People often ask where do writers get their ideas? It seems intriguing to come up with a scene, develop characters, plot out the story, bleed repeatedly over every page and finally have a final product.
As the saying goes-truth is stranger than fiction-how many times do we hear a news story and say "I never would have thought of that, or seriously, someone did what?" Talk about suspending your disbelief-just pick up the paper or listen to the news, fiction has nothing on real life.
I don't think I'm the only writer out there in fiction-land that hears voices in my head, and listens as characters hold their own conversations, and clamor for their own stories.
I find it entertaining, and at the same time somewhat of a challenge, because at the most inopportune times they pop in and hold a conversation. That is how a premise for my new novella came about. The secondary characters from A Fire Within demanded their own story, and they will get it.
I don't even have a working title yet, but there have been so many stories about art recently that I won't have a problem selecting what kind of fraud, theft, or forgery I want to write about. The best part, it may be another joint venture with Amy Alessio and Mary Welk, set around Halloween 2012.
I wonder how many of us hear those voices that refuse to remain silent, and wind up in a story.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Tidbits by Margot Justes
We often complain how time 'flies' it doesn't really...it just seems as if it does.
Take today for instance, I drank a pot of coffee-nothing unusual there-happens most weekends if I'm home, made some mushroom barley soup, did laundry, all the mundane everyday things that aren't done during the week, and are saved for the weekend.
I sat down at the computer and realized half the day is gone. I don't know where it went, and have very little to show for it, (except of course for the clean laundry and huge pot of soup)but it seems to have flown.
In the meantime, new writing projects are not 'flying', in fact they seem not to be moving forward at all, except the three pages I added to Hotel in Venice and a page to Memories of a Country Long Ago, and the continuous editing of existing projects.
Time has been spent polishing Blood Art and A Hotel in Bath. I regained my rights to A Hotel in Paris and I'm editing that too, as well as writing a new end to A Fire Within.
All in all I can pretty much figure out where the time went, it did fly, but at least I know the destination...my manuscript pages.
I have some good news-Amy Alessio, Mary Welk and I will release our 3 novellas in time for Valentine's Day, tentative date is January 1, 2012. This is an old project that has been resurrected, and I'm absolutely delighted at the prospect of working together with Amy and Mary.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Operation Paperback by Margot Justes
I’ve mentioned Operation Paperback before.
To use their words, “Operation Paperback is a non-profit organization that collects gently used books nationwide and sends them to American troops deployed overseas.” Since 1999, the organization shipped over 1.3 million books to our soldiers.
We collect books at work and to date have shipped 1,026 books. We accept donations from our employees and a few libraries have given us their ‘withdrawals’.
I love books and for me there is no greater pleasure, than to see someone else enjoy the escape from reality that a book provides. I assume that is especially true for our soldiers. If anyone needs an escape from a brutal reality, it most certainly would be a soldier in the middle of a war.
There is a VA Medical Center that needs books, and it’s not difficult or expensive to send a box. The US Postal Service provides free shipping supplies, and there is a special flat rate for the boxes earmarked for the military.
Joining the organization is easy, just go to: www.operationpaperback.org
I was asked not to provide the name of the facility, however if you e-mail me at mjustes@earthlink.net, I will be able to give you the name of the medical center, or if you prefer to send the books to me, I will give you my shipping address. I’ll make sure the center receives them.
For just a little bit of an effort, you can make a difference in a soldier’s life, make it a bit more palatable for them and let them know you care.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Chicago North RWA Spring Fling by Margot Justes
The Chicago North RWA Spring Fling is a huge event for our chapter. It is also a tremendous amount of work to put on a conference of this caliber.
I mention this now, because our registration opened up September 1st; but it takes about two years to plan the event-a lot of work is involved.
This year we have a committee of very dedicated members who are doing an amazing job. They lined up bestselling authors and fantastic editors and agents.
The SF Ladies-as I like to call them-signed a great contract with the Marriott, keeping in mind the current difficult economic times.
