Hey there happy reader,

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with tasks? So much so that you want to throw a blanket over your head and forget everything for a while, crawl into bed and just read a good book?

That’s how I’m feeling today! 

I have so many errands and small jobs to complete that it almost seems impossible to get it all done. I have to try and remember my favorite life guide and author, Anne Lamott’s best advice – just go “bird by bird.”

This book, with its invaluable life lessons, has saved me on more than one occasion from myself. 

Anne tells the story of her brother, who when having ignored a school assignment where he was to write a research paper, waited until the very last minute to begin. Sensing his son’s panic, their father offered some sage words. “Go bird by bird. One bird at a time.” Simple, but true. We can all do well to remember that we can only do one thing at a time…

Which brings me to my current work-in-progress.

I’m doing my best to hunker down and get my most recent draft in good enough shape to share some of it with you! As you may remember, I wasn’t happy with my first pass at this novel, so I started over. I can report that things are going much better this time around… hopefully I will have an excerpt or two to share over the summer months ahead.

I’m headed to my office now. I’ve reached a tense moment in the narrative, and I want to get back to it before I tackle cleaning my outdoor furniture before Father’s Day!!

Hey there happy reader!

New York City is buzzing with the basketball championships… the Knicks have moved forward for the first time in fifty years, and the excitement is palpable!

It reminds me of my college days, covering women’s basketball for our campus newspaper. 

Every shot, every missed pass or three-point play is cause for either elation or defeat. And the last five minutes of the game are stomach-churning! Combine the NBA playoffs with this week’s Manhattanhenge, and you can understand why New York is the city that never sleeps!

Of course, Manhattanhenge brings me around to my work-in-progress about the OG… Stonehenge! 

I’ve been working away at this book, and I must admit… it’s the most complicated and detailed novel I’ve ever written.

It’s turning out to be part historical, part suspense, and part romance. There are two female protagonists, an uprising of a society, a race against time to uncover the truth of what happened to the original inhabitants of Salisbury Plain, and the reveal of a secret that impacts the past and the present. Whew!

Luckily for me, I’m heading to reunite with my “Guatemala Girls” at the end of the month. 

This group of talented writers – we met at Joyce Maynard’s writer’s workshop—is reconvening in Colorado for an intensive four days of writing, meditation, and yoga.

I’m looking forward to sharing creative energy with these women. When we are together, we are a force of nature. There’s lots of idea sharing, constructive critiquing, and tons of laughter. It’s the recharge we all need! And as soon as I’m back, I plan to share an excerpt or two with you!

What do you do to refresh your own batteries? Garden? Bake? Visit with friends? We all need a way to shed the overwhelming responsibilities of our lives and find the thing gives us the “jolt,” or the little bit of magic that keeps us sane… wouldn’t you agree?

Happy Memorial Day!

Hey there happy reader!

So here we are… just when we thought winter would never release us from her grasp, it’s summer! In the northeast, we always seem to pass through spring without noticing – except for the torrential rainstorms and inhumane amounts of pollen drifting in through every open window!

The thing I like best about summer is the excuse to tuck a novel into my beach bag and sit in a chair at the shoreline. 

I’m lucky enough to live on an island, and while I don’t frequent the infamous Hamptons (too much traffic to get there, as well as twenty-five-dollar cocktails) I do head out to the shore often (we have lots of beaches here!)

Plus, I am lucky enough to spend time up on the National Seashore in Cape Cod, which might be one of my favorite places on earth!

If you’re looking for the perfect beach read, here’s a good one – Emily Henry’s “Great Big Beautiful Life.” 

It’s two separate stories about a journalist competing for a job to write the memoir of a very famous person. There’s the plot line about the famous person, then there’s the plot line about the journalist. Both are compelling, twisty, and all together enjoyable. High recommend!

And of course, if you’re looking for a series romance set in a beachy small town, there’s always mine…

“The Gypsy Moth Chronicles” will transport you to the sand from the first page to the last!

I hope to sneak out some time away from working on my Stonehenge book to sit on the beach, but I am committed to finishing this draft by summer’s end, and when I do, I’ll post some excerpts here first!!

