CK Van Dam's Blog, page 6
November 8, 2023
November is National Family Literacy Month
National Family Literacy Month reminds us that storytime at bedtime is one of the best habits that parents can share with their children.
If parents read one book a night to their children, that’s 1,825 books by the time the kiddos are five years old. Of course, we all know that many of the books will be “favorites” – books that the kids can repeat from memory. But, that’s just one of the many ways that children become young readers.
Whether your children enjoy bedtime books like Good Night Moon, classics from Dr. Suess or Mark Twain, series books like Captain Underpants or record books like the Guiness World Records (I had one of those) – the cliché “reading is fundamental” applies.
And, with the holidays right around the corner, here’s a reminder that books are one of the best gifts you can give anyone. Wondering how to choose? I’d suggest checking out books with the American Library Association’s Newbery Medal seal of approval.
Books are always on my list to give and to receive.
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November 4, 2023
Sheep to Shawl
A large studio and processing center on a farm near Groton, South Dakota, is the home of Dakota Carding and Wool. In that building, Kelly Knispel owns and operates a wool processing business that provides “sheep to shawl” services for shepherds and fiber artists. A flock of sheep graze in a nearby pasture on this family farm.
I visited Dakota Carding & Wool one warm summer day to learn more about carding, spinning, dyeing, and weaving so that I could write about the process in Lone Tree Claim.
When I entered the studio, I was enveloped in the aroma of simmering basil. Kelly explained she was preparing an organic green dye for her next batch of carded wool. The smell of the basil was unforgettable. The first thing I saw were shelves overflowing with bags and bags of carded wool fleece that Kelly has processed for people all over the United States.
Kelly, who describes herself as “yarn farmer,” explained that before the raw wool can be dyed, it must be washed to remove dirt and lanolin. Then it’s laid on racks to dry. After that, the piles of clean wool are fed into a 20th century (1910) three-ton carding mill which was part of the textile industry on the East Coast. The carding machine saves hours and hours of man hours/woman hours in cleaning and carding the wool fibers for the next step in the process.
If the wool is to be dyed, Kelly prefers to use organic dyes, like basil, onion skins, madder, marigold, walnut, or other natural compounds. Sometimes, Kelly said, her customers want to use the wool in its original shades ranging from white to deep, chocolate brown and black.
Then, the next step is spinning, which, according to “Women’s Work: The First 20,000 Years” by Elizabeth Wayland Barber, is traditionally done by women. (The term “spinster” is derived from unmarried women spinning yarn at home or in small factories.) Kelly uses several spinning wheels and spindles to turn carded wool into yarn. She demonstrated how to use a spindle similar to the one that Katie Rose Kelly used in Lone Tree Claim.
The carded wool is packaged and the handspun yard is wound into skeins and shipped back to Kelly’s customers. The yarn that Kelly keeps is used for weaving or knitting. She showed me how her loom magically turns yarn into blankets, shawls, and scarves.
The research I conducted before and while writing Lone Tree Claim provided a foundation for spinning and weaving. Still, the afternoon at Dakota Carding and Wool brought that research to life. And, while Kelly is an excellent teacher – she conducts classes for spinners and weavers – I have a lