When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
Well, well, well. Our kids are knocking it out of the park. Bobbi French’s first novel, COME HOME, FRANCES DELANEY, just got sold to Harper Canada. What’s up with Canada. Maybe we should all move there. Here’s a little interview we did. I basically butchered her answers because Bobbi answered too earnestly. I’m sure if anyone would like to see the interview in full, Bobbi will gladly provide. Couldn’t be prouder of any of you who break through. Equally proud of anyone who keeps writing in the face of the what the fuck.
FFTT: How was writing your second book different from your first?
BF: Dead easy and lots of fun. I have no real education other than reading a squillion books in my life. I knew little about the elements of writing good fiction. It was a bit bewildering and strange and exciting to be doing something so new.
FFTT: What’s it like being a Canadian author?
BF: If people don’t like your book, we’re obligated to apologize profusely.
FFTT: What’s your secret to plotting?
BF: No secret really. I do have a secret weapon. When I got stuck early on, I engaged a professional editor/manuscript evaluator etc. (Bethany Gibson, certified genius) who helped me a great deal to organize my narrative.
FFTT: What’s your favorite sentence in the book?
BF: “The End”
FFTT: How do you come up with characters’ names?
BF: Ha! The only research I did for this book was in choosing names. My novel’s setting is the island of Newfoundland in a fishing community that dates back seven or eight generations. Also, my names had to be Irish Catholic. So, I trolled through birth and death records and chose accordingly. Naturally, the first question my new editor asked was if I minded changing my main character’s last name. I changed it from Delahunty to Delaney. Tomato, tomahto.
FFTT: Do you hate it when people ask what the next one’s about?
BF: I really, really do. Mom, if you happen to be reading this, what did I tell you? Stop asking me.
Please leave a little love for Mademoiselle Bobbi!
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Betsy Lerner 
I’m sorry, but I’m so happy for my fellow Canadian! Woohoo! Can’t wait to see Frances out in the world.
Thanks, D. Must be in the water up here, right?
Wow – they say “it” comes in threes!!! Who’s next?
Congratulations Bobbie! Time To Celebrate!!!
Thanks! I hope ‘it’ comes in whatever number covers off everybody here at Betsy’s Pleasure Palace.
Right on, Bobbi, congratulations!! Canada’s got excellent taste.
XO
Thank you so much. Here’s hoping America develops a taste for little book.
Congrats, Bobbi!! I am so happy for you!
Thanks, Indy. Copyedits are almost upon me and I’ll be thinking of you while pulling my hair out.
Wow!!! The party continues!
More Veuve for all. 🥂
Cheers, Bobbi! Congratulations!
Thanks! Any excuse for daytime bubbly.
Congratulations to the proud parents! Do we get cigars?
Thanks! Oh, I miss cigars.
Congratulations, Bobbi! I enjoyed reading your story behind the name change; Delaney works perfectly. Thanks for the insights and again, congratulations!
Thanks, Mike! Well, like most things suggested by my editor, it just works better.
The best news to start a new week! Congrats and congrats! (PS: many fond memories of trips to Canada’s Georgian Bay area.)
Thanks, and come back to Canada any old day.
This is such wonderful news, Bobbi! Congratulations!
Good timing for good news, right? Thanks so much.
Chiming in late here, Bobbi, but sending congrats to you up there in Oh, Canada!
Thanks! Come visit us anytime. Well, after the plague.
congrats! can’t wait to read it.
rea
Thanks! Can’t wait for it to be ready to read.