Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Side Tracks

I sent off my novel manuscript two weeks ago, laid back for a bit of down time, and was enjoying my Memorial Day weekend when I got a frantic call from Son, who needs some paperwork, if I have any, relating to an urgent personal matter.

Well, that put the kibosh on a leisure weekend. I've been looking for said paperwork ever since. Making a little progress, but not enough. I'll keep looking.

In the meantime, today I pulled up a manuscript I've had on the back burner. Tonight is my writer's group meeting, and I need something to read. Since this is the next manuscript I'll be working on, it's about time to dust it off and get back to work. You'll probably be hearing more about "Slim" in the weeks to come.

Wish me luck--both with the manuscript and the paperwork search. Thanks!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Strange Weather

Calendar - 2008 - check
Month - May - check
Day - Thursday - check
Date - 22nd - check
Weather - freezing rain, hail, snow, rain - check?
Music - Bolero, played at a deafening level to drown out the thunder - check

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

American Idol Finale

A couple of years ago, who knew I would be such a reality show junkie? Okay, let me qualify that. I watch two reality shows: American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.

Let me tell you. Yesterday was horrible. The shows played head-to-head, along with the season finale of NCIS. Without TiVo, what's a girl to do but flip channels all night? I know, I can get the DVDs for the series show, but the reality shows are live!

Tonight's American Idol finale was very enjoyable. So nice to see members of the Top Twelve back. I thought Carly and Michael were very hot in their duet of "My Baby Wrote Me a Letter." In addition to the regulars, the night was star-studded, and sometimes in surprising ways, like Gladys Knight and the pseudo Pips: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey, Jr. I hope the downloads make a mint for charity.

Graham Nash and Brooke White rocked. So did David Cook and ZZ Top. Fernando Lapuz did much better in the audition round than he did tonight with "I Am Your Brother," though. However, George Michael looked and sounded even better than he did all season on "Eli Stone." His first American tour in 17 years kicks off in San Diego soon. The power of television is wonderful.

And the winner? Although I speed-dialed for my choice for two solid hours, with a lead of 12 million votes, it was David . . . . .


Spoiler Alert


Spoiler


You can look now


. . . . Cook!


Congratulations to the two Davids!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

In Honor of Miss Snark . . .


. . . the literary agent, who retired her blog one year ago. Miss Snark, we appreciate all you did for us, unworthy writers that we are.

Patricia has put up a blog site entitled "Snarklights" here, where devotees of Miss Snark can gather to post comments today. Her purpose is not to lure Miss Snark out of blogging retirement, but to honor her service to writers.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Whoopeeeeee!

You may have guessed that today went better than yesterday. Yup, you're right. MSWord played nice, and I submitted the manuscript for my novel, Trail of Storms, to two terrific publishers.

You gotta love email!

Now I have to take the advice I've given dozens of writers: have patience, and go do something else while you wait to hear the fate of your darling baby.

Yeah. I will. Have patience, and do something else. I'll take deep breaths, go catch Lost tonight, watch Brigadoon and a couple of other movies, sleep for a day, read a Bernard Cornwell novel I have to take back to the library soon, write up more Author Interviews, read a couple of ARCs, and dig out my uncompleted novel, Slim and the Schoolmarm, which is my next WIP.

In the meantime, rejoice with me for this accomplishment! Then go fill out that contact information form I put up on my website so I can let you know where to buy Trail of Storms.

Counting chickens too early? Nah. Just building up my publicity resources. The novel will be published!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Frustrations

It's been a heck of a day.

First of all, I can't seem to get my fingers to hit the right keys. I think that's because, even though it's almost the middle of May, for gosh sakes, I'm freezing. My fingers are kinda numb.

Second of all, MSWord seems bent on killing my novel. It keeps telling me it has encountered a problem and has to shut down. Then it's been telling me it doesn't want to recover my book file because somewhere along the way it became corrupted. Pish and tush! Not true!

So, I decided to turn off the computer for a couple of hours and see if that helps Word get over its snit. I haven't tried it yet, since I just turned the computer back on, and remembered that I was suppose to blog on another site today.

