New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Hart, now 86, is the former chairman of the Fine Arts Department at the University of San Diego, a professional cellist, and author of Summer at Tiffany. She lives in La Mesa, California.
Summer at Tiffany answers the QUESTION:
Do you remember the best summer of your life?
New York City, 1945. Marjorie Jacobson and her best friend, Marty Garrett, arrive fresh from the Kappa house at the University of Iowa hoping to find summer positions as shopgirls. Turned away from the top department stores, they miraculously find jobs as pages at Tiffany & Co., becoming the first women to ever work on the sales floor—a diamond-filled day job replete with Tiffany blue shirtwaist dresses from Bonwit Teller's—and the envy of all their friends.
Hart takes us back to the magical time when she and Marty rubbed elbows with the rich and famous; pinched pennies to eat at the Automat; experienced nightlife at La Martinique; and danced away their weekends with dashing midshipmen. Between being dazzled by Judy Garland's honeymoon visit to Tiffany, celebrating VJ Day in Times Square, and mingling with Café society, she fell in love, learned unforgettable lessons, made important decisions that would change her future, and created the remarkable memories she now shares with all of us.(via HarperCollins)
Summer at Tiffany may be PURCHASED HERE
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NOW that you have been introduced to her book...
Let's get to know more about the author Marjorie Hart...
Where are you from?
I was born in Story City, Iowa--now, a California girl.
Tell us your latest news?
I'm looking forward to a "Weekend with Tiffany" at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA sponsored by Adventures by the Book.
(This was Marjorie's answer at the time of the interview... since the interview did not go live until after the event... she added this next comment)
What a memorable Weekend at Tiffany created by Adventures By the Book at the lavish Mission Inn at Riverside, CA. The evening book event was Susan Vreeland's remarkable, Clara and Mr. Tiffany and I presented Summer at Tiffany, with my editor, jennifer Pooley for the" Breakfast at Tiffany" brunch. Pearls gleamed, champagne sparkled and the Tiffany stained-glass windows were unforgettable.When and why did you begin writing?
As a college professor, my writing was academic. When I retired I began my memoir "Summer at Tiffany", which was a very different style of writing.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself an educator and cellist-- not a writer until I was published.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I was inspired to write about my life as a college girl for my family.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I didn't adhere to any style.
How did you come up with the title?
The title was the first line I wrote.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
My message is the importance of friendship and loyalty.
How much of the book is realistic?
All of the book is realistic for the 1940's .
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My memoir is about actual events and people.
What books have most influenced your life most?
As a child I was influenced by Charles Dickens.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Barbara Kingsolver
What book are you reading now?
A Korean memoir written by a friend.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Susan Vreeland's "Clara and Mr. Tiffany".
What are your current projects?
Book events, answering mail , and playing chamber music.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Other writers and their critiques supported me.
Jennifer Pooley, my editor at Harper Collins, discovered my book, gave me unlimited creative editing and support! Without her, there would not have been a book!
Do you see writing as a career?
If I was younger!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I wish I had added additional material
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Becoming an editor on a school newspaper sparked my interest.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Book appearances have dominated my time.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
It is challenging to have a precise memory for a memoir.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Remembering Charles Dickens and his vivid portrayal of characters.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Yes, I love all the travel and meeting people.
Who designed the covers?
The covers were designed by the artists at Harper Collins and I was delighted.
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| Another Version of the Book Cover |
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The most difficult part was to rewrite and rewrite!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned from critiques of other writers that it may take years to complete.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
To be able to write wherever or whenever, even in the middle of the night.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I feel everyone has a compelling story and I am passionate that everyone should write it
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Deadline to enter is June 12 , 2011 @ NOON California time...
Deadline to enter is June 12 , 2011 @ NOON California time...
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Bonne Chance - Good Luck!
Bonne Chance - Good Luck!
