GOODBYE DEAR BLOG

Dear Family at Booknook Blog,

It has been nearly five years that you have been in my life. Initially you were difficult; I felt as though I’d been thrown into a dark internet hole but, with the help of my son Dan and others, I’ve posted and pasted links and images. I never learned how to open you for comments from visitors. After the first flurry of viewers, we were mostly alone. Although at times, I put a positive spin on things, I’ve tried to be honest about my feelings and the difficulties of publishing. I feel close to you, a sort of ownership, as if I possess you. Still, for now I’m abandoning you. I’m off to repair a leaky roof. You can visit me at   http://fourwallsandaleakyroof.blogspot.com/

Four Walls and a Leaky Roof

I've finally settled on a title for my second novel, Four Walls and a Leaky Roof. Editor Susan Malone has had it in hand twice. I have revised and revised. It is now in the competent hands of Createspace where it will have yet another copy edit. We are aiming for a November publishing date. The novel needs a descriptive subtitle. Suggestions are most welcome.

DESCRIPTION:

On a blustery winter night Tulip, a woman with a secret, flees her husband with three children and seeks refuge with Delilah, a friend who has a secret of her own, one that threatens their friendship.

Waitressing in a run-down diner, with no child support, Tulip struggles to provide the basics for her children and longs to create a home where they can be safe. Impulsively purchasing an abandoned house that she can ill afford, she discovers that it too has suffered abuse. With her feisty, can-do attitude she attempts to make the ailing house a home.

Warding off abusers, but falling through the cracks of a failed social system, Tulip is propelled into the arms of a man who has little to give. It is her neighbor Grace, a motherly woman with her own trauma and loss, who nudges Tulip toward repairing her life.

Aided by the friendship and support of Delilah and Grace, Tulip not only survives but discovers that she too has something to give.

AN EXTRAORDINARY, HEARTFELT BOOK

I've been busy writing and editing my second novel, still unnamed, and have not posted for sometime. I've been jogged out of complacency by my  friend and colleague who has published an informative and intimate book--a must read. These are the comments I made on Amazon Books.

Family Entanglement by Ellen Toronto is captivating, poetic, and at times amusing.

It is her story of parenting four boys, the joys and challenges, including her pain and struggles as they leave home. 

Dr. Toronto’s parenting is based on love, yet informed by child development. The book is unique in that the sons and father share their experiences. Readers will be touched by visiting this nurturing family whose children play a prominent, more equal role. 

This is not a how-to-book, yet there is much to be learned.

TULIP

July 9, 2012

An Update:  My second novel “Tulip” is drafted and I am in search of an editor to take it to the next level.

DESCRIPTION: Tulip is a gutsy young woman with three children plots to escape an abusive husband. She is aided by two women whose circumstances, although different, share trauma and loss.. It is Grace, Tulip’s strong and nurturing friend, who eventually needs Tulip’s help. This is a story of women’s tragedies and triumphs— how they survive and help each other to heal.

I’ve been calling the novel “Tulip” since its conception four years ago. Perhaps it’s time to name it. Any suggestions?

WRITERS ON THE RIVER

Sunday November 15, 2011 writing partners Peggy Singer, Susan Morales and I participated in the thirteenth annual Writers on the River event in Monroe, where Fifty-one Michigan authors met at the newly renovated Ellis Library on the bank of the Raisin River.

Friends of the library welcomed us and served a delicious lunch, after which we displayed and sold our works to a steady stream of area residents. It was a family event, with parents and children delighted to meet the authors.

Several mothers and teenage daughters bought copies of “Family at Booknook.” In the novel Sparrow and Finch come of age together and sensitive moral issues are explored; therefore I encouraged these mother-daughter duos to read and discuss the novel together.

Bernie Smith was the vivacious and competent director of Writers on the River. In her emails she explained that she is not a man but a little old woman. A small woman she is, but certainly not old. Writers on the River is part of the legacy she leaves at her retirement. It celebrates the written word, a gift to readers and authors alike.

BEAR RIVER WRITERS' CONFERENCE

“Family at Booknook” is available on Amazon, at Nicola’s in Ann Arbor and the Adrian and Ann Arbor Meijer’s stores, also available on Kindle. Currently I’m engrossed in a rewrite of my second novel.

The Bear River Writers’ Conference has been my summer highlight; Hosted by The University of Michigan, it is held at Camp Michigania on beautiful Walloon Lake. This was my sixth year at the conference.

