The Silence of Trees

If you’re off to Philadelphia this morning

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I flew into Philadelphia last night and arrived at Trillianstar‘s and kylecassidy‘s lovely home. I had a few blissful hours of Trillian all to myself to sip tea and talk about life, love, friendship, art. Ah, if only I could bring her back with me in my pocket to Chicago (but I fear that the cats and Kyle would protest too much). Then Kyle came home from the video shoot with Amanda Palmer in New York, and we stayed up too late chatting and eating a delicious veggie meatloaf. So happy to see two of my favorite people!

We woke this morning and drove out to Jenkintown, PA to attend a Ukrainian Winter Bazaar, and it was fun to be able to share this glimpse into Ukrainian American life and culture with Trillian. We ate varenyky and potato pancakes, drank borshch, bought a few holiday treats, and I declared her to be an honorary Ukrainian.

I also met with Ihor Bilynksy, the secretary of the Ukrainian League of Philadelphia (ULoP). He was selling his raw, organic honey and beeswax candles (they smell amazing!) and offered to sell my books at his table. He was also kind enough to email news of my reading to his members. We discussed my coming back in the Spring to do a reading at the Club (So it looks like I’ll be back again relatively soon! Yay!)

After the  bazaar, we came back home, and I joined Kyle for a snack with Lauren  of Fairytale Vegas. I was still full from my hearty Ukrainian brunch, but I enjoyed the company. After Lauren dashed of to Dr. Sketchy’s, Kyle and I returned back here to a house full of actors rehearsing for Trillian’s Christmas show. This house oozes and echoes with creativity. I love it!

Now a bit of downtime to catch up and prepare for tonight’s reading. There will be tarot, wine, and cupcakes. No doubt it will be interesting.

Goodreads and Longshots

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Busy with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, I had not heard that Goodreads has a 2010 Goodreads Choice Award in several genres and categories until someone let me know they had written in a vote for The Silence of Trees (and so voted for me) as Favorite Debut Author for 2010.

http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice#41615-Debut-Author

There are 15 preselected titles on the board, but anyone can vote/write-in a vote after registering.

I know it’s incredibly unlikely for a small-press published magical realism novel like The Silence of Trees to win, but let’s give it a try! I’ve seen many examples in my life of the unlikely becoming reality, of people succeeding against the odds. It’s part of my personal mythology, part of the reason I’m an optimist, and part of the reason I juggle the many things I do in life. I dream dangerously and work hard to make those dreams a reality.

If you have a moment, please go to the 2010 Goodreads Peoples Choice Awards and write in The Silence of Trees for Favorite Debut Author AND Favorite Cover Art (Didn’t Madeline Carol Matz do a fantastic job?!)

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful story to see this little novel make it to the top, despite the odds?

And a gentle reminder that if you are on Amazon and have read The Silence of Trees, please take a moment to review the novel, Those reviews really do help new books to get attention. Thank you!!!

Reading in Philadelphia at Robin’s Books on Dec. 11

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Photo by Kyle Cassidy

I’m excited to return to Philadelphia this weekend, this time to do a reading at Robin’s Books Store and Moonstone Arts Center on Saturday, December 11, from 7-9pm. Robin’s Books is the oldest Independent Book Store in Philadelphia, opened by Larry Robin’s grandfather in 1936.

I’m thrilled to join the writers who have appeared at Robin’s Books over the last 40 years. I am also so happy to see the very dear Trillian Stars and Kyle Cassidy again.

Amy Blackthorn

There will be wine and treats. I’ll read from The Silence of Trees, have a Q&A, and sign some books.  I thought it would be fun to have a real life “vorozhka” or fortuneteller at the event since a tarot reading features prominently in the beginning of the novel. The talented Amy Blackthorn will be doing free tarot readings!

The Silence of Trees is magical realism set in WWII Eastern Europe and modern-day Chicago. It’s a story of sacrifice, folklore, friendship, and storytelling. I wrote it to honor my grandmothers and all women who live through war and too often are silenced. You can read more about the story behind the book here.

Cover Art by Madeline Carol Matz

“In The Silence of Trees, Nadya, the astonishing matriarch, war survivor, and narrator, weaves a remarkable life centered on fate, love, luck and choice while honoring the ghosts of her past. Her voice is an important and unforgettable addition to the post-war immigrant experience.” –Irene Zabytko, author of When Luba Leaves Home and The Sky Unwashed

Please help to spread the word. The more the merrier! I look forward to meeting you on Saturday.