Tuesday, January 5. 2010
Dear Friends and Readers,
I hope 2009 was as good for you as it was for me! I'm almost sorry to see it go. I am delighted that Goodnight Children, Everywhere was Number One on several Top Ten lists in Britain and it was The History Press top seller for August and September. I understand that it will be distributed in the United States shortly, having been available previously only on Amazon.com. Soon, readers will be able to purchase books, or order them, directly from bookstores.
The evacuation of the children from British cities to the countryside - just before Neville Chamberlain announced that Britain was at war with Germany- seems to be of great interest to Americans. My recent presentation in Claremont, California was a great success, evoking much enthusiasm from the audience and many thoughtful questions. At the end of the talk, every book I had taken with me was scooped up within minutes! I have ordered more books but, so far, they have to come from England and they take several weeks to reach me. That will soon change, I hope.
I love going on the road and talking with audiences about "the evacuation." So many stories! So much joy! So much heartbreak! I have begun to get letters from readers who were, themselves, evacuees and I am, as ever, moved and astonished at the resilience of children.
Again, then, may 2010 be a good year for you all! Be healthy, happy, and prosperous!
Monica
Monday, November 9. 2009
Dear Friends and Fans,
For those of you anywhere near Claremont, California, I will be giving a talk about Goodnight Children, Everywhere, and signing books at Mount San Antonio Gardens, in Claremont on Friday, November 20th, at 1 p.m.
All are welcome!
The book is full of stories about the children who were evacuated from London and other British cities just as World War Two was about to be declared. For some, being away from home and family was pleasant; for others it was harsh. For all, the memories have remained for the rest of their lives, influencing them in a variety of ways.
Hope to see you on the 20th!
All good wishes,
Monica
Note: Mount San Antonio Gardens is between Towne and Mountain Avenues, Facing Bonita.
Wednesday, September 23. 2009
Dear Readers,
I am delighted to report that my trip to England to publicize Goodnight Children, Everywherewas both a pleasure and a success. I was interviewed on the BBC's national Woman's Hour and on several BBC regional programs, including BBC London. Newspapers also gave the book coverage, including The Daily Express,The Daily Telegraph and The Jewish Chronicle.
The History Press tells me that Goodnight Children, Everywhere was their top seller for the month of August. To say that I am pleased would be an understatement! I am thrilled!
My radio documentary also titled Goodnight Children, Everywhere aired on KCRW FM 89.9 on September 1st and a podcast of the program can be accessed on KCRW's web site.
I am now ready to embark on a local speaking tour to talk about the onset of World War Two and the evacuation of the children from the cities. I'll keep you posted about dates and places.
Saturday, July 18. 2009
MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE! On September 1st, 2009, at 2.p.m, my documentary about the evacuation of the children from British cities at the beginning of World War Two will be aired. It tells numerous stories of children, some as young as three years old, many of whom left home and family for the first time in their lives. Their parents, thinking only of what was best for their youngsters, let them go without any assurance that they would ever see their children again.
The program includes much music of the time, together with archived recordings of Sir Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister, announcements at the railway stations from which children were transported. and much more. The now adult "children" tell of their own experiences - some wonderful, some not so good, all of them life-changing.
The book of the same name: Goodnight Children, Everywhere, will be published by The History Press, Ltd. in August, 2009. It will be available through Amazon.com, among other places. The book expands substantially on the radio documentary, including more extensive interviews and outcomes, as well as photographs from the Imperial War Museum and elsewhere.
Make a note and tell your friends! Enjoy the program!
Sunday, May 3. 2009
I am delighted to let all my readers, friends, and family know that GOODNIGHT CHILDREN, EVERYWHERE, is complete. My new book will be published in late August, in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of the children from the cities in September 1939, just before Britain declared war with Germany.
GOODNIGHT CHILDREN, EVERYWHERE, is a collection of stories told by evacuees, themselves, as they reminisce about their experiences as children, snatched away from home and family, some as young as three years old. Their parents were discouraged from seeing them off at railway stations; they didn't know where their children were going, nor were they certain that they would ever see them again.
Some of the children were placed with gracious and kind families who cared for them as they would for their own children. Others were not as fortunate. Some were faced with anti-Semitism for the first time in their lives. For many, though, life in the countryside was new and delightful and they developed a life-long love for the country and for growing things.
As one of those evacuees, myself, I have my own story - the good and the bad - that winds through the book. Like so many, I returned home to London during the "phony" war, when nothing seemed to be happening, only to be caught in the Blitz - and sent away, again.
To augment the children's stories, I researched archives at the Imperial War Museum in London, and at other Record Offices, collecting some photographs that bring that time back as thought it were yesterday.
The publisher is The History Press, Ltd. and the book is already listed on Amazon for pre-ordering.
I hope you will enjoy reading what is now described as "history" for it really tells how world events over which we have no control, especially as children, shape our nature and our destiny for as long as we live.
