Since Dancing in Heaven is now in the Netherlands, or Holland, (Can someone explain the name to me?) I thought you might like to learn a little bit more about the country from an insider.
Here are two former posts from Marion on Figments of a Dutchess. They give interesting information about Holland.
The first is from February of this year. Marion writes, “Here in Holland, a century old fever is starting to rise. If first appeared in 1909, a fever that grows more severe with every frosty day. The colder it gets, the higher the Dutch fever flares. It is called the Elfstedentocht-fever. . .” read more.
The second is from January and speaks to the precarious geography the inhabits of Holland find themselves in, and makes me wonder if perhaps I should have put Dancing in Heaven in a waterproof container. . .
Marion writes, “Last week, Holland was in a high state of alert: due to a storm and onshore winds, the dikes of the northern provinces were about to be breached by the rough seas. The water relentlessly pushed towards the shores, so the excess water could not be pumped back to keep our feet dry. Animals had to be taken to safety, houses flooded and things looked grim for a while. . .” read more.
I think you’ll find these two short posts informative and interesting—offering another perspective of life in a distant country. The second one contains a little international surprise (not particularly pleasant) at the end for my American friends. At least it surprised me.
For more information on Holland you can check out http://www.government.nl/ — the main English-language news site for the Dutch government, including a daily E-zine.
Christine M. Grote 
Holland actually refers to the two provinces, North and South Holland. My parents come from those two provinces. There are several more provinces in the country, so the proper term is the Netherlands as a whole. Otherwise it would be like referring to Americans as Missourians, or Canadians as Albertans.
I couldn’t have explained it better.
Thank you, William. That was very helpful.
thank you and let me know more about this country.
You could visit Marion’s website that I linked. She sometimes has photos and information of what her life is like there.
great:) will check it out:)
I remember in elementary school when the teacher read to us “Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates”
I’ve heard of it, but never read it. Did you follow the first link I posted from Marion about the skating?
Good to learn these things. I only ever spent one day in Amsterdam. Is it fun to thnk about your book being in Europe?
Hugs,
Kathy
Yes, it is fun to think about it. I’ve never been to Amsterdam, or anywhere in the Netherlands, but would like to go.
Brussels is as close as I’ve gotten.
You might enjoy this article, Christine:
http://nancycurteman.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/how-to-promote-your-book-for-free/
I’ve been to Germany, and that’s as close as I’ve gotten. Thanks for the link. I actually have done most of what she suggests. That felt good to know. Thanks for thinking of me.
I spent two weeks in Holland with my best friend a few years ago. What a lovely country. I would go back any day for a visit.
I’ve heard it’s very nice. I would love to go too, maybe on a family genealogy trip. Mark’s family comes from not too far away from there.
I love seeing the architecture of different places. Interesting how unique it can be.
It is. Have you ever been to Cincinnati? The older neighborhoods here that were built in the hills have a very unique house structure. They are basically one-room wide and go back like long narrow boxes that are arranged closely side-by-side.
Great post, great links!! I was so lucky to visit when I was a teen — one of my favorite European countries. Beautiful!
Yes. Your early travels were a gift.