The publicity, the registration, arranging the panels, picking up our guests at the airport, and all the tiny details that are so important to make the conference a success are being done.
There are a multitude of e-mails, meetings, ideas being tossed back and forth, all of that takes a tremendous amount of time.
I am not a member of the committee, but as chapter president I am privileged to read all the e-mails going back and forth, and I am truly amazed and in awe at the dedication of the SF Ladies.
This promises to be an amazing conference, and if you're a writer, a reader, a fan, you will enjoy the time spent with the CN RWA Spring Fling...Cool City, Hot Romance is our motto.
Here is the link to register : http://www.chicagospringfling.com/registration_form.php
Hope to see you April 27-28 at the Chicago Marriott NW in Hoffman Estates.
SF Ladies, thank you for an inspiring job.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
I mention this now, because our registration opened up September 1st; but it takes about two years to plan the event-a lot of work is involved.
This year we have a committee of very dedicated members who are doing an amazing job. They lined up bestselling authors and fantastic editors and agents.
The SF Ladies-as I like to call them-signed a great contract with the Marriott, keeping in mind the current difficult economic times.
The publicity, the registration, arranging the panels, picking up our guests at the airport, and all the tiny details that are so important to make the conference a success are being done.
There are a multitude of e-mails, meetings, ideas being tossed back and forth, all of that takes a tremendous amount of time.
I am not a member of the committee, but as chapter president I am privileged to read all the e-mails going back and forth, and I am truly amazed and in awe at the dedication of the SF Ladies.
This promises to be an amazing conference, and if you're a writer, a reader, a fan, you will enjoy the time spent with the CN RWA Spring Fling...Cool City, Hot Romance is our motto.
Here is the link to register : http://www.chicagospringfling.com/registration_form.php
Hope to see you April 27-28 at the Chicago Marriott NW in Hoffman Estates.
SF Ladies, thank you for an inspiring job.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Life by Margot Justes
One little word-life-holds the very essence of everything we know, we feel and we endure.
There is a song, can't remember the name, but heard it recently sung by Nana Mouskouri, "the pleasures of love last but for a moment, the regrets of love last a lifetime." Very romantic indeed and also very true.
That pronouncement applies to life and how we live it, the regrets we share, the things we wish we'd done and the things we're afraid to do. Yikes, I'm becoming maudlin.
As we age, I think some of us are more prone on taking a chance on life and adventure. Our time becomes shorter, moving forward we realize the future as we know it now, is more limited.
No, I'm not going to take up downhill skiing, tried it once in my youth and hugged every tree and post I slid by; nor will I take up extreme anything, I'm perfectly comfortable on terra firma.
I'm more into introspective growth, to become more patient, travel to places that may not be considered safe, but are filled with history and survival against great odds. I might actually learn something and become more tolerant of others.
My bucket list is growing, there is Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aqaba, Jordan, passage through the Suez Canal and of course Alexandria, Egypt.
My visit to Alexandria and Cairo this year was cancelled, however Israel is still in place.
I may even take up snorkeling...nope...tried it once, and couldn't see anything, my goggles kept fogging up and I swallowed what seemed to feel like gallons of salty water.
Maybe after all, I'm not the adventurous type.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
There is a song, can't remember the name, but heard it recently sung by Nana Mouskouri, "the pleasures of love last but for a moment, the regrets of love last a lifetime." Very romantic indeed and also very true.
That pronouncement applies to life and how we live it, the regrets we share, the things we wish we'd done and the things we're afraid to do. Yikes, I'm becoming maudlin.
As we age, I think some of us are more prone on taking a chance on life and adventure. Our time becomes shorter, moving forward we realize the future as we know it now, is more limited.
No, I'm not going to take up downhill skiing, tried it once in my youth and hugged every tree and post I slid by; nor will I take up extreme anything, I'm perfectly comfortable on terra firma.
