"Catamount" is another name for a mountain lion or a cougar. Bet you didn't know that. Catamounts also are an occasional predator of humans. Mind you, this is mostly caused because the catamount population is increasing after years of decline due to conservation. It's not that the big cats seek us out or lure us to their den with offers of Twinkies® and beer. No, it's that they're hungry and we're convenient and look tasty--it's the same situation that a cheerleader confronts when she attends a frat party, although not as risky.
Certainly we humans are the only species that considers ourselves a delicacy. After one taste of human flesh, the consumer of said flesh apparently desires nothing else, be that consumer an animal or a man. Notice how many books and movies show humans as the equivalent to potato chips. "You can't eat just one." I'm surprised Lays® doesn't offer a human flavor; Hannibal Lector would be the spokesperson, of course.
Considering how many chemicals and medicines we consume, we're not health food. Definitely not organic and probably not free range. We should make other species aware of this. When we're walking in the woods and we hear a sound that could be made by a hungry bear or a ravenous sparrow, we should say, "I just had a soft drink that contained large amounts of Red Dye #1 and carcinogenic preservatives. I eat prepackaged foods all the time that are loaded with trans-fats." Naturally, a health-minded animal will turn away, and we will be assured of our continued well being until our arteries explode.
Catamounts are beautiful animals, but we shouldn't make them into our pets. I read a horrible news story the other day where this lady named Constance raised a cougar from birth, and it was as "gentle as an lamb," but then it turned on her savagely, stole her identify, destroyed her credit, and then ran off to Africa with the family dog. The lady was heartbroken, but it's her own fault.
Constance forgot the first rule of pet ownership: Don't let them know your financial information. I'm careful to make sure my fish never get any more information than they need to conduct their business affairs. At the very least, you shouldn't let catamounts drink and drive. Show some responsibility. And don't sprinkle yourself with seasoning before you venture into the forest. That's just asking for trouble.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
B is for Bond
"Bond. James Bond." And with that iconic line, the original action hero introduces himself to people that he will be soon either be loving or killing and sometimes both. I grew up on the Bond films and even read the Bond books and short stories. I'm among that small crew that likes Roger Moore's Bond best, mostly because his movies were bigger and funnier.
But I confess here: I often found myself rooting -- well, not rooting -- maybe admiring the villains. After all, they build things: hovercrafts, lasers, solar ray satellites. Amazing things. One of them built an underwater city; one of them built a space station. Admittedly, there's that whole pesky destroy-the-world plan, but otherwise, they're doing great work.
Bond, on the other hand, just blows things up. You always know where he's been by the trail of destruction he leaves. Even Q only makes devices to destroy Bond's enemies. Where is His Majesty's Secret Space Station? Nowhere, that's where.
Bond villains, of course, always lose, mostly because they spend their time bragging about their plans instead of SHOOTING BOND ON SIGHT. If I were a Bond villain, the movie would go like this: "Bond. James--arggggh" And then I would proceed to conquer the earth.
But I confess here: I often found myself rooting -- well, not rooting -- maybe admiring the villains. After all, they build things: hovercrafts, lasers, solar ray satellites. Amazing things. One of them built an underwater city; one of them built a space station. Admittedly, there's that whole pesky destroy-the-world plan, but otherwise, they're doing great work.
Bond, on the other hand, just blows things up. You always know where he's been by the trail of destruction he leaves. Even Q only makes devices to destroy Bond's enemies. Where is His Majesty's Secret Space Station? Nowhere, that's where.
Bond villains, of course, always lose, mostly because they spend their time bragging about their plans instead of SHOOTING BOND ON SIGHT. If I were a Bond villain, the movie would go like this: "Bond. James--arggggh" And then I would proceed to conquer the earth.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
A is for Alpha
Alpha is, of course, the beginning, and this is the beginning of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge. I did the challenge last year over at 51313 Harbor Street. My posts will be repeated there, but I will be posting here first each day.
A is also for April, which is the month of the Blogging from A-Z Challenge.
And A is for Anecdotes, which are little stories. FLOOZY and Other Stories is basically filled with anecdotes of various lengths. I'm not sure when an anecdote becomes a short story--maybe when it's longer than a few paragraphs. I don't think there's governing body that decides the various story length. But maybe so. There are governing bodies for just about anything these days. I want to be on one of those bodies. It must be satisfying to make those decision--as long as you have the ability to enforce them. Otherwise, you're just being annoying.
