Making a Literary Life: Patry Francis

As many of you know, our good friend Patry Francis will not be able to promote the trade paperback release of her novel, The Liar's Diary. We are delighted to do so on her behalf on Tuesday, January 29 when we join over 300 writers and agents in celebrating both an accomplished debut novel and an inspirational writer-woman-friend.

Here's to bliss.

Lisa Marnell
Bliss is hearing a nine-year-old boy with autism call my name at school today for the first time. Next, it's having him follow his shout with out-of-control laughter as he looks me in the eye. (The laughing's not new, that started in December).

Writing is, of course, bliss as well. I only wished time moved slower when writing, but that is asking the impossible.

Amy MacKinnon
My bliss can be found in simplicity. The sound of a house filled with children, the smell of congo bars baking, scratching my Babe's ears, having a cup of coffee with my husband, and writing. Always writing. Almost as heavenly is finding a gem of book. I urge you all to buy a copy of Castle Freeman's Go With Me. It is bliss in black, white and beyond.

Hannah Roveto
Bliss is the sound of my children giddy with laughter. It's pushing my WIP forward, whether it took five minutes or fifty, or more, to get the bit just right. It's a family reunion, when we sit on the back porch and talk into the next day. It's feeling connected to the entire world in small ways: the roar of the ocean, taking in a pet, helping a friend, planning a trip to see where other people live and the beautiful things surrounding them. One of the three books I am reading is the Dalai Lama's How to Practice, which is calming, wise, real and strengthening. Highly recommended.

Lynne Griffin
My perfect day starts with prayer and silent reflection. A mix of reading and writing, with a dash of exercise splashed in and I feel alive. Hearing about my children's and my husband's days over a home cooked family meal, and I am fulfilled. Taking a lesson from Patry, simple is best. Grateful is better. Here's to Patry, and everything she is trying to teach us.