I'm more into introspective growth, to become more patient, travel to places that may not be considered safe, but are filled with history and survival against great odds. I might actually learn something and become more tolerant of others.
My bucket list is growing, there is Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aqaba, Jordan, passage through the Suez Canal and of course Alexandria, Egypt.
My visit to Alexandria and Cairo this year was cancelled, however Israel is still in place.
I may even take up snorkeling...nope...tried it once, and couldn't see anything, my goggles kept fogging up and I swallowed what seemed to feel like gallons of salty water.
Maybe after all, I'm not the adventurous type.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Fire Museum by Margot Justes
Last Saturday we spent the day without power due to a storm that blanketed the area with darkness. About one o'clock Saturday morning the power went out as did the sump pump and an hour later the back-up pump quit. All is now under control.
The weekend before that I spent time with Dina, and we paid a visit to Indianapolis, Indiana. After breakfast at the Hilton, (which was delicious and highly recommended) we opted for a walking tour of the city.
The heat and humidity notwithstanding, Indy is a great city to see on foot. We hiked to Massachusetts Ave and the highly anticipated 'best chocolate in town' shop, it didn't disappoint and the gelato was a welcome surprise in the stifling heat.
There were a couple of art boutiques, where we browsed and a few galleries which unfortunately were closed on Saturdays.
The highlight of the day was a visit to the Indianapolis Fire Museum, an amazing place that opened in 1996 in a remodeled fire station. The fire station dates back to 1872, the building bought by the fire fighters union has been fully restored and also serves as the Union Headquarters.
Guided tours are offered by retired fire fighters. It is a living and breathing memorial to past, present and future fire fighters. I got a tiny glimpse of life in a fire station, beautifully restored, the building has antique fire equipment on display, and 'the Survive Alive program' which teaches children what to do in case of fire. According to the brochure, about 20,000 children participate in the program annually.
A visit to that particular museum in Indianapolis should not be missed. I came away with a better understanding of the demands of the job. Chatting with our guide, I got the sense of the camaraderie that exists within the community and the willingness of that community to help others. It is not just a job, it is a profound calling to help others, and holds immense pride and shared brotherhood.
Evocative memories of those lost in the line of duty and the continuous support of family members were always within reach. The names were carved in the bricks, wall plaques, or simply the fire fighter telling me about comrades who lost their lives in various wars, fires and 09/11.
It was a deeply moving visit.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
The weekend before that I spent time with Dina, and we paid a visit to Indianapolis, Indiana. After breakfast at the Hilton, (which was delicious and highly recommended) we opted for a walking tour of the city.
The heat and humidity notwithstanding, Indy is a great city to see on foot. We hiked to Massachusetts Ave and the highly anticipated 'best chocolate in town' shop, it didn't disappoint and the gelato was a welcome surprise in the stifling heat.
There were a couple of art boutiques, where we browsed and a few galleries which unfortunately were closed on Saturdays.
The highlight of the day was a visit to the Indianapolis Fire Museum, an amazing place that opened in 1996 in a remodeled fire station. The fire station dates back to 1872, the building bought by the fire fighters union has been fully restored and also serves as the Union Headquarters.
Guided tours are offered by retired fire fighters. It is a living and breathing memorial to past, present and future fire fighters. I got a tiny glimpse of life in a fire station, beautifully restored, the building has antique fire equipment on display, and 'the Survive Alive program' which teaches children what to do in case of fire. According to the brochure, about 20,000 children participate in the program annually.
A visit to that particular museum in Indianapolis should not be missed. I came away with a better understanding of the demands of the job. Chatting with our guide, I got the sense of the camaraderie that exists within the community and the willingness of that community to help others. It is not just a job, it is a profound calling to help others, and holds immense pride and shared brotherhood.
Evocative memories of those lost in the line of duty and the continuous support of family members were always within reach. The names were carved in the bricks, wall plaques, or simply the fire fighter telling me about comrades who lost their lives in various wars, fires and 09/11.