The third thing is, Blogger is acting kind of weird. First I got the little yellow pencils that tell me I can edit the post. The problem is, I was on someone else's blog. Then I tried to log in, and Blogger wouldn't let me. I finally got on. I'm here, but I don't have much to say.

Fortunately, on the novel thing, I have backup files all over the place, and another computer with a better behaved Word. Right now, though, I'm going to bed and see if the morning brings a better outlook on life and some warmth to my house. C'ya later.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Author Interview: Michele Ashman Bell

It's my great pleasure to have as my guest today LDS author Michele Ashman Bell. Michele is known for both satisfying LDS romances and children's books in the "Latter-day Spies" series. Her newest book is A Modest Proposal. Michele lives with her family in Utah.

Welcome, Michele. You've had success in several areas of LDS fiction. What made you start writing?

For me, writing evolved out of my love of reading and books, and my diligence in keeping a journal as a youth. Growing up, reading was a passion for me. In fact, I used to get in trouble in high school because I would hide my novel inside my text book and read during class. Not always a smart idea. I devoured books and still count reading as my favorite past-time. As for journal writing, I realize now that writing my emotions and feelings down in my journal was a natural and comfortable way for me to express myself. In fact, I distinctly remember a time in high school when a boy I was dating really hurt my feelings. I was sad and mad and extremely upset. I didn’t have the guts to let him know how I felt, so I wrote a six page letter telling him exactly what I thought about him and what he did to me. I never gave him the letter because once I got it down on paper, it was out of my system and I was over it. And him! Great way to clear one’s thoughts and vent one’s emotions.


Skip ahead a few years and the thing that started me writing, or at least attempting to write, happened one day when I was a young mother with two small children. While they were both napping I sat down to read my issue of Good Housekeeping. At the time, they used to include short stories in their magazine. This particular time I read the story and was amazed at how dumb I thought the story was. As I threw the magazine down, I remember saying out loud, “I could write a story better than that!” This became a personal challenge for me and I decided to see if I really could. I took my kids and off we went to the library in search of “How to Write” books. The rest is history.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?

Great question. I started writing twenty years ago. (When I was five.) (Okay, I was ten.) (Never mind.) Anyway, I am always a bit bugged and jealous when I hear about people who got their first book published. It took me ten years! I have a stack of rejection letters that is over an inch thick. I kept every stinking one of those rejections because I thought that one day if I ever did get published I would be able to look at them and realize how wrong they all were. My first book sold in 1998. Now that I look back, those ten years were really my education and refining years when I really figured out how to write and what kind of books I enjoyed writing. I wouldn’t trade them for anything because of all I learned. It also helped me become very thick skinned, which is helpful in this line of work.

Robert Newton Peck said ten years is about right for a writing apprenticeship. What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?

I am a control freak so it’s probably no surprise that I plot my stories and work off an outline. I compare it to a person going on a trip without a map. You know where you want to go but without a map it’s difficult to find out how to get there. Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t take little side trips and explore all the possibilities, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t find another route, if it begins to work better or fits the story better. I like the structure of an outline, but I’m always revising it and changing it. As freaky as it sounds, my characters take on a life of their own and surprise me all the time. They are like children, they don’t always mind. But sometimes that’s a very good thing.

I know how it is, dealing with stubborn characters. How do you choose your characters' names?

It’s a lot like naming a child. Certain names fit certain characteristics and names are very important to me. Depending on the character some names are trendy and current, some are traditional and common. I’ve borrowed names from family members, friends, my kids, my kids’ friends, and people in my ward, in my stake, and out of the phone book. I am careful not to give a bad guy or jerky character the name of a loved one, because I wouldn’t want them to think I think they are like the character. You have to be careful. But I like to have fun with names.

What is your daily schedule like?

I “try” and spend time writing every morning. Of course, I’m a mother; therefore I don’t always have control of my time or my life. I usually get beds made and dishes done, then I’ll go to my office and catch up on email (which can be a mistake because I get distracted) then I get to work. I am not able to spend more than two or three hours a day writing, if that. I do start with prayer and I believe Heavenly Father helps make up the difference. I can never, ever put my writing in front of my children or my calling. That’s a promise I made to myself and my family.

How do you handle life interruptions?

