Peg Herring's Blog, page 19

Recap: Alpena Book Festival

It was great! Good weather, great fans, knowledgeable authors, and wonderful downtown businesses, especially our sponsors: Blue Phoenix Books, Olivet Book & Give, and the George M. Fletcher Library!
But I won't tell you: I'll show you!

 Volunteers make an event, and we had some great ones, including S-in-Law Julie and her niece Skyla, who took these pics.
 Other helpers P.J. & Kaylee had a bit of trouble with tangled balloons.
 Loved what Allen & Goel Marketing Company did with the tote bags.
 Author Elizabeth Buzzelli shares a laugh with a fan.
 Bob of Bob's Bullpen demonstrates some facets of graphic arts.
 "My Favorite Book" tree
 Love to see a kid enjoying a book!

Panel at Blue Phoenix Books: What Makes a Genre, and Which Ones Do You Read?
l to r: Christine Johnson, Connie Doherty, P.J. Coldren, Laura Kolar, Chris Chagnon
 Signing for Clarence, a voracious reader and nice man.
 Author Susan Froetschel with a new fan.
.Work station for Bill & Diane Speer, who did ALL the registration for the Festival. Thank you!
 Chanda Stafford & Laura Kolar hosted the YA segment...
...and look what they got? I shoulda volunteered for that one. I'd like to thank the bakers at the cupcake shop, but sadly, I don't remember the name!!
 Before the Nonfiction panel at Art in the Loft: Mark Thompson, Tedd Galloway, Delores Liesner, & Elaine Stenger
The Long Conversation was an experiment, but it worked out well. Authors came and went for three hours, and discussion meandered through a series of topics related to reading, writing, publishing, and promoting books.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Alpena Book Festival

