Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap

The truth about running a small business

2012-01-24T18:46:00.000-06:00

Authors at the Edmond Authors Book Fair 2012

I'm part of a large group. Yes, the photo above is of a large group of authors, with me sort of in the second row, but I'm talking about a different large group: a member in the small business nation.

     As I watched a commercial on television the other day, I thought, "Oh, my, that's me, only my name isn't Dave." No, I don't do all the jobs in 4RV Publishing, but I do many I never realized a president would do. I've been forced into the technical age, kicking and screaming. However, I had to do the jobs no one else could do because he/she didn't exist. The 4RV Bookstore site, for example, is one of my accomplishments. I finished revamping it today, well, finished until more books are out, but I think I have the setup where adding authors and books won't be very hard -- I hope.

   I do the bookkeeping, the advertising, promotions, recruiting, and anything else that no one else does. I'm not exactly a one woman operation, though. I have Aidana WillowRaven and Harry Gilleland, excellent editors and proof readers. We have lost some illustrators but are gaining others.

     Small businesses don't get bailouts. We often get bailed on. I still am determined to put out the best books possible for as long as possible.

Bad news

2012-01-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

Just because I didn't "black-out" my site today doesn't mean I like bad new laws. Check out End Piracy, Not Liberty - Google to learn more about what SOPA and PIPA could do to sites like this blog.

Writing groups and book festivals

2012-01-13T12:30:00.000-06:00

As a member and president of the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc) affiliate Pen and Keyboard Writers, I set up programs, send out agendas, and am expected to attend meetings. The writing group meets the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM until noon. Tomorrow, we'll meet for the first time at the local Mardel's in their conference room. Also vehoae, the author of the nonfiction book Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia, will speak about the necessity of researching for writing fiction and nonfiction. She's an interesting speaker and author.

Then at 12:15, I'll be at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum setting up for the annual Edmond Authors Book Fair. Four of us participating are with 4RV Publishing: Horton Deakins, author of Time Pullers which took 5th place out of 90 entries in the Science Fiction division of the Peditors & Editors Readers Poll; vehoe, aka Shirl Yancey; Jacque Graham, included in Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry and one of 4RV's editors; and me.

What surprises me is the fact the local paper hasn't anything about our meeting, even though I sent a news release, or the book festival. Yep, some "local" paper.

However, I still hope for a good sized group to show up for Shirl's presentation and to attend the book fair.

4RV nominations & standings for P & E - ends 10th

2012-01-04T12:07:00.011-06:00

The following, with links, are the nominations for the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll from 4RV Publishing. I've tried to scan all the categories to find 4RV nominations. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I'd been nominated in the Author division. I would appreciate any votes. I added the current standings of each nomination in parentheses after the link and will update daily. The poll ends January 10 (I thought it was the 9th).

Author - Vivian Zabel (~~2nd~~ 3rd)
http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

Print Book and e Publishing - 4RV Publishing (6th)
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml

Romantic novel - The Joke's on Me by Laurie Boris (3rd)
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml

Science Fiction - Time Pullers by Horton Deakins (~~3rd~~ 4th)
   http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml

Children's - Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi (1st)
     Gunther the Underwater Elephant by Ginger Nielson (8th)
   http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml

   Other Novels - Sparrow Alone on the Housetop by Jean
                                           James and Mary James (1st)
                      Aldric & Annaliese by Harry Gilleland (~~8th~~ 9th)

http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml

   Book/ebook cover artwork - Strangers in the Stable by
       Aidana WillowRaven (~~6th~~ 5th)
   http://critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml

   Artist - Aidana WillowRaven

http://critters.org/predpoll/artist.shtml (5th)

We would appreciate any and all votes. The polls close January 10. Also, votes only count one per category (if you vote again, previous votes are deleted), and voters need to finish the process for votes to count. Many will flood votes the last day.

Yes, this is mainly a popularity contest, but placing in the top ten or taking first is still an honor.

Goals, not resolutions

2012-01-02T14:46:00.000-06:00


Image by Ginger Nielson, one of my favorite illustrators

     Another year has dawned, and ready or not, here we go. Some people make resolutions, but I don't any more because I always broke any resolutions I made. Now I make goals, because even if I don't make them completely, I've moved forward because I tried to reach the goal.

   My goals for 2012 are personal, business, and writing. No, although the three may be connected, they are not the same.

     Personal goals include finding ways for Robert and me to spend more quality time together, working or playing together. I want to walk closer to God. I want to pray for my family more. I want to spend more time with my family.

     Business goals include searching for ways to increase financial stability; give authors, illustrators, and staff more; add to our staff; and hopefully continue publishing quality books.

   Writing goals include finishing at least three of the projects I've begun.

     Hopes include placing in several categories in the OWFI writing competition. I entered ten categories, but winners are not announced until the Saturday night banquet of the conference.

     Another hope is for 4RV Publishing and some of the categories that 4RV books and staff members are nominated for the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll take first place. Votes are needed for that to happen.
     Science Fiction - Time Pullers by Horton Deakins
      http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml

      Children's - Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven
                        Gunther the Underwater Elephant by Ginger Nielson
       http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml

     Other Novels - Sparrow Alone on the Housetop by Jean James and Mary James
        http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml

      Print Book and e Publishing ( yes, both) - 4RV Publishing
   http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml

      All I can do now is work toward each goal.

A blessed ending to a difficult year

2011-12-31T09:54:00.001-06:00

December 20, I went to meet an online friend traveling from the east part of the country to the west coast and back, passing through Oklahoma City on his way east. He detoured a few miles north to Edmond so we could finally meet face to face after nearly 10 years of online friendship. We even worked on a children's online magazine together.

After a stop at the post office and grocery store, I returned home to discover Robert had caught another van on fire, the 1996 Ford with a lift that a friend gave him. At least this time he was able to contain the fire until the fire department arrived. To make a long story short, the fire inspector made arrangements to have the van fixed so that Robert would NOT work on it any more. Of course Robert had no option but to do the needed work if he were to have his van, but he should not be doing the work due to his physical problems. However, we didn't have the funds to have someone else do the work, tried that and it wasn't fixed.

We don't know the names of the people who fixed the van, but they removed the gas tank, cleaned it, and replaced it. They replaced the fuel pump. They replaced melted tubes, hoses, and wires. They replaced the burned carpet inside. A wife or maybe more than one made curtains that don't hand loose (a fire hazard). The inside was cleaned until it looks new. The fixed and filled-with-gas van was returned last night.

I pray that God blesses all the wonderful people that gave Robert back his van with its lift in better shape than ever.

Yes, 2011 had many difficult times, but we also had blessings that helped us survive and let us know God still watched over us. The people who helped showed that compassion still exists.

I hope and pray 2012 will be better for every one, but we still need the Lord's guiding hand and loving care.

Heart Update

2011-12-28T10:25:00.001-06:00

I arrived at the heart hospital early yesterday, since I wasn't sure where I was to be. After the lab work was taken and the IV port inserted, I returned to the waiting area to find Randy and his three boys waiting with Robert. They stayed until after the procedure was over (except for leaving to eat). Pastor Mark came by for a short visit and a comforting prayer.

          The procedure before mine had gone quickly, and I was hurried through preparation and was in surgery over an hour earlier than expected. While the cardiologist did my procedure, we visited. He uses locals and Benedryl, so although I was "whoopee," I was conscious. He found nothing wrong. Apparently, when tested, I get a false-positive, or maybe God is extra good and cleaned up the problem first.

         The person who told me on the phone that I would be held just 2 hours after the procedure, if nothing was wrong, was wrong. I was back in the room by 4 PM and had to lie on my back for 6 hours. I was dismissed at 10 PM. Robert had gone home much earlier but said he would come back for me. We were concerned about his driving so late, and Janelle, my daughter through marriage but still my daughter, picked me up.

           I have to be a bit careful for a few day, because as one person told me, the procedure was surgery after all. However, all is well with my heart. Now to find out why the fatigue, pressure band around chest, and breathing problems.

           But my heart is in quite good shape. God is good in so many ways.

Off to the hospital

2011-12-27T08:31:00.000-06:00

          I check into the Oklahoma Heart Hospital this afternoon by 2:00. My heart cath is scheduled for 4. If all goes well, everything is over by 5. If blockage is found as the stress test showed, any stint will be put in place during the procedure. If no stints are needed, I'll be home as soon as I'm on my feet again. If a stint has to be inserted, I'll stay for 24 hours and be home tomorrow evening.

         Robert and I had a good visit with friends and part of our family for Christmas. Now we pray and hope for a great 2012.

After Christmas sale?

2011-12-22T03:55:00.004-06:00

Although my short story entry in the Lulu Short Story contest didn't make the finals, someone at Lulu determined it to be good enough to be entered in the contest for a Nook and $100 gift certificate. The contest catch? The person with the most "customers" (actually supporters) who purchase a download of his/her eBook on December 26 wins.

The rules: Only downloads on December 26 count (so anyone who purchases a copy between now and Tuesday doesn't count, and anyone who downloads after Tuesday doesn't count). The person whose eBook short story accumulates the most downloads, only on that one day, wins.

I wanted to give downloads of One More Mystery away, but I would still have to pay the distribution cost for each download. Of course, doing that I would probably be better off financially if I bought the Nook. I also discovered that it takes 30 days to change the price; therefore, I can't do anything but hope people like the idea of my short story eBook enough (or maybe like me enough) to purchase it.

Oh, you want to know how and where to purchase a download on DECEMBER 26? Please go to Vivian Zabel's page on Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/one-more-mystery/18616450

Rather a different type of after Christmas sale, for one day only, December 26, and then it's more of a popularity contest than a sale. However, if you read the preview of One More Mystery, you might decide it sounds worth having.

By the way, did I say that only downloads on December 26 count? *grin*

Seriously, I would appreciate anyone who did go by and purchase a download of my short story. If you do, you'll get a teaser for the thriller I'm writing. The story line will be incorporated into the novel.

Also, I must give credit to Aidana WillowRaven for designing the cover.

In the meantime, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Another Christmas

2011-12-18T17:59:00.002-06:00

To many, Christmas means a wish for snow or gifts or parties. But what does Christmas mean, really? To me it means family, togetherness, and, most of all, the celebration of Christ's birth.

No, December 25 may not be the actual day of His birth, but since we don't know for sure the day, rather night, he was born, December 25 is as good a representation as any date. The weather the night the angels appeared was cool, even cold. In the area around Bethlehem, that time of year is quite cool to cold. Therefore the weather matches at least.

However, we know the where and why and the who. What else do we need to know?

The shepherds celebrated, but not by having a party or over imbibing. They celebrated by visiting the babe in the manger and worshiping Him. When the magi appeared some time later, they brought the first Christmas gifts and began the practice of giving to others.

We often make lists of all the "things" we would like to receive for Christmas, but do we look outside ourselves to discover what we can give to others? Yes, I like receiving as much as anyone does, even when I know there will be nothing in my stocking except my leg and nothing under the tree with my name, but I much more enjoy giving gifts to others, as much as I can. When I was younger, I gave time and services when I didn't have funds. Now, my body doesn't work well enough to do that, but I can still bake and make items to give.

Being with family is an important part of Christmas for me. Some day I hope all my family can and will be together on Christmas, without it being for a funeral. Until, and if, that day comes, I like spending the Christmas season with as much of my family as possible. Tuesday evening, we'll be at a granddaughter's with her family and her sister's family. We'll be with two granddaughters and their husbands as well as great-grandchildren.

Christmas Eve, I'll be in church, celebrating with my church family. Sometime Christmas day we will drive to the home of our youngest's wife's family to have dinner with good friends and part of the family.

Throughout the season, the sorrows that hide in the shadows will be pushed aside to celebrate the greatest gift to mankind -- Jesus Christ. I'm thankful.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Looking at Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes

2011-12-12T02:20:00.001-06:00

a guest post by Holly Jahangiri

Delicious Anticipation of a Miracle

December has arrived. The Advent calendar has been set up; each day, its doors and windows open, one by one, to reveal the story of Christmas – and a sweet treat to widen a child’s eyes. Streets are lit with the colors of Christmas – some designed to take an adult’s breath away with their magical elegance, others calculated to make children laugh and skip with anticipation. With a little luck, a crisp, clean snow crunches underfoot. Carols play everywhere – music you’ll never hear in March, or April.

The smell of cookies and gingerbread and peppermint is pervasive. Of course, there’s hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows to go with absolutely everything. The tree appears, one day – as if plunked down next to the hearth by early elves, sparkling with ornaments – each one unique, special, and laden with its own Christmas memories; twinkling lights; tinsel or angel hair, garlands of gold or hand-strung strands of popcorn and cranberries. It is truly magical.

The presents begin to appear, but it is not until Christmas morning that the full bounty is revealed. A peek at plate of cookie crumbs, half eaten carrots, and empty milk glass confirm it: Santa has been there with his team of reindeer.

As adults, we need to take a deep breath and smell the gingerbread – remember what really made Christmas special. It’s not all about the presents. It’s that special combination of anticipation and magic, wrapped in the once-a-year scent of evergreen and home-baked treats. Let’s not allow stress to rob us of that childlike wonder or hinder our efforts to share it with our kids.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, Irma Style

During the virtual book tour to launch A Puppy, Not a Guppy, the book’s star human, Irma, made it clear that she was quite a character. Her “Twelve Days of Christmas” is a gentle jab at me, her author – but she insisted that I share it with you, again, here:

On the first day of Christmas my author gave to me
A tiny little kitty in a treeeeee!
On the second day of Christmas my author gave to me
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeee!
On the third day of Christmas my author gave to me
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the fourth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the fifth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the sixth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Six ballet lessons (yuck!),
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the seventh day of Christmas my author gave to me
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons (I’m a klutz),
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the eighth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Eight shortbread cookies,
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons (dorky!),
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the ninth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Nine night-night stories,
Eight shortbread cookies,
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons (why not tap?),
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the tenth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Ten tons of homework (due before the break),
Nine night-night stories,
Eight shortbread cookies,
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons (c’monnnn - violin?),
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the ‘leventh day of Christmas my author gave to me
Eleven candy canes,
Ten tons of homework (due before the break),
Nine night-night stories,
Eight shortbread cookies,
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons,
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!
On the twelth day of Christmas my author gave to me
Twelve GREAT BIG PRESENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (right Miss Holly?)
Eleven candy canes,
Ten tons of homework (due before the break),
Nine night-night stories,
Eight shortbread cookies,
Seven guppies playing,
Six ballet lessons,
Five croaking frogs!
Four pairs of jeans,
Three dirty looks,
Two precious puppies,
And a tiny little kitty in a treeeeeee!

Kling, Glöckchen, Kling

My grandfather was from the tiny town of Tauberbischofsheim, Germany. Each Christmas, one thing I most looked forward to was singing along to an album of German Christmas songs. This was one of my favorites, and I hope you enjoy it, too:

Christmas, the Season of Sorrow, the Season of Joy

2011-12-11T13:30:00.001-06:00

Christmas, for many, means a time of sorrow. Perhaps it's the first Christmas without a loved one, or they lost someone around the holiday. Perhaps the family doesn't have funds to feed or clothe their children, much less provide a gift or two. Some people may be far from home and family, such as our military or others who are estranged whether through their own actions or not. Whatever the reason, Christmas means sadness and loneliness for those people.

