One of my younger sisters lives in Minnesota. I don't know how she does it, but she's lived there almost 21 years, so she's apparently found a way to adapt to the land of the frozen tundra. She married a man who grew up in Michigan, so he doesn't know any better ... but she does! Regardless, they've been married 25 years, so it seems to be working out for her! Her husband is a good man. He's a good provider, a good husband, and a good father. He's a pretty good brother-in-law (living 700 miles away, it's hard for him to be an intrusive in-law!), and he's really funny. He has a very quick, sarcastic wit and I enjoy talking to him.
It's a good thing her husband didn't marry me. I don't think he would have been very happy. I mean, really ... how happy could a man be if his wife won't take off her clothes nine months out of the year? And how romantic would it be to sleep with a woman who wears a snowsuit to bed from August until June?
For their 25th Anniversary, they went on a cruise. And where do people who live in Minnesota like to cruise to? If you guessed the Caribbean, you would be oh-so-wrong. They went on a cruise to ... (drum roll, please) ... Alaska! I've seen a lot of their pictures, and my sister looked happy. She was smiling, so I assume she was happy. Of course, she could have been smiling inside the cabin, walked outside and the smile froze on her face. But, she was smiling none-the-less!
The kids and I went to Minnesota one June to visit them. I figured it was safe to visit Minnesota in June!
Boy, I was wrong.
I nearly froze to death! I slept in my jeans and a jacket. It was cold enough that I would have been wearing a winter coat at home, and they had the air conditioner on!! When my sister found out I was sleeping in jeans and a jacket, she said "Oh, Jackie, you should have told me!" I expected the next sentence to be, "We could have turned the air off." But that's not what she said at all. Instead, she finished by saying, "We have more blankets."
I wanted to cry! I didn't want blankets ... I wanted heat! I didn't really expect them to turn the heater on, but I really hoped they would turn the air conditioner off!
We went to one of their kids soccer games. My kids and I were huddled in a pile like puppies, trying to stay warm ... while all the Minnesota-ites walked around in shorts and tank tops! (I'm not really sure how they refer to themselves ... ("idiots" is the first word that pops up in my mind) ... but that's probably not how they prefer to be referenced ... so Minnesota-ites it is!)
Their oldest daughter will be in her third year of college this year. She was excited about going to school down south, where it's so much warmer. And it is a lot warmer where she goes to school, but it's hardly "down south". She's going to school in St. Louis, Missouri!
That poor, frozen thing!
If I accomplish only one thing in life, it will be to never live someplace so cold that winter in St. Louis is warm!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
A New Dress!!
My daughters went shopping and came home with a surprise for me ... they found a dress I had pinned on Pinterest and bought it for me! Wasn't that incredibly thoughtful and sweet? I must say, I really do have some pretty amazing kiddo's!
There is nothing like a pretty dress to put a smile on my face :)
There is nothing like a pretty dress to put a smile on my face :)
Monday, July 15, 2013
Agents
Like every other aspiring writer out there, I've read a multitude of books written to help unpublished authors successfully query agents and pen a concise synopsis of their work. I have also found a plethora of agent blogs that showcase query letters, both good and bad. The bad ones really need no comment ... once you read them, the agent doesn't really need to tell you why they decided to pass on that particular piece of work.
It's the ones they find compelling enough to request more from that I find titillating. One blog I read showcases successful query letters on a regular basis. The letter is printed in its entirety, then the agent describes what it was about the letter that led them to request all or part of the manuscript, which in most cases, led to an offer to represent them and a publishing contract.
Reading the letters and the agent comments only reinforced my decision to be a writer, as I would not be a very good agent. They have the ability to select works that don't appeal to their own personal taste, but know what is selling, and those are the ones they select.
As a rule, I do not enjoy paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi plots. You know the Twilight Saga that made a gazillion dollars in books, movies, posters, t-shirts, etc.? I would have passed on that and missed out on all that money. I probably wouldn't have even had the courtesy to respond to the query with a "no thank you" ... I would have rolled my eyes and hit delete.
