16 Comments

When was this? I got creeped out when George tried to make “sexy time” (!) with you. Why do men get like that? We’ve all been through stuff like this. I know the Saint Tropez area quite well, and the book I’m writing is set around there. My father in law used to have a house in Gigaro. Lovely writing xx

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This was in the late 90’s. Would love to know more about your book!

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I don't really want to say too much about the book I'm writing at this stage, other than its about two widows in their early 60s finding a new purpose in the third chapter of their life. I'm really enjoying the process of writing it, just as much as I enyoyed writing Just Like A Movie. My second book was more like pulling teeth, but I was in a weird place, and put way too much pressure on myself. I was just telling myself this morning that my handle on Substack, Just For Fun, really is perfect for me, because if writing is not fun it's not worth the effort. xx

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I have to pace myself. This one almost gave me a heart attack.

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Oh no! Stay strong. I'm not sure about this one, actually...

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Dont worry! I’m here for the long run. At least I know there is a happy ending 😊

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I think every woman can relate to this. You never know when a man is gonna turn and try something with you. As soon as you brought up the winking- I knew where it was headed. Doesn’t matter if you are single or in a relationship, young or old. This happens way too frequently and even more so while traveling I think. I wish it wasn’t that way but it’s true. I love reading this series.

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Especially if they’re drunk!

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I love this! Now I have to go back in and read it in order.

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Thank you!

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This was propulsive writing. The description of cooking the mushrooms was pitch perfect. And the writing of the later scenes reminded of “good” Hemingway.

I highly recommend this memoir. This is part three of four out so far.

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Thank you so much. In the past, I unconsciously imitated Hemingway, a common failing for newbie writers, I've since learned. He's an eternal inspiration though, and to remind of him is a great compliment.

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The paragraph below in particular.

"The dinner was good, and the vodka was good, or good enough. It was just George and me and Jesse and a couple of fishermen that George knew. One of them, Henrí, was young and handsome, and so French. I tried not to stare, as, head to one side, he ran his fingers through his dark wavy hair. Jesse got drunk very quickly and after that he was the life of the party. I watched him laughing in the corner with Henrí. I drank my vodka and looked away. I wanted to have a good time. The men were drunk. They laughed. It was hot. I got up and walked over to the window. I looked out at the harbor and the boats. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass. Someone came up behind me and put a hand on my shoulder. Jesse, I thought. I turned around, smiling."

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haha, actually "Jesse got drunk very quickly and after that he was the life of the party" is straight up mimicking Hemingway. I left it in though because I liked it! Which is exactly when you're supposed to delete something, come to think of it...

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What a great read!

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Thank you David!

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