I can "hear" people wondering what do I know about the subject, how could I begin to understand? I can and I do.

In a few days, the birthday of my youngest will arrive. A day later the day of her death. Both happened just a few days before Christmas, my favorite time of the year. My father passed away Christmas night, alone. My grandmother left us right after Christmas. My mother's death came shortly before Christmas. My family is scattered all over the place, and/or are spread across other branches of their growing families. We have little in the way of income, a greater amount of outgo. We do have a roof over our heads, barely, but with help, the patches hold. Neither my husband nor I are in good health. Ha! We'd be happy to be in fair health.

So, yes, we have reasons to dread the Christmas season, to find it a time of sorrow. However, and this is the important point, we have reason for joy.

I'll always have a bit of a hole in my heart for my infant daughter, lost so long ago, but she has a home in Heaven and a grandmother with her. I know they are enjoying being together, all three: the baby, my mother, and her mother. What a marvelous Christmas season they have each year.

No, I've not had my family all together in over twenty years, maybe longer, and some day I pray we will be without it being a funeral. However, I know where everyone is, where for over thirteen years I didn't know if one grandson and one granddaughter even lived.

My health and Robert's physical conditions are far from being good or near comfortable, but we're still alive and able to do some of the things we enjoy. Robert is alive and not badly injured after escaping a fire that destroyed his van and nearly new power chair. We can't replace that wonderful chair, but friends provided one that works.

We have food to put on the table, even if we can't provide fancy-wrapped gifts. We can give tokens of our love to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and we always give them our love.

Most of all, Christmas is a season of joy because God sent His Son as a baby, giving us hope and love and the peace that passes all understanding.

Merry Christmas. May the Peace and Joy of the season flood your hearts and lives.

Christmas, the Season of Giving -- writing tips

2011-12-06T15:55:00.001-06:00

           The Christmas season is one of giving, and as I look at the commercialization of the season, I wonder what happened to true generosity, giving, from the heart not just for show. I've written some posts for this blog concerning writing tips, but now I want to address the mystery of giving.

          What causes some people to be "givers" and "takers"? Yes, mysteries come in all kinds of disguises, including personalities and character. When we write, we need to take much into consideration as we develop our characters. One character trait that makes characters believable is generosity.

          If we look into the depths of our characters, we need to discover if he or she is a giver or a taker. Aren't most antagonists takers? They take lives, property, reputations -- whatever belongs to another person. However, to make the villains more than caricatures, we need to find a way for them to also be givers. Perhaps one murder loves a younger brother and "gives" him money, a home, an education, and/or attention.

          In my novel Midnight Hours, the villain's twisted love resulted in some evil behavior, but in Midnight's own way, she "gave" to others. If I explained, I'd give away the plot. However, I know we can all find examples of antagonists giving to someone he or she loves.

          Giving is almost always found in the "good guys." But, couldn't we make them more "human" if they sometimes are a bit selfish?

          People are complex, and so should our characters be. too.


          Remember in the real world, we need to participate in the season of giving during this time of Christmas.

When discouragement arrives

2011-11-30T15:03:00.001-06:00

          No matter how hard we try to be upbeat and optimistic, discouragement comes. We work with someone, try to help a person, only to be told that we don't know what we're talking about, that even though we may be experts, that person knows more than we even if only a newbie and inexperienced.

          We think we can help, teach, give understanding and assistance, only to be ignored or berated for daring to think anything we have to offer is worthwhile. How sad, how disappointing, how depressing.

           I've been in that position so often I should be acclimated. Why then do I take such times to heart and feel hurt? Because I hope, over and over and over. Even after teaching teenagers for nearly thirty years, I still believe that somewhere young people have a streak of work ethic, a pinch of maturity, a smidgen of desire to improve. I have met a few; they do exist, even if in small numbers. Therefore, knowing the unlikelihood of finding such qualities from years of experience, why do I keep being disappointed and discouraged?

          I'm also disappointed by adults from time to time. I'm discouraged by myself occasionally, too. I need to find a way to bounce back quicker and easier, but my heart feels heavy for such a long time.

          Therefore, I need to reach deep inside and find that core of optimism I know lives there. I need to forgive (which I do) and find a way to forget at least the feeling of betrayal, even if not the circumstances, the events. I can do this. I know I can, and I will.

          However, discouragement happens and needs to be faced. Ignoring the bitterness only allows it to fester and grow more poisonous. I'll be brave, face it face on, and grow stronger because, or despite, of it.

Christmas begins with music

2011-11-27T18:16:00.001-06:00

For me, the Christmas season begins after Thanksgiving, not before, not during, but after. I want a chance to give thanks before I begin enjoying the season of giving and receiving, and I don't mean just presents, but gifts of love, sharing, and God's mercy.

Music best sums up the Christmas season for me. The glorious melodies and words that make my eyes tear and my heart swell. I keep a CD of Christmas Music with Strings and play it over and over as I work at the computer. Some of the selections I know and sing along. Others I allow to flow over my mind.

I signed up for the Advent scripture newsletter from Biblegate.com. Today was the first day of Advent, and I read the scripture before I went to church. Starts the day and season very well. We sang some Christmas songs at church and had the lighting of the Shepherd's candle. Now, I want to hear more music.

The season between Thanksgiving and Christmas holds sad memories for me and my family, but the music helps heal the pain. No, the sadness is not erased, but it is eased.

Joy to the World, the Lord has come on that marvelous Silent Night. May the music of Christmas sooth and bless you, too.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T17:56:00.001-06:00

May God bless everyone and give you a multitude of blessings

Happy Thanksgiving - blessings and thankfulness

2011-11-21T18:40:00.001-06:00

A few of the blessings for which I'm thankful. It's hard to get our family together, much less to get a good photo of everyone.

Part of the Zabel family

Our son Bob took this picture, which shows Robert and me in the background, Randy and our granddaughter Macayla on my side of the table. Grandson Ryan is closest to the camera, with granddaughter Keri and Janelle facing Randy and Macayla.

Bob and Brenda

          I am thankful for the blessings God has given me. All my family cannot be together for Thanksgiving, but I'm glad to be with those I will see: Robert, Randy, Janelle, Ryan, Colby, Shane, Jackie, and Merrietta this Thanksgiving. Randy and Colby will be on crutches, but they are recovering from surgery.

          All our other grandchildren and children will be with members of other family branches, as will our great-grandchildren. I pray all will be safe and with loved ones.

          I pray all my friends and church family will have a day of blessings Thursday. God has given me so much, and though I may not always remember to give thanks, I am grateful.

Hectic, Happy Holidays!

2011-11-16T22:51:00.004-06:00

by Holly Jahangiri

One of These Days, I’m Going to Write a Book, but today is not the day. An overabundance of vacation time may put me back in position to finish NaNoWriMo, after all, and I try to remind myself that I just need to believe I can do it, visualize myself doing it, and write it down. Of course, the odds of writing a publishable novel in what’s left of this month are about on a par with my odds of winning the lottery.

It seems like Halloween was only yesterday, but this week has brought office hallways decked out with 10-foot Christmas trees; carols playing at Walgreens; a dizzying array of shiny, sparkly ornaments; cheery ads for “the ultimate present” or the “perfect stocking stuffer,” and I’m wondering – what happened to the rule about not starting Christmas season before Thanksgiving got its quiet, solemn, turkey-stuffed due? When I was a kid, Christmas carols before Black Friday were tantamount to wearing white shoes after Labor Day. Kids looked forward to street decorations magically appearing the day after Thanksgiving. Now, Christmas wants to start in July, and it’s starting to act downright pushy about it.

I love Christmas, by the way. It’s just the media hype and blatant, desperate commercialism I could live without. It shouldn’t be hard to get into the holiday spirit. The economy being what it is, I’m torn between a feeling of civic obligation to spend, spend, spend and the self-preserving urge to bolt the door and hide until January. I have to remind myself to smile - it won't kill me. If I plan things just right, I can take two weeks’ vacation around Christmas. I can tuck in, ignore the jingles, and indulge in a little “baking therapy.”

There’s nothing like the smell of warm gingerbread, sugar cookies, spiced apple cider, and hot chocolate to lift the Christmas spirits and remind us to slow down, savor the moment, and remember what’s really important – to love and be loved. I still say the best Christmas presents I ever gave my family were the personalized poems I wrote them all, one year. They didn’t cost a cent, but they did require considerable thought and care. The hustle and bustle of a crowded mall, the frenzied rush to find gifts that will satisfy people who generally manage to buy everything they want for themselves throughout the year, too often result in us exchanging cash, gift cards, or checks. Trading money – and feeling unsatisfied all the way around. We should challenge ourselves to spend within our means, but spend more time finding a gift that suits each person’s personality.
Surely it’s less expensive and not much less satisfying to receive limerick or an ode written in one’s honor?

I had hoped, this year, to make everyone a crocheted throw or a knitted scarf. My friend Kathy tried valiantly to teach me these womanly arts while I was on medical leave, but I quickly realized that ineptness, Vicodin, yarn, and a crochet hook don’t mix. No one in their right mind would want the garish pink monstrosity I almost managed to inflict upon my friend. Nothing like poorly crafted crafts to induce guilt – “Don’t you like it?” is met with a smile and a silent “Where can I stash it so I won’t ever have to look at it again?” Back to the baking therapy.

But let’s not forget and skip over Thanksgiving, first. Skip the third piece of pumpkin pie, but don’t stint on the gratitude. What are you thankful for?

I’m grateful for my family. I’m thankful, too, for the support and laughter of friends and readers who will lie to me and tell me they’d love to get a poem for Christmas, and for blogging buddies around the globe who will lend a helping hand at the drop of a hat. (I’m also grateful they don’t make me drop my hat. I’ve never understood the need for dropping hats.) I’m grateful for my friend Vivian, who indulges my too-frequent silliness and inability to resist a good blogging contest. (Ever notice how “blogging” rhymes with “flogging”?) I am glad that she’s got such a wonderful man by her side, and hope that she manages to extract another promise out of him – at least another decade or two. I’m grateful for good health (oh, irony that I should even be able to say that, this year, having battled – and beaten – breast cancer). It’s good just to get up in the morning – to know that I’m going to live to face another day.

Holly Jahangiri is a technical communicator, social media analyticator, children's book author with 4RV Publishing (Trockle, and A Puppy, Not a Guppy), blogger, happy wife and mom living in Houston, Texas. She would really appreciate it if you would read her post, Good Goals Gone Bad on TheNextGoal.com.

Coming Soon - a guest blog from Holly Jahangiri

2011-11-16T09:16:00.001-06:00

As part of http://thenextgoal.com/author/holly-jahangiri/ , Holly Jahangiri will be posting here this week. I'm anxious to see what she will write for us. She's an excellent writer and author. Check her blog post at http://thenextgoal.com/2011/11/good-goals-gone-bad/ .

If you want to help her in her quest in The Next Goal competition, please use the link above on your blog to "link back." I'm sure Holly would appreciate it.

On a side note, 4RV Publishing is holding it's yearly Christmas sale. All books have been marked down on the 4RV Bookstore, and prices include taxes and shipping.

Veteran's Day salute to my dad and my son

2011-11-11T16:06:00.001-06:00


My father, Sgt. Raymond L. Gilbert, holding sister Kathy, I'm in the middle, and my mother, Dolly (Lyles) Gilbert is holding my brother Ricky (Raymond L. Jr.)


Major Robert L. Zabel, Jr. incognito, or ready to fly

   I spent eighteen years in the Air Force, from the time I was born on Randolph AFB, at that time outside of San Antonio, Texas, until my eighteenth birthday the summer after I graduated from high school in Limestone, Maine.

         My father's military life began when his mother signed papers for him to enlist in what was then the Army-Air Corp and soon became the Air Force. He retired 25 years later. He served in the U.S., Okinawa, Guam, England, and Morocco. We joined him most places. He paid a high price to help keep our country free, and so did his family.

          My older son, and middle child, Bob (Robert, Jr.) went through ROTC at Oklahoma State University and graduated as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force. He served as a EWO (Electronic Warfare Officer) and flew in some dangerous situations. He put his life in danger so that we back home could stay free.

          I'm proud that I'm the daughter and the mother of veterans, and I love them both. I lost my father many years ago, and he was a difficult man. However, he loved us in his way. My son is a good man and is loving. God bless him and keep him.

Full video of newscast October 28 -- van fire

2011-10-29T09:20:00.001-05:00

Here is the video from the full news cast: Thank you, Lance West and KFOR-TV.

Video from preview of news cast

2011-10-28T22:44:00.001-05:00

KFOR- TV, channel 4, Oklahoma City aired the following story on the 10 o'clock news tonight: Thanks be to God and to the good Samaritans.

Aftermath of a miracle

2011-10-22T11:45:00.001-05:00

My husband was in that van, in the power chair inside the van when vehicle and chair caught fire. The lift didn't slant to the driveway. It was straight out from the open door. The chair barely moved onto the lift as my husband propelled himself from the chair and off the lift (about 5 feet above the driveway). A passerby pulled him away from the fire, which was intense.

Robert had speed-called my cell from his. "Van on fire. 911. Van on fire. 911." I grabbed our cordless land phone, jammed my cell in my pocket, and hysterically told the 911 dispatcher the van was on fire with my husband in it. (Fire is one thing that terrifies me, not scares me, but terrifies me.) As I hurried out the front door, towers of flames greeted me, the power chair, so engulfed in fire I couldn't see if Robert were still in it or not, and smoke and fire blew toward the house. As I went further out, I saw a man pulling Robert away.

Some tiny part of my mind still worked because I knew I had to move my minivan, which sat next to the burning van in the driveway, its tank almost full of gasoline. Everyone around yelled for me to get away, get away. I told one woman I had to move that van. She told me it wasn't important. I yelled back, "It's going to blow."

When she said, "Then move it fast." I pointed at the clogged street, jammed with vehicles of gawkers, and asked "how?" She ran into the street and had people moving out of the way. Then she held traffic back so I could move the van.

All this time, I'm still on the phone with 911, and the dispatcher is telling me to get away from the fire. As I backed out of the drive, I told him, "I am. I'm driving away." I parked a few houses north of ours, but I don't remember walking from the van back to the lawn to the south of our house where people laid Robert. A woman had pulled her minivan beside him and furnished blankets for people to hold above him, to protect him from the sun.

In time, EMSA arrived, and medics tended to him and to me. I had breathed in heat and smoke. Our son came and took care of questions and forms. The ambulance and EMTs took Robert to the ER at the burn center. Randy drove me, with his wife in her car right behind.

