Visited the hairdresser today for my monthly haircut. Rarely do I use hairspray, but today she sprayed a liberal amount after styling. Didn't think much of it until...
My cat, Charlotte, enjoys sleeping on the back of the sofa in the living room. When I sit there, she likes to nuzzle in my hair. I don't know why and can't seem to stop her. She purrs and nuzzles and sometimes holds my head between her paws to keep it where she wants it.
Today when I sat down to chat with hubby, she jumped on the back of the sofa and began her usual routine. She nuzzled, rooted, purred and rubbed...peeked over my shoulder and looked at me...then went back to nuzzling. She grabbed my head with her paws and suddenly I felt teeth on the side of my head! I pulled away and she meowed at me. I leaned back and she started in again purring and nuzzling...then suddenly, she grabbed a mouthful of hair and pulled! Ouch!!!
You should have seen the look she gave me when I scolded her. And the little vixen slapped my hand when I shook my finger at her. Not sure what kind of hair spray I have in my hair, but you can bet I won't be sitting on the sofa until I wash my hair!
Showing posts with label Carol Ann Erhardt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carol Ann Erhardt. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sweet Words to an Author's Ear
Words heard while attending a Valentine's Day concert for U.S. Veterans last night: "I started reading one of your books and I can't put it down!"Shortly after finding seats, hubby and I were pleasantly surprised when his pulmonary therapist and the oxygen coordinator from the Chalmers P. Wylie VA came and sat behind us. My hubby is one of my biggest promoters. He tells everyone I'm an author and raves about my books. He has read every one of them. Word of mouth continues to be one of the best marketing tools and one that doesn't cost a penny.
While participating in a six-week therapy exercise program, he "ratted me out" as an author...bless his heart! His therapist bought two of my books for her Nook, but hadn't yet begun to read them before the program ended. Her words last night gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling and motivated me to continue writing.
"I started reading and I couldn't put it down."
"I stayed up until two in the morning because I had to find out what would happen next."
"Once I started reading, I had to keep going. It was so good!"
These are words I'm hearing from people who have read my Inspirational novels. Seems whenever I get a bit down and question the time I spend writing, God speaks to me through readers.
I may never be a New York Times Best-selling author, but that has never been my goal. My goal is to write stories that touch reader emotions and show how faith can move mountains without "preaching." I've been asked who my audience is and that makes me smile. Who? Everyone! Male, female, Christian, non-Christian...anyone who can read!
TRAPPED is my latest book and the one the Pulmonary Therapist was speaking about last night. I'm currently writing the second book in the series...one I'm enjoying writing and hope will continue to bring the same heartwarming feedback.
Friday, November 18, 2011
TRAPPED by Carol Ann Erhardt, Book One - Havens Creek Series
My Christmas present to you is a drastically slashed price on the e-book from $3.99 to $.99 from today through December 25. Why? Because during this time we all have to count our pennies. This is a time for family and being thankful. I'm thankful to all of my faithful fans who have been patient during the time I needed to regroup after losing my mother and dealing with the illnesses my husband has faced.
Trapped is a book about family, trust, and forgiveness...and yes, it does have suspense as well. I hope you are blessed by meeting Summer, Jake, Becca and Jenny...and the adorable animals they love.
The print version of the book will be available on Amazon the first week of December.
Book two of this series will be released summer of 2012.
E-book Purchase links:
Amazon
Smashwords
Blessings,
Carol Ann
Friday, February 11, 2011
Building Layers to Enhance Characters
I've been working on characterization to understand the motivations behind my characters. After doing so, I've developed a short paragraph around my heroine's journey.
The heroine in my upcoming release hasn't had a happy childhood. Raised in a series of foster homes, she begins to foster her own false beliefs that she will never be good enough to be loved. Her life becomes one of running away from problems, rather than facing adversity. Friends? Not really. Just acquaintances she keeps distanced from her heart. When she's involved in a terrible tragedy, guilt piles another level of protection around her. Once again she runs away and lands straight into the arms of a man who has an open and caring heart. Stranded in a small town where love is given unconditionally, she begins to hope for things she's never dared to dream. As the layers of her heart slowly peel away, she experiences the joy of being loved.Then her past roars into her new life and she regresses to flight mode. But, when a little girl becomes the target of her nemesis, she realizes she must stand and fight. For the first time in her life, someone else means more to her than running away.
I'd strongly suggest to every other pantser like me that you take time to develop your heroine's/hero's story. What makes her who she is? What has shaped her growing up years? When I first began writing I sketched out details like what color of eyes, hair, stature, mother and father, other family, favorite color, hobbies, etc. I'm not saying these aren't important, but those things weren't enough to really understand my characters. I bumbled along, learning as I wrote, and found the "dreaded middle" a horrible thing to encounter. Many times I remain stuck, trying to add "things" to move the story along. Eventually I'd get there, but along the way I lost a lot of sleep. Character templates that ask questions just don't do it for me.
I've tried, but what I come up with is superficial. If those work for you, hurray! You don't need to use my method. Well, not my method, but that of author Rachel Ballon in BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTERS. This book is an invaluable tool to me. For the very first time, I'm getting to know my characters intimately. This makes my writing richer and I'm hoping makes my characters jump off the page.
What tools do you use in your writing endeavors?
The heroine in my upcoming release hasn't had a happy childhood. Raised in a series of foster homes, she begins to foster her own false beliefs that she will never be good enough to be loved. Her life becomes one of running away from problems, rather than facing adversity. Friends? Not really. Just acquaintances she keeps distanced from her heart. When she's involved in a terrible tragedy, guilt piles another level of protection around her. Once again she runs away and lands straight into the arms of a man who has an open and caring heart. Stranded in a small town where love is given unconditionally, she begins to hope for things she's never dared to dream. As the layers of her heart slowly peel away, she experiences the joy of being loved.Then her past roars into her new life and she regresses to flight mode. But, when a little girl becomes the target of her nemesis, she realizes she must stand and fight. For the first time in her life, someone else means more to her than running away.
I'd strongly suggest to every other pantser like me that you take time to develop your heroine's/hero's story. What makes her who she is? What has shaped her growing up years? When I first began writing I sketched out details like what color of eyes, hair, stature, mother and father, other family, favorite color, hobbies, etc. I'm not saying these aren't important, but those things weren't enough to really understand my characters. I bumbled along, learning as I wrote, and found the "dreaded middle" a horrible thing to encounter. Many times I remain stuck, trying to add "things" to move the story along. Eventually I'd get there, but along the way I lost a lot of sleep. Character templates that ask questions just don't do it for me.
I've tried, but what I come up with is superficial. If those work for you, hurray! You don't need to use my method. Well, not my method, but that of author Rachel Ballon in BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTERS. This book is an invaluable tool to me. For the very first time, I'm getting to know my characters intimately. This makes my writing richer and I'm hoping makes my characters jump off the page.
What tools do you use in your writing endeavors?
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Squirrel and the Cat
This morning I'm laughing at the antics in my front yard. A squirrel is teasing one of our feral cats, Patches. Patches, a beautiful long-haired calico cat is lying in the yard watching the squirrel make its way down the tree trunk to look for seeds to gather for winter. She lies quietly until the squirrel gets close to the ground then she runs to the tree and begins to climb. The squirrel retreats to the first branch and turns around to stare at Patches. The cat stops and it becomes a stand-off for a few seconds. Then the cat inches a little higher. The squirrel moves up a bit and again turns around and stares at the cat. Finally, the cat jumps down from the tree. And the squirrel scurries downward, chattering at the cat.
I don't believe the cat wants to catch the squirrel, but she's fascinated by chase. The squirrel seems to be confident enough to continue teasing the cat because it knows there is safety in the highest branches of the tree where it has made a nest.
I suppose it's time to go feed the cat. The squirrel can fend for itself as long as Patches continues to have a full belly.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope your day is filled with joyful things to see.
I don't believe the cat wants to catch the squirrel, but she's fascinated by chase. The squirrel seems to be confident enough to continue teasing the cat because it knows there is safety in the highest branches of the tree where it has made a nest.