I did, however, read and enjoy The Hunger Games trilogy. Although it probably falls into the "fantasy" category, it read to me as though it was set in the future, and the things described were plausible.
That's what I look for ... plausible. No ghosts, no vampires, no fairies or other non-existent things. While there is a HUGE audience for that kind of work, it just doesn't do anything for me.
I would not be a good agent, but I am a good writer. Writing for me is easy, finding an agent, however, is not. A lot of famous and fabulously wealthy authors have been passed on by agents who did not see the value in their work, and ended up missing out on a real gravy train. Knowing it's hard does not deter my quest for the elusive unicorn ... er ... agent! I just have to find an agent who sees the potential in my work. He/she is out there ... I just have to find them :)
It's the ones they find compelling enough to request more from that I find titillating. One blog I read showcases successful query letters on a regular basis. The letter is printed in its entirety, then the agent describes what it was about the letter that led them to request all or part of the manuscript, which in most cases, led to an offer to represent them and a publishing contract.
Reading the letters and the agent comments only reinforced my decision to be a writer, as I would not be a very good agent. They have the ability to select works that don't appeal to their own personal taste, but know what is selling, and those are the ones they select.
As a rule, I do not enjoy paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi plots. You know the Twilight Saga that made a gazillion dollars in books, movies, posters, t-shirts, etc.? I would have passed on that and missed out on all that money. I probably wouldn't have even had the courtesy to respond to the query with a "no thank you" ... I would have rolled my eyes and hit delete.
I did, however, read and enjoy The Hunger Games trilogy. Although it probably falls into the "fantasy" category, it read to me as though it was set in the future, and the things described were plausible.
That's what I look for ... plausible. No ghosts, no vampires, no fairies or other non-existent things. While there is a HUGE audience for that kind of work, it just doesn't do anything for me.
I would not be a good agent, but I am a good writer. Writing for me is easy, finding an agent, however, is not. A lot of famous and fabulously wealthy authors have been passed on by agents who did not see the value in their work, and ended up missing out on a real gravy train. Knowing it's hard does not deter my quest for the elusive unicorn ... er ... agent! I just have to find an agent who sees the potential in my work. He/she is out there ... I just have to find them :)
Thursday, July 11, 2013
A Working Vacation
I recently spent some time traveling around Georgia and the Carolina's. It was both a vacation and to do research for my latest book. Past vacations have always been going to one place and staying for the duration, with a short trips to see nearby sights. This vacation had us moving around a lot, and I was afraid I'd made it stressful rather than relaxing, but we had an amazing time! Here are some highlights:
This is why they're called the Smoky Mountains
The Ocoee River, site of the Canoe Slalom for the 1996 Olympics
This is why they're called the Smoky Mountains
The Ocoee River, site of the Canoe Slalom for the 1996 Olympics
The Supermoon rising over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blue Ridge, GA
The Blue Ridge Mountains from our deck in Blue Ridge, GA
Morning coffee on the deck in Blue Ridge, GA
My daughters and I in front of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC
Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort, SC ... how ingenious to use porch swing as park benches!
The picturesque marina in Beaufort, SC
A majestic live oak tree, dripping with Spanish moss, growing in the middle of North Street in Beaufort, SC (Note: It has the right of way!)
Hunting Island Lighthouse (I love lighthouses!)
Shrimpers catching my dinner off Hunting Island, SC
And here's a picture of what's left that dinner. It was undoubtedly THE best shrimp salad I've ever had the privilege to eat
A spectacular sunset over northeastern Georgia
And last, but not least, my daughters hamming it up in front of the incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring Angel Tree on John's Island, SC (estimated to be 300-400 years old)
The unpaved, dirt road leading to the Angel Tree was impassable due to recent rains, so we had to back down the narrow road about a half a mile (where stunt-worthy backwards driving impressed my daughters!), and hike the a half mile back to the tree. It was thundering and lightening (in the distance), and we were caught in a torrential downpour. I know it is unwise to walk under a canopy of towering trees on the way to a gigantic tree during a thunderstorm, but we had driven an hour and a half to see it. I have wanted to see this tree for years and I just couldn't force myself turn around and leave when we were this close!!