Unless I have a killer deadline, I make myself walk away from my computer if someone in my family needs me. That doesn’t mean my mind stops working on the story and I’ll usually jot thoughts and ideas down for when I can get back to the computer. I try really hard not to answer the phone if I’m working, but I am curious and always look to see who might be calling. People don’t always get it when they call and ask what I’m doing and I tell them I’m writing. They don’t understand and of course continue to talk. I try to be patient and nice, but sometimes it eats up my writing time. I try not to let it make me crazy, but it is a challenge to keep it all in balance.

Do you write to music? If so, with lyrics or only instrumentals?

I get too distracted, so I don’t write to music. I tried, and I ended up daydreaming and listening to the songs.

What food or snack keeps the words flowing?

Pretty much anything. I have nothing specific. I find that if I get sleepy or experience any writers block, I will take a break and go get a snack, then go back to my story and usually sort things out and move forward. Depending on the time of day, I’m always up for peanut M&M’s or Hot Tamales. I am a snack food junkie so I will eat a handful or pretzels or crackers too. I am a gum chewer so I keep plenty of that handy.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?

I love it when you get so lost in the story you don’t even realize you are writing because it is like you are watching the movie of your story in your head and you are merely acting as scribe and writing down what you are watching. There are times I’ll go back and read what I’ve written and not even remember writing it.

My least favorite part of writing is revisions. Even though revising always strengthens the story, it is a chore trying to make changes and make everything flow and be consistent with changes you make.

Tell us about your new book, A Modest Proposal.

I got the idea for this series as I sat at book signings and marveled at how many of the wonderful women I met were either with, or talked about, their women friends and/or family, their support group, so to speak. As I realized this I began asking women about it. Nearly all of them had a group they were very close to. Either it was sisters and sisters-in-law, or friends from school, from their ward, work or neighborhood. I love this about women and wanted to write a series based on this. My story is about five friends in high school who experience a traumatic incident on graduation day that bonds them together for life. They realize that they are all heading out into the world, going their own directions, and they wanted to stay in touch. So they promise to meet once a year and have a reunion.


The book skips ahead to when they are turning thirty and picks up on where they are in their lives. Each book in the series will be the story of one of the women in the group. The first book, A Modest Proposal, tells about Lauryn, who becomes a dress designer in New York and is convinced that she can design high fashion clothes that are still modest. I chose this theme because I have daughters and we get frustrated with this all the time. It’s difficult to find clothes, especially prom dresses, that are beautiful and stylish, but also modest. My book is dedicated to all the moms and daughters who have spent time in dressing rooms crying because they are so frustrated.

What is your next project?

Of course, I will be writing the next book in my series, but I am also going to write sequels to some of my existing books. I’ve had many wonderful fans request sequels and I’ve promised I would write them. I’m excited to go back and visit old friends (characters in books) and see what’s going on in their lives. I also want to continue my children’s series.

What is your advice for other writers?

Other writers, meaning people who want to become writers, or people who are writers? I have no advice for people who are already published, because I feel like I am still learning the craft and draw inspiration from the wonderful books and successes of my peers. For those who want to become writers, the best and only advice I would give is to write what’s in your heart and don’t ever, ever give up if you want it badly enough. I am not the most gifted writer, but I am a very hard working writer. You can make up for talent with hard work.


Thank you for being my guest, Michele.
Thanks for having me.


Michele Ashman Bell has a long list of published work:
An Unexpected Love, 1998 - Covenant Communications
An Enduring Love, 1998 - Covenant Communications
A Forever Love, 1999 - Covenant Communications
Yesterday’s Love, 2000 - Covenant Communications
Love After All, 2000 - Covenant Communications
Love Lights the Way, 2001 - Covenant Communications
Written in the Stars, 2001 - Covenant Communications
A Candle in the Window, - booklet 2001 – Covenant Communications
Without a Flaw, 2002 - Covenant Communications
Pathway Home, 2003 - Covenant Communications
Finding Paradise, 2004 - Covenant Communications
Timeless Moments, 2003 - Covenant Communications
Forget Me Not, 2005 - Covenant Communications
A Cardboard Christmas - booklet, 2005 - Covenant Communications
Perfect Timing, 2006 - Covenant Communications
A Candle in the Window, - hardcover 2006 - Covenant Communications
Happily Forever After, 2007 - Spring Creek Book Company