I suppose it's time to go feed the cat. The squirrel can fend for itself as long as Patches continues to have a full belly.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope your day is filled with joyful things to see.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Author Interview - Laurie Kingery
The camera zooms in on the Blog Studio Band as they play "Desperado." Then the camera pans the audience where many are singing along and swaying in their seats. As the song ends, the curtain rises and Carol Ann Erhardt walks on stage waving.
"Good morning! It's thrilling to be back in the studio with you again. Today, I'll be interviewing one of my dear friends, Laurie Kingery. Laurie is a central Ohio
The audience applauds as Laurie walks forward and joins Carol Ann in the burgundy leather chairs center stage.
"Laurie, you look lovely today! Thank you for joining me here in the Blog Studio this morning."
"You're welcome, and thanks for inviting me."
"Did you notice the band played the song you like to hear when you are writing your western heroes?"
"I did! Thank you." Laurie leans forward and applauds the band. The band leader smiles and bows.
"You've been writing historical romances for quite a while now. How did you decide to make a change to writing inspirational historical romances?"
"The Lord decided for me. I had written 16 historical romances with 3 publishers, and suddenly couldn't sell anything. I tried medical suspense and medical romance—no luck there either. I was ready to quit. Then my wonderful agent Elaine English suggested I try to write a book for Love Inspired Historicals, which was just about to launch. I did and it sold to them. I think it's a natural fit since I am a born-again Christian."
"I think it's a perfect fit, too. I love your voice and I'm very excited about your new series. I understand you are giving away a copy of your upcoming release "Mail Order Cowboy" to one lucky audience member. Thank you so much for doing that. Audience members, please leave your comment and Laurie will pick one person as the winner to be announced on my blog tomorrow. It will be up to you to provide Laurie with the information to get the book to you."
Carol Ann settles back into her chair as the audience applauds.
"Let's get to some questions I've been dying to ask you. First, you have a great success record. Have you ever experienced writer’s block?"
"Oh, yeah, almost every day, especially in the middle of the book as I am now. The only way to overcome it for me is just to slog through it until the log jam in my head breaks. Brainstorming with a writing friend helps."
"Speaking of friends, you’ve probably heard the term BFF, meaning best friend forever. What do you believe are the qualities that make someone a best friend?"
"Loyalty, forgiveness, sense of humor, common interests. I think one has different bff's in different fields, too. I have an overall bff and a writing bff, because only another writer truly understands a writer."
"I'm very lucky in having a bff who is also my writing bff. We can talk about anything and everything, and we also support each other in our writing. Sounds like you've been lucky with bff's, too. I know that I spend a lot of time laughing when my daughters come to visit. Who can make you laugh?"
"My husband, my dogs, my friends at work, and some of my favorite writers."
"Are you an introvert or an extrovert? How does that play into your writing life?
"I'm an introvert, as I think most writers are. We seek refuge with our characters and in the pages of the books we read. We chatter manically at conferences, but then we go home drained. I think the few writers who are extroverts have an easier time "schmoozing" at conferences. They're energized by contact with the outside world, rather than drained. I wish I could be like that."
"Oh, you captured exactly how I feel after a conference or a day-long workshop! I am mentally exhausted and emotionally drained. It's from putting on a happy face and trying hard to say the right things and not sound like a total idiot. I'm glad I'm not the only one like that. Okay, a serious question. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?"
"I would spend my time with my spouse, children, and grandchildren, and take one big last trip to Texas, my soul's home on earth."
"Ah, Texas. I have a brother and sister who live in Texas. The only thing I dislike about Texas is that everything is bigger, including the spiders. I am terrified of spiders. Do you have any phobias?"
"Spiders! I'm ridiculously terrified of them, which makes this time of the year tough because all the big ones are trying to get in. =:O I'm not that fond of heights, either."
"I guess we are more alike than I knew. What is the first thing you do each morning and the last thing you do each night?"
"Spend time with the Lord in prayer and reading my Bible."
"Awesome. That is the way I center myself for the day and go to bed in peace. I do sometimes dream though. Some people say we do not dream in color. When I remember my dreams, they seem to be in color, but that could be because we live in color. How about you? Do you dream in black and white or vivid color?"
"I have no idea."
"Hmm. Okay, that's an honest answer. I guess we can't really know. One question that readers often ask me is 'why do you write?' So, I'm asking you...why do you write?"
"I think the ability to write is the gift God has given me and I use it to tell others about Him. My characters are on a faith journey, and readers may be able to find encouragement on their own journeys in seeing how my characters and the characters of other writers writing Christian fiction have coped."
"The director is telling me that our time is up. I'm so happy that you visited us today. Before we leave, would you please give us a little info on your soon to be released MAIL ORDER COWBOY?"
With beaux scarce in post-Civil War Texas, practical Milly Matthews and her "Spinster Society" friends have their hands full protecting their ranches. Their only hope: advertising for mail-order grooms. But aristocratic British cavalry officer Nicholas Brookfield isn't exactly Milly's idea of a cowboy--or a man she can trust. And the more Nick proves himself as a ranch hand, the more he must hide his past from the woman he longs to make his own. Now Milly and Nick will need all their courage to face hidden dangers...and believe in a love that can answer all their prayers."
Laurie, thank you again for visiting with us and allowing me to interview you. Folks you can learn more about Laurie by stopping by her website. at http://www.lauriekingery.com. Her next release from Steeple Hill is MAIL ORDER COWBOY will be available in bookstores in November 2010.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Amazon Kindle - Hit and Run
Yesterday, I decided to work on putting my returned rights books on the Kindle platform at Amazon. A friend and fellow author, Becky Barker, gave a presentation on how to do this at one of my RWA chapter meetings. I'd been putting it off, worrying that it would be difficult to do.BUT, much to my surprise, the whole experience took less than two hours. The book uploaded very fast, unlike my experience with Smashwords. What took the longest was finding the image I wanted to use for my bookcover. Searching through pages and pages of photos, especially when you have a very definite idea of what you want, is very time consuming. Finally, I opened my mind to other possibilities and found one that I really liked.
The advantage I have is that my books have already gone through a professional edit since they were published previously. Both books sold really well. I did some small edits to removing words I felt didn't match my current platform of being an inspirational author, but the plot and characters have not been changed in any way.
The book itself is not yet available on Amazon. The digital platform site requires 48 hours to complete the process. Next month, I plan to release FOXFIRE.
Perhaps I'd better start the photo search now! How about you? Do you have a Kindle e-reader or have you thought about putting any of your books on the Kindle Store at Amazon?
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Welcome Guest Blogger - Tanya Hanson
Today, I'm thrilled to have fellow White Rose Author, Tanya Hanson as guest blogger. (Remember, all comments on today's blog will get your name entered twice in my October drawing.) Tanya, please take over the blog and tell folks a little about yourself and what you are writing.
Although I am a native California beach girl, the Western life has always appealed to me. Last spring, I had the great pleasure of attending The Wild Rose Press writers retreat at a real ranch in Bandera, Texas, where I cowgirled up great for four days. And just last month, my hubby and I traveled around the Tetons in a wagon train! Yee-haw. The Wild Rose Press publishes my Paradise Brides historical Western series, set in 1880 Nebraska.
I can’t thank God enough for my hubby’s return to health or for this amazing adventure at White Rose Publishing. When I’m not writing, I love traveling with hubby, hanging out with our three-year old grandson, reading the many books on my new Kindle, and listening to country music. Thanks so much, Carol Ann for inviting me here.
Amidst all the hectic hoopla surrounding our daughter’s August 2008 wedding, I knew I didn’t have the brains to start a new wip all on my own. Although my backlist and future releases are Western sensual historicals, I had decided during my husband’s battle with cancer the spring of 2008 to maybe think about inspirational. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to get one’s faith pounding. When I learned about the “Hearts Crossing Contest” at White Rose Publishing, I knew I had to calm my MOB nerves and keep my brain working. Using the contest template of required elements, I wrote a novella and submitted it.
It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.
Contestants had to use “Hearts Crossing” as the title and match H and H to an already-designed cover. (A beautiful one by Nicola Martinez, both an artist and editor.) From the template, Hero had to be an English teacher with seven siblings, Heroine a landscape architect, an only child.