The doctor at the ER was shocked at Robert's condition, not that it was horrible, but that Robert wasn't a crispy critter. Robert had a bad burn on his right elbow and on the back of his left shoulder. He had other minor burns sprinkled around. His hair was singed. The rims of his ears had minor burns. He had a minor concussion from hitting his head on the concrete. He had some scrapes on one leg. He had a bruise inside one elbow. Later he hurt all over, and his back lets him know it was twisted.

The doctor said he never knew of anyone, before, who was in a power chair and a fire who had survived.

Yes, a miracle.

We don't know the names of the people who helped except for one, a chiropractor who came by that night to check on Robert's condition. Dr. Carver had joined the first man to pull Robert away. Dr. Carver will be honored at the Edmond City Council meeting this Monday, October 24, with a commendation for saving a life. We have no idea who the man who first pulled Robert away might be. If he hadn't braved the flames and heat first, Robert would have been more seriously injured or worse.


All that's left inside

All that is left of his new, especially-made-for-him power chair and lift

KFOR-TV, Channel 4 in Oklahoma City, interviewed Robert and me the next day and taped the damage. However, the story hasn't aired, at least yet. We hope if and when it does that we'll discover the names of the other good Samaritans who helped Robert that day.

I believe in miracles because I've seen them quite often, but September 27, 2011 was definitely one, a major miracle.

Three important happenings in October

2011-10-11T21:00:00.001-05:00

Since October is the 4th birthday/anniversary for 4RV Publishing, the Eastern Oklahoma Author Fest, and the month the company begins its Christmas Sale, I want to publicize the month. Let's look at each important event during the month.

The Eastern Oklahoma Author Fest, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was help the 8th. Jacque Graham, Jim Laughter, and I represented the company.

We had three tables, two right inside the doors and one at a right angle to the table to the left of the sign.

October 2007, 4RV Publishing became a registered company. In the four years, we've been in business, we have released 62 books, everything from children's picture books to middle grade and young adult books to novels to nonfiction. We have many excellent authors, illustrators, and editors. I'll do a post about those people who have made 4RV the success it is later.

Also, in October, the company begins its Christmas Sale. All books found on the online bookstore is discounted more than 10% each. Sale prices include shipping, handling, and taxes. To do easy shopping go to the 4RV Bookstore. The sale lasts until December 5.

Best online writing conference I've found

2011-09-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

The Muse Online Writing Conference is the best online conference I've found, and it's free. It allows those who can't attend a conference physically to have a chance to learn more about writing, submitting, promotion, and other aspects we need to know.

Registration closes September 25, so people MUST register now: After that the forum link to register will disappear .
http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/joom/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=3

Also, the conferences has pitch sessions, where writers can pitch their manuscripts to agents and/or publishers. Check out the line up so far for workshops and pitch sessions, read the guidelines what and how to submit your pitches:

http://themuseonlinewritersconference.com/joom/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=27

I hardily recommend this conference. 4RV Publishing will have a forum, and I'll be holding a workshop forum, too.

Why is public education failing

2011-08-28T08:17:00.001-05:00

I taught for nearly thirty years, all but one in public schools. When I first began teaching, parents wanted their children to learn. Not just get good grades, but learn. They expected their children to be attentive in class, and if a child disrupted a class, parents did not complain to the administration or teacher about their child being disciplined at school. In fact the child was probably disciplined at home, too. The idea of a child walking out of class because he didn't like something assigned or expected did not happen, or the child was suspended.

That doesn't mean parents weren't concern if their children didn't do well, but they visited with the teacher and asked what they could do to help with the problem.

Yes, some teachers abused their position, but not many. As in any occupation, bad apples existed. However, most wanted what was best for the child, just as most parents wanted what was best for the child.

As the years passed, attitudes on the part of parents changed. No longer did they expect good behavior and learning on the part of their children. Oh, they still wanted their children to have good grades, but they didn't want any complaints from the children. They didn't want to hear that their child disrupted the class or didn't do assignments. In fact one parent told me that his daughter complained that my tone of voice became harsher when she asked me to go over the assignment. When I explained that IF my voice changed it was because his daughter talked all the time I was explaining and giving examples before having them work on the assignment. Then when other students began working, she expected me to repeat all I had already explained. I showed him her grades, showed him how they had improved once she began listening rather than talking, which not only kept her from learning but also interfered with other students. He informed me that didn't matter. His daughter should be allowed to visit and not be disciplined or any tone of voice be used but a calm, soft one.

More and more that became the attitude of parents. Students complained because they didn't like the assignments, didn't like having to do any homework, didn't like having to be quiet at least so others could learn, didn't like being told not to polish their fingernails during class. Parents then harassed teachers and administrators because their children were expected to take responsibility for their actions. Parents supported children leaving class without permission. Parents supported actions that would not be acceptable anywhere.

No, not all parents abdicated their positions as parents and not friends to their children, but more and more did.

Once upon a time, team members would never dream of walking out on their team and coaches because they no longer could punch holes in walls, urinate on the floors and benches in the locker rooms of other schools, actually throw temper tantrums, or because they were expected to follow directions and learn plays. And, if they did, they knew there would be consequences. Their parents nor the administration would tolerate such behavior. Now coaches can't be coaches many places because parents support their children in such behavior.

According to test results, the United States is falling further and further behind other countries in academic achievement. Yet, all those in power want to do is try new fads, find an easy fix, one that keeps students and parents happy. What many people don't realize is discipline and external control are necessary until students learn self-control and self-discipline. By supporting their children's inappropriate behavior, parents are not doing what is best for their children but are going for the "easy way" out of their own responsibilities as parents. Parents in other countries know they must encourage their children to learn. Most parents in the United States used to do that. Thankfully, some still do, but not nearly enough.

Writing that story that MUST be written

2011-08-23T07:59:00.001-05:00

I've had characters and plots whirl through my head, popping up at odd times, but this is the first time a novel has bothered me even in my sleep. I dream the thing. I can't escape it. I have other novels I want and need to write, but this one will not leave me alone.

So guess which WIP is front and center in my life? Yes, you're correct -- the new one, the insistent one, the one in a genre I've never written. I'm now writing a thriller, maybe not as edgy as one by Jordan Dane, but still a thriller.

On paper and the computer I only have ten pages, but in my head, in my poor aching head, I have the whole plot and characters and subplots. Yes, subplots, lots and lots of subplots, well, a few more than I usually use.

As I usually do for my characters, I have each one's description including likes and dislikes, physical description, and personality and character traits on a file card. At least I can now be sure I haven't named two the same.

This work needs some research, and I've done most of that. I know that the large sliding doors on each side of a helicopter don't have a particular name: They are called sliding doors. Oh, the time I spent discovering that. I know that the east front of the U.S. Capitol Building does not have any building directly facing it, only some off to the side. The mall stretches directly east. All information which I didn't personally care to know.

I have a title, which one of the characters insisted I use: Maelstrom. Now, one of the main characters demands to know why I'm wasting time writing this blog post when I should be writing the next ten to twenty pages, at least that many today.

Sometimes, we as writers become victims of a story that MUST be written.

Meet best-selling author Steven James

2011-08-13T00:21:00.005-05:00

I'm excited to interview Steven James, a best-selling author I'll meet this coming May. Let's pretend we're sitting on a cool patio. Yes, I said pretend since Oklahoma is sweltering. On the wrought-iron table sits a pitcher of iced tea and several glasses. Ice tinkles in glasses and pitcher as tears of cool sweat bead on the clear sides.

I take a cold sip and ask, "How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?"

When I was a kid my uncle would always pull the kids aside and tell us a story during family gatherings. This instilled in me a great love of stories. I became addicted to reading short stories as a teenager and eventually realized I had a lot of my own stories to tell. So, Uncle Rich played a big part. And so did Stephen King.

I nod because we all can find someone who helped "push" us toward writing. Steve, will you tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

In the late 90’s I got a Master’s Degree in Storytelling. (Yes, that’s for real.) For two years it forced me to think about stories—what makes a good story, how to tell a better story, and what actually worked in the stories I’d already written. I’m not sure that college degrees by themselves really benefit anyone, but going through the program, meeting other storytellers and writers, and working on my thesis on telling personal stories really gave my writing and storytelling a boost.

Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

As I mentioned earlier, part of my love of stories came from my uncle. As far as keeping me writing, one motivation is eating. Unless I sell my stories we can’t buy groceries. I don’t mean to sound trite, it’s just the way it is. Secondly, when I don’t write, stories itch away inside of my head, I get cranky and I’m not very fun to be with. So really it’s best for everyone if I spend a good chunk of each day working on my next project.

Oh, yes, those stories and characters running around in our heads. What inspires you to write?

God. Beauty. The world. Marvel. Sometimes a big bag of Cheetos and a small shot of cognac.

Personally I take my Cheetos with a can of Pepsi Max. *grin* I know some writers outline. Others, like the late Tony Hillerman, don’t. Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

I think one of the biggest mistakes writers make is outlining. When I write I try to listen to the story. I’m constantly asking myself what would naturally happen next, reworking what I’ve done in light of the new discoveries that I make, and letting the characters develop over the course of the writing project. So for me it’s organic. If I try to outline or plan too much it ends up straight-jacketing the story.

Ah, a man after my own heart. Outlining has always muddled my writing.

I know you make many appearances, such as at the OWFI conference in 2012. Do those take away from your writing, or do they, perhaps, add something?

I enjoy and have always enjoyed speaking engagements. It’s great to get out of my basement once in a while and see that there are real people out there in the world. Packing, unpacking, traveling does chew away at my writing time, but it’s healthy for me to go speak at a conference at least once a month, or I go a little stir crazy. I’m sure my wife would agree with me.

I know from personal experience that your writing does better a reader, but does writing help better you as a person? How?

Writers have an obligation to the truth. All great novels tackle the important aspects of human nature. and I’ve found that that means being honest both about the grace and hope in the world, and also the grief and pain. It’s not easy to keep your eyes open in both the directions of beauty and of tragedy, but I think when we do that, we grow as people and become more of who we were meant to be.

What advice would you have for a new author?

Don’t become a writer if you can possibly avoid it. If you were shaped to tell stories, you’ll never be happy until you share them with the world, but if you try to write stories just because you think it would be a cool way to make a living, you’ll never write the stories the world needs to hear.

Any other comments?

Thanks for giving me a chance to share. Best wishes!

—Steve

Thank you, Steve, for visiting with us. I look forward to meeting you in person at the OWFI conference May 4-5, 2012. I’ll be the one who stands around all the baskets in the atrium, the silent auction called BasketWars.

Steven James' newest novel is The Queen. I can hardly wait to read it. To learn more about Steven James, go to the following links:

stevenjames.net

Steven's blog

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Jennifer Di Camillo

2011-08-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

Jennifer Di Camillo (aka Crys Weldon) and I had an interesting visit at the OWFI writing conference the first full weekend of May. Meeting fellow authors face to fact is fun, and learning more about them builds a stronger friendship. Therefore, hosting her as part of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour became a conversation with a friend.

Let’s pretend that we’re all sitting in my room at the hotel as Jennifer and I visit. Be sure to have your favorite drink in hand (limited to tea, coffee, or soda, please).

Jennifer, how did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

The church I grew up in has a strong social program for youth, and we were involved in the idea process for planning the activities on the calendar. I think that really had me thinking ahead at an early age, as well as teaching me brainstorming. We had to plan three months ahead, plan a variety of activities including joint activities, family activities, and community service projects. We learned arts and crafts as well as homemaking skills. I really think the combination was just what I needed to get the juices of creativity flowing early.

Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Well, I haven’t gone to college, and I was one of those stay at home mothers. I have five kids, in case you didn’t know. I have what you’d call a degree from life. I ran a preschool for 8 years and a beauty pageant for 6. I also organized monthly parties for my church family every month for seven years. Please don’t think I’m preachy because I’ve brought up religion twice already. I have to give credit where credit is due. I learned a lot about party planning, and idea organizing from those churchy experiences.

Next question, authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

In first grade, my teacher required us to copy, pictures and words both, a book we liked. I did as I was told but kept telling the teacher I knew it was wrong to copy somebody else’s work and I had stories of my own that I could tell. Didn’t matter to her. But that was probably the first inkling that I wanted to write a book of my own some day.

What keeps me writing is probably the fact that I write, first, to entertain myself. I love creating characters and letting them lead me through an adventure.

Tell us, Jennifer, what is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?

I actually have a couple of mysteries coming out in 2011: a mystery anthology titled MENTALLY UNSTABLE (Under the Moon Press), a romantic suspense titled FOUR DEAD (Mojocastle Press).

The anthology came about because I have been an on again off again member of a local mystery writers group called Sleuths Ink. They started having short story contests. I also enter contests at writing conferences a lot. So, the collection just sort of came together that way. It has a vast array of mystery shorts. Some funny, some hardboiled, some cozy. And every murderer in it is MENTALLY UNSTABLE.

FOUR DEAD is the type of mystery I like to write best, romantic suspense. I started it one afternoon when I needed five pages of typed manuscript to take to my weekly writer’s workshop, up in Springfield, Missouri. I wanted to write about a serial killer, but I also wanted romance. It is not your typical romantic suspense, though.

Sounds interesting, both of them. How did you manage to come up with the idea for your novel?

I saw something on the news about a body being recovered from a dumpster and the premise for my novel was born.

Jennifer, do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

I get up early, go straight to the computer, put on the headphones, crank up some music, and let the characters create the story and their reactions on their own.

I know how I’m relieved and drained when I complete a book, even though the characters stay around for a while, still alive. How do you feel when you complete a book?

Almost bereft. I hate to leave characters at the end of a story. That’s why I often write endings that allow me to do a sequel.

Ahh, now I know why I do that. So what are your writing achievements and goals?

Achievements? I’ve written 32 published books (23 under a pseudonym because they are very graphic) in about 7 years, and have a few more that aren’t yet under contract, and I’ve won over 180 writing awards.

Goals: Maybe write one of those Great American Novels you’ve heard tell of. I can tell you one thing, it WILL have murder and mystery in it. How can it be great if it doesn’t have those?

Are you a member of a writing group? If so, how do any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

I am active in a group called the Ozarks Writer’s League (OWLS for short). We meet quarterly for a conference. I learned a lot from local writing groups when I first got started and I’m grateful for those who participated in teaching me writing mechanics/basics. But my first novel, which is still available and has quite a bit of mystery, murder, suspense, and some romance, THE PRICE OF PEACE, was completed before I ever went to a group.

Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Hm. Better me as a person? By writing a vast array of characters, I think I learn a little bit about people with every story I write. I mean, I have to build characters from people I meet, so I have to study people and try to understand what makes them tick.

What advice would you have for a new author?

There are writing groups and writing conferences all over. Hook up. They’ll keep you motivated, teach you the craft of writing, and you’ll find some writing buddies.

Would you please give a brief excerpt from your book and/or a review about it?

Excerpt from FOUR DEAD:

The Headline that Tuesday morning read: FOUR DEAD: WHO’S NEXT?

Below that, the article asked, “What do we know about the serial killer stalking our streets?” Bannered beneath the question were pictures of the four dead women that had been linked to one m.o., HE LIKES REDHEADS centered as a secondary headline.

