Nothing to complain about when the weather is a mere 90 degrees and the sun is shining! My confeence is almost over. I've been on the floor about 8-10 hours a day, meeting people,smoozing and looking for business. The days are long, but I do enjoy the places I visit . Too bad this time I haven't stepped outside since I took the great photo of the Alamo! Room service every night and lots and lts of rewrites! I swear I could have a second book done by now!
Here's a short chapter from the book that some of you might recognize if you've ever been blessed with visiting northern Maine!
Potato Fields
In Victoria County, all work ceased in late September when the potato crop was ripe for picking. Self-employed men scheduled their work around the potato crop, as a good portion of a family’s income was made during the three weeks of harvest. Children were dismissed from school to aid the family with the yield. Rarely were babysitters needed. Mothers latched babies to their bodies in makeshift burlap bag slings, swinging the child forward and back as they bowed in the cool air of the September mornings.
The foreman would assign a length of row, known as a section, to each picker, staking the beginning and end of each row. Every man, woman, and child had a section of varying length. They’d pick the row clean to the end of their own stake, then move the stake to the next row where they would bend and begin again.
The plows moved across the rich, dark soil, two steel discs discharging the potatoes from their earthy lairs, exposing the fruit to the pickers and releasing the fragrance of rich, tilled soil. Large wooden barrels were placed at intervals between each picker’s rows. The workers began at one end of their line, hunched over, a huge woven basket placed between their open legs.
Searching the ground for the hidden crop, their hands sunk deep into the black dirt, they plucked the fruit and tossed it into the basket between their legs. Moving forward, they lurched the basket ahead with them like hop-scotching frogs. When the container was full, they rose, placed the basket on their hip, staggered to the barrel and dumped the heavy cargo into the waiting wooden cask.
The field dance went on all day, bobbing bodies raising and lowering; the thumping of rolling potatoes hitting wood echoing across the fields. The pickers were paid by the barrel, so they raced the rows like marathon runners gathering medals at a finish line.
Breaks were rare. A whistle announced a quick stop for water. Another for a half-hour lunch where men would gather to smoke cigarettes and women to gossip. The older children acted like circus clowns, sometimes tipping barrels, jumping inside as other children rolled them around the fields.
Laughter broke the monotony of the tractor’s hum. When the whistle signaled the end of the day, Emily watched the slow rise of her mother’s body from her bent position. Maureen rubbed her back and wiped her brow with her dirty hand. Her call gathered her children as though they had been a brood of wandering ducks. During harvest no one remembered anything more than the ache of muscles, long days and short nights where sleep was as instantaneous as death. Emily loved harvest time. The stairs never creaked during harvest time.
Buttons! Buttons! Everywhere!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Remember the Alamo!
The photo today is from San Antonio, Texas! Just got here for work. I always take the time to visit this national monument. To me, this symbolizes the free thinking state of Texas. It's a powerful reminder of the freedoms we are so blessed with, freedoms we should not take for granted. God given.
Well, last night I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with the reading group that read my full manuscript. I was invited to join them as they shared their thoughts about the manuscript. For any writer this is a humbling experience, as it's the reader who decides the value of a book.
In my opinion, they were right on target for what I saw needed to be done. They were professional, courteous and told me to throw out the title! Now my new working title is "You'll Never be Dead Enough". The readers felt that this title more significantly represents the dark mood of the book. I learned I have to beef up some of the character descriptions to make the reader understand the characters value. For instance, in the book, the main character is Emily Evans. She has two siblings, Stephanie, an older sister and Darren, a brother, five years her junior. The readers wanted to know more about the relationship between the siblings. I've been so focused on Emily and her mother Maureen, that I didn't realize I'd left her siblings so far out.
The readers also wanted to know more about Emily's father, Denny Douay and Emily's husband, Aaron.
To all of my readers, THANK YOU! You have been great! Now when I make the Best seller list:)......
So, with just a few days to complete the rewrites and get the manuscript to my wonderful mentor, the postings will be VERY, short for the next few days! Hang in there with me, we are about to be done!
Have a good one!
Well, last night I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with the reading group that read my full manuscript. I was invited to join them as they shared their thoughts about the manuscript. For any writer this is a humbling experience, as it's the reader who decides the value of a book.
In my opinion, they were right on target for what I saw needed to be done. They were professional, courteous and told me to throw out the title! Now my new working title is "You'll Never be Dead Enough". The readers felt that this title more significantly represents the dark mood of the book. I learned I have to beef up some of the character descriptions to make the reader understand the characters value. For instance, in the book, the main character is Emily Evans. She has two siblings, Stephanie, an older sister and Darren, a brother, five years her junior. The readers wanted to know more about the relationship between the siblings. I've been so focused on Emily and her mother Maureen, that I didn't realize I'd left her siblings so far out.
