Comments on dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie

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03/03/09--17:43: Nancy commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I'm just finishing up _My Mother's Wedding Dress_ - one chapter left - am dragging it out. Nora Ephron: If you need a smile or a laugh, pick up her _I Feel Bad about My Neck_ (non-fiction). Oh, and add me to the draw of course. :-)




03/03/09--22:35: Becca commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday Dovegrey! I'm sending over some of my white chocolate brownies that I made last night, before my office eats the lot! Enjoy!
Justine, it's great to hear about your writing process - it's such a personal thing. I love the sound of your Victorian writing desk, it suits the view of your garden! I'm so excited about your new book ... will it be similar in layout to 'My Mother's Wedding Dress' (which I love)?




03/03/09--23:45: Annabel commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

HAPPY BLOGBIRTHDAY to the first blog I read every day. Long may it continue. Please include me in the draw, I would love to read Daphne. Thank you.




03/04/09--00:37: jillbe commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Many happy returns of the BlogDay:0) I'd love to be included in the draw, thanks!!




03/04/09--00:46: Barbara commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Congratulations on your birthday!

Anyone else watch the Laurence Olivier 'Rebecca', shown on TV as part of a current Hitchcock series? It was just as good as I remembered it.




03/04/09--01:04: Rebecca commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Please include me in the book draw Lynne, and Justine, just want to say sorry to hear about your recent troubles and best of luck for the future. We met briefly at Port Eliot last year (I am the mad sheep-admiring redhead from Endsleigh Salon bookgroup!) (was going to say sheep-loving, but that sounds even worse!)





03/04/09--01:13: Cornflower commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blogbirthday, Lynne, and all good wishes to Justine. I shall be very interested to read the Chanel book - will it be fiction or biography?




03/04/09--01:41: Lesley-Ann commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy dgr birthday Lynne! Sending some birthday cake!
Justine will visit your blog, can't wait to read Daphne and so looking forward to the Chanel book! Thoughts with you also as you have had a rotten time recently take care.
If it hadn't have been for dgr and lynne I would not be blogging, its great! Have I sucked up enough to get a copy of Daphne now!!!!




03/04/09--02:19: margaret 46 commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Can't believe its been three years!Your blog is always interesting and fun.I think I have already asked for my name to be put into the draw-if not please include me now.Hope you continue to enjoy blogging for many years to come.




03/04/09--02:37: adele geras commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

A very happy birthday, Dove Grey...I've already signed up for the draw but wanted to say: lovely view from Justine's window!




03/04/09--02:38: Frances commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday! Made a card of sorts for you on my blog -

http://nonsuchbook.typepad.com/nonsuch_book/2009/03/happy-birthday-dovegreyreader-daphne-fest-celebration.html

Hope you have a wonderful day with visitors galore! Love the interview.




03/04/09--02:42: Jane commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Many Happy Returns DGR. I'd love to be included in the draw-I love Rebecca - so I am looking forward to reading Daphne. Justine I envy you the view of your garden. Oh and last but not least love to Mr Danvers!




03/04/09--02:44: Sarah commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday Dove Grey! I'd like to read Justine's novel after enjoying her Bibliotherapy posts, so please enter me in the draw. I'll have to read it regardless.




03/04/09--03:39: Sue A commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Hello Justine. I loved Daphne and wondered if you really wanted Branwell to have written something staggering, because that's how I felt while reading it and also when I went on to The Infernal Life.




03/04/09--04:10: elsie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday, dovegreyreader! I love reading this blog, as it reminds me of home when I'm far away from it. Long may it continue!
Please enter me into the 'Daphne' draw, it sounds like a wonderful book.
Also, Justine-your bibliotherapy columns are fantastic! I love the way that you write about books and reading in general.




03/04/09--04:12: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Thank you for all the blogbirthday wishes and thankyou for the card Frances, I loved it. My school was called Nonsuch too!
Great timing, the programme for this years duMaurier Festival arrived this morning
http://www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk/index.php
For some reason which someone can probably explain the site always crashes on Firefox but works fine on IE, is it me again?





03/04/09--04:14: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

dgr waving to Elsie, I haven't forgotten you and will get to your e mail
very soon!




03/04/09--04:30: Anne commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday!

Please enter me in the draw, please.




03/04/09--04:32: Cristina commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blogbirthday! And great guests you have here too. Here's to many more years of tempting us with incredibly good books, Lynne!

Nice to hear Justine is working on something new too - I was wondering.




03/04/09--05:01: Mary McCartney commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Many happy returns, dgr. Since I found your blog - and literary blogs in general - I've had a wonderful time going down bookish highways and byways. Many thanks for so generously sharing your reading experiences with an ever-appreciative audience.