Anyway, that's my first post for the Challenge.
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Burden of Beauty
Excerpt from A Little Floozy
By Stephen B. Bagley
I just had a sudden insight that I’m sure may have escaped your attention. Well, don’t feel bad. After all, I’m a genius, and you’re not. But you have a sweet spirit and will probably be spared when I conquer the earth. But that’s not a promise. Stop being so needy.
Anyway, my insight was about The Burden of Beauty. The capitals on The Burden of Beauty should clue you in that this will be our topic. Or really my topic. I’m writing, and you’re reading. It’s good to keep those roles straight.
Yes, it’s true that beautiful people get the best jobs, make the most money, get better care in emergency rooms and hospitals, receive more respect from their peers and loved ones, and live longer. These statements are all supported by statistics, and not ones I made up, either.
Naturally, you might think this would mean everyone would want to be beautiful or handsome as their gender may be, but let’s take a closer look at these beautiful people—and I don’t mean by hacking into the webcam on their computer or lurking outside their house at 3 a.m. until they call the police and get a protective order. I miss you, Dolly Parton.
But imagine, if you can, that you are a beautiful person. You have always been beautiful. In school, you were the football captain or head cheerleader, as your gender may be. You married another handsome and/or beautiful person, and you both have beautiful jobs. Naturally you have two or three beautiful children. You attend a beautiful church and play golf and/or tennis at the beautiful country club. Your life is just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And then you die beautifully and go to beautiful heaven... No, wait, that wasn’t where I was going with this.
It’s the mirror that trips you up. Around forty, you look in the mirror and discover to your horror that your face looks like a National Geographic relief map of the Grand Canyon. How did that happen? Just yesterday you were crushing some poor ugly person’s heart at the prom as you let him or her down gently.
Now you look ... old ... older ... not as young as you once did. Let’s just say somewhat less young and be done with it.
If you’re a woman—and some men—you hightail it to a plastic surgeon who pulls the skin on your face so tight that even mannequins look at you with horror. And you have other body parts tucked, bobbed, lipo-sucked, fat-vacuumed, and generally lifted until your knees are floating around your chest. You sigh in relief—which is the only noise you can make until your face relaxes.
The bad news is this is all temporary. Well, it’s good news for your plastic surgeon because he needs to keep up those alimony payments to his first through fourth wives. But the bad news for you is that gravity is relentless as is time, and baby, they’re coming for you no matter where you hide.
Think of what a burden it must be for a beautiful person to always have to fight to be beautiful or handsome as their gender may be. They never get any rest. They have to constantly worry about maintaining their looks. It’s a hard life. Of course, I know. Oh, how I know.
But you, you happy hideous thing, will never suffer as I have. I would almost trade lives with you. Oh, who am I kidding? No, I wouldn’t.
Excerpt from A Little Floozy. Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express prior permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.
By Stephen B. Bagley
I just had a sudden insight that I’m sure may have escaped your attention. Well, don’t feel bad. After all, I’m a genius, and you’re not. But you have a sweet spirit and will probably be spared when I conquer the earth. But that’s not a promise. Stop being so needy.
Anyway, my insight was about The Burden of Beauty. The capitals on The Burden of Beauty should clue you in that this will be our topic. Or really my topic. I’m writing, and you’re reading. It’s good to keep those roles straight.
Yes, it’s true that beautiful people get the best jobs, make the most money, get better care in emergency rooms and hospitals, receive more respect from their peers and loved ones, and live longer. These statements are all supported by statistics, and not ones I made up, either.
Naturally, you might think this would mean everyone would want to be beautiful or handsome as their gender may be, but let’s take a closer look at these beautiful people—and I don’t mean by hacking into the webcam on their computer or lurking outside their house at 3 a.m. until they call the police and get a protective order. I miss you, Dolly Parton.
But imagine, if you can, that you are a beautiful person. You have always been beautiful. In school, you were the football captain or head cheerleader, as your gender may be. You married another handsome and/or beautiful person, and you both have beautiful jobs. Naturally you have two or three beautiful children. You attend a beautiful church and play golf and/or tennis at the beautiful country club. Your life is just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. And then you die beautifully and go to beautiful heaven... No, wait, that wasn’t where I was going with this.