Welcome to the Alpena Book Festival!
All visitors who register for the ABF will receive a free Passport. At each panel or participating business they visit, they’ll get a stamp on their Passport. A completed Passport (10 stamps) enters the visitor into a drawing for baskets of prizes donated by authors, publishers, and Downtown businesses. Visitors who donate to READ* ($10.00 suggested donation) receive a tote bag filled with books and other freebies. Tickets found in the tote bags can be used to enter drawings for additional prize baskets. Tickets can be purchased separately, but the tote bags are a great deal.Sessions listed below are open to all, but space might be limited. All sessions run 50 minutes, leaving 10 minutes to get to the next one. Authors will return to the bookstore that has their books after their sessions to meet readers and sign.
10:00Panel discussion: Stories That Inspire-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Christine Johnson/Zachary Bartels/Delores Liesner/Tedd Galloway/Jenna MindelInspirational books are reader favorites: great stories, great characters, and a sense that with the right outlook, the world isn’t such a terrible place.Panel discussion: The Allure of Mysteries-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: PJ Parrish/ Dan Ames/ Elizabeth Buzzelli/ Susan Froetschel/ Douglas CameronWho doesn’t love a good mystery? Join 5 excellent mystery writers to discover how they devise those deadly plots!Children’s Program-Alpena Public Library (10:00-12:00)Children of elementary school age will be entertained at the library with book-related activities.
11:00Panel discussion: Non-fiction: Real Books-Art in the LoftPanelists: Mark Thompson/Elaine Stenger/Tedd Galloway/Delores LiesnerThey say truth is stranger than fiction. These authors tell stories they didn’t make up: stories of things that really happened.Panel discussion: Exotic Times, People, & Locales-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Susan Froetschel/ Peg Herring/Pegg ThomasOther times and places fascinate readers. Join these authors who write about them and learn how they research to get it right and write it to pull you in.
10:00-12:00Pitch Advice (15 minute sessions)-Cabin Creek Coffee Meeting RoomSome of our panelists have agreed to meet with aspiring writers and talk with them about their work and how to present it to agents and editors in order to grab that publishing contract.NOTE: You must register for these sessions before the Festival. Call or email Blue Phoenix Books to set up an appointment
READ is the Alpena Library’s adult literacy program, promoting communication development among those who face reading challenges.
12:00-3:00The Long Conversation-Thunder Bay Winery Meeting RoomJoin the authors for an informal discussion of books, writing, reading, and publishing. We’re sure the Winery won’t mind if you buy yourself one of their wonderful wines as you chat.
1:00Panel discussion: Creating Memorable Characters-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: Connie Doherty/Christopher Chagnon/Zachary Bartels/Colleen NyeReaders often argue about whether plot or character is more important in creating beloved books. These authors discuss how they create characters you love—or love to hate.YA Session: The Many Current Choices for Young Adult Readers-As You WishSession leaders: Chanda Stafford/Laura KolarDark or sunny, romantic or adventurous, realistic or fantastical: Writers today offer readers “in the middle” some great choices. Join our YA authors to talk about books and get some for free!
2:00Q& A Session: Comics & Graphic Arts-Bob’s BullpenJoin owner Bob LeFevre to learn about comics, drawing, and working in the field.Panel discussion: Local History-Alpena Public LibraryMarjorie Brandenburg/Tuffy & Bonnie Cross/ Deloris Law/Gerald Micketti/John Porter/Janet YoungWhat makes Michigan such a wonderful place to read about? The history, the land features, the people—and more.What Makes a Genre, & Which One Do You Read?-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: P.J. Coldren/Christopher Chagnon/Connie Doherty/Laura Kolar/Christine JohnsonGenres, subgenres—what are they? When you look for a book, it helps to know what the industry calls what you like. Are you a cozy person or a noir fan? We’ll help you figure it out.
3:00Panel discussion: Series: Continuing the Story-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Peg Herring/PJ Parrish/Dan Ames/Elizabeth Buzzelli/Douglas CameronWriters of series face unique problems: keeping it fresh, allowing for characters’ life changes, and even killing off characters (but never the dog!)Panel discussion: Romance between the Pages - Alpena LibraryPanelists: Chanda Stafford/, Pegg Thomas/ Jenna Mindel/Colleen Nye/Angela AaronStormy courtships, intriguing secrets, happy ending--romance is a wildly popular genre with a wide range of heat levels. Join these romance authors for a run-down, from sweet to Oh My!
4:00Poetry Slam-Fresh PalateCome and hear the Alpena area’s creative types read their work!Panel discussion: Publishing in 2015-Alpena LibraryPanelists: P.J. Coldren/Elaine Stenger/Mark Thompson/Angela AaronWhat does it take to sell books at this point in time? In some ways it’s easier than ever. In others, it’s much harder.

 5:00 Drawings for many wonderful prize baskets with gifts from downtown stores and books from visiting authors and their publishers.

I'll Be There--Will You?

