Ralph D. James's Blog
January 20, 2021
2020
Last year was difficult and filled with reminders of mortality. Suffice it to say that without my Bride, Clarice, and a plethora of medical angels, well, you know.
Meanwhile, I’ve tried to maintain an upbeat presence on Facebook, and enjoyed reviewing Clarice’s novels as she writes.
2021 is still challenging, but we’re working through it, one day at a time.
September 5, 2019
Moving my E-book to Amazon
[image error]After due consideration, I’ve decided to simplify, and move the E-book version of Premium Mixed Nuts – An Anthology to Amazon. (I know it was available there before, but the details are long and boring.) Anyway for the crowds of you who are clamoring for this marvelous tome, it should show up in a few days. I truly appreciate your patience through this whole ugly affair.
Aaand now it’s up! Click here until they get all their ducks in a row.
September 3, 2018
Wal-Mart’s got Premium Mixed Nuts as an E-Book
[image error]Today, on Facebook, a Wal-Mart ad showed up for their new e-book catalog. Just for exercise, I searched their page for Premium Mixed Nuts’ ISBN, and, Voila! There it was.
So, if you’re cruisin’ at Wal-Mart and you’re looking for something to read, I’ve got just the thing. Here’s where they’ve got it.
July 1, 2018
Book Signings
Thanks to everyone who braved the rain to come out to see us at North Side Grille on Thursday!
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And to those who bore the heat and humidity to share time with us at Bonhoeffer’s Cafe & Espresso on Saturday.
We had a blast![image error]
Not to mention all the folks last weekend who visited us at The British Beer Company and Beth’s Bakery & Cafe in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
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Thanks, everyone, for all your support!
June 20, 2018
Out in Public!
[image error]My bride, Clarice G. James, and I look forward to meeting friends, both old and new, as we celebrate the release of her third book, Manhattan Grace, and my first, Premium Mixed Nuts: An Anthology, this month. We hope you’ll join us.
This week, Clarice and I will be appearing in Sandwich, Massachusetts!
Friday, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, we’ll be at the British Beer Company at 46 Route 6A. This place was the inspiration for a restaurant that figures prominently in Clarice’s 2017 release, Party of One.
Saturday, June 23, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, we’ll be at Beth’s Bakery & Café, 16 Jarvis Street.
Next week we’ll be in New Hampshire.
On Thursday, June 28, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you’ll find us at North Side Grille, 323 Derry Rd., Hudson, NH
Finally, Saturday, June 30, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, we’ll be with Eleanor Gustafson, Konnie Viner, and Nancy Ferrin as part of “Meet & Greet Christian Authors” at Bonhoeffer’s Café & Espresso, 8 Franklin St., Nashua, NH (Refreshments served. Parking on left behind Gate City Church)
Come on down!
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April 11, 2018
Another Lesson Learned
Join our AUTHOR PANEL for a free interactive writers’ workshop entitled “LESSONS LEARNED ON THE WAY TO PUBLICATION.”
Geared for pre-published writers, our panel of six local authors will share their experiences and answer your questions about the writing and publishing processes.
Enjoy refreshments while you chat with non-fiction authors Susan H. Call and Konnie Viner, and fiction authors Ellie Gustafson, Clarice G. James, Ralph D. James, and Jeremiah Peters.
· DATE: Saturday, May 5, 2018
· TIME: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
· VENUE: Winchell Room, Manchester City Library
· ADDRESS: 405 Pine St., Manchester, NH
CONTACT: cjames@claricejames.com or Text 603-689-8945
April 10, 2018
Writers’ Workshop: Lessons Learned on the Way to Publication
A panel of six local authors will present a WRITERS’ WORSKSHOP: LESSONS LEARNED ON THE WAY TO PUBLICATION on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This FREE step-by-step workshop, based on the authors’ personal experiences, is geared toward BEGINNING WRITERS—most especially those who want to write for publication.
Here is a partial list of the topics to be discussed:
Developing Your Idea
Manuscript Format
Your First Five Pages
Your Unique Voice
Character Development
Edit, Edit, Edit
Critique Groups or Partner
Build Your Platform
Web Presence
Submission Guidelines
Before Submitting Your Manuscript to An Agent or Publisher
What To Include In A Book Proposal
The authors welcome your curiosity and questions! Register online for this FREE event now. We look forward to our time together.
AUTHOR PANEL FOR MAY 5, 2018
CLARICE G. JAMES, Workshop Facilitator (Contemporary women’s fiction): Clarice writes smart, fun, relatable contemporary women’s fiction from a Providential worldview. Her Published titles include: Party of One and Manhattan Grace (Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.) and Double Header (Mountainview Books, LLC.)
SUSAN H. CALL (Non-fiction and Speaker): Susan Call holds a Masters in Science Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Susan lives in Londonderry, NH. A Search for Purple Cows, a memoir published by Guideposts Books, is a story of hope and healing.
ELEANOR GUSTAFSON (Literary & Biblical Fiction): Ellie graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois—where she met her husband, Jim, while teaching horsemanship. She and her husband live in Haverhill, MA. Ellie’s last two books from Whitaker House include The Stones – A Novel of the Life of King David and Dynamo. She has another novel coming out this July entitled, An Unpresentable Glory.
