There are too many external worries going on for me right now. Fortunately for me, I have my writing. When I write, I can go with my characters for a little while and the worries disappear. This world has enough worries and I think that is why people tend to read or watch television, or even go to the movies. Maybe too much. They can snuggle down in their comfortable chair or on their couch, and if you're a girl or a lady, I'd almost bet you have a warm blanket, no matter the time of year, to snuggle under as you read or watch in comfort, the words or the visual pictures allowing you to escape from everything stressful that is causing you to pull your hair out.
We might think that through these mediums we are able to experience great heights or lows, adventures or fantasies that could never take place in the real world. Even if to us it would be the coolest thing ever. How many kids wish they could do the things that Harry Potter and his friends are capable of? How many of you when you were younger wished you could wiggle your nose and make your bed, or sleep til the last minute and snap clean clothes on and arrive at your destination at a blink?
I myself have wished certain books could have been my life. Or that I was blessed with certain powers to clean my room. Now I am older and realize the impossibilities of this. Despite knowing this, there is a part of me that thinks being a dragon shape shifter or its rider would be exhilarating. Shall we say, "Pull our head out of the clouds." So even if we do, "pull our head out of the clouds," there are things we can do to enrich our lives, many that will take energy and desire to go out there and implement the ideas that come to us. Unfortunately, most of us lack the desire and determination to go and do. Especially those of us that seem to burn the candle at both ends.
My enrichment, besides my kids, has been my book. And, I hope I will continue to have the desire and determination to promote and push it until it is successful. And in the meantime, I hope my brain continues to desire to release my ideas to the computer so they will quit running around in my head. I'm glad to say my first book no longer does that. But until it was complete, my story made havoc until it was fully written.
So if you want to read, (shameful plug) read my first book in the Chasing Dragon's Saga, and then go out and make life full and fun. Read, watch television, or go see a movie, but all in healthy amounts. Don't let life pass by without the fullness and enrichment of living it. And when you're eighty, you can say "I did that." Or if you die before your time, others can never say, "He never..." No matter how my book does, I and others will always be able to say I did it, or at least I tried to.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
"Good Lands"
As my Ma used to say, "Good lands." And really that's all that is needed to say as I look back over the summer and think how it flew by. She used to tell me that the older you get, the faster time will speed by, and she was right. It does seem only yesterday that my kids came home from the last day of school. And now, today, all four are enjoying the new experiences of the first day of their next year of school. I am actually excited about it myself. I have missed the stories of their experiences with their friends and their world outside our own. Especially my fourteen year old daughter. She usually has us laughing at herself or her friends with the things that happen to them. I can only imagine how many more she will have as a freshman in high school.
I love the beginning of school. It is like a new year to me. While summer, with its swimming, gardening, running around in shorts and flip flops slowly come to an end, the beginning of football, new shows and warm sweaters and boots sprout the start of fall. And I know that soon I will be buying Halloween costumes for at least four. If my fourteen year old daughter gets her monster or dinosaur costume she is wanting, I might have to get one for her older brother. They are both in their own club: "Team Alpha Wolf Squadron."
I enjoy each new day with them, knowing as they grow older, so do I. I don't mind so much. I'm not big on the wrinkles that are slowly making themselves known around my eyes, but I am a huge fan of the 'wisdom' that I am accumulating. I wish we could have had that wisdom when we were younger, but then how else are we to grow if we aren't 'stupid' at some point of our lives.
I am a writer now. I think it was always there in the recesses of my mind, waiting to be let out. But my children, being younger, needed me more than my stories did. Now it is their turn. Besides my older son and daughter, I also have a younger son and daughter, ages 11 and 8, but they know what I do and also know that at any point I will stop and take care of what they need. It is because of them that many days I do not write, but it is also for them, and myself, that I do. And one day I hope to have all my books on a shelf and they can each proudly point them out to their own children and say, "Your grandmother, or your great grandmother wrote these." And by the time I am old and with grandchildren, I am sure I will say as my Ma did, "Good lands," knowing that time sped by way to fast.
