PEGGY FIELDING'S NEWSLETTER
Vol. 7 Number 8 August 2007

UH HUH, TO THE ARCHIVES

Go to www.peggyfielding.com so you can see interesting gegaws, photos and this time...even a poem!

REGENCIES RETURN

Ima Jinn Books thrilled me this month with the announcement that they are looking for Regency Novels of every sort. I'd love to be able to buy a traditional Regency. They are what were once called "comedy of manners," and, of course, the manners were those of the Regency period in England, about 1811 to about 1820. That was when King George III went bonkers and his son became Regent governing the country, (in essence, the king in all but name.)

During that period, the females adapted the high-waisted, flowing to the floor, classical in inspiration, type of gown. Their styles still have an influence on modes of today. You have all heard of or worn a garment with "an Empire waistline<" haven't you? That fashion, even in a chiffon blouse over jeans, is drawn straight from the Regency period styles. Shades of Jane Austen and Georgette Hyer, all the way.

Anyway, as I started to tell you, I'm sending a query to Ima Jinn Books about my novel, MAKE BELIEVE CURATE, which is a traditional Regency. Pray for that little novel's future life. It's a book I loved writing and it has led a hard life so far, especially since publishers have given up traditional Regencies. One publisher kept it forever, then trashed it without consulting me. Poor sweet little novel.

THE BOOKS I'VE BEEN READING

Jackie King (all of you knew she was going to be somewhere here, didn't you?) and the author Nancy Martin, turned me on to the Blackbird Sisters series. The title I am finishing today is A CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED DEATH. and I'm enjoying each book in the series. Not a Regency, but just as fascinating in a different way. The Blackbird sisters are members of Philadelphia's upper crust. Because their parents took off with all the family money, the three sisters have to find their own ways of making do and making a living. I recommend Martin's books, especially this series.

Thanks Jackie and Nancy.

FAMILIES CAN SURPRISE US

Not on a par with the surprises handed the Blackbird sisters, but amusing, I think, my cousin, Margaret Rose Clark of Madill, Oklahoma, makes her living in a most unusual way. I've just learned what she does.

She raises and sells tiny Russian Tortoise (turtles) to people all across the country. Did you know you can buy a tiny turtle by mail?

I was quite surprised to learn that news. Here are two of her little darlings taking a bath in the small frisbee she keeps for that purpose.

I've known Margaret Rose all of her life, and never knew this about her. My late sister-in-law picked up turtles on the road or other places and took them home to lead the good life...water, food and medical attention as needed. That too, seemed strange to me, but Margaret's animals seem okay for a business. Strange but okay. Some people think writers to be strange or a bit crazy, so maybe I shouldn't comment on my relatives' love affairs with turtles?

REWARD! REWARD! REWARD!

If you live outside Tulsa, go to Amazon.com and write a review of any of my books which Amazon has listed. Please put your town and state with your name on the review. Let me know when Amazon runs your honest review, then let me know what your US Mailing address is and which of my books you would like to have as your reward.

Those reviewers who choose to be rewarded with a copy of SALLY, please tell me if you'd like a copy of the epilogue and prologue, which my editor cut out of the book. I think the book is better with prologue and epilogue. I'll send you a typed copy of each if you want them.

POEM

One of my former students wrote a poem about me. She didn't sign it. It made me smile. Here it is:

LEARNING TO WRITE WITH YOU-KNOW-WHO

You stood before the class, teaching us to write.
I was there to learn and not feeling trite.
You spoke about Miss Poopoo,
And I thought, My God, Who?

You said to vomit words upon the page,
I thought, Oh, no, she's full of rage.
You told us you were there to teach,
But it was up to us to dig down and reach.

You taught me there are many tools,
That we must remember we're not fools.
You brought your mom to class one day,
Miss Hazel was great, that's all I can say.

You instilled within me that strong desire
To learn to write, to build my fire
You pushed me on to write the book
You didn't care how long it took.

You said to tell the story with strength,
It mattered not about the length.
You made me believe that I can write,
And smiled and told me my future's bright.

With each new letter I receive,
You're there with me, saying, "Just believe"
I never would have made it though,
Without your love and point of view.

Sometimes it seems you're pretty tough,
But you know best, it's just enough.
And so I say, with such delight,
Peggy Fielding, you're all right!

Now, if the clever person who wrote this amusing look at the old teacher, will 'fess up I’ll send you a book of your choice. Your poem seemed pretty much on target to me. Everyone who has been in class with me knows Mr. and Mrs. Poopoo.

SEX

Dusty hasn't sent a book for ages, and the sergeant in "The Unit," hasn't called. So the answer is, as always, none and none.

OTHER BUSINESS

I’ve tried to get in touch with my old friends, Virginia Torres, music teacher and opera singer, and Deborah Camp, famous writer. Haven't been able to. Would you two call me? 834-6365.

HENS?

Oh, yes, we will be fluffing our feathers and speaking and signing at the Oklahoma Mystery Writers meeting on January 19, at 1:00 pm. We'll be at the Kendall-Whittier Library at Admiral and Lewis, talking about "Writing the Mystery Novella." It will be free, although we will be willing to sell you a signed copy of FOXY STATEHOOD HENS AND MURDER MOST FOWL. (Signed by each of us, by the way. if you decide you want one of our books. We're still friendly if you don't buy!)

I was kind of thrilled that Marilyn Pappano's husband gave us this drawing of boa wearing HENS which he found on the internet. Now isn't this cute? Thanks Mr. Pappano.

BLACK-EYED PEAS

Don't forget that black-eyed peas, cooked and eaten on New Years Day, guarantee you money/luck in 2008. Go for it. The more you eat, the more money comes! See you in the new year.

Love Peggy