Well, it didn’t take me but a second to realize Hearts Crossing was a great name for a ranch. My English teacher hero lived on the family ranch and led city slicker wagon-train tours during the summer months. Our heroine, recovering from her father’s tragic death, arrives as a guest for one of the tours. Sparks fly…and both help each other during a crisis of faith.
Well, I might have been sad when the winner of the contest was announced—the wondrous Marianne Evans who has become a close friend-- except I received an e-mail from Nicola almost immediately about her interest in acquiring my story.
God rules! I could hardly believe it.
Hearts Crossing Ranch released In June, and three weeks ago, Pike Martin’s story, Redeeming Daisy, came out. And right after that, I received a contract for six more novellas, one for each of the remaining Martin siblings. Talk about never-ending joy.
I’ve just submitted the story of Hopper Martin, who has survived testicular cancer. Since this is the illness my own personal hero has successful beaten, I knew I had to create a story about another handsome survivor.
Pike, in Redeeming Daisy, is a large-animal vet who tries to guard his heart against the lost-soul Daisy Densmore—who once broke Kenn’s heart.
Here are a couple of blurbs:
Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:
A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.
Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.
On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.
Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.
Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.
Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.
Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.
With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?
http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Hearts-Crossing-Ranch
http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Redeeming-Daisy
I can’t thank God enough for my hubby’s return to health or for this amazing adventure at White Rose Publishing. When I’m not writing, I love traveling with hubby, hanging out with our three-year old grandson, reading the many books on my new Kindle, and listening to country music. Thanks so much, Carol Ann for inviting me here.
Amidst all the hectic hoopla surrounding our daughter’s August 2008 wedding, I knew I didn’t have the brains to start a new wip all on my own. Although my backlist and future releases are Western sensual historicals, I had decided during my husband’s battle with cancer the spring of 2008 to maybe think about inspirational. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to get one’s faith pounding. When I learned about the “Hearts Crossing Contest” at White Rose Publishing, I knew I had to calm my MOB nerves and keep my brain working. Using the contest template of required elements, I wrote a novella and submitted it.
It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.
Contestants had to use “Hearts Crossing” as the title and match H and H to an already-designed cover. (A beautiful one by Nicola Martinez, both an artist and editor.) From the template, Hero had to be an English teacher with seven siblings, Heroine a landscape architect, an only child.
Well, it didn’t take me but a second to realize Hearts Crossing was a great name for a ranch. My English teacher hero lived on the family ranch and led city slicker wagon-train tours during the summer months. Our heroine, recovering from her father’s tragic death, arrives as a guest for one of the tours. Sparks fly…and both help each other during a crisis of faith.
Well, I might have been sad when the winner of the contest was announced—the wondrous Marianne Evans who has become a close friend-- except I received an e-mail from Nicola almost immediately about her interest in acquiring my story.
God rules! I could hardly believe it.
Hearts Crossing Ranch released In June, and three weeks ago, Pike Martin’s story, Redeeming Daisy, came out. And right after that, I received a contract for six more novellas, one for each of the remaining Martin siblings. Talk about never-ending joy.
I’ve just submitted the story of Hopper Martin, who has survived testicular cancer. Since this is the illness my own personal hero has successful beaten, I knew I had to create a story about another handsome survivor.
Pike, in Redeeming Daisy, is a large-animal vet who tries to guard his heart against the lost-soul Daisy Densmore—who once broke Kenn’s heart.
Here are a couple of blurbs:
Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:
A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.
Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.
On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.
Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.
Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.
Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.
Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.
With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?
Monday, October 04, 2010
Author Interview with Dianne Castell
The camera pans the audience where every face is smiling, everyone is clapping, and some people are singing along to the band's rendition of Jailhouse Rock! As the band concludes, the curtain rises and Carol Ann Erhardt walks center stage.
"Good morning!"
The audience echoes back "Good morning!"
"Isn't the band the best ever?"
The audience applauds loudly.
"I asked them to play that Elvis song because my guest this morning loves all of Elvis Presley's music. She's a big fan. The lady I'm talking about is a wonderful author and a super friend. Please put your hands together and welcome the one and only DIANNE CASTELL!!!"
Dianne walks onstage and she and Carol hug and then each takes a seat on the two facing armchairs.
The audience is applauding. Dianne smiles at the crowd and they settle back into their seats.
"Carol Ann, thank you so much for having me here and also for having the band play one of my favorite songs. I am such an Elvis fan! I have a cornhole set with Elvis’s profile stenciled on the board.'
"What, is a cornhole set?"
"Seriously? You've never heard of cornhole? It's a game where you toss beanbags through a board with a cut out circle. Very big in the Midwest ‘cause you can throw the bags with one hand and not have to put down your beer."
The audience laughs.
"Dianne, thank you for coming today. It's a bit cold here. It's supposed to be the beginning of fall, but these mornings are making me worried we'll have an early winter. I'm not ready for that yet."
"Me either!"
"It's always fun for me to interview my guests and ask questions that will let my audience get to know them better. Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Dianne crosses her legs.
"Besides books, do you have any collections?"
"I do!! I collect flowers. I tell you it’s a sickness" Dianne turns to the audience. "When I see a flower at the nursery I want to take it home and plant it. This year I put in six rosebushes, five hydrangea bushes, mums, daisies, etc and Lord knows how many annuals. I never met a flower I didn’t love."
"I love flowers, too, but I'm not a gardner. I've been known to kill off beautiful plants by giving them too much water." Carol Ann shakes her head. "My husband refuses to let me near the garden hose now. All right. Question number two. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are in a restaurant having lunch, when a reporter shoves a microphone at you and you have one minute to tell the world something very important. What would you say?"
Dianne has her eyes closed.
Carol Ann leans toward her. "Dianne?"
"Can I open my eyes now?"
Audience laughter. "I told you to close them for a moment."
"How long is a moment?"
"Open your eyes, Dianne."
More laughter. "Well, I just wanted to be sure. Okay. Here's my answer. Get a job and don’t run up credit card debt. It’s the one-minute lecture I give my kids!"
"I believe I've given that one a time or two. Let's talk about you being an author for...whoops. I almost said a moment." Dianne smiles. "Any advice on how to stop writer's block?"
"You just keep writing and writing and writing. Writers write just like bankers bank and teachers teach. If something’s not perfect just write your way through it and go back and fix it later. If you want to make writing a career you have to treat it like a job and get the job done. Of course chocolate and peanut butter are great sources of inspiration."
"Speaking of chocolate..." Carol Ann hands a box to Dianne. "I wanted to give this to you to say thanks for driving all the way to Columbus to meet with me. I know you like chocolate."
Dianne opens the box and selects one of the candies. "Mmm. Delicious. Would you like one?"
"No thanks. I ate all of the candy in the first box I bought for you and had to buy another one."
Everyone laughs. "Dianne, we all have those moments when we let life get us down. But, there is usually one person we can count on to make us laugh. Who is that person in your life?"
"My daughter Ann who lives in New York City. What a fun gal. She has the best one-liners. I use a lot of them in my books. And reading Stephanie Plum books. Stephanie always makes me laugh. The old Two-and-a-half Men TV series is terrific."
"Your daughter sounds like mine. And when we are together, my cheeks hurt from all the laughing we do. So, tell me. Are you an introvert or an extravert and how does that play into your writing life?"
"I think I’m a bit of both. I have wonderful friends and love being with my kids but I like my space and doing my own thing. That’s a big part of being a writer. I think most writers have a huge introvert streak in them. You need it to get the books out. Alone is not lonely."
"Absolutely. I love that line. Now for something a little more serious. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?"
"Get this next book done! I just signed a contract for a three book mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime and it is a dream come true. I love mysteries and my dream has been to write them. Soooo I’d do it. I’d also spend time with my kids. There’s nothing like family! And I like being home with my jungle of plants so I’d hang out there."
"Do you have any phobias? Afraid of heights, spiders?
"Bugs!!!!! Oh dear God I hate bugs. Scared to death of them. And if they crunch when you step on them I am totally freaked out! And that I live alone means I have to kill all my own spiders and thousand-leggers and crunchy bugs and anything else that creeps its way into my house. Outside bugs don’t bother me all that much but inside… Hey, this is my house, go find your own."