I love the beginning of school. It is like a new year to me. While summer, with its swimming, gardening, running around in shorts and flip flops slowly come to an end, the beginning of football, new shows and warm sweaters and boots sprout the start of fall. And I know that soon I will be buying Halloween costumes for at least four. If my fourteen year old daughter gets her monster or dinosaur costume she is wanting, I might have to get one for her older brother. They are both in their own club: "Team Alpha Wolf Squadron."
I enjoy each new day with them, knowing as they grow older, so do I. I don't mind so much. I'm not big on the wrinkles that are slowly making themselves known around my eyes, but I am a huge fan of the 'wisdom' that I am accumulating. I wish we could have had that wisdom when we were younger, but then how else are we to grow if we aren't 'stupid' at some point of our lives.
I am a writer now. I think it was always there in the recesses of my mind, waiting to be let out. But my children, being younger, needed me more than my stories did. Now it is their turn. Besides my older son and daughter, I also have a younger son and daughter, ages 11 and 8, but they know what I do and also know that at any point I will stop and take care of what they need. It is because of them that many days I do not write, but it is also for them, and myself, that I do. And one day I hope to have all my books on a shelf and they can each proudly point them out to their own children and say, "Your grandmother, or your great grandmother wrote these." And by the time I am old and with grandchildren, I am sure I will say as my Ma did, "Good lands," knowing that time sped by way to fast.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Clara and Millie vs Ma and Pa
Most everyone who has read my book, Chasing Dragons: Vengeance, has said they love the two old ladies. In that case, I have to say with much confidence, you would love my Ma and Pa Mallory. Millie and Clara are based on my grandparents and I lovingly wrote the two sisters with them in mind. I think Pa would get a kick.
When I was younger than four, my mother met a wonderful man who took my sister and myself in as his own. When I was four, they married. His parents gathered us and placed us with the others of the family and not one person could tell them we didn't belong. Those who knew them called them by name, Buster and Trisie Mallory. I called them Ma and Pa. They didn't have much money and spent their lives working hard, not forgetting to laugh along the way. When they lived in Iowa, their twin son and daughter died of pneumonia at the age of nine months. Ma's dad traveled from Missouri to Iowa and brought them back to Missouri for burial. With no money to return with them, they were unable to see them laid to rest. They eventually returned to Missouri and stayed till their dying day.
A large painting of Pa's childhood home hung on the wall, in a way contradicting the relationship between his parents and himself. He left home as a young teen, and to my understanding, he never spoke to his father again. I believe he did maintain a relationship with his mother. Ma was the opposite. Her father, Grandpa Calhoun, was a stand up man, marrying her mother and giving her son a name in a time when a woman with a child born out of wedlock was an outcast. I once asked Ma where her name came from. She said that Grandpa Calhoun got it from the Farmer's Almanac. He smoked a pipe, but never in the house because she didn't like it. When you look at the old black and white pictures, you see their love for each other, and when it came at their full time, Grandma Calhoun was the first to go, with Grandpa following three weeks later.
Ma and Pa were loved by all and in turn, they made us laugh. On Sunday's we would go to their house, sometimes skipping church, and most others, afterward. Ma always fixed dinner, my favorite being her homemade rolls. One Sunday, the women were in the kitchen (of course) washing dishes, and the men were in the living room watching football. Howard Cosell, a sports journalist, was commentating on TV when Pa said, "Look how long his nose is." Ma said, without missing a beat, "I wouldn't be talking, yours is splattered all over your face." Pa's nose was flat and wide, due to it being broken when he was young I'm guessing.
Other wise words of Pa: "I went to college. I walked in the front door and turned around and walked out." "I'm ready to meet Jesus, I'm just not ready to catch the bus."
Wise words of Ma: "Come back and see your fat ol Ma."
