Jeffree Wyn Itrich's Blog, page 8

My Catharsis

I must say that all the events of last week left me glued to the television and feeling drained even though I live some 3,000 miles from Boston and half that distance to Texas. Nevertheless what happened affected me. I've been trying to get back to feeling safe and secure for a week. I was exhausted from it all, but couldn't tear myself away from the news images. On Saturday and Sunday I started working on a couple of quilts I began a few weeks ago for family members. Finally I sat down and began sewing again. And you know what happened? I found the "mental spa" that I needed to quell last week's tragedies in Boston and West, Texas. Yes, the simple act of sewing quilts for people I love reminded me of what is important in this life, to let those you love know how you feel about them. I can't think of a better way to do that than to stitch love into a quilt. The end result is that not only does my loved one feel me embracing them when they wrap themselves in one of my quilts, but with each stitch I sew in a little piece of my heart. I'm happy to report that the first quilt is nearly done and the second one is about half way, give or take. About the time I finish the second quilt the edits will be back on the sequel to Destiny. I'll be ready for them, my mind will be at ease, thanks to the quilts.

Jeffree

What's in a name?

This past Saturday my husband and I attended a most interesting talk by Sharon Lynn Wyeth, the author of Know the Name, Know the Person. Her book delves into how names identify us and speak volumes about who we are. Sharon describes her book on her website as the "first to use Neimology® Science to divulge how to interpret a name to know how a person thinks, feels and behaves." She defines it as "the study of the placement of letters in a name, and how they interact with each other to divulge hidden secrets about someone’s character."

During her talk she said that your first name is who you are, the middle name is who you become under stress (life) and one's last name is environmental, meaning who/what influences you. She went into detail about vowels and how they influence the person you become. For example, if E is the first vowel in your name, like mine, you are chit-chatty, you connect with others on a emotional/personal level, your connection comes from the heart, you notice things, you need to make the world a more beautiful place. That's me! As she identified other vowels my husband and I sat there whispering various people's names to each other who fit the description. Does that mean everyone falls into the pattern? Personally, I don't think so, but Sharon's comments were dead on so frequently that it was an interesting idea to consider. 

Of course her talk made me rethink my character's names, especially in the Destiny sequel I'm working on right now. But then the idea of rethinking all the names and coming up with new ones hit me. (I've got lots of new characters in the new book) Well, just the thought of renaming them drained me.  Not sure if I'll make any changes or not at this point, but it is an interesting idea.

If you'd like to know more about Sharon's work she has a couple of interesting websites you may wish to check out: and .

Have a great week. Happy Reading!

Jeffree

A fun Destiny at Oak Valley reading!

Hi everyone, here's an early heads up to put on your calendar for April. 

I'll be holding a reading and book signing at Societe Brewing on Wed, April 24, 6p-8p. It's located at 8262 Clairemont Mesa, Blvd. San Diego 92111 http://www.societebrewing.com/wordpress/  Societe will arrange for one of those fancy-dancy food trucks for anyone who wishes to purchase something to eat and the tasting room will be open as well for anyone who wants to cozy up to a beer while the event takes place.

The reading/signing is for my novel, Destiny at Oak Valley, but I plan to have copies of my cookbook and children's book there as well in case anyone is interested in them.

Please spread the word on your FB and other social media pages to your book and beer loving friends. If you've already read the book come along for the reading and some great beer. In case you're wondering why I picked a brewery for this event, I suppose my first answer, is "why not"? It'll be fun. If you've never tried their beers or been to the brewery now is your chance. But the other reason to do it at Societe is that it has an Old West theme going that is way cool. Fits in nicely with the Old West theme of the book.

I hope you'll stop by. Would love to see you.

Jeffree Wyn

I hope you'll stop by. Would love to see you.

Jeffree Wyn

Now Comes The Hard Part

Drum roll please.......yesterday I finished the first draft of the sequel to Destiny. Came in around 78,000 words which is about 50% longer than the first book. But who's counting? It wasn't about how many words but rather the story that begged to be told.  While the new, yet to be named book features many of the characters you met in Destiny, some of them become major characters. And then there are some new characters that I think you'll like. They add a lot more definition to the story.

Now comes the hard part, all the fine touches that give the story depth and detail. I liken writing a book to painting. First you make a sketch (story outline), then you throw color at the canvas (first draft) and finally you add the details (edit, rewrite, rewrite again and again, check for errors, inconsistencies and overuse of phrases and words, bang your head on the wall and threaten to delete the whole file, and finally send it off.) I've never given birth but I think it must be similar.

Researching this book has been vastly different from Destiny. When I wrote the initial draft of Destiny back in the late 90s research on the internet was in its infancy; not a lot out there. Seriously, I had to visit libraries and bookstores to find out when Billy the Kid was in the area of Oak Valley, where the train and stagecoach routes ran, territorial laws,fashions of the day, how to put on a bustle, cooking without modern appliances, etc. It took forever! But with the sequel research has been a breeze. I just use this nifty little thing called Google, type in what I'm looking for and Bam - Shazam!! There it is, right on my screen. I pretty much restrict my research to historical, university and other sites where the info can be verified but sites like WikiPedia have also been very useful. Man, I just love technology (most of the time except when my computer goes fizzzzzz....)