"I'm with you, sister!" Carol Ann shudders. "Creepy crawly things, especially spiders, terrify me. I remember once when I was still working a day job, a spider suddenly appeared on my monitor. I jumped back and started yelling 'spider, spider!!!' Finally, one of the managers came into my office and killed it. I was glad he got rid of the spider, but really embarrassed that he caught me playing a game of solitaire. Have you ever had one of those "embarrassing moments?"
Dianne laughs. "I live in the land of embarrassing. Just last week I went to work with my shirt on inside out. This is an upscale clothing shop and the boss was there. The week before I showed up two hours late at a bridal shower ‘cause I thought the thing was the following date. I regifted a present with the original card to me still inside…that was really embarrassing. I plot books while driving and drive past my exits all the time. Wound up in some pretty crazy places! I do all kinds of dumb stuff. I think it’s part of life…at least part of my life. I think my brain is always half in a book. I need therapy!"
"Have your phobias, collections, or embarrassing moments come to play in any of your books?
"I use the bug thing all the time. I haven’t done the others but that’s a really good idea. Tell me some of your embarrassing moments and I’ll use them all."
"Well, there was the time I was summoned to the boss's office. He was the President, and he made me so nervous. I entered his office and sat on the very edge of the chair, and it tipped. I wound up on the floor, notebook beside me, pen flying through the air, and much more of my pantyhose showing than I was comfortable with."
Dianne and the audience laugh.
"But, I'm not going to share any more of my embarrassing moments. This interview is supposed to be about you. Tell me what is one thing the people in the audience might be surprised to learn about you?"
"I’m pretty open, not many secrets. I have NO sense of direction. So sad. I can’t shop in Target ‘cause I can’t find my way out. I’m serious about that. Something about the layout of that store. I can never find my car in the parking lot and when going somewhere I have to allow for “getting lost” time. I need a GPS system imbedded in my brain."
"I've heard about you heading off in different directions. Your new series is a totally different direction for your writing. Would you mind sharing something about that with the audience?"
"You bet. Like I said, writing mystery is a dream come true especially for Berkley Prime Crime. The new series is set in Savannah and seeped in the South with the good food, characters and lots of fun while solving a murder. My new pen name is Duffy Brown. I get to be someone else. So exciting!
The title of the series is Consignment: Murder.
Reagan Summerside signed a prenuptial agreement when she married Hollis Beaumont and now that he’s divorced her she has nothing except the old Victorian she’s rehabbing. Hollis promised her the house so as not to look like a total jerk and Reagan turns the first floor into a consignment shop to make ends meet. When Reagan borrows Hollis’ car she discovers the body of his fiancée in the trunk. Can Reagan prove Hollis innocent so he doesn’t sell the house she loves to pay his lawyer fees and can she find the real murderer on the cheap without winding up on a slab at the morgue?
The first book in the series is Iced Chiffon, the second book is Killer in Crinolines, the third is Pearls and Poison."
"I'm so excited for you, Dianne, or should I say Duffy? Seriously, your new series sounds great. I love cozy mysteries. Uh-oh, the director is giving me the sign that our time is up. Time always flied when I have a really fun guest on the show. You've been great. Thank you again for being with me in the Blog Studio and allowing me to pick your brain."
"Thanks for having me, Carol Ann!! It’s a blast being here."
Learn more about Dianne and her writing ventures by visiting her website.
"Good morning!"
The audience echoes back "Good morning!"
"Isn't the band the best ever?"
The audience applauds loudly.
"I asked them to play that Elvis song because my guest this morning loves all of Elvis Presley's music. She's a big fan. The lady I'm talking about is a wonderful author and a super friend. Please put your hands together and welcome the one and only DIANNE CASTELL!!!"
Dianne walks onstage and she and Carol hug and then each takes a seat on the two facing armchairs.
The audience is applauding. Dianne smiles at the crowd and they settle back into their seats.
"Carol Ann, thank you so much for having me here and also for having the band play one of my favorite songs. I am such an Elvis fan! I have a cornhole set with Elvis’s profile stenciled on the board.'
"What, is a cornhole set?"
"Seriously? You've never heard of cornhole? It's a game where you toss beanbags through a board with a cut out circle. Very big in the Midwest ‘cause you can throw the bags with one hand and not have to put down your beer."
The audience laughs.
"Dianne, thank you for coming today. It's a bit cold here. It's supposed to be the beginning of fall, but these mornings are making me worried we'll have an early winter. I'm not ready for that yet."
"Me either!"
"It's always fun for me to interview my guests and ask questions that will let my audience get to know them better. Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Dianne crosses her legs.
"Besides books, do you have any collections?"
"I do!! I collect flowers. I tell you it’s a sickness" Dianne turns to the audience. "When I see a flower at the nursery I want to take it home and plant it. This year I put in six rosebushes, five hydrangea bushes, mums, daisies, etc and Lord knows how many annuals. I never met a flower I didn’t love."
"I love flowers, too, but I'm not a gardner. I've been known to kill off beautiful plants by giving them too much water." Carol Ann shakes her head. "My husband refuses to let me near the garden hose now. All right. Question number two. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are in a restaurant having lunch, when a reporter shoves a microphone at you and you have one minute to tell the world something very important. What would you say?"
Dianne has her eyes closed.
Carol Ann leans toward her. "Dianne?"
"Can I open my eyes now?"
Audience laughter. "I told you to close them for a moment."
"How long is a moment?"
"Open your eyes, Dianne."
More laughter. "Well, I just wanted to be sure. Okay. Here's my answer. Get a job and don’t run up credit card debt. It’s the one-minute lecture I give my kids!"
"I believe I've given that one a time or two. Let's talk about you being an author for...whoops. I almost said a moment." Dianne smiles. "Any advice on how to stop writer's block?"
"You just keep writing and writing and writing. Writers write just like bankers bank and teachers teach. If something’s not perfect just write your way through it and go back and fix it later. If you want to make writing a career you have to treat it like a job and get the job done. Of course chocolate and peanut butter are great sources of inspiration."
"Speaking of chocolate..." Carol Ann hands a box to Dianne. "I wanted to give this to you to say thanks for driving all the way to Columbus to meet with me. I know you like chocolate."
Dianne opens the box and selects one of the candies. "Mmm. Delicious. Would you like one?"
"No thanks. I ate all of the candy in the first box I bought for you and had to buy another one."
Everyone laughs. "Dianne, we all have those moments when we let life get us down. But, there is usually one person we can count on to make us laugh. Who is that person in your life?"
"My daughter Ann who lives in New York City. What a fun gal. She has the best one-liners. I use a lot of them in my books. And reading Stephanie Plum books. Stephanie always makes me laugh. The old Two-and-a-half Men TV series is terrific."
"Your daughter sounds like mine. And when we are together, my cheeks hurt from all the laughing we do. So, tell me. Are you an introvert or an extravert and how does that play into your writing life?"
"I think I’m a bit of both. I have wonderful friends and love being with my kids but I like my space and doing my own thing. That’s a big part of being a writer. I think most writers have a huge introvert streak in them. You need it to get the books out. Alone is not lonely."
"Absolutely. I love that line. Now for something a little more serious. If you knew you only had 30 days to live, what would you do with the remaining days?"
"Get this next book done! I just signed a contract for a three book mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime and it is a dream come true. I love mysteries and my dream has been to write them. Soooo I’d do it. I’d also spend time with my kids. There’s nothing like family! And I like being home with my jungle of plants so I’d hang out there."
"Do you have any phobias? Afraid of heights, spiders?
"Bugs!!!!! Oh dear God I hate bugs. Scared to death of them. And if they crunch when you step on them I am totally freaked out! And that I live alone means I have to kill all my own spiders and thousand-leggers and crunchy bugs and anything else that creeps its way into my house. Outside bugs don’t bother me all that much but inside… Hey, this is my house, go find your own."