03/04/09--05:06: Trevor commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

A very happy birthday!




03/04/09--05:08: Darlene commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Birthday Greetings from Canada Lynne!

Congratulations to Justine on the success of her book! I saw it for the first time at a book store here a few weeks ago. I always get a thrill when a book I've read so much about on blogs in England catches my eye on a shelf here. And it sounds like you drink tea on the same schedule as me!




03/04/09--05:09: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Becca, Happy real birthday to you too, flapjacks brill!




03/04/09--05:48: Becca commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Thanks Lynne - just got taken out for drinks by work folk!




03/04/09--06:47: Loretta Dunne commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blogday to my fav blog. Please add me into the draw.

And thank you for everything.




03/04/09--06:54: Jade commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Congratulations to dgr and Justine for fab blogs.
It is my pleasure these days to be rereading some of my favourite books with my son who is reading them for the first time. Since my favourites (E. Nesbit, Mary Poppins, Narnia) are yours too, I trust your judgment implicitly when it comes to the grown-up fare as well...
Oh, and please enter me in the draw. Would love to read Daphne.




03/04/09--06:54: Gill commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy BlogBirthday, Lynne - dgr is my home page. Please add my name to the draw - is Mr Danvers bribable with salmon, chicken or other delicacies?




03/04/09--06:55: Barbara Sandison commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday! Please include me in the draw and thankyou for introducing me to so many great books.




03/04/09--07:20: Margaret commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Please add me to the draw as well. And Happy birthday to the blog! A Coco Chanel novel -- can't wait! In the meantime I have to get around to Daphne!




03/04/09--07:44: Kerry commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Blogday, and here's to many more. Thanks so much for inciting my "Daphne" enthusiasm this year, DGR, because I loved Justine's novel so very much. You could enter me in the draw if you're accepting international applicants. Otherwise, just my good wishes then.




03/04/09--07:45: sherry commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Congratulations on your three years of adding to my ever growing TBR tower! Please put my name in the hat for Daphne. Thank you.




03/04/09--08:22: Catherine commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday!! Love reading your blog Lynne. Please add me to the draw I would love to win a copy of Daphne.




03/04/09--08:40: melanie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy, happy blogiversary! Your posts always interest and cheer me - many, many happy returns and as many virtual scones as you can eat!

I'd love to win a copy of the book - and I'm looking forward to a book on Coco Chanel.




03/04/09--08:48: Susan D commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday, dovegreyreader. I've recently found you, and added the site to my Daily Fixes group of tabs, so I can open up about 10 bookish blogsites each morning and check to see what lovely books are out there to read. Because, of course, we all need more books in our lives.

While the Hitchcock version of Rebecca is well done, the ending is sadly messed up by (I suspect) the Code of Hollywood. The 1978 miniseries is perfect.




03/04/09--09:17: Tara commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy, happy birthday! I'd love to be entered for the contest.




03/04/09--10:14: LizzySiddal commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Is this serendipity at work? Summer in February (http://lizzysiddal.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/tss-summer-in-february-jonathan-smith/) took me to Cornwall and now I'm looking a few more Cornish delights. Please put my name in the hat!

Breathe a sign of relief, dgr - the terrible twos are over!




03/04/09--10:15: Cathy commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blog birthday! I'd love to be included in the draw please. Oh and like Justine I love Heartburn by Nora Ephron. Must reread it myself...




03/04/09--10:29: Renata Holder commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I would love a copy of Daphne. I haven't read her novels in years, but have started to re-buy (why do I ever get rid of books) in anticipation of a blitz of novels and then books about Daphne.




03/04/09--10:38: Sarie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blog birthday. I've been reading your posts daily for the last 2 and a half years and my TBR pile is now two bookcases and more! Love Justine's blog as well and am really looking forward to the Chanel book.




03/04/09--11:07: vivienne commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday Dovegrey. A fantastic interview - I find Justine Picardie fascinating. I remember reading the book by her sister Ruth, Before I Say Goodbye and since then I have had such a fond interest in their family. Please could you enter me into the competition to win Daphne - it sound brilliant. I can't wait to read about Coco Chanel too. Thanks Dovegrey.

PS Is it Inner Child weekend this weekend?




03/04/09--11:16: Juxtabook commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Blog Birthday - a fantastic achievement. You are editor-in-chief, star writer, and chief-cook-and-bottle washer of a fantastically consistent literary periodical. Great stuff! Great interview too. Please don't include me in the draw though as I have my lovely copy already!