Next, the article announced local sales of hair dye were up. Movie tickets were down. It went on to make a blaring statement that local businesses were suffering. That people should not be afraid. It compared fatality statistics from driving and accidents in the home to the possibility of being killed by the stalker.

Detective Beth Thompson mumbled, “What is this? Worry about the local economy spurs the media to send women to their death?” She grunted indelicately and tossed the paper aside without reading further. “Go ahead, girls, walk the streets, end up in a dumpster, but by all means, let’s not let theater sales go down.” Her hand sliced through the air, accentuating her grievances in choppy motions.

Her partner, Mike Barber, glanced sideways at her.

She didn’t notice. “I’ll bet Chinese take-out and pizza deliveries aren’t complaining.” Moving files around her desk, she grumbled some more, “Probably somebody that can’t hold a conversation…” She reached for the paper again, frowning, while looking for a byline. “Yep. A man. I knew it!”

Mike’s eyebrow went up, but he wisely kept his lips shut.

Beth’s irritation picked up momentum when she tossed the paper into the trash can. “Heaven forbid men have to hold a conversation with you on a date now. What?” She mimicked, “She won’t go out in the dark? She expects you to communicate…?” Slamming a forensic report closed, dropping it on the top of her piled folders, she added, “There’s a foreign concept… assuming you can get a date in the first place.”

A little surprised, Mike asked carefully, “You looking for one?”

An odd noise came from somewhere deep in Beth’s chest. Looking up from her work-cluttered desk at the cork-board on the wall, she asked, “What?’ She had to backtrack through her ramblings.

“A date.”

“Did it sound like I was asking for one?” She winced inwardly.

“Not exactly.”

She breathed a sigh of relief that she hadn’t come off needy.

He prompted, “So… what? You need someone to talk to?”

She stared at the information posted on the board, unseeing, really, the map on it— marked at four points with thumbtacks, where bodies had been found over that many months. Pictures of the victims stared at her, like they had in the paper. Same photo’s. Same line-up, in order of their deaths. Their names in black ink were attached with index cards. Murder dates blared in bold red lettering beneath.

As always, the information stole her train of thought. Vaguely, she said, “I don’t need anybody else, thanks.” She thought, If he offers to set me up— I might commit justifiable homicide. She willed him, Don’t do it, Mike. Don’t break my heart. I’d hate to have to shoot you.

Thanks for visiting with me, Jennifer. I enjoyed meeting you virtually and in real life.

Thanks, Vivian, for having me stop by. I hope your fans will swing by my blog to see what your interview for me looks like. http://jenndicamillo.wordpress.com/

*hugs* Jennifer DiCamillo

To learn more about Jennifer, go to any of the following links:

www.jenniferdicamillo.com

www.jenniferdicamillo.net

www.jenniferdicamillo.org

Vivian Zabel

Mystery We Write Blog Tour winding down

2011-08-01T18:16:00.001-05:00

Next week will be the last week of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour. The person who was to be my guest last week and the supposed guest this week dropped out of the tour. Last week I had another author who allowed me to interview her, but my plan for this week hasn't worked, at least so far.

Therefore, until such time as I have a replacement, I thought I'd add the remaining tour blogs of those still participating.

Next week, I'll host author Jennifer DiCamillo. I hope everyone will stop by and say hello.

Still participating in the blog tour are the following:

Beth Anderson

Pat Browning

Sharon Ervin

Jackie King

Mary Martinez

Marja McGraw

Jean Henry Mead

Marilyn Meredith

Jennifer DiCamillo

Anne K. Albert

and of course me.

A political venting

2011-07-30T12:39:00.001-05:00

I seldom write anything political in my blog. I believe my political views are mine, to be shared only when I know I won't be attacked. However, in this instance someone attacks me already.

For upteen million years, only a bit of an exaggeration, I and my employers paid into the Social Security and Medicare programs. We had no choice in the matter -- we paid and paid and paid and paid. Therefore I and they prepaid for my retirement and health care after I reached a certain age. Note the "paid" part of that prepaid, meaning we paid before the programs would go into effect for me.

Now I keep hearing and reading how entitlement programs must be cut, and Social Security and Medicare are two items on the top of the cut list, along with some welfare programs. Huh? How can something be considered an entitlement (meaning welfare, not deserved or paid for, but which is given by the government) when my employers and I PAID for my inclusion in those programs. Yes, I am "entitled" the small monthly check I receive and the medical care for which I pay extra each month, entitled if the dictionary definition is used: having a right or claim to, having earned. However, my Social Security and Medicare benefits (small as they are) are not entitlements as now defined by the government: something given by the government but not earned by the recipient.

Those who think the elderly are not needed and should be quietly, or even not so quietly, pushed away until we go away permanently need to remember they too will be older. Oh, I forgot, those who decide who lives and who doesn't, or who lives well and who doesn't -- those people exempt themselves from being included under any laws they pass.

I am not a worthless piece of junk. I still have value. I simply do not have political clout or money. I have a small teacher retirement after sacrificing nearly 30 years to prepare youngsters for life, huge medical bills with enormous Medicare and supplement premiums and prescription co-payments, a small Social Security check each month, little to no help, and every cost of living adjustment is wiped out by increases in Medicare and supplement premiums, in the yearly Medicare deductible, and in rising co-payments for prescriptions (another government boondoggle).

But what do those who reside in our hallowed Washington D.C. halls care? What do people who are not directly effected care? Not at all. We, the senior citizens who worked and sacrificed to make this country great, are disposable. How sad. I pray God will protect us and care for us because the country as a whole doesn't and won't.

Meet Linda Apple - author, leader, mentor

2011-07-26T21:08:00.000-05:00

          Linda Apple, current president of OWFI (Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc.), amazes me with all she does and her leadership. When the person I was to host on the Mystery We Write Book Blog Tour for this week dropped out of the tour, I knew Linda was the person to fill the spot on Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap.
          Please meet my friend Linda Apple.

Linda, let's sit here in the air conditioned living room and have iced tea. It's way too hot to be outside. Thank you for agreeing to allowing me to interview you. My first question concerns your writing, history, and home background. How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

          Since I was a child, I’ve had a knack for encouraging people, coming up with ideas for them to succeed. I’ve been dubbed everyone’s cheerleader. Believe me, while raising five children, I had plenty of practice
          When my children grew up and I was downsized from Mom-in-charge to Mom-advisor, I needed a new career, so I decided to write. I tried several genres. After thousands of words, I noticed a golden thread that ran through everything I wrote, whether fiction or nonfiction. My articles, stories, essays always had an encouraging tone, a hopeful voice, something to inspire the reader.

          I like that, Mom-advisor. Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring writer.

          Academically, I’ve had some college. However, I left early when I received my MRS. Degree. From that point I’ve been in the University of Life. I’ve learned far more in the U of L than any brick and mortar building. As most writers know, life imitates fiction. We are all the heroes of our story and we have goals. But life keeps throwing us curves to keep us from reaching our goals. It is during these times we grow and change. We mature and our characters deepen. Sometimes we actually reach our goal, or our goal may have changed.
          When I see others struggling down a path I’ve already walked, I want to help them with their journey, warn of pitfalls, and help them overcome. I understand the frustration and confusion. I’ve found that helping others helps me.

   Please fill us in on your hobbies, interests, or activities you participate in during your leisure time, well, if you have any?

           I love anything nature: gardening, watching birds, star-gazing, taking long walks. I learn my best lessons from out-of-doors. Of course, I also enjoy a good book. The only problem is that I have to keep a pen and paper close by to take notes about an intriguing style of the author. It has been a long time since I’ve been able to mindlessly read a novel.

   Mindlessly reading a novel is my escape. Therefore when things become too hectic, I have to read something. Of course when I was able, I'd go out to the garden and pull weeds. But ...
           Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

           When I was a junior in high school I elected to take a creative writing course. My teacher, Emily Kelso, encouraged me and made me believe I’d be a great writer one day. As the saying goes, life happened, and I forgot all about writing until I was 48. My dear friend, Lois Spoon, began a writing group and I joined.
           There are days I throw up my hands and vow to quit writing. That lasts about an hour. There is a deep sense of purpose in me. In my opinion, our written words are as eternal as anything can be on this earth. Long after I leave this world, my stories can still make a positive impact on someone’s life.

          You have so many projects going all the time: working on books, traveling, etc., president of OWFI. How do you manage?

My mind is like the wind swirling all over the place. In order to focus I make lists. I also have days that are dedicated to a project. There is also a lot to be said for making yourself accountable to someone else. I’ll tell my husband, “Today I am working on my book. Call me and check up on me, just in case.” He takes great delight in this.

          Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

          My internal editor is fierce! I recently discovered a trick that short-circuits this evil nuisance quite by accident. While in my hotel room, I worked on my novel rewrites. While typing I watched this woman out my window. She had her two little boys shut in the car while she stood outside chain-smoking and speaking on the phone. I kept writing not looking at the screen, but keeping my eyes on the children. She finally let them out and they went inside. When I looked down I had written pages. By keeping my eyes on something other than the screen, my mind was free to roam. I can always clean it up later.

           Clean it up later? Your mind or the writing? *grin*
           How do you feel when you complete a book?

          Ambivalent. I wonder if it is good enough? If I need to change anything? It is hard for me to let it go. But, all of us have to take that leap of faith.

          What are your writing achievements and goals?

I’m the author of two how-to books: Inspire! Writing from the Soul and Connect! A Simple Guide to Public Speaking for Writers. I’ve also been published in 13 Chicken Soup for the Soul books, as well as several devotion guides and fiction anthologies.

My goals are to finish my novel rewrite, to compile my messages that appear on my Inspire with Linda Apple page into a weekly devotion book, and to start creative nonfiction workshops. I’d also like to fill up my calendar with speaking engagements.

           Hmmm ... speaking engagements. Wish Pen and Keyboard Writers had funds to invite you to speak to us.
   How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

          Also, we might tie some information about your involvement at conferences with this.

I belong to Dusty Richards’ and Velda Brotherton’s critique group. The members of this group are supportive and sharp. It is always a good idea to have “fresh eyes” look over our work for content, structure problems, confusing passages, and errors in general. And we also get and give quite a few “atta girls/boys” too. Dusty and Velda have taught us how to be responsible in our critiques and not, as Dusty likes to put it, put out the creative flame.

Our critique group has a lot of members. So a few of us have also started meeting once a month in order to give more time to review our manuscripts. This is working beautifully.

Conferences serve many purposes. I’ve found that no matter how long we have been writing, if we are smart, we will remain teachable. Conferences offer many opportunities to learn whether it be in class or as we socialize and exchange ideas and information. This is the place to network and meet people. After all, where else will we find so many people who understand us?

Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Definitely! Writing is cathartic to our soul. We write out our anger, disappointment, frustration, fear, anxiety, and dismay on the screen. Then we read it and somehow it unravels the tangled spaghetti thoughts that fill our heads.

I like to write about the struggles I’ve overcome. After all, by helping someone by sharing what we learned somehow redeems some of what we feel we’ve lost.

           What advice would you have for a new author?

           Write. Never give up. Don’t compare yourself or your accomplishments (or lack of) to others. Write. Never give up. Attend conferences and learn the writing craft. Try all kinds of genres to see which give you energy. Write! Never give up!

          What lessons has heading the OWFI conference and organizations taught you?

I’m learning to trust my instincts. Being a people-pleaser to a fault, I was paralyzed with fear that I would disappoint someone. The truth is that I won’t make everyone happy, but I can make it my goal for everyone to have a great experience and to learn something that will make them a better writer, as well as offer many opportunities with agents.

I’ve also been reminded of the value of organization. Juggling speakers, travel and airfare needs, volunteers, schedules, classes, contracts, hotel meeting rooms, menus, the budget, just to name a few responsibilities, is daunting. Daunting but doable with a spreadsheet!

Most of all, the importance of acknowledging others for their sacrifices and a job well done is imperative. None of us are on the payroll. It is out of our dedication to the craft (and art) of writing, and to the members of OWFI that we do this. It is so easy to complain. It is much harder to be involved and make a positive contribution. Everyone who takes hours, days, months, out of their life to this conference deserves respect and appreciation. This is not only true of the OWFI conference but all conferences.

Thank you, Linda for visiting with us this week. Those who want to know about Linda, links for her website and blog are below.

www.lindaapple.com
www.lindacapple.blogspot.com

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Marilyn Meredith

2011-07-18T01:23:00.010-05:00

I'm honored to host Marilyn Meredith, also known as F.M. Meredity, on the Mystery We Write Blog Tour for this week. Marilyn first interviews her character Detective Mulligan, and then she allows me to throw some questions at him.

Come join us as we sit on the patio with tall glasses of iced tea in front of us. Help yourself. The glasses, ice, and pitcher of tea sit on the table by the sliding doors.

First, let me introduce F. M. Meredith and Detective Doug Milligan of the Rocky Bluff Police Department. Take it away, Merilyn.

F.M. Meredith: What’s going on in your police department these days?

Detective Milligan: As you know, we’re a small department in a beach community located between Ventura and Santa Barbara. We don’t have a lot of major crimes and as yet, haven’t been invaded by gangs. Our biggest case at the moment is a flasher who is accosting women jogging on the beach.

F.M. Meredith: So what’s the plan to catch this pervert?

Detective Milligan: I might as well tell you since our Public Service Officer is going to put a warning out to women to not jog on the beach by themselves and I think that might make our suspect disappear for awhile. The plan is to send our only female officer, Stacey Wilbur, out jogging as a decoy.

F.M. Meredith: You don’t sound too happy about that.

Detective Milligan: No, I’m not. Stacey and are getting married this Saturday and her mind is filled with wedding plans. I don’t think her mind is focused on what she’s supposed to be doing and I’m afraid she’ll get hurt.

F.M. Meredith: Surely she won’t be sent out alone.

Detective Milligan: We have a new hire who comes to us from L.A.P.D. whose going to be her back-up. I’m just not sure about this fellow and how good he’s going to be. One of the other officers has voiced some doubts about this guy. And another problem is the weather. Fog is always an issue on the coast and of course the worst is in the early hours. I’m not sure he’ll even be able to see Stacey while she’s jogging.

F.M Meredith.: That’s definitely a worry. Would you mind telling me a bit about your relationship with Stacey Wilbur and how that came about?

Detective Milligan: In her capacity as an officer, she helped me on several cases. First I was impressed with her intelligence and her ability to notice and figure out clues. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I thought she was pretty cute too. She is a single mom. I asked her out several times and we included her little boy often. It wasn’t long before I loved them both.

F. M. Meredith: Are you looking forward to the wedding?

Detective Milligan: I’m looking forward to having Stacey be my wife, not so sure about all the folderol that Stacey’s planned though she’s assured me it’s going to be a simple wedding.

F.M. Meredith: Where are you two planning to live?

Detective Milligan: I own a small, old Victorian that I fixed up. Lately, I’ve been renting a room to a friend, Officer Gordon Butler. Hopefully, he’ll be all moved out before it’s time for Stacey and her son to move in.