RALPH D. JAMES (Short Stories): Long ago, a high school creative writing teacher told Ralph he had an excellent grasp of the absurd. In 2014, he retired after forty years in the engineering and construction industry. His lovely bride, Clarice, a writer herself, suggested he try his hand at writing again. The result was his anthology, Premium Mixed Nuts. Perhaps his teacher was right. Ralph and Clarice live in New Hampshire.
JEREMIAH PETERS (Speculative Fiction): Jeremiah has been a natural storyteller his whole life. He has been a pastor with the Primitive Methodist church of the USA since 1979. Over the years, he’s been a guest speaker at many youth retreats and rallies. He and his wife, Jodie, have raised six wonderful children and have ten grandchildren. They live in Sandown, NH. His book A Message to Deliver was published by HopeSprings Books.
KONNIE VINER (Non-fiction): Konnie wrote Rested Soul, Resilient Heart to help women find hope and healing by trusting in God’s unconditional love and faithfulness. She is a former crisis center advocate, founder of a ministry for abuse victims, and leader of abuse support groups. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Kansas and M.S. in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. Konnie resides in New Boston, NH.
February 22, 2018
Missing Georgia
[image error]I was placing a Chinese take-out order Monday evening, when my ex-motel-room office door opened to reveal a tall, willowy blonde in an expensive suit. Behind her, the Seaver Inn’s neon sign reflected incongruously off her black Bentley, parked four feet behind. I’d have recognized Georgia Kollett, my landlord’s thirty-year-old wife, anywhere. Even wearing those oversize cat eye sunglasses.
She glanced over her shoulder, then quickly closed the door. “Please, Mr. Cable, I need your help.”
I covered the mouthpiece. “Do you like Chinese?”
She pursed her lips and blinked at me. “Yes. Why?”
I nodded and went back to my call. “I’ve changed my mind. Make that a Pu-Pu Platter for two, please, and could you deliver it?” I gave Mrs. Huáng my address. “Fifteen minutes? Fine, Thanks.”
The woman fidgeted and glanced around my office until I hung up.
I rose and extended my hand. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Kollett?”
Her immaculately manicured hand was like ice. “Please, call me Georgia.”
“Okay, Georgia. Have a seat and tell me how I can help you.”
She settled into the new leather guest chair I’d bought when business picked up, and, using both hands, gingerly removed her sunglasses. Her left eye was bruised, bloodshot, and swollen.
I leaned forward in my seat. “What happened to you?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I need your help.”
“Okay. Tell me what you do know. When were you hurt?”
“I’m not sure. I was with two old friends for a four-day girls’ weekend in Gatlinburg. We had fun Saturday and Sunday, but I woke up this morning with this.”
“Do you have any other injuries?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. But when I looked for make-up to cover the bruise, I found something in my purse.”
She dumped her handbag out onto my desk. Among her cosmetics, tissues and other feminine paraphernalia lay three empty .45 caliber shell casings.
February 21, 2018
A Case of Grace
[image error]I was placing a Chinese take-out order Monday evening, when my ex-motel-room office door opened to reveal a tall, willowy blonde in an expensive suit. Behind her, the Seaver Inn’s neon sign reflected incongruously off her black Bentley, parked four feet behind. I’d have recognized Grace Kollett, my landlord’s thirty-year-old wife, anywhere. Even wearing those oversize cat eye sunglasses.
She glanced over her shoulder, then quickly closed the door. “Please, Mr. Cable, I need your help.”
I covered the mouthpiece. “Do you like Chinese?”
She pursed her lips and blinked at me. “Yes. Why?”
I nodded and went back to my call. “I’ve changed my mind. Make that a Pu-Pu Platter for two, please, and could you deliver it?” I gave Mrs. Huáng my address. “Fifteen minutes? Fine, Thanks.”
The woman fidgeted and glanced around my office until I hung up.
I rose and extended my hand. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Kollett?”
Her immaculately manicured hand was like ice. “Please, call me Grace.”
“Okay, Grace. Have a seat and tell me how I can help you.”
She settled into the new leather guest chair I’d bought when business picked up, and, using both hands, gingerly removed her sunglasses. Her left eye was bruised, bloodshot, and swollen.
I leaned forward in my seat. “What happened to you?”
“I don’t know. That’s why I need your help.”
“Okay. Tell me what you do know. When were you hurt?”
“I’m not sure. I was with two old friends for a four-day girls’ weekend in Gatlinburg. We had fun Saturday and Sunday, but I woke up this morning with this.”
“Do you have any other injuries?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. But when I looked for make-up to cover the bruise, I found something in my purse.”
She dumped her handbag out onto my desk. Among her cosmetics, tissues and other feminine paraphernalia lay three empty .45 caliber shell casings.
January 23, 2018
Bookmarks Came!
Yesterday I got my box of bookmarks for Premium Mixed Nuts! UPrinting, in Van Nuys, California did a great job on them. Clarice and I have both used them before, and always been happy with the results.[image error]
