Update
I know it’s been about a year since I posted that I was taking a year off, so I just wanted to check in.
It has actually been quite lovely, with some interesting consequences. I started getting a full night’s sleep. I didn’t have to stress as much, but I still do. (This might just be a feature of my personality.) I lost 25 pounds. (Not from a diet. It was weird. I think it was due to sleeping properly, less stress, and being able to take more time to make proper meals and not try to sugar-nibble myself through the day instead. You know I am a fan of chocolate, but there’s a difference between a good dessert and chasing a sugar high to keep going, as we all know.)
I am slowly starting to work again, but on Antoine’s book (La Vie en Roses) rather than Elias and the jewel thief’s (Paris Nights), which I had originally intended to be next. It is very hard going still, though–Antoine’s story has SO MUCH STUFF going on at once that I can’t weave it together right. So I may need to try playing with something else for a while–we will see. The other problem is that I don’t want to have to get up at four a.m. anymore! And that was when I always wrote–four to six every morning, before my daughter got up and I shifted to family care and then headed off to campus. So I’m still trying to figure out how to carve out other spaces.
I think I do better fairly removed from social media, though, so I must say that I don’t plan to be very present on it, and I’m sorry. I think I am a hermit writer and might have been better suited to an era when hermit writers were so much a given that it seemed redundant to put those two words together. It’s just very, very distracting to me, and contributes to that feeling I mentioned before, about having my soul covered in Post-It notes. I think more deeply and make better stories when I make a bit bigger of a space for those, and you know how the internet and social media just kind of nag at you all the time, trying to pull your thoughts and attention their way.
I do have some lovely photos from France and Spain to share, for those interested. (It depends on how much you enjoy seeing other people’s travel photos.) So I may try to put some of those up, but please don’t feel the need to be distracted by them, if social media is distracting for you, too!
Here’s me very happy and relaxed in the trunk of a mammoth in Barcelona last month. Barcelona is a very fun city, for those who haven’t been. My recommendation: Rent ebikes or e-scooters to get around and make sure to reserve tickets for Sagrada Familia in advance. It is absolutely worth seeing, the light is incredible, but the crowds are crazy-making even when you do have tickets in advance, so bear it in mind.
I hope you all are winding up wonderful summers and that you have been enjoying many new good authors! I have not been reading romance, but if you are open to some other genres, a few recent books I can heartily recommend: AJ Pearce’s Dear Mrs. Bird (lovely!), Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver, and T Kingfisher’s Clockwork Boys duology. The last two are fantasies, with a touch of romance, although the touch is quite tiny in Spinning Silver. All have great strong female leads.
What about you? What have you been doing, and reading? Any good books you would recommend? Any lovely photos of you relaxed and happy that you would like to share?
June Wade
Hi Laura
What a lovely picture you’re looking fab
It goes to show that you need to take care of yourself.
Kind regards
June
Laura Florand
Thank you, June! <3
Emily Yager
Elias and a JEWEL THIEF??? How did I not know about this?? I can’t wait. But I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself too!
Patricia Hansen
So glad you’re doing well and I can’t wait for your next book. Hope you made it safely through the hurricane.
Patricia Hansen
Gosh , don’t know if my first message went through so guess I’ll try again. Glad to hear that you’re doing well and selfishly on my part, that you’re writing again. Your books are wonderful and among my absolute favorites. Hope you made it safely through the hurricane!
Laura Florand
Thank you so much! And we are fine here, the hurricane ended up going well to the south of us, so we only got rain and a little wind (nothing too intense). People closer to the coast and in SC have been hit hard, though.
Belinda Heppenstall
Really nice to read you have been taking care of yourself – something we should all give priority too, but somehow often don’t! Heading out of winter into spring here in southern Australia – and where I am, the blossom trees are now out everywhere – beautiful. I’m happily re-reading your books and while I would love you to be able to find the time to write some more, I would really prefer you don’t rush yourself and come to hate the process and then (horror) decide to “retire” from writing altogether! Seriously though, you should continue to look after yourself and hang onto that ‘relaxed in a mammoth trunk’ feeling.
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Belinda! That is such a supportive thing to say. And I’m very glad the books hold up to re-reads! We are still wishing the hot weather would break here and we could get a little more fresh, cool fall, but your spring sounds lovely. Maybe one day I will get to travel more in your part of the world!
Leena Garandan
Totally relate to social media being a distraction that nibbles at your concentration and whines away like a cranky child in the background.
So lovely to see you refreshed and hear you are writing again – the witching hours are when the creative light shines brightest.
Shine on 🌟♥️
Laura Florand
Thank you, Leena! <3
Ruth Flescher
Thank you for taking time to post the update. Let me assure you that as a buyer, I’ll still be here whatever the time is between publication dates. I don’t want to love you to death! Please take the time you need to remain happy and healthy.
