Page 66 of Authentically, Izzy
Eli
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Dr.Eli Montgomery
Date: April5
Subject: Re: Edits
You’re welcome. Yes, I can meet you on Friday. I think it would be good to talk over what makes a good hero in romantic books too. Readers will find him much more appealing if he talked less about his accolades, adventures, and pursuits and tried to show more care for others. Most heroes are that way, if you readmore eclectically. It’s a great character trait in both fictional and nonfictional people.
Izzy
PS: Good conversations are wonderful things, aren’t they?
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: April5
Subject: Books, atmosphere, and hobbies
Isabelle,
I knew it! I knew you had to have some sort of writing outlet for all the passion you have in your words. It seemed impossible not to reconcile the two. Are you an artist as well? Singer? Do you play any instruments? I attempted the trumpet, but my brother said I didn’t have enough... what would you call it? “Hot air” to keep the notes solid. However, he took up the trumpet without any trouble. What does that say of my brother... and hot air?
I hope at some point, when you feel ready, I can convince you to share your story ideas. Then I can encourage you to do something more than hide them with Luke as your only audience. I have a keen eye for good stories and have tried my hand at a few nonsensical ones here and there (perhaps Luke and I should coauthor something Seussian and ridiculous). It’s one of the reasons my father put me in charge of book ordering when I first started with the business. Some of the reason had to do with my natural love of reading, of course,as well as the speed at which I read, but Da used to say I had a nose for a solid story. I can only imagine what your stories must be like. And perhaps it has something to do with this foggy dream of yours?
And as far as creating an atmosphere for books as an employment—that is brilliant! A good story is one thing, an atmosphere that encourages marination in the story is icing on the proverbial cake. It is my opinion that good editors and storytellers do just that. When someone loves a story, that love casts some sort of spell to draw others into the magic. Excellent idea! I can only imagine how you make this sort of magic happen at the library after seeing your book parade.
I wish Sutherland’s could find a way to differentiate our brand so we could have a unique yet broader appeal. That is one of my plans for the future, but if your story-atmospheric brain thinks of any ideas, I’ll be happy to hear them. To be honest, the longer I work in this profession, the more I realize how very far behind the times our shops are. Mum and Anders are reluctant to change them, and I’m afraid neither Brynna nor I have found a way (or an idea) to inspire change.
You asked during our call last night about my hobbies, as if there are some other than reading. Since our call was cut short due to connectivity issues, I thought I could share a few through this means. As we’ve discussed before, I enjoy nature and walks. There are excellent places to explore near Skern but also all over the islands. Since taking on a co-owner role of Sutherland’s, I’ve found such pleasure in traveling. Visiting new places in books will always be a joy, but adding the other senses to the experience really brings those books to life like nothing else. Otherwise I live a fairly quiet existence, except for trying to finda pair of shoes each morning that don't have teeth marks on them. I can become quite vocal at those times. Argos doesn’t seem to be impressed whether my tirade is in Caedric or English. I’m also growing, very slowly, mind you, in my house repair skills. I’ve finally restored enough rooms in Waithcliff to reside here, but there are still so many things to do. However, I will content myself with my privacy, books, a fantastic view, and your virtual company.
In other news Fiona is attempting to convince me to sign up as her dance partner for lessons. My elder brother, Anders, will have nothing to do with it, so the task is left to me to look into her pleading face and say no. What a struggle between pride and the powerful force of a little sister. I have a feeling my pride will go before I fall... learning the quickstep.
There’s a lovely forest near here that I think you’d enjoy. You can see mountains, trees, a lake that spills into a river, and then the sea. To my mind it’s the best of every world rolled up into a two-mile walk. It’s an excellent place to conjure up fairy stories, if one had a gift for it.
How is your cousin doing with her pregnancy? I think you mentioned the doctor was threatening confinement? From the impression you’ve given of her, I feel her confinement may bring the house down. Would that be a proper inference?
I see you’ve already made Luke aware of my travel plans. He’s sent an email confirming your suggestion of a place to stay. He seems like a good chap, but is, as you’ve put it, very much like your older brother. This wouldn’t be a case of “keeping your friends close but your enemies closer,” would it? He’d find no enemy here. Only allies who want to become friends.
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I’m glad my visit is a pleasant surprise. I hope you’ll continue to think so. I’m a bit nervous myself. I’m much more interesting on paper than in real life, but hopefully you’ll overlook the blemishes and awkwardness. Just remember hobbits and Wodehouse and Yoda ears. If that’s not a remedy for awkwardness, I have no idea what is.
PPS: At the risk of sounding more awkward than usual, your new hairstyle is lovely.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: April6
Subject: Waithcliff?
