About Me

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Sometimes It Starts Like This

We were on our way to the book fair in Ben Wheeler. Jean driving with Evelyn beside her and I in the back seat. Along the country road, we passed a farmhouse set back among the trees. I caught sight of a family cemetery as we drove past. The image of a tilted stone marker remained for a moment and, in my mind's eye, a young woman stood beside it, Her back was to me as she gazed down toward the ground. Gently-curled brown hair draped below her shoulders over a tan trench-style coat tightly wrapped at the waist. That imaginary image stayed with me for some time before I was able to chase it away.

On our way home, I asked Jean if we could stop long enough for me to take a picture. All three of us kept a look-out for the small group of grave markers. Jean was gracious enough to make two turns to enable me to take pictures; first time of the cemetery itself and after Evelyn pointed it out, a return stop so I could walk closer to capture an image of the historical marker so it could be read.

I have no idea where this is leading. For the moment, these notations and the pictures will be filed away...possibly to never see the light of day again.

But, somehow I have a feeling this woman will be visiting me again. I suspect she wants me to write her story.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

How Do We Maintain a Balance?

The holiday season is approaching with the speed  of a flash of lightning. And that signifies a deluge of opportunities to sell books. Everyone agrees books make wonderful Christmas presents, so every author knows you've got to get your books out in the public's eye so they can grab them up to fill their Christmas present-buying lists.

The holiday season also brings an upswing in social activities with personal family gatherings and special church and community events. We authors find ourselves stretched tighter than a guitar string trying to cover all the bases at this time of year.

For instance, as I peruse the opportunities to meet-and-greet the reading public over the next few weeks, I could obligate myself to being as some public function for every weekend. And quite possibly, more than one location in a weekend.

There are so many opportunities available to sell our books at this time of the year, that it gets harder and harder to make choices. And all the while, juggling the added family...and possibly work...responsibilities that occur at this time of year.

For myself, I'm going to be making very judicious choices. After all, I don't want to enter the joyous season totally exhausted and unable to enjoy myself. Do you?

I'd really like to get your thoughts on this dilemma.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Did You Miss Me?

Good Morning!
Life got in the way and it's been some time since I've posted here.

The holiday season is upon us and that means book events popping up all over the map.
This Saturday I'll be in Winnsboro at the Cultural Arts Center as a representative of White Bird Publishing. If you're in the area, stop by and say Hi to a great bunch of authors.

It's also National Novel Writing Month but I'm passing up participating this year. Last year was a first-time experience for me and I was astonished at how much writing I accomplished. Didn't know I could write to deadlines! The story I completed, tentatively titled Mai Lin, is nearing the close of its critiquing stage and is headed for publication some time next year.

Mai Lin was sold as a child in China and comes to San Francisco, California at the turn of the Twentieth century...just in time to experience the earthquake. My story chronicles her adventurous life in those turbulent times and gives the reader a glimpse into Chinese life in that city back then.

Recently I committed to writing book reviews with a group of author friends. They've been posting some complementary reviews for Second Time Around. Hope you'll go here and check them out. http://www.amazon.com/Second-Time-Around-Gay-Ingram-ebook/dp/B00A6DCWJI/ref=la_B008VS6AJI_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1415282147&sr=1-4

This year's project, a fictionalized biography of Harriet Tubman, is on its way to the first reader. I await comments and suggestions.

Been reading lots of great books; I came across one I highly recommend: A Walk On The Beach by Joan Anderson.

Until next time, happy reading.