As some of you might have read today in the New York Times, 85-year-old Gloria Vanderbilt has a new novel due out next week. It's called Obsession: An Erotic Tale, and it is, in the words of Charles McGrath, "the story of Priscilla Bingham, the widow of a Frank Lloyd Wright-like architect who, after his death, discovers a cache of letters, wrapped in magenta grosgrain ribbon, revealing in considerable detail his secret, kinky sex life."
I'm just wishing that I had an imagination big enough for magenta grosgrain. Or that someone would say about me, as McGrath says about Vanderbilt, that I could easily pass for someone 25 years younger than my actual age. I'm thinking, Gosh, how does it come to be that my own Nothing but Ghosts, also due out next week, will have to compete with a Gloria Vanderbilt novel? (The thought of such a competition staggers.)
But then I'm thinking, Now wait a minute, just hold on. Does G.V. have friends like I have? Does she, for example, know Tirsa, who offered, today, to make me my very own dulce de leche cake? Does she have a friend like Amy, who is all the way across this country, scheming? Is Anna in her life, listening? Is Sherry out there rooting for her? Does she know Tessa and her brilliant paintings, brilliant life? Has Lenore offered to interview her (we're talking Lenore)? Has she been honored by Colleen, HipWriterMama, Melissa, Lorie Ann, Little Willow, Priya, Maya, Alea? Does she have Miss Em in her corner, or the curly Q, or Ed, or Woman in the Window, or Becca or LN, or Kelly, or Grete, or Lib, or PoetJaneS, or Sierra Rix, or TTTC, or...well, you all know who you are?
Does G.V. have, like I sometimes have, the stardust of your minds? Star glimmer?
I might not have magenta grosgrain. I might not have Minus 25 or the truly wonderful (I met him once, long ago) Charles McGrath of the New York Times. But I've got you.
And you is lovely.
Right back at ya :)
And BTW, you definitely have an imagination big enough for magenta grosgrain.
Awww!
I'll be in your corner, Beth, and will send you some magenta grosgrain ribbon for your hair! I can't wait for the release of Nothing But Ghosts!
I've had thoughts throughout this day of what I could do in the Young Adult section of the bookstore (that I'll go to on Tuesday) to celebrate your book. I am so excited for its release.
You give all of us lots to cheer about. Go Beth!
I am thankful our paths have crossed, Beth--you have been such an encouragement/inspiration to me, on so many levels. Mom and I are so excited to go buy your new book. :-)
Friends are the most important and you've got tons. I'll also bet that GV doesn't agonize over every word, every phrase to produce books that move you the way yours do. And does she put beautiful photos onto her daily blog, forcing us, everyday, to see what you see and think about what you think about.
Don't compare yourselves, because you clearly come out on top.
There is one big difference where she's on top...she had a line of jeans named after her. Hmmmmm?
So the book, of the scintillating topic, could be written from the eyes of a 60-year-old? Not sure I'd want to know.
Beth, Nothing But Ghosts is beautiful and will stand on its own merits. No flashy title needed.
However, virtual party required! I can't wait for your book release!
You've got such lovely people because you're a lovely person yourself.
Right back at ya, sweetheart!
And - yes - virtual party! I'll be ordering copies for all my friends and gifting NBG to the lucky YAs here in my world.
Let us know when your line of designer jeans comes out. I'm sure they won't make our butts look all flat and lifeless like Gloria's did. (Oh, yes, they did. I remember.)
XO
Anna
I often have thoughts like those, too--but you said it so beautifully.
Well, I am lucky to have such a great person/writer to interview.
No one is lovelier than you, Beth! And your words, your lyrical phrasing is on par with the greatest literary masters. Your day will come. I just know it.
You're sweet.
And me,
womaninawindow,
you do know I'm erin, right?
And yes, in your corner.
Now because of you I have visions of Gloria Vanderbilt and kinky sex in my head. She has freaked me out since back when she was designing jeans - there's always been something just a little off about her.
We love you because you and your books rock. We get to do the easy part when you think about it.....
Yay for your book release (no kinky sex needed!) :o)
You're lovely, too. :)
I can't wait to read the book. And I think you're the best.
You guys know how to make a girl cry.
Thank you.
Well, you've got yourself the friends to make one heck of a fun party!
You is awesome, too! :D And congrats on the new book--can't wait to read it.