Authors have a unique perspective on life. Whatever happens – good or bad – can find its way into a story, poem or novel. So everything is fodder for the artist’s muse.
One of my favorite authors, Victoria Holt, said it best; “Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.”
Victoria Holt was a pen name for Eleanor Hibbert. She also wrote under the names Jean Plaidy and Phillipa Carr. My favorite novels of hers were the gothic romances and historical fiction – with my all time favorite being “On the Night of the Seventh Moon.” In 1973 the paperback version cost $1.50!
I have all of her books, some showing signs of wear and tear. She taught me how to weave suspense into drama and couple imagination with vivid details of facts and places.
She had a gift of bringing her readers right into the pages themselves. We believe and cheer for our heroine. This is what made her a bestselling author time and again.
Victoria Holt was born in 1906 and died in 1993 out on the high seas in the middle of an adventure. No doubt it would have ended up in a novel had she lived.
I challenge you to revisit an old love – a book you cherished as a teen or an author whose body of work made you prefer reading over swimming. Remember the foods you wanted nearby – for gothic romance it had to be cold chicken, cheese and crusty bread, maybe a little fruit or nuts. Set the scene, light a candle and settle in for an evening of pure delight.
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I haven’t heard Victoria’s name in years! Thanks for the memories–off to see if there are any of her books at the Good Will or Library. Robin
Too many new books to read to go back to the old. I’ve been packing some of those old paperbacks into a box to keep forever. They’re too tattered to be useful to be read again, but what do you do with an over-the-hill book? (Janet H — Help!) I can’t throw books (or underwear) into the trash, to mingle with garbage and other gross things. But taking their picture … great idea, and maybe something like that would let me reliquish them someday.
Robin, thanks for visiting the site. I’m glad to be able to reunite you with an old love. And aren’t books like treasure – in fact – they are treasure!
Lee, as always you offer great insight. I’m like you, though, can not even think of throwing away a book. I do pass them on to others sometimes, sharing and donating. I bet your local nursing home or shelter would be glad to have them. Some of my books will stay with me until they turn to dust and have to be carried around in a teaspoon. Just can’t let go!
Thanks for the reminder of one of my all time favorite authors. I just picked up one that I don’t own from my local library: “Bride of Pendorric.” I am just beginning my adventure as a writer, so please visit my website at katystarr.com and my brand new Twitter account at katystarr6. All comments welcome!