Earth Day and Hob-Nobbing with a Famous Author

May we nurture and cultivate our soil.
May we foster clear and clean skies.
May we conserve and  purify streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
May we support and sustain our plants.
May we defend and protect our animals.
May we care for our planet forever.

Whether you pick up a piece of trash, recycle an item, or turn off the water faucet while you brush your teeth, I hope everyone does at least one thing today in honor of Earth Day. And wouldn't it be awesome if each of us could do just one thing every day? I plan to try, and hope you will, too.

On another note, here's a follow-up report on my author/book library visit last week. Susanna Kearsley is a funny, gracious and fascinating woman. I loved listening to her speak about the research she does for her historical novels.

I'm now reading her latest book, The Desperate Fortune, and am totally engrossed by the story. It's on the way to becoming another best seller for her. Congrats to Susanna.

Here's a photo of me hanging out with a famous author. What a fun evening for a book lover!

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs...

Media experts warn if you don't post at least once a week, you'll lose readers. I hope that's not true because I've been a real slacker in the posting department lately. It seems as though I've been doing nothing but run around like the proverbial headless chicken (ugh, sorry for putting that image in your head) all the while not getting much accomplished. But that's a confession for another day.

What I want to tell you about today is a book. My friend, Becky Lewellen Povich, recently published her memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More.  I started reading the book on Monday, praying I'd like it because I really like Becky and planned to publish a review. I finished the book today. No need for me to worry. Becky's witty and charming writing style kept me turning the pages.

I, too, was a child of the 50's and her stories prompted many memories for me. I could hear the cicadas chirping on a steamy summer night and once again smell my own mother's homemade cookies baking in the oven. Through good times and bad, before cell phones or Diet Coke, we somehow found ways to survive. Sigh. If you enjoy a funny and nostalgic read, put From Pigtails to Chin Hairs on your list. (By the way, don't you just love that title?)

For more information, check out Becky's blog, her website, or you can order her book from Amazon.

Projects, Projects

If you have a writer friend who has recently disappeared, you may wonder what happened. I'm betting your pal is participating in NaNoWriMo. As many of you know, November is National Novel Writing Month, affectionately referred to as NaNoWriMo. The challenge is to get at least 50,000 words toward a novel on paper. You can outline and think about your story all you want, but can't begin writing it until November 1. Likewise, you must stop writing by midnight on November 30.

I've done the challenge 3 out of the past 5 years and reached my goal each time. It's stressful, but definitely exhilarating. This year I opted out, which makes me feel like a real slacker. After all, NaNo is addicting in a stuff-yourself-with-carbs kind of way, but I'm going cold turkey...until next year.

To appease the guilt gods I plan to drag out my last year's NaNo project this month and focus on trying to turn it into a real book. Haven't started revising yet, mind you, but it's on my list.

Other things have been taking up my time. Aside from my sister's health issues (Update: final pathology report showed everything benign! Thanks again for your prayers and positive thoughts), I've been working on another project.

I hate it when Mom does a project.

  










Mom's projects live in Snooze City.

I am doing a bathroom remodel and have a few post-project observations. First, who'd ever imagine redoing such a tiny bathroom would take so much time and cost so much money? Second, know what the contractor will and won't do. For example, I had to do the wall prep, painting, and sealing of floor/grout. I hadn't planned on that.

Anyway, here are a few of the "before" pictures.

Old oak cabinet and tacky linoleum floor in very sorry shape.

Fiberglass surround shower, with plenty of cracks, leaks and messy problems.

The contractor stripped the bathroom down to the studs. Now, nearly 3 weeks later, the job is complete. I'm pretty pleased with it and will post the "after" pictures later this week.

Bargain Book Days

Here's a book bargain for your summer reading pleasure. Cupid's Quiver is being offered through the end of June for only 99 little pennies! You can find the Kindle edition here. The anthology contains 12 romantic short stories that are sure to tickle your fancy and make you smile. My short story, The Blue Book of Love, is included in this anthology.

Even the stores have Christmas in July sales. Here's a Christmas in June deal. Fifty Shades of Santa, a collection of 12 romantic holiday short stories is on sale, too. It's bargain priced for the Kindle edition at 99 cents, but only through June. You can find it here. My short story, That Old Christmas Magic, is included in this anthology.

Don't you just love a great deal on a book?