Welcome to the Alpena Book Festival!
All visitors who register for the ABF will receive a free Passport. At each panel or participating business they visit, they’ll get a stamp on their Passport. A completed Passport (10 stamps) enters the visitor into a drawing for baskets of prizes donated by authors, publishers, and Downtown businesses. Visitors who donate to READ* ($10.00 suggested donation) receive a tote bag filled with books and other freebies. Tickets found in the tote bags can be used to enter drawings for additional prize baskets. Tickets can be purchased separately, but the tote bags are a great deal.Sessions listed below are open to all, but space might be limited. All sessions run 50 minutes, leaving 10 minutes to get to the next one. Authors will return to the bookstore that has their books after their sessions to meet readers and sign.
10:00Panel discussion: Stories That Inspire-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Christine Johnson/Zachary Bartels/Delores Liesner/Tedd Galloway/Jenna MindelInspirational books are reader favorites: great stories, great characters, and a sense that with the right outlook, the world isn’t such a terrible place.Panel discussion: The Allure of Mysteries-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: PJ Parrish/ Dan Ames/ Elizabeth Buzzelli/ Susan Froetschel/ Douglas CameronWho doesn’t love a good mystery? Join 5 excellent mystery writers to discover how they devise those deadly plots!Children’s Program-Alpena Public Library (10:00-12:00)Children of elementary school age will be entertained at the library with book-related activities.
11:00Panel discussion: Non-fiction: Real Books-Art in the LoftPanelists: Mark Thompson/Elaine Stenger/Tedd Galloway/Delores LiesnerThey say truth is stranger than fiction. These authors tell stories they didn’t make up: stories of things that really happened.Panel discussion: Exotic Times, People, & Locales-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Susan Froetschel/ Peg Herring/Pegg ThomasOther times and places fascinate readers. Join these authors who write about them and learn how they research to get it right and write it to pull you in.
10:00-12:00Pitch Advice (15 minute sessions)-Cabin Creek Coffee Meeting RoomSome of our panelists have agreed to meet with aspiring writers and talk with them about their work and how to present it to agents and editors in order to grab that publishing contract.NOTE: You must register for these sessions before the Festival. Call or email Blue Phoenix Books to set up an appointment
READ is the Alpena Library’s adult literacy program, promoting communication development among those who face reading challenges.
12:00-3:00The Long Conversation-Thunder Bay Winery Meeting RoomJoin the authors for an informal discussion of books, writing, reading, and publishing. We’re sure the Winery won’t mind if you buy yourself one of their wonderful wines as you chat.
1:00Panel discussion: Creating Memorable Characters-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: Connie Doherty/Christopher Chagnon/Zachary Bartels/Colleen NyeReaders often argue about whether plot or character is more important in creating beloved books. These authors discuss how they create characters you love—or love to hate.YA Session: The Many Current Choices for Young Adult Readers-As You WishSession leaders: Chanda Stafford/Laura KolarDark or sunny, romantic or adventurous, realistic or fantastical: Writers today offer readers “in the middle” some great choices. Join our YA authors to talk about books and get some for free!
2:00Q& A Session: Comics & Graphic Arts-Bob’s BullpenJoin owner Bob LeFevre to learn about comics, drawing, and working in the field.Panel discussion: Local History-Alpena Public LibraryMarjorie Brandenburg/Tuffy & Bonnie Cross/ Deloris Law/Gerald Micketti/John Porter/Janet YoungWhat makes Michigan such a wonderful place to read about? The history, the land features, the people—and more.What Makes a Genre, & Which One Do You Read?-Blue Phoenix BooksPanelists: P.J. Coldren/Christopher Chagnon/Connie Doherty/Laura Kolar/Christine JohnsonGenres, subgenres—what are they? When you look for a book, it helps to know what the industry calls what you like. Are you a cozy person or a noir fan? We’ll help you figure it out.
3:00Panel discussion: Series: Continuing the Story-Olivet Book & GiftPanelists: Peg Herring/PJ Parrish/Dan Ames/Elizabeth Buzzelli/Douglas CameronWriters of series face unique problems: keeping it fresh, allowing for characters’ life changes, and even killing off characters (but never the dog!)Panel discussion: Romance between the Pages - Alpena LibraryPanelists: Chanda Stafford/, Pegg Thomas/ Jenna Mindel/Colleen Nye/Angela AaronStormy courtships, intriguing secrets, happy ending--romance is a wildly popular genre with a wide range of heat levels. Join these romance authors for a run-down, from sweet to Oh My!
4:00Poetry Slam-Fresh PalateCome and hear the Alpena area’s creative types read their work!Panel discussion: Publishing in 2015-Alpena LibraryPanelists: P.J. Coldren/Elaine Stenger/Mark Thompson/Angela AaronWhat does it take to sell books at this point in time? In some ways it’s easier than ever. In others, it’s much harder.

 5:00 Drawings for many wonderful prize baskets with gifts from downtown stores and books from visiting authors and their publishers.

"What Are You Working On?"

Every once in a while, I update readers here, because so often I get questions about "What's next?"

Here's a rundown:

The Loser series is finished, at least for now. The first two are out as audio books. The third is in the pipeline, but the narrator is at university and just had a baby, so she's asking for patience.

The Simon & Elizabeth series will have one more installment (#5), but it's going to be a while. I'm slow and so is the publisher of this series. (To their credit, they like to get it right.)