Richard McCann, professor of Creative Writing at American University and author of memoir, poetry and fiction was the workshop leader for our group of ten. This was my second workshop with Richard, an exceptional teacher, who is open and honest and touches you deeply. This year he was editing a memoir about his mother’s death. “Be in the moment; write the hard stuff, unflinchingly;” is his motto. His words and writing triggered much emotion.

We became a group of mourners, writing about the deaths of our loved ones and supporting each other in our losses.

The last day I felt lighter and did not write about my mother’s death, but about her life, her hard work and ability to persevere. The following is an excerpt:

"RED APPLE NAILS"

I remember my mother’s hands in motion, always in motion, with her delicious apple-red nails, filed almost to a point, polished to perfection—pristine. This, in spite of her cleaning our motel—six rooms, six toilets—scoured by hand, with a rag and Babo. Not even rubber gloves. Several times a day she applied lotion, which diminished the calluses on her hands and kept them almost smooth. She wore little jewelry, only her wedding ring, white gold with a tiny diamond—a gift from my father years after their marriage.

Late Saturday afternoons she relaxed in our tiny living room with her drink of choice, Coke and Jim Beam, manicuring her nails. Mesmerized, I watched her apply two coats of shiny-red. I don’t remember wanting my nails polished. That was for grownups.

WRITING AND READING

I’ve been taking a break from marketing. However, “Family at Booknook” continues to be available at Nicolas Books and the local Meijer stores. I’ve been working on a second novel about an abused woman with three children who at great risk finds the courage to leave a sadistic husband.

I’ve discovered Dan Minock’s creative writing class at Washtenaw Community College. Many have taken the class before. And why not? Dan is a talented gentle soul who recognizes the best in all of us. As a man of humor and nature he has published a book, “Thistle and Other Essays.” The students are diverse; some write daily, others are new converts. A lovely Japanese woman is exploring poetry in English. Four or five writers read each evening and we critic them, focusing on what the piece means to each of us. An added perk: senior citizens can take one course at WCC tuition free.

A reading recommendation: “The Help” by Katheryn Stockett. Set in the 1960s, a naïve young woman in Mississippi interviews Negro maids about their experiences working for white families, riveting.

NETWORKING AT THE DEXTER LIBRARY

December 1st was a frigid, windy evening. Peggy Singer, my writing colleague, and I drove to Dexter and had dinner at Northpoint, a local destination restaurant—good food.


Lisa Ryan and Brenda

Adult Library Director Lisa Ryan greeted us at the Dexter library, where I was to speak. Including myself there were a total of six people in a large room with forty chairs: Lisa, my writing partners—Susan and Peggy, Peggy’s friend Mary and a very late comer. Why so few? Lisa thought it may relate to the fact that it was the week after Thanksgiving and people had Christmas on their minds. And it was COLD! In addition I am an unknown writer and did not contact the media to get an interview about the novel and event.


Peggy, Brenda and Susan

Still, Peggy, Susan and I had the opportunity to visit about the process of writing, about our group and about our books. Margaret Fuchs Singer published a touching yet riveting memoir, “Legacy of a False Promise, A Daughters Reckoning.” Susan Morales recently published a novel “A Bar Room View of Love.” In it a young woman attempts to expose an ashram and finds redemption. Check out their websites under relevant links on this blog.


Mary Higgins

Lisa, a savvy librarian and historian, has her own stories to write and Mary Higgins has written and produced a play. We stressed that writing groups provide structure, support and motivation. Lisa is in the process of establishing such a group at the library. Go Lisa!

What we learned: Many unknown authors, often self-published, send only a description of their books to the library. However, a book cannot be put into the library system without knowing the quality of the prose. This means that a librarian must read the book. A wise tactic for a little known author is to donate a book to the library. Lisa stated that, if a book earns a place on the shelf, her library will purchase another copy.

Intuitively I knew to do this when “Family at Booknook” was published. I donated novels to all the surrounding libraries. Since then, I’ve been invited to speak at Adrian, Saline and now Dexter libraries. All have assured me that they purchased extra copies. As with all writers, I want my novel read, and getting it in libraries is great exposure.

Talented Pittsfield Senior Writers

A few weeks ago I was a guest of the Pittsfield Senior Writers, a group of learned people with vast and varied experiences, including: coming of age in Boys Town, living under Japanese occupation and immigrating to the United States.

Under the direction of their resident poet and facilitator, Elle Cousino, these writers are embarking on a new adventure. In fact this dynamite group has published a book, “As Time Goes By.”

