Well, here it is about12 hours later since I wrote Part One. So much for sharing updates, huh? At least I have good reasons. I DID get a lot accomplished today!
But, I'll write about that tomorrow because this evening I have a reminder, and an announcement:
Reminder -- To be entered in my book giveaway at Jennifer Shirk's blog, you must leave a comment before midnight tonight, EST, which is about half an hour from now...(11:30 EST)
Thank you again, Jennifer! * The winner on Jennifer's blog is.....Karen Walker! Congratulations, Karen!! You'll receive a gift wrapped book in the mail asap.*
Announcement -- The very lovely bestselling author, Michael Lee West, just posted her weekly Foodie-Friday; and along with that, a warm and charming post about my memoir & me, and a book giveaway, (to be announced Monday, Dec 23rd). Please stop by and leave a comment, even if you don't care to be in the drawing. She is always so kind and gracious, has an amazing home which she is renovating/decorating, a marvelous cook, creates fabulous tablescapes....and still has time to write! AND shares photos and recipes! (There she is....way up high on the right sidebar!) Thank you very much, Michael Lee!
* Dec. 25th: Winner of memoir giveaway on Michael Lee West's blog, Rattlebridge Farm, is......Rettabug! Congratulations, Retta!! I'm so happy that you're excited about winning!
Oh, and her blog, Rattlebridge Farm, is listed on my side bar under OTHER FAVORITE BLOGS.
"It's hard to explain your passions, but sometimes it is harder to live them." -- Michael Lee West, She Flew the Coop: A Novel Concerning Life, Death, Sex and Recipes in Limoges, Louisana
ALL WHO WANDER ARE NOT LOST.
Showing posts with label Michael Lee West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Lee West. Show all posts
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
* This and That on a Wednesday *
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
I've been feeling a bit "autumnly" for a few days, but our weather is wacky, and today was warmer and more humid again. Yet, October is right around the corner, and the beginning of my favorite time of the year....October, November and December. The aromas of traditional meals and desserts, seeing family and friends, drinking those yummy flavored coffees, and burning lovely scented candles. Ahhh, heavenly!
Are you reading anything really great right now? Do you have any favorite books for particular seasons....like favorite movies?
I'm rereading "Crazy Ladies: A Novel" by Michael Lee West. (The chapters progress though quite a few years and aren't about any certain seasons or holidays, although they certainly are mentioned.) I first purchased and read it in 2006. (I know this because I wrote my name and the date inside! And that reminded me of my excitement when receiving brand new books at the beginning of each school year!) If you click on the title, it will take you to its page on Amazon where it averaged 4 out of 5 stars in 118 reviews! I loved it in 2006 and I'm loving it again in 2012!
Lastly, the fabulous Jennifer Daiker over at Unedited is hosting Guest Bloggers and I will be the featured guest next Monday, October 1st. Please stop by and browse all through Jen's blog. She is amazing!
*Welcome to my newest followers, Riet and Lady Cat. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." - George Eliot
I've been feeling a bit "autumnly" for a few days, but our weather is wacky, and today was warmer and more humid again. Yet, October is right around the corner, and the beginning of my favorite time of the year....October, November and December. The aromas of traditional meals and desserts, seeing family and friends, drinking those yummy flavored coffees, and burning lovely scented candles. Ahhh, heavenly!
I thought I'd share some photos from around my house. Even though they are from past years, many of you may not have seen them before.
 |
| From November 2010 |
 |
| From October 2011 |
 |
| My fireplace in September 2010 |
I'm rereading "Crazy Ladies: A Novel" by Michael Lee West. (The chapters progress though quite a few years and aren't about any certain seasons or holidays, although they certainly are mentioned.) I first purchased and read it in 2006. (I know this because I wrote my name and the date inside! And that reminded me of my excitement when receiving brand new books at the beginning of each school year!) If you click on the title, it will take you to its page on Amazon where it averaged 4 out of 5 stars in 118 reviews! I loved it in 2006 and I'm loving it again in 2012!