The Dead Detective series will have its final story sometime in early 2016. The manuscript is not complete, but the story's down.


The Sleuth Sisters series book #4 will probably be next. It's in my head but not written down anywhere yet.


My new/old standalone mystery about the death of a friendship in northern Michigan is out. (It used to be just an e-book but I rescued it, got a new cover made, and arranged for print copies.)
(FYI: There are copies of the two books above locally at Tom's Market, per reader requests).

And yes, (sadly) I have a new idea circling my brain. I hope it will be as fun to write as it seems, but there's the problem: EVERYone has a book in his/her head. It's the writing-it-down thing that stops so many.

A Few of My Favorites

I love musicals, on stage or on video. See if you can match the character to the show.

1. Audrey                                                    ___Guys & Dolls
2. McCavity                                                ___Cats
3. Dodger                                                    ___Phantom of the Opera
4. Frankincense                                           ___Little Shop of Horrors
5. Ado Annie                                               ___Lil Abner
6. Roxy                                                        ___Kiss Me, Kate
7. Sarah Brown                                            ___Oliver!
8. Lilli Vanessi                                             ___Oklahoma!
9. Stupefying Jones                                     ___Chicago
10. Raoul                                                     ___Seven Brides for Seven Brothers






Answers









7/2/10/1/9/8/3/5/6/4

Movie Musicals

I can't resist watching them.
Last night it was Singing in the Rain, and today I can't get "Good Morning to You" out of my head.
I know I shouldn't watch. I know visions of Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, and Gene Kelly will dance through my head all day long, pushing out thoughts I really need, like where the plot of this next book is going.
Doesn't matter.
I will stop anytime I'm channel surfing for "Summer Love" from Grease, "America" from West Side Story, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" from Kiss Me, Kate, "Feed Me, Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors, or "Lonesome Polecat" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I know they're all on YouTube, but I try to blank it out of my consciousness. If I were to start, who knows how long I'd go?

And by the way, that's just the beginning of my list. You can fill in your own favorites.

Check Your Reading

Readers are smart people. We know that. Reading almost anything makes you learn things, even if they're not massively important things. Non-fiction is the most reliable source for learning, although you have to be careful whose nonfiction it is. Recent studies showed that reading fiction can make a person more empathetic, presumably because you put yourself in the place of others and see life from viewpoints other than your own.

Over time we develop reading habits, and that's both good and bad. If you always read one genre and even one sub-genre, you're going to end up in a rut. Publishers encourage this, hoping and expecting that readers will buy the next book in a series by their favorite author, even if it's pretty much the same as the book before it and the one before that. Sadly, they can get sloppy if they think buyers are locked-in to the series. The last book I read by one of my favorite authors was poorly edited and so much like the rest that there wasn't much joy in reading it.

I read mostly mystery, but events of the last few years forced me to branch out, which made me more aware of my reading choices. I read to someone who could no longer read for herself, and that meant scientific stuff I'd never have chosen, Hollywood biographies (again, not my style), and sci-fi/fantasy like The Hunger Games and Twilight (waaaaay down my list of worthwhile reading).

I can't say the time was wasted. I learned a lot about astrophysics, brain research, Tina Fey, and what most of America is reading. I also learned that I don't always have to pick up another mystery. I doubt I'll go back to YA adventure anytime soon, but I do regularly buy something on the scientific spectrum now, because it's interesting to learn what's out there that I know little about. And I've done some reading in other genres, mostly by asking local bookstore people, "What would I like to read?" They're very patient about searching out books for me, and though sometimes it isn't to my taste, other times I'm very interested.

A few days ago a former student recommended the Gentleman Bastards series, so I bought the first one. So far it's kind of fun, though I'm not much into the world-building part of fantasy novels. It's got interesting characters and lots of action, so I'm enjoying the temporary shift from the likes of Lee Child and Michael Connelly.

I recommend shaking up your reading every once in a while. Ask yourself:
Am I in a reading rut?
Have I read outside my favorite sub-genre lately?
Do I explore other genres?