It’s the mirror that trips you up. Around forty, you look in the mirror and discover to your horror that your face looks like a National Geographic relief map of the Grand Canyon. How did that happen? Just yesterday you were crushing some poor ugly person’s heart at the prom as you let him or her down gently.
Now you look ... old ... older ... not as young as you once did. Let’s just say somewhat less young and be done with it.
If you’re a woman—and some men—you hightail it to a plastic surgeon who pulls the skin on your face so tight that even mannequins look at you with horror. And you have other body parts tucked, bobbed, lipo-sucked, fat-vacuumed, and generally lifted until your knees are floating around your chest. You sigh in relief—which is the only noise you can make until your face relaxes.
The bad news is this is all temporary. Well, it’s good news for your plastic surgeon because he needs to keep up those alimony payments to his first through fourth wives. But the bad news for you is that gravity is relentless as is time, and baby, they’re coming for you no matter where you hide.
Think of what a burden it must be for a beautiful person to always have to fight to be beautiful or handsome as their gender may be. They never get any rest. They have to constantly worry about maintaining their looks. It’s a hard life. Of course, I know. Oh, how I know.
But you, you happy hideous thing, will never suffer as I have. I would almost trade lives with you. Oh, who am I kidding? No, I wouldn’t.
Excerpt from A Little Floozy. Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express prior permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Walking among the dead
Today I walked among the dead.
Not my dead.
Strangers in an old cemetery a few miles from my house.
Thought I might take photos...that the late winter sun might illuminate a particular stone or give a halo to an old weathered angel.
Instead I just carried my camera and walked among the rows of graves. Stopping to read a date or name. My feet crunched the old brown leaves. The few trees were bare except for a row of bedraggled evergreens along one side of the cemetery.
And I thought about life and how it goes so fast. How we can't hold our dead no matter how much we try, no matter how much we cry, they slip away when we're not looking.
I thought about those who have left us and how I miss them. My grandparents, my parents, aunts and uncles, cousins ... my baby brother ... My mother was so sharp, so smart, she would see right through your soul, and my father loved to laugh and loved to make me laugh. All those losses. Is that why we're ready to go at the end of our lives? Do the losses pile on until our spirit is ready to fly, to escape the burdens of sorrow? Or maybe we're just ready to meet them again. Maybe we're tired of not being with them. Maybe we're just tired of this earth.
I sat down in an old concrete bench beside an empty tree.
Across the rows, I heard a mockingbird and saw a robin. I watched a lonely cloud make its way across the pale blue sky. And I felt the stillness settle into me, the quiet calm that I call peace for the lack of a better word. I stopped thinking for a while, stopping imagining, stopped remembering.
For a few moments, the horizon held me. That beckoning sky. The endless heavens beyond.
Then I took a deep breath of the cool wind. I smiled for no particular reason other than it felt better than not smiling. I stood, walked back to my car, and drove back to my life.
Not my dead.
Strangers in an old cemetery a few miles from my house.
Thought I might take photos...that the late winter sun might illuminate a particular stone or give a halo to an old weathered angel.
Instead I just carried my camera and walked among the rows of graves. Stopping to read a date or name. My feet crunched the old brown leaves. The few trees were bare except for a row of bedraggled evergreens along one side of the cemetery.
And I thought about life and how it goes so fast. How we can't hold our dead no matter how much we try, no matter how much we cry, they slip away when we're not looking.
I thought about those who have left us and how I miss them. My grandparents, my parents, aunts and uncles, cousins ... my baby brother ... My mother was so sharp, so smart, she would see right through your soul, and my father loved to laugh and loved to make me laugh. All those losses. Is that why we're ready to go at the end of our lives? Do the losses pile on until our spirit is ready to fly, to escape the burdens of sorrow? Or maybe we're just ready to meet them again. Maybe we're tired of not being with them. Maybe we're just tired of this earth.
I sat down in an old concrete bench beside an empty tree.
Across the rows, I heard a mockingbird and saw a robin. I watched a lonely cloud make its way across the pale blue sky. And I felt the stillness settle into me, the quiet calm that I call peace for the lack of a better word. I stopped thinking for a while, stopping imagining, stopped remembering.
For a few moments, the horizon held me. That beckoning sky. The endless heavens beyond.
