Hopefully, the rain is done for now.

Earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. Interesting month, so far.

Sending all good thoughts out to everyone doing their best to make it through. Believe it or not, this too shall pass.

C'mon, sun!

County Fair

Laura Wiess — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 02:40:27 GMT

We headed out to the county fair yesterday to commune with the animals and, of course, to sample the food.

Yum.

As soon as we got there we headed straight for the apple dumplings with vanilla bean ice cream and warm caramel sauce. Good stuff.

From there we wandered the midways (are there midways in fairs, or is that just carnivals, amusement parks and circuses? Don't know, and am too lazy to look it up) and came upon the potato pancake stand where of course I had to indulge. (I don't think I've ever met a potato I haven't liked. Gave me the urge to make a big batch of latkes.

On to fresh-squeezed lemonade (aren't you hungry yet?) and then, at long last, we finally found the funnel cakes. Best funnel cake, ever. I have a recipe for these babies and I think I may give it too a whirl someday soon.

After ravaging the foodstands, we headed over to the open barns so I could satisfy my yearly urge to pet a cow, goat, pig, etc.. And we met some beauties, although we did manage to get there right at suppertime and petting definitely fell second to food. Sigh.

Goat luring. Notice the crooked finger? Goats love that.

Actually, I just made that up. I think it was my perfume because the pigs went wild over it and I actually got nervous, they were so crazy to get to me.

Ah well, we must have missed that shot.

I was too eager, I guess, to get to the beautiful Jersey cows with their big, dark, doe eyes and long, fluttery eyelashes. But again, it was suppertime...

and the buckets of feed were more alluring than being petted. Wretchedness.

There she is. I am an absolute sucker for those eyes.

And then, finding small satisfaction here, I ended up accosting a very nice girl on the way back from the cow washing station (yes, there really is such a thing. Who knew?) and asked if I could pet the calf. I think she thought I was nuts -- actually, I think most of the livestock-raisers thought I was nuts because I wasn't eyeing these animals to see how they'd fit under my knife and fork but just wanting to pet and be nice to them. What can I say? I like my animals alive, and just going about their animal business.

After disturbing the livestocks' dinner we headed into the rabbit building where it was mind-boggling for me, for sure. Being in a room FILLED with beautiful, fuzzy, nose-twitching bunnies of all shapes and sizes killed me. I have said it before and I'll say it again, because it hasn't changed any: I couldn't take having houserabbits. I would die of a cuteness overload. It would also be a fabulous way to go.

We couldn't take any pictures there because apparently we had intruded on the five minutes before the judging was to take place, and so we admired them from afar and I tried to commit at least one of my favorites to memory. I think it was a smoky lionhead? Something like that. The fuzziest bunny I'd ever seen. I have to stop talking about them now because I can feel the cuteness level rising.

After a refill on the lemonade and several bags of smoked almonds and sugar-crisped cashews -- yum -- we headed over to the games, where my gallant bf won me not only a stuffed turtle but also a stuffed calf (stuffed animal calf, not a real, stuffed dead one. Ugh.) because I'd been bemoaning my calf-less state and the stuffed one was way cheaper (and smaller) than a real one.

So, I am still without livestock. That's not a bad thing, as:

A. I have never been the caretaker of large farm animals, and undoubtedly have a rather romanticized view of a cow, goat, sheep, etc.. Kind of a Mary had a little lamb thing.

B. Most of my animals have found me and so unless a lost goat wanders up to my front door, there's a good chance I'll never have one.

C. I'm assuming you can spay them?

D. They would be treated like my companion animals, not meant to do anything except enchant and receive petting, and would be with me until the end. So, how long do cows live, anyway? Their natural lives, I mean. (And don't say 120 years, like giant tortoises.)

E. And last but not least, I'm thinking they're all herd animals and would die of loneliness by themselves -- I flunked pasture grazing -- so that means they'd have to come two-by-two and now we're getting into some serious manure, so...

I will continue to indulge my livestock jones once a year at the fair. Chickens, on the other hand, are small, light and portable. They even fit into cat carriers. Something to think about.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Irene

Laura Wiess — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:37:08 GMT

I know I've pretty much disappeared this last month+ -- I usually do when I'm writing, especially to deadline -- but I wanted to resurface for a minute and send all good thoughts to the East Coasters who are riding out the hurricane/tropical storm.

I don't know about everybody else inland but still in the path of potential damage but I'm thinking it's worth taking seriously. I'm not a big risk taker with stuff like this and so I plan on tucking in and keeping an eye on what's going on out there.