Speaking of great deals, I get to go the the Cardinals/Cubs game tonight! The Cards lost last night so I'm hoping they can serve up some sweet revenge tonight. Regardless, I intend to leave my low-carb diet at home to chow down on loaded nachos and sip rum-in-Diet-Coke cocktails.

Sometimes it's just plain wrong to make the "right" choice.

What Are You Reading?

Holy Guacamole! Where did the time go? I couldn't believe it when I realized that it's been nearly a week since I last posted. Know that we haven't dropped off the face of the earth, we've just been, well, busy!

As spring approaches summer, the weather is so much more pleasant. We're actually working on getting a few things done outside. Hopefully that will keep the neighbors from shaking their fists at us.

The birds are providing tons of entertainment for Bogey. Unfortunately, this also serves to increase his efforts to escape. It takes a regular battle strategy to keep that cat from scooting out the door. Indy enjoys the sunshine as much as me, but soon enough, the temps will be sweltering. Thus the name of the game is enjoy nice days while we can.

I'm looking for something un-put-downable to read. One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, posted a list of her must-reads recently. However, some of the books appealed to me, and others did not. So it made me wonder, what would Critter Alley readers recommend as the perfect summer book?

I tend to enjoy stories that mimic life. A little laughter, a few tears, and a satisfying ending. Anybody got a favorite to suggest?

Santa, Baby!

Are you looking for a little Christmas love? Check out Fifty Shades of Santa, 12 Nice (not Naughty) Humorous Holiday Romances. My story, "That Old Christmas Magic" is part of this holiday collection. Fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa (or glass of red-for-Christmas wine) and enjoy. It'll warm your toes and tickle your funnybone.

The book is currently available on Kindle for only $3.99. What a bargain! Click here to order.

Ho-ho-ho!

Questions, Questions

A wonderful writer pal, Lynn, at Present Letters tagged me last week with a series of questions related to NaNoWriMo. Since so many people expressed interest in the entire NaNo concept, here are my answers. I hope this will encourage (rather than frighten away) others who are thinking about giving NaNo a try next year.

Part of this process is for me to "tag" another NaNo writer to answer these same questions on her blog next Tuesday. I hope Judy at The Word Place will give it a go!

What is your working title of your book?

My 2012 NaNo project is titled "Under An Assumed Name".

Where did the idea come from for the book?

A few years ago I did a substantial amount of research with intent on doing a novel about Zee James, the wife of famed Missouri bandit, Jesse James. It went on the back burner for some time, to be resurrected this year as my NaNo project.

What genre does your book fall under?

Historical fiction, though it may morph into the historical romance genre before all is said and done.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Good question! I'd need a charismatic bad boy for Jesse...perhaps Johnny Depp?
Zee is strong in her own way, but vulnerable. Hmmmm...maybe Ann Hathaway? (I'm picking her because of the trailers I've seen recently. She plays Fantine in the new Les Miserables movie opening this month.)

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Not sure I can yet answer that. I'm still trying to connect the dots by exploring the reasons that an upright, devout woman would remain so staunchly attached to someone who made a living robbing banks and trains...not to mention more than one cold-blooded murder.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Wow. I'm too busy figuring out where to begin with rewrites/edits to even think about that. Publishing this book is not even a gleam in my eye yet.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took me approximately two weeks. Of course, that was two weeks of non-stop writing that included taking days off from my real job to work on it. It helped me to have already accumulated a lot of research, have a good knowledge of the characters, and a decent outline.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Any historical fiction novel. An example is one that I read a couple of years ago, "Mary", a novel about Mary Todd Lincoln. It was fascinating.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My first NaNo manuscript was a contemporary romance. The second was a sequel to the first. Originally I planned to do a third romance and have a trilogy, but couldn't get enthusiastic about it. Trust me, if you plan to write 50,000 plus words, it helps immensely to be enthusiastic. Then I remembered the research I did on Zee James and realized that's what I wanted to do. As alluded to earlier, I had questions about her. There's tons of information to be found on Jesse James. Not so much on Zee. What kind of person was she and why?
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I hope anyone with curiosity about Jesse James, Missouri history, and/or what molds a relationship into one that endures despite overwhelming obstacles and hardships, might find something of interest in this project.

Okay, that's it! Questions over! For those of you who are still with me, here's a critter update. Indy and Bogey are doing fine. They have provided invaluable assistance to me in writing out the responses to these questions.

Well, actually, Bogey keeps lying on the keyboard (blame any typos on him) and Indy has developed an annoying habit of going under the desk and getting tangled up in the computer wires. I must say, nothing comes easy at our house.