If you liked Spinning Silver, try The Bear and the Nightengale (Katherine Alden, I think), An Unkindness of Magicians (blanking on the author’s name), or Charlaine Harris’ latest, An Easy Death. All well worth the time.
Laura Florand
Thanks so much for the support–and the reading suggestions! I have read The Bear and the Nightingale and Charlaine Harris, and I agree with you that they are wonderful, so I’m going to try An Unkindness of Magicians. Love the title already!
Rif
Hi Laura, glad you have had a great year! I’ve been off social media for a while too and i feel less cognitively cluttered all round. My book rec for you would be the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews… really immersive and great world building. You are one of my few auto buy authors and i absolutely love your Amour and Chocolate series. Have reread them many times and have spent many happy hours doing so. THANK YOU for your wonderful stories! All the best 🙂
Laura Florand
I love the Kate Daniels series! Great rec! And thanks so much for the kind words about Amour et Chocolat–I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed those books. Thanks for the support!
Ros Clarke
Well, I just came to see if there’s any news on Antoine’s book, so I for one am glad that’s what you’re working on! But definitely not at 4am or making yourself ill. I can wait. Probably. 😉
Laura Florand
Thank you, Ros! I hope your own projects are going well, too!
Mitzi Knight
I’m a little behind on reading this post as it’s mid-December. I can totally relate to having to step back from your writing and recharge yourself. In this day and age we all kind of lose ourselves in the hectic pace and demands the world around us puts on us. It took me a long time to realize that if I didn’t take care of me than I would have nothing to give to anyone after awhile. I hope you find the balance you need so you can keep writing as you are one of my favorite authors. Have a wonderful and magical holiday season and Happy New Year full of happiness and chocolate. Also thank you for sharing your wonderful talent.
Mitzi
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Mitzi, for the support. And may you have a wonderful holiday season as well, and all my best wishes for 2019.
Esther
This post is beautifully written, and it makes me excited for that day when you are ready to release your next book.
Laura Florand
Thank you, Esther!
Danielle
So happy to check in on your website and see you’ve been posting since your hiatus! I’m thrilled you are finding more time for yourself and can’t wait to read Antoine’s book. A Kiss in Lavender was a lovely book so I’m looking forward to the next one.
Laura Florand
Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I’m so glad you liked A Kiss in Lavender.
Sherry S
Laura, sending some love from sunny Seal Beach, California. I’m so glad you’ve created more balance in your life and are taking this time away. I (and I’m sure many of your fans) will just keep re-reading your stories until you decide if you want to write more.
Blessings,
Sherry
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Sherry! I’m so glad you are enjoying the books that are already out. Thanks for the encouragement!
Roxane Medlam
Laura,
I don’t know if you will see this as it’s been quite a while since the last comment. I just wanted you to know that ever since I took the recommendation of a reading group member, I have been immersed in your books. I have bought all of the paperback copies and read nothing else for weeks. Your writing is magical. I don’t know how you can write, continue working and have a family. No wonder you needed time off! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your stories.
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Roxane! What a kind message. I’m so glad you are enjoying these books, and a big thanks also to your reading group friend who recommended them. And thank you for the support for the time off–I feel very bad for keeping readers waiting, but this next book is very slow going right now.
Huma Aziz
Hi..
I just wished to let you know that your books have brought me a lot of pleasure.. to let you know that your pen (or keyboard as the case may be) has indeed been blessed by the Almighty… The word pictures you create are really very very engrossing and a window to a very beautiful world full of enchanting characters … For that you should be really proud.
May the Almighty bless you and yours with His continued and unlimited Grace… And lastly thankyou very much for the pleasure of your words and world.🤗💐
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Huma!
Laura Florand
Thank you so much! <3
S. Reynolds
Hi Laura,
I hope you and your family are all okay during these trying times. Just wanted to let you know that I have been rereading all of your books during quarantine and falling in love with your writing all over again. Your fantastic characters, lovely and engaging plots, and happy endings are keeping me sane. Thank you!!
Take care and stay safe,
Samantha
Laura Florand
Thank you so much! I’m very glad they can help you get through this pandemic a little. I hope you and yours continue well during it. Thanks for letting me know the books are holding up to the stress! 🙂
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Samantha! I hope you are doing well, too. It has been such a year. But I’m glad the books could provide some escape! (PS With my apologies for the belated reply. Some comments were discovered when we had to redo the site after it got hacked!)
Sharlene Wegner
Hi Laura – I sent you an email, but not sure if you will see it. Just wanted to know that I was thinking about you and hope you and your family are well. I miss you and your writing, but I’m another fan who loves to reread your books over and over. It was great to meet you at RWA in NYC way back in (2015?)
Laura Florand
Thanks so much, Sharlene! I don’t remember your email, but sent you one in case. We had some issues with the site this past week, and after fixing them, I am discovering some comments that I never saw. I hope you are doing well, despite the crazy year we have had.