~~~~
Besides being an author of about a zillion books...well, maybe not quite that many, Ms. West also cooks and bakes and decorates. I have no idea where she gets the energy! Click Here to visit Rattlebridge Farm. AND please click Here to visit her website. She's awe-inspiring!
~~~~
One More Thing about Michael Lee West: She also wrote a book blurb for my memoir, of which I will be forever grateful, but that is not the reason I rave about her or her writing. That all comes straight from my heart and I know she knows that, too.
Lastly, the fabulous Jennifer Daiker over at Unedited is hosting Guest Bloggers and I will be the featured guest next Monday, October 1st. Please stop by and browse all through Jen's blog. She is amazing!
*Welcome to my newest followers, Riet and Lady Cat. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." - George Eliot
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
* This 'n That on a Wednesday *
After a huge thunder and lightening storm that blew through our area last night, today is sunny, breezy, not too hot or humid..... perfect! Oh Happy Day!
Since I'm leaving sometime on Friday for my writer's get-away, I'll post my "I Wonder" segment either very late tomorrow, or early Friday a.m. AND I have my very own, exclusively created graphic for "I Wonder"....made by none other than the immensely talented Mo, from Rose Petals from Heaven. Thank you, Mo! It is awesome! I love it!
I added another photo of Vern on the right hand column. Scroll down a little and see him in action!
Hello & Welcome to my newest follower: Morpho Marigold! I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you so much!
* I forgot to add that I'm in the middle of switching my e-mail addresses from AOL to Gmail, BUT you can still send mail to all of my AOL addresses, and they are being forwarded. My computer guru son, Scott, worked on my laptop the past 2 days and I'm still trying to get used to it. (Psst! ...I don't like some of it! ) I've only had AOL all these years. The e-mail showing on my Profile page is the new one.
"Everywhere I go I'm asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. There's many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher."
— Flannery O'Connor
Since I'm leaving sometime on Friday for my writer's get-away, I'll post my "I Wonder" segment either very late tomorrow, or early Friday a.m. AND I have my very own, exclusively created graphic for "I Wonder"....made by none other than the immensely talented Mo, from Rose Petals from Heaven. Thank you, Mo! It is awesome! I love it!
(Property of Rose Petals from Heaven
and Becky Povich)
If you haven't read my interview with Michael Lee West (yesterday), please do. It really is worth the few minutes it will take. I learned so much!
* I forgot to add that I'm in the middle of switching my e-mail addresses from AOL to Gmail, BUT you can still send mail to all of my AOL addresses, and they are being forwarded. My computer guru son, Scott, worked on my laptop the past 2 days and I'm still trying to get used to it. (Psst! ...I don't like some of it! ) I've only had AOL all these years. The e-mail showing on my Profile page is the new one.
"Everywhere I go I'm asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don't stifle enough of them. There's many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher."
— Flannery O'Connor
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
* Michael Lee West Interview *
Today, I'm thrilled and honored to post my blog interview with Michael Lee West, who is the author of seven books, the latest being, "Gone With a Handsomer Man." I truly enjoyed learning more about Michael Lee; not only about her writing and thoughts on publishing, but she also gives us a glimpse into her personal life as well. I know y'all with enjoy reading it as much as I did!
My mother read to me; and when her voice gave out, she bought fairy tales on record albums. I would stretch out in the living room and write stories in my heads. Years later, I put words to paper. I began writing during a childhood illness (got sick at Girl Scout camp) and my doctor put me on bed rest for the summer. My mother brought home stacks of books from the library; later, when I was ambulatory, I went to the library with her and slipped The Carpetbaggers and Intern by Dr. X into her stack. A neighbor, who was working on her MA in English, introduced me to Louisa may Alcott, along with high fantasy (The Hobbit). I started writing my own stories on Big Chief pads from my father's dime store. I kept writing, writing, writing. And never stopped, except to get a B.S. in Nursing (Mother thought I needed something to "fall back on" in case I got married and my husband died, a common belief in that era).
2) Did you receive encouragement from any teachers? Other mentors?
No, despite my fascination with words, I wasn't a child prodigy. My family thought I was trying to be artsy, and foolish. I earned "B's" in college creative writing classes.
3) I see that your first book was your memoir. (My Oops!