Then I took a deep breath of the cool wind. I smiled for no particular reason other than it felt better than not smiling. I stood, walked back to my car, and drove back to my life.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Our Romance
Our Romance
Not each other’s first love
or even each other’s second.
We both lived a life before
and carried the scars to prove it.
We did not love at first sight --
life would never be so neat --
you grimly committed to him,
and I determined to stay with her.
How we fell into each other’s arms
proved more to be a laugh there,
a shared moment here, a meeting
of minds and battered hearts.
Remember our sweet surprise
when this casual acquaintance
grew into a firm friendship
and fantastically something more.
Not each other’s first love
or even each other’s second,
but if fate is finally kind
we will be each other’s last.
Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without prior express written permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.
Not each other’s first love
or even each other’s second.
We both lived a life before
and carried the scars to prove it.
We did not love at first sight --
life would never be so neat --
you grimly committed to him,
and I determined to stay with her.
How we fell into each other’s arms
proved more to be a laugh there,
a shared moment here, a meeting
of minds and battered hearts.
Remember our sweet surprise
when this casual acquaintance
grew into a firm friendship
and fantastically something more.
Not each other’s first love
or even each other’s second,
but if fate is finally kind
we will be each other’s last.
Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without prior express written permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Full moon tonight
I bet the wolves are howling tonight. Below the photo is a poem from my forthcoming book Undying: Poems of Fantasy & Science Fiction.
Moon
She sent the kids to her parents.
Then cleaned the house
spotless like he wanted it.
She cooked his favorite foods,
ham and loaded potatoes,
coconut cream pie for dessert.
She put on the yellow dress,
but wore nothing underneath
because he always liked that.
And when he came home
she waited by the door
with an icy beer to sate his thirst.
After dinner, she gave herself
to him, pretending to enjoy
his uncaring and clumsy hands.
When they finished, he laughed
and said, "I'm glad you learned
your lesson last night, babe."
She smiled as her hands
covered the mottled bruises
on her bare arms and neck.
He rolled over and slept
self-satisfied, while she waited
for the sacred moon to rise.
The silvery light touched
their bed and slid over her face,
her eyes gleamed yellow.
She ran her tongue
over her newly sharp
teeth and tasted the air.
She reveled in her soft fur
as her nails became claws
and muscles writhed.
Then she turned her great head
toward his sleeping form
and smiled a predator’s smile.
When the morning sun rose,
neighbors found his body
here and there and even over there.
Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. Excerpted from the forthcoming book Undying: Poems of Fantasy & Science Fiction. No copying without express permission from the author and the publisher.
 |
| Photo copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley |
Moon
She sent the kids to her parents.
Then cleaned the house
spotless like he wanted it.
She cooked his favorite foods,
ham and loaded potatoes,
coconut cream pie for dessert.
She put on the yellow dress,
but wore nothing underneath
because he always liked that.
And when he came home
she waited by the door
with an icy beer to sate his thirst.
After dinner, she gave herself
to him, pretending to enjoy
his uncaring and clumsy hands.
When they finished, he laughed
and said, "I'm glad you learned
your lesson last night, babe."
She smiled as her hands
covered the mottled bruises
on her bare arms and neck.
He rolled over and slept
self-satisfied, while she waited
for the sacred moon to rise.
The silvery light touched
their bed and slid over her face,
her eyes gleamed yellow.
She ran her tongue
over her newly sharp
teeth and tasted the air.
She reveled in her soft fur
as her nails became claws
and muscles writhed.
Then she turned her great head
toward his sleeping form
and smiled a predator’s smile.
When the morning sun rose,
neighbors found his body
here and there and even over there.
Copyright 2014 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. Excerpted from the forthcoming book Undying: Poems of Fantasy & Science Fiction. No copying without express permission from the author and the publisher.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Secret
I've been working on my New Year's Resolutions. They're still a work in progress. I know the general goals, but mapping about a workable plan for each takes some time. Particularly for the large goals like writing a book, taking over the world, becoming a billionaire, etc.
Writing a novel can be as simple as one page a day. Think about that. One page a day the entire year, and you will have a good sized novel about teenage vampires who sparkle. The problem being that takes a commitment that many people lack. That I often lack. What keeps us committed? What makes us motivated?
I think goals are good: you exercise to live longer or be healthier; you write a book for fame or money or communication; you master physics to created a space-time tunnel to Mars from which to launch your robot flying monkeys on unsuspecting humanity, see how they run; and so on, but the process has to be enjoyable.