03/04/09--11:21: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Yes Vivienne, Inner Child this weekend I'm just chossing how about you?
I've sent out a search party to look for Justine, apologies in advance if she doesn't make it today, hoping she's not locked in a Chanel wardrobe. I'm sure she will catch up with us eventually and we do have snow forecast for this evening...





03/04/09--11:23: Carol commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Blogbirthday Lynne, and long may you continue. No need to put me in the draw because I bought the beautiful hardback, complete with ribbon, last year.

If Lizzy Siddal is still reading and wants more Cornish suggestions, Patrick Gale's your man - and he's at the du Maurier Festival in Fowey this year. I'll definitely be booking to see him.




03/04/09--11:32: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I've just heard from Justine, she's stuck in traffic after a hellish day but will be online at about 8.15pm and would love to chat in comments to anyone who is around then. Many of you will know that her life has taken some strange turns in mirroring Daphne's in recent weeks and she's going to be talking about all that and her Daphne year.Don't miss it whatever you do.




03/04/09--12:10: Fran H-B commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday DGR. I feel I should have added candles to todays teatime cupcakes in your honour as I have gained so much since discovering your blog. I have sat on my hands all through Jan and Feb, not entering any of your draws having been lucky at Christmas but cant resist this one. Over the years I hve read a lot of Du Maurier, biographies of her as well, but yet to open this wonderful sounding book by Justine so would love a chance to win a copy. Thank you both for all the good books you have led me too!




03/04/09--12:19: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday dove grey! Sorry to be late in joining in the birthday celebrations, and thanks to everyone for commiserations re: my bad month (as readers of my blog will know, my life has taken a turn for the worse, with a rather horrible mirroring of my novel).
But Coco Chanel is cheering. It's non-fiction, and draws on the years of research I've done into Chanel, ever since I worked at Vogue.




03/04/09--12:25: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

There you are! Sorry Justine, all scones and cream gone we'd better crack open a bottle of the hard stuff!
Thanks so much for dropping in and Fran don't sit on your hands here and not enter prize draws for heaven's sake...no one else does:-)




03/04/09--12:29: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Really interesting questions and comments on the blog, to which I am going to reply (in no particular order). I would have loved to have discovered that Branwell wrote something staggering, in the course of reading all his manuscripts while I was writing 'Daphne', but sadly, there was no undiscovered 'Wuthering Heights'. That said, some of his poetry is good -- though some is dreadful -- and he definitely had talent as an author.
As for Hitchcock's version of Rebecca: well, I find it fascinating that even Hitchcock couldn't allow his film to be as dark as the novel. As you all probably know, the film version has Rebecca conveniently stumbling and dying, rather than following the novel, where Max actually shoots her. Apparently Hitchcock and the Hollywood studio felt that an audience couldn't stomach a hero who murders his wife. Du Maurier, of course, was well able to allow the dark side to prevail.
So glad to see that there are readers who have already enjoyed Daphne. It was a terribly dark book to write, even though I hope it opens up a previously untold story, into the light.





03/04/09--12:32: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I could really do with a stiff drink. A gin and tonic is just what the doctor ordered




03/04/09--12:33: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Justine, I'm wondering what were the darkest bits?
Daphne herself, the mysteries that seem to lurk in her relationship with her father, the Bronte aspect...




03/04/09--12:34: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I've sent Mr Danvers off to get the bottle!




03/04/09--12:46: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

PS. I love Nora Ephron's 'I Feel Bad About My Neck' -- I read it again, after Heartburn. As it happens, I don't feel too bad about my neck today, but I do feel bad about various other things.




03/04/09--12:47: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Mr Danvers -- where are you when we need you? My dog ate rat poison last week, at a neighbour's house, but survived unscathed, thanks to a brilliant emergency vet. She is now fast asleep on the armchair...




03/04/09--12:49: claire commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy blog birthday, dovegreyreader! May you have many more lovely books to share with us! Love your interview with Justine, and I would also love to enter the draw for her book, thanks!




03/04/09--12:52: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Justine, I know you've talked about this on your blog recently, the way your life has taken some strange Daphne-esque twists recently, how is all this feeling?




03/04/09--12:57: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

It's feeling -- I am feeling -- ghastly. I've talked about this on my blog, and had some sensible comments there -- after all, plenty of marriages end when a husband has an affair (not that Daphne's marriage did end after Tommy's affair -- it fact, they stayed together, and seemed very much devoted to each other in the last years of his life). But when I was writing Daphne -- summoning up her agony over her husband's infidelity, and also weaving that into the contemporary narrative, with a young second wife -- I had no idea that my own marriage would unravel in the months following the publication of my novel.




