Pat Wahler's Blog, page 5
April 18, 2019
Blog-Slacker Blues
Yes, it’s true. I’ve got the blog-slacker blues.
With a goal to publish a post every other Wednesday, my
follow-through lately has been less than stellar. Every time Wednesday rolls
around, I’ve found myself pushing the “pause” button. No worries. I’ll do it next week. But next week arrives with the
same result.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, I am indeed a procrastinator—putting off intentionally or habitually the doing of something that should be done—or as I’ve decided to re-name it, a blog-slacker. However, unlike my reason for procrastinating on things I hate to do (scrubbing toilets for example), this time there is a legitimate reason.
I’m preparing to publish another book.
Now, I would guess there are approximately 37,432 steps required to make this happen, and right now I’m about three quarters into them. Some are kind of fun (I love picking out covers!). Others are drearier, such as the third, and fourth, and fifth round of edits—if I’m any example, writers may be the primary target market for Visine.
[image error]Excellent advice for writers deep into the editing process. (Pixabay)
At any rate, if all goes according to plan, my new
book baby will release on May 28. I’m really excited, even though this is a
departure from my beloved historical novels. This time I’ll be doing a series –
three contemporary romance/women’s lit with romantic elements novels, in which
I’ve woven a fair amount of fun, because these days, who doesn’t need a smile
or two? All three (very) rough manuscripts have been on the back burner for
years, and like any expectant mother, I decided it’s time to call in the
doctors and get things rolling.
The title of the first book in the Becker family series is On a City Street. The cover is gorgeous (more on that soon), and the story follows a veterinarian named Carolyn who deals with a painful breakup by fleeing suburbia for the city of St. Louis. She intends to launch a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in conjunction with the local humane society. Sounds simple, right? But when a mysterious man, a troubled teenager, and an injured dog enter her life, secrets begin to surface, and her life gets…complicated.
Coming soon – On
a City Street!
[image error]Because seriously, who doesn’t need a little love in their life? (Pixabay)
I hope you enjoyed finding out what I’ve been up to. Now
if you’ll excuse me, this blog-slacker is neck deep in work. I’m heading back
for step #30,221.
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March 14, 2019
A Visit With Kate Quinn
Last week I had the great good fortune to participate in some wonderful writer/reader fun. An author I admire came to my area on her book tour. She did a luncheon speech in the afternoon, and a library presentation in the evening. At first I planned to attend only the luncheon, but then I decided, what the heck, I’m going to do both. So I did.
I first heard of Kate Quinn when I read her dual-timeline bestselling book, The Alice Network, and even mentioned it on my blog back in the summer of 2017. Kate did a great job of writing each chapter with a tiny little cliffhanger that made it hard to put the book down. I kept telling myself I’d only read a few more pages, while hours ticked away. Needless to say, sleepless nights lingered until I finished it.
Well, Kate has a new book out titled The Huntress. This story features an all-female night bomber regiment that operated during World War II. They impacted the Germans enough to earn a nickname – Night Witches. How cool is that? Written from three different points of view, reviewers have described the story as compulsively readable.
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I haven’t started the book yet, but I’m looking forward to diving in. By the way, last I heard this one had already made it to #2 on the NYT Bestseller list. Not a bad start for a book only a few weeks old!
Kate gave a wonderful presentation, and although I didn’t take notes, these were a few of the points she made:
Kate loves to write fascinating women from the past who may have been overlooked by history. To hone in on a subject, she researches a time period of interest to her, looking for a woman or women who pique her curiosity. Her research process is thorough and immersive, but she knows when it’s time to stop reading, and start writing.She keeps to a schedule. In the morning, she takes care of non-writing tasks. In the afternoon, it’s time to sit at the computer and work.
The comments made sense not only for a bestselling author, but for any writer. For example, writing a book does require a fascinating subject. You and your character will be spending an awful lot of time together. So will your character and a reader.
Research. It’s easy to get so bogged down with research, you never move on with the story. This is a problem that plagues me frequently, because I love reading history! But at some point ideas must be put on paper, or research will go on forever (and ever and ever).
A schedule is critical for real progress. Writing must be a part of each day’s routine, so other things don’t crowd out working on the story. Find a viable time of day to write, and then stick to it.
I guess it’s obvious I find author events to be entertaining and eye-opening. If you have the chance to hear one of your favorite authors speak, I highly recommend it as an opportunity to learn about the writing process, get backstory on a book you’ve enjoyed, and ask lots of questions.
