Earthquake, guest blogging, and Internet radio

Hey, did you know we had an earthquake here in Texas on Monday? True thing. And not the first time, either. In case you're interested, the US Geological Survey has a history of earthquakes in Texas. I mention it because it was such a surprise to me--hadn't even considered it a possibility, since Texas is in the "lowest hazard" earthquake zone. Rhonda suggested that I use an earthquake in one of China's mysteries. Now, there's an idea. Remember, you heard it here first.

Here's another idea. I'm blogging today with Tina at Essential Herbal, with Part 2 of the nightshade saga. If you missed Part 1, it's on May Dreams. You can read it first, then skip on over to Tina's.

And one more. Yesterday, I recorded an interview with Pat and Elisabeth at The Book Report, to be broadcast today. (Thanks, guys--that was fun!) If I have my facts straight, you'll be able to hear it via streaming audio here, from 8 to 9 this morning. If you miss it, you can listen via podcast. While you're on the site, take the time to listen to a show called "Tiaras and Books" (Jan. 16). If you haven't heard of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club . . . well, you're missing out, that's all I've got to say. The first chance I get, I'm going to see if Kathy Patrick will host a China Bayles party over there in the Piney Woods. China and I both need a good haircut.

Reading note: Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.--E. L. Doctorow [I think the same thing can be said about launching a book. You just gotta keep from hitting the deer.]

Comments

[Nancy C.]

I had also heard of an earthquake probably 10-15 years ago that was in Pleasonton and strong enough to rattle dishes in the cabinets. It can happen.

I hope all is well with you!

[Jinni Turkelson]

I thought the interviewers did a great job. They asked good questions and noticed the differences in speech between China and McQuaid. I noticed the tense difference but did not attribute the speech differences to their respective professions. Made perfect sense after they pointed it out.
I'm looking forward to your memoir and maybe learning about some of the experiences you had at Berkeley. I was so far removed from that. If we had 5 people protesting the Viet Nam war (at Loyola Univ, Chgo) if was notable. However I lived a mile from Ohio State campus in May '70. That was an experience.

[Jinni Turkelson]

I listened to the streaming audio last night(although I have no idea what that really is). Very interesting. I loved it when you said you went to Berkeley because your husband didn't want to go east so that cut out Harvard and Yale. I find it interesting that our whole lives can be influenced so much by something so simple as a spouse's preference. You would no doubt be where you are no matter where you went to grad school but who knows how things might have changed? For myself I took that as a sign to stop fretting about my future, which is uncertain, and live for today. Tomorrow some incidental thing might happen and my whole future could change. Thanks for sharing so much of your life as well as your books. All have been immensely helpful to me this year.

From Susan:
Jinni, I had to smile at this--I think I would have been a different person if I had gone east to graduate school. Berkeley in the late 60s/early 70s taught me some really valuable lessons. But I agree that accidents (of all shapes and sizes) can reshape our lives dramatically! I keep remembering that the most successful species and individuals are those that are flexible and can adapt to what comes along. Glad you enjoyed the broadcast. Those gals do a really good interview, plus, they had actually read the book!

[Michelle]

I am enjoying reading your writings online. Like you, I couldn't believe we had an earthquake here!! It was felt as close as 25 miles from me. I would have freaked out if I had felt it!!!

[Brianna]

I had no idea we experienced an earthquake here--fascinating!

I enjoyed chatting with you at Spring Fling. :)