Here's a discount code for newsletter subscribers to use when booking into my Historical Fiction Masterclass, as well as a free place for someone facing financial hardship, two book giveaways & more!
I like it when authors share glimpses of their family life. It’s hard to let our children go but also wonderful to see them moving on to the next step in their lives. I hope your daughter enjoys her college years and discovers her passion in life.
As far as books, historical fiction is my favorite genre. What fun it must be to research and then imagine details as one writes about people and places from a different era. I’ll be eager to read both books!
Apologies for my very late drawing of the giveaway prizes but you've won the copy of Erika's book, MJ. Congratulations! Can you please email me on natashalester@substack.com with your postal address so I can arrange to have that sent out to you? Thanks!
Yes, it's that bittersweet mix of pride and knowing you've done okay as a parent by raising a child who follows their dreams, versus the sadness at losing one of your babies to the world. She's only 17, so I feel like she's so young still, but I know Sydney will be good for her.
Hi Natasha - will you be running your writing workshop in Perth this year? I’m not a writer but I’m fascinated by your method and process and would love to just listen and learn as I think as a reader you appreciate the work even more!
Wow! This is a lot of book news. Congrats on all of this success!! I wish you offered your historical fiction master class on Zoom! I would take it. I feel like I always want to be in a writing class, no matter how much I publish. xoxoxo
Hi Ian, no, she doesn't really know anyone in Sydney but hopefully she'll make lots of friends and will feel at home very soon and will enjoy the grand adventure of it all!
I loved The Disaperance of Astrid Bricard. You seem to just get better and better! I got my copy from the library. Would love one for my collection.
I have obtained all of your books and really enjoy your writing style. I managed to get the 2 early ones from the library too. Loved the one about the transplant nurse.
Oh, those precious moments of a new chapter in a new city! I hope Sydney suits your daughter. I've lived there on two different occasions. The first time, in my 20s, to reduce the overwhelm I had to keep telling myself 'Sydney can be as big or small as you need it to be.' Second time, in my 40s, I was ready for it and loved that there was always something interesting to do, if I wanted ;)
Any chance you'll be running the same Masterclass in Melbourne this year? xo
Unfortunately no masterclass in Melbourne! I would love to, but come April, I have to start working on a new book and I won’t have time to teach once I dive into that.
Thank you for the insight into your life beyond writing. It sounds like you're having interesting times with writing still central. The beach sounds wonderful - I feel if I ever lived by the water I'd get nothing done. Children spreading their wings is wonderful, but hard for us parents - such a big change.
I would love to be in the draw for The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard.
Yes, please count me in to get an early copy of The Last 12 Miles. Erika Robuck is one of my favorite authors. I've been in absolute withdrawal since Sisters of Night & Fog. Thanks for offering this. Happy Editing. Looking forward to your video. xoxo
I enjoyed reading your newsletter, Natasha. Can’t wait to listen to the podcasts and read the articles you have mentioned. I loved ‘The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard’. Congratulations on you daughter’s acceptance into the Fashion Design Degree. It is a very exciting and challenging course. I would love to do your master class, but I have to juggle a few things around to be able to do it. I am in the middle of the first draft for a historical fiction novel with two or three main characters, 1928, two countries. And I would love to read Erica’s new novel.
I've told my daughter she has to design my dress for me when I take to the red carpet for the premiere of the adaptation of one of my books, so fingers crossed that happens!
Thank you for sharing your daughter transfering from the nest to the end of the branch, and all the mixed emotions that encompasses.
🎉 on the American Hard Covers of Astrid landing on your doorstop.
I absolutely love 'Grifter' stories and podcasts, I am enthralled by the confidence exuded by these shysters, with more front than a Mack truck, and each time when they get away with a scam, they ramp it up, with the next one even more devious than the previous.