[image error]Me, Kate Quinn, and The Huntress
Did I enjoy my afternoon and evening with Kate? I’m pretty sure you can guess the answer. 
February 27, 2019
Guilty Pleasures
Up to my eyeballs in edits, a stack of accounting work piled on the floor, and a house that will soon be in need of HAZMAT services if it’s not properly cleaned. Meanwhile, the week hurtles by faster than a space shuttle. What’s a responsible adult to do?
What else but walk away from it all to attend a four-hour movie.
That’s right. Tomorrow I’ll be settled into a comfy reclining seat at the theater with a big tub of popcorn to watch the 1939 classic, Gone With the Wind.
[image error]The smooch that made millions sigh. (Pixabay)
Originally released in 1939, GWTW is currently on a limited special release to recognize the film’s 80th anniversary. I first saw it on the big screen during a re-release when I was in high school. By then, I’d read the novel multiple times. Even though much of Margaret Mitchell’s original story had to be cut from the film (or it would have been a ten-hour movie), it still had such spectacular scenes, stunning costumes, and beautiful music, it totally captivated me. In fact, GWTW may be one of the reasons I grew to enjoy historical fiction as much as I do.
The film was a hit from the beginning. At the Academy Awards for pictures made in 1939, GWTW pretty much swept the categories, winning a total of ten Oscars that included Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel; the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award.
[image error]Hattie McDaniel (Pixabay)
Even though I own the four-disc DVD, I’m still putting everything on hold to watch this film again in all its big-screen glory.
[image error]Yes, I own it.
I plan to make up for procrastinating on Friday. (Maybe)
How about you? Have you indulged in any guilty pleasures lately?
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February 6, 2019
Have You Got a Book Boyfriend?
Here we are, already approaching mid-February. Can you believe it? February 14 is right around the corner, and the perfect time for me to put finishing touches on Book #1 (two books to follow) of a contemporary romance/women’s lit series I’m working on. Between this project and the approach of Valentine’s Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about literary heroes.
Like many avid readers, my bookish love affairs started with fairy tales. Prince Charming from Cinderella, and the “Beast” from Beauty and the Beast, are among those who prompted girlish dreams. Yet others soon supplanted them. Characters who linger in my mind long after I’ve finished the book.
What makes certain heroes so memorable? In an effort to answer that question, I tapped into my reading history and made a list of the fictional fellows who still leave me a little weak-kneed.
Here are my top 5 favorite book boyfriends:
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#5 Laurie from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Witty, playful, and generous, all he needed was a little guidance in the romance department. When he chose Amy after Jo declined his offer, he still made his bride the treasured love of his life.
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#4 Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. What’s not to like about a man who raises a sword for justice? His love for Lady Rowena remained true, even though he had to journey forth as champion for Rebecca, the woman who saved his life. Bonus! This book even mentions another candidate for book boyfriend – Robin Hood.
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#3 Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. This novel is about as Gothic as they come, and Heathcliff isn’t the most stable fellow around. However, his single-minded passion for Catherine makes him totally unforgettable.
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#2 Mark Langley from The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart. Every single one of Mary Stewart’s heroes have spectacular appeal, but if Mark doesn’t make you swoon, there’s something wrong with your swoonability.
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#1 Rhett Butler from Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. There’s a reason Rhett is number one on my list. He’s smart, handsome, doesn’t take guff from anyone, and determined as can be. Yet he has the most lovely core of decency. Quite a challenge, even for a stubborn woman like Scarlett O’Hara. Sigh. What a man.
My list is pretty eclectic, I think. Now I need to figure out what on earth this says about my taste in heroes. 
January 23, 2019
Book Clubs Rock!
Many years ago, I read a novel titled And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer. It’s an enormous and sweeping story that begins when two best friends at the turn of the century decide after their graduation to form a book club. The story follows the girls, their families and about as large a cast of characters as I’ve ever seen, over the decades. I love the way the book shows the strength of relationships formed through a common love of reading.
Evolution of the Book Club
Book clubs are a remarkably female phenomenon. When I took a look at the history of book clubs, I found they were started by women (who at the time were essentially excluded from most intellectual groups) to have their own venue for discussing books, cultural events, and new ideas. A gathering among women to talk about things other than soothing a colicky baby? I’d be in, wouldn’t you? And from this humble (and let’s face it) somewhat rebellious beginning, the book club was born.
How Does a Book Club Work?
Book clubs generally operate in a way agreed upon by their members. This means if you join an established book club, the members will fill you in on how they operate. This includes how often they meet, where they meet, the way discussion is handled, and method for choosing a book.