Sunday, February 22. 2009
Hi, Everyone.
Glad to say, I have a new book underway - and I am looking for pictures, images, photographs, etc. The book is "Goodnight Children, Everywhere," and it tells the story of the millions of children who were evacuated from British cities, especially from London, just at the onset of World War Two, September, 1939.
What I'm looking for is images of the children leaving schools, railway stations, children on trains, arriving at destinations, with host families. I'd also like pictures of villages where children were sent, as well as old pictures of places they left...example, Hackney, Islington, and so on. Pictures of kids down in the air raid shelters would also be useful. Lots of children returned to the cities quickly - just in time for the Blitz!
Does anyone have images like this that they would permit me to use? For credit, of course, and even for a small fee. I would be eternally grateful.
Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou!
Monica
Monday, September 3. 2007
If you want to start your day with a smile, take a look at my piece in the Los Angeles Times. It's titled "Happy from the Feet Up" and appears in the Health section today, September 3. You can access it on the Times website at latimes.com
Click on the HEALTH button and look for the title.
Happy Labor Day!
Monday, August 13. 2007
I am delighted to announce that I will be participating in a teleconference August 28, 2007!
The subject is "Re-entering the Dating Scene" and it is being hosted by the National Association of Baby Boomer Women.
The time is 7:pm EST, and at corresponding times across the country. In California, it will be at 4:pm.
Telephone 1(712)580-7706
Conference Code: 3153035
Make sure you save this information as you will need it when joining the Teleseminar.
If you are new to teleconferencing, just dial the number and you will be advised how to continue.
Here are some of the things we'll discuss for women who are nervous about re-entering the world of dating:
Maturity is an Asset!
How do you gain the confidence to go out in the world and meet strangers?
What does it take to get in shape?
Where are the men who might interest us?
Have some fun!
But keep safe!
Tuesday, April 17. 2007
Greetings Friends!
I look forward to seeing you at the PEN USA booth at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA on Sunday April 29. I will be talking to people and signing books from 1 p.m. until 2. p.m.
My two most recent books will be on display: THAT RIDICULOUS BLUE SKY and FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN: THE MATURE WOMAN'S GUIDE TO FINDING ROMANTIC FULFILLMENT.
Love to meet you!
Friday, February 2. 2007
Hi to my loyal readers!
You will be as pleased as am I to learn that That Ridiculous Blue Sky "Has been awarded the prestigious Editor's Choice designation...in recognition of its outstanding editorial quality."
What a thrill!
Do take a look at my essay this month. You'll find it fun!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Monday, January 8. 2007
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.
Saturday, December 2. 2006
I am delighted to learn that my novel, THAT RIDICULOUS BLUE SKY, has been chosen as the "Featured Book of the Month" in All Books Reviews, a fine, literary website. You will find it at http://www.allbookreviews.com
Do take a look! Let me know what you think.
Best wishes to you all for the holidays, and for 2007!
I am delighted to learn that my novel, THAT RIDICULOUS BLUE SKY, has been chosen as the "Featured Book of the Month" in All Books Reviews, a fine, literary website. You will find it at http://www.allbookreviews.com
Do take a look! Let me know what you think.
Best wishes to you all for the holidays, and for 2007!
Thursday, November 16. 2006
I am happy to share with everyone an excellent review that I just discovered on the Boomer Women's World Newsletter. It is a publication of the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Here goes:
that ridiculous blue sky
By Monica B. Morris, Author and former professor
www.Monicabmorris.com
Reviewed by Patti Hill, www.pattiswriting.com
"that ridiculous blue sky" was an absolute pleasure to read! It proved to hold my interest from its opening pages. I found myself thinking about the latest twist while at work; I had to discipline myself to finish my tasks before returning to the developing plot. I thought I knew where the story was going, but was pleasantly surprised when it didn't!
For any woman who thinks she needs romance to live, for any woman trying to find her way in a new world, for any woman who needs to laugh at her own insecurities, for any woman learning to trust her instincts, for any woman striving to develop courage - this book will allow you to explore the inadequacies of your own life through the language of the story. You'll find your own deepest thoughts reflected through the characters; and, perhaps discover something new and revolutionary for your own journey.
"that ridiculous blue sky" could very well become one of those favorite books you return to again and again, one of those faithful companions thaat curl up with you in your favorite chair on lazy afternoons.
Between its pages you will find: rest, excitement, hope, fear, courage, commitment, friendship, love and self discovery. A true gem.
******
Here's wishing all of you a happy holiday season!
Thursday, October 26. 2006
Hi Everybody!
Happy to be back home after an extended promotion tour. Had a great time, meeting new people and talking about my books, especially That Ridiculous Blue Sky. From here on, I will be providing seminars based on Falling in Love Again, as well as talking about writing and publishing s a career. Contact me for information about booking seminars! I'd love to come and speak to your group.
Good luck, everyone. Have a happy Halloween and a tasty Thanksgiving!
|
