Happy New Year! I hope the beginning of this new decade finds you happy and well.
I will be starting the new year by reading an excerpt of my novel in progress at the PVLDWriMo Anthology Reading at the Peninsula Center Library this Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 3-5 pm. As the library website says, it will be “An afternoon opened to all, where selected people will read the works they wrote during November’s PVLD Writing Month. Light refreshments will be provided as well as lots of spoken word fun.”
Here is the introduction to my piece.
This is the beginning of my novel in progress. It is inspired by my grandmother’s life as a young Korean girl growing up during the Japanese Occupation. Faced with an arranged marriage and separation from her childhood home, Soongdoh grows to mistrust relationships, but when she unexpectedly finds romantic love, tragedy strikes, and she must learn to love again before it’s too late.
If this intrigues you, please read the excerpt here. I wrote this last November and have many more pages. I have found a rhythm to revision based on a detailed outline, writing regularly at the library, and moral support from friends and family. I hope to make good progress this year. Wish me luck! I would love to know what you think.
I hope you will come to the reading because there will be many wonderful stories, and it would be great to see you there.
Recommended Book
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This is a beautiful, well-researched novel by Lisa See about the unforgettable true culture of the female sea divers off Jeju Island in Korea. In this matrifocal society, the women risk their lives working and the men take care of the children. I enjoyed the themes of female friendship, love, and forgiveness unfolding against the backdrop of the Japanese Occupation, WWII, the Korean War and beyond.
My Smith College book club recently discussed The Island of Sea Women and enjoyed Korean tea and snacks prepared specifically for this book by fellow Smithie Yoon Hee Kim of Teaclassics.com (who joined via FaceTime). Lisa See offered to Skype with us but unfortunately had a scheduling conflict (look at Lisa’s website lisasee.com if you want Lisa to join your book club discussion, or order the Korean tea/snack set). It was a stimulating, multi-sensorial evening!
Just read the excerpt. It sounds like complicated love story, maybe sister relationship? Can’t wait to read and see how this story unfolds.
Thanks for reading Susan! You’re right, this is a book about love – arranged versus love marriages, and the enduring power of sisterly love. The plot takes a lot of twists and turns but ultimately love prevails! Hope you will read all of it soon!