We slogged through the muddy road ... in sandals. We were dirty and soaking wet when we reached the tree ... but we were rewarded for our efforts. Pictures do not do justice to the majesty of this tree. It is truly incredible to behold!
The rain was slowing as we walked back to our car, passing a dozen or so others on their way to see the tree. Each and every one, without exception, asked "Is it worth it?" Meaning, of course, walking a half mile, in the mud, in the rain, just to see a silly tree!
We answered honestly. "YES!"
One man asked if it was worth it, and we said yes. His daughters passed, then his wife. She looked at me and asked skeptically, "Is it really?" I told her yes, it is absolutely worth it.
Because it really and truly is worth the walk ... in the rain, through the mud!
We had an amazing time, and like all vacations, it ended too soon. But, I have a good life here at home, so I don't guess I have too much to complain about!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
The National Anthem
As I stood beside my daughter, both of us holding our hand over our hearts, I looked around and noticed nearly everyone I could see was doing the same.
It made me proud.
For as long as I can remember, I have gotten choked up and fight back tears when The Star Spangled Banner is played. That song means something to me. I can't explain why I get so teary-eyed, but it moves me, deep inside. I guess I just love America ... with every fiber of my being.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Autographed Pre-Orders and Book Trailer for A Summer in Ocracoke
Pre-orders are now being accepted for an autographed copy of A Summer in Ocracoke, which will be released September 9, 2013 ... (Click here for ordering options.).
The book trailer is made and is available. I think it turned out quite well!
The book trailer is made and is available. I think it turned out quite well!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Happy Father's Day
I love my sweet kids. A little heavy-handed? Okay ... I love my kids when they're sweet!! I thought I'd share with you the plant I got for Father's Day, along with a card that said ..
"Happy Father's Day Mama!"
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
'A Summer in Ocracoke' ... my first proof copy arrived today!
Now I get to read it and look for errors. If I don't find any, it will go to my "editors" for a once over. I believe I had three proofs of Boomerang before it went to press.
I think the jacket art turned out nicely. My name needs adjusted at the bottom, but the title and picture itself looks good ... and the back cover doesn't need anything changed.
It feels so good to hold a book I've written!!
I wonder if that feeling ever gets old? I hope not. I hope I get excited every time I hold each new book I write ... every ... single ... time :)
Saturday, June 8, 2013
And my next book is (drumroll, please)
On the Shores of Carolina
That's the title for now. That could change at any time, but I'm pretty sure that's what I will end up calling it. I've heard of authors changing the working title many times during the writing process, or still struggling to come up with one after the work is finished. Not me. I need a title before I can even begin to write. So far, however, I have yet to change a title once I've made the decision.
After much thought, and countless hours I should have been sleeping, I finally decided on how I thought the book should start. So, first thing this morning, I started writing On the Shores of Carolina in earnest.
The first sentence is always the hardest. The entire book will flow from that one, simple thought. I consider it as critical as the very last sentence, and perhaps even more so ... the first page or two have to pique the curiosity of the reader enough to care about the characters and the story they have to tell. If you don't hook your reader in the first paragraph or two, chances are that book is going back to the library or given away ... unread ... and they'll never see the last sentence.
Today I wrote the first chapter and part of the second. So far, I like it. I usually have several false-starts when working on a new novel, and On the Shores of Carolina is no different. I think I wrote the first chapter of A Summer in Ocracoke a couple dozen times before I finally hit on one I liked. Hopefully I won't change my mind, and I won't have to rewrite the first chapter of Carolina a dozen or more times to be satisfied with it.
Speaking of A Summer in Ocracoke, I finished my latest round of edits and the jacket cover design, and have ordered my first proof. I had to order three proofs of Boomerang before I hit the "approved" button. My goal is to have A Summer in Ocracoke available for sale on Tuesday, September 9, 2013. With any luck it will be available before then!
