Hi! It’s a long time, since I’ve posted, and our world is such a different place. In the chaos of the past few weeks – canceled plans, learning to wear masks, learning how to use FaceTime and Zoom, worrying about friends and family – finishing up The Tavistock Plot has helped keep me sane. And now, on May 14, Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch’s latest adventure will be out in the world. I can’t wait to be able to talk about it with readers (though of course it’s always a bit nerve-wracking waiting for responses).
The Tavistock Plot takes its name from the fictional Tavistock Theatre managed by Simon Tanner, where Mélanie Rannoch’s first play is premiering in the book. As I mentioned to friends at a Zoom birthday party tonight, it was both poignant and exhilarating to be working on a story set in the theatre when so many theatres are dark. This week started with the Merola Opera Program, where I work in the non-novelist part of my life, announcing the cancellation of our 2020 training program and festival season. It ended this evening with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where my daughter Mélanie and I go three times a year, announcing the cancellation of their fall season (after the spring and summer had already been cancelled). At a time when so many of my singer and actor friends are unable to perform, I am so grateful that writing is one art form that is not limited by quarantine. I’ve been reading excerpts from it on video on social media which you can find on my Facebook page. I’m already plotting next fall’s Rannoch novella, and the novel after that…
How are you coping in these challenging times? What are you finding to keep you going? My daughter Mélanie and I are making up stories and I’m reading Pride and Prejudice out loud to her. We’re having movie nights and learning that Zoom works for group playdates as well as meetings. We’re both expanding our cooking repertoire (we love risotto). With spring, we’re enjoying our yard (where we are in the picture above, with Mélanie’s first toy and constant companion Guena). We both love chances to connect with people. And I’m excited that The Tavistock Plot will soon give me the opportunity to do so.
Stay safe!
Tracy
Tracy Grant - Novelist 
July 29, 2021 at 3:00 am
I’m on a second or third reading of the Tavistock Plot and came across the name Russell in connection with the victim Lewis Thornsby. In Chapter 16 Malcolm mentions “Russell’s second identity …” I couldn’t figure out if this was possibly a name you changed to Lewis that slipped through editing or if it was his second identity’s first name. I then searched my Kindle copy and found one other mention in Chapter 9, location 1472, Thomas talking about his brother and called him Russell. I felt this was worth sharing.
July 29, 2021 at 3:10 am
Thanks so much for sharing this, Serena! Yes, Lewis Thornsby’s name was originally Russel Thornsby. I changed it late in the editing process (largely because it was too close to Mary Russell in the Laurie King series, which I love). I had found one of those since, but not the second, so thank you for letting me know.
I love hearing from readers who are re-reading the series. Have you re-read other books? Any new insights or thoughts to share? Also, do you know there is a GoodReads group for the series? https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/173472-tracy-grant-book-club
It would be great to have you join!
Do stay in touch!