my writing

I recently finished a first novel called The Orphan's Daughter. It's a historical thriller with a big chase to a uncover a juicy secret (think The DaVinci Code or Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay). I have a hard time sticking with books unless there's a juicy secret, so that's the style of book I wanted to write with Daughter. After living in the country for a few years, I also wanted to tell a story about Poland that had never been told before. Although I'm obviously I big supporter of self-publishing, I'm currently querying this novel to literary agents in the hopes of finding one to represent us to publishers.

What next? I have started writing a first draft of a novel about Corporate America (think I Don't Know How She Does It, although I'm aiming for something more literary -- if that's even possible when you combine humor with a woman in a business suit.) I've also started doing research for a novel about bullfighting (think Hemingway... yes, please, think Hemingway!) As the wife of a Spaniard and mother to two Spanish-American citizens, my ambition is to write a story that weaves the history and culture of Spain through a modern bullfighting narrative that has lots of edge. And the bullfighter will be the last person you'd expect.

I am also determined to work on developing my skills in the art of the short story. I admire the styles of Chekhov and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as the contemporary mini-thrillers of Stephen King in his recent Just After Sunset volume of stories.

And I'm aching to return to Paris, both literally and literarily. I lived in a garret apartment in the 1st arrondissement during the first 21 months of the 21st century. I wrote all night long and dated a Parisian and wore neck scarves (yes, I'm rolling my eyes now too, don't worry). But just what you'd imagine it was, it was. Creative electricity. Soul stirring. I've stayed away from Paris as a setting or subject as I can't really imagine what I can say about it that hasn't been said, but maybe I'll think of something. I visited Marie Antoinette's jail cell once in the Paris Conciergerie and I can't quite get that visit out of my mind, still, more than 10 years later...