One member, Walter Palesch has published several articles and is well into a second novel. To illustrate how far he has come and a bit of his wit, as a teenager learning to read English, he had a crush on his gorgeous teacher. When reading “Dick and Jane,” he deliberately made mistakes. Then the young woman would turn to him, pucker her lips and say the correct pronunciation, while he inwardly swooned.

This was a fascinating group of people who had come together to share their stories. And, it was exciting for me to speak with a group of peers who are learning a new skill and sharing their wisdom and humor.

NEXT EVENT: GETTING PUBLISHED
DEXTER PUBLIC LIBRARY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1,2010, 7:00PM

ART-A-LICIOUS IN ADRIAN

EVENTS: SPEAKING ON WRITING AND PUBLISHING

Pittsfield Senior Center: Wednesday, October 18th, 10:00am
Dexter Public Library: Wednesday, December 1st, 7:00pm

NOVELS for $15.00: at Events, on line, Nicolas or Meijer

On Saturday my friend Sharon Feldman and I drove to Adrian, where I spoke at the Adrian library with four other local authors; a feature of Art-a-licious: a family fair, something for everyone. Children with painted faces made projects and improvised on stage. There were arts and crafts, with demonstrations including candle making, sock knitting and monotype printmaking; music, dancing, fair food and a gourmet dinner provided by Adrian culinary students. Amazingly it was not crowded and one could take a leisurely walk and enjoy the exhibits. Mark this fair on your calendar for next year!

Authors: Charmaine Stangl, “Charlie; The Dog Who Lived the Dream;” Deborah and Carol Marsh, “The Birth of a King;” Maurleen Gillin, a cookbook, “My Mother and Me;” Cristina Trapani Scott, “A Cup of Comfort for a Better World.” Cristina wrote a touching essay, “The Power of Pebbles” about the support and inspiration her daughter’s classmates provided, when her daughter had a debilitating surgery. The essay was one of fifty-five chosen in an intense competition, and she was paid!

The music and art were fierce competition; people wandered through the library, a few purchased books. Still, we enjoyed networking, reading and comparing experiences. Other than Cristine we had all self published and all concerned about marketing.

It was interesting that the two authors who were contracted to receive royalties had no knowledge of what that royalty would be. This was my experience with Author House. Not until the price was set, the book printed and I asked, was I informed. We authors who self publish are often naive. As I’ve mentioned before Mark Levine’s“The Fine Print of Self-Publishing” is one of several good books that are a must for anyone planning to self publish.

ART-a-licious IN ADRIAN, MICHIGAN

Adrian is having a celebration of art Friday and Saturday, the 18th and 19th of September. The downtown area will host art, crafts, food and music in a festive atmosphere. It is large enough for diversity, small enough to enjoy. Demonstrations include glass blowing, sculpture and wood turning. Several local authors have been invited to speak at the public library. I will be there on Saturday the 19th from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Looking forward to seeing new and old friends.

TRAVELING TWO LANE ROADS

Last week I talked and signed at five Nebraska libraries. As a psychotherapist I am accustomed to listening, not talking. In the heart of the plains, with Nebraskans’ welcoming ways, I was able to find my voice. I’m indebted to my sister Monna who participated in every discussion and navigated us across the state. Her children, librarians and the media were helpful. My family invited friends, advertised and set up; often refreshments were served. I felt almost a celebrity rather than the struggling author that I am.

A young woman, excited about “Family at Booknoook,” explained that she had just been reunited with a daughter that she had had out of wedlock. Friend Zola said that she took the book to bed intending to read a few chapters and finished it at 3:00a.m. Karen Noonan, the assistant director of Kilgore Library in Grand Island, indicated that she could see every scene and that it felt like a movie.

Husband Murray tells me to stay on message. Repeating myself time and again helped me to clarify what that is.

My Message: In spite of abuse, or difficult life situations, people can learn to trust, love and take control of their lives. There are no fairytale endings but we can develop skills to meet life challenges.

This relates to my becoming a published author at sixty nine. I have stories to tell; you too have a story. If you hone your skills and persist, in this age of technology, you can publish a book. It can be a simple spiral bound for the family or something more ambitious. Or, you may choose not to write. You may thirst for knowledge, to travel, to cultivate exotic plants or something that others do not know about.

The message: Identify your passions and follow them.

That said, there will be set backs along the way. I stumble along this path of self actualization. Being consumed with promoting “Family at Booknook,” I have neglected my second novel. And, I often make errors.