Hey there happy reader!

For as much as I love the current season, it often brings a flurry of weddings, communions, graduations, and BBQs. Sometimes my calendar fills up so fast that I can’t find a spare minute to sit down, not to mention a solid hour to write!

I’m easily overwhelmed, so I have to remind myself to leave some blank space in my schedule to accomplish the things most important to me. Yesterday, I put away my laundry list of responsibilities and planted some pretty flowers outside in my yard.

I love planting! 

It’s creative, it’s relaxing, and it gives me permission to dig in the dirt for a bit. It also helps me clear my head. I was grappling with a roadblock in my Stonehenge book and by giving myself the opportunity to be outside in the sunshine and allowing my mind the chance to wander while I dug trenches for my pretty flowers, I found a way through the problem. It was a win-win all around!

I remind myself that there’s a good reason why children enjoy being outdoors so much more than being confined inside the house. That sunshine really elevates your mood and makes the whole day better!

A big thank you to all those who grabbed a free copy of my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything.” 

It was a very successful weekend for this title – over 2500 downloads, lots of new readers! And if you’re a member of a book club, this story would make for a lively discussion.

I’d be happy to Zoom with you and your group to chat about this (or any of my books) this summer. You can let me know via email: hilari.mpp@gmail.com.

I already have a number of these fun events on my calendar, but I’d love to add yours to my list!

Hey there happy reader!

To help me celebrate my birthday this month, I’m giving you the chance to download my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything” for FREE this weekend! 

That’s right… for the next three days – today, tomorrow, and Saturday, this title will be available for download on Amazon and The Fussy Librarian for ZERO DOLLARS!

This twisty, spicy tale will take you on a roller coaster ride… 

Mia has a car accident and loses her memory. Kyle has a past that he’d like to forget. When they meet, sparks fly. He’s determined to help her regain her identity, but when all is revealed, the truth may shatter them both!

I had a blast writing this story… honestly, I feel as though I should apologize to you up front. This novel will leave you with a book hangover! All these months later these two protagonists are still living rent-free in my mind…

And spread the word! 

Call your friends and let them know that they can get a free book as well… the more the merrier! The story is as engaging as a good game of tic, tac, toe, lol! Plus, I’m hoping to shatter my own download record. I’ll let you know if that happens.

On a more serious note, I know that Mother’s Day can be tricky for some of us. Just know that whether you celebrate or not, it’s the perfect spring day to do something outdoors. Take a walk, go to the beach, or read a book under a tree. We all do so much for the other people in our lives that we often forget that it’s best to take care of ourselves as well! Whatever you do, enjoy the day…

Hey there happy readers!

I am so excited that beach weather is almost here that I wanted to kick off the season with a gift for all of you. If you haven’t read my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything” yet, you’ll be able to download it for FREE on May 8th, 9th, and 10th on Amazon. It will also be free on The Fussy Librarian site on May 9th as well!

As you may know, the plot for the story came to me in a dream, and I just scribbled it all down! 

I wrote this book in tribute to my dear friend who is suffering from memory loss. For those of us touched by this terrible illness, it can be both heartbreaking and scary for the patient and their loved ones. I wanted to capture the fear a person faces when she can not remember her past, or even her own true name. And while this book does have a happily ever after, I’ve come to understand that we need to live each day of our lives to its fullest; tomorrow is not a guarantee.

And if you’re looking for something to get your mom this Mother’s Day, tuck a digital link to the book you download into her email. I think both you and she will enjoy Mia and Kyle’s twisty, steamy story… and of course I hope you’ll let me know if you do!

In other book news…

I’ve gone back to the beginning of my current work-in-progress, “The Stones” and rewritten the opening. When I attended Joyce Maynard’s writer’s intensive workshop, Joyce offered her opinion on what I’d written. While she was intrigued by the story, she thought I needed a more gripping beginning. After much thought, I have to say that I agree. UGH!

While writing full-out is a creative joy, revising is where the truth happens. It’s so hard to be hyper-critical of your own words, but I’ve learned that one needs to be unsympathetic and ruthless when revising.