Children’s Books
Latter-day Spies: Spyhunt, 2004 - Covenant Communications
Latter-day Spies: Dragon’s Jaw, 2005 - Covenant Communications
Latter-day Spies: Rescue, 2006 - Covenant Communications

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Updates to my Website

There are a couple of changes on my website. I've moved the News feature into a column alongside the books display. I've also added a link to a new page with a form. The purpose of the form is to collect your contact information so I can get a hold of you to let you know when my next novel is available for purchase.

I know it's been a long time between my last novel and this one. Therefore, I don't want to extend the wait for you, if all it takes is an email, a letter, or a phone call from me to let you know it's out!

Because I can't get a CGI form email script to work on my website hosting server (TMI, yes, I know), a click on the link will transfer you to an old free service I keep around for just such a reason. The form runs just fine from there. Sorry about the Yahoo ads. Once you send the form, you will be returned to my regular site.

I will collect and preserve your information in a confidential manner, and no one else will get their hands on it. I promise.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Mother's Wisdom

I'm pleased to announce that an essay I wrote about lessons I learned from my mother has been published in a book recently released from Leatherwood Press, Mother's Wisdom: Lessons from Sons and Daughters. The hardcover compilation is available at Deseret Book stores, and online at Deseretbook.com. My essay is entitled "Perfect in Salt, Perfect in Soda."

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Author Interview: Sherry Monahan

Today's Author Interview is with Sherry Monahan. Her unique book, Taste of Tombstone, was originally published in 1998, and received two 1999 Glyph Awards from the Arizona Book Publisher’s Association. Featuring a new cover and updated information, Taste of Tombstone was just re-released by the University of New Mexico Press.

Sherry is a member of Women Writing the West, Western Writers of America, and the North Carolina Writer's Network. Her articles have appeared in True West Magazine and Arizona Highways. Her previous books include The Wicked West: Boozers, Cruisers, Gamblers, and More; and Pikes Peak: Adventurers, Communities and Lifestyles. She resides in North Carolina.

Welcome, Sherry! What made you start writing?
I visited Tombstone back in the 1990s and fell in love. We visited there a few times to look at buying land, and it happened on one of those trips. I love to write and love to cook, but had not done either professionally. I started wondering what they ate in Tombstone during its heyday…and that’s how it began.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I actually wrote for my high school newspaper, and had a job writing policy and procedure manuals before I wrote Taste of Tombstone. However, I didn’t begin researching and writing that until 1995. By sold, I assume you mean when a publisher first accepted my book. My first, being Taste of Tombstone, came in January 1998. However, the publisher’s letter of acceptance was issued September 16, 1996 (I still have the letter).

You have published several non-fiction works, as well as worked in television. Have you ever been tempted to write fiction?
You know, I have, and have been working on one.

How do you decide what topics to write about?
It started with Tombstone from my visit, but then I wanted to branch out. My next book, Pike Peaks: Adventurers, Communities and Lifestyles, is really a family book. One of my relatives lived in Colorado Springs in the early 1900s and they photographed the area. Many of the photos in the book were taken by them, and the woman on the cover is my Great great Aunt Ivah. Next came, The Wicked West: Boozers, Cruisers, Gamblers, and More, which is a super collection of stories from all over the west. Lastly is Tombstone’s Treasure: Silver Mines and Golden Saloons.

It’s kind of funny, but the last two books were actually one when I started. I hired a professional editor to go over the book before I sent it to a publisher. I wanted to attract more than Tombstone readers so I tossed in a few stories from all over the west. She thought it wasn’t focused and had me delete the non-Tombstone stories. Well, I couldn’t just let all that good research go to waste, so I created the Wicked West. Now I have two books instead of one.

From your blog and Taste of Tombstone, I've deduced that you enjoy good food and adult beverages. When you're writing, what food or snack keeps the words flowing?
Yes, you deduced well. I love food and enjoy a good bottle of wine. However, I don’t drink during the day because I like to stay focused and alert. I love to snack on salted almonds, buffalo jerky, and I try to drink a lot of water.