Yes, I think that's the secret to keeping any resolution or reaching any goal. You have to enjoy the process. "Joy in the Journey" to quote the title of a favorite Christian song of my mother. She believed in heaven, but she also believed in enjoying life in the here and now, also. She told me once that she never got tired of life; she wanted to wake up each morning. If her body hadn't betrayed her, she would happily be with us still. The Mormons have a variation of that: "Man is that he might know joy." And we Baptists love plunging people into ice cold water in unheated baptismal fonts. Feel the joy!
My point is that it's all well and good to resolve to be better -- I think we should and I don't quite trust people who don't try -- but we should also remember life down here is short and we should seek what wholesome joy we can find and share it with those we love. Remember in the end, we're all going to die of something.
Writing a novel can be as simple as one page a day. Think about that. One page a day the entire year, and you will have a good sized novel about teenage vampires who sparkle. The problem being that takes a commitment that many people lack. That I often lack. What keeps us committed? What makes us motivated?
I think goals are good: you exercise to live longer or be healthier; you write a book for fame or money or communication; you master physics to created a space-time tunnel to Mars from which to launch your robot flying monkeys on unsuspecting humanity, see how they run; and so on, but the process has to be enjoyable.
Yes, I think that's the secret to keeping any resolution or reaching any goal. You have to enjoy the process. "Joy in the Journey" to quote the title of a favorite Christian song of my mother. She believed in heaven, but she also believed in enjoying life in the here and now, also. She told me once that she never got tired of life; she wanted to wake up each morning. If her body hadn't betrayed her, she would happily be with us still. The Mormons have a variation of that: "Man is that he might know joy." And we Baptists love plunging people into ice cold water in unheated baptismal fonts. Feel the joy!
My point is that it's all well and good to resolve to be better -- I think we should and I don't quite trust people who don't try -- but we should also remember life down here is short and we should seek what wholesome joy we can find and share it with those we love. Remember in the end, we're all going to die of something.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
I hope the new year is filled
with peace, health, love, and laughter
for you and yours!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
2013 Christmas Celebration begins!
The 2013 Christmas Celebration is going on now at 51313 Harbor Street! In the first post, we have Factoids about Christmas (Some of Which Might be True), a quick and delicious sweet recipe, and a few hints for those of us who have to work in customer service! Go here: 2013 Christmas Celebration.
Harbor Street Christmas Celebration starts at noon!
Starting at noon today: The 2013 Christmas Celebration on 51313 Harbor Street! There will be stories, photos, recipes, jokes, songs, essays, book excerpts, and more! A new post every hour until midnight! Here's the link so that you'll be ready: 51313 Harbor Street
Friday, December 20, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Fantastic sale on "Tales from Bethlehem"!
Right now, you can purchase "Tales from Bethlehem" from Amazon.com at 51% off! Here's the link:
Ada Writers Christmas!
Visit the Ada Writers site, which has writings from Stephen B. Bagley, Mel Hutt, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, Jim Sanders, and Loretta Yin on Christmas, Winter, and the coming New Year!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Tales from Bethlehem
You've heard the story a thousand times: glorious angels, lowly shepherds, brightly shining star, three Wise Men, and wee babe in a manger. But have you ever wondered about everyone else in tiny Bethlehem on that marvel of nights? What did they think? What did they do? How would you have responded?
In these funny and touching tales, you'll meet a stable boy, a serving girl, an honest spy, an astounding clerk, an empty innkeeper, a mighty ship of the desert, and many others as they share their amazing Tales from Bethlehem.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Save 20% on "Murder by the Acre"
Save 20 % on
Murder by the Acre
at Lulu.com
by using
coupon code CORNUCOPIA!
Hurry! Offer ends
Nov. 15, 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
New contact card
Here's my new contact card. I ran out in Duncan and decided to design a new one. It's simple, but it tells what it needs to tell. I used the background from Tales from Bethlehem. What do you think?
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Author Day in Duncan, Oklahoma
Yesterday I had a great time in Duncan, Oklahoma, at the Author Day at the Duncan Public Library. Beautiful building, wonderful staff. And I got to have lunch with the amazing Laura Eckroat and talk shop and laugh a lot. A good day. Here are some photos.