Sometimes when I delete full paragraphs, I store them in a file and tell myself that I should save them for future use. It’s like when you clean out your closet. You know that the dress you’ve kept in a size you’ll never fit into again stays tucked into a corner is just mocking you. It’s best to donate it to someone who can resist dessert – and that person isn’t me.

I realize that the sun is just starting to rise over my Stonehenge novel now. Truths are being told. I promise a sneak peek of the new opening very soon…

Hey there happy reader!

I love this time of year. The flowers are budding, the lawn is turning green… and I’m suffering from seasonal allergies!

My eyes are watering and I’m sneezing non-stop… but I guess it’s a small price to pay for the warmer weather, right? I think that for now, I’m going to watch things bloom inside from my picture window. It’s more comfortable that way, lol!

I’ve been so fortunate to have so many book clubs continue to show an interest in my historical novel, “The Wick and the Flame.” 

It’s the story of four brave young soldiers during the Israeli War of Independence in 1947. I’ve been so appreciative of the lively conversations and shared experiences with so many of the people I’ve met since I first published this book four years ago. It’s truly a gift to me to feel the love for this story from my readers.

If you’re a member of a book club in the New York metropolitan area, I’d love to swing by and discuss this novel with your group. If you live further away, I am available to attend your book club via Zoom. I can promise an interesting evening talking about all things book related!

I’m working away at my new novel, “The Stones,” as I write this newsletter. 

I’m going to have the chance to workshop it with some of the women I met at Joyce Maynard’s Writer’s Intensive this coming June. We’re reuniting to share our “work-in-progress” stories at a retreat in Colorado.

Knowing this terrific group of women, shenanigans are guaranteed. I’ll be sure to share photos once I return…

For now, I’m getting ready to celebrate my birthday (early May) with a special book promotion. 

Details will follow, but if you haven’t read my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything,” you’ll have the chance to download it for free! It’s my way of sharing the love I have for all of you – and it’s the perfect book to tuck into your beach bag this summer. I promise that it will keep you turning the pages until the final mystery is revealed!

I hope that April showers are past and that you’re getting a chance to venture out into the warmer days. Hopefully, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers that are popping up just about everywhere! Stop and smell the roses…

Hey there happy reader,

I love to travel, but I love to be home even more! There’s something about sleeping in my own bed that makes me happy. I have more trips planned in the months ahead, but for now, I’m staying put, keeping my head down and writing!

As I mentioned last week, the after effects of my time in Guatemala has truly affected my new novel. 

I’ve given much thought to the connection women have to the earth and moon. It truly matters as I tell this story. From all I have read about those who lived at Stonehenge right before it was abandoned, they were a civilization of spiritual people who believed in community and tradition.

While they didn’t have the tools (written word) to tell their own stories, my imaginings have led me to a simple conclusion. They would have respected the earth as well as the seasons and the bounty they received from the land they lived on. They would have kept time with the moon and its phases; they would have navigated by observing the constellations in the sky.

I’ve gone back to incorporate all of that into my novel and my ancient main character, Maya, is the window into that world. Part of the problem for my modern character, Miriam, is that she isn’t connected to the earth. Until she finds that vital link, she won’t be able to solve the mystery of who ruled Stonehenge and unlock her own future.

My writing exercise (self-imposed!) this spring is to head outside and spend some more time in nature. 

I don’t know if you follow Catherine, Princess of Wales, but she said recently that while recovering from her cancer treatments, she found that being outdoors helped her both mentally and spiritually. I can absolutely understand that, and I’m committed to trying it for myself! I am hopeful that I can do a whole lot of thinking on my planned walks around my neighborhood. I might even stroll along the ocean every now and then as well!

Hey there happy reader!

Talk about a crazy idea! I’m out in Los Angeles for a few days because I couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing my west coast grandbaby until our family vacation in June. He’s getting bigger and more verbal every day, and when he tells me that I’m in New York and he’s in California, well… I just have to remedy that, if only for a few days.