But if you’re interested in starting a new book club, talk to your local library or book store for suggestions on how to make it work. Some libraries even offer book club bags on loan that include enough copies of the book to go around. There are also articles available on line. For example, here’s a nifty checklist from Real Simple magazine.
5 Book Club Benefits
Book clubs are good for you. Here’s how I sum up a few of the benefits:
Book clubs encourage a habit of reading. With a discussion on the horizon, most people will spend time reading – even if only a chapter a day.Book clubs stretch reading muscles. Some books may be outside what you’d normally choose. But guess what! Sometimes you’ll like it anyway. Even if you don’t, you tried something new.Book clubs provide intellectual stimulation. Remember our female ancestors who wanted to discuss important things? Here’s your chance.Book clubs develop a sense of community/friendship. Many members talk about the support, camaraderie, and just plain fun that happens when spending time with fellow book club members.Book clubs give a break from everyday life. In today’s world, we all experience stress and tough times. A book club can be the little breather you need.
[image error]Never leave home without it! A book, that is. (Pixabay)
Authors and Book Clubs
There are times when a book club invites an author to visit either in person or via Skype during a discussion of that author’s book. This provides an opportunity for reader and author to discuss comments and questions about the story or the publication process.
A week ago, I was lucky enough to get an invitation to visit a book club that planned to discuss (gulp) I am Mrs. Jesse James.
I had no idea what to expect when I drove to Kelly’s (our hostess for the evening) home, but believe me, my palms were damp on the steering wheel. Walking to the front door felt a little bit like anticipating the results of a major test. You know, the one that happens in a dream where the test determines whether or not you graduate?
Well, this is how it went. I’m happy to report the ladies were warm and welcoming. Kelly prepared a most fabulous menu of tacos and nachos, plus a variety of appetizers and side dishes. Delicious!
But even more delicious was listening to these amazing ladies chat and tease and laugh together. (See #4 above) They truly showed me what it means to be part of a book club. I soon realized they weren’t simply members of the club…they were friends.
And by the way, the lively discussion that followed was the whipped cream on this author’s yummy slice of pineapple upside-down cake!
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Pat Wahler is the author of the Best Book Awards Historical Fiction Finalist and the Chanticleer Laramie Award Semi-Finalist novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of Let Your Heart Be Light: a Celebration of Christmas, and co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
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January 9, 2019
New Year, New Plan
January is a time when most people consider what they want to do in the new year. Lose fifty pounds? Exercise two hours every day? Pay off the mortgage? Write 2,000 words daily? We grow practically giddy with the possibilities. Soon, like Don Quixote, we’re ready to tackle the new year with the intent of tilting at the biggest windmills, while slaying three or four dragons along the way.
No wonder so many resolutions are doomed.
Yet it’s only normal to be starry-eyed about a fresh new year. It feels like wonderful things are on the horizon – ones you may never have experienced before. The concept reminds me of the first day of school. With my pristine notebook and pencils in hand, I felt sure there were a million opportunities ahead.
But rather than a willy-nilly dash into a mountain range of lofty expectations, a better approach might be to take a long look at the previous year, and consider 2018. What were your achievements? Recognize them, and then give yourself a big pat on the back for your success. Be your own cheerleader. You did it! You are awesome! Go you!
As an example, before I tossed my 2018 calendar, I went through it month by month to refresh my memory, and realized I had participated in more than eighteen book signings/readings last year. Woo-hoo!
[image error]Brainstorm your plan (Pixabay)
Next, think about what didn’t work out so well. If given the chance for a do-over, how could you have improved the outcome? Perhaps you needed the advice/counsel of an expert, or maybe you should have moved forward in smaller steps. Analyze the problem, brainstorm ideas, and come up with a realistic plan that will help you accomplish the goal (or the modified goal) next time. For me, releasing three books, each a different genre, in a three month time span was pretty awful. Never again.
It will take a little time, but once you’ve completed your analysis, voilà! You not only have a starting place to decide what you’d like to accomplish in the new year, but a notion of how to get there. Mark your intentions on your 2019 calendar, appropriately placing items that are date sensitive. By using the calendar rather than a piece of paper that can (and often does) mysteriously disappear, you can also easily gauge your success when December arrives.
In my view, “resolutions” created via a thoughtful (rather than knee-jerk) process, have a much better chance of appearing on next year’s “success” list.
Happy planning and a happy New Year to all!
[image error](Pixabay)
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December 19, 2018
Merry Christmas 2018!