03/04/09--13:02: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I'm pouring you a lot more gin and now I'm going to ask did you sense this book was going to be an all-consuming task?
Have others struggled when they've written about Daphne? It strikes me her life, of necessity, takes anyone who digs deeply as you did, to some very lonely places.




03/04/09--13:53: Carole commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Blogbirthday Lynne.
I'm sending an enormous chocolate cake that we can all share. I'll include a little coffee and walnut one for those who have given chocolate up for Lent.




03/04/09--13:56: Simon S commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Oh no I missed it! Reading both the comments and the blog has been wonderful though! Happy Bloggers Birthday Lynne. I am going to have to read Daphne this weekend as have some long train journeys and this looks just the job!




03/04/09--14:21: Louisa commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Bloggers Birthday from me too,Lynne.Your blog is the first blog I started reading and I've been an addict since.I missed the chat as well!Mucked up the time from Australia.Love,love,love Daphne.Justine is one of the most talented writers and I really hope her situation takes a turn for the better very soon.One can never underestimate the healing powers of a good book (and the faithful company of our four-legged friends).
Looking forward to your next Inner Child instalment...




03/04/09--14:37: padma commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday, Dovegreyreader! I can't imagine a day without reading your post! Thanks a lot for great recommendations, reviews, humour and warm atmosphere! Thank you both for the interview - it's really interesting. I'm a fan of Daphne du Maurier's books but haven's read anything about her, so please enter me in the draw as well. I'm looking forward to reading about Coco, too!




03/04/09--15:20: Becca commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Here's a G & T, Justine, sounds like you might need it after today, and the last month or so.
It's so strange to think that even though Du Maurier was considered dark, she still wasn't considered worthy of proper attention by academics etc.
I think you've captured that side of her really well in your novel.




03/04/09--15:47: Hilary commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

I know it's a little late to join the party but happy blogbirthday dgr. I really enjoy my daily read.




03/04/09--22:03: nan crawford commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Into the draw too please----and Happy Birthday.




03/04/09--23:11: mrspao commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Blog Birthday!

I've enjoyed reading Swallows and Amazons recently particularly thinking about what an uninhibited time that must have been - can you imagine kids being allowed to stay on an island by themselves these days let alone being allowed to sail there..




03/05/09--00:39: justine picardie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

It's the morning after the night before, and the sun is shining, and the daffodils are blooming in my back garden. It's cold, but there is light all around me...




03/05/09--01:39: Lucy WW commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Just got the Daphne bug last year when we read My Cousin Rachel in book club - loved it. Would love to know more and be entered in the draw.




03/05/09--05:24: Emma J commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy (belated) blogiversary to you DGR! I love this place to bits, I really wish I could write as well as you about how much I love to read, but for now I will make do with reading your insightful and eclectic reviews.
Oh, and if it's not too late, I'd be grateful to be entered into the draw...
Emma




03/05/09--06:25: Book Addict commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Belated Birthday Dove Greyand thank you for this blog which I always read first thing !! I enjoy your recommendations, we must have similar tastes in books.

My only complaint is that my book buying,always excessive, is now almost out of control. So much so I've given up buying books for Lent. This will at least help my bank balance.




03/05/09--11:23: serenknitity commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy Birthday from another sock knitting book lover! I'd love a copy of Daphne, I've been reading Justine's blog for a while and have even been known to comment. Coco sounds a fascinating subject for a book, even the research is probably not too onerous...




03/06/09--12:22: MrsDanvers commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy birthday dgr and if I'm not too late can I be entered in the draw.
Just opening a celebratory bottle as today(6th) is my birthday.




03/06/09--12:38: dovegreyreader commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Oh very many happy returns Mrs D, cheers:-)




03/07/09--10:06: Annie commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

happy anniversary, and please enter me in the draw,
thanks
Annie




03/07/09--10:14: nan crawford commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Belated happy birthday, and put me in the draw please.




09/27/10--13:32: Ruth Marler commented on 'dovegreyreader asks...Justine Picardie' (chan 1606987)

Happy BlogBirthday to you. Justine your list of books is fantastic. i will have to pop over to your blog and find some that I haven't already read.
Please include me in the draw. I used to spend childhood holidays in a caravan in a field at Menabilly Barton the farm right next to Menabilly and several times saw the almost reclusive Daphne with her dog sitting halfway down the cliff above the beach with her little white dog. Rule Brittania was especially spine-chilling to read because it was set more or less in the present day, albeit in a parallel existence. She must have had the idea when she saw the giantic china clay ships heading in towards the shore.