My review of Charles Frazier’s superb new novel Varina was published yesterday by the Washington Post. And it has been my pleasure to read and blurb three other novels so far this year. Madeline Miller’s Circe is a reimagining of the story of Odysseus, told by the minor goddess Circe, who loves him in her … Read more…
“Publishing a book is one accomplishment you get to celebrate over and over.” That’s what my friend Karen’s mom used to say. You finish the first complete draft. YAY! You finish editing it. You sent it to your agent. YAY! The agent likes it but suggests changes. You finish editing it. YAY! The agent sends … Read more…
From the morning email: “Hi Mary! I’m Teri I’m from California. I’m your biggest fan. I’m a novice writer. What is the most important advice you can give to someone who is beginning to write a novel? And why? I hope you are having a great day. Thank you very much!” Study grammar. Look up … Read more…
Unremembered Lives is about ready for my agents to send out to publishers. Usually I have a little break between novels, but this time I started the next one almost immediately. It’s a story I’ve thought about telling since before I started writing The Sparrow back in 1992. Now’s the time to tell it. This … Read more…
My brother has asked me to repost this blog every year. Jeanne’s grandbaby Brinn is now in kindergarden and has a beautiful little brother. Days of Awe September 26, 2012 According to Jewish tradition, the ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Years) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are commonly … Read more…
Last summer, I signed an option with PalmStar Productions for a screen adaptation of Doc and Epitaph. So much time had gone by with no news, I was starting to wonder if they’d dropped the project, but yesterday an announcement appeared in a number of outlets, so I am free to talk about it now. … Read more…
Unremembered Lives is about 4/5ths complete now, and the characters have officially taken over. That’s a good thing. This has happened to me before, and I’ve heard other writers remark on how startling it can be. [Spoiler Alert!] When I was writing The Sparrow, I knew that the priest was going to stay true to … Read more…
Doc is my personal favorite among the books. Click to find the special e-book offer.
The easiest and probably cheapest way to have me inscribe books is to order from Mac’sBacks. Order by Dec. 14th for delivery by Dec. 24th. http://www.macsbacks.com/mary-doria-russell-signed-books There’s a COMMENTS box at the end of the order form where you type in if you want just a signature or an inscription like: To Janie, congratulations on … Read more…
She was the dog of a lifetime. A perfect fit, coming at the perfect time. Imperial and needy, ruling the household, enriching our lives. Annie Fanny was the dachshund model for Rosie Posey in Dreamers of the Day. She was not a speaking character precisely — it’s a political romance about the making of the … Read more…