Ma would tell Pa and I to quit behaving like sniveling little girls when we would pretend cry when I left those Sunday evenings. They dressed like each other one Halloween party. I know of no one who could beat him at checkers. Ma liked to quilt and she liked to cook and make sweet, sweet tea. Some Sunday's we walked in the door and she would show us the different quilts she had finished. Laying on top of another, she would pull the top layer neatly back to reveal the next creation as we oohed and awed over each one, and they were worthy of the oohs and awes. And they both liked to play cards. I'm told that Pa is a good shot, that he could light a match. No joke. My dad will attest. He lost half his index finger to a saw blade, but told us kids a booger ate it. My nephew shot him with a toy gun, his teeth fell out and Adam cried and ran away until he realized it was a joke. Couldn't stop the boy after that. Ma always wore a dress that stopped at her knees with roll-up pantyhose and comfortable ugly loafers. I never saw Pa in anything other than overalls, unless he was in church, a wedding, or my graduation. And he isn't allergic to poison ivy and he collected hammers. ??? I don't know. I remember after he died in 1989, we went to his shed and rows and rows of hammers hung on the wall. Ma didn't die until 2002. The last few years of her life, every time I visited, tears would collect in her old eyes and she would say, "I don't understand why God won't take me home." And in the end, a tumor grew in her brain, leaving her speechless, but she could still wag that finger at you with a gleam in her eye.
When it was finally her time to go, I didn't cry. I did wipe a few teardrops away with my hand, but I understood she was where she wanted to be. She was home, with Pa, and God. I miss them. So I hope you see them when you read of Millie and Clara, because I put a little of them, inside.
When I was younger than four, my mother met a wonderful man who took my sister and myself in as his own. When I was four, they married. His parents gathered us and placed us with the others of the family and not one person could tell them we didn't belong. Those who knew them called them by name, Buster and Trisie Mallory. I called them Ma and Pa. They didn't have much money and spent their lives working hard, not forgetting to laugh along the way. When they lived in Iowa, their twin son and daughter died of pneumonia at the age of nine months. Ma's dad traveled from Missouri to Iowa and brought them back to Missouri for burial. With no money to return with them, they were unable to see them laid to rest. They eventually returned to Missouri and stayed till their dying day.
A large painting of Pa's childhood home hung on the wall, in a way contradicting the relationship between his parents and himself. He left home as a young teen, and to my understanding, he never spoke to his father again. I believe he did maintain a relationship with his mother. Ma was the opposite. Her father, Grandpa Calhoun, was a stand up man, marrying her mother and giving her son a name in a time when a woman with a child born out of wedlock was an outcast. I once asked Ma where her name came from. She said that Grandpa Calhoun got it from the Farmer's Almanac. He smoked a pipe, but never in the house because she didn't like it. When you look at the old black and white pictures, you see their love for each other, and when it came at their full time, Grandma Calhoun was the first to go, with Grandpa following three weeks later.
Ma and Pa were loved by all and in turn, they made us laugh. On Sunday's we would go to their house, sometimes skipping church, and most others, afterward. Ma always fixed dinner, my favorite being her homemade rolls. One Sunday, the women were in the kitchen (of course) washing dishes, and the men were in the living room watching football. Howard Cosell, a sports journalist, was commentating on TV when Pa said, "Look how long his nose is." Ma said, without missing a beat, "I wouldn't be talking, yours is splattered all over your face." Pa's nose was flat and wide, due to it being broken when he was young I'm guessing.
Other wise words of Pa: "I went to college. I walked in the front door and turned around and walked out." "I'm ready to meet Jesus, I'm just not ready to catch the bus."
Wise words of Ma: "Come back and see your fat ol Ma."