Do you write to music? If so, with lyrics or only instrumentals?
Sometimes I do. It’s usually the local radio station. Once in a while I will listen to a CD, but it’s mostly silent.

How do you research your topics?
Wow, that’s a tough one. It really depends upon my subject. Right now I am using old newspapers online. I also visit local archives and historical societies.

You have a day job. What type of writing schedule do you have?
Yes, I do. I work full-time as a marketing writer. The schedule can be crazy some days because our clients have deadlines.

How do you handle life interruptions?
As they come. I get stressed when I can't work on my books, but sometimes the distractions can be good. I always say that things happen for a reason.

What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?
A best-selling book!

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
I get to share some awesome historical stories with people. Trying to get my book(s) published.

Tell us about Taste of Tombstone.
It’s been out for 10 years. When I wrote that book I never thought it would be around for that long and still going strong. Well, that is, thanks to the University of New Mexico Press! The original publisher went out of business two years after it was published and the last copies were dwindling down.

It’s a book about Tombstone’s hospitality businesses – ice cream parlors, bakeries, hotels, restaurants, etc. It’s half history and half recipes. The recipes are based on the “Bills of fare” or menus that were printed in the 1880s Tombstone papers. I like to say that you can actually taste history and eat what Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday ate while they lived there.

What is your next project?
I have three going right now, but the one that is done and needing a publisher is a book about pioneer Anglo women who left their eastern and Midwestern homes and went west. Its focus is about the food they cooked along the trails. Yes, it includes recipes that would have been made by them.

What is your advice for other writers?
Persistence is key. You just can’t give up or it will never happen. Authors, especially first-timers, need to offer publishers more than a great book. They want someone who has a marketing plan, an internet presence, and something other than a book they can market. They have lots of great books, so ask yourself what makes you and yours so special?

Thank you for being my guest for today's interview, Sherry.
Thanks!

Sherry has published a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Tombstone, which is available at her website, www.wildwestinfo.com. She is also a contributing editor for True West Magazine; the 2007 & 2008 Vice President-Marketing for Women Writing the West; and the Historical Consultant for the movie "The Territory”. You can see her on the 2007 Lost Worlds episode called Sin City of the West on the History Channel; and she has appeared on the Wild West Tech series in the Gold Rush Tech and Gambling Tech shows. You can also catch her in the Investigating History series in the Wyatt Earp episode.
Read Sherry's blog, An Author's Journal, at http://www.sherrymonahan.blogspot.com/.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Listen to the Spirit

Today is Fast & Testimony Meeting in LDS congregations around the world. That doesn't mean it goes quickly, but that the members gather for worship in a state of fasting and prayer, to share their testimonies of and thanks for the role of God in their lives.

In the LDS Church, we don't have a paid clergyman who gives a sermon each week. After the congregation participates in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, spiritual talks are given by assignment by members of the ward or branch (the former is larger than the latter). However, on the first Sunday of the month, the worship service follows a slightly different format. Talk time is given over to whichever members may be inspired to get up on shaky legs, approach the pulpit, and share their personal testimonies. The shaky legs part comes not so much from infirmities of age, but from nerves or hesitation or being overwhelmed with spiritual emotion. It's certainly not required, but is a frequent state among those who come forward.

I have a bird's eye view of the pulpit, since I play the organ for meetings. I get to see tiny children stretching up on tippy toes to speak into the microphone to witness to others what they know in their young hearts of Jesus and His gospel. I see young men and young women baring their souls in gratitude for a personal Savior. I see adults of all ages brought to tears by their belief in a Heavenly Father who loves them, no matter their trials and faults. They strengthen my faith.

Sometimes, God, this Heavenly Father we love so much, has messages for us, and sometimes they come as we are moved by the spirit that others share in such meetings. That happened for me today. The message isn't important for you to know. What is important is that I was listening and received it, and acting on it will have an impact far beyond my insulated life. How grateful I am that I could hear His message in my heart. It might have passed over me if I hadn't been in a quiet, reverent state, listening to the impromptu speakers with a soul open to a heavenly message.

The people of this world need to do that more: listen, receive, act. Can you find that quiet place today, where God can speak to you?
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