It was a great day, and I hope to return next year for the Author Day again. They only let you come if you have a new book. I hope to have two in 2014.
 |
| Me at my table. |
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| Laura Eckroat at her table in the children's section. |
 |
| They had a nice display about me. |
 |
| The building was beautiful. I loved this skylight. |
 |
| Laura and I outside the restaurant where we had lunch. |
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Excerpt from "A Little Floozy"
I'll get right on that ... eventually
I don’t know why I do it. I have a huge list of things to do that need to be done, but I haven't done them. I kept intending to do those things and be horribly horribly horribly productive. However, more important things came up, like searching for a job, getting a haircut, watching TV, cutting my toenails, sending fan mail to Dolly Parton, putting bars on my windows so that the aliens can’t get in again, etc. Actually, those aren't more important things. (Except for that pesky job search; my creditors insist it's important. I think they need to calm down right now.) Those other things just happen to be the things that I did instead. I don’t know why.
(Read more here: Excerpt from A Little Floozy)
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Finished!
The upgrade to this site is finished. Mostly. Depends on what bugs and errors I find over the next few days. I'm pleased with how it's arranged and how it looks. The cool thing is that I'll be able to change the look fairly easily now. At least that's my hope.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Barnes & Noble offers Tales from Bethlehem
Tales from Bethlehem is now available on Barnes & Noble.com! And what's even better: it's on sale! Click here to take advantage of this offer: Tales from Bethlehem on Barnes & Noble.com!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Things to work on
Apparently I'm going to have to work on my apologies. "I'm sorry I got angry and said some things I meant but shouldn't have said" didn't defuse the situation. I wonder why.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Ada Writers Fall Book Festival slated for Tuesday
ADA – Ada Writers Fall Book Festival will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by Karen’s Art and Farming, 108 East Main. The festival will feature “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology by Ada Writers, and books by local authors and by award winning children’s book author Laura Eckroat.
“We will be offering books that are mysteries, romances, biographies, inspirational, humor, and more,” said Stephen B. Bagley, Ada Writers president. “And of course, the new anthology features short stories, poems, memoirs, and more by members of Ada Writers, including Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Lindiwe Hall, Mel Hutt, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Gail Wood, and Tom Yarbrough.”
A small quantity of signed children’s books by Laura Wintczak Eckroat will be available at the Festival. Eckroat's book “Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin” was featured in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine and won the Texas Association of Authors First Place Award for Best 7 and Under Children's Book. Her latest book, “What’s In The Corner? ... A Muffin ‘Tail,’” was released this summer. Learn more about Eckroat and her books at LauraEckroat.blogspot.com.
“We will have readings, signed books, refreshments, and good conversations about books,” said Bagley. “We invite everyone to attend.” For more information about Ada Writers, visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.
“Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love” is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.
The anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:
Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.
Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.
Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.
Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.
Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.
Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.
Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”
Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.
Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.
Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.
Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a nonfiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”
Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.
Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three nonfiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full-time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.
“We will be offering books that are mysteries, romances, biographies, inspirational, humor, and more,” said Stephen B. Bagley, Ada Writers president. “And of course, the new anthology features short stories, poems, memoirs, and more by members of Ada Writers, including Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Lindiwe Hall, Mel Hutt, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Gail Wood, and Tom Yarbrough.”
A small quantity of signed children’s books by Laura Wintczak Eckroat will be available at the Festival. Eckroat's book “Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin” was featured in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine and won the Texas Association of Authors First Place Award for Best 7 and Under Children's Book. Her latest book, “What’s In The Corner? ... A Muffin ‘Tail,’” was released this summer. Learn more about Eckroat and her books at LauraEckroat.blogspot.com.
“We will have readings, signed books, refreshments, and good conversations about books,” said Bagley. “We invite everyone to attend.” For more information about Ada Writers, visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.
“Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love” is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.
The anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:
Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.
Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.
Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.
Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.
Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.
Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.
Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”
Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.
Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.
Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.
Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a nonfiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”
Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.
Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three nonfiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full-time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Library hosts book signing
ADA – Ada Public Library will host a book signing for “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology from Ada Writers, 4-6 p.m., Thursday, August 22. The book will be available for purchase at the book signing for $12The back cover explains the theme of the book: “For some, passion and joy. For others, torment and regret. Ada Writers looks at love in its many forms with articles, essays, memoirs, poems, short stories, and excerpts from books and novels-in-progress in this new anthology.”