Actually, Crazy Ladies was my first book (fiction). The memoir, Consuming Passions, was fourth.
What made you decide to write it?
I was a typical Baby Boomer, raised in a fast food nation. I was always too busy to cook (but never too busy to eat), so I had about two dozen recipes; basic stuff like spaghetti, chicken casserole, macaroni and cheese. Whenever I was working on a book, I always felt so guilty. I just couldn't juggle writing, raise a family, take care of a house, and put decent food on the table. Around my fortieth birthday, I decided to get serious about cooking. By this time, my mother had developed the knack of explaining certain techniques, such as how to make a roux or the best way to fry chicken. I went on a quest, a Foodie quest. Unfortunately, the grocery in my small town carried basic items. I couldn't find saffron or bow tie pasta (or a decent brand of mayonnaise).
Whenever my publisher sent me on a book tour (actually it's Book Tour to many authors, minus the "a" or "the," but I digress), I had plenty of free time, and the media escorts took me to large grocery stores and Foodie places. My favorite place is Southern Season in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I came home, my suitcase loaded with bow tie pasta, cookbooks, specialty jams, rice flour, Ethiopian coffee beans, etc. One time four ladies in Charlotte, NC drove me from one event to the next, and we talked about mayonnaise (Dukes is the best brand, we decided). By this time, I'd started writing about food in a journal, keeping progress of my culinary skills. The entries became essays. I sent a few to my agent, and she sold them to my publisher.
It wasn't a conscious decision. That's just what came out of my pen. Publication was a long, weedy road. I belonged to a writing group when I was a student at East Tennessee State (I might add that I was a college drop-out; I went back to school later and earned my B.S. in Nursing).
I received an avalanche of rejection notes. I knew so little about the writing business and considered the rejections to be badges of honor. I pinned them to my wall; and when I ran out of wall space, I put them in a drawer. In the mid-1980s, I started receiving "good" rejection letters--personal notes from editors. Now and then stories and poems were accepted. I wrote two unpublishable novels (didn't show them to anyone--I just knew they were awful. But I also knew that I had to get from point A to B with "practice writing" My first novel, the aforementioned Crazy Ladies, hit the shelves in 1990. I wish I could say, "And it was happily ever after." Nope. I work harder now than I did in the 1980s. Why? The industry has changed. It's harder to find an agent. Independent bookstores are closing.
I'm always behind, always swamped, always leaving something undone--but never the writing. If I start a book, I finish it, even if it's horrible and I hide it in a shopping bag. I have lots and lots of bulging shopping bags in my attic. Writing is a priority. I clean the house when I can, but it's a challenge. I have so many obligations right now, I had to make difficult choices. My husband feeds the chickens and mends broken fences. I cook when I'm hungry, and blog when I have the energy. I stopped taking photos of food (only bloggers know the time and energy that it takes to photograph a house, garden, or food); I discovered royalty free photography and purchase the appropriate license to use on my blogs--not a typo. I now have three blogs, and one discusses the challenges of writing. Here are two essays:
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/06/rules-of-water.html
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/05/nesting-instinct-or-why-writers-do-what.html
I don't have a time frame. A book takes as long as it takes. Mad Girls took 4 years. I've been working on A Teeny Bit of Trouble (the second Teeny Templeton novel) for 16 months, and I'm still working on it. Interruptions (read the essays I attached for more information) take a toll. Last summer was filled with family illnesses and household breakdowns--leaky roof, shattered windows, etc. When life is calm, I write faster and end up doing less revision. But life is messy and loud; finding solitude is a challenge. Little things can pull a writer out of a work-in-progress, so it's essential to be disciplined.
7) You've mentioned eating Twizzlers when you write. Do you crave certain foods and beverages when you write?
No, I will eat anything. Twizzlers and Cheeze-Its are quick, and most writers will opt for the quick.
Do you keep a stash at your desk?
I don't keep any food around me. I've got too many papers strewn around, and a spill would be horrid.
8) Do you have a set writing schedule?
