In an interview with, Winston explained, 'By the time I started writing the book I was married, and so I tapped into my worst fear-the death of my spouse.' Winston worked on the novel part time for four years before she stopped freelancing to devote herself to finishing it. Ultimately, she chose to focus on a character who has lost a spouse early in life because it is a less-common event than the death of a parent. Winston's own grief over the loss of her parents prompted her to examine the subject of how people cope with loss. In an attempt to start over, Sophie moves to Ashland, Oregon, where things don't go precisely as she had planned. After suffering a breakdown, during which she appears at work in her robe and slippers, she knows she needs to take drastic measures. The novel recounts the story of Sophie, a young widow who at the age of thirty-six struggles to get a grip on her life and move forward. Good Grief is the result of Winston's vow. Fiction, however, remained her first love, and she set herself a goal of writing her first novel by the time she was forty. SIDELIGHTS: Author Lolly Winston has been writing in some form or another for most of her adult life, ranging from copywriting to articles automotive magazines. Good Grief (novel), Warner Books ( New York, NY), 2004.Ĭontributor to various publications, including Redbook, Family Circle, Working Mother, New Woman, Sunset, Automotive News, and Lifetime. Previously worked as a corporate copywriter, public affairs officer for a trauma hospital, and freelance journalist taught English as a second language and classes in writing. Agent-c/o Author Mail, Warner Books, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.ĬAREER: Author. Education: Attended Simon's Rock College Bard College, B.A. 1962, in Hartford, CT married Anders Wallgren (a consulting software engineer).

Good grief book lolly winston