So yeah, while the jist of the book is finished, now I gotta buckle down and paint the final details. Hopefully I will come out with more paint on my canvas than on me, but we'll see how that goes.

Have a great week.

The Oscars

I may be one of the only people in America who did not watch the Oscars. There I said it; I'm on the record. Although I always love to live vicariously watching the stars on the red carpet and seeing what they are wearing I had not been to even one of the movies this year. And it seemed a ridiculous waste of time to watch a long awards show for which I had no vested interest. How does one root for a movie you haven't seen?  As for the dresses, I was able to view pretty much all of them online the next morning. I thought there were a lot of very elegant gowns and quite a few "what was she thinking?" outfits. But it's always that way, same old, same old. Some years the dresses are more amusing than others.  I suppose the other reason that I didn't take much interest in the Oscars was simply because there wasn't much to be interested in. Seems like a tired display of self-adulation and self-indulgence. It also seems to be terribly political in that the best actor or screenwriter or director or whatever does not win for reasons that have to do with their talents. Unfortunate but that's life in the awards show arena. And from what I've heard from people who watched the show it was no different this year even with Seth MacFarlane. I think they should bring back Whoopi or Billy Crystal. Then I might watch the show. At least I would be assured of some fairly good humor.

Happy Reading!

Where does time go?

What in the world happened to the last 10 days? Sometimes life speeds by so quickly it catches me off guard. Does that happen to you too? It’s funny how when we are children the days drag on as though in slow motion but as we get older the days and nights pick up speed. Of course it is simply a perception but indeed life seems to be accelerating, at least it is for me.

When life seems to be speeding by I can’t help but wonder, what am I racing to? Personally I’d like for things to slow down a bit and let me catch my breath, but that doesn’t seem to be on the world’s cosmic agenda. Regardless of whether life is rushing by or plodding along at a crawl, I think it’s important to take stock in each day and appreciate being here.

As some people who read this blog know, I suffered a life threatening event in mid-2011. When I pulled through I realized how much I have to be grateful for and doubly realized that there was much I need to accomplish in whatever time I have left on this earth.  That is when I seriously sat down and finished writing Destiny at Oak Valley, developed a plan to get it published, and then began working on a publishing plan for the four children’s stories that I’d written. The first of the children’s books, The Rosebaby, was recently published as an ebook. And as you know I am currently also at work on the sequel to Destiny.

So it seems that life, at least mine anyway, is not going to slow down anytime soon. But other than being a little tired, I love what life has given me. Until I take that last breath, whenever it is, I will continue living it to the fullest each day, each hour. I hope that you are taking advantage of each day too so that you find yourself living fully and appreciating the gifts of this wonderful life.

Hope you have a stupendous week.

Jeffree

Happy Chocolate Day!

Happy Day of Hearts Everyone!

Whether you are buried under snow in the northeast or basking in the sun in California, Hawaii or Florida, isn't today the most glorious of days? I've always loved Valentine's Day for its simple message of love and romance. Makes me feel all warm and goosey inside. And then there is hte added benefit on this special day......did you know that chocolate does not have calories on Valentine's Day? Yes, it's true. I read it somewhere on the internet, so it must be true, right? Whether chocolate does have calories on this special day or not, I always think of it as a good day to splurge a little.

For those of you who have not seen my Facebook posts or email, I have big news. Two more of my books have been published.

The first is a children's book, called The Rosebaby. It's a sweet little story and for now is available as an ebook on Amazon. Eventually the other book sites will have it too. Sometime this spring we will have it converted from an ebook to a physical book. Will post on the blog when that happens.

The second book is my cookbook, Spice It Up. It was originally published in the 90s. It's been republished with a grand new cover. It is also available on Amazon. However it is not available as an ebook, but as a softcover physical book. To make it easier for you there are links on my website, under My Store. Hit those links and you'll be taken to an ordering platform. Or you can go onto Amazon, type in the name of the book + my full name and you'll come to the page.

Happy Reading and Happiest Day of Hearts.

Jeffree Wyn

A fun time in Bourbon Land!

Dear Readers,

I came down with an awful cold and cough, but that didn't stop me from guest blogging on Black Velvet Seductions today. It was an all-day affair starting at 7:00 am and talking about Destiny at Oak Valley. What a great opportunity that was to reach new readers not familiar with me or my book. I am scheduled to do another on for BVS on February 10th to discuss my cookbook, Spice It Up!

This cookbook was first published as a hardcover in 1987 under my previous married name as The Art of Accompaniment. In 1993 Border Books in Albuquerque republished it as a softcover and changed the title to Spice It Up. They also gave it a new cover and my new (current) name. Recently hubby and I decided to give it yet another new, updated cover and put it back out there. We're submitting it to Amazon. Should be up in a week or so as a softcover. Sometime soon we will digitize it as well for those who prefer to cook from their eReaders in the kitchen.