"I'm with you, sister!" Carol Ann shudders. "Creepy crawly things, especially spiders, terrify me. I remember once when I was still working a day job, a spider suddenly appeared on my monitor. I jumped back and started yelling 'spider, spider!!!' Finally, one of the managers came into my office and killed it. I was glad he got rid of the spider, but really embarrassed that he caught me playing a game of solitaire. Have you ever had one of those "embarrassing moments?"
Dianne laughs. "I live in the land of embarrassing. Just last week I went to work with my shirt on inside out. This is an upscale clothing shop and the boss was there. The week before I showed up two hours late at a bridal shower ‘cause I thought the thing was the following date. I regifted a present with the original card to me still inside…that was really embarrassing. I plot books while driving and drive past my exits all the time. Wound up in some pretty crazy places! I do all kinds of dumb stuff. I think it’s part of life…at least part of my life. I think my brain is always half in a book. I need therapy!"
"Have your phobias, collections, or embarrassing moments come to play in any of your books?
"I use the bug thing all the time. I haven’t done the others but that’s a really good idea. Tell me some of your embarrassing moments and I’ll use them all."
"Well, there was the time I was summoned to the boss's office. He was the President, and he made me so nervous. I entered his office and sat on the very edge of the chair, and it tipped. I wound up on the floor, notebook beside me, pen flying through the air, and much more of my pantyhose showing than I was comfortable with."
Dianne and the audience laugh.
"But, I'm not going to share any more of my embarrassing moments. This interview is supposed to be about you. Tell me what is one thing the people in the audience might be surprised to learn about you?"
"I’m pretty open, not many secrets. I have NO sense of direction. So sad. I can’t shop in Target ‘cause I can’t find my way out. I’m serious about that. Something about the layout of that store. I can never find my car in the parking lot and when going somewhere I have to allow for “getting lost” time. I need a GPS system imbedded in my brain."
"I've heard about you heading off in different directions. Your new series is a totally different direction for your writing. Would you mind sharing something about that with the audience?"
"You bet. Like I said, writing mystery is a dream come true especially for Berkley Prime Crime. The new series is set in Savannah and seeped in the South with the good food, characters and lots of fun while solving a murder. My new pen name is Duffy Brown. I get to be someone else. So exciting!
The title of the series is Consignment: Murder.
Reagan Summerside signed a prenuptial agreement when she married Hollis Beaumont and now that he’s divorced her she has nothing except the old Victorian she’s rehabbing. Hollis promised her the house so as not to look like a total jerk and Reagan turns the first floor into a consignment shop to make ends meet. When Reagan borrows Hollis’ car she discovers the body of his fiancée in the trunk. Can Reagan prove Hollis innocent so he doesn’t sell the house she loves to pay his lawyer fees and can she find the real murderer on the cheap without winding up on a slab at the morgue?
The first book in the series is Iced Chiffon, the second book is Killer in Crinolines, the third is Pearls and Poison."
"I'm so excited for you, Dianne, or should I say Duffy? Seriously, your new series sounds great. I love cozy mysteries. Uh-oh, the director is giving me the sign that our time is up. Time always flied when I have a really fun guest on the show. You've been great. Thank you again for being with me in the Blog Studio and allowing me to pick your brain."
"Thanks for having me, Carol Ann!! It’s a blast being here."
Learn more about Dianne and her writing ventures by visiting her website.
Friday, October 01, 2010
September Winner of $10 Bath & Body Works Gift Certificate
Thanks to everyone who left comments on my blog this month. As promised every person who commented on one of my guest bloggers' posts or an author interview had their name entered twice for every comment. Also, every person who commented on one of my September blogs had their name entered. If you left three comments, then your name went in the jar three times.
There were over 100 names in the jar and the winner of the $10 Bath & Body Works gift certificate is:
Crystal
Crystal commented on my blog just yesterday! Congratulations, Crystal. You'll be hearing from me via email.
I'll be running the same contest again in October, so be sure to stop by and comment, especially on Wednesdays, when I have guest bloggers and on October 4th when I'll be interviewing author, Dianne Castell. Any comments on those dates will get your name entered twice for each comment.
Also, I have a new free read, TWISTED SPELL, up on my website. Stop by and pick it up at http://www.carolannerhardt.com/
There were over 100 names in the jar and the winner of the $10 Bath & Body Works gift certificate is:
Crystal
Crystal commented on my blog just yesterday! Congratulations, Crystal. You'll be hearing from me via email.
I'll be running the same contest again in October, so be sure to stop by and comment, especially on Wednesdays, when I have guest bloggers and on October 4th when I'll be interviewing author, Dianne Castell. Any comments on those dates will get your name entered twice for each comment.
Also, I have a new free read, TWISTED SPELL, up on my website. Stop by and pick it up at http://www.carolannerhardt.com/
Thursday, September 30, 2010
October...Already? What are You Doing October 20th?
I'm having trouble grasping that tomorrow is October 1st. Already the temperature is dropping, leaves are falling, and the nights are longer. Just a month ago, I'd sit at my desk, as I am this morning, and stare at the sun kissing the flowers in my garden. Today, I'm looking at a very quiet landscape, no birds, a very gray sky and the sun hasn't yet peeked above the horizon.
But, October holds a lot of exciting things! Look at just the first week:
How about you? Are you looking forward to October? Why or why not?
But, October holds a lot of exciting things! Look at just the first week:
- Friday, October 1st, is the opening of COFW's Write From the Heart Conference
- Friday, October 1st I'll announce the winner of the $10 Gift Card from Bath & Body Works
- Sunday, October 3rd is my hubby's birthday
- Monday, October 4th, Dianne Castell will be interviewed in the Blog Studio
- Wednesday, October 6th, Tanya Hanson will be guest blogging
How about you? Are you looking forward to October? Why or why not?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Hearts Surrender - Guest Blogger Marianne Evans
COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
At the end of her blog tour, Marianne is giving away three special prizes:
1. A $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing
2. A $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com
3. An autographed, print edition of her new release, Hearts Surrender
Entering is simple: Leave a comment – or several comments as you track her progress on the tour (Marianne and her blog hosts will get the word out and let you know where she’ll be!). Each comment gives you a chance to win!
On September 30th, she’ll randomly select three comments from visitors at any of the blogs she’s visited, and award them the prizes!
Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – the contest winning novella Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the ‘Woodland Series.’ This series of books centers around Woodland Church and characters who are first introduced in Hearts Crossing. Book two is titled Hearts Surrender. Hearts Communion and Hearts Key will follow as books three and four. The series is offered in both print and electronic formats via White Rose Publishing (http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/) and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/).
A lifelong resident of Michigan, she calls suburban Detroit home. She’s happily married, with a son, a daughter, and cats who wrap her around their paws. An active part of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of the Greater Detroit chapter where she served the chapter most notably as Treasurer and two terms as President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network.
Connect with her at: http://www.marianneevans.com/ or via her fan page at facebook.com.
The Story Behind the Story
Talk about a risk…
There I was…well, no. I take that back. There they were, my characters I mean, Ken and Kiara, all but leaving me sleepless as they fed me their story. I tried to silence them. Had to silence them. Really. After all, I couldn’t tell their story unless Collin Edwards and Daveny Montgomery had their shot first!
Let me fill in the blanks for you. I was writing furiously on a submission to White Rose Publishing for their Hearts Crossing contest. Collin and Daveny simply filled up the pages and I fell in love with them completely – but hey, this was a contest. Chances of winning were slim to none when you consider how many talented authors would be participating. Still, I had to try. So, I finished off this heart-warming novella and sent it in.
That’s when the weirdest thing happened. Two of the secondary characters from Hearts Crossing stepped to center stage and threw me into the midst of a story that stole my entire focus. It centered around the modernista versus the clergyman. The gorgeous, vivacious woman versus the quiet, yet completely charismatic missionary. When I wrote this story, the scenes, the dialogue, the characterization, poured out of me like water.
One small problem, though. What about the prequel? What about Daveny and Collin’s story? Ken and Kiara stand just great on their own, but how would I be able to convince White Rose to contract Hearts Surrender if Hearts Crossing didn’t win their interest? Ordinarily that would have stopped my writing angel like a freight train. Not this time, though. The story needed to be told.