Be safe and talk to you soon.

Sunday Morning

Laura Wiess — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:02:00 GMT

How's everyone been? Good summer so far?

I've been holed up writing and the days are going by way too fast.

I have some lovely new Ordinary Beauty and How It Ends reader email to respond to, which always makes my day, and with any luck, some more old family recipe pickles to make with cukes from the garden. YUM.

Had lunch with a family of old JKS friends -- the Butches -- from Milltown -- Hey guys! -- and had a fun time catching up and reminescing. Thanks so much for hosting me. I always enjoy a touch of home.

And now it's time to head back to work.

Have a lovely weekend!

Catching Up

Laura Wiess — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:07:42 GMT

Okay, so I am way,way, way behind on posting but it's been because of author appearances discussing my new book Ordinary Beauty, book signings, and working on my next book, and time has kind of gotten away from me.

Sooooo...what's new? Anything good?

I spoke up at the Bradford County Library and answered some wonderful questions from a delightful crowd, and had the extreme pleasure of meeting back up with one of my grade school friend's mom (Hi, Mrs. B!), which just made my night. Here are a few images of the evening:

Jeff, the man responsible for it all.

Afterwards, signing books and meeting readers.

I'm still waiting on additional photos.
And then on July 1, we headed back to New Jersey for a signing on my home turf

where I was so happy to meet up with my family and friends, some new, some old and all thrilling, including my 7th grade English teacher Mrs. H, who I'm always so happy to see.

We gave out custom chocolate lollipops to celebrate Ordinary Beauty, with a snowflakes on the front. (Thanks to my beloved sister!)

Did a little reading from the book but let's face it: It was a social event, and a happy one.

A good moment.

Yay, Milltown Library!

Yay, Vinny and Paul, photographers extraordinaire! (Vinny's in it, Paul took it.)

There are a ton more pictures but you get the idea. (Plus, some of them are on Facebook already.) It was so good to be back home, hanging out with my family and catching up with friends.

Afterward, my sister and her fiance treated us to a wonderful dinner at a Portuguese restaurant in South River, and even more than the food, we enjoyed listening to the wonderfully talented musician George Simonovich
play guitar. If you're in the area, I would absolutely recommend spending a Friday night there. Can't beat it!

And now it's back to work but check in often, as I may be heading out to do a signing in the Chicago area in September. I'll keep you posted.

Plan B

Laura Wiess — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:47:12 GMT

Okay, so I'm scrapping Plan A, and moving on to something different. This will make life easier for everyone here. There's nothing like a good neighborhood rally, especially this weekend!

On the Road Again

Laura Wiess — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:49:00 GMT

I'll be signing Ordinary Beauty on Friday, July 1, from 7 - 9 pm at the Brunswick Square Mall Barnes & Noble, on Rt 18 in East Brunswick, NJ and oh, I cannot wait to see everyone again!

This is the last event until the end of summer, when I'll be in West Chester for a signing on August 27th, at PAYA. (More on this later.) And then hopefully in September, I'll be in Chicago but those plans are still in the works.

The Bradford County Library event was a blast, and I met a lot of wonderful people. I don't have all my pictures yet, but as soon as I do, I'll be posting them. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcome!

See You There

Laura Wiess — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:13:41 GMT

So, how is your summer going so far?

Any good plans, or just hanging out?

If you're in the Tunkhannock or Wilkes-Barre area on Saturday, June 25th, why not stop in and say hi? I'll be at the Tunkhannock Founder's Day Festival on Saturday from 10 - noon, signing books and enjoying meeting everyone, and then I head over to the Barnes & Noble at Arena Hub Plaza in Wilkes-Barre from 2 - 4 to sign Ordinary Beauty, and of course my other books. Plus, you can help support WVIA with every purchase. Head over to their site, print off the coupon and bring it with you. Always for a good cause.

I had a great time talking with two journalists recently: Stephanie DeBalko with the PA Weekender, and Chris Zawistowski of The East Brunswick Sentinel, and here are the interviews:

http://www.theweekender.com/books/Beguiling__rsquo_Beauty_rsquo__06-21-2011.html

and

http://ebs.gmnews.com/news/2011-06-23/Front_Page/Milltown_native_proves_shes_no_ordinary_author.html

I also spent some time yesterday with some wonderful friends and readers over at the Wyalusing Library, talking books and all sorts of things, and will be giving an author presentation at the Bradford County LIbrary on Tuesday, June 28th, from 7 - 9 pm. My books will be available for signing afterward, and I look forward to seeing everyone there!