The anthology is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.
This year’s anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:
Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. He currently serves as president of Ada Writers. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.
Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.
Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.
Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.
Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.
Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.
Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”
Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.
Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.
Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.
Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a non-fiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”
Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her forthcoming book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.
Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three non-fiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
"HIghlands" - Excerpt from Undying
Highlands
In the highlands a beauteous lass lived,
skin like winter snow, hair radiant red,
lips that curved in a saucy smile.
In the highlands a handsome lad lived,
strong of back, eyes with golden threads,
a smile full of impish wile.
At a gathering called by the High King,
they danced the Foursome Reel,
with eyes only for each other's flesh.
They crept away during the Highland Fling
to the fields and together did kneel
and share their bodies, love jointly fresh.
"I will love only thee," he declares.
"No one else is there for me," she swears.
Hearts and souls intertwine until the dawn.
But he was a proud Clan Campbell heir;
the Clan MacDonald hearth she shared,
no fiercer feud had the gods ever spawned.
In the dark of the moon, the lovers
stole away to escape to the coast,
but warriors of the clans gave chase.
Running hand in hand, always seeking cover,
past lonely cairns and grieving ghosts,
the pair flew, but nearer the hounds raced.
At last the lovers came to a cliff high.
The waves crashed down below.
“Trapped,” she cried out in fear.
He drew his sword; live or die,
she was his love, he was her hero,
but an ethereal light then appeared.
A blue white glow faded to reveal
a tall woman, beautiful and bright,
powerful and perilous. She called...
When warriors—swords drawn to kill—
gained the cliff, they found only the night,
no lovers ashamed and appalled.
Angry at the terrible cost,
the warriors battled, raging mad
until in blood they bathed,
blaming the other clan for the loss,
for it be plain the lass and lad
had leapt to their watery grave.
Four centuries gone, but the old men
claim on nights when the moon is dark,
the lovers dance at the Lady’s command
while the Faery Folk and their kin
enthrall all who hear to dance and spark
the Foursome Reel in the highlands.
(Poem from the forthcoming Undying: Poems of Fantasy and Science Fiction by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express prior permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.)
In the highlands a beauteous lass lived,
skin like winter snow, hair radiant red,
lips that curved in a saucy smile.
In the highlands a handsome lad lived,
strong of back, eyes with golden threads,
a smile full of impish wile.
At a gathering called by the High King,
they danced the Foursome Reel,
with eyes only for each other's flesh.
They crept away during the Highland Fling
to the fields and together did kneel
and share their bodies, love jointly fresh.
"I will love only thee," he declares.
"No one else is there for me," she swears.
Hearts and souls intertwine until the dawn.
But he was a proud Clan Campbell heir;
the Clan MacDonald hearth she shared,
no fiercer feud had the gods ever spawned.
In the dark of the moon, the lovers
stole away to escape to the coast,
but warriors of the clans gave chase.
Running hand in hand, always seeking cover,
past lonely cairns and grieving ghosts,
the pair flew, but nearer the hounds raced.
At last the lovers came to a cliff high.
The waves crashed down below.
“Trapped,” she cried out in fear.
He drew his sword; live or die,
she was his love, he was her hero,
but an ethereal light then appeared.
A blue white glow faded to reveal
a tall woman, beautiful and bright,
powerful and perilous. She called...
When warriors—swords drawn to kill—
gained the cliff, they found only the night,
no lovers ashamed and appalled.
Angry at the terrible cost,
the warriors battled, raging mad
until in blood they bathed,
blaming the other clan for the loss,
for it be plain the lass and lad
had leapt to their watery grave.
Four centuries gone, but the old men
claim on nights when the moon is dark,
the lovers dance at the Lady’s command
while the Faery Folk and their kin
enthrall all who hear to dance and spark
the Foursome Reel in the highlands.
(Poem from the forthcoming Undying: Poems of Fantasy and Science Fiction by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without express prior permission from the author and publisher. Thank you for reading.)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Valerie Comer
Valerie Comer, inspirational romance novelist and a friend of mine, had a new book released
yesterday! Raspberries and Vinegar, the first in her series A Farm Fresh
Romance, from Choose NOW Publishing went on sale August 1. Valerie took a few minutes from her busy schedule as an author, beekeeper, farmer, and proud grandmother to answer a few questions about her writing.