The readers also wanted to know more about Emily's father, Denny Douay and Emily's husband, Aaron.
To all of my readers, THANK YOU! You have been great! Now when I make the Best seller list:)......
So, with just a few days to complete the rewrites and get the manuscript to my wonderful mentor, the postings will be VERY, short for the next few days! Hang in there with me, we are about to be done!
Have a good one!
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Journal of Prose, Poetry and Art
First, note that I'm feeling like I need a little R & R, thus the Kauai photos! This is yet another crazy week, but by Sunday, the FINAL manuscript will be in Sarah's ( my mentor) hands for her final edits. Wow! I'll be done with my Master's degree in June! Then on to the MFA. (One more year!)
I've been parusing lately looking for web sites of interest for those that love poetry and art as well as writing. I'd entered a contest with this site. They are very professional and it's a good read! Enjoy!
http://www.literal-latte.com/
I've been parusing lately looking for web sites of interest for those that love poetry and art as well as writing. I'd entered a contest with this site. They are very professional and it's a good read! Enjoy!
http://www.literal-latte.com/
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Where in the World is Ginger? and a contest to boot!
This last couple of weeks has been a world wind! I've been in Connecticut, Minneapolis,Hilton Head, South Carolina and Indianapolis! I travel a lot but don't get to see too much! Now and again I dart from the hotel to somewhere interesting, but knowing how much still has to be written, back to the hotel I go! I'm very fortunate though to meet wonderful people along the way. This morning on my way home I met an educational book publisher. We had a nice conversation on publishing for her field. I learn something from everyone!
I'm home for a couple of days and hope to complete my final edits by next weekend!
Here's a contest I've entered and had fun with. Hope Clark had the details on Funds for Writers! www.fundsforwriters.com
This is an excellent exercise for learning tight writing. Try it!
100 WORDS OR FEWER FICTION CONTEST
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com/index.php?id=9
---
$15 ENTRY FEE - CRITIQUES AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL FEE
Deadline July 18, 2010. Entrants may be located anywhere on Earth.
Both contests require 100 words or fewer. Two categories:
A. Original:
100 words or fewer, on any subject whatsoever (excluding lewd).
B. New Contest:
Stories will revolve around either (a) "The Old Man" or (b) "Home."
Prizes
Original - First Prize--$500. Second Prize--$100.
New - Subjects are "The Old Man" and "Home." From the pool of
these stories, one story will receive a First Prize of $150.
One story will receive a Second Prize of $50.
I'm home for a couple of days and hope to complete my final edits by next weekend!
Here's a contest I've entered and had fun with. Hope Clark had the details on Funds for Writers! www.fundsforwriters.com
This is an excellent exercise for learning tight writing. Try it!
100 WORDS OR FEWER FICTION CONTEST
http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com/index.php?id=9
---
$15 ENTRY FEE - CRITIQUES AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL FEE
Deadline July 18, 2010. Entrants may be located anywhere on Earth.
Both contests require 100 words or fewer. Two categories:
A. Original:
100 words or fewer, on any subject whatsoever (excluding lewd).
B. New Contest:
Stories will revolve around either (a) "The Old Man" or (b) "Home."
Prizes
Original - First Prize--$500. Second Prize--$100.
New - Subjects are "The Old Man" and "Home." From the pool of
these stories, one story will receive a First Prize of $150.
One story will receive a Second Prize of $50.
Friday, April 30, 2010
I did something quirky today after work. I walked around the corner from the Marriott where I'm staying (of course) and toddled on down to The Slippery Noodle, a blues joint in Indianapols, known for its fabulous history, great music and somewhat crappy food. I'm a big fan of the Blues, raw emotion, coupled with great rhythms. Oooooo! That's so nice.
The place has quite a history. Built in 1850 as The Tremont Hotel, (an original sign still hangs there) it was the first German Clubs in Indianapolis. In the 1860's the name was changed to the Concordia House, then the Germania House until World War I. It was used as a stagecoach stop,then railroad stop for passengers. It has a rich history with the Underground Railroad as a slave santcuary. Slaves were hidden in underground tunnels, which I had the opportunity to go through. Other names for the place were Beck's Salon and during prohibition it was named Moore's Beer Tavern.
Gangsters like the Brady and Dillinger gangs hung out here, using the back of the building for target practice. Bullets are still lodged there. The present owners are Harold and Lorean Yeagy. The Noodle has been in their family since 1963. Live Blues is played seven nights a week with two bands on the weekends.
It once had 14 luxurious rooms and was used as a brothel. Stayed that way until 1953 when two men fought over a certain woman. She was killed. The kife used, stabbed into the wooden bar. The mark is still there. Ti roof, original backbar. Quite a site for those who love architecture.The basement of the Noodle had been used to distill liquor during prohibition. Cattle and pigs were slaughtered there as well. It's used as storage now.