It was a deeply moving visit.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Saturday, July 9, 2011
A Mini Vacation by Margot Justes
I was lucky enough to play tourist both in my own neck of the woods-Chicago and New York.
My daughter received her MBA at Nary Pier last Saturday, so we spent the weekend in Chicago and had a delightful walking adventure. We had breakfast at the Marriott on Michigan Ave. and we were lucky enough to be seated in front of a huge window overlooking the magnificent mile.
We stopped at Bloomingdales and visited the Nespresso boutique and of course had coffee. It was a terrific family weekend that culminated with Solonge's graduation.
Monday I flew to NY for an altogether different adventure. The Marriott Marquis located in Times Square fits the area well, loud and boisterous and doesn't seem to sleep, just like the famed spot.
I tried to see as much as I could and still manage to attend a few functions at the RWA conference.
What I thought would be a wonderful treat turned out to be a very expensive and great disappointment. The high tea at the Plaza hotel fell far short of expectation. The recommended bold tea was anything but, served in a pouch, it was weak and pretty much lacking in flavor. The bread of the finger sandwiches had been cut and allowed to sit, because when served it had that cut and dried prepared hours ago feel to them.
The best part was the volcanic scone eruption. I picked up my scone and tried to gently pull it apart, a scone will easily divide in half if not desiccated with age. This cone erupted, crumbled and tiny specs scattered everywhere. Rather like a crumbly volcanic fall-out.
When I finally was able to get the waiter to ask him for more hot water, I told him this was literally the crumbiest scone I've ever had, his reply was, "believe it or not, it is very fresh." My reply, "Seriously?" He never even asked if I wanted another scone. The price of that delight was $50.00 plus tip. Visit the hotel, the building is gorgeous, but for tea head to the Waldorf Astoria.
If you're in Chicago and want high tea, there are 3 places I recommend, the Russian Tea Time restaurant, it's small and intimate but serves a delightful high tea, the Russian food is good too. The Drake Hotel for the ambiance and an excellent tea service, but the best is the Peninsula hotel because the food is exceptional but service can be inattentive.
Till next time.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
My daughter received her MBA at Nary Pier last Saturday, so we spent the weekend in Chicago and had a delightful walking adventure. We had breakfast at the Marriott on Michigan Ave. and we were lucky enough to be seated in front of a huge window overlooking the magnificent mile.
We stopped at Bloomingdales and visited the Nespresso boutique and of course had coffee. It was a terrific family weekend that culminated with Solonge's graduation.
Monday I flew to NY for an altogether different adventure. The Marriott Marquis located in Times Square fits the area well, loud and boisterous and doesn't seem to sleep, just like the famed spot.
I tried to see as much as I could and still manage to attend a few functions at the RWA conference.
What I thought would be a wonderful treat turned out to be a very expensive and great disappointment. The high tea at the Plaza hotel fell far short of expectation. The recommended bold tea was anything but, served in a pouch, it was weak and pretty much lacking in flavor. The bread of the finger sandwiches had been cut and allowed to sit, because when served it had that cut and dried prepared hours ago feel to them.
The best part was the volcanic scone eruption. I picked up my scone and tried to gently pull it apart, a scone will easily divide in half if not desiccated with age. This cone erupted, crumbled and tiny specs scattered everywhere. Rather like a crumbly volcanic fall-out.
When I finally was able to get the waiter to ask him for more hot water, I told him this was literally the crumbiest scone I've ever had, his reply was, "believe it or not, it is very fresh." My reply, "Seriously?" He never even asked if I wanted another scone. The price of that delight was $50.00 plus tip. Visit the hotel, the building is gorgeous, but for tea head to the Waldorf Astoria.
If you're in Chicago and want high tea, there are 3 places I recommend, the Russian Tea Time restaurant, it's small and intimate but serves a delightful high tea, the Russian food is good too. The Drake Hotel for the ambiance and an excellent tea service, but the best is the Peninsula hotel because the food is exceptional but service can be inattentive.
Till next time.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
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