Doesn't have anything to offer. Has done little except get settled in new apartment. Will hope to get back to a long story she was working on [prob. Lucy Gayheart], and if so will ask Mr. Knopf to send it to her. Willa Cather [Stout #1167]
Bookends arrived after she left, but secretary is keeping them safe in New York. Has enjoyed the knit jackets. Working on a new book about a giddy young girl, but not enjoying the work as much as she has some books. Island very pretty now with wild flowers. Hated seeing the Italian air fleet pass over earlier. Willa [Stout #1189]
Treasures her letter. No, won't get to Red Cloud this year. Is working happily on a new book. This is where she finished Ántonia, began Archbishop, and wrote most of Shadows. Always has the same rooms high up under the roof. Is enjoying long walks in the woods. Willie [Stout #1198]
Regrets her tardiness in thanking them for the books they sent, but between working and good weather for walks has not been taking time to write letters. Today, completed the first draft of Lucy Gayheart. There is much more to be done to pull it up, but if they will protect her privacy over the winter she can get it done, if not in the new apartment, where she has not yet become accustomed to working, then back here at the Shattuck Inn. Ankle holding up well. Mount Monadnock beautiful, with a dusting of snow and roiling clouds above it. Sorry for the ornate writing. Willa Cather [Stout #1199]
Thanks for plants she sent for Christmas and for copy of "Little Willie," which is very funny. How did she know about the family nickname? Does not care to see [Maxwell] Anderson's rendition of Mary Stuart [Mary of Scotland, 1933]. Is trying hard to complete work on Lucy Gayheart, but people won't leave her alone. Hates meeting with financial advisors who tell her she is losing money. W. [Stout #1209]
Wishes she could have accompanied them to Marseilles; has always liked it. Isabelle wrote that Yehudi's concert in Paris was a great success. Expects to finish new book before leaving in July for Grand Manan. Hoping hand will be well enough to let her enjoy the rougher life there. Will use splint if it hurts. As Shakespeare writes, "My very chains and I grow friends..." Hopes they can read Shakespeare together again some day. Greetings to all. Aunt Willa [Stout #1225]
Sorry to have missed her when she was in town. Was in Atlantic City. Has had an arduous time with the left wrist. New book about a month from finishing. P.S.: Has been telling people she was away. Keeps it a secret when she is in town so people won't bother her. Willa Cather [Stout #1227]
Please pick out some good canned fruit for Mrs. Lambrecht's birthday. It's terribly hot in New York, but has stayed in town to finish Lucy Gayheart. To be serialized in Woman's Home Companion starting in April 1935, preceding book publication. Magazine's offer was too good to refuse. Sorry they are having such a drought. Expects to leave for Grand Manan mid-month. Willie [Stout #1228]
Has enjoyed her summer here, after the bad winter with her injured tendon. Has read galley proofs of Lucy Gayheart and thinks it is pretty good after all. Serializing it first to maximize income during these hard times. Economic troubles in the Midwest have been compounded by unbearable heat and drought. Looking forward to seeing The Old Maid. Prefers not to read the novel from which it was adapted. Someday hopes to see her home. Has just been watching a pod of whales in the water just in front of her house. Does so enjoy the North Atlantic; has less and less interest in the South, though she used to yearn for it so much. P.S.: Leaving for Jaffrey, N.H., September 15. Willa [Stout #1234]
So she is about to be married to a Mr. Bokum! Best wishes. Don't read new story in Woman's Home Companion; wait for the book. Willa Cather [Stout #1252]
