Patchett and Gabaldon

An old friend sent me this collection of Ann Patchett's essays and I devoured it almost at one sitting. It's an eclectic assortment that include some excellent advice for writers and for people trying to stay in a marriage and for people trying to get out of one. The NY TImes has a really good review HERE. Highly recommended.
And now I need to seek out her other books. I've read and enjoyed BEL CANTO and THE PATRON SAINT OF LIARS -- now I want to read TRUTH & BEAUTY.

An ex-student of mine, who probably remembered my saying I thought sex scenes were hard difficult to write and not be unintentionally funny, brought Gabaldon's bookette to my attention. Gabaldon writes quite a few sex scenes and she does it with a deft touch  hand pen.There's lots of good writing advice for sex scenes and scenes in general in this Kindle Singles ebook (119 pp.). 
And if you just want to read the racy bits, that's exactly what Gabaldon uses for examples. Plus, she's funny. Intentionally. Also highly recommended, mainly for writers and Gabaldon fans but also for anyone interested in the craft. Of writing, that is. Here's a LINK