One of the most interesting things I learned from the staff was that the Noodle has two ghosts. Bonified. George is a black Civil War Soldier. He lives in the basement. He used to shovel coal so when people actually see him they all describe him the same, covered with ash. A delivery man popped in the back door and headed down to the basement with supplies. He flipped on the light-- you guessed it, George was standing there. He dropped everything and bolted up the stairs. He never delivered there again.
They even had a paraormal specialist come in because they had this one spot in the basement gravel floor that never dried. It was a wet even when there was no rain or water leakage. The person they brought in was told nothing before they moved to the basement. When the person reached the room where the spot was, they stopped. They told the owner to quit walking on the dirt floor, as someone or something was buried there. They gave the Noodle a choice. Dig it up and move elsewhere or leave it where it was and cement over the floor. The cement looks petty good!
The other ghost is Sarah. She been spotted a few times. Everyone gives the same description Long, dark hair. A blue dress. She's in the balcony overlooking the stage in the back part of the building.
Anyway, a couple of years ago, a couple asked if they could have a private wedding on the stage in the back room. Bride. Groom. Limo Driver, photographer and pastor. After the ceremony, the photographer asked if the owner knw who the lady was in the balcony watching the wedding. She wore a blue dress. The owner told the photographer it was someone who came to the Noodle....a lot.
Great history!
Just as I'm ready to get back to my writing at the Marriott, in comes five women. A bit older than I am, but big smiles, self-assured and quite beautiful. I watched them move through the Noodle. Confident. Laughing. Movingtheir arms to te music pumping from the juke box.I had to follow them, hear their story. They met each other in Marikesh and since get together on a regular basis. Travelling. Living la vida loca! How wonderful to see people clinging to the rich life we've been given! You go girls!
Now I've got to run tonight. I've got an early flight! I rambled, but should be back on track by tomorrow!
The place has quite a history. Built in 1850 as The Tremont Hotel, (an original sign still hangs there) it was the first German Clubs in Indianapolis. In the 1860's the name was changed to the Concordia House, then the Germania House until World War I. It was used as a stagecoach stop,then railroad stop for passengers. It has a rich history with the Underground Railroad as a slave santcuary. Slaves were hidden in underground tunnels, which I had the opportunity to go through. Other names for the place were Beck's Salon and during prohibition it was named Moore's Beer Tavern.
Gangsters like the Brady and Dillinger gangs hung out here, using the back of the building for target practice. Bullets are still lodged there. The present owners are Harold and Lorean Yeagy. The Noodle has been in their family since 1963. Live Blues is played seven nights a week with two bands on the weekends.
It once had 14 luxurious rooms and was used as a brothel. Stayed that way until 1953 when two men fought over a certain woman. She was killed. The kife used, stabbed into the wooden bar. The mark is still there. Ti roof, original backbar. Quite a site for those who love architecture.The basement of the Noodle had been used to distill liquor during prohibition. Cattle and pigs were slaughtered there as well. It's used as storage now.
One of the most interesting things I learned from the staff was that the Noodle has two ghosts. Bonified. George is a black Civil War Soldier. He lives in the basement. He used to shovel coal so when people actually see him they all describe him the same, covered with ash. A delivery man popped in the back door and headed down to the basement with supplies. He flipped on the light-- you guessed it, George was standing there. He dropped everything and bolted up the stairs. He never delivered there again.
They even had a paraormal specialist come in because they had this one spot in the basement gravel floor that never dried. It was a wet even when there was no rain or water leakage. The person they brought in was told nothing before they moved to the basement. When the person reached the room where the spot was, they stopped. They told the owner to quit walking on the dirt floor, as someone or something was buried there. They gave the Noodle a choice. Dig it up and move elsewhere or leave it where it was and cement over the floor. The cement looks petty good!
The other ghost is Sarah. She been spotted a few times. Everyone gives the same description Long, dark hair. A blue dress. She's in the balcony overlooking the stage in the back part of the building.
Anyway, a couple of years ago, a couple asked if they could have a private wedding on the stage in the back room. Bride. Groom. Limo Driver, photographer and pastor. After the ceremony, the photographer asked if the owner knw who the lady was in the balcony watching the wedding. She wore a blue dress. The owner told the photographer it was someone who came to the Noodle....a lot.
Great history!
Just as I'm ready to get back to my writing at the Marriott, in comes five women. A bit older than I am, but big smiles, self-assured and quite beautiful. I watched them move through the Noodle. Confident. Laughing. Movingtheir arms to te music pumping from the juke box.I had to follow them, hear their story. They met each other in Marikesh and since get together on a regular basis. Travelling. Living la vida loca! How wonderful to see people clinging to the rich life we've been given! You go girls!
Now I've got to run tonight. I've got an early flight! I rambled, but should be back on track by tomorrow!
