Delighted to say that I have just finished editing my new novel: THE LANDSCAPE OF OUR LIFE. The title draws from Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of New York's Central Park. He wrote "The Landscape of our Life, Shapes our Nature." This appealed to me, given my background in sociology. As our circumstances change, so our outlook on life changes.
The editing complete, I will now look for representation - an agent, in fact! I have never worked with an agent, although I have published five books and scads of articles and essays. It seems to me that it is easier to find a publisher for non-fiction than for fiction - although it is never easy! And I'm told that it is no easier to find an agent than to find a publisher! Wish me luck!
THE LANDSCAPE OF OUR LIFE follows two sisters, Marie and Naomi Almonson, from their childhood in the East End of London during the Great Depression, through to the California of the 1980s - a swath of 20th century history. Her evacuationfrom London at the start of World War Two, transforms Marie's life. Naomi's transformation comes later, when she emigrates to California with her husband and young children. Their stories are rich, entertaining, filled with music and the joy of achievement. Still, achievement often exerts a price...
I'll keep you informed about the book's fate from time to time.