Yes. I write from 9 am until 9 pm--longer if the work is flowing. What about when life gets in the way? I try to be very zen-like, but it's a challenge. Mainly I have learned that anything can jerk me out of a book. So I am protective of my writing time.
9) You once told me that all writers get "the heebie-jeebies". How do you handle it when you get them?
If you love to write, nothing will discourage you. But it takes more than love. You must develop your craft and your nerve. You have to write through the fear of failure. Many writers consider our work to be a calling. Look at my essay "The Writing Instinct or Why Writers Do What They Do" or
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/05/three-writing-secrets.html
10) What are your thoughts on how the publishing industry has changed since your first book?
The Internet has impacted the publishing industry. Bookstores are closing, and ebooks are on the rise. Years ago, publishers didn't worry about sales. They believed it took time to develop a career. Now, those days have ended. What's good and/or bad about it right now? Writers must now be social media experts. That takes time, and most of us aren't good at Tweeting or tooting our own horns. Book tours are now virtual. How do you see the future of it all?I don't have a clue. It will be interesting to watch.
Thank you so much, Michael Lee! I really appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. You're truly a Southern Lady!
*Note added June 15, 10:30am. I inserted more of Michael Lee's book covers into this post. I also highly recommend reading the essays on the links provided. They are wonderful!
(photo: Michael Lee's blog)
1) When did you know you wanted to be a writer? My mother read to me; and when her voice gave out, she bought fairy tales on record albums. I would stretch out in the living room and write stories in my heads. Years later, I put words to paper. I began writing during a childhood illness (got sick at Girl Scout camp) and my doctor put me on bed rest for the summer. My mother brought home stacks of books from the library; later, when I was ambulatory, I went to the library with her and slipped The Carpetbaggers and Intern by Dr. X into her stack. A neighbor, who was working on her MA in English, introduced me to Louisa may Alcott, along with high fantasy (The Hobbit). I started writing my own stories on Big Chief pads from my father's dime store. I kept writing, writing, writing. And never stopped, except to get a B.S. in Nursing (Mother thought I needed something to "fall back on" in case I got married and my husband died, a common belief in that era).
2) Did you receive encouragement from any teachers? Other mentors?
No, despite my fascination with words, I wasn't a child prodigy. My family thought I was trying to be artsy, and foolish. I earned "B's" in college creative writing classes.
3) I see that your first book was your memoir. (My Oops!
Crazy Ladies
(courtesy amazon.com)
What made you decide to write it?
Consuming Passions
(courtesy amazon.com)
I can't explain this without a long-winded answer. I descended from a long line of Southern cooks, and this shaped my world view. Food is a branch of the family, and its members are sweet, sour, bitter, soothing. Both sides of my family are fabulous cooks, men and women. Me, I never cooked a holiday meal--they were served at my mother's house, and she wouldn't let anyone help. She was--and is--a Southern gourmet cook, but while she was willing to discuss food, she couldn't teach anyone how to cook. She'd get flustered. I was a typical Baby Boomer, raised in a fast food nation. I was always too busy to cook (but never too busy to eat), so I had about two dozen recipes; basic stuff like spaghetti, chicken casserole, macaroni and cheese. Whenever I was working on a book, I always felt so guilty. I just couldn't juggle writing, raise a family, take care of a house, and put decent food on the table. Around my fortieth birthday, I decided to get serious about cooking. By this time, my mother had developed the knack of explaining certain techniques, such as how to make a roux or the best way to fry chicken. I went on a quest, a Foodie quest. Unfortunately, the grocery in my small town carried basic items. I couldn't find saffron or bow tie pasta (or a decent brand of mayonnaise).
Whenever my publisher sent me on a book tour (actually it's Book Tour to many authors, minus the "a" or "the," but I digress), I had plenty of free time, and the media escorts took me to large grocery stores and Foodie places. My favorite place is Southern Season in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I came home, my suitcase loaded with bow tie pasta, cookbooks, specialty jams, rice flour, Ethiopian coffee beans, etc. One time four ladies in Charlotte, NC drove me from one event to the next, and we talked about mayonnaise (Dukes is the best brand, we decided). By this time, I'd started writing about food in a journal, keeping progress of my culinary skills. The entries became essays. I sent a few to my agent, and she sold them to my publisher.