What a beautiful way to put it, "break our own hearts by trading in the living beauty of imagination for the stark disappointment of words.” Sometimes it is so difficult to decide if we have written trash or is it genius? I so enjoy your Monthly Digest, thanks.
Apologies for my very late drawing of the giveaway prizes but you've won the copy of ASTRID BRICARD. Congratulations! Can you please email me on natashalester@substack.com with your postal address so I can arrange to have that sent out to you? Thanks!
What a lovely necklace Natasha. Thanks for sharing the link to such a great shop. I'm so glad your editing notes didn't make you cry. I've heard they can be brutal. As a newbie drafting my first novel, I'm interested in that process. Also - as a historical fiction fan who is a child of the 70s I can't wait to read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. I hope the US Launch goes well. Thanks for your newsletter - it's always an interesting read :-)
Yes, edit notes can be brutal, this time thankfully not. All the best with writing your novel. And I hope you enjoy Astrid Bricard when you have a chance to read it.
I finally got to read Astrid and finished it this afternoon. I really enjoyed it. The settings were interesting and the characters appealing. You must have done a lot of research for that one!!! I have it given it a 5 star review on the Audible app to show my appreciation and gratitude. Well done. 🙏
I was first in line at my local library in Halifax for The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, but I would love to have my own copy! ☺️
Thank you and good luck!
I like it when authors share glimpses of their family life. It’s hard to let our children go but also wonderful to see them moving on to the next step in their lives. I hope your daughter enjoys her college years and discovers her passion in life.
As far as books, historical fiction is my favorite genre. What fun it must be to research and then imagine details as one writes about people and places from a different era. I’ll be eager to read both books!
Apologies for my very late drawing of the giveaway prizes but you've won the copy of Erika's book, MJ. Congratulations! Can you please email me on natashalester@substack.com with your postal address so I can arrange to have that sent out to you? Thanks!
Yes, it's that bittersweet mix of pride and knowing you've done okay as a parent by raising a child who follows their dreams, versus the sadness at losing one of your babies to the world. She's only 17, so I feel like she's so young still, but I know Sydney will be good for her.
Hi Natasha - will you be running your writing workshop in Perth this year? I’m not a writer but I’m fascinated by your method and process and would love to just listen and learn as I think as a reader you appreciate the work even more!
Probably not! I'm intending to spend the second half of the year focussed on writing!
Wow! This is a lot of book news. Congrats on all of this success!! I wish you offered your historical fiction master class on Zoom! I would take it. I feel like I always want to be in a writing class, no matter how much I publish. xoxoxo
Me too! I feel like I can always learn something new. xx
Wow! Natasha, another fascinatingly full letter. Thank you for blessing us with such once again.
I especially love Patchett's quotes and I'm so pleased that "Astrid" is being so well received. Go. you!
Trust everything goes well next week with your girl. Does she have some friends here by chance?
Til next time. Re-write well. Excited for that video you'll be doing.
Big love x
Hi Ian, no, she doesn't really know anyone in Sydney but hopefully she'll make lots of friends and will feel at home very soon and will enjoy the grand adventure of it all!
Brave young lady ... good on her. It will be a grand adventure and may she enjoy every moment. But a little scary for her and her mumma!
I loved The Disaperance of Astrid Bricard. You seem to just get better and better! I got my copy from the library. Would love one for my collection.
I have obtained all of your books and really enjoy your writing style. I managed to get the 2 early ones from the library too. Loved the one about the transplant nurse.
Thank you Donna!
Oh, those precious moments of a new chapter in a new city! I hope Sydney suits your daughter. I've lived there on two different occasions. The first time, in my 20s, to reduce the overwhelm I had to keep telling myself 'Sydney can be as big or small as you need it to be.' Second time, in my 40s, I was ready for it and loved that there was always something interesting to do, if I wanted ;)
Any chance you'll be running the same Masterclass in Melbourne this year? xo
Unfortunately no masterclass in Melbourne! I would love to, but come April, I have to start working on a new book and I won’t have time to teach once I dive into that.