Leena Garandan
Just dropped by to say hi and hope you’re staying safe and well in this weird year we’ve been having. I started a re-read of all your books starting with the Amour et Chocolat series sparked watching YouTube videos of a guy called Amaury Guichon – his chocolate sculptures are incredible and it reminded me of your descriptions of Dom, Sylvain, Les Madison des Sorcieres et al ♥️
Laura Florand
It has definitely been a weird year! I hope you are doing okay through it. I’m glad the books could help get a few days of this crazy pandemic, at least! (PS I apologize for the belated response. Apparently a whole batch of comments was “disappeared” by the spam filter, and we only discovered them this week when the site got hacked and we had to fix everything.)
Esther
I still check back every few months to see if you have a release date on your next book. I hope you are still working on it!
Christine Epp
Hi Laura,
Just wanted to say that I hope you are doing well, and that your books make for delightful rereads these days. It’s that time of year on twitter for #RomBkLove and I know your books are going to come up as favourites again. All the best to you and your family.
Laura Florand
Thanks so much, Christine and Esther! I appreciate the good wishes. And the #RomBkLove! All the best to you and yours as well.
Margaret Kahovec
Hi Laura,
I’m rereading all of your books! And I started to read the comments. I’m so glad you are still here! Sounds funny but I think you know what I’m saying…pandemic and all! I hope you and your family are healthy and happy! Also wondering about Antoine…Elias…lol. I read a post you sent that you are having trouble…I’ll wait! I love your story telling! Take care!
Margaret
Chesapeake Virginia
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Margaret! I appreciate the kind words and the support. I hope you, too, are doing okay with this very strange year (and a half, now!). We are staying afloat and everyone is well. 🙂
Margaret Kahovec
Hi Laura, I am very lucky to be healthy! I’ve just read ‘The Chocolate Kiss’ and WOW! I am usually a fast reader when a book catches my imagination but this book I had to savor! Like a wonderful piece of chocolate…lol…or a fantastic beer…or playing with kids! You are such a wonderful writer and Magalie’s issues…really made me think! Stay healthy and safe and especially happy! You inspire me to be better! Thank you!
Laura Florand
What a wonderfully generous comment! Thank you so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed Chocolate Kiss! It is one of my favorites to have written.
Debra
About once a year, I re-read all your books. I really enjoy them. I am so waiting for Antoine’s story as I have just gone through Lucien and Elena’s. I hope you are doing well and will get back to this story. Thanks for the writing you’ve done!
Laura Florand
Thanks so much, Debra! It makes me really happy to know they are worth a re-read. And I hope you and yours are doing well, too, despite the challenges of the past year!
Bergamot
Good to see you are still replying, in July 2021. So many people falling away, around us. I love your writing. In stead of sensuous romaticism, I would like to call it sensory, with emotional integrity. No wonder you need to take a break. The last few years, I have spent sublimating myself in stories, and yours were stand-outs. Thank you. Is wish you well.
Laura Florand
Thank you so much! I’m sorry this comment got caught by spam and took so long to get authorized, but I very much appreciate the kind words about these books and am so glad you have enjoyed them. I hope you are doing well.
Rachel
I started reading the various series about three years or so ago and I simply am enthralled by your descriptions of the emotional journeys that the characters go through. They make me laugh, cry, and sigh. Reading them again got me through the physical and mental pressures of the pandemic over the past year or more and I just want to say “thank you!” For helping so many of us travel to Paris and Provence when we can’t. ◡̈
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Rachel! I’m really glad they could provide an escape. What a year…going on two years now.
Trina
Hi Laura! I hope you and your family are safe and well. I’m currently watching Bake Squad and I feel that I’m due for another re-read this year. I must read your books at least twice a year! We’re still in lockdown where I live, and your stories have provided a much needed holiday from the reality of my life. Thank you so much for your wonderful characters, world building and stories. I hope you’re staying upbeat and I can’t wait for the next story, whenever that may be!
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Tina! Your comment made me very happy. If the books can help get us through this pandemic, then so much the better. It has been quite a year and a half, but we are all staying afloat here. I hope you are able to come out of lockdown soon, and that you and yours are well.
Miranda Fraser
Hi Laura, thrilled to see you replying to comments here which I hope means all is well with you. I am rereading your books again – I’ll never forget reading your first series in anticipation of my trip to Paris and stumbling across Jacques Genin’s amazing studio / shop and only then realising some of the locations were real. I’ll always read anything you write, so thank you very much for your current works which really stand up against time and multiple reads.
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Miranda! Isn’t Genin’s shop wonderful?
VF
Hi. I’ve adored your backlist. Will you publish again or have you finished with writing romance?
Laura Florand
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it.
I don’t know that I want to say that I have finished with writing romance, but I can’t say when I will be able to come back to it. I know that is not the news people want to hear, and I’m sorry!