December is a natural point to reflect on the bumps and bright spots of the year. For me, it takes some thought to process everything, but of one fact I’m certain. My cup of gratitude overflows.
Whether you took time to look at a post, leave a comment, read one of my books, write a review, or suggest a friend check out my work, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
December 5, 2018
Timely Advice from a Peke-A-Poo
December is here and the spirit of Christmas surrounds me like a cozy patchwork quilt made up of everything I love about the season. We’ve even been gifted with a few wintry days where the world became a snow globe that fortunately stayed (at least for the most part) off the streets while coating the grass with beauty.
Think bright red cardinals against the brilliance of newly fallen snow. Is there anything more lovely?
In honor of my most favorite time of year, I’d like to share with you a poem from my Christmas collection, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. Although the book mostly contains short stories and essays, I sprinkled in a few pieces of poetry close to my heart. This one came to mind as I worked on what many of you have already done – or will be doing very soon. I hope it sparks a memory for you and brings a smile!
Winston
I sit on the floor and
smooth the paper for
package number seven,
a large one this time.
My scissors are poised and
ready, but when I start to cut,
Winston romps across the flat
sheet and stops in the middle. He
looks at me, head tilted to one side.
I remove him from his place
and he announces in no uncertain
terms this isn’t the answer he wants.
So I put down the scissors and rise on
unsteady legs to stretch an ache from my back.
There are times when a little dog is much wiser than I am.
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Time for a break!
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I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Let Your Heart Be Light. If you’re interested in my homage to Christmas for yourself or a loved one – or are intrigued by any of my other books – click on the sidebar cover image to order.
Here’s to this most magical time of preparation – and anticipation!
P.S. Winston, my peke-a-poo rescue dog, suggests frequent breaks from gift-wrapping duties (and all other duties, for that matter) to cuddle a favorite pup or kitty. Relax and then repeat.
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Pat Wahler is the author of I am Mrs. Jesse James, a finalist for historical fiction in the 2018 American Book Fest’s Best Book Awards; and Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. She is co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
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November 21, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving!
It doesn’t seem possible, but Thanksgiving arrives tomorrow. I’m in the kitchen working on make-ahead dishes while hoping for a moment or two where I can add words to my largely abandoned new NaNoWriMo project.
I suspect you may be in a similar boat. So, while we navigate our Thanksgiving/NaNo tasks, I defer my blogging duties to a post from a couple of years ago that many people enjoyed. It’s my slightly amazed nod to a Thanksgiving tradition of old. Click HERE to enjoy a sliver of relaxation (not unlike a sliver of pie – but less calories) before you get back to work.
And from me to you, a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Pat Wahler is the author of award-winning novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. She is co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
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November 7, 2018
A Tip or Two for NaNoWriMo
We are seven days into National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and all over the world writers are tapping their keyboards as fast as their fingers can fly. In this annual challenge, it’s all about getting words on paper – more precisely, at least 50,000 of them in thirty days. In honor of those who are participating, I’ll keep my post short, because this is writing time – not reading time.
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Probably not the most efficient method of doing NaNoWriMo. (Pixabay)
Here are a few tips that have helped me when I’m trying to reach that remarkable (and surprisingly achievable) goal.
Let the words flow in a stream of consciousness way. Now is not the time to worry about structure, spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Don’t go back and edit. This will only bog you down. Keep moving forward.
Set a daily word goal. For me, this would be at least 2,000 words a day, because I want to build a cushion to make up for times when I don’t write as many words as I’d like.
Realize it isn’t necessary to make your daily goal all at once. Break it up into manageable chunks, such as 500 words several times throughout the day.
Never use contractions. “Can’t” is one word. “Can not” is two.
Resist the urge to Google anything. If there’s something you’re questioning, highlight it for fact-checking later and move on.
Allow your characters to speak for themselves. They may surprise you.
Stick to your plan, and by the end of November, you’ll have a rough manuscript, or as some like to say, you will have shoveled enough sand into the sandbox. Feel free to brag a little about your accomplishment and indulge in a favorite treat. Then take a December break. You deserve it. In January, tackle the interesting part. Start the process of sifting through sand to build castles.
While it’s true NaNoWriMo is a harrowing and time-consuming discipline, when it’s over, you have completed what most people never will. The first draft of a novel.
Okay, break time is over, and I hope you’ve been inspired. Now get back to the keyboard and write!
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Pat Wahler is author of the historical novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and a mixed-media holiday collection, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. She is co-author of a picture book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.
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