Bonni Brodnick Blog

"Memoir Workshop with Bonni Brodnick" Saturdays Nov. 2, 16 & 23  @ 11:00 am  -  12:30 pm Are you inspired to write about something that changed your life? Are you drawn to explore the circumstances surrounding your most vivid memories? For those with a work-in-progress, or those starting fresh, this class will offer a supportive environment where we’ll discuss memoir writing, writing in class, and sharing constructive feedback. You will leave with a new work-in-progress and some insights into the stories you want to write. Join us for this special 3-part memoir workshop series led by famed local author Bonni Brodnick. ~~~ Bonni Brodnick  is the author of  My Stroke in the Fast Lane: A Journey to Recovery  and  Pound Ridge Past , now in its second edition. She was the town columnist for many years by writing “Talk of the Town” for our local Record-Review. Formerly with Condé Nast Publication’s  Glamour  and  House & Garden  m...

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for friends, teachers, past neighbors, or anyone eager to learn more about Pound Ridge? POUND RIDGE PAST: Remembrances of Our Townsfolk — with photographs by Fran Collin and graphic design by Gina Federico — is a perfect coffee table book. In it, you'll find historical and personal recollections that span from the rural 1920s to the swinging 1970s. Anecdotes from former Pound Ridgers across the country share humorous memories about growing up here, and their brushes with such celebrities as Lauren Bacall and Jason Robards (who once summered on Old Stone Hill Road) and renowned jazz and swing musician Benny Goodman (whose home still graces Long Ridge Road). The collection of more than thirty interviews with the town elders includes charming first-hand stories about the one-room schoolhouses scattered about town, the day World War II ended, raising children, basket making, fishing, farming, partying and more. Actors Tallulah Bankhead , Frank Mor...

  Questioning the Use of a Question Mark Punctuation: Double-check Your Commas & Colons Take it with a dash of salt Exclamation points on neon Post-its courtesy of https://pixabay.com/. Imagine a world without punctuation. There would be run-on sentences all over the place. Not to mention a complete breakdown of en-dashes and em-dashes. People wouldn’t overuse the exclamation point in ! every ! sentence!!! Nights would run into days into months into years into centuries into millennia. Birds would never stop singing. Life would be so chaotic that people would be wearing summer clothes in the winter and vice versa. Copy editors worldwide could go on vacation!! Everything would be a big blur. For example, take this paragraph — Although most people are not punctual per se I cannot imagine life without punctuation Im not kidding Is it me or what Wait what is that noise Did you hear that Oh its nothing just my cat jumping off the counter No seriously what the heck was that...

  I am so sad to write that Carla passed away on Saturday night in NYC. She was my best friend at Hampshire College. We did everything together, and to many, we were “The Dynamic Duo.” I will miss her friendship dearly. Her intelligence, grace, sassiness, sense of humor, and artistry will forever be remembered. Only ten days ago, we had a nice back and forth. She wasn't up for visitors because she was told not to talk. "Could you ever have imagined me with nothing to say?" Two days ago, her son Max (Milder) wrote: "If we can get through tonight, I would love to get some of her closest friends in here - if she's up for it.   " I wrote back: "Please whisper in her ear, 'I love you, from Bonimo." "Done    ," Max wrote. " She smiled and blew a kiss." 

  Children's book author  Gloria Koster  is a fellow member of the Pound Ridge Authors Society. She is also a member of the Women's National Book Association and graces Bank Street College of Education as a member of their Children's Book Committee. For many years, Gloria worked full-time as a librarian at an elementary school, thereby giving her a  front-row seat  to the shenanigans kids do. Her new book,  OVERDUE: The Misadventure of Bob the Book   is hilarious. In fact, you'll find Gloria's delightful sense of humor in all of her books. Come meet Gloria at her book signing event this coming Saturday, September 14  Elm Street Books at 10:30 am , followed by another book signing, same day, at  Pound Ridge Library at 1 pm.

My daughter came home from Chicago for the wedding of an old best friend in Pound Ridge. I thought we'd have a little fun while she was East, but it wasn't in the cards. For  upcoming oral and written exams, s he's studying around the clock to be nationally board-certified in Emergency Medicine.  As an emergency room doctor, Annie is truly on the front lines of crises. She recently told me, once again, how much she loves what she does and that helping people makes her feel good. I marvel at her extraordinary focus, don't you? This young doctor  makes me so proud to be her mom.  <3

Of "My Stroke in the Fast Lane," Amazon customers find the story . . .  inspirational,  poignant, and engaging.  They appreciate the honesty,   authenticity,   and   candor  of the narrative .  Readers describe the book as a  compelling,  remarkable,  and extraordinary memoir . A recent review: Marlene G. 5.0 out of 5 stars   A gift to the reader Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024 Verified Purchase This book, which took amazing determination and fortitude to write, is a gift to the reader and anyone who hears the survival story of Bonni Brodnick. It was written while recovering ( not after) from a serious stroke which occurred while driving on a highway with only Bonni’s mother as a passenger. Quick thinking by her mother, and the kindness of a passing stranger, resulted in Bonni’s survival, however, Bonni was left with a long list of obstacles to be overcome before she could resume the active life she once joyfu...