Saturday, April 11, 2020

A Week of New Experiences


Jeff—Saturday

This week’s been a busy one. It was publication week for ISLAND OF SECRETS, the long awaited paperback version of The Mykonos Mob, #10 in the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis series.   In normal times, I’d be touring, something I love to do.  But like all else in our world, Covid-19 has changed that, making me wonder: "If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, do the books printed on the paper for which the dear tree gave up it’s life ever get read?”

I guess that’s sort of my way of apologizing for huckstering my book in this sacred space. Okay, not so sacred, but you get the point.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the plot of #10, I sincerely believe that its significant emphasis on empowering women earns it the tagline, “#Me Too Meets the Mob.”  Drilling down a bit more into the plot lines, Island of Secrets is about the place I call home, revealing the gritty, wildly lucrative dark side of an internationally renowned Aegean island playground for the world’s rich and famous, those battling for control of its vices, and the innocents affected by it all.



To read more, perchance to buy, here’s where to find Island of Secrets online.

Another uplifting note this week was my learning that Wiki.Ezvid selected me as one of “five authors who write gripping thrillers.”

Plus, the online magazine, Athens Insider, is running an interview with me today.

All that’s great, but the best news of all is something that has nothing to do with me.

My daughter is homeschooling her seven-year old clone; something many of you are undoubtedly familiar with these days.  My granddaughter’s weekly homework assignment includes submitting a journal describing significant events of the past week—like seeing rabbits in the backyard.


However, this week my daughter insisted that my granddaughter report on something else.  Something the younger one definitely wasn’t proud of admitting to publicly, but there was a lesson to be learned, and it was done in a way that brought honor to both parties.

The plot centers on a bag of Hall’s vitamin C citrus lozenges, a seven-year-old who was told not to take one because they’re not candy, and a little hand literally caught in the cookie jar [actually lozenge bag.]

The Temptress

The following four pages from my granddaughter’s journal reflect a progression from making up an excuse, “I accsadently” [crossed out on page 1], 


to anger at being caught, reflected in bold handwriting [page 2], 


to acceptance at what she’d done [page 3], 


culminating in a sincere apology [page 4].



Now, if only our leaders had the strength of a mom to press for accountability, and the courage and honor of a seven-year-old to own up to and learn from her mistakes. 

I’m very proud of you both.



Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and—on April 19—Kalo Paska! And most of all, STAY SAFE.


—Jeff

9 comments:

  1. Mazel tov on Island of Secrets! How is Mykonos doing in these stressful times?

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    1. Thanks, Stan... and the same to you and the Kubu clan. Mykonos is locked down tight. They are trying to keep it isolated in hopes they'll be able to open in June. The Greek government is getting high marks for how it's handling the crisis, but I think this year's tourist system is beyond their control, whether banking on foreign or domestic tourists.

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  2. Why the title change? Did the publisher have a change of heart?

    Now, if you would only start an apologistic journal page for every time you spring one too many puns on us. (And, yes, I realize I'm opening Pandora's Box...)

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    1. You're just a devil, EvKa, when it comes to encouraging puns. But I won't take the bait. As for my publisher's reason for changing the title, I really don't know, except that it's part of an overall plan designed to kindle a fire sweeping my work to every nook and granny of our wonderful, but sadly tormented, world.

      And who am I to question that. Satisfied? :)

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    2. My night is complete, fully satisfied. Now to bed with my wife...

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    3. Why do I sense I owe an apology to your wife, EvKa?

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  3. Congratulations on the new release, my brother. I wish you all the best. I will share this far and wide for whatever help that will be. Hoping for the best for all of us.

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    1. Thank you, Sis. I share your prayer for all our world. xo

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