A Ghost of an Idea

“I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season or with me. May it haunt their house pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.”  Charles Dickens-December 1843

People respond to suffering in different ways.  Moved by the plight of children working in the Cornish tin mines, Charles Dickens gave a series of speeches imploring audiences to fight ignorance with educational reform. He then considered writing an inexpensive political pamphlet, but opted instead for writing fiction finishing the novella in six weeks.  Published on December 19, 1843, the first run of 6,000 copies of A Christmas Carol sold out by Christmas Eve.

It always amazes me what other creative endeavors are inspired by a single story.  Less than two months after publication, there were at least eight theatrical versions in production.  Scrooge’s tale of redemption has been portrayed in a variety of stage and screen adaptations with even the Plymouth Philharmonic doing a musical version.   While I’m sure Dickens would have written an impassioned political pamphlet, I doubt it would have resonated through the years as his novella.


Wishing all of you a holiday season filled with more hope and less humbug.

Popular posts from this blog

Author Interview-Joanne Guidoccio

Image
What inspired you to become a writer?   From an early age, I loved curling up with a book and losing myself in the stories. In high school, I looked forward to English class and dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. Instead, I followed the conventional advice of the times and pursued a career in teaching. But, in my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream. When I took advantage of early retirement in 2008, I decided to devote my second act to writing. Who are your favorite romance characters (besides your own)?   My favorite authors include Ann Patchett, Ann Lamott, Jane Green, Maeve Binchy, Gail Bowen, Louise Penny, and Adriana Trigiani. The protagonists in these novels are older and wiser, having encountered many bumps on the road to romantic love and personal fulfillment. One of my favorite quotes comes from Maeve Binchy : “I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into c...
Read more

Moving On

Image
"All good things come to an end. It's been fun for everyone. Peace and hope are never gone. Love you all and say 'So long'." Verse from The End Bear's packaging When I received the email notice from Google stating that they were going to stop supporting certain blogging apps, I decided it might be a good time to reconsider my social media set-up. I write romance as Mariposa Cruz and women's fiction as Susan Winters with separate Facebook pages and blogs for each identity. While I have thoroughly enjoyed having two separate blogs with changing times it makes sense to consolidate to one blog while exploring other platforms.   Mariposa’s Musings started in 2009 a few months prior to the release of my first romance title, Howl. BTW I hope to re-release Howl later this year. Stay tuned. Ten years, seven titles and 214 posts later here we are. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the guests, authors, followers and casual passersb...
Read more

Lovestruck Two Step-Release Party

Image
Since Lovestruck Two Step is all about a making dive bar a local favorite, I asked my production team to describe their favorite hangout. Harris Channing-Cover design Not only has Harris designed all of the covers for The Rhythm & Romance series and Hot Flash, she is also an author . And she did a cool job with Ever After, one of Susan Winters’ titles. What's my favorite hangout?  I am a homebody.  My favorite part of the day is when everyone is home safe and sound and we're just hanging out.  I love watching movies with my daughters. Sitting next to hubby and catching up with how his day went.  Home is my favorite hangout. May seem boring but since I spend most of my time here, wouldn't it suck if I didn't just love it? Marian Kelly-Editing Marian could truly be called a “Writer’s Editor” and she's worked with me on all four Rhythm & Romance titles. She also writes Regency romance as Colleen Ladd . My favorite hangout is a tin...
Read more