I knew I was setting myself up for a letdown, but I had to try, and I figured if I didn’t win the contest, I might still be able to work out details and logistics at a later point. So on I went…or in this case, wrote.
How good is God’s providence and provision? I ended up winning the Hearts Crossing contest! Furthermore, when I told my editor I had a sequel about ready for review, she seemed eager to see it! The rest, as they say, is history. I ended up contracting Hearts Surrender to White Rose Publishing, and beyond that, I have been contracted to create an series of books based around Woodland Church, home of the characters you met in Hearts Crossing, and continue to meet in Hearts Surrender…in fact, Ken Lucerne, the hero of Hearts Surrender, is its pastor. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, and they’ll be coming soon from White Rose Publishing!
Thanks for letting me share my story, and excitement about the release of Hearts Surrender! I hope you enjoy it!
Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers, and she longs for deeper meaning in her life.
Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church ; he's adjusting to life on his own following the death of his wife and copes by keeping as busy with parish life and mission work as he can.
A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share, and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns, a love that takes them to a life-point neither would have expected.
After all, can a chic, vivacious woman find fulfillment within the quiet, mission-centered life of a clergyman? Can they trust God's hand strongly enough to surrender their hearts to one another…forever?
Excerpt – Hearts Surrender
“I’ve been the wallflower who bloomed. But I’ve never believed in myself enough to give up the fancy trappings. I've clung to vanity-centered ideals for too long, I suppose. I’ve worked hard to fit in, and finally I succeeded. Problem is, that kind of success is a double-edged sword. That pathway, once you start to follow it, is hard to leave.”
In an unexpected, graceful motion, Ken caught her swing by the chains. He held her in place, suspended backward, with nothing but a cushion of air between them. All at once Kiara went dizzy, tempted once more by that full, supple mouth, and the satiny-looking fall of his thick brown hair. He was close enough to touch. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to do just that.
“Some time – at some point – I’d like to hear more about that, Kiara. I’d like know how you became the woman you are.”
“I’d bore you to tears. It’s nothing extraordinary.”
“All present evidence to the contrary.” He set her gliding once again and Kiara’s stomach performed a sparkling fall-away. She delighted in his words but forced herself to brush them aside before they could take root and sway her into believing he saw richness to her spirit. After all, it was part of Ken’s persona to be gracious and encouraging.
He continued, “You're moving forward in directions that are not only admirable, but eye-opening – not just for you, most likely, but to everyone who's part of your life. Don't hold to what other people see, or expect of you, Kiara. Be who you are. And while you're at it, create the best version of yourself you can imagine. After all, the only question, with the only relevance that matters, is this: Who are you now?"
When she sailed back his way, he caught the chains of her swing once again and whispered in her ear, "I believe in you."
With that, he released her on a push, sending Kiara on another dizzying spin of sensation. He walked away, retracing his steps up the path to the cabins and mess hall. She swung to a stop then sat in silence for long moments after he left, absorbing, shivering in a way that had nothing at all to do with the cool of the encroaching night.
Purchase Link for Hearts Surrender
Available in Print and Electronic Formats - $4.99 Digital / $11.99 Trade-Size Paperback
Monday, September 27, 2010
Writing Oneself Out of the Dreaded Writer's Corner
Yesterday, I happily tapped away at the keyboard, loving how the scene played out...and then...I found myself in the dreaded writer's corner. How could I move forward without knowing exactly how local jurisdiction would handle the issue?
That's why I love being in on-line writing groups who have other authors and professionals ready to offer advice. With just a few emails and feedback, I knew how to proceed. One person told me that since this is fiction, if I write it with conviction, I can convince the reader. Yes, that is true. You must be accurate in most things, but human nature varies, and situations vary. Thus, a good writer can set up a situation and make it believable. One can color outside the lines, as long as it isn't scribbling. : )
When you find yourself backed in a corner, perhaps, like me, you are thinking too hard. Unless you are writing a true crime type of novel, fiction has some leeways. You just have to know how to write yourself out of the corner.
Any of you had the same type of problem? How did you conquer?
That's why I love being in on-line writing groups who have other authors and professionals ready to offer advice. With just a few emails and feedback, I knew how to proceed. One person told me that since this is fiction, if I write it with conviction, I can convince the reader. Yes, that is true. You must be accurate in most things, but human nature varies, and situations vary. Thus, a good writer can set up a situation and make it believable. One can color outside the lines, as long as it isn't scribbling. : )
When you find yourself backed in a corner, perhaps, like me, you are thinking too hard. Unless you are writing a true crime type of novel, fiction has some leeways. You just have to know how to write yourself out of the corner.
Any of you had the same type of problem? How did you conquer?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
2010 Ohioana Award Winners Announced
Press Release
2010 OHIOANA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Columbus, OH – September 15, 2010. . . .The Ohioana Library Association announces the 16 recipients of the 2010 Ohioana Awards. Linda Hengst, executive director of the Ohioana Library, stated, “Ohio has fostered amazing talent! Among this year’s award recipients are former Poet Laureate of the United States Rita Dove and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jorma Kaukonen. Each of this year’s award winners has made significant contributions to the literary, artistic, and musical life of Ohio and our nation, and we are proud to be able to recognize such talented individuals.”
Champions and promoters of Ohio artists, Timothy and James Keny, lifelong Columbus residents, are the recipients of the 2010 OHIOANA CAREER AWARD, given to an Ohio native for a lifetime of service to the arts and humanities. Toledo’s Lucas County Poet Laureate Joel Lipman, will receive the 2010 PEGASUS AWARD, which honors a native or non-native Ohioan for outstanding cultural achievements.
The recipients of the Ohioana Book Awards, Ohioana Citations and Named Awards are listed below. A detailed profile of each award recipient, listed in alphabetical order, is also attached, and photographs are available upon request.
OHIOANA BOOK AWARDS - annually awarded for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, juvenile books, and books about Ohio or Ohioans.)
• FICTION: Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon, Cleveland Heights, OH resident and Oberlin College professor
• NONFICTION: When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the present by Gail Collins, Cincinnati native and first woman appointed editor of the New York Times editorial page.
• POETRY: Sonata Mulattica: Poems by Rita Dove, Akron, OH native and former Poet Laureate of the United States.
• JUVENILE BOOK: Cuckoo’s Haiku by Michael J. Rosen, Columbus native and former literary director of Thurber House.
• ABOUT OHIO/OHIOAN: Wild Ohio by James McCormac, Columbus resident and employee of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Gary Meszaros, photographer and Cleveland native and resident.
OHIOANA CITATIONS—awarded for distinguished service in specific fields or areas of the arts and humanities.
• Children’s author to Brian Cleary, native and resident of Cleveland, OH
• Artist and Illustrator to Loren Long, Cincinnati resident
• Art and Education to Patty Mitchell, Athens, Ohio
• Music to Jorma Kaukonen, Pomeroy, OH resident
NAMED AWARDS
• OHIOANA JAMES P. BARRY AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE to New Ohio Review, Jill Allyn Rosser, editor, Athens, OH – Ohio University
• OHIOANA WALTER RUMSEY MARVIN GRANT – (awarded to encourage a young unpublished writer) to Daniel Pribble, Oxford, OH native
• OHIOANA CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD – (Alice Louise Wood Memorial) to Sharon Draper, Cleveland native and Cincinnati resident, for the body of her work and contributions to Children’s Literature
There are two opportunities for the public to meet the Award recipients. On Friday evening, October 15th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the public is invited to an informal gathering and reception for the award recipients. The event, “Uncorrected Proofs” will include readings and a panel discussion with the book award winners lead by Linda Feagler, senior editor of Ohio Magazine. It will be held at the Ohioana Library and State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., Columbus, OH. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be available. Admission is $25 per person and reservations are required.
The Ohioana Awards will be presented at the Ohioana Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in the Statehouse Atrium on Capitol Square. The luncheon and awards ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m., preceded by the Association’s 81st annual meeting at 10 a.m. and a book fair at 10:30 a.m. The Statehouse Museum Shop will have copies of the works of award winners as well as other Ohio selections available for sale. The luncheon is open to the public; however, reservations are required. The cost of the luncheon is $50 per person.