It's Here!

It's so cool to come home and find a box on the front porch from Simon and Schuster. Yep, I received copies of "I Can't Believe My Cat Did That!".

Bogey is featured in my story, "The Instigator". Anyone who reads this blog knows how feisty, felonious, and fleet Bogey can be. Now he's famous, too! I unpacked the books one by one and spread them out on the floor. Bogey sniffed them over and gave his paw-print of of approval. Thank goodness for that. I was a little worried he might sue me.

This latest Chicken Soup filled with delights will be in bookstores and on Amazon starting in September.

Hey! Hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

A Hollywood Inspiration or Two

Spam belongs in a can and certainly not on my blog, your blog, or anywhere else. However, given that the current word verification on Blogger has become so darn hard to see, I'm taking a chance and removing it. If all goes well, Critter Alley will remain WV free. 

Meanwhile, like many of you, tonight I've been watching the Academy Awards. It's an ultra-glam event and a lot of fun to see even if I haven't viewed most of the movies. I have, however, read many of the books.

That's right, books. It's amazing how many films come into being as a result of a book or short story. This year's nominees from various categories are "picture-perfect" examples...

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs (Short story) by George Moore
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LaCarre

Tales that get noticed by Hollywood may not necessarily be the best example of writing in the technical sense. But they must be compelling. The kind of stories that draw people in and keep them up at night because they can't wait to see what happens next. It's all about being a good storyteller. And that skill, my friends, is truly what makes a writer someone that Hollywood races to snatch up like a flower in spring.

Good stories can bring the world inspiration, thought provoking ideas, and entertainment. If you can't see the movie, do yourself a favor and put the above tales on your reading list. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And whether your story makes it to Hollywood or not, I hope the power of your words will transport readers to another place and another time...giving them a mini-vacation of the mind.

How awesome is that?

Shhhh, Mom. Enough already. I'm trying to read.

Heavenly Messages

What could be more fun than coming home to find a box of books on the front porch? Especially when those books contain one of your own stories. "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven" features true stories about miracles, amazing connections, angels, and answered prayers. My story, "A Little Nudge", is included in the anthology.

I thumbed my way through the book and have already read several stories. Each one gave me a little shiver up my back. But only in a good way, of course.

I can't resist hearing stories that confirm my belief in the hereafter. If you feel the same way, check out Messages from Heaven, either online via pre-order, or in bookstores starting February 28.

Critics-at-large, Indy and Bogey declare: "Messages from Heaven is an awesome read. We give it 8 paws up!"

Guilty Pleasures

Weekends are for relaxation...not! At least not this past weekend. I spent most of it working to get the house back into shape. We're still dealing with post-construction dust, but at least the furniture is back in place. And what's the good of having a hardwood floor without rugs to cover it up? Marathon shopping helped me find a few perfect pieces. But enough about work. I'm going to reveal my weekend guilty pleasure.

Because of the imminent theatre release of the movie, "Breaking Dawn", a virtual marathon of Twilight series movies were shown on cable television. Always one step behind the rest of the world, I watched the movie "Twilight" for the first time.  Despite sometimes cheesy dialogue, I found the film to be strangely compelling. The characters were interesting and filled with teen-age angst. I guess anyone dealing with a somber but sexy vampire and a hot werewolf is bound to get a little depressed. I went on to watch the second movie in the series, "New Moon".  Then I simply had to go ahead and watch the third film, "Breaking Dawn". I just about Twilighted myself to distraction.

Stephanie Meyer, author of the series, sure hit a chord with her books. There's nothing like forbidden love filled with obstacles to make a terrific story. From Shakespeare on, its a theme people really can get into.  I personally haven't read Meyer's work, but have seen comments criticizing her writing style and plot consistency. Ah-hem. I should see such success from "lousy" writing!

In any event, perhaps I need to try my hand at a love story in the paranormal genre, but with a whole new twist.

The vampire...

competing against the werewolf...

for the affections of a beautiful and talented, but terminally accident-prone heroine.

Now that would be a real story of forbidden love!

A Birthday Salute

A memoir of the inimitable James Herriot published by his son

Today would have been the 95th birthday of Alf Wight.

Qualified as a veterinarian and working in the Yorkshire area, Wight had a very busy practice. He doctored every kind of critter from large farm animals to small house pets. But Wight, better known as James Herriot, will forever be remembered as the man who published several bestselling books containing collections of stories loosely based on actual events of his life as a rural veterinarian in the 1940's through 1960's.