And in the meantime, what's up with this crazy humidity?

What a Great Day

Laura Wiess — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:57:51 GMT

This Sunday the 12th was the Exton, PA Ordinary Beauty release and the Chester County SPCA Gala Forget-Me-Not Fundraiser, and oh, what fun!

Met some really nice people, signed books and then had to run to get ready for the CCSPCA event. I was scheduled to speak there, so I was going over what I wanted to say, trying to figure out if it was compelling enough or too long. Happily, it turned out fine.

The event was held at a gorgeous, historical property and we got there early to set up our table:

(The bandstand where I'm speaking from is waaaaay up front.

Fabulous food from some wonderful restaurants and bakeries. (All listed over on the ccspca.org site.) Notice the SPCA and the animals dancing around the edges?

Ice sculpture. Gorgeous

The view from my table, which I loved. (Think dogs on both sides of me.

We were located between the U.S. Customs Agents and their cute little beagle, who were going to do a demonstration, and two gorgeous Search and Rescue German shepherds and their handlers, who were also going to do a demonstration. When i heard that S&R would need a volunteer to go get lost so they dogs could find them, I immediately volunteered to do it.

Oh yes. Love dogs.

They had adoptable dogs and cats there too, like this sweet, beautiful little Italian Greyhound named Izzy. I fell in love with her. She looks like a delicate little gray fawn. And those big, brown eyes. Melting.

The carriage parade. Lovely.

The band, Younger Than Charlie, was very kind in helping me set up.

I wish I could remember why we're clapping.

The fabulous Rich Britton, Spokesman Extraordinaire for the CCSPCA and former Philly newsman, gave me a stellar intro and off I went! I'm so glad people were listening:

Rich and after I got off the stage. Whew! Made it.

And then I got to go get lost for the S&R dogs, except that they didn't want to make me go into the woods in pantyhose and heels (even though I would have, without hesitation) so they sent me off to a recycling bin.

Ha, still running. In heels, across a pasture. God, I love my life!

And then, all too quickly, I'm found, darn it. Should have brought flats.

It was a wonderful event for an even better cause, and I'm so happy that I was invited to attend.

And this Saturday, at Borders in the Lycoming Mall in Muncy, PA, I'll be signing Ordinary Beauty.

Some new reviews:

http://www.sarahreadstoomuch.com/2011/06/ordinary-beauty-by-laura-wiess.html

http://actinupwithbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/ordinary-beauty-by-laura-wiess.html

http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/86-ordinary-beauty-by-laura-wiess.html

And I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful family on Ordinary Beauty Release Day!

Good Day, Sunshine

Laura Wiess — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:58:50 GMT

WOW.

What a day.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned -- only a thousand times -- that my new book Ordinary Beauty debuts on June 14th and as the release date approaches, these days are getting more and more exciting.

Today I did a couple of fun blog interviews and dicovered the most amazing 5 star Ordinary Beauty review here, at Bewitched Bookworms. This line knocked me out: "This book read like a Smashing Pumpkins ballad with a Nine Inch Nails chorus and an Everclear encore. It sucks the reader in with its unforgettable characters, remarkable eye to detail, and original plot."

You bet I'll take that.

This morning I did an Ordinary Beauty radio interview with the charming and talented Lisa Mazzarella of WVIA and if I can, I'll post when it airs.

And this interview was in The Daily Local newspaper this week, serving Chester County, PA: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/06/06/news/srv0000011945236.txt

The first Ordinary Beauty book signing is coming up this weekend -- an early release! -- so if you're in the area on Sunday, June 12th between 12:30 - 2 pm, why not stop down at the Barnes & Noble in Exton, PA (more details on the Events/Media page of my website) and say hi.

Later that day from 5 - 8 in the evening, I'll be speaking at the Chester County SPCA's Gala Forget-Me-Not Fundraiser and Ordinary Beauty will be available there, too.

This day has been crazy good, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

In Your Neighborhood

Laura Wiess — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:22:00 GMT

Eleven days left till Ordinary Beauty is released, and nine days until the early release book signing at B&N in Exton, Pa on Sunday, June 12th from 12:30 -- 2 pm, and then I head over to the Chester County SPCA Gala Forget-Me-Not Fundraiser, which promises to be a blast, and for a good cause. (More info at http://www.ccspca.org) So if you're in the Philly area on the 12th, stop by the Exton BN or if you want to do a really good deed, get yourself a ticket to this fabulous CCSPCA fundraiser and let's have a picture taken together!