F. M. Meredith: I hope everything goes off as planned. Congratulations.

And the hostess of this blog had a few more questions for you, too.

Vivian: What do you consider your greatest weakness? Your greatest strength?

Detective Milligan: Wow, that’s a biggie. To be perfectly honest, my greatest weakness may be loving Stacey too much and fearing for her. As for my greatest strength, I’m a good detective. In our department we don’t have a lot of the fancy equipment the big city detectives have at their disposal, so we use a lot of old fashioned policing skills. I’m darn good at figuring out people and know when they’re lying or keeping something back. I’ll dig until I find out what I need to know.

Vivian: Where, in the book, do you face your greatest challenge? How well do you do?

Detective Milligan: My biggest challenge comes on the day of my wedding. I have a difficult time with what happens. You’ll have to read the book to find out what that is.

Vivian: Makes sense. I'm curious enough now to want to read it. Why should readers like you or dislike you?

Detective Milligan: I sure hope readers like me, I’ve been a major character in almost all of the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series.

Vivian: What do you add to the book?

Detective Milligan: I think I add a lot, after all I’m one of only two detectives in the Rocky Bluff P.D. and I’m Stacey Wilbur’s love interest—that should count for a lot.

Thank you, Detective Milligan. Now let's learn a little more about your author.

Author Bio: F.M. Meredith, also known as Marilyn Meredith, is the author of nearly thirty published novels. Her latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, from Oak Tree Press, is Angel Lost. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Internet chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

Angel Lost Blurb:

As plans for her perfect wedding fill her mind, Officer Stacey Wilbur is sent out to trap a flasher, the new hire realizes Rocky Bluff P.D. is not the answer to his problems, Abel Navarro’s can’t concentrate on the job because of worry about his mother, Officer Gordon Butler has his usual upsets, the sudden appearance of an angel in the window of a furniture store captures everyone’s imagination and causes problems for RBPD, and then the worst possible happens—will Stacey and Doug’s wedding take place?

Angel Lost is available as a trade paperback from Amazon.com, or if you’d like an autographed copy, order from the author’s website http://fictionforyou.com

Sharon Ervin hosts me this week of the tour. Please stop by and say hello.

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Jean Henry Mead

2011-07-11T00:47:00.015-05:00

I’ve known Jean Henry Mead online for a few years. We’ve posted back and forth on each other’s blogs, interviewed each other, and reviewed each other’s books. I’m delighted to have her as my guest for Week 8 of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour.

Jean Henry Mead is a mystery/suspense and western historical novelist. She's also an award-winning photojournalist. One of her fortes is interviewing writers, actors, politicians, artists and ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things. She began her writing career as a California news reporter/editor/photographer, first in Central California and later in San Diego. Mead transferred to Casper, Wyoming, to serve as a staff writer for the statewide newspaper. While there she served as editor of In Wyoming Magazine and two small presses. She freelanced for other publications, both domestically and abroad, among them the Denver Post's Empire Magazine. Her first book was published in 1982. She's since published fourteen novels and nonfiction books.

Since changes have been made with Jean's novel that was to be highlighted, I've had to change the information covered this week. We'll look at Mystery of Spider Mountain, a mystery for young readers.

Mystery of Spider Mountain

      A huge hill in southern California is called "Spider Mountain" by the Hamilton Kids who live at its foot. The mountain is inhabited by trapdoor spiders and all manner of creepy, crawling creatures, including tarantulas, who arrive at the harbors in banana boats from Central America. At the mountain's summit is a house surrounded by a wrought iron fence, which encloses four vicious dogs with jaws large enough to swallow a child.

       Jaime 13, Sam 11, and Danny 9, wonder who could possibly live there and climb the hill to investigate. What they find scares them enough to scramble back down the hill, their lives changed forever.

       Mystery of Spider Mountain is available on Kindle. The print edition will be released September 2011.

Visit Jean at her website: http://www.jeanhenrymead.com/

And her blog sites:
Mysterious Writers: http://mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com/
Writers of the West: http://writersofthewest.blogspot.com/
Murderous Musings: http://murderousmusings.blogspot.com/
Make Mine Mystery http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Marja McGraw

2011-07-04T01:17:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrate the USA's "birthday" and another stop on the Mystery We Write Blog Tour week 7. This week's guest is Marja McGraw, and I asked her to give us some background on her books and herself. I’m delighted to present Marja in her own words.

I was born and raised in Southern California, in the good old days before freeways and crowds. My family dates back to the earlier part of the 1800s, so between family history and stories, I’m quite familiar with Los Angeles. It was a great place to grow up. Mud pies, playing cards clothes-pinned to our bicycle wheels and walks to the local park were all part of an average day. You pulled up to a refrigerator at a local dairy, retrieved your milk and left the money in a cash register. No one was there to make sure you were honest. And in the process kids got to see the newest calf.

Trips to downtown Los Angeles to the May Company or Bullock’s were rare, but fun. My grandparents would take me to the Pig ‘n Whistle for lunch. Those were the days.

I worked in law enforcement in downtown Los Angeles for several years, and in various other offices such as West Covina and Pomona. While working for the County Marshal’s Office, I was a Deputy Clerk. Basically, that’s clerical. However, when I started out there were no female deputies. When a female was needed, we were called upon to do whatever was necessary. I searched the Ladies’ Restroom once for a bomb – without any training. My life was threatened because someone didn’t get the job they wanted when I worked in Personnel. Nowadays, that would be Human Resources. It was a different world, and it sure provided some interesting experiences. I also worked as a legal secretary, and for a sheriff’s office in Oregon.

I write two series, the Sandi Webster Mysteries and the Bogey Man Mysteries. They both take place in Southern California, where I grew up. I chose this location because it’s grown so much that a person can easily lose themselves in the crowds. All of these experiences, and living in Los Angeles County, gave me the inspiration for stories and characters. Since I enjoy humor, the stories are lighter with some humor.

As a matter of fact, in A Well-Kept Family Secret, Sandi Webster’s menopausal mother asks Sandi to solve a hundred-year-old murder involving a family member accused of the crime. How can Sandi, a thirtyish female P.I., turn down a woman whose moods are all over the charts? Yes, I’ve given both Sandi and her mother a very small part of my own family history. However, there are no murders in our past.

Eventually I relocated to Northern Nevada, then Oregon, Alaska and back to Nevada. While in Alaska I worked for a contractor whose son owned a half wolf/half Golden retriever dog. This was one of the smartest, funniest dogs I’ve ever been around. He was huge, and very protective of me. I knew that I had to add this canine to my stories, and in Bubba’s Ghost, Bubba came to life. He had a smile that made people think he was baring his teeth at them. You can see him smiling on my website, on the Book Page. Bubba thinks there’s a ghost in the attic, and across the county a young widowed mother is fighting her own ghost in the form of a menacing bum. Sandi is called on to do her P.I. thing.

At one time I worked in a Senior Center in Nevada and had a great time getting to know the seniors. I also wrote a weekly column dedicated to seniors for about a year. My own relatives were long-lived, so I have a pretty good background with older people. As a matter of fact, they inspired Prudy’s Back! which is about a woman who was a P.I. during the 1940s. She’s the next door neighbor of Sandi’s mother, who now lives in Arizona (as do I), and she wants Sandi to solve the crime that she could never get a handle on. Prudy is an interesting character who wears a shedding vintage fur coat, cowgirl boots, and she carries a long black cigarette holder. The crime took place in Los Angeles during the World War II.

This all takes us to The Bogey Man, about Chris Cross who happens to be a dead ringer for Humphrey Bogart. Long story, but he wanted to be a P.I. like Bogey was in his movies. He ended up hooking up with Sandi Webster, who showed him that the private eye business isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and they become involved in a murder that’s committed at a costume party. The guests run the gamut, from agents to actors and models.

The Bogey Man proved to be so popular, that I began a spinoff series involving Chris, his wife, Pamela, stepson Mikey, and two yellow Labrador retrievers, Sherlock and Watson. Bogey Nights was just released in March, 2011, and it involves an old house and a body buried in the basement since 1942. You might enjoy Chris’s version of how the old P.I.’s spoke and acted.

So there’s a little bit about me and my books. I hope you’ve enjoyed the walk I’ve taken here and that you’ll take a look at Sandi Webster and Chris Cross. They’re really a lot of fun.

Vivian, thank you for letting me talk a bit about myself and my books. The look back was a good one.

Website: http://www.marjamcgraw.com/

Blog: http://blog.marjamcgraw.com/

Thank you, Marja, for allowing us to know more about you and your books.

Next week I will host Jean Henry Mead.

This week I'm the guest on Mary Martinez' blog.

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Mary Martinez

2011-06-27T01:03:00.001-05:00

Except for online, I've never had the opportunity of meeting Mary Martinez, so I'm very happy that she decided to allow me to interview her.

However, let's learn a bit about Mary herself. Mary has lived her entire life in the Salt Lake City Valley, where she has raised a family of six children. One of her favorite things to do is spend time with her seven grandchildren. That's one thing she and I have in common, except I have ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mary is a member of the Romance Writers of America. Though she loves romance, writing suspense is her favorite. Mary’s dream conference would be the opportunity to attend ThrillerFest.

Mary and her husband love traveling, their favorites are the Caribbean for relaxation and Italy for the wine. Their experiences have given her valuable insight for her stories.

Ahh, something else we have in common. I would love to attend ThrillerFest, too. But, now the interview:

Vivian: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

Mary: I’m not sure how to answer this question. I’m a little on the older side, let’s just say I’m not ready for the grave yet, but I do have grandkids. But I believe what has affected my writing most, is the fact I am older. The fact I have more life experience and maturity. Not that I believe young writers aren’t brilliant and talented. I believe for me, I needed to wait until the time was right. Did that make sense?

Vivian: Now, wait a minute, older is great. I'm older and have great-grandchildren and need to live at least thirty more years in order to write all the books running around in my head.

Please fill us in on your hobbies, interests, or activities you participate in during your leisure time. *laugh* If you have any.

Mary: I love to travel, read, watch old movies. I love to cook new recipes and drink a great new wine. My husband and I are concert ‘ho’s’ and pretty much want to do them all. We have several concerts already lined up for the summer. Ranging from The Moody Blues, Chris Isaak, Buddy Guy, to Sheryl Crow. That’s just a few on the list to see.

Do I have time? I make time. As much as I love to write, family and friends are very important to me.

Vivian: This sort of ties into the last question. You have so many projects going all the time: working on books, traveling, etc.; how do you manage?

Mary: I recently had to go back to a day job. If we’re slow I have my laptop so I can work on blogs, promotion or email in between calls. That clears up less things for me to do when I’m off work and can write. I have really had to adjust my writing schedule and give my permission on some day’s not to write since I went back to work. At first I stressed when I was too busy and couldn’t be at my computer writing or editing. Now I am in the process of organizing my life so I’m not stressed when I’m too busy.

Vivian: Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

Mary: I do not plot. I tried that once after a workshop and to this day those plotted chapters are away in a file. My characters wouldn’t even speak to me after that. I am a total pantser. I find out what happens as I go, just like the reader. Basically I spit it out until the end. Then I start at the beginning and fill it in, layering and patching up sagging middles, etc.

Vivian: How do you feel when you complete a book?

Mary: Conflicted. On the one hand, I’m thrilled it’s over, and I want to go out and reward myself. On the other hand I’m sad to have the journey and with my friends.

Vivian: How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

Mary: When I first started writing I didn’t even know they existed. I had no clue how to do anything. Utah RWA saved me and helped me more than I can say.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Mary: First, join a writers group. They’re a community of like minds who will take you under their wing and steer you in the right direction. Going in the right direction is only the first step. You need to do your research. Find out what agent/editor wants your genre, and who is actively seeking new clients. Before you submit, check them out make sure they’re legitimate. I can’t stress this enough.

Vivian: What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?

Mary: It’s Classic Murder: Mr. Romance

I love old movies and I happened to be watching a Cary Grant movie, when the idea started as a small germ. By the end of the movie, I had note pad out scribbling notes about the plot. And no this doesn’t make me a plotter. I have a paragraph or two that could be called a short synopsis or blurb when I start the story. Then I add as I go.

Here’s a bit more about Classic Murder: Mr. Romance

Blurb, excerpt and trailer: http://www.marymartinez.com/mrromance.html

ISBN: 978-1610343350

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1610343352/bookstrand-20

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Classic-Murder/Mary-Martinez/e/9781610343350/

Web Site: www.marymartinez.com

Garden Blog: http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marylmartinez

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mlmartinez33

Thank you Vivian, this has been fun!

Thank you, Mary, for joining me today.

Mary has four books out and one novella. For more information, you can visit her web site: http://www.marymartinez.com

Blog: http://marysbooksblogger.blogspot.com

Join her newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Marys_Books_and_Such/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/marylmartinez

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mlmartinez33

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Jackie King

2011-06-20T00:32:00.002-05:00

My friend and co-member of OWFI, Jackie King loves books, words, and writing tall tales. She especially enjoys murdering the people she dislikes on paper. Jackie is a full time writer who sometimes teaches writing at Tulsa Community College. Her latest novel, THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE is a traditional mystery. She has also written five novellas as co-author of the Foxy Hens Series. Warm Love on Cold Streets is her latest novella and is included in the anthology THE FOXY HENS MEET A ROMANTIC ADVENTURER. Her only nonfiction book is DEVOTED TO COOKING. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Oklahoma Writers Federation, and Tulsa Night Writers.

Now for your enjoyment: Vivian Zabel Interviews Jackie King

VZ: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

JK: Writers waste nothing…when bad things happen to us; our pain becomes grist for our story mill. We do the same with joyful events. Grace Cassidy, my protagonist in THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE, has been discarded by an egocentric husband. I gave her my own emotions and reactions that I had experienced when I unexpectedly found myself single in my late forties.

My first novella, FLIRTING AT FIFTY, (found in CHIK~LIT FOR FOXY HENS anthology) is a true accounting of my divorce-recovery. I gave my story a funny twist, even though the divorce was not funny. The only fiction is the hunk who fixed the roof. (I had someone who was supposed to fix my roof, but he was overweight and surly, and didn’t even properly repair the roof.)

VZ: Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

JK: When I was in college (back in the Dark Ages), I majored in journalism. I left school to marry at a very young age (18), had three children, worked in the corporate world, and took care of aging parents (both mine and my then-husband’s). About the time I thought my life was going to smooth out responsibility-wise, my husband told me he was moving out of our home. At that time I asked myself, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer had never changed. I wanted to write!

VZ: What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?

JK: THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE, published by Deadly Niche Press, is a full-length, mystery. Available both on Kindle or Nook, $2.99 and in trade paperback, $15.95. Free chapter downloads and reader reviews (all 5-star) are available at Amazon.com.

The opening scene flashed through my mind while I stayed in a Bed and Breakfast in Northern California. That scene became the opening paragraph of my book:

“Grace Cassidy stared at the stranger’s body. He was about sixty, pot-bellied, naked, and very dead. She knew he was dead because his skin was the color of concrete. Worst of all, he was lying smack dab in the middle of her bed.”

