Inspiration & Perspiration:
Danielle Trussoni’s Newsletter

April 18th, 2020

 “Genius is 1 Percent Inspiration and 99 Percent Perspiration.”
– Thomas Edison
 

Good morning from the Writing Cave.

Here in New York State, we are still fighting to keep Covid-19 in check. There have been many thousands of deaths and many people sick. Contagion is beginning to flatline, according to reports, but it doesn’t feel that way in my neighborhood. From my window I can see two houses where families are sick with the virus. Looking out another window, I see people wearing masks, walking dogs as they keep their distance from others.

I am trying to maintain some equilibrium through all of this. I have a young child here at home, and that makes it difficult, but I am still trying to make it into the writing cave for at least an hour or two a day. I’m taking notes, jotting down ideas for scenes in the novel I’m writing, and I’ve been working on writing an Op-Ed that I hope to submit to the New York Times. All of this is keeping me from getting too caught up in the cycle of fear, doubt, and worry that could pull me into it. Keeping some balance during this, and support my family and my readers as best I can, gives me a mission.

Another mission is to get the word out about my new novel, The Ancestor, which was published last week. If you haven’t read it, please check it out! You can get it digitally from libraries everywhere, or you can purchase a digital, hardcover, or audio version by following these links:

Harper Collins Digital
Oblong Books 
Audible

If you have read The Ancestor and feel like leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads, I would be forever grateful!

If you have a copy of my book (hardcover, digital or audio) SEND ME A SELFIE with THE ANCESTOR! I will send out signed bookplates to everyone who emails me a photo (just respond to this message and attach it). I would love to see you with my book.

There have been some GREAT reviews coming in, and I’d love to share those with you. My favorite was from People Magazine, who chose it as one of the Best Books of the Week:

Mystery Tribune magazine also published this incredible review by Gabino Iglesias, a writer whose work I admire (which makes the review feel like a huge compliment).

And another mention in The National Book Review.

What has kept me inspired this week has been the strength of my neighbors, the hard work and bravery of the medical community, and those who continue to find beauty and purpose each day. I have found solace in baking (as usual), and made another batch of canelés.

I wish I could send one to you to thank you for sharing your time with me. May you find inspiration in your life and work this week.