If you haven't, it's like living on chocolate cake. It's really sweet, but it probably isn't the best thing for you in the long run.

Stop Making Stupid People Famous!

The title says it all. I'm pretty sure it isn't a new thing, but our 24-hour, please-watch-us media makes it difficult to ignore those who pander to the camera and try to shock us with their "honest opinions". The only thing you can do is turn it off. Stop buying the magazine. Change the station. And let them know you don't intend to watch uninformed asses bleat that they have a right to their opinion.

If their opinions are based on stupidity and hatred, we need to ignore them, not play to their need for attention.

FREE E-book!

THE DEAD DETECTIVE AGENCY is free for Kindle right now: August 1st through the 4th.

http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Detective-...

This is a re-release, so you might have read it, but if you haven't yet met Seamus, Dead Detective, and if you have a sense of humor about the Afterlife, you might enjoy this series (follow-ups are Dead for the Money and Dead for the Show. I'm working on Dead to Get Ready--and Go.)

One reviewer made me giggle when she said though SHE liked the book, she wouldn't want her children to read it and conclude that this is the way heaven actually is.

Really? Can you say FICTION?

I had fun with what we're taught about the Afterlife as I wrote this mystery, which another reviewer says is "Sam Spade meets Quantam Leap." Not sure about that, since there isn't much sci-fi stuff here, but I think you'll enjoy the book, which won Best Mystery of 2012.

Here are some snippets of the reviews, since Amazon hasn't yet put the old version (published in 2011 with the female close up and looking outward) together with the new one (published recently, with the female looking at the semi-transparent man).

"The story and writing proceed at a furious, breathtaking pace, and when we finally come to the end of our voyage, it's with deep regret, as if saying bon voyage to a dear friend we have known and loved for years." New York Journal of Books, Reviewer Sam Millar.

"A fun concept of afterlife and well-developed characters makes this an entertaining page turner. I am certainly looking forward to the next in the series. Would be good material for the big screen. A refreshingly new idea." Amazon Reader

"Loved the whole idea for this book. I enjoyed the comparisons about what we think of as ghosts as actually the dead using our bodies. Can't wait to read the next one!" Amazon Reader

Who You Callin' Hitler?

I try hard to stay out of politics on-line, mostly because I understand that no one changes someone else's beliefs by simply saying, "You're wrong. Here's the right way to look at it."
Instead I'll do a history lesson.

Adolf Hitler came to power and did what he did by convincing his people that it wasn't their fault things were bad in Germany. They were good people, he said. In fact, they were the best people on the face of the earth. They owed their nation whole-hearted love and allegiance, and there could be no questioning of the Fatherland. They had a proud heritage, and it deserved respect.

What was wrong, Hitler said, was outsiders. People who didn't think, look, or act like "real" Germans. Something had to be done about these people, and we know now what that something was.

I had a really cool prof at U of M many years ago, Dr. Westie, who explained two terms that get in the way of our view of the world. Egocentrism is the feeling that your way of looking at everyting is correct, and it comes from the fact that human beings can't step outside ourselves. Ethnocentrism is similar; we tend to think that the way our society does things is the only right way. We get uncomfortable when our centrisms clash with those of other people or societies. "What? They actually eat horses in Europe? How can they do that?" (I once had an exchange student who couldn't believe we ate carrots. "That's food for animals," she said, "not for people!")

In order to be a thinking person, however, you MUST step outside your ego and ethnocentric views and see things from other perspectives. If you can't do that, you will eventually run into conflict with everyone you meet, because no two of us see everything in exactly the same way. How far you can stretch yourself out of your comfort zone is a measure of where you fall on the political spectrum, much more than intelligence or experience.

Ask yourself, then: Who is telling Americans that one particular segment of one particular nation is right and everyone else is wrong? Who is blaming all our problems on other races, other religions, other people who lack whatever it is that we feel is "us"?

That's the Hitler type, and those people are willing to lead you and your children into war and worse, because they would rather try to prove who is the Master Race than promote the Human Race.