Gone With a Handsomer Man
(courtesy amazon.com)
4) When did you decide to write fiction? It wasn't a conscious decision. That's just what came out of my pen. Publication was a long, weedy road. I belonged to a writing group when I was a student at East Tennessee State (I might add that I was a college drop-out; I went back to school later and earned my B.S. in Nursing).
I received an avalanche of rejection notes. I knew so little about the writing business and considered the rejections to be badges of honor. I pinned them to my wall; and when I ran out of wall space, I put them in a drawer. In the mid-1980s, I started receiving "good" rejection letters--personal notes from editors. Now and then stories and poems were accepted. I wrote two unpublishable novels (didn't show them to anyone--I just knew they were awful. But I also knew that I had to get from point A to B with "practice writing" My first novel, the aforementioned Crazy Ladies, hit the shelves in 1990. I wish I could say, "And it was happily ever after." Nope. I work harder now than I did in the 1980s. Why? The industry has changed. It's harder to find an agent. Independent bookstores are closing.
Mermaids in the Basement
(courtesy amazon.com)
5) How do you juggle your obviously extremely busy life? Your home is beautifully decorated, you're an amazing cook, you maintain a beautiful blog, you're married and live on a farm, And oh, did I mention you're a fabulous writer?!I'm always behind, always swamped, always leaving something undone--but never the writing. If I start a book, I finish it, even if it's horrible and I hide it in a shopping bag. I have lots and lots of bulging shopping bags in my attic. Writing is a priority. I clean the house when I can, but it's a challenge. I have so many obligations right now, I had to make difficult choices. My husband feeds the chickens and mends broken fences. I cook when I'm hungry, and blog when I have the energy. I stopped taking photos of food (only bloggers know the time and energy that it takes to photograph a house, garden, or food); I discovered royalty free photography and purchase the appropriate license to use on my blogs--not a typo. I now have three blogs, and one discusses the challenges of writing. Here are two essays:
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/06/rules-of-water.html
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/05/nesting-instinct-or-why-writers-do-what.html
She Flew the Coop
(courtesy amazon.com)
6) Is there an average length of time it takes you to write a book? How about from the first draft(s) to the finished product? I don't have a time frame. A book takes as long as it takes. Mad Girls took 4 years. I've been working on A Teeny Bit of Trouble (the second Teeny Templeton novel) for 16 months, and I'm still working on it. Interruptions (read the essays I attached for more information) take a toll. Last summer was filled with family illnesses and household breakdowns--leaky roof, shattered windows, etc. When life is calm, I write faster and end up doing less revision. But life is messy and loud; finding solitude is a challenge. Little things can pull a writer out of a work-in-progress, so it's essential to be disciplined.
No, I will eat anything. Twizzlers and Cheeze-Its are quick, and most writers will opt for the quick.
Do you keep a stash at your desk?
I don't keep any food around me. I've got too many papers strewn around, and a spill would be horrid.
Yes. I write from 9 am until 9 pm--longer if the work is flowing. What about when life gets in the way? I try to be very zen-like, but it's a challenge. Mainly I have learned that anything can jerk me out of a book. So I am protective of my writing time.
9) You once told me that all writers get "the heebie-jeebies". How do you handle it when you get them?
If you love to write, nothing will discourage you. But it takes more than love. You must develop your craft and your nerve. You have to write through the fear of failure. Many writers consider our work to be a calling. Look at my essay "The Writing Instinct or Why Writers Do What They Do" or
http://acquaintedwiththenightbypipermaitland.blogspot.com/2011/05/three-writing-secrets.html
10) What are your thoughts on how the publishing industry has changed since your first book?
The Internet has impacted the publishing industry. Bookstores are closing, and ebooks are on the rise. Years ago, publishers didn't worry about sales. They believed it took time to develop a career. Now, those days have ended. What's good and/or bad about it right now? Writers must now be social media experts. That takes time, and most of us aren't good at Tweeting or tooting our own horns. Book tours are now virtual. How do you see the future of it all?I don't have a clue. It will be interesting to watch.
