LUCY BURDETTE: You may know today's guest as Jessie Crockett or Jessica Ellicott and also as a former member of the Wicked Author blog. She's also a brilliant brainstormer and I can't wait to read this newest book!
JESSICA EVERETT: I’ve adored reading mysteries ever since I cracked open The Bobbsey Twins at the Seaside when I was six. I’ve also loved writing them, nineteen so far. The architecture of crime novels, the requirement to simultaneously reveal and conceal information from readers, the examination of societal values all intrigue me as both a consumer and a creator.
And although all of that is true, at some point in the last few years an idea for a novel that inexplicably did not include a dead body began to prod me. I simply could not get the thought of a story set during the summer at Elizabeth Arden’s Maine Chance resort out of my mind. Plot points suggested themselves while I walked my dog. Setting descriptions whispered me to sleep at night. Lines of dialogue slipped into my brain as I prepared dinner or ran errands. Before I knew it, the novel had gotten its way, and I threw myself headlong into the research portion of the project.
I read every newspaper article at Newspapers.com covering Elizabeth Arden or the Maine Chance Farm in Mount Vernon from 1929 until 1970. I scoured the internet for images of the spa, of Maine in the 1950s, and of Red Door Salon advertisements from years gone by. I spent countless hours in Maine soaking up the atmosphere. In time, I had a draft written, and then another, and another. The words stacked up, the characters fleshed out, and the story came into its own.
I was delighted to discover that although Last Summer at Maine Chance does not center around a crime to be solved, like all my others it revolves around friendships between women. It is as much about what society values and celebrates as all my previous novels. It is once again filled with characters I would like to know as well as those I definitely would not. It still explores finding one’s way in the world when traditional paths don’t lead to the right destination. And, like my other works, and my own life, it is also about being open to trying new things.
Readers, is there something new you have always wanted to try? Do you read novels that aren’t mysteries? Have you ever been to Maine?
ABOUT Jessica Everett
Jessica is the author of twenty novels. Last Summer at Maine Chance is her historical fiction debut. She lives with her exuberant family and preposterously privileged poodle, Sam. She splits her time between a tiny New Hampshire village, and the coast of Maine, a place her family has called home for generations. When not dreaming up her next novel she can usually be found walking barefoot on her favorite Maine beach, even in the dead of winter.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaeverettauthor/
I definitely do read novels that aren't mysteries . . . . your book sounds so interesting, Jessica; I'm looking forward to reading it . . . .
ReplyDeleteYay, Jessie! I'm so excited for this new direction in your career and can't wait to dive into the book.
ReplyDeleteI do sometimes read novels that aren't mysteries, but I'm not sure I'd know how to write one.
Although mysteries are my favorite, I read many different genres. Historical fiction is my second favorite. I have been to Maine one time. It’s a great state.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great book cover, Jessica! Yes, I do read other genres besides mysteries and greatly enjoy them. I've never been to Maine, but always wanted to go. It looks so beautiful there! Your new book sounds so interesting, I really look forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh this is great! Can you tell us more about Maine Chance? I have a memory of thinking —back in the 70’s—that it would have been so glamorous. Do you remember Visible Difference face cream? I used it for years in the 70’s—and the fragrance is still transporting.
ReplyDeleteJessica, how exciting! This story insisted on being told.
ReplyDeleteI do read different genres and know absolutely zilch about Elizabeth Arden or her Red Door Salon. In what year did you place this book?
I have vacationed many times on the coast of Maine and the appeal is strong. I haven't walked barefoot on the beach in the winter. Br-r.
This book sounds so appealing. I read other genres, but mysteries are my favorite and ones I reach for most often. I have been to Maine along the coast - so beautiful and the seafood is to die for.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading quite a few women's fiction and enjoyed them and yes I've been to Bangor, Maine.
ReplyDeleteJessica, welcome to Jungle Reds! I remember your mystery novels. Yes, I have read different genres. I am trying ro recall which new to me genre I read recently - maybe a mash up of romance and fantasy?
ReplyDeleteYour new novel about women's friendships and society expectations in your new novel about Elizabeth Arden spa sounds intriguing. I remember the Red Door Spa. The cover is perfect. Why am I thinking of a Kim Novak in a Hitchcock film when I saw the cover, though this novel is not a mystery?
My plane to New Hampshire stopped at the Portland, Maine airport and I looked outside the window, though I never stepped outside the plane. One of these days perhaps I will visit Maine.