Celebrating The Playgroup, a novella by Elizabeth Mosier

Anyone who knows Elizabeth Mosier knows at least these things: 

She has a fine, discerning mind, an almost unearthly ability to read into a book just precisely what the author meant to place there, even if there's still fuzz around the work's edges.

She is an extraordinary teacher, beloved by her students, who remain her friends for years and years.

She is a very fine mother of two exquisite young ladies, and a thrower of parties that are forever fondly remembered.

She is there for you.  She is there for us.  She makes room in her life for others.

That is why those of us who are lucky to be Elizabeth's friends are so very excited for her that The Playgroup, a novella, is just now being released by the Gemma Open Door Foundation which, in the words of the North American Series Editor Brian Bouldry, "provides fresh stories, new ideas, and essential resources for young people and adults as they embrace the power of reading and the written word."

I had the great privilege of reading The Playgroup early on in its making. Its language sings and sizzles as it traces the thoughts and fears of a new mother now facing a troubled second pregnancy.  Elizabeth knows how women think and what they actually say; she knows the commerce of young motherhood and the landscape of Arizona.  I can't wait to read the book now in its final form, and I encourage all of you to seek it out.

Brava, Libby.

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The Author House Party: Join Elizabeth Mosier and Me For a Literary Mother/Daughter Evening

On Tuesday, September 20th, I'll have the great pleasure of joining the always gracious, perpetually brilliant Elizabeth Mosier for an Author House Party created by Lynn Rosen, the mind and heart behind Open Book.  Elizabeth's smart new novella, The Playgroup (which I've had the privilege of reading early) will be available that evening, as will her YA novel, My Life as a Girl.  I'll be reading from and talking about my Philadelphia-centric books Dangerous Neighbors and Flow. All in all, I know that I'll have fun, because I'll be near two writerly forces whom I've grown to love.

I hope you'll join us, and even spread the word.  In the meantime, take a look at all the other wonderful things that are being offered this summer-fall through the Literally Speaking Author House Parties. It's a fabulous line-up.

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Peaceable Kingdom (2)

You might think this is a tilted picture, a mistake, but look again: That's my friend Elizabeth Mosier, just beyond a most delicious platter, beyond a candle decorated with a page from her first book, beyond flowers, artfully arranged. And in between it all—caught, a sliver—is her dear husband, Chris Mills. I was there to celebrate the impending release of Elizabeth's novella, The Playgroup, which I had the privilege of reading early on.

It was a cool night. There was a sweet breeze. Elizabeth and Chris's beautiful girls were just inside. The moon was rising over the backyard theater. A roof of blooms nearly cushioned our heads. Every now and then, I'd glimpse beyond Libby, to the kitchen, see Chris at the sink arranging flowers or there by the counter, scrubbing things down.

This is all I want to say (beyond please buy The Playgroup when it's released; Libby has a fierce and intelligent voice): There is something very beautiful about being with a family whose members love each other, are happy for each other, support and nurture each other.

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