I am seeking an agent for Doheny Drive and sending query letters with my fingers crossed! Though there are many literary agents and agencies, securing representation, getting one of the Big Five publishers to launch your book, and selling tens of thousands of copies – or more – is beyond daunting! Most would say impossible. You must have thick skin, patience, and a sense of humor to persevere. One step at a time! Most importantly, an author must keep writing. So hand me that pen! Oh, wait, I can’t hold a pen…
The story: In 1971, three eleven-year-old boys on the Southern California coast are charmed when Laurie Penrose, the golden-haired girl from Ohio, moves into their cul-de-sac on Doheny Drive. Among the mischievous trio, Andy Crenshaw unknowingly touches Laurie’s heart, sowing the seeds of a future romance. At twenty, Andy proposes to Laurie after being named the St. Louis Cardinals’ new center fielder. Meanwhile, Laurie’s oil paintings earn praise at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she attends college. Tragedy shatters Andy’s big-league dream, and his grief turns into misery. Hidden insecurities paralyze him, leaving him hopeless and inexplicably unkind, especially toward Laurie. The deep shame of hurting her eventually drives Andy to reclaim his true self, only to realize it’s too late; he’s lost the only woman who matters. Meanwhile, Laurie faces a life-changing illness that threatens her ability to paint, her greatest passion. Her first marriage is crumbling. Adding to her burdens, she still carries the weight of a destructive family secret she believes contributed to her brother’s death. Andy and Laurie’s friends from Doheny Drive doubt that the once-inseparable couple will ever build a future together. What happens next is an unexpected, deeply emotional journey.
We spent ten wonderful days in San Clemente visiting our son, daughter-in-law, and their two amazing daughters, one of whom celebrated her fourth birthday! Nothing centers adults more than time with energetic, interesting, and engaging children. I’m pretty sure San Clemente has the best weather in the world, and to prove it, you occasionally see locals’ cars sporting bumper stickers that proudly claim just that. It would be special to have all our children and grandchildren living within an hour of us, but this busy world has a way of scattering loved ones across the country or even the globe.
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