The 2010 Ohioana Awards are presented with the support of the Ohio Arts Council, funding programs and organizations with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Additional support has been provided by The Myers Y. Cooper Company and the law firms of Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease and Margaret Wong & Associates. Ohio Magazine is the official print media sponsor, with additional support provided by WOSU Public Media.
For more information about the Ohioana Awards or to make reservations for the Friday reception or the Saturday luncheon, please contact the Ohioana Library, 274 East First Ave., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43201, call 614-466-3831, or email ohioana@ohioana.org.
The Ohioana Library Association’s mission is to recognize and encourage the creative accomplishments of Ohioans; preserve and expand a permanent collection of books, sheet music, manuscripts, and other materials by Ohioans and about Ohio; and disseminate information about the work of Ohio writers, musicians and other artists to researchers, schools and the general public.
The Ohioana Library is supported by memberships, grants, contributions, and a subsidy from the State of Ohio.
2010 OHIOANA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Columbus, OH – September 15, 2010. . . .The Ohioana Library Association announces the 16 recipients of the 2010 Ohioana Awards. Linda Hengst, executive director of the Ohioana Library, stated, “Ohio has fostered amazing talent! Among this year’s award recipients are former Poet Laureate of the United States Rita Dove and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jorma Kaukonen. Each of this year’s award winners has made significant contributions to the literary, artistic, and musical life of Ohio and our nation, and we are proud to be able to recognize such talented individuals.”
Champions and promoters of Ohio artists, Timothy and James Keny, lifelong Columbus residents, are the recipients of the 2010 OHIOANA CAREER AWARD, given to an Ohio native for a lifetime of service to the arts and humanities. Toledo’s Lucas County Poet Laureate Joel Lipman, will receive the 2010 PEGASUS AWARD, which honors a native or non-native Ohioan for outstanding cultural achievements.
The recipients of the Ohioana Book Awards, Ohioana Citations and Named Awards are listed below. A detailed profile of each award recipient, listed in alphabetical order, is also attached, and photographs are available upon request.
OHIOANA BOOK AWARDS - annually awarded for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, juvenile books, and books about Ohio or Ohioans.)
• FICTION: Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon, Cleveland Heights, OH resident and Oberlin College professor
• NONFICTION: When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the present by Gail Collins, Cincinnati native and first woman appointed editor of the New York Times editorial page.
• POETRY: Sonata Mulattica: Poems by Rita Dove, Akron, OH native and former Poet Laureate of the United States.
• JUVENILE BOOK: Cuckoo’s Haiku by Michael J. Rosen, Columbus native and former literary director of Thurber House.
• ABOUT OHIO/OHIOAN: Wild Ohio by James McCormac, Columbus resident and employee of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Gary Meszaros, photographer and Cleveland native and resident.
OHIOANA CITATIONS—awarded for distinguished service in specific fields or areas of the arts and humanities.
• Children’s author to Brian Cleary, native and resident of Cleveland, OH
• Artist and Illustrator to Loren Long, Cincinnati resident
• Art and Education to Patty Mitchell, Athens, Ohio
• Music to Jorma Kaukonen, Pomeroy, OH resident
NAMED AWARDS
• OHIOANA JAMES P. BARRY AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE to New Ohio Review, Jill Allyn Rosser, editor, Athens, OH – Ohio University
• OHIOANA WALTER RUMSEY MARVIN GRANT – (awarded to encourage a young unpublished writer) to Daniel Pribble, Oxford, OH native
• OHIOANA CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD – (Alice Louise Wood Memorial) to Sharon Draper, Cleveland native and Cincinnati resident, for the body of her work and contributions to Children’s Literature
There are two opportunities for the public to meet the Award recipients. On Friday evening, October 15th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the public is invited to an informal gathering and reception for the award recipients. The event, “Uncorrected Proofs” will include readings and a panel discussion with the book award winners lead by Linda Feagler, senior editor of Ohio Magazine. It will be held at the Ohioana Library and State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., Columbus, OH. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be available. Admission is $25 per person and reservations are required.
The Ohioana Awards will be presented at the Ohioana Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in the Statehouse Atrium on Capitol Square. The luncheon and awards ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m., preceded by the Association’s 81st annual meeting at 10 a.m. and a book fair at 10:30 a.m. The Statehouse Museum Shop will have copies of the works of award winners as well as other Ohio selections available for sale. The luncheon is open to the public; however, reservations are required. The cost of the luncheon is $50 per person.
The 2010 Ohioana Awards are presented with the support of the Ohio Arts Council, funding programs and organizations with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Additional support has been provided by The Myers Y. Cooper Company and the law firms of Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease and Margaret Wong & Associates. Ohio Magazine is the official print media sponsor, with additional support provided by WOSU Public Media.
For more information about the Ohioana Awards or to make reservations for the Friday reception or the Saturday luncheon, please contact the Ohioana Library, 274 East First Ave., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43201, call 614-466-3831, or email ohioana@ohioana.org.
The Ohioana Library Association’s mission is to recognize and encourage the creative accomplishments of Ohioans; preserve and expand a permanent collection of books, sheet music, manuscripts, and other materials by Ohioans and about Ohio; and disseminate information about the work of Ohio writers, musicians and other artists to researchers, schools and the general public.
The Ohioana Library is supported by memberships, grants, contributions, and a subsidy from the State of Ohio.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
You Just Have to Love Them Anyway!
Question for the Day:
Hubby asked -- What do you have planned for today?
My answer -- Vacuuming, scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms, laundry, and writing.
Hubby's response -- That's good. You need a day to relax.
Gotta love him!
It has been a stressful week. Lots of meetings, so I'm sure he meant that it would be nice that I could stay home for a day. LOL!
Hubby asked -- What do you have planned for today?
My answer -- Vacuuming, scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms, laundry, and writing.
Hubby's response -- That's good. You need a day to relax.
Gotta love him!
It has been a stressful week. Lots of meetings, so I'm sure he meant that it would be nice that I could stay home for a day. LOL!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Instant Replay...with Changes Allowed!
I've been having fun with my writing.
Let's see, on Wednesday I left my hero lying bleeding on the floor of a dilapidated shack. Poor guy. He stayed there until yesterday afternoon, when I finally rescued him. Now I'm thinking I didn't put him through enough angst, so he's going to have to go back into the battle again. If I don't finish the scene, he just might end up back on that floor bleeding and waiting...again.
Ah, writing is like instant replay, but you get to change things around!
Seriously, if you have trouble getting back to your manuscript, stop writing in the middle of a scene. It's the easiest way I've found to keep my interest high and while I'm accomplishing other necessary chores, I'm thinking about the spot I've left my hero or heroine in. Keeps the manuscript foremost in my mind and when I return to writing, I usually know exactly what to do next.
Where do you end your writing for the day?
Let's see, on Wednesday I left my hero lying bleeding on the floor of a dilapidated shack. Poor guy. He stayed there until yesterday afternoon, when I finally rescued him. Now I'm thinking I didn't put him through enough angst, so he's going to have to go back into the battle again. If I don't finish the scene, he just might end up back on that floor bleeding and waiting...again.
Ah, writing is like instant replay, but you get to change things around!
Seriously, if you have trouble getting back to your manuscript, stop writing in the middle of a scene. It's the easiest way I've found to keep my interest high and while I'm accomplishing other necessary chores, I'm thinking about the spot I've left my hero or heroine in. Keeps the manuscript foremost in my mind and when I return to writing, I usually know exactly what to do next.
Where do you end your writing for the day?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
He's Back...Even if He Didn't Phone!
I watched the new Castle episode last night. Wow, Richard got arrested for murder! Great way to open the series. And I loved the parallel line of his daughter's relationships with her boyfriend and what was happening between Decker and him. I loved the ending action scene where he and Decker each shot someone who was going to shoot the other! They're back and the attraction is on again. Yay!!!
Also, wanted to update my readers on Chance (aka Little Gus). He had a problem with vomiting his food and they found worms in it. I know, I should have warned you not to be eating when you read the blog today. Sorry. Anyway a trip to the vet and medication was all he needed. He's home now and resting comfortably. Yay! I'm so happy that he found a forever home.