Thank you so much - I really appreciate you coming back to me so quickly! Completely understand. Time (and headspace) is so precious xo
Thank you for the insight into your life beyond writing. It sounds like you're having interesting times with writing still central. The beach sounds wonderful - I feel if I ever lived by the water I'd get nothing done. Children spreading their wings is wonderful, but hard for us parents - such a big change.
I would love to be in the draw for The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard.
Yes, February has been a whirlwind of activity. I'm thankful I had the beach to calm and relax me in January in preparation!
Oh gee, another author to add to my "must find this author cos this sounds fascinating" pile.
I will hunt down her earlier work.
Erika's books are amazing, you'll love them.
Yes, please count me in to get an early copy of The Last 12 Miles. Erika Robuck is one of my favorite authors. I've been in absolute withdrawal since Sisters of Night & Fog. Thanks for offering this. Happy Editing. Looking forward to your video. xoxo
Erika is wonderful!
I enjoyed reading your newsletter, Natasha. Can’t wait to listen to the podcasts and read the articles you have mentioned. I loved ‘The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard’. Congratulations on you daughter’s acceptance into the Fashion Design Degree. It is a very exciting and challenging course. I would love to do your master class, but I have to juggle a few things around to be able to do it. I am in the middle of the first draft for a historical fiction novel with two or three main characters, 1928, two countries. And I would love to read Erica’s new novel.
I've told my daughter she has to design my dress for me when I take to the red carpet for the premiere of the adaptation of one of my books, so fingers crossed that happens!
I love to win a copy of the last 12 miles.
And I also like to win a copy of The disappearance of Astrid Bricard.
Thank you for your fabulous generosity. ‼️‼️
My pleasure!
🤞
Throwing my hat 🎩 in the ring 💍
Thank you for sharing your daughter transfering from the nest to the end of the branch, and all the mixed emotions that encompasses.
🎉 on the American Hard Covers of Astrid landing on your doorstop.
I absolutely love 'Grifter' stories and podcasts, I am enthralled by the confidence exuded by these shysters, with more front than a Mack truck, and each time when they get away with a scam, they ramp it up, with the next one even more devious than the previous.
I don't know the Grifter podcasts but thanks for the recommendation – I will definitely check it out!
There are quiet a few Natasha -
Grifter: True Crime is a great place to start 😃
I hope your daughter settles in well, what a big move for you both
Me too! She's pretty excited, so I hope all will be well!
What a beautiful way to put it, "break our own hearts by trading in the living beauty of imagination for the stark disappointment of words.” Sometimes it is so difficult to decide if we have written trash or is it genius? I so enjoy your Monthly Digest, thanks.
Apologies for my very late drawing of the giveaway prizes but you've won the copy of ASTRID BRICARD. Congratulations! Can you please email me on natashalester@substack.com with your postal address so I can arrange to have that sent out to you? Thanks!
OMG!! I have just seen this comment. Hope I’m not too late. Will email you. Thank you
It's so difficult! And it's not something I'm any better at after years of being a writer. And thank you!
What a lovely necklace Natasha. Thanks for sharing the link to such a great shop. I'm so glad your editing notes didn't make you cry. I've heard they can be brutal. As a newbie drafting my first novel, I'm interested in that process. Also - as a historical fiction fan who is a child of the 70s I can't wait to read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard. I hope the US Launch goes well. Thanks for your newsletter - it's always an interesting read :-)
Yes, edit notes can be brutal, this time thankfully not. All the best with writing your novel. And I hope you enjoy Astrid Bricard when you have a chance to read it.
I finally got to read Astrid and finished it this afternoon. I really enjoyed it. The settings were interesting and the characters appealing. You must have done a lot of research for that one!!! I have it given it a 5 star review on the Audible app to show my appreciation and gratitude. Well done. 🙏
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. It means a lot.