The two main settings and major characters in Love and Mardi Gras have experienced unfathomable disasters within days of each other: New Orleans and Los Angeles. The aspirational heartbeat that powers the City of Angels. And the constant community of celebrations that is the soundtrack to New Orleans, have both shaped and served as major creative and personal inspirations to my life and my writing, as I know it has done for millions of people over the decades.
Both cities have always served as a refuge for weirdos. The home of the outcasts who just want to live a life on their own terms and march to their own drum to achieve their dreams. Both cities harbor an atmosphere, space and freedom to not only thrive but to belong. Even through the constant threat of disasters, the residents choose to help each other and persist and move forward to achieve their goals and wildest dreams. The landscape and the hearts of the residents of these two cities will be forever changed but not forever wounded.
Books have always been a source of connection for me. If I don’t have what I initially perceive as something in common with a person, my favorite conversation topic is, “Are you reading anything fun right now?” There’s a good chance the person I’m talking to will mention a book I’m reading or have read, or they will ask what I’m reading. Which every book lover will happily take off their introvert armor and hijack the conversation. It makes me happy and hopeful to see that a lot of local bookstores in the area have continued to cultivate community during this tragic time. Below is a list of links, resources, and bookstores that are directly helping those who have been affected:
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