Here's some fun info on it: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/chester_county/123097591.html and I hope to see you there!

And because I'm feeling sentimental, this is a picture of G, the wonderful cat who was abandoned twice (I will never understand that) before we found each other when I first moved to Pennsylvania. He's funny and sassy and opinionated, and has been the best Welcome Wagon I could have ever asked for.

Beautiful boy. And I'm a lucky girl.

Coming Soon

Laura Wiess — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:57:07 GMT

I hope everyone had a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. Respect and heartfelt thanks go out to those who gave all, including dear ones I'm grateful I had the chance to know, and love.

My family came up on Sunday and it was the best day ever. We're loud and we all talk at once, and laugh and joke and help each other. They are definitely my heart, and I always miss them horribly when they go.

I've been busy writing and doing interviews for Ordinary Beauty's release which, I can't believe, is finally coming on June 14th! This is a crazy time and we're still setting up some book signing dates, but excitingly enough, someone sent me this today, taken at the Wilkes-Barre, PA Barnes& Noble:

Excellent! But before this event, there's the signing at the B&N in Exton, PA outside of Philly at 12:30 on June 12th, immediately followed by the Chester County SPCA Forget-Me-Not Gala fundraiser. The CCSPCA survives on donations, and the dedicated staff and volunteers work hard to rescue and rehome the wonderful cats and dogs they have for adoption. I'm very honored to have been invited to attend, and to sign books. It's my favorite worthy cause!

Lovely Day

Laura Wiess — Sun, 22 May 2011 01:47:00 GMT

Okay, so there are some new website photos.

I had to change them. I couldn't stand looking at snow for one more moment. Everything is finally green now, a color so rich and full of potential that if the ground wasn't so soggy from all of this rain, I would have been laying in the lush grass, soaking up some sun and hoping no ticks were crawling on me.

I love spring, and this year, with Ordinary Beauty being released in less than a month (June 14th), I am beside myself with delight.

A deep curtsy goes out to O'Dell at Book Twirps for reviewing Ordinary Beauty. Here's an excerpt of the review:

"Every once in a while a book comes along that hits me so hard it leaves me breathless. Laure Wiess’ Ordinary Beauty is exactly that type of book. This book is extremely well-crafted, honest and gut-wrenching. I couldn’t put it down, and it is one that I will more than likely pick up again. While heartbreaking and gritty, it is also a beautiful story of hope and forgiveness."

Today, I am smiling. How about you?

Hearts Wide Open

Laura Wiess — Fri, 20 May 2011 20:24:00 GMT

Want to see something totally exciting and absolutely gorgeous?

Here it is: http://www.ccspca.org/index.php/download_file/view/185/

I am so happy to be a part of the Chester County SPCA's 24th Annual Forget-Me-Not Gala fundraiser.

I've lived with cats and dogs my whole life, and can't imagine coming home to a house where no heart beats but mine. Shelter cats and dogs are waiting for love, for a home.

One by one. We can make a difference.

In Good Company

Laura Wiess — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:04:00 GMT

Yesterday was the Millbrook, NY Book Festival and what a great day.

I was scheduled to be on a panel discussing YA books at 3:30 but we headed out early and made it to the Author's tent for book signings by about 9:30.

Once there, we met up with Scott from Merritt Books who gave me the most wonderful surprise, ever: he'd obtained copies of Ordinary Beauty a month before the official release date, for me to sign! Talk about a thrill.

I had a great time meeting some very talented authors including my tablemate Jennifer Donnelly (just finished Revolution and loved it!), Tim Tocher, Joseph Bruchac and Sarah Smith, and later in the day we sat on the YA panel, where my enthusiasm got the better of me and I ended up revealing the climax to How It Ends, instead of teasing othe audience with clues but no pay-off. Sigh. Someday I will learn how to rein myself in. (Probably not, though.)

One of the coolest things about being there was the dogs. There were people with dogs everywhere, and I got to meet a gorgeous pack of beagles, a very large,old dog, and at least eight Jack Russells. Made my day, as did this lovely interview with John Davis of the Poughkeepsie Journal:

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20110514/NEWS01/105140340/Authors-share-words-wisdom-Millbrook-Book-Festival?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CPoughkeepsieJournal.com%7Cs

So thank you, Millbrook, for hosting me. A deep curtsy goes out to Alexas and Tim and Scott for a wonderful event!