Put Emotion to Work For You
I got to visit with Krista, the daughter of a good friend and her two little boys tonight. It took me back to the day that my friend Deb and I shared the news that she was pregnant with Krista. I had found out that I was pregnant with Tate, just months before she had found out about Krista, so I was already bursting. I remembered everything about the day Deb told me. The excitement was pressed into her face. A girl. Sweet and precious, smelling like baby powder, all giggly and so full of smiles.
Today, I sat next to that woman with two little boys of her own, her belly swollen with a third child's coming. The excitement pressed into her face. Krista had become everything her mother wanted for her. Independent. Proudly beautiful. A loving mother and wife. A talented artist. And all of a sudden, I'm wanting to call Deb and tell her what a wonderful child Krista has grown to be! What happened to our babies?
My son calls me a short time later. We talk. I realize that he's no longer my little man. He's someone's husband, someone's friend. He's intelligent, a bit hot-tempered like his father used to be, a hard worker, a good man. I want to tell him that I ache for the little boy he was, but I don't. He's his own man now. I just pray he remembers the love that got him to that place.
I'm tired tonight. It's late and I've spent my night pounding the keys, first for work, then with my writing. I've been on the road a couple of weeks and I'm ready to go home. Don't feel sorry for me. I love what I do. Today I received a lot of encouragement, first from my mentor, Sarah Pritchard, my sister Sue, then a lovely note from a complete stranger. Life just doesn't get any better than this!
So for work today, remember that stories should move the reader. Feel it in your heart. Put it to paper. Edit. Edit. Edit.
Today, I sat next to that woman with two little boys of her own, her belly swollen with a third child's coming. The excitement pressed into her face. Krista had become everything her mother wanted for her. Independent. Proudly beautiful. A loving mother and wife. A talented artist. And all of a sudden, I'm wanting to call Deb and tell her what a wonderful child Krista has grown to be! What happened to our babies?
My son calls me a short time later. We talk. I realize that he's no longer my little man. He's someone's husband, someone's friend. He's intelligent, a bit hot-tempered like his father used to be, a hard worker, a good man. I want to tell him that I ache for the little boy he was, but I don't. He's his own man now. I just pray he remembers the love that got him to that place.
I'm tired tonight. It's late and I've spent my night pounding the keys, first for work, then with my writing. I've been on the road a couple of weeks and I'm ready to go home. Don't feel sorry for me. I love what I do. Today I received a lot of encouragement, first from my mentor, Sarah Pritchard, my sister Sue, then a lovely note from a complete stranger. Life just doesn't get any better than this!
So for work today, remember that stories should move the reader. Feel it in your heart. Put it to paper. Edit. Edit. Edit.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
I'm Back!
Whoa! A couple of days with good friends and sunshine and I'm almost renewed! Time off always ends too fast! This morning I was back on the plane and am in Indianapolis for work. I sometimes take for granted the beauty I see as I fly, the patchwork of land below me, the puffs of white cotton above me. Then I get whacked by the seat in front of me and I'm smelling the back of someone's head and realize, flying isn't so fun anymore, but I'm still lucky to love what I do!
For the next several days I'm in crunch time. I'm having my manusript read as we speak by a reading group in Des Moines. They have invited me up on Wenesday night to share their thoughts and critiques, which is any writers dream! I've aleady had a few good readers give me information that has made the manuscript better and better.
Balancing everything is tough, but again, I've so much to be grateful for. So for tonight here's an upcoming contest AND a website that you might enjoy! Get with it people! If I can do this, so can you!
Writer's Relief. They have some great information for writers and in this issue they talk about how to handle rejection. Ouch! http://www.writersrelief.com/blog/default.aspx
This is a MUST DO! It's the Summer 24 Hr. Contest that will take place in July. Entry fee is $5.00. The prompt is given on July 24 at noon. You must have the story turned in by July 25 at noon! I always have fun with this one! Usually under 1000 wrds too! http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php
Have a good week!
For the next several days I'm in crunch time. I'm having my manusript read as we speak by a reading group in Des Moines. They have invited me up on Wenesday night to share their thoughts and critiques, which is any writers dream! I've aleady had a few good readers give me information that has made the manuscript better and better.
Balancing everything is tough, but again, I've so much to be grateful for. So for tonight here's an upcoming contest AND a website that you might enjoy! Get with it people! If I can do this, so can you!
Writer's Relief. They have some great information for writers and in this issue they talk about how to handle rejection. Ouch! http://www.writersrelief.com/blog/default.aspx
This is a MUST DO! It's the Summer 24 Hr. Contest that will take place in July. Entry fee is $5.00. The prompt is given on July 24 at noon. You must have the story turned in by July 25 at noon! I always have fun with this one! Usually under 1000 wrds too! http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php
Have a good week!
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