VZ: How did you manage to come up with the idea for your novel?

JK: My writer’s mind (and, in my opinion, most writer’s minds) seems to be a bit like an old fashioned sink. Everything flows through it. I play “what if” with these thoughts.

“What if I had found a dead body on my bed?”

“What if he were naked?”

“What if his clothes couldn’t be found…anywhere?”

“What if the police thought that I had killed him?”
“What if I were stranded here, in this strange place, with no friends, no money and no resources?” And on and on. I had to answer these questions to satisfy my own curiosity, so I wrote THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE.

VZ: Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

JK: How I wish I did! But Alas, I sort of muddle through, talking to my characters as I go. (Note to other writers: I do NOT recommend this method.) What I do recommend is that a writer shows up for work at regular times (just as if you worked at Wal-Mart), sits down at the computer (or notebook) and writes.

VZ: How do you feel when you complete a book?

JK: Oh, dear. Being somewhat neurotic, I have a mixture of feelings. I’m relieved that the work finished, BUT I struggle with an uncomfortable, niggling feeling that I’ve missed something important and will see the error (or errors) as soon as the book is published.

VZ: What are your writing achievements and goals?

JK: I’ve won a couple of prizes on my novellas, but my greatest achievement has been the feedback from readers of THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE. There’s no honor like that of knowing that someone enjoyed reading your book!

My goal is to write the best stories that I’m capable of, and to entertain readers.

VZ: Does writing help better you as a person? How?

JK: I’m not sure if writing makes me a better person, I only know that when I write, I’m a much happier person.

VZ: What advice would you have for a new author?

JK: Never let anyone discourage you! Write every day and submit what you write.

I’d like to thank Vivian for inviting me to be a guest blogger on BRAIN CELLS AND BUBBLE WRAP. Don’t you just love that title?

I’d love to have readers ‘friend’ me on Facebook. I’m listed as Jacqueline King

Website: www.jacqking.com

Blog: Cozy Mysteries and Other Madness can be found at http://bnbmysteries.blogspot.com

THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE

Published by Deadly Niche Press

ISBN: 978-0-937660-53-9

Thank you, Jackie, for visiting with us today.

Jean Henry Mead hosts me this week on Mysterious Writers. Please stop by.

Next week Mary Martinez will be my guest.

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Sharon Ervin

2011-06-13T01:29:00.002-05:00

As we visit Sharon Ervin on this stop of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour, let's get comfortable. I'll first give a bit of information about this amazing woman and then present the article she wrote for us to share.

About Sharon Ervin

Sooner born, Sharon has a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Once a newspaper reporter, Sharon now works in her husband and son’s law office half-days, gleaning material for her nine published novels. She is married to McAlester, Oklahoma attorney Bill Ervin and has four grown children.

I’m happy to say I know Sharon. We’re both members of OWFI (Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc.). In fact, we were at the same conference the first weekend of May, and I got close enough to wave at her across the room, a large room: That’s how busy the conference was. Most of us ran from one session or activity to another.

Sharon wrote an article for us about, well, with or without?

WITH OR WITHOUT?

I write steamy scenes sometimes.

I do not care for characters who hop in and out of beds like fleas changing dogs. Just as I don’t care for promiscuous sex, I also dislike gratuitous violence, obscene language, etc.

However, characters evolve and I allow them to do so, usually.

Most children have favorite stories. They want the same story read over and over again. As we mature, our tastes change. We want the characters to have different names and the stories to be set in less familiar places, but basically we still want the same story over and over again: “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Snow White,” “Beauty and the Beast.” Oh, yes, we do.

Years ago, Silhouette identified and capitalized on women readers’ preferences and came up with formulas for familiar plots that worked. The company led the charge in the publication of romance novels. Eventually, even publishers who demeaned romance novels were amazed by the bottom line––profit––and developed romance imprints of their own. Formulas––guidelines––were strictly adhered to: no subplots allowed, few supporting characters, no mixing of genres. People, specifically women, read romance to escape humdrum at home, in the office, train commutes, whatever ruts they occupied. The stories were not intended to provoke thought. The language was uncomplicated, like listening to a favorite song again and again.

Romance was defined. It was a love story between two people. After reading a dozen or so, I wanted more than those early books offered. I like romance, but I like it with some suspense, twists, surprises, sex, humor, God, fantasy. My personal taste runs to mysteries with a little romance, mixing the genres. It’s what I read most, what I write, what I like on TV, and in the movies.

Dorothy Sayers, lauded by some as the greatest mystery writer of the 20th Century, described her last novel, BUSMAN’S HONEYMOON, as “A Love Story with Detective Interruptions.” She is my inspiration. Her love scenes are benign.

Years ago movies that would be rated PG-13 today, had “Treetop scenes.” Sex scenes sent the cameras to the treetops, and the audience was left to imagine what came next. In my opinion, some movies today might be improved by cameras cutting to treetops.

If romance develops between two characters in a manuscript I’m writing, that’s great. In BODACIOUS, my best seller on Amazon’s Kindle, the characters carried me along like a lazy river at a water park. I wasn’t embarrassed or ill-at-ease because the evolution of their relationship felt natural. I liked the heat they generated.

If the situation in a book gets hot, I write it hot. If not, not.

When individual readers ask which of my books I recommend for them, like a waiter in a restaurant, I ask: “Do you prefer your fare mild, medium or hot?”

***

Thanks, Sharon. I’m glad you visited with us today. If anyone wants to know more about Sharon and her writing, here are sites to visit:

Sharon's website

Sharon's blog

Buy Link

NOTE: I'm found on Marilyn's Musings this week.

Next week, Jackie King will be my guest

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Pat Browning

2011-06-06T00:19:00.004-05:00

I’ve had the pleasure of “knowing” my guest for this Mystery We Write Blog Tour stop, Pat Browning, for several years. However, we finally met face to face last month at the OWFI Writing Conference, May 6-7.

Pat, thanks for the hugs.

Meet Pat Browning

She was born and raised in Oklahoma. A longtime resident of California's San Joaquin Valley before moving back to Oklahoma in 2005, Pat’s professional writing credits go back to the 1960s, when she was a stringer for The Fresno Bee while working full time in a Hanford law office.

She is a veteran traveler. Her globetrotting in the 1970s led her into the travel business, first as a travel agent, then as a correspondent for TravelAge West, a trade journal published in San Francisco. In the 1990s, she signed on fulltime as a newspaper reporter and columnist, first at The Selma Enterprise and then at The Hanford Sentinel.

Her first mystery, FULL CIRCLE, was revised and reissued as ABSINTHE OF MALICE by Krill Press in 2008. An extensive excerpt can be read at Google Books: http://tinyurl.com/23pojdm.

Basic information:

ABSINTHE OF MALICE, Krill Press 2008

ISBN-10: 0982144318, ISBN-13: 978-982144312

Logline: It’s just another Labor Day weekend in a small California town until discovery of a skeleton in a cotton field leads to murder—and romance.

Vivian: Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

Pat: I’ve been writing something ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I dashed off one-page haunted house stories and passed them around my fifth grade classroom (self-publishing in its basic form). When I was 12 I sent a short-short story to the Kansas City Star. It was some nonsense about fairies in a hollow tree and the Star sent me fifty cents. I was mortified when I saw the thing in print.

My first real published work was non-fiction—articles and columns I wrote while working for small newspapers in California. Readers really responded to columns I wrote about my family and my life growing up in Oklahoma. I still write about such things, mostly in my blogs. I keep writing to remember—who I am, where I’ve been, what I’ve done.

Vivian: What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?

Pat: You force me to reveal the true depth of my shallowness. I’ve written the sum total of one novel and I honestly don’t remember why. I do remember when. I was taking a cigarette break at work when thoughts of writing a murder mystery drifted by. I began haunting the library and bookstore, bringing home mysteries by the armload.

The only author’s name I knew was Mary Higgins Clark, so I paged through other books for a quick take on dialogue, setting, etc. and picked books that looked interesting. In the first batch were THE BOOKMAN’S WAKE by John Dunning, LYING IN WAIT by J.A. Jance and THE DANDELION MURDERS by Rebecca Rothenberg. They are still favorites. Rothenberg’s book is extra special because the setting was a few miles from where I lived for so many years.

About the same time, I got a computer, discovered the Internet and surfed into Walter Sorrells’s Website, The Mystery Zone. A link led to Al Alexander’s Crime Scene page. Al seemed discouraged and about ready to fold his tent but had a couple of books in soft cover left to sell. I bought HOW TO CRAFT MURDER MYSTERY & SUSPENSE NOVELS THAT SELL and his novel THE LAST BLUE KISS. Al gave me some good advice, and said that I picked a good time to jump in because the market was open for female protagonists and female writers. So I was off to a flying start.

It's just as well that I didn't know how long, crooked and uphill the road to a finished novel would be. I thought writing was writing. Ha! Double Ha! It was, and still is, a learning experience, but that's what life is about. I'm glad I took it on.

The problem was that I was going at it backwards, piling up pages of characters in search of a plot. It took me several years to get that first mystery in shape. It has been published twice, once as FULL CIRCLE in 2001, and again as ABSINTHE OF MALICE in 2008. So far, that’s my only book. I’m working hard to finish the second one.

Vivian: How did you manage to come up with the idea for your novel?

Pat: It was just there. I didn’t realize it at the time but that novel is a fictional version of my life and times, the places I worked, the people I knew. The newsroom is an almost identical recreation of a newsroom where I worked. I made up the characters but they are probably composites of people I have known. I made up the history of the town where the story is set, but there’s a ring of truth even there.

Vivian: What are your writing achievements and goals?

Pat: My goal? To write the Great American Novel. My achievements? Feedback from readers. Awards are nothing. Readers matter. I loved the comment from a reader that she burned the peas while trying to finish the last chapter of my book. But the strangest experience involved my research and a longtime friend.

I gave one of my characters a hereditary blood disease called porphyria. It popped up one day when I was researching liquor, and it fit, so I used it. After my friend read the book, she wrote me a note saying that her father died of porphyria in 1950.

She said that her father's death was helped along by local doctors who couldn't diagnose him. By the time a hospital lab in San Francisco identified his porphyria, it was too late to do him any good. Even so, the local doctors told the family very little about the disease. When she read my book, my friend was aghast and agog.

I met her for coffee, and gave her my research file to read. A month later we met again for coffee, and she showed me a card she carried in her wallet. Dated 1960, it said that her blood tested positive for porphyria "cyclical, acute and familial," and that she should avoid "barbitals and sulphonals."

She had been showing that card to doctors for years and none of them paid much attention. None of them ever told her to avoid alcohol. She always wondered, she said, why drinking made her sick. Her late husband called alcohol's effects her "crazies."

It shook us both to think that my stumbling across porphyria during research brought this real mystery in her own life "full circle." Of course, I don't believe in accidents, and her comment was, "God works in mysterious ways!" She photocopied my printouts and sent them to her two daughters, suggesting that they and their children be tested for porphyria.

I have lived a long time on the satisfaction that gave me.

Vivian: Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use; if so, what?

Pat: I'm an obsessive note-jotter. I have notebooks and pens in every room in the house. However, I don't sit down and write pages or chapters every day or every week. I plan to start doing that—next week. Seriously.

I am not disciplined. When not writing starts to drive me crazy, I shove everything else aside and start writing. I don’t recommend this so-called technique. It takes me too long to write a book, and I’m so easily distracted. Oh, look – my Oriental lilies are about to bloom!

Vivian: Would you please give a brief excerpt from your book and/or a review about it?

Pat: Here’s a recent review by J.M. Orenduff who writes the brilliant “Pot Thief” mysteries. He posted it to Amazon.com.

“There is a very simple explanation of why ABSINTHE OF MALICE is on so many ‘top lists’ on Amazon. It's a great Book. Penny Mackenzie is a believable multi-dimensional character capable of a range of emotions. She is funny with a down home outlook on life, but she can also be reflective, angry, indignant.

“And when she and a co-worker find some bones in a field outside of town, Penny shows another side of her personality - persistence. Not only is the knee bone connected to the thigh bone as the old song says; it is also connected to almost everyone in town in one way or another. Pearl California may be a small town, but it has big secrets dating all the way back to its founding, and the author brings them out in a way that keeps you guessing but never confused. Then she wraps everything up in a most satisfying conclusion.

“In some ways, ABSINTHE OF MALICE is a cozy, a crime in a cute setting solved by a reluctant civilian facing a number of personal challenges—back living with her mother, an old flame showing up, etc. But while the book is a quick and fun read, it is also a serious piece of work, exploring moral issues with great sensitivity and insight. ABSINTHE OF MALICE is a great title. The book is even better.”

Special note: The second book in the series, METAPHOR FOR MURDER, is a work in progress. ABSINTHE takes place on a Labor Day weekend. METAPHOR picks up the story the week before Christmas. Logline: Small town reporter Penny Mackenzie tracks an offbeat Christmas story and finds herself in the middle of a murder and the mysterious desecration of an old Chinese cemetery.

Vivian, thanks for letting me ramble on. It’s a pleasure to be your guest blogger today.

You are most welcome, Pat. I enjoyed the visit. Now, where and how to find more about Pat: her web site under construction; her page at Author's Den; and her blog Morning's at Noon.

Vivian Zabel

Carol Shenold will be hosting me this week.

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Beth Anderson

2011-05-29T00:45:00.010-05:00

Beth Anderson is my second Mystery We Write Blog Tour guest. She, as a noted Chicago area crime writer, has authored several books.

I'm delighted to have interviewed her.

Vivian: Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Beth: I graduated Cum Laude from Benedictine Business Management College. I had to do a lot of writing for the business courses I took, and the grammar had to be perfect. Initially I had to be very caring with my writing because I wanted straight A’s just for my own satisfaction. After that, I found it impossible to do less than my very best with my novels because I want it known that my name is on that book and I care very much about how the book reads. I want all my readers to finish any of my books knowing they’ve just read a great book. Think about it. You might make money, you might not. Personal ego is good up to a point but is probably the most unimportant thing.

Your readers are everything. Without them, you’re just a lone voice in a very large world full of voices. It’s in your best interest to care about everything that goes into your book, including the best formatting and the very best editing you can get for it.

Vivian: What keeps you writing?

Beth: Well, it’s sure not the money, is it? I think what has kept me writing, except for a couple of times when I had to cope with some overwhelming personal problems and could not write anything, is that I just want to give my readers the feeling, when they’re done with the book, that this is a book that deserves a great review, and I hope they will review it. Some do, some don’t, but I always try my best to give them an exciting, fun read.

Vivian: True, we don’t keep writing for the money, rather we don’t quit because of the lack of money. Nope, that’s certainly not the answer.

What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?

Beth: My most recent book is Raven Talks Back, due out in May 2011 at Amazon and B&N. I think the town of Valdez, Alaska, where the book is mainly set, was my original inspiration, because to me it’s a very beautiful, haunting place, especially in the early morning fog.

