July 15, 2008
Guest Blogger Isabel Sharpe
Written by Jaunty Guest in Jaunty PostPlease welcome Isabel Sharpe!
MAINIA
In the 1950s my maternal grandfather plunked down $1K for twenty-two acres on the coast of Maine (I don’t even want to think about what it would cost now). I’ve traveled extensively around the country and abroad, and I still think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not dramatic, not breathtaking, but peaceful and unspoiled. The kind of place that might get a “how pretty” reaction at first, but once you’ve spent time there, smelled the woods on a hike and the sea from a boat, eaten fresh-from-the ocean lobster, gazed at the sunset, and counted shooting stars after dark, you’re hooked. Just don’t forget the mosquito repellant.
Every book I’ve set there has been special to me. Writing about a place you love makes all the difference, because besides knowing the sights, you know the smells and the sounds and most importantly, the emotional effect the place has. A far cry from researching places I’ve never been on the Internet which my budget makes necessary for too many books.
As Good As It Got was inspired by a community college program I came across years ago, which helped divorced and widowed homemakers carve out new lives. Originally I set the book in a huge fancy house modeled on the Pabst Mansion here in Milwaukee. I decided the place would be owned by a wealthy widow who wanted to help other women in times of transition. However . . . my editor said the setting made the program feel like some kind of correctional facility. Ha! As usual, she was right.
So I changed the concept to a retreat experience and set Camp Kinsonu in the healing air of my favorite state, where my three heroines, all “suddenly single” go to take a breath before embarking on new altered lives. Cynical, independent Ann is struggling to cope after her husband killed himself to avoid facing the financial ruin he caused; naive optimist Cindy is biding time, certain her serial-cheating husband will again come back to her; withdrawn, troubled Martha is forced to examine her choices after her married lover has a debilitating stroke.
Well okay, that sounded too grim. There are plenty of funny and uplifting moments because I can’t write gloom and doom to save my life. But switching the location to Maine breathed real life and purpose into the book. The coast is like another heroine.
And I’m counting down until August 18 when I can be there myself. In the meantime, tell me about your favorite place and I’ll choose one from all the entries to receive a copy of my first Avon release, WOMEN ON THE EDGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKTHROUGH.
Cheers,
Isabel
www.isabelsharpe.com
5:16 am | Share This
Margay Says:
I have a few favorite places from my childhood (including Virginia because that’s where my father’s from and Cape Cod just because), but one place I have always loved to go - as a child and an adult - is Maine. My grandmother moved up there when I was a teenager, so that’s when we started going up there to visit. It’s just a beautiful state. My favorite place in Maine is Ogunquit - I just love the beach and the boardwalk there.
Shana Says:
Welcome, Isabel! I grew up in Michigan (several of us Jaunties are from there), and whenever I go back, I feel incredibly nostalgic. It seems such an innocent, unspoiled place to me.
Love the cover of your book, and the story sounds wonderful.
ellie Says:
Your book looks lovely and very appealing. My favorite place to spend the summer is Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Summers when we were very young were spent renting a cabin and enjoying the serenity, and beauty of this unique beach. Thanks for this great post about your favorite setting.
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Good morning, ladies! Thank you so much for having me. Margay, Ogunquit is lovely. We’re waaaay up the coast, an hour and a half past Bar Harbor. I can’t wait to go.
Shana, I’m going to Michigan (the upper peninsula) this weekend to see Pictured Rocks State Park. Really looking forward to the break and some cooler temperatures!
Ellie, thanks for the nice words about As Good As It Got! And you are another Maine-o-phile. It’s a beautiful place. I know the name Old Orchard Beach, but have never been there. We pass it driving up to our place. Tickets to Bangor have become prohibitive so we’re flying into Portland these days and renting a car.
I’ll check in again soon! Better get to work now while the kids are occupied.
Isabel
Fedora Says:
I’ve always been curious to visit Maine–my college roommate was from there, and I think she’s still living there. It sounds like such a beautiful place! Growing up, we didn’t do much traveling, and though I always thought I’d want to travel the world when I could, I do find that I’m a bit of a homebody, so I suppose my favorite place is home, where my family is and stacks of books waiting to be read
ruth Says:
Thanks for this lovely post Isabel. I adore Maine and think it is an ideal summer place. We moved far away so I don’t get there anymore. I enjoy North Wildwood, N.J. It brings back the nostalgia of another era with the boardwalk and the expanse of the beautiful beach.
Rebekah Says:
My favorite place is St. Augustine Florida. I use to live ther on the Island and loved it. I loved going to the beach and swim everyday. It has great historical sites. The gators and other wild life are really neat to see. I love the old cobblestone streets and the great little shops that are along those streets. I will have to say that the happiest I have ever been has been living in St. Augustine, Florida
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Fedora, reading is a great (and cheap) way to travel! Kind of like reading recipes is an easy and zero-calorie way to cook.
Ruth, I grew up in Joisey. It has really beautiful beaches. Long Beach Island State Park was always my favorite. Never went to North Wildwood, but maybe I should!
Rebekah, I lived in FL 3 years but never got to St. Augustine. However, I’ve heard it’s more the “real” Florida than a lot of the rest of the state. Thanks for posting!
Isabel
Crystal B. Says:
One of my favorite places is the Smokey Mountains. It is beautiful scenery and full of wildlife.
anne Says:
Your fascinating post appealed to me greatly. I could easily picture Maine since we vacationed there several times when I was young. Memorable and special setting. Congratulations and much success. The cover is delightful. A spectacular setting which I love is The Rockies, in Alberta.
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Crystal, I’ve driven part of the Blue Ridge parkway and am setting my next book in Asheville! Gorgeous country.
Anne, the rockies are really spectactular. I’ve only seen them in Colorado, though. Thanks for your post!
This is a great way for me to take breaks today! Fun chatting.
Isabel
http://www.IsabelSharpe.com
cheryl c. Says:
I enjoyed your blog, and As Good as It Got sounds like a wonderful story. My favorite places are near the ocean. I love to walk the beach, and I enjoy reading at the beach. The sounds of the waves and sea gulls are very relaxing for me.
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Cheryl, I’m with you! In the mountain/ocean question I’m always going to pick ocean.
Isabel
RobynDeHart Says:
Welcome, Isabel, thanks for joining us today. Your book sounds fantastic, I’ll definitely be looking for it come August.
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Thank you, Robyn! I appreciated the invite and enjoyed myself here.
Isabel
Isabel Sharpe Says:
Rebekah, I loved your description of St. Augustine. E-mail me your address (through the e-mail tab on my website, http://www.isabelSharpe.com) and I’ll mail you my first release!
Thanks to everyone for posting! Have a great summer
Isabel