But here’s where the crazy part comes in… 

I’m having a Passover Seder in LA on Saturday night, hopping on the red eye and sharing the second Seder with my New York based grandson at our house!

I thought I had it all figured out, too. 

I cooked an entire meal and put it in our downstairs freezer. My husband is really the only one to use the basement – he has a gym down there, as well as his video games (!) and virtual reality headset. (Yes, he’s a grown-up. Don’t ask!)

Anyway, he must have grabbed a water bottle out of the refrigerator, slammed the door and popped open the freezer without realizing it. I went to grab a container of milk – what must have been days later – only to find a defrosted mess! Melted ice cream, defrosted chicken, soup, and a variety of other cooked dishes all ruined!

Luckily, I had time to recreate the dinner. Suffice it to say, my husband is banned from opening that refrigerator until after the holiday. Whew!!

In other news…lol… 

I’ve been reflecting on my time in Guatemala and thinking about the lessons I’ve taken home with me. Joyce Maynard is a master teacher and the one thing she said that resonates most with me is the use of your most honest voice.

She stressed bringing a piece of yourself into your characters. That means your struggles, your fears, your insecurities belong on the page because those truths will make the people you write about all the more authentic.

So, this is what I brought home. 

The feeling I got when standing in front of this volcano. There is a pull – it’s almost magnetic – and you sense when in the shadow of this massive life force. The idea that the earth and the moon guide us, that we are all connected as inhabitants of this planet was driven home while I was in Guatemala.

I’m writing about a woman (Maya) who is truly in touch with the earth, the elements, the stars in the sky… she may live in a primitive world, one we truly don’t know the details about, but she was greatly connected to the ground beneath her feet and the constellations above her head. It’s remarkable how that works out, right? I’m taking a moment to rethink the opening of my Stonehenge book. I’ll get back to you with more information soon.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something to stream, can I offer a suggestion? “Love on the Spectrum” is back with its third season. Your heart will explode with affection for these hopeful romantics. They’ve surely captured mine.

And if you need something to read, don’t miss “Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall. It’s a gripping story that kept me up way too late turning the pages.

Spring is definitely here. It’s time to get up, get out and smell the pretty blooming flowers. A walk around the block is in order. You deserve it!

Hey there happy reader,

I am so grateful that I took a leap of faith and attended Joyce Maynard’s Writer’s Intensive Workshop. I could never have imagined how impactful that experience would turn out to be… I met a group of fellow writers who I now consider dear friends and learned so much at the feet of the master teacher, Joyce herself!

It’s not easy to get to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. 

I took two planes, a pretty scary van ride on the Pan American Highway, and a small boat to finally arrive at Casa Paloma – the real “Bird Hotel.” But once there, I was swept away from the beauty of the place and the magnetic pull of the volcanoes that sit right across the way.

Joyce has created a truly special place (more on that in a later newsletter).

It was remarkable that she was able to bring ten writers together who would form such a tight, cohesive bond. We were a supportive group from our first meeting!

These were women from all over the United States and Canada; a journalist, a naval commander, two watercolor artists, a minister, a former porn star, a college administrator, a political refugee, a filmmaker, a new widow, and me! All had stories to tell and we shared those stories long into the night!

These are all brave women, and I admire each of them. 

Some have overcome sexual trauma, some are learning how to navigate life alone after the death of a loved one, others have experienced a “grey” divorce after long marriages, and all are talented writers.

I feel such gratitude that each one told her truth in our group sessions, and such joy at their successful efforts to put their thoughts down on paper.

And then there’s Joyce. She’s a force of nature! 

Joyce is a master teacher and can see right to the core of your work, tweak it a bit and make it stronger, all with the stroke of her sharpie! It was amazing to watch her work at the white board and I learned a tremendous amount from her.

Plus, we got to hear about her new novel. She’s in the revision stage now, but when it becomes available, I will absolutely read it. It’s full of intrigue and deception, two topics which will make it unputdownable…

I will have more to share with you on this experience in the coming weeks, but for now, I’m going back to my work-in-progress. I promise updates on my new novel soon.