Barrie Atkin’s November 2023 Newsletter

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written. Hope you have had a healthy and safe summer and fall.

Emily Franklin, author of The Lioness of Boston, a novel about museum founder Isabella Stewart Gardner, recently said, “Writing in any genre strengthens writing in every genre.”

Rather than talk about my writing, I’d like to share some thoughts on such a scary and dangerous time:

• Deadly rampage in Lewiston Maine.
• Hamas terrorists gleefully massacring civilians in Israel, leading to a war.
• Reputable media (Associated Press, NY Times, the Boston Globe, and others) accepting and repeating Hamas’ blatantly false claims without verification. (Want accurate reporting? Check out honestreporting.com.)
• Election denier now second in line for President.
• Anti-Semitism on the rise.
• The Russian-Ukraine war slogs on.
• World tensions increase.

And yet, I have so much to be grateful for – and would like to share a few special experiences with you:

• Machias Seal Island, Maine – One of the only places in the northeast where it’s possible to see puffins up close (from a bird blind). Only 15 people allowed per day from the U.S. during the puffin breeding season from mid-June to early August.Want to sign up for this extraordinary adventure to see these comical and amazing birds? Contact me before January.
• If you’re in Philadelphia, once you’ve had your fill – or you’re full of Philly cheesesteaks – be sure to book a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s an historic and huge prison that was considered a leader in prison reform in the 1800s; finally closed in 1971. The night tour is both creepy and awesome.
• 80 degrees for most of October – OK, I’m cheating here. I spent half of October in Croatia and Slovenia where it was 80 degrees every day. Highly recommend for the geography, history, the gelato, delightful swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and much more. Glad to offer travel tips.
• And yes, it was also 80 degrees on Saturday October 28th in Boston. So, I swam in the Atlantic Ocean near my home.
• On the family front, I have a new great-niece!

Hoping you also have much to be grateful for as well as we approach this holiday season. Let’s stay in touch.

Your Fan,

Barrie J. Atkin, president

P.S. About that 10,000-word book… stay tuned. It will be ready soon.