Certain scenes resurface memories I made with Joanne and Vianne in The Lollipop Shoes – the musty shop in the village square catering to the gluttonous desires of high ranking locals, the detailed descriptions of the alchemical transformations of orange peel and spices. Perhaps it’s been my muse all along, preparing me for my journey with Idwal, enticing me with the scents of spices; perhaps that’s why…

I hope I’ll relate to the main character. Perhaps I’ll feel less miserable about myself if I get to know someone else who’s hiding her writer’s identity from the world. I’m hoping her fierce love of good books will encourage me to keep exploring the reader in me. I’m also hoping…