Curated by Natasha Lester, the Bijoux List is full of things to inspire & things to ponder. This month we're talking todgers, McQueen, my new book title, what writers earn & the perfect jeans.
Actually, I am enjoying "researching" Sky Penrose, being a person who was influenced positively in her childhood by her mother. I propose that all the encouraging and affirming experiences she had with her mother, including getting her pilot's license as a teenager, gave her inner-strength to deflect the shaming that was directed at her during the war.
Definitely. She needed a mother who was unconventional otherwise she'd never have had the opportunity to become a pilot in the first place in that era.
I loved The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre but have no interest in reading Harry’s book. It goes to show how much outside factors come into play when it comes to publishing. As for fashion, I don’t think you can go past the 30s, 40s and 50s when clothes were made to suit women’s bodies and not the other way around. Yes, Carrie has really nailed layering, an essential skill in Melbourne where you need everything from a bikini to an overcoat just to get through the day.
The book video looks amazing - roll on September or thereabouts I am guessing. Can’t wait for the cover reveal.
You wrote, “the stories that fell through the cracks, the alternate point of view, the one missing from the history books”. I am so glad this resonates with you and that you and authors like you, continue to write historical tales that bring to light stories that would otherwise have been forgotten.
I would be fascinated to learn how you pitch a story to a publisher. Writing - with pen (even Apple Pencil) takes us back to our roots somehow and I think that is important.
I’m working my way through TJR. I loved Evelyn, thought Daisy was good. In both I feel she accurately captured the era. I will move onto Malibu and Carrie soon. I would be up for a book discussion.
Thanks again for all your pondering and article links. I love this monthly time to put time aside, read your words and reflect. Thank you.
I'm so happy to hear that you put time aside to read this and reflect - that's exactly what I was hoping for when I started this. I've begun to make time on Sundays to sit down and properly read a few longer articles I've come across during the week, distraction free, no phone by my side, and I've realised how little I do that. Just sit and do focussed reading – unless it's for work of course. It's so nice to do it for pleasure too.
Let me know your thoughts on Malibu and Carrie – Malibu didn't work for me.
Thanks for your lovely post! Thought provoking and interesting, as always. And I love the new book title and its premise - is this based on a real story?? I for one would love to see your writing exercise, please. And I am also definitely interested in the writing process of the first few chapters of your new book - thank you as always, you're a very welcome addition to my too-long inbox!
Yes, it is based on a real story – a couple of real stories actually. I'll definitely be sharing more with everyone here about that over the coming months. And I will make sure I share the writing exercise and how I'm planning to use it in our next paid subscribers thread!
Thank you so much! And thank you for letting me know - for some reason Substack hasn't let me know, and I don't know why as I usually get a notification! As soon as I see it come through, I'll be in touch to arrange your signed copy of a book of your choice.
LOVE the video about Astrid Bricard! Can't wait to read what happened to her!
Coming soon!
Natasha, I have been writing all day, so your Bijoux List was a welcome "distraction!" Thank you!
My pleasure! Glad it helped give the mind something different to focus on for a while!
Actually, I am enjoying "researching" Sky Penrose, being a person who was influenced positively in her childhood by her mother. I propose that all the encouraging and affirming experiences she had with her mother, including getting her pilot's license as a teenager, gave her inner-strength to deflect the shaming that was directed at her during the war.
Definitely. She needed a mother who was unconventional otherwise she'd never have had the opportunity to become a pilot in the first place in that era.
Love the new trailer and title, very intriguing!
I loved The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre but have no interest in reading Harry’s book. It goes to show how much outside factors come into play when it comes to publishing. As for fashion, I don’t think you can go past the 30s, 40s and 50s when clothes were made to suit women’s bodies and not the other way around. Yes, Carrie has really nailed layering, an essential skill in Melbourne where you need everything from a bikini to an overcoat just to get through the day.
Ha, yes - Melbourne is the city layering was invented for! I'd love to see Carrie take on Melbourne and show us all how it's done!
I can just see her looking fabulous as she steps onto a St Kilda Road team.
Hello for February Natasha.
The book video looks amazing - roll on September or thereabouts I am guessing. Can’t wait for the cover reveal.
You wrote, “the stories that fell through the cracks, the alternate point of view, the one missing from the history books”. I am so glad this resonates with you and that you and authors like you, continue to write historical tales that bring to light stories that would otherwise have been forgotten.
I would be fascinated to learn how you pitch a story to a publisher. Writing - with pen (even Apple Pencil) takes us back to our roots somehow and I think that is important.
I’m working my way through TJR. I loved Evelyn, thought Daisy was good. In both I feel she accurately captured the era. I will move onto Malibu and Carrie soon. I would be up for a book discussion.
Thanks again for all your pondering and article links. I love this monthly time to put time aside, read your words and reflect. Thank you.
Helen
I'm so happy to hear that you put time aside to read this and reflect - that's exactly what I was hoping for when I started this. I've begun to make time on Sundays to sit down and properly read a few longer articles I've come across during the week, distraction free, no phone by my side, and I've realised how little I do that. Just sit and do focussed reading – unless it's for work of course. It's so nice to do it for pleasure too.
Let me know your thoughts on Malibu and Carrie – Malibu didn't work for me.
I'd love to hear more about your writing process as you're doing it. And how you pitch it. Love the Astrid trailer. Ready to pre-order!
Excellent! Stay tuned!
Thanks for your lovely post! Thought provoking and interesting, as always. And I love the new book title and its premise - is this based on a real story?? I for one would love to see your writing exercise, please. And I am also definitely interested in the writing process of the first few chapters of your new book - thank you as always, you're a very welcome addition to my too-long inbox!
Yes, it is based on a real story – a couple of real stories actually. I'll definitely be sharing more with everyone here about that over the coming months. And I will make sure I share the writing exercise and how I'm planning to use it in our next paid subscribers thread!
Thank you Natasha, I have really enjoyed just catching up on all your new content in here :-) xx
I've also just upgraded to Founding member, because you're a legend and I think you're awesome!
Thank you so much! And thank you for letting me know - for some reason Substack hasn't let me know, and I don't know why as I usually get a notification! As soon as I see it come through, I'll be in touch to arrange your signed copy of a book of your choice.
Awesome, thanks! I received a receipt at my end if that helps :-) xx
Perfect - I'm sure I'll be emailing you in the next day or two. x