Thank you so much, Michael Lee! I really appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. You're truly a Southern Lady!
*Note added June 15, 10:30am. I inserted more of Michael Lee's book covers into this post. I also highly recommend reading the essays on the links provided. They are wonderful!
Friday, May 6, 2011
* Book Give-Away Deadline Nearing *
If you haven't entered my contest yet to win an autographed copy of Michael Lee West's newest novel, Gone With a Handsomer Man, you still have a little more time! Entries end tomorrow night, Saturday May 7th, at midnight Central Daylight Time.
Please read the rules here.
Thanks so much to everyone who has already entered. Good Luck!
"Luck is believing you're lucky." -- Tennessee Williams
Please read the rules here.
Thanks so much to everyone who has already entered. Good Luck!
"Luck is believing you're lucky." -- Tennessee Williams
Monday, April 25, 2011
Gone With a Handsomer Man
Isn't that a great book title?! I just love it! And it gives a hint of the quirky story of Teeny Templeton......
Don't forget my contest to win this fabulous book, autographed by Michael Lee West, herself!
See all the infomation HERE.
** Contest closes at Midnight, CDT, on Saturday, May 7th. You've still got lots of time!
And please pass it along to your family and friends! (I just finished reading it April 26th and I loved it!)
Don't forget my contest to win this fabulous book, autographed by Michael Lee West, herself!
See all the infomation HERE.
** Contest closes at Midnight, CDT, on Saturday, May 7th. You've still got lots of time!
And please pass it along to your family and friends! (I just finished reading it April 26th and I loved it!)
All I ever wanted in life was true love, a set of copper cookware, and the perfect recipe for red velvet cake. The last thing I wanted was to end up on Charleston’s six o’clock news, accused of murder and a slew of other crimes. -- First two sentences in the book (used with permission from Michael Lee West)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
* Fabulous Give-Away! *
See that book cover on the left side bar? "Gone With a Handsomer Man" is the newest book by the lovely Michael Lee West. In honor of its brand new release, I'll be giving away one hardcover copy, autographed by Ms. West!
As you will see, if you visit her blog, Michael Lee is not only the fabulous author of seven books, she is an extraordinary designer, cook, photographer and a beautiful Southern Lady! She's also been extremely kind to me, encouraging me in my writing. How amazing is that?!
Since this is such a special give away, I'm making it more difficult than usual. ☺
To be eligible, you must do 1 through 4 below:
1) Be a follower of my blog
2) Be a follower of Michael's blog
3) Leave a comment, stating why you'd like to win this autographed book
4) Post a little something on your blog about the contest
In addition to these four things, if you post something on your Facebook or Twitter, let me know and I'll add your name twice.
This Contest Give-Away will be open from tonight through Saturday, May 7th. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on Sunday, May 8th. (This is open to all parts of the globe, not just the US!)
Please join in, tell your friends and blog buddies, too. Let's show Michael Lee West what great fans she has!
And if you haven't already read any of her books, this would be a fantastic one to begin with.
"An apple is an excellent thing -- until you have tried a peach." -- George du Maurier (1834-1896)
As you will see, if you visit her blog, Michael Lee is not only the fabulous author of seven books, she is an extraordinary designer, cook, photographer and a beautiful Southern Lady! She's also been extremely kind to me, encouraging me in my writing. How amazing is that?!
Since this is such a special give away, I'm making it more difficult than usual. ☺
To be eligible, you must do 1 through 4 below:
1) Be a follower of my blog
2) Be a follower of Michael's blog
3) Leave a comment, stating why you'd like to win this autographed book
4) Post a little something on your blog about the contest
In addition to these four things, if you post something on your Facebook or Twitter, let me know and I'll add your name twice.
This Contest Give-Away will be open from tonight through Saturday, May 7th. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on Sunday, May 8th. (This is open to all parts of the globe, not just the US!)
Please join in, tell your friends and blog buddies, too. Let's show Michael Lee West what great fans she has!
And if you haven't already read any of her books, this would be a fantastic one to begin with.
