INSIDE ONE AUTHOR'S HEART [Hardcover]

Last spring, when "Eugenia Price Day" drew crowds to St. Simons Island, Ga., to honor the bestselling author in her 75th year, Price was prompted to write this response to questions about her life and career. Here she describes how she and her longtime companion, Joyce Blackburne, left Chicago in 1960 and settled on St. Simons, where Price wrote the novels that followed her inspirational nonfiction ( What is God Like? ). A devout Christian, she believes Providence led her to the source of her popular trilogies--St. Simons Trilogy, Georgia Trilogy--based on historical figures. Much of this journal, however, deals with such minutae as meeting deadlines, traveling to book-signings and averting crises when trusted editors are replaced and venerable publishing houses are taken over by conglomerates. Price delivers interesting generalities,but not the personal confidences the title promises. Apparently these are still inside the author's heart. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Until recently, this best-selling author of spiritual and autobiographical nonfiction and of epic tales of the South has been devoted to maintaining a unique relationship with her readers by following each publication with an extensive book-signing and publicity tour. Now unable to maintain such a pace while continuing to write, Price felt that all the readers who could not attend the 1991 "Eugenia Price Day" (her 75th birthday) deserved to hear about the celebration. In addition, she wanted to discuss her approach to various aspects of writing--story ideas, research, the publishing world, etc. Although slim, this "Valentine" to her loyal fans, expresses deep gratitude to the friends and helpers who share her world and provide day-to-day support. Add where demand is high for the author's titles.
- V. Louise Saylor, Eastern Washington Univ. Lib., Cheney
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

May 4, 1991, was ``Eugenia Price Day'' on Georgia's St. Simons Island--a 75th birthday and general ``I-Love-You-E.P.'' celebration organized by the writer's friends and publishing company. The occasion so moved this author of 37 books (among them inspirational titles and historical series like the Savannah Quartet) that she paused while working on her follow-up to Bright Captivity (1991) to write this little thank-you note to all the people who made her what she is today--a very successful writer indeed, with hundreds of thousands of fans whom she thanks right along with Doubleday president Stephen Rubin and her agent, editor, sales reps, typist, and yardworker. Along the way, Price reveals some fascinating personal facts- -that she and her longtime companion, Joyce Blackburn, bought burial plots on St. Simons before they bought their house; that Price named her Buick LeSabre after the protagonist of the Savannah Quartet; and that she includes God (``Him'') while making publishing decisions with her agent. To Price aficionados, it will make sense that, as a reader, the author prefers biographies to fiction (since her own novels favor character over plot), though it may prove disappointing to hear how Price delegates research tasks. But, mostly, fans will hold this valentine to their bosoms, even though Price warns that establishment critics will find it ``schmaltzy, dripping with sentiment.'' Well, yes--not to mention a little too ingenuously good-willed. But there's a broader lesson here: Price has spent three decades listening to her own creative voice, never trying to be all things to all people--and so she has endured. (Twenty b&w photographs--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

"In these pages I have simply tried to share myself.  To give you, whose affection and loyalty and prayers have sustained me, a deeply personal idea of what this writer's life is like. I have also attempted to respond to a few of the questions you've asked most often.  Some may think the effort too sentimental, even arrogant, on my part.  So be it. For me, the writing has been a tough exercise in humility--at least as I understand its meaning.  No one could deserve the kind of devotion you continue to give me, but you do go on giving it.  This little book is between us.  It is for you who read, from the heart of this author who writes--not always superbly, by any means, but always up to the very best she can do."--Eugenia Price

"In these pages I have simply tried to share myself. To give you, whose affection and loyalty and prayers have sustained me, a deeply personal idea of what this writer's life is like. I have also attempted to respond to a few of the questions you've asked most often. Some may think the effort too sentimental, even arrogant, on my part. So be it. For me, the writing has been a tough exercise in humility--at least as I understand its meaning. No one could deserve the kind of devotion you continue to give me, but you do go on giving it. This little book is between us. It is for you who read, from the heart of this author who writes--not always superbly, by any means, but always up to the very best she can do."--Eugenia Price