On this trip I forgot that the time changes between Imperial and Hastings. Thus, Monna and I arrived eight minutes after Jennifer Berry’s KHAS TV show had ended. Also I did not trust my GPS getting back to the Denver airport, and was stuck between two freeways before I had the sense to use the GPS

To error is human. To learn from error is growth. I will not make these mistakes a second time. Maybe.

PICTURES FROM NEBRASKA TOUR

SCHULERS BOOKS IN LANSING MICHIGAN

July, 22, 2010: Schulers Books and Music makes its home in a large, airy mall store. The event planner, Whitney, breezes up from the back of the building wearing a simple black dress with a blonde dreadlock wound up in an attractive coil on the back of her neck. Her arms are draped in, what at first glance seems to be a colorful sheer fabric, but are actually artful tattoos. Whitney is smiling, self assured, all business. “Would I like something to drink? Your book has sold well. There is a group in the back waiting for you.”

Fifteen people are lined up in three rows patiently waiting for me to speak, some drinking wine. Whitney describes coming events. These authors are well published, most having won awards, several with bestselling novels. I am humbled to be included in her list of authors.


Whitney introduces me, “….First novel…. self published.” She has mentored a group of bright, accomplished readers, among them, attorneys, librarians, a nun and a physician’s assistant. They are attentive, encouraging me with their eyes and smiles. They want to know what I, the novice author, have to say.


I speak, answer questions, and we have a delightful discussion. After, there is a line for me to sign novels.

I am grateful. Thanks Schulers! Thanks Whitney!

ZIPPING THROUGH NEBRASKA

NEBRASKA BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:

Public Libraries:
McCook--Monday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Imperial--Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00
Hastings—Thursday, August 12th, at 1:30pm
Grand Island--Thursday, August 12th at 5:30pm
York--Friday, August 13th at 3:00pm

'UP NORTH" TO HORIZON BOOKSTORES

My husband Murray and I took a weekend trip to northern Michigan to sign novels at the Horizon bookstores. “Up-north” is gorgeous with its deep green forests and charming lake towns. Although I was nervous, with Murray’s support and terrific sense of direction, I was able to be open to the experience and had a validating, satisfying time.

The Cadillac Horizon is a renovated, pleasant and roomy bookstore with tables and comfortable chairs. Employees Mary and Casey were welcoming; Mary served me a low calorie, iced mocha coffee that alone is worth the trip to Cadillac. Due to an art fair, the store was quiet. However, a few visitors did wander in. I visited with a “biker” whose husband was canoeing the Pine River and told her about Sparrow’s trip on the Pine. A mother and daughter attending a family reunion listened in the background. A gregarious glass frame salesman, on vacation stopped to chat. All three purchased a novel.
Because most of the people who came in purchased a book, Mary, Casey and I agreed we’d done well. I told them that I’d let them know if Cadillac’s sales beat Traverse City’s. Mary said that after three were sold to hide the novels. We laughed; fat chance of that.

Traverse City Horizon is situated in the heart of the historic district. It is huge with three stories and bargains in the basement. Customers were drinking coffee at sidewalk tables and milling about the store. Families with creative teenagers in tow were stopping on route to Interlochen Art Camp. Parents stopped to visit and many purchased novels. Thirteen-year-old Devyn, an aspiring writer, promised to read “Family at Booknook” and email me her thoughts. One young woman who lives in Adrian, the setting for the novel, purchased a book. A psychiatrist from California was touring the area with his Interlochen granddaughter. He and I visited about our experiences with unwed mothers.

The highlight was a brief encounter with a petite, bright-eyed woman wearing a beaded choker reminiscent of the 60s.

After reading the description, she said, “It sounds good.”

“It’s about a sixteen-year-old in the 60’s who gets pregnant and keeps her baby. Mother and daughter come of age together,” I replied.

She exchanged a knowing look with her handsome husband, then to me. “I was sixteen. My daughter is twenty-five. We had some hard times.”

I commented. “And now you’re happily married.”

“But not to the father,” she said

She has a story to tell, I thought.

This I’ve learned: If I relax and connect with people, I have a rich experience.
Oh, and Ludington State Park has picturesque walking trails around Lost Lake.
Interesting that it was the vacationers in both stores who purchased books. Perhaps they were looking for a remembrance of their trip.

HOME TO NEBRASKA

July 16, 2010

My husband Murray and I are headed to Cadillac and Traverse city Horizon Book Stores tomorrow, Saturday, July 17th. Then were going to spend a couple of nights on Lake Michigan.