And speaking of Boomerang ... my oldest daughter lent her copy to a co-worker. According to my daughter, this woman loves to read, and romance novels are her favorite. When she gave the book back to my daughter, she said she loved it. She also asked "Is this a local author?" My daughter replied "Yes! My mother!" It made me feel good that she said she loved Boomerang before she found out my daughter was related to the author.
My goal is to release On the Shores of Carolina in September of 2014. I'm hoping it will be sooner, but for now, September of 2014 is the goal.
That's the title for now. That could change at any time, but I'm pretty sure that's what I will end up calling it. I've heard of authors changing the working title many times during the writing process, or still struggling to come up with one after the work is finished. Not me. I need a title before I can even begin to write. So far, however, I have yet to change a title once I've made the decision.
After much thought, and countless hours I should have been sleeping, I finally decided on how I thought the book should start. So, first thing this morning, I started writing On the Shores of Carolina in earnest.
The first sentence is always the hardest. The entire book will flow from that one, simple thought. I consider it as critical as the very last sentence, and perhaps even more so ... the first page or two have to pique the curiosity of the reader enough to care about the characters and the story they have to tell. If you don't hook your reader in the first paragraph or two, chances are that book is going back to the library or given away ... unread ... and they'll never see the last sentence.
Today I wrote the first chapter and part of the second. So far, I like it. I usually have several false-starts when working on a new novel, and On the Shores of Carolina is no different. I think I wrote the first chapter of A Summer in Ocracoke a couple dozen times before I finally hit on one I liked. Hopefully I won't change my mind, and I won't have to rewrite the first chapter of Carolina a dozen or more times to be satisfied with it.
Speaking of A Summer in Ocracoke, I finished my latest round of edits and the jacket cover design, and have ordered my first proof. I had to order three proofs of Boomerang before I hit the "approved" button. My goal is to have A Summer in Ocracoke available for sale on Tuesday, September 9, 2013. With any luck it will be available before then!
And speaking of Boomerang ... my oldest daughter lent her copy to a co-worker. According to my daughter, this woman loves to read, and romance novels are her favorite. When she gave the book back to my daughter, she said she loved it. She also asked "Is this a local author?" My daughter replied "Yes! My mother!" It made me feel good that she said she loved Boomerang before she found out my daughter was related to the author.
My goal is to release On the Shores of Carolina in September of 2014. I'm hoping it will be sooner, but for now, September of 2014 is the goal.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Phones and books
I am still working through some issues on my phone. It's not exactly what I'd design myself, but it's good enough. I can live with the things I don't like (not that I have a choice), and look for applications to replace the ones I'm not thrilled with.
And ... on a completely unrelated note ... I just finished an excellent book by one of the most prolific writers of our day, whom I shall simply call "Author". Author doesn't generally write the type of books I tend to read, but every great once in a while, Author will write a book that does appeal to me. Regardless of whether or not Author writes "my" kind of book, Author is a master storyteller.
Although the subject of this particular book piqued my curiosity, and I was very interested in reading it, it hinted at political undertones ... and Author and I are polar opposites when it comes to politics. I began reading, hoping Author didn't go off on a rant against everything I believe in, which would completely turn me off and force me to quit reading ... because I really wanted to know how the book turned out ... and to my surprise, Author handled the subjects with more diplomacy than I expected. Author's political views came out loud and clear, but they stopped short of cramming them down my throat ... and there were far fewer than I anticipated. I finished the book in record time, and although I was able to predict most the plot twists ... and the ending ... it was still a very good read. One plot twist, however, was very unexpected. I can't go into detail without revealing the Author and the book, but it made Author's political views looks quite bad! I hadn't expected that. I was certain Author was using this novel as a soapbox for why I'm on the "wrong side". I was wrong ... and I'm glad.
More than that, though, I found two major goofs in the book. One where Author said something about not ever needing something the male protagonist had purchased (hence, the money the protagonist had paid was spent for nothing) ... but the item had been used. An entire paragraph described the difficulty the protagonist had using it.
