I saw Cara Black last night, and she was delightful. Very accessible and friendly. She even came around before the reading and showed us all the February issue of National Geographic with it's map of Paris' underground tunnels. She made writing seem exciting and doeable, and as she had been a preschool teacher, something where a big switch can take place, even when it seems too late. I stood in line and had her inscribe a book for my older daughter, who loves her novels. I wished she were with me to hear her, but maybe she has seen the author, as Ms. Black had recently been to that city as well.
I came home full of ideas for novels and mysteries, and understanding better the underlying structure of a mystery. They are puzzles that must be carefully placed or the plot makes no sense. Unlike life, where nobody is placing the pieces or considering an overall plan unless it is we, ourselves. Sometimes, long after an event, I realize I did, at least subconsciously, place a piece in hopes of a later outcome I'd like, but not often. Of course, education and career choices are puzzle pieces, but seldom relationships. And luck and serendipity seem, to me at least, to play a major role in how a life unfolds. The best preparation seems to be flexibility and a sense of humor, as well as a strong sense of resilience.
So - "Murder in Passy" promises to be a delightful read, and in the process I will learn more about Paris and its districts and history and ambiance. I love that.
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