Ma would tell Pa and I to quit behaving like sniveling little girls when we would pretend cry when I left those Sunday evenings. They dressed like each other one Halloween party. I know of no one who could beat him at checkers. Ma liked to quilt and she liked to cook and make sweet, sweet tea. Some Sunday's we walked in the door and she would show us the different quilts she had finished. Laying on top of another, she would pull the top layer neatly back to reveal the next creation as we oohed and awed over each one, and they were worthy of the oohs and awes. And they both liked to play cards. I'm told that Pa is a good shot, that he could light a match. No joke. My dad will attest. He lost half his index finger to a saw blade, but told us kids a booger ate it. My nephew shot him with a toy gun, his teeth fell out and Adam cried and ran away until he realized it was a joke. Couldn't stop the boy after that. Ma always wore a dress that stopped at her knees with roll-up pantyhose and comfortable ugly loafers. I never saw Pa in anything other than overalls, unless he was in church, a wedding, or my graduation. And he isn't allergic to poison ivy and he collected hammers. ??? I don't know. I remember after he died in 1989, we went to his shed and rows and rows of hammers hung on the wall. Ma didn't die until 2002. The last few years of her life, every time I visited, tears would collect in her old eyes and she would say, "I don't understand why God won't take me home." And in the end, a tumor grew in her brain, leaving her speechless, but she could still wag that finger at you with a gleam in her eye.
When it was finally her time to go, I didn't cry. I did wipe a few teardrops away with my hand, but I understood she was where she wanted to be. She was home, with Pa, and God. I miss them. So I hope you see them when you read of Millie and Clara, because I put a little of them, inside.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I find I like to write. It is the time I am allowed to write that seems to hinder me. The things in my life that take precedence over it, such as: sleep, kids, husband, family in general, cleaning, gardening, bills, work, migraines, broken ignition on the van (repair work), and the items of life that turn our world. I think it's in those moments that am finally able to sit down and my fingers move, creating the story that before long I reread and think I wrote that? It's in those moments I write and disappear into my unfolding world, that even if no one else takes the time to read and appreciate the characters, I at least was able to journey with them and be thankful that I could leave everything behind me if for just a little while.
But I can also leave the writing behind and appreciate the people in my life that keep me grounded and loved. Like my friend Kylie. She is one of my staunchest believers and one of the first to offer a hand, or car. She, like me, has her own problems in life. So I think its safe to say we understand each other. She has a wonderful man she will be marrying, (he's in the army in Germany and soon to come home for the wedding). She deserves the happiness that is coming her way. I hope it continues. No matter how far she goes, she will be my friend. We have to, because our daughters are also bffs. And it would be a tragedy if any of us lost the other. So, dear Kylie, I will wave to you and keep the security guard from escorting you off the red carpet. I love you.
But I can also leave the writing behind and appreciate the people in my life that keep me grounded and loved. Like my friend Kylie. She is one of my staunchest believers and one of the first to offer a hand, or car. She, like me, has her own problems in life. So I think its safe to say we understand each other. She has a wonderful man she will be marrying, (he's in the army in Germany and soon to come home for the wedding). She deserves the happiness that is coming her way. I hope it continues. No matter how far she goes, she will be my friend. We have to, because our daughters are also bffs. And it would be a tragedy if any of us lost the other. So, dear Kylie, I will wave to you and keep the security guard from escorting you off the red carpet. I love you.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Book bloggers are essential to an author and their stories. They are like a lifeline for book sales and the spreading of the word for the next best or worst book. Even those oh so, so ones. Rachel's Book Reviews has agreed to do a book review for my very own, Chasing Dragons:Vengeance. At this time, I am unsure if she has read it or not, or if she is in the making of preparing her own thoughts to my novel. What I do know, is no matter her like or dislike of it, she will tell you how it is. Her book review website is one of the most unique ones I have come across and she has put a lot of thought and effort into it. So, please, go and visit Rachel's Book Reviews at: http://www.rachelsbookreviews.com/#! and if you like it, spread the word. And I will let you know as soon as her review for Chasing Dragons: Vengeance is up. In the mean time, check out her site and see if she can lead you to another book that may pique your interest.