"An apple is an excellent thing -- until you have tried a peach." -- George du Maurier (1834-1896)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A Very Writerly Day
Today was one of my favorite kind of days. Talking about writing with other writers who love to talk about writing! Gimme that, a pen and paper, coffee, a snack....that's about all I need. Then after I'm home and have had time for everything to sink in, I open up my laptop and WRITE ABOUT MY WRITERLY DAY.
Got up early. Finally got my flash fiction contest story completed and mailed. (500 words or less...and I worked on it for hours/days....editing...writing....editing....and after the 10th or 15th edited version....It was ready to mail.)
Attended a brand new writers group. Met some new people. Also discussed and learned some things about the audio-visual business and how it works for promoting books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been asked a few times about Christian writers markets. I learned about one today that I didn't know of. It's a children's magazine, designed for 8 to 12 year olds: Pockets. I briefly looked it over. They pay for the accepted submissions, too, so if that's the genre you're looking for, click on the link and check it out. They accept stories/articles, poetry and what they referred to as "activities & games".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm very happy to share portions of the e-mail I received today from author/designer extraordinaire, (Ms.) Michael Lee West:
I wanted to share exciting news about my new novel. The pub date for Gone With a Handsomer Man has been moved up to April 12. Barnes and Noble has selected the book as a Mother's Day pick, which was a delightful surprise and an honor.
When my first novel, Crazy Ladies, was published, the sticker price was under $10. Twenty one years later, the cost has gone up, up, up. So I thought I would pass along a pre-order discount for my new book, Gone With a Handsomer Man. You can save $10.94 by pre-ordering (hardcover). The price will increase to $24.99 on April 12. It should also be available at your local library (or via library loan) after the pub date.
You can read the first chapter at www.michaelleewest.com.
Also, if you'd like a free bookplate and bookmark, they should be ready soon. The bookplates have a darling peach logo, in honor of Teeny's peachy background. Just email me at (designsbygollum@gmail.com) if you are interested. Let me know how you would like the bookplate--autographed and/or personally inscribed. Also, let me know how many you'd like.
I already responded and asked for my bookplate because I'm definitely going to buy this book....AND definitely going to take advantage of the very generous pre-order price.
That's it for tonight, folks. I hope everyone had a beautiful, blissful day today. I know I did.
Got up early. Finally got my flash fiction contest story completed and mailed. (500 words or less...and I worked on it for hours/days....editing...writing....editing....and after the 10th or 15th edited version....It was ready to mail.)
Attended a brand new writers group. Met some new people. Also discussed and learned some things about the audio-visual business and how it works for promoting books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been asked a few times about Christian writers markets. I learned about one today that I didn't know of. It's a children's magazine, designed for 8 to 12 year olds: Pockets. I briefly looked it over. They pay for the accepted submissions, too, so if that's the genre you're looking for, click on the link and check it out. They accept stories/articles, poetry and what they referred to as "activities & games".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm very happy to share portions of the e-mail I received today from author/designer extraordinaire, (Ms.) Michael Lee West:
I wanted to share exciting news about my new novel. The pub date for Gone With a Handsomer Man has been moved up to April 12. Barnes and Noble has selected the book as a Mother's Day pick, which was a delightful surprise and an honor.
When my first novel, Crazy Ladies, was published, the sticker price was under $10. Twenty one years later, the cost has gone up, up, up. So I thought I would pass along a pre-order discount for my new book, Gone With a Handsomer Man. You can save $10.94 by pre-ordering (hardcover). The price will increase to $24.99 on April 12. It should also be available at your local library (or via library loan) after the pub date.
You can read the first chapter at www.michaelleewest.com.
Also, if you'd like a free bookplate and bookmark, they should be ready soon. The bookplates have a darling peach logo, in honor of Teeny's peachy background. Just email me at (designsbygollum@gmail.com) if you are interested. Let me know how you would like the bookplate--autographed and/or personally inscribed. Also, let me know how many you'd like.
I already responded and asked for my bookplate because I'm definitely going to buy this book....AND definitely going to take advantage of the very generous pre-order price.
That's it for tonight, folks. I hope everyone had a beautiful, blissful day today. I know I did.
"To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else." -- Emily Dickinson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)