1. Valerie, your book is in the category Farm Lit. What is Farm Lit?
Farm Lit is a new(ish) genre based on rural life—farm life, as opposed
to western ranch life. The genre began with memoirs such as Barbara
Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle
and Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman
and now includes anything written with a farm base.
2. Why do you write Farm Lit?
They say to write what you know, and I've lived on a farm over half my
life. I was raised in the whole gardening, canning, cooking from scratch,
bread-baking type of lifestyle, as was my husband. In recent years we've become
more intentional and begun promoting this lifestyle as an alternative to the
processed foods and fast foods that are leading Western civilization into
obesity… and worse.
3. Tell us a little about Raspberries and Vinegar.
Breaking ground
with the Farm Fresh Romance series, Raspberries and Vinegar finds Josephine
Shaw and her friends renovating a dilapidated farm with their sights set on
more than just their own property. Transforming the town with their sustainable
lifestyle and focus on local foods is met with more resistance than they expected, especially
by temporary neighbor, Zachary Nemesek. Jo needs to learn that a
little sweet makes the tart more tasty.
4. What’s your writing process?
Messy. Do we have to talk about it? I've written a dozen full-length
novels over as many years, most of which you will never be so unfortunate as to
read. It took me a long time to fine-tune a process that works for me—but it is
still messy. I'm somewhere in between full-on plotting and full-on
seat-of-the-pants writing, which is annoying because in Real Life, I like to
plan ahead. I want to do this in my writing, too, but it doesn't work. I've
blogged about the process some at my writing website, How to Write a Story, where I also offer a free writing course by email.
5. The book talks about sustainable living and local foods. Is that a
priority in your life and why?
It has become so, yes. I'm honestly appalled at the horrific conditions
for animals in feedlots and for workers on many mega-farms. I'm also terrified
at the insidious take-over of genetically-modified organisms in our food and
the honeybee die-off that is a result of the aforementioned practices
(pesticides, fungicides, GMOs).
As humans, we need to think ahead. I have three young granddaughters,
and I'm challenged to try and leave a better future for them than the grim
reality I feel is coming. All I can do is what I can do, which is pretty
limited. I can write about it, I can talk about it, I can support our local
food action coalition, and I can grow as much of our own food as possible.
6. The book is also an inspirational romance. Why do you write in the
inspirational field?
It's who I am. I've been a Christian since I was a young child, and it
permeates my every pore. Some of my writing has more obvious themes than other
stories, but I can't write from a worldview that isn't mine. It wouldn't be
true to who I am. Besides, I think Christians need to wake up and pay attention
to sustainability and food. They/We are behind the times.
7. What has been important advice to you in pursing a writing career, and what advice would you give to a new writer?
Be patient and work on craft.
These days anyone can write a novel and upload it to Amazon five
minutes after they've written "the end." Sometimes they haven't even
read through it once to catch obvious and glaring errors, let alone had it
critiqued or revised. What's the big hurry? Learn how to turn it into a really
strong story. No point in shooting yourself in the foot. Make sure it's the
best work you can do at this time before expecting people to pay money for it. Being
an author isn't glamorous if no one will review your book!
8. What has been the most gratifying or most surprising result from
your writing career so far?
Raspberries and Vinegar has been complete for three years.
It came close to being picked up by a major publisher several times, but they
shied away because of the issues presented. Within days of beginning discussion
with Choose NOW Publishing, I came across this article online: Chick Lit is Dead, Long Live Farm Lit.
Timing is everything!
9. What comes after Raspberries and Vinegar?
Wild Mint Tea, the second book in the Farm Fresh Romance
series releases in March, 2014, with the final installment, Sweetened
with Honey, due for release in December, 2014.
10. Raspberries and Vinegar is the first in a series. Tell us about the series.
It follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of three college graduates who move onto a reclaimed farm where they plan to take the rural area by storm with their sustainable lifestyle and focus on local foods.
Thanks, Valerie!
10. Raspberries and Vinegar is the first in a series. Tell us about the series.
It follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of three college graduates who move onto a reclaimed farm where they plan to take the rural area by storm with their sustainable lifestyle and focus on local foods.
Thanks, Valerie!
Learn more about Raspberries and Vinegar, visit her
website: HERE.
To buy Raspberries and Vinegar from Amazon in print and for Kindle: HERE.
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