The second, and the biggest goof, was using the last wrong name when speaking of the female protagonist. That's a pretty big goof! Regardless, the book was excellent.
I'm ashamed to admit, but it made me feel a little happy inside to find those errors! I know how they occurred ... it's easy to change one tiny thing and forget you referenced it later, so the two parts of the story don't match. That is frighteningly easy to do. Where Author got the name wrong, it was an understandable error ... the protagonists last name was very similar to another last name that came up often. So why did it make me "happy"? I will tell you ... because if someone as famous as Author, and with the kind of staff and resources at Author's disposal, even Author's books can go to print with blazing errors ... and I won't have to feel like a total failure if an error is discovered in one of mine.
I've read a few other books with big errors like that ... one where some people are running away from an explosion and pass a treasured acquaintance running as well, and is relieved to see that so-and-so made it out safely, too. A few paragraphs later, they are watching the resulting fire, mourning the loss of their friend (the one they saw running out) who surely perished in the explosion. Another had an identical paragraph in twice ... word for word ... with one paragraph in between them. Both of these authors are very well respected, best-selling authors, too.
I may not be perfect, and my novels may contain errors (although I hope not!), but if the big dogs can publish works with errors, perhaps I shouldn't worry myself half-sick that mine will go to print with an error ... and if they do, it's a forgivable offense.
And ... on a completely unrelated note ... I just finished an excellent book by one of the most prolific writers of our day, whom I shall simply call "Author". Author doesn't generally write the type of books I tend to read, but every great once in a while, Author will write a book that does appeal to me. Regardless of whether or not Author writes "my" kind of book, Author is a master storyteller.
Although the subject of this particular book piqued my curiosity, and I was very interested in reading it, it hinted at political undertones ... and Author and I are polar opposites when it comes to politics. I began reading, hoping Author didn't go off on a rant against everything I believe in, which would completely turn me off and force me to quit reading ... because I really wanted to know how the book turned out ... and to my surprise, Author handled the subjects with more diplomacy than I expected. Author's political views came out loud and clear, but they stopped short of cramming them down my throat ... and there were far fewer than I anticipated. I finished the book in record time, and although I was able to predict most the plot twists ... and the ending ... it was still a very good read. One plot twist, however, was very unexpected. I can't go into detail without revealing the Author and the book, but it made Author's political views looks quite bad! I hadn't expected that. I was certain Author was using this novel as a soapbox for why I'm on the "wrong side". I was wrong ... and I'm glad.
More than that, though, I found two major goofs in the book. One where Author said something about not ever needing something the male protagonist had purchased (hence, the money the protagonist had paid was spent for nothing) ... but the item had been used. An entire paragraph described the difficulty the protagonist had using it.
The second, and the biggest goof, was using the last wrong name when speaking of the female protagonist. That's a pretty big goof! Regardless, the book was excellent.
I'm ashamed to admit, but it made me feel a little happy inside to find those errors! I know how they occurred ... it's easy to change one tiny thing and forget you referenced it later, so the two parts of the story don't match. That is frighteningly easy to do. Where Author got the name wrong, it was an understandable error ... the protagonists last name was very similar to another last name that came up often. So why did it make me "happy"? I will tell you ... because if someone as famous as Author, and with the kind of staff and resources at Author's disposal, even Author's books can go to print with blazing errors ... and I won't have to feel like a total failure if an error is discovered in one of mine.
I've read a few other books with big errors like that ... one where some people are running away from an explosion and pass a treasured acquaintance running as well, and is relieved to see that so-and-so made it out safely, too. A few paragraphs later, they are watching the resulting fire, mourning the loss of their friend (the one they saw running out) who surely perished in the explosion. Another had an identical paragraph in twice ... word for word ... with one paragraph in between them. Both of these authors are very well respected, best-selling authors, too.
I may not be perfect, and my novels may contain errors (although I hope not!), but if the big dogs can publish works with errors, perhaps I shouldn't worry myself half-sick that mine will go to print with an error ... and if they do, it's a forgivable offense.
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