The First Bijoux Magazine of 2024!
Writing advice I'm going to live by this year, as well as a round-up of my recent travels through Europe and Africa, which were just the shot of inspiration I needed. And a book giveaway!
It’s Bijoux Magazine time! I always love writing the magazine, because it’s about my favourite things for the month, but there have been so many favourite things lately that I’m going to have to restrain myself otherwise this post will be too long!
My not-so-favourite thing this month is that I was struck down by a virus that turned out to be quite nasty, hence the magazine is a week late. I figured you’d prefer one written when I was of sound mind, rather than one written when I was in a fever fog—although maybe it would have been interesting! Thankfully, I’m recovered now and I’m sitting by the beach at our beach house as I write this, which is absolutely my favourite place in the world to be.
In this issue of the magazine, I’ve got a section about my recent travels, which were rejuvenating and inspiring, as well as all the usual sections about what I’ve been watching, working on and reading—two absolutely incredible books; I’ve definitely started the reading year with a bang—and an update about what I’m working on. And some brilliant writing advice that I’m going to try to live by this year.
I’d also love to see you at the virtual launch event for North America for THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD. It’s hosted by the wonderful people at RJ Julia bookshop, and I'll be in conversation with fellow historical novelist and all-round fabulous person Kate Thompson.
When: Feb 6 at 6.30pm EST
How to attend: Virtual event, register to attend here
I can't wait to see you there! Now, let’s get on with the magazine!!
Giveaway!
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD is out in North America on January 30, which is only a week and a half away. To celebrate, I’m giving away two advance copies of the book. All you have to do is leave a comment by midnight Jan 31 EST. I’ll announce the winner in the comments. Good luck!
There’s also a special preorder offer available right now. Use the code ASTRID20 when you preorder your copy of the book by clicking the button below and you’ll get 20% off the price. Happy preordering!
In this recent post, I spoke a little bit about the mind-wandering I’d done while I was away and how helpful it was for me as a writer.
But, as one reader reminded me, I didn’t really talk all that much in the post about what I actually did while I was in Europe and Africa. So, if you’d like some ideas for your next trip, I can thoroughly recommend this Venice Master Artisans tour, which took us to Luigi Bevilacqua, the last remaining textile atelier in Venice, where they make velvet on eighteenth century handlooms. It was magnificent and fascinating and definitely one of the highlights of my travels to see the physicality of weaving velvet on a loom with 160 bobbins and 1600 threads.
And at Museo Fortuny, home and workshop of Mario Fortuny, creator of the Delphos dress, I found another Mizza Bricard, a woman responsible for so much of a man’s brilliance, a woman forgotten or reshaped by history. I promise to write about her and what I discovered in another post very soon.
Vencie was definitely my favourite city this time around, but Florence had some highlights too. We did this perfume making masterclass at Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone and I loved it! I now have my very own signature fragrance which, as you can see in the images, is a heady combination of vetiver, linden flower and musk, among other scents.