If it looks like I've been busy, yes, you are right about that. Last weekend I was in Nashville for three and half days for a business meeting (my day job) .I'm pretty sure that's where I got the cold. We were staying 16 miles from downtown but I didn't mind. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort where I was staying was phenomenal! And I didn't get to experience even half of what it had to offer. Did get to the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman downtown one night. I mean, how could you visit Nashville and not visit the Grand Ole Opry? It's a must! The Oak Ridge Boys and Ronnie Milsap were playing. What a treat. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was way cool to be part of a live radio show and the longest live radio show running in America.The Ryman theater is the original Grand Ole Opry where people like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and so many others performed. I was mesmerized. The place is quite historic with old wooden floors and wooden bench seats with wooden backs. My friend Mary and I weren't the least bit uncomfortable. Just being in the place and listening to all the live music was enough to send our hearts soaring. Decided that I definitely need to pay another visit to Nashville when I can spend all my time pursuing  R&R. So much to do and see there. Had hoped to make it to some of the plantations and the Jack Daniels distillery to see Tennessee whiskey being made but both were too far especially without a car. I did eat in the Jack Daniels restaurant in the hotel though; and that was pretty tasty. Definitely need to go back there and have a car at my disposal. Not only lots to see in Tennessee but Kentucky too. Gotta see the quilt museum in Paducah, Kentucky.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Jeffree

A title and story ideas

Dear Readers,

Every now and then my "day" job in Alzheimer's research requires that I attend a medical meeting in another city. I've had the pleasure of visiting some wonderful cities over the years such as Savannah, New Orleans, Houston, Philadelphia, Boston, Salt Lake City, Portland and so many more. Later this week I'm flying to Nashville. Never been there, not even close, and I'm excited to visit the home of country music. Even though most of my time will be in meetings I have Saturday night free and will be attending the Oak Ridge Boys concert at the Grand Ole Opry. I couldn't be more excited! To make my little adventure as authentic as possible I'm taking my cowboy boots with me. Yee-haw!!

Another item going with me to Nashville is my laptop. I'll be stuck on the plane for six hours plus there will be other downtime during the trip that will be ideal for writing time. I just finished a major mid-novel scene and don't want to lose the momentum of the continuing saga. Well, to be honest, it's not like I can lose the momentum. If I take too long of a lull between writing sessions the characters get after me until I sit back down at the laptop and continue. I know that sounds strange but it truly happens. Sometimes they pop into my dreams, other times they get after me when my mind is relaxing such as when I'm driving or taking a shower. And it's not like I'm trying to stay away but occasionally other life priorities take precedence. For example my niece is pregnant with her first child. She is due next June and I have to get going on a quilt for the baby, which I started this past weekend. As soon as I'm finished with it I need to start a quilt for her brother who is getting married about the same time that the baby arrives. Love to make quilts for loved ones but it's a bit challenging to make quilts and write when my free time outside of work is limited. But that's life. I know it will all get done eventually.

The only big question still at bay concerning the sequel to Destiny is the name of the book. Originally I was going to call it 'Return to Oak Valley' then learned that there is already a published novel with that name. Drat! Seemed so perfect. So am on a quest to figure out another title. I've come up with a few choices but won't decide until I finish the book. One title or another is going to jump out and declare itself the ideal name. I just have to be patient, not one of my better talents.

That's all for now. Have a splendid week. Talk to you all again soon, after Nashville.

Jeffree

What do you read?

Dear Readers,

The other day a woman asked me if I read much, and if so, what do I read? Ultimately she wanted to know if my choice of reading material influences my stories. The simple answer is that I read a great deal, and "yes", I imagine that my choices probably do subconsciously influence my writing, as I admire their writing styles. How could it not?

I'm talking about authors like Lisa See, Gail Tsukiyama, Anita Diamant, Jennifer Chiaverini, Bille Letts, Fannie Flagg, Amy Tan and many other female writers. As for male authors I'm a big fan of Tony Hillerman, Dan Brown, Paulo Coelho, John Steinbeck, Gregory Maguire, and Mitch Albom. I also love to read fairy tales. One would think I would be long past reading these type of stories but I know that I am not alone. The popularity of the television shows Once Upon a Time and Grimm are a testament to the public's enduring fascination with tales we read as children. But getting back to who I read these are not my only favorite writers just the ones that quickly come to mind. Each and every one of them spin a fine tale full of imaginative story lines, a simple yet defining "voice" and enough visual description to allow me to "see" the story. That is something I always strive to do, show my readers what I am seeing in my head. Not an easy task.

I'm now wondering, who are your favorite authors? And what are some of your favorite books? I'm curious. Please send me an email, and I'll tally the responses. After I hear back from you I'll address this in a future post.

Thanks and have a splendid rest of your week.

Jeffree