The Furious Spinner

Last night, I attended a book discussion at the White Salmon Community Library. This was special to me because they were discussing my novel, Coyote Cowgirl. I was nervous ahead of time. It seemed two things could happen. (1) No one would want to talk because they would be afraid of offending me. (2) Everyone would talk and tell me what was wrong with the novel. I hadn't done much all day. My allergies have been so bad I've been nearly incapacitated, so it was with some effort that I actually got dressed. When I looked in the mirror, I just groaned. I'd be lucky if they didn't all run from me, fearing the plague.

Mario got out of work early, and we drove down the Gorge to the library. Participants in the book discussion had made dishes from the recipes in the book. They had given the deli the recipe for the Truth or Immortality Soup, and they made a huge jar of it. I got a bowl of it, then sat at the tables with about 15 other people. They went around the circle telling me what they thought of the book. Everyone had something to say—none of it was negative. My guess is they were too polite to say anything negative. It was a great experience for me. Mario said I got what every writer wants: intelligent reasoned...praise.

Actually, it was helpful. Writers work alone and often have no idea what succeeds and what fails in a novel. I got to hear what worked, and it often varied from person to person. Everyone loved Crane, the talking crystal skull, even though a couple people admitted it seemed rather weird that they adored this skull and missed him when he was gone. One man who said he usually doesn't like the books they pick liked Crane because he had had an imaginary friend when he was a boy. One woman enjoyed the descriptions of the desert. Another woman said I had accurately captured the feelings of the youngest child and how no one has any expectations of her.

It was heartening that so much of what I had been trying to accomplish with the book actually worked: they got it. I answered their questions. And ate the soup. It was delicious.

I had so much fun. And that's the truth.

Here's the recipe of the soup from the book. Enjoy!

TRUTH OR IMMORTALITY SQUASH AND CORN SOUP

Ingredients:
3 tart apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
3 medium leeks, sliced
1 clove garlic, put through the press
1 1/2 cups frozen corn or the corn from one cob
1 pound acorn or butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (about three cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
4 to 6 scallions, minced
Directions:
Saute squash and apples in olive oil for about 5 minutes. Add leeks and garlic and saute 5 minutes. Add leeks and garlic. Add corn and broth. Simmer about 20 minutes. Garnish with minced scallions.

May You Sip Soup in Beauty!
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