Friday, July 1, 2011
It's a new month, July 2011. This new road I am on is exciting. No matter how well my book sells, the imagination I am able to write down is fulfilling in so many ways. For one, I look at the words I type, reread and think 'wow, I just wrote that. No way.' But then all the hours I put in writing, reading, editing, and rereading, I know I did write every word and struggled over every idea and the direction it would take. Some days the writing flows and other days, the writing stands still. Sometimes I have to tell myself to set the computer aside and forget about it and enjoy just my family.
Speaking of family, we spent last week in Newport, AR with my husband's mother's family. The Madison's. Though Grandpa Hozie, died last year, Granny Madison is still alive and somewhat well. They were the proud parents to thirteen children (one did sadly die as an infant.) When these children were grown and had families of their own, they decided to meet every year. I have been going to the Madison reunion for eighteen years now. All cousins are grown and with families of their own. Each year, I have yet to see an Aunt or Uncle miss(most live in AR, one in MO, one in AZ, and one in Louisianna). Cousins (each scattered) who miss one year, will make it the next, and several never miss (there are about three that only come occasionally), and now the third generation is following in this tradition. How long it will continue is anyone's guess. Even after Granny Madison is gone, I think everyone will still get together. They are a close, God loving family. And I am proud to be a part of their heritage. It warms my heart to see a family this big want to get together to laugh and talk and just hang out together because they like each other. I hope my children are as blessed as they grow older and form families of their own, to stay in contact with each other just because they like each other.
My own family is stretched between OK and MO, one in KS, but there are no get togethers like the Madison's. I have asked for a Price reunion (my mother's side), but no one seems to want to or have the time. So I guess my memories will have to suffice. My sister lives in OK and I miss her very much, while my niece is set to take off for Europe for an indefinite time, I miss and will miss her too.
There are other, family members I haven't seen or spoken not quite a year now, but roads do go both ways. I won't say anymore on that. Some of you may be able to understand without knowing the particulars. I guess I shouldn't let hurt dig a cavern so deep that it doesn't heal. I know my children will miss out if I do. I wrote on my blog last year about my feelings on the situation, but I deleted it after awhile. I really don't know if betrayal is the right word to use in the situation.
I guess that in every family, there are times of good and bad. The good is easy to deal with while the bad takes some effort to try and heal. But no matter the size of your family or the type of family that binds you together, you are bound.
If only everyone would take my advise, even me: love each other, forgive each other, laugh with each other, repeat.
Speaking of family, we spent last week in Newport, AR with my husband's mother's family. The Madison's. Though Grandpa Hozie, died last year, Granny Madison is still alive and somewhat well. They were the proud parents to thirteen children (one did sadly die as an infant.) When these children were grown and had families of their own, they decided to meet every year. I have been going to the Madison reunion for eighteen years now. All cousins are grown and with families of their own. Each year, I have yet to see an Aunt or Uncle miss(most live in AR, one in MO, one in AZ, and one in Louisianna). Cousins (each scattered) who miss one year, will make it the next, and several never miss (there are about three that only come occasionally), and now the third generation is following in this tradition. How long it will continue is anyone's guess. Even after Granny Madison is gone, I think everyone will still get together. They are a close, God loving family. And I am proud to be a part of their heritage. It warms my heart to see a family this big want to get together to laugh and talk and just hang out together because they like each other. I hope my children are as blessed as they grow older and form families of their own, to stay in contact with each other just because they like each other.
My own family is stretched between OK and MO, one in KS, but there are no get togethers like the Madison's. I have asked for a Price reunion (my mother's side), but no one seems to want to or have the time. So I guess my memories will have to suffice. My sister lives in OK and I miss her very much, while my niece is set to take off for Europe for an indefinite time, I miss and will miss her too.