NEBRASKA BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:

Public Libraries:
McCook--Monday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Imperial--Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00
Hastings—Thursday, August 12th, at 1:30pm
Grand Island--Thursday, August 12th at 5:30pm
York--Friday, August 13th at 3:00pm

Libraries and media are very welcoming in my home state. It will be special touring with my sister Monna, whom I see only once a year. An added bonus, I have family in every town and get to see old friends. My niece Becky is on Imperial’s Library Board and will be baking a cheese cake for that event. Hmm good!

I’ve spent most of the last three weeks working out details and haven’t done much writing. Now, I understand why people higher publicists and marketers.

HOW TO GET KNOWN

Jeff Yeager, author of “The Cheapskate Next Door,” intrigues “cheapskates” and cyclists alike. At fifty-two he biked eighty miles from Ohio to Ann Arbor, arriving at Borders in worn shorts with bike in tow. Ann Arbor was his first stop on a speaking, signing, bike tour.

During his last book tour he biked three thousand miles. He also bunked with cheapskates and camped. The money he saved his publisher was donated to libraries. Generosity is included in his definition of, shall I say it again? Cheapskate.

Jeff advocates that living debt free is stress free. My husband Murray and I live within our means, and I wondered if we fit the cheapskate category. One of the criteria is that you have at least one crock pot. We have two, but a really frugal person has three.

Jeff bikes into a signing and dispenses useful information laced with humorous stories about his travels and the people he meets. He has a terrific marketing plan.

I need such a plan.

SCHEDULED EVENTS: Horizon Books in Cadillac, Saturday June 17th, 12:30-2:30pm—Horizon Books in Traverse City, 3:30-5:30pm. Shuler Books in Lansing on Thursday July 22nd, 7:00-9:00pm. My home state Nebraska, August 9th, 15th.

No bike, roller blades or ice skates, but I will fly over the whole of Nebraska, light in Denver and drive two-hundred miles back to Nebraska.

SUMMER MICHIGAN AND NEBRASKA TRAVELS

SCHEDULED EVENTS:

Horizon Books in Petoskey, Saturday June 5th, 3:00-5:00pm
Horizon Books in Cadillac, Saturday July 17th, 12:30-2:30pm
Horizon Books in Traverse City, July 17th, 3:30-5:30pm
Shuler Books in Lansing,Thursday July 22nd, 7:00-9:00pm

My home state Nebraska, August 9th, 15th. Time and places to be decided.

I will talk and read, then hang around, visit and hopefully sign some books.
Horizon Book Stores are welcoming and support Michigan authors. Thank you, Horizon. I’m excited to meet and talk with readers, and traveling north in a beautiful Michigan Summer is an added bonus.

I will be able to combine the Bear River Writing Conference, at Walloon Lake near Petoskey with the talk in Petoskey. (The Bear River Conference is intense, demanding and helpful in honing one’s writing—highly recommended.)

In Cadillac I’m looking forward to reading the humorous scene that takes place on the Pine River.

My husband Murray will accompany me to Traverse City and we will enjoy a weekend on Lake Michigan.

Our twins graduated from Michigan State and we know Lansing well. On July 22nd, at the Lansing event with Shuler Books, we will “dine” at the Roadhouse, a favorite bar.

In Nebraska I will visit my sister Monna and her family. Getting to the small towns of Nebraska is a challenge. To travel to my hometown of Imperial, I fly from Detroit to Denver, rent a car and drive back east 200 miles. Believe me, that is the quickest, least complicated way to get there. However, driving across the golden Colorado and Nebraska Prairie on deserted Highway Six is relaxing, freeing and takes me back to my childhood.

If I plan the trip right I can attend the monthly fried chicken dinner at the Senior Center—melt-in-your mouth chicken like Mom used to make. Also there will be a family celebration. Monna’s kids are having a centennial celebration for her and her granddaughter Carly. Between the two they will have lived one hundred years.

I’m in the process of contacting book stores and libraries in Nebraska; hopefully I can schedule talks in Imperial, and in McCook, Grand Island and York, where my nieces and nephew live.

SALINE LIBRARY PRESENTATION

Marlee Horrocks, Director of Saline Public Library, and myself at a signing in March, where I spoke about writing, publishing and marketing "Family at Booknook." This was a sophisticated group, some of them writers interested in publishing their own work. I'm indebted to Marlee for getting the word out and attracting a large receptive audience.