Vivian: I believe I shared with you that I’m going to Alaska in September 2012 as a speaker for the Alaska Writers Conference. I can hardly wait.

How did you manage to come up with the idea for your novel?

Beth: The ending came to me in a dream one night years ago. I knew someday I’d put it into a book because it was so vivid and frightening and I had no idea why I’d dreamed it, other than it belonged in a story that would come to that point. That scene is almost at the end, where Raven suddenly knows for sure who it is that she’s been seeing in the visions she first started having when the first murder occurred.

Vivian: Are you a member of a writing group? If so, how do any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

Beth: I have a crit group of four excellent authors. My criteria when I started it was that anyone who wanted to join had to have done the work to get through an entire book on their own no matter what shape it was in, because we could always whip it into shape, but the desire and determination to have written an entire book is something you can’t give to anyone. I also wanted to keep it very small so we’d have enough time at our meetings to really do some heavy duty critiquing when we had to. And we’ve had to, plenty of times.

Some who wanted in the group were very put out by that criteria, but we’ve stuck to it and now three of us are multi-published and the fourth member most certainly will be.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Beth: Make. Sure. Your. Grammar. Is. Top. Notch. If it’s your first book, forget your ego and have it looked at by someone who knows what they’re doing, because first-timers seldom really know what they’re doing, and their competition is every other author in the world who DOES know what they’re doing.

Vivian: Would you please give a brief excerpt from your book?

Beth: How about my bio and my Raven Talks Back book blurb?

Beth Anderson is a multi-published, award winning author in several genres including romance and mainstream crime fiction. A full time author, she lives in a Chicago, Illinois suburb. She has appeared on Chicago's WGN Morning Show, The ABC Evening News, as well as numerous other radio and cable television shows. She has guest lectured at Purdue University and many libraries and writers' conferences. She loves music, particularly jazz. Her website and blog are at http://www.bethanderson-hotclue.com .

Coming: May 2011 from Krill Publishing: Raven Talks Back, book #1 in the Raven Morressey series.

Raven Morressey is living the good life. Nice home, husband, three healthy children, and it's finally summertime, when life is again lovely in Valdez, Alaska. All this explodes one morning when builders, digging up her back yard, uncover a recently murdered headless, handless female body covered with scarification—hundreds of colored designs cut into the skin to resemble tattoos. As if this isn’t enough, where the corpse’s head should have been is a large rock with a face painted on that resembles an Alaska Native mask.

Raven's eight year old son, Timmy, is the first one to see the body and is suddenly unable to walk or respond in any way. On that same day, Raven hears the voice of her long dead Athabascan father coming from Timmy, who is unaware of the ancient hunting chants he sings in his sleep and the words he suddenly speaks in Raven’s native tongue—a language he does not know.

Jack O’Banion, Valdez’s Chief of Police for the past few years, faced with his first murder case in Valdez, begins his official investigation. Everywhere he goes he finds nothing but deception. The town seems to have closed into itself and nobody will tell him anything that might help him solve this case. Then one murder quickly morphs into two, then three, and the Alaska State Troopers are hot on his back to find the killer now.

Between Raven’s voices and the visions she develops, and Jack, whose career as well as his contented life in Valdez are on the line, they both feel they have to find the killer and restore some sanity to the town—not to mention their own lives, which are quickly unraveling out of control.

To find Raven Talks Back go to Barnes& Noble Nook and Amazon. The ISBN for her eBook is 978-09821443-9-8.

Thank you, Beth. I hope more people discover your books.

Vivian Zabel

Regan Taylor hosts me this week.

Next week Pat Browning will be my guest.

All other blogs participating in the Mystery We Write Blog Tour:

Jean Henry Mead's blog

Jennifer DiCamillo's blog

Regan Taylor's blog

Marilyn Meredith's blog

Carol Shenold's blog

Anne K. Albert's blog

Beth Anderson's blog

Pat Browning's blog

Sharon Ervin's blog

Jackie King's blog

Mary Martinez' blog

Marja McGraw's blog

Mystery We Write presents Anne K. Albert

2011-05-23T00:44:00.007-05:00

Anne K. Albert initiated this blog tour idea for writers of mysteries, and I'm delighted she's my first guest. Her eBook Frank, Incense, and Muriel is our focus this week, along with her, the author, of course.

First a brief bio for Anne: she has taught high school art, sold display advertising for a small town weekly newspaper, and worked for a national brand water company, but now writes full time.

A member of the Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and married to her high school sweetheart for more than a quarter of a century, it's a given she'd write mystery and romantic suspense.

When not in her home office, she enjoys traveling, visiting friends and family, knitting, crocheting, and of course, reading.

Vivian - What can readers expect when they read your books?

Anne - My stories chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul – all with a delightful touch of humor.

Vivian - When did the dream of writing books take root in your heart?

Anne: I’m one of those late bloomers people always talk about. It never occurred to me that “real” people could be writers until I was of a “certain” age. :)

Vivian - Did you choose the mystery genre or did it choose you?

Anne – Both! As a child, I read Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. In my teens, I discovered Agatha Christie, Erle Stanley Gardner and so many other mystery writers. I can’t resist a whodunit.

Vivian – Tell us about FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL.

Anne – This mystery takes place the week before Christmas when the stress of the holiday season is enough to frazzle anyone's nerves. To find a missing woman, Frank and Muriel must deal with an embezzler, femme fatale, kidnapper, and of course, Muriel's eccentric, (but loveable) family. Their desire to win the coveted D-DAY (Death Defying Act of the Year) Award, however, might just tip them all over the edge.

It received a 5-star review and Reviewer Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews.

Vivian – Would you share an excerpt with us?

Anne – I’d be delighted to!

Beginning excerpt from FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL:

Imagine my surprise when Frankie Salerno showed up at my front door one cold, December, Monday morning. Displaying a set of dimples that could make a grown woman cry, he gave me a quick once over and let out a long, slow, wolf whistle. “You’re looking good, Brian. Real good.”

Being ogled at is one thing. Being called that ridiculous nickname after a fifteen-year hiatus another. I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach as my thoughts traveled back to Ms. Traynor’s ninth English class when Frankie wrote me a note. I have no idea of its contents. Nor do I care. All I know is the teacher intercepted it. She read it, raised an eyebrow, and zeroed in on me.

“I believe Frankie had you in mind when he wrote this,” she said.

To my horror, she began to read the note aloud. She got as far as the salutation he’d printed on the outside of the folded sheet of three-ring notepaper.

“To the Brian.”

The class erupted into fits of laughter and Ms. Traynor, satisfied we’d suffered enough humiliation for one day, returned the note to Frankie and resumed her lesson. From that day forward, I was the girl named Brian, and Frankie became my sworn enemy.

From where I stood a decade and a half later, not much had changed except that I’d grudgingly accepted my fate. Having a few more brain cells than feminine curves had advantages. If Frankie thought otherwise, so be it. He was entitled to his opinion. But really, who needed it? Or him?

“I’d like to say it’s great to see you again,” I said, “but we both know I’d be lying. Let’s end this before it gets messy, shall we?”

“Aw, come on.” He pressed his large, square hand on the screen door. “Do you have any idea how many Reeves are in the phonebook? It took me more than an hour to find you. I had to check the listings in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lackawanna–”

I held up my hand to silence him. I’d lived in western New York state all of my life and did not need a geography lesson. What I needed was to get on with my life. Without him. Still, I could not resist getting in the last word.

“It would’ve been quicker if you’d looked under ‘M’ instead of ‘B’,” I said.

“I was kidding about the Brian part.”

“Then why’d you say it?”

“I dunno. I was a jerk back in high school and some things never change. Besides, it says a lot more about me than it ever did about you. I’m the one who couldn’t spell brain.”

****

Vivian – Where can readers get a copy of your book?

Anne: At Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, or from my publisher, Vanilla Heart Publishing.

Thank you, Vivian! It was such fun to visit you on my first stop of the Murder We Write Blog Tour. I’d like to invite readers to visit mywebsite or my main blog.

If they drop by my Muriel Reeves Mysteries blog and leave a comment mentioning this interview, I’ll enter their name in a draw to win a pdf copy of FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL. I’ll announce the winner at the conclusion of the tour, sometime during the week of August 22, 2011.

You're most welcomed. I enjoyed your visit.

I will be the guest on Carys Weldon's blog this week. Please stop by.

Join me again next week when my guest will be Beth Anderson.

Please visit this week, different hosts post on different days starting today:

Marilyn Meredith on Jean Henry Mead's blog

I'm suppose to appear on Jennifer DiCamillo's blog

Carys Weldon (aka Jennifer DiCamillo) on Regan Taylor's blog

Carol Shenold on Marilyn Meredith's blog

Regan Taylor on Carol Shenold's blog

Beth Anderson on Anne K. Albert's blog

Pat Browning on Beth Anderson's blog

Sharon Ervin on Pat Browning's blog

Jackie King on Sharon Ervin's blog

Mary Martinez on Jackie King's blog

Marja McGraw on Mary Martinez' blog

Jean Henry Mead on Marja McGraw's blog

Heading for Ryan's graduation in Austin

2011-05-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

          My grandson Ryan Zabel, the oldest of my youngest, will graduated from Hyde Park High School, Austin, Texas, on June 2. Robert isn't healthy enough to make the trip, and I'm not physically able to drive from Edmond, Oklahoma to north Austin. Therefore, my reservations are made to take Amtrak, and the tickets will be mailed to me and arrive in a few days.

          I have been able to attend only two other grandchildren's graduations because the others lived too far away, so I'm delighted I can go to Ryan's.

          Ryan enrolled in the University of Tulsa and has been accepted. He's in the honor college and will play football. Hopefully, I'll be able to attend some of his games. With him closer, we'll have a chance to see more of him.

          Congratulations, Ryan. I'm so very proud of you and love you. Granny.

Preparing for the Mystery We Write Blog Tour

2011-05-14T17:53:00.001-05:00

          Thirteen mystery writers will participate in a virtual tour which begins the week of May 23 and will run through the week of August 14. Each person involved will host another person on the tour at least one day that week, a different person each week.

           My blog posts will usually go up on Wednesday of the scheduled week and will remain the rest of the week. My scheduled guests are as follows:

Week 1: starting May 23 - Anne K. Albert
Week 2: starting May 29 - Beth Anderson
Week 3: starting June 6 - Pat Browning
Week 4: starting June 13 - Sharon Ervin
Week 5: starting June 20 - Jackie King
Week 6: starting June 27 - Mary Martinez
Week 7: starting July   4 - Marja McGraw
Week 8: starting July 11 - Jean Henry Mead
Week 9: starting July 18 - Marilyn Meredith
Week 10: starting July 25 - Carol Shenold
Week 11: starting Aug   1 - Regan Taylor
Week 12: starting Aug   8 - Jennifer DiCamillo (aka Carys Weldon)

          What surprised me was how many of these women I know, either online and/or off. Several are members of OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) as I am. We spent time together the first full weekend of May at the conference.

          When the blog tour begins and continues, I'll post on which person's blog I'll appear as guest.

Debriefing - 2011 OWFI Writing Conference

2011-05-09T02:31:00.001-05:00

Plans began immediately after the 2010 OWFI Writing Conference, plans for this year's conference. As chair of BasketWars, the silent auction that raises funds for scholarships and to help provide speakers, I asked affiliates (writing groups associated with OWFI) and individuals to donate baskets (or other types of containers) with "goodies" such as books, items writers could/would enjoy, candy, and other creative ideas for the auction.

Eleven were promised before the date of of this year's conference; although individuals and groups brought a total of 20. More about that in a bit.

In December of 2010, I was asked to do a workshop and to take pitches from writers who wanted to see if 4RV would welcome a submission. Over the next months, I prepared my presentation and handouts for the session. I didn't know until the week of the conference that I would also participate in a panel, where the audience would have questions and the editor/publishers on the panel would answer them. Of course anyone who knows me realizes I have no problems talking -- about almost any subject.

Two 4RV Publishing authors (Wayne Harris-Wyrick and Horton Deakins) registered for the conference, too, and wanted their books to be in the book room, the onsite book store. As the publisher, I consigned copies of their books and three of mine to the bookstore that runs the book room. Before Wednesday the week of the conference I had every packed and ready to go.

Thursday May 5, Jacque Graham and I drove the 20 some miles to the Airport Embassy Suites hotel and checked in. As soon as we unloaded everything in our room, we took the baskets we brought to the hotel atrium and began to arrange them and other baskets waiting and arriving on the four tables furnished. Before breakfast Friday morning, we had 20 donated containers covering every spot available. One large basket had a lovely quilt. A suitcase was filled with a mug and tea bags, books and a broach. Several small purses contained books and other items. They arranged in size from huge to quite small. The silent auction began. I can't believe I never took any pictures of the tables covered with colorful "baskets."

I did manage to take a few photos of the dinner given the speakers and their shepherds that evening. Since Jacque was my shepherd, we both ate very well.

OWFI President Dan Case introduced the speakers after the meal.

Friday for me began at 2:30 AM when a migraine tried to dig its way through my skull. Finally I crawled out of bed at 3:30 to try to find relief. By six the pain had eased enough I could face breakfast. A side note: that hotel has the best breakfast around. We had about an hour after breakfast before we could take the books to the book room and before the opening meeting, so I collapsed on my bed and zonked out for about an hour.

After my nap, Jacque and I loaded the four plastic boxes of books and lugged them around the hotel (the book room was down some steps, and a walker does not do steps gracefully or well) to an outside door on the level of the book room. After checking the books in with the manager and the owner, we went our different ways -- Jacque to listen to the opening meeting and me to our room to visit with an author who said she had some questions. I hoped to be able to rest after our "short" visit before the panel. I barely had time to change from very casual to more professional dress and get myself to the panel discussion. No rest for the weary or wicked or whatever I am.

The panel discussion went well, from what others told me afterwards. I thought the time flew by and that the questions were quite good ones. I had to sit in a chair below the other two publishers because I couldn't climb the steps to the platform.

On the platform were Dan Case of AWOC.com publishing and Rhonda Penders of The Wild Rose Press. I, of course, represented 4RV Publishing.

Several people visited and asked more questions after we dismissed and one woman asked to take me to lunch. Thank you again, Janet, for inviting me. We, plus several others including Sally Jadlow, Carolyn Leonard, Jacque, and Patrick O'Campo, enjoyed visiting and eating.

After lunch, the pitch sessions began. Apparently people really wanted to visit with me about their manuscripts because I didn't get a break all afternoon, and, although we were scheduled to be finished before 5:00, I was able to leave at 5:10. I enjoyed meeting and visiting with so many writers. Some, well, most were nervous and had never pitched a project before. I tried to make they comfortable enough that they lost some of their fear. Some of the manuscripts sound very interesting. According to my notes, 25 writers pitched to me that afternoon.

Author Steve Berry was the keynote speaker at the Friday Famous Authors Banquet. For some reason, my camera wouldn't take shots very far away, and the pictures I took made Steve and Bill Burnhardt, who introduced his friend, appear as demons or something. Needless to say, I deleted those shots. However, I did get a couple good ones of the people close to me, such as Jen Nipps and Sally Jadlow.

