Jeannie Zokan: A Writer's Cup: Fiona Robyn

Monday, July 1, 2013

Why is my blog called A Writer's Cup?

Because of the mug in this picture. I picked it up at a Beall's Outlet four years ago, on sale no doubt. It's nothing special, really. Designed by Becca Barton, made in China, painted a garish red with a fat snowman, a skinny Christmas tree, and snowflakes -- or are they stars?

But here's the deal; I love this cup. I didn't always, but over time it became my writing companion because of its perfect size, its friendly snowman, its sturdy handle. Now I love it so much I use it year-round, I'm scared my husband will break it, and I've searched the internet looking for a replacement just in case (still no luck).
While this cup sits around being dangerously perfect, it reminds me of the Buddhist teaching to "see it broken." Achaan Chah Subhaddo tells of a favorite glass he knows will one day break, so he does his best to enjoy it now. And that's what my writer's cup reminds me to do, enjoy it all now. What is your writer's cup?

Thanks to Fiona Robyn's blog, which includes Achaan Chah Subhaddo's quote (via Mark Epstein).

Courage Without Grace

Josie Wales doesn't need her palm reading skills to know her lover is seeing someone else. It's time to end it, but she's been with Tom for seven years. And there's something--someone--she needs to tell him about. That secret keeps pulling her back, but this time she's determined to break it off.

To find the courage to end the relationship, Josie seeks advice from new acquaintances. But she somehow manages to make an even bigger mess of her life. When Jack, Tom's twin and her childhood friend, comes to DC to reconnect, he helps Josie get her feet back on the ground.

Just as Josie is beginning to resolve the chaos in her life, a tragic secret from her past comes back to haunt her. Before she can move forward and have a second chance at love, she must face her grief and loss.

With characters that leap off the page, Courage Without Grace is a poignant novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

The Existence of Pity

Growing up in a lush valley in the Andes mountains, sixteen-year-old Josie Wales is mostly isolated from the turbulence brewing in 1976 Colombia. As the daughter of missionaries, Josie feels torn between their beliefs and the need to choose for herself. She soon begins to hide things from her parents, like her new boyfriend, her dangerous trips into the city, and her explorations into different religions.
Josie eventually discovers her parents secrets are far more insidious. When she attempts to unravel the web of lies surrounding her family, each thread stretches to its breaking point. Josie tries to save her family, but what happens if they don't want to be saved?
The Existence of Pity is a story of flawed characters told with heart and depth against the beautiful backdrop of Colombia.