There are other, family members I haven't seen or spoken not quite a year now, but roads do go both ways. I won't say anymore on that. Some of you may be able to understand without knowing the particulars. I guess I shouldn't let hurt dig a cavern so deep that it doesn't heal. I know my children will miss out if I do. I wrote on my blog last year about my feelings on the situation, but I deleted it after awhile. I really don't know if betrayal is the right word to use in the situation.
I guess that in every family, there are times of good and bad. The good is easy to deal with while the bad takes some effort to try and heal. But no matter the size of your family or the type of family that binds you together, you are bound.
If only everyone would take my advise, even me: love each other, forgive each other, laugh with each other, repeat.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Sales in the Third Month
My week is about to get better. Officially at 10:45 am Saturday(tomorrow) I start my week vacation. Hoping to get enough sleep that I will have a writing boon and get loads of work done. An update for those who may or may not be beginners in the world of the author; sales: so far for the month of June, Amazon 0, B&N 2. Decided since I wasn't selling anything anyway that I should up my price. Have been told I should anyway. (good or bad strategy, only time will tell) I looked through the different ebook prices and decided to settle on $3.41. Don't have a clue why I chose that number. I am hoping something will change soon. As a writer, I do desire that people read my book. I also want them to enjoy them. Hopefully feedback will follow soon, have only seen one comment and I am happy to say it was a five star. I am writing this for those who are looking, as I have done, for that magic number of when sales will take off. For me, the first few months were okay, but they trickled to drips in the third month. I've read a couple of other authors that the fourth month was their take off. Can only wait and see, but I will let you know. This is what I am doing to promote: twitter, facebook, goodreads, scribd, and book blogs. Also looking for individuals to read and leave reviews. Do have one set up but at the moment, I am third in line.
Patience. God has them and since there is nothing for me to do but wait and work by promoting the best I can, I must have them too. I must trust that all is in good time. That being said, I also must be a good writer which I hope I am. And that being said, I can't help to be a little disappointed that people are not reading my beloved story. But again, all in good time. So for those of you searching and dealing with any disappointments or small let downs, know you are not alone. There are several of us all in the boat with you. Too bad we can't all be instant winners. Then again, where would the lesson be in that. How strong is your faith in yourself to keep pushing and striving for better. Life is full of lessons, the words 'that being said' and 'there again' and the knowledge that all does happen in good time. So keep pushing yourself. I will.
My week is about to get better. Officially at 10:45 am Saturday(tomorrow) I start my week vacation. Hoping to get enough sleep that I will have a writing boon and get loads of work done. An update for those who may or may not be beginners in the world of the author; sales: so far for the month of June, Amazon 0, B&N 2. Decided since I wasn't selling anything anyway that I should up my price. Have been told I should anyway. (good or bad strategy, only time will tell) I looked through the different ebook prices and decided to settle on $3.41. Don't have a clue why I chose that number. I am hoping something will change soon. As a writer, I do desire that people read my book. I also want them to enjoy them. Hopefully feedback will follow soon, have only seen one comment and I am happy to say it was a five star. I am writing this for those who are looking, as I have done, for that magic number of when sales will take off. For me, the first few months were okay, but they trickled to drips in the third month. I've read a couple of other authors that the fourth month was their take off. Can only wait and see, but I will let you know. This is what I am doing to promote: twitter, facebook, goodreads, scribd, and book blogs. Also looking for individuals to read and leave reviews. Do have one set up but at the moment, I am third in line.
Patience. God has them and since there is nothing for me to do but wait and work by promoting the best I can, I must have them too. I must trust that all is in good time. That being said, I also must be a good writer which I hope I am. And that being said, I can't help to be a little disappointed that people are not reading my beloved story. But again, all in good time. So for those of you searching and dealing with any disappointments or small let downs, know you are not alone. There are several of us all in the boat with you. Too bad we can't all be instant winners. Then again, where would the lesson be in that. How strong is your faith in yourself to keep pushing and striving for better. Life is full of lessons, the words 'that being said' and 'there again' and the knowledge that all does happen in good time. So keep pushing yourself. I will.
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