Later that evening, several people held "buzz" sessions, where authors and speakers held discussion groups in their suites or in other locations in the hotel. I went to bed.

Saturday morning began with another delicious breakfast and then another round of taking pitches. I needed to help finalize the silent auction, so I only took pitches until nearly 11:00 AM, but I had 16 writers speak with me.

Jacque and I picked up the bidding sheets for each "basket" at exactly 11:00, the posted deadline. We took the sheets to our room in order to have quiet while we figured who had the highest bids and to add up the total bids. Then we returned to the atrium to wait for people to come pay for their purchase or purchases. We had a deadline for people to pay. If they hadn't paid by 12:15, the basket could be bought by anyone for the amount bid. In years past, maybe one or two were left. This year we had 10 baskets not claimed by the deadline. We waited a few more minutes. Jacque went to the hotel restaurant and announced we were going to sell the remaining baskets, if anyone had bid, they needed to check and claim quickly. To make a long story short, we did sell all 10, but we were running short of time. I had to be in my session by 1:30. I'm delighted to say BasketWars brought in $930 for scholarships and to help bring us speakers for next year.

Those who know me know I would rather be early than just on time or late. My session Submission Etiquette 101 was to begin at 1:30. I rushed into the room at most five minutes before I would start speaking. Whew. No pictures were taken of the session. Jacque and I were so rushed and flustered we neither one thought of my camera in my walker basket, and none of the "photographers" for the conference found their way to the workshop. Ohhh, my shining moment not caught on film, uh, in pixels. *laugh*

From my session I went the room to rest a few minutes before the board and then general meetings. Our new slate of officers were elected: Linda Apple took office in December as president and has already begun work on next year's conference. The full slate of officers can be found on the OWFI website, owfi.org.

The autograph party (a huge book signing with over 40 authors) began after the meetings. I had reserved space, and although few books were sold, I enjoyed visiting with people.

After the "party," Jacque and I rushed to dress for the Saturday banquet, the BIG night. Winners of the competition's 33 categories would be announced.

I did get some pictures of some of the people sitting at our table and a few others at the Saturday Awards Banquet. First, Linda Apple behind Dusty Richards and his wife. Then Mary and Mike Hinkle and Mary's sister Sarah. The next photo shows Horton Deakins and his wife, Claudia. After that is Horton and Bill VanOsdol.

The photo to the right shows me with author Lenora Worth, Mary and Mike Hinkle

Then, the highlight of my evening, Nita Bershears announced the 2nd place in the un-rhymed poetry category: "The Job" by Vivian Zabel. Jacque took the picture of Dusty Richards presenting me with the certificate and award check.

Politics and good manners

2011-05-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

I can hear someone saying, "Isn't politics and good manners an oxymoron?" I'm beginning to wonder if the two are opposites myself. I like an interesting discussion but not when one view gets bombarded as wrong, wrong, wrong. I've been on the receiving end of that type of "discussion" and don't like it at all.

Part of the problem, I believe, is the people who start the "discussion" only want comments from those who agree with them 100 percent. Hey, folks, that is not a discussion; that is propaganda. Heaven help the person who makes a comment not completely in agreement.

Allow me to give an example of a personal experience. Someone posted on a social website that he wished the people who kept demanding that the President show his birth certificate would finally shut up since one had been produced. He added that they probably wouldn't because those "people" refuse to believe anything but what they want to believe. I dared mention the fiasco about John McCain and how the media insisted he wasn't eligible because he was born on a military base in Panama because his father was military. It was a brief firestorm, yes, but it happened.

Needless to say, I started a firestorm. I wasn't defending anyone or attacking anyone, just adding to the discussion -- I thought. Silly me. Needless to say, I will not comment on that person's page, status, or whatever again. I was verbally attacked as if I had dared to call the President a dirty name, and I hadn't mentioned him directly or indirectly.

No good manners there, and seldom are found if politics or religion is the topic directly or indirectly. All my debate experience is for naught when I don't know there is opposition or the opposition doesn't know the rules of good manners. Some people want to be right, even if they have to batter someone with a bit of different opinion into the ground.

What a shame.

Grandson on his way to Tulsa University

2011-04-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

My grandson Ryan graduates from high school June 2, and then he's off to Tulsa University. Others like MIT had accepted him, but when TU accepted him to the Honors College, he made his choice.

According to a post by my youngest, his father, Ryan attended the Spring football game for the university and will be part of the team as a walk-on since he passed the physical.

It's thrilling and scary both to see him grown up. I'm so thankful he'll in college within driving distance from us, and I may be able to see him play college ball.

Ryan is so special in so many ways. I'm proud of him and love him and will forever. Yes, I'm a proud Granny.

Van is packed and ready for the NTBF

2011-04-10T21:02:00.000-05:00

No, we don't have any winners at the North Texas Book Festival, but 4RV Publishing will have seven (7) authors attending with books and fingers ready to sign lots of books. We have an author coming from Lousiana, two from Texas, and the rest from Oklahoma. The following authors will be attending:

Horton Deakins with his book Time Pullers, the pre-debut; Harry Gilleland with his book Aldric & Anneliese, the debut; Jacque Graham with Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry, which includes her poetry; Wayne Harris-Wyrick with his children's picture book Why Am I Me?, the debut; Caeleigh (Kelly) McKinna with two of her children's picture books Lion in the Living Room and Little Charley Thornpaws; Galand Nuchols with her book Second Chance; and Vivian Zabel with several of her books, including her newest Stolen.

After hours of sorting through books, packing them after checking off titles on the list of 50 titles, and lugging the boxes and packing them in the van, Jacque and I are exhausted. Hopefully, we'll be rested enough by Thursday to make the trip to Denton Friday morning.

If anyone lives close enough to make the drive to Denton, Texas on April 16, please come meet with us at The Center for Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. at Bell Ave.

All the preceding books can be purchased through most books stores and online suppliers, but they are also available at the 4RV Publishing Catalog.

What is the penalty for stealing trust?

2011-04-06T21:56:00.000-05:00

All right, I guess I'm a sucker, the one born every minute. I trust too easily, apparently, and I get hurt as a result. The first time I trusted and was burned happened long, long ago. I tried not to be that sucker again, but I was over and over, but to lesser degrees. I didn't completely trust unconditionally.

Then about seven years ago, I allowed myself to be persuaded that someone really cared about me. I was leery at first, but over time, I found myself caring about a young woman very much, as if she were an adopted daughter. Oh, I didn't lose anything material-wise. In fact she gave to me, and gave and gave, even when I wanted her not to give more.

No, what I lost was emotional. I grew to care so much, and she dropped out of my life without warning over a year ago, never to be heard from or of again. The last message I received said she would be in touch more often.

She didn't steal anything of material worth, not at all, just my faith and trust.

Did I learn? Oh, no, not me. I think I can trust a man who rebuilds computers. I send him money, paid out the expense before he sent the laptop, one I need so much. Then it never comes. I contact him, and he has a credible excuse, promises to have it to me by a certain date. Then he has another excuse, and I don't have a laptop. Now he's not available, and neither is my laptop or money.

But what hurts most is my trust was stolen again. What's the saying? Live and learn? I think I've finally learned.

Life requires lots of bubble wrap

2011-03-26T20:28:00.000-05:00

This past year has been such an emotional roller coaster of fear, hope, despair, prayer, love, and a miracle.

Tuesday, my husband hurt enough he wanted me to get him into the doctor. Took him for an appointment with the PA, who sent him to have a CAT scan. Everything we were told made us know nothing was going to be good, and it wasn't. When we walked in the door, the phone started ringing. The doctor called us himself and told me to get Robert to the ER right then. He had a hernia with a section of the bowel protruding.

Robert's health is not good. He has three or four blockages in his heart and a very weak heart. He wouldn't survive surgery to correct the problems, due to his congestive heart failure. We knew that any surgery would be very risky.

Sure enough, the ER doctor told us a surgeon would be called in, but the outcome could be very fatal -- with or without surgery.

To cut a long, fearful story short, they scheduled him for surgery Thursday morning. He suffered greatly from Tuesday to Thursday. Our sons flew or drove to get here. Two of our granddaughters and a great-grandson stayed close, visiting for long hours.

Thursday before the operation, the surgeon and the anesthesiologist spoke with Robert and family members. They stressed the fact that Robert had only a slim chance of survival. However, not having surgery was as dangerous if not more so.

We discussed the pros and cons, but Robert had to make the final choice. He told us he wanted to still live, but not in that much pain and not able to do anything. He said, if he died, he was ready. He would either see us after surgery or whenever we left this life.

Due to some wise decisions on the part of the two doctors, he didn't have to have general anesthesia, causing less stress on his back. The surgeon came to the waiting room, grinning ear to ear. "It worked."

Robert spent almost two days in ICU because of arrhythmia, but they moved him back to a regular room last night.

He's weak, tires easily, but he's doing remarkably well considering.

We saw a miracle this week.

Thank God.

Our youngest told his dad, "That's seven. You only have two left."

Stolen book cover nominated for award

2011-03-13T14:32:00.001-05:00

Of course this competition is a popularity contest (aren't most of them?), but the book cover for Stolen, designed by Aidana WillowRaven is one of the ten nominated for March for the Alternate Read Book Cover Award.

I'd be honored if many people did vote for Stolen. Please click on the link above and vote where noted in the right side bar.

For more information about Stolen visit the Stolen website.

Where do you find your characters?

2011-03-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

I have the article on today's 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News. The subject is how and where to find characters for stories.

Come join us. You can subscribe for the newsletter by email. In fact you can subscribe to this blog by email. Just look in the side bar for the spot to subscribe.

Which are you, storyteller or writer?

2011-03-09T08:47:00.000-06:00

Today's article on 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News discusses the difference between being a storyteller and a writer and asks readers which they are.

Holly Jahangiri takes up the same question, with her own twist, on her blog today. Just click her name to go to her report, after reading the one by me in the Reading, Writing, & Art News.

Show, don't tell has become almost a cliche, but a necessary one in the world of writing. Hopefully the report on Reading, Writing, & Art News will spark an interest in attempting to write with more show and less tell.

4RV Has Newsletter - 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News

2011-03-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News has its first post. We hope to have several articles a month, maybe even several a week, which will help readers know what's available for good reading, writing tips to help authors improve writing skills, information about the illustrating and designing process, etc.

Different 4RV authors, illustrators, designers, and editors will contribute to the newsletter. Readers can subscribe by email, too.

Please visit and see what you think. If you do subscribe and don't like the newsletter, you can unsubscribe.

Schedule changed

2011-02-27T21:23:00.001-06:00

I was going to blog about the new 4RV Publishing catalog, but as so often happens in life, my plans were changed -- do to a death in the family.

Why do we humans think we can plan our destinies? I had the week all mapped out the way I thought it should go. Then, a phone call changes everything and makes my thoughts so unimportant.

My youngest child's wife's parents and my husband and I are close friends. In fact, we became one combined family when my son married their daughter. Their son passed away this morning, but the losers are those left with empty spots in their lives and hearts: parents, sister, nephews, brother-in-law, friends, and other family members.

The lesson is life is short and can end without warning. We don't know when we'll say goodbye or if we'll have the opportunity to do so. The last time I saw Jerrald, a little over a week ago, he seemed happy and relaxed. He visited and joked -- left a wonderful picture to remember. He now is free of the wheel chair and limitations of a body that no longer worked. Yes, he's in a better place without pain and discomfort.

Goodbye, Jerrald. Dance all over heaven.

What's coming on Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap

2011-02-26T20:16:00.000-06:00

For the next few weeks, I'll be posting book reviews, writing tips, promotion for new books, and maybe even a tiny bit of personal bragging.

Tomorrow's blog will be about the new catalog coming out for 4RV's books.

Monday, I'll be posting my review of J.A. Jance's thriller Queen of the Night.

Please join me and discover what I'm writing about this time.

Life Is Good Award

2011-02-18T03:18:00.006-06:00

What would be a better post on my 49th anniversary than the Life is good award.

Barbara Ehrentreu awarded me the Life is Good Award. Thank you, Barbara.

Now, I have to choose ten other bloggers to award with Life Is Good and answer some questions.

If you’re on my list of recipients, this is what you need to do:
1. Thank and link back to the person that gave this award.
2. Answer the 10 survey questions below.
3. Pass the award along to other bloggers whom you think are fantastic.
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked to let them know about the award.

Ten Survey Questions:

1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you are not anonymous, do you wish that you had started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now?

No, I don't blog anonymously and wouldn't want to be. I don’t post anything that I wouldn’t want others to read.

2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side.

I still look forward to every day, which is a sign of my stubbornness, but one incident? Hmmm … I’m facing a second knee replacement, and, even knowing the difficulties involved for me, I’m doing it.

3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror?

More and more I see my mother when I see myself in a mirror.

4. What is your favorite summer cold drink?

I am a recovering Pepsi-holic. I had to give it up since I’m diabetic. However, I’ve discovered Pepsi Max, and it’s soooo good ice cold.

5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do?

Time for myself? What’s that?

6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it?

First, I want to have all my family together again at least one more time, and not at either of our funerals. Then, I need to find a way to write all the novels running around in my head.

7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching?

Hmmm … I guess I could be categorized as everyone’s friend. The guys would ask me for advice about their girlfriends. The girls wanted my advice about their boyfriends.

8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?

Since this is my 49^th anniversary, I would have to say watching Robert watch me march down the aisle on my father’s arm.

9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events?

I have a combination of sharing in my blog.

10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?

I usually don’t have the choice. I slip in reading and writing time in the middle of the night when talking on the phone isn’t an option. For a few friends, I’d drop everything to visit with them.

Congratulations to the lucky people who are getting this award. Now to list the 10 bloggers:

Carolyn Leonard

Ginger Nielson

Aidana WillowRaven

Dawn Behrens
Rena Jones

Dianne Sagan

Katie Hines
vohaoe

Helena's Wonderful World of Writing

Mandy Hedrick

That was hard. I had at least five more blog/bloggers, but I was allowed only ten. Hopefully some of the other I would like to be on the list will be added by someone else.

Please pass this award on to ten bloggers you admire. You don't have to return the favor by giving me the award again. I'm thankful enough as it is for receiving it. Spread the love.

A day, a week for lovers

2011-02-13T21:05:00.000-06:00

Forty-nine years ago, Robert and I were too busy preparing for our wedding to celebrate Valentine's Day, and the two days have clashed ever since. Friday, February 18, we celebrate our 49th anniversary. Yep, forty-nine years together, not with anyone else.

When we began this journey together, we thought we knew what love was. However, we had no idea, not really. Today, we are partners in every way.

Of course we don't always agree. In fact, we often disagree, but love is being willing to work together despite our disagreements . Perfect, no, we neither are perfect, nor has our marriage been. However, we've stuck together because we each feel the other completes us.

When we celebrate our anniversary Friday, thanks to a gift card to Applebee's, we will also look forward to next year when we celebrate our 50th.