Come on, share with me! Every comment gets your name entered in my drawing. No limit to how many times your name is included, so even if you commented already once or twice this month, this will be one more additional chance that you might be the winner. So, what new programs did you watch last night? Comments? What was your favorite part of Castle last night? Did you watch Dancing with the Stars?
Also, wanted to update my readers on Chance (aka Little Gus). He had a problem with vomiting his food and they found worms in it. I know, I should have warned you not to be eating when you read the blog today. Sorry. Anyway a trip to the vet and medication was all he needed. He's home now and resting comfortably. Yay! I'm so happy that he found a forever home.
Come on, share with me! Every comment gets your name entered in my drawing. No limit to how many times your name is included, so even if you commented already once or twice this month, this will be one more additional chance that you might be the winner. So, what new programs did you watch last night? Comments? What was your favorite part of Castle last night? Did you watch Dancing with the Stars?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Any Castle Fans Out There?
I follow several loops where Castle is torn apart because of the "technical" things presented in the episodes. In my opinion, it doesn't matter. Why?
As a writer, I love the series for the characters and their interactions with each other. I adore the relationship between Richard and his daughter and mother. Richard is the perfect hero. He's witty and very amusing. The attraction between him and Decker is wonderfully portrayed. I wish I could mimic this in my novels. Both characters are superb at portraying their emotions through eye contact and body language. It's not the "murder" and the way it's solved that draws me...no, it's the characters and what makes them tick that pulls me to the television every Monday night.
So, what about you? Ever watch Castle? How do you feel?
As a writer, I love the series for the characters and their interactions with each other. I adore the relationship between Richard and his daughter and mother. Richard is the perfect hero. He's witty and very amusing. The attraction between him and Decker is wonderfully portrayed. I wish I could mimic this in my novels. Both characters are superb at portraying their emotions through eye contact and body language. It's not the "murder" and the way it's solved that draws me...no, it's the characters and what makes them tick that pulls me to the television every Monday night.
So, what about you? Ever watch Castle? How do you feel?
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Cat in the Basket
This is a story with a happy ending!
For those who follow my blog, you already know that we care for 13 feral cats. Well, once they were feral, but now most allow us to pet them. They have all been trapped, neutered/spayed, and released. We feed them and provide shelter.
Two weeks ago, a little gray kitten with a white nose and white feet crawled out from under the shelter house to try and sneak a few bites of food from the trays. The older cats were not kind. They growled and smacked at him. I tagged him Little Gus. He had to flatten himself like a pancake to crawl under the house to get away from them. But, he continued to crawl out each morning to grab some food. I kept consoling him and after a couple of days I could pet him. A couple days later I picked him up and he purred, although he was very frightened. So, I called our vet and made arrangements to take him in for a check up and to be neutered.
He was just so sweet that we hated to put him back outdoors to fend for himself. Even the vet wished they weren't overloaded with cats so they could help. I posted his picture and story on Facebook hoping someone with a loving heart would adopt him.
We had Little Gus neutered, tested negative for FIV, and then brought him home. We kept him on our screened in deck to heal. At first he was very scared of the "big cage" and he could see the other cats and the familiar back yard, but couldn't figure out how to get there. I kept loving on him and he soon realized humans were okay. I went outside the next morning and he had eaten the entire bowl of food and drank all the water! But I couldn't find him. I kept looking and looking and finally...
For those who follow my blog, you already know that we care for 13 feral cats. Well, once they were feral, but now most allow us to pet them. They have all been trapped, neutered/spayed, and released. We feed them and provide shelter.
Two weeks ago, a little gray kitten with a white nose and white feet crawled out from under the shelter house to try and sneak a few bites of food from the trays. The older cats were not kind. They growled and smacked at him. I tagged him Little Gus. He had to flatten himself like a pancake to crawl under the house to get away from them. But, he continued to crawl out each morning to grab some food. I kept consoling him and after a couple of days I could pet him. A couple days later I picked him up and he purred, although he was very frightened. So, I called our vet and made arrangements to take him in for a check up and to be neutered.
He was just so sweet that we hated to put him back outdoors to fend for himself. Even the vet wished they weren't overloaded with cats so they could help. I posted his picture and story on Facebook hoping someone with a loving heart would adopt him.
We had Little Gus neutered, tested negative for FIV, and then brought him home. We kept him on our screened in deck to heal. At first he was very scared of the "big cage" and he could see the other cats and the familiar back yard, but couldn't figure out how to get there. I kept loving on him and he soon realized humans were okay. I went outside the next morning and he had eaten the entire bowl of food and drank all the water! But I couldn't find him. I kept looking and looking and finally...
There he was in a basket of flowers.
That afternoon, we received a call from our son, whose wife had been begging to get Little Gus. He wanted to surprise her, so he told her we had a project he needed to help with. He brought her over and we sat on the deck. I handed Little Gus to her and she sat in the chair petting the kitty and giving her hubby a pleading look. He laughed and then said:
"She doesn't know why she's here."
Me: "She doesn't know about the project?"
He: "No. I didn't tell her."
Me: "Well, you better tell her or I will."
He: "You tell her."
Me: "It was your idea, so you tell her."
All this time, she kept looking from one to the other, and said, "Well, somebody tell me."
He: "We're taking the kitty home with us."
She teared up and kept saying "Really?" Tears streamed down her cheeks and she kept hugging the kitty. Yes, Little Gus found a loving home where he'll be spoiled and cared for. And, they took his basket of flowers along so he'd have something familiar. He also has a new name...Chance. Because he now has a new chance at life!
Now that's a happy ending!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Explosion Heard Around the World
Earlier this morning, I was reading the industry articles in RWA eNotes, and ran across several links to discussions about e-books and e-readers. When I signed my first book contract in 2006, I worried about the feasibility of having my book available both as an e-book and print. An avid reader, I had always loved being surrounded by shelves full of books, visiting book stores, libraries, and waiting eagerly for the next release by my current fav author. Never, would I have dreamed how e-books would become such a popular item only four years later!
With the recent developments in e-readers, competition has ramped up, and prices are falling. And, this means a big change in the mindsets of those who read. The younger generation is going for the latest technological devices, and part of that is being able to read books on their device of choice. This explosion has been heard all around the world.
My first experience with reading electronic books was on an ancient Palm Pilot, no bigger than the size of my palm. I loved carrying it with me and reading in the doctor's office, while waiting in line to vote, on my lunch hour...the list goes on. This year I made the decision to purchase a Kindle. I LOVE it. I can purchase a book I hear about instantly! I love the fact that I can read my Kindle in the brightest of sunlight. I can make notes about specific passages, look up the meaning of a word, all on the same device. It's fantastic.
And, my decision about e-books? I'm sold. And, I'm very happy as an author to gear my career in the arena of e-books.
One thing I caution any new writers about is to research your publisher carefully before going into contract. There are so many new small publishers popping up that one must be very cautious.
Here is a link furnished in my RWA eNotes which I found amusing and interesting.
Of Two Minds About Books
Which do you prefer: print book or e-book and why?
With the recent developments in e-readers, competition has ramped up, and prices are falling. And, this means a big change in the mindsets of those who read. The younger generation is going for the latest technological devices, and part of that is being able to read books on their device of choice. This explosion has been heard all around the world.
My first experience with reading electronic books was on an ancient Palm Pilot, no bigger than the size of my palm. I loved carrying it with me and reading in the doctor's office, while waiting in line to vote, on my lunch hour...the list goes on. This year I made the decision to purchase a Kindle. I LOVE it. I can purchase a book I hear about instantly! I love the fact that I can read my Kindle in the brightest of sunlight. I can make notes about specific passages, look up the meaning of a word, all on the same device. It's fantastic.
And, my decision about e-books? I'm sold. And, I'm very happy as an author to gear my career in the arena of e-books.
One thing I caution any new writers about is to research your publisher carefully before going into contract. There are so many new small publishers popping up that one must be very cautious.
Here is a link furnished in my RWA eNotes which I found amusing and interesting.
Of Two Minds About Books
Which do you prefer: print book or e-book and why?
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