I first read "All Creatures Great and Small" shortly after its publication date in 1972. The stories were sweet and poignant. Some made me smile and some made me cry, but every one of them were memorable and very often inspirational. Herriot's down to earth writing style is as comfortable to read as slipping on an old pair of slippers.

Herriot's subsequent books, "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "All Things Wise and Wonderful" (among others) continued the saga. As with most popular books, the stories soon made their way into television and movie productions while Herriot continued to publish numerous other short stories and children's books. I eagerly devoured them all.

If you're an animal lover, James Herriot should definitely be on your reading list. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Happy 95th birthday, Alf!

My Dog is My Hero

Anthologies are great for those of us who don't have large blocks of time to devote to reading. You can pick them up, browse a story or two, then put away the book until another day when you can steal some extra time. No worries about recalling complicated plot lines or characters.

I recently read an anthology called, "My Dog is My Hero", edited by Susan Reynolds. Some tales were funny while others easily planted a lump in my throat as fifty writers shared the true story of their personal canine hero. Most of the stories don't involve things like rescues from burning buildings or guiding help for Timmy-in-the-well. Instead, they detail the everyday things that make our four-footed canine friends important to us.

Linda O'Connell, one of my writer friends, has a story in the book about a lovable mischief-maker called "Goofy Willy". I think readers will particularly enjoy reading it. Linda is quite talented. Her work appears in more anthologies than I can count and let me tell you, I'm quite jealous of her success...especially since it's so well deserved!

If you get a chance, check out "My Dog is My Hero". You'll enjoy the gentle ride.

Note: Though I received a complimentary advance copy of the book, I received no monetary compensation for this review or its content.

Reader's Choice

I'm just finishing up a novel by Elizabeth Berg called "Home Safe". It's a fairly quick read about a widow (who just happens to be a writer) and how she copes with her new life, a serious case of writer's block, a mystery surrounding missing retirement money, and her long-suffering adult daughter. Nothing critter-y about it unless you count the fact that she has a dog, but I am enjoying the story.

Are you reading anything good this weekend?

Cuivre River Anthology IV

Cuivre River Anthology IV is Saturday Writers' latest anthology. It contains selections in four areas: poetry, essays, short stories, and flash fiction by many award winning writers. The book opens with two poetry selections written by Missouri's first Poet Laureate, Walter Bargen.

Among the contributors are some friends and fellow Saturday Writers, including yours truly.

The book is a lovely collection. It's easy to pick up and read a story or two, and then come back later for more. Or, if you're greedy like me, you can devour it in one sitting.

Kudos to Lou Turner and Donna Volkenannt who did an outstanding job as co-editors.

If you'd like to order a copy, check out the Saturday Writers website.

Excuses, Excuses

I've been the most dreadful sloth about writing and submitting. Months ago, I submitted a dog story to Cup of Comfort. Acceptances were supposed to go out end of December, rejections by February. I heard nothing and figured the story was not picked up. However, I was surprised not to have heard anything at all. Colleen Sell, who edits the books is wonderful about emailing a verdict one way or another.

In any event, March brought my expected rejection email. However, she kindly informed me that the story had made the top 70 cut, just didn't make the final cut, and went on to encourage me to submit elsewhere. It just so happened that the Chicken Soup series was looking for dog stories, so I sent it at the end of March. Now another wait to see if I'll have better luck. Unfortunately, I don't think Chicken Soup tells you anything unless they take the story. :(

I really must get myself back in the habit of writing every day. It doesn't help that I picked up an excellent book called "The Help". It's a debut novel by Kathryn Stockett and one of those books I can barely make myself put down.

Sigh. Yet another excuse not to write.

John Carter Cash

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a multi-story complex full of every type of memorobilia that a music fan could wish to see. A person would be hard-pressed to see everything in an entire afternoon. Historic outfits perfectly preserved, musical instruments used by legendary performers, and personal artifacts can all be found in abundance.

Frequently the museum has special guests. One of the guests on the day we visited was John Carter Cash, the only child of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. He was signing copies of his children's book, "Momma Loves Her Little Son." The story is based upon things his beloved mama, June, always said to him when he was young.

Mr. Cash was gracious and most kindly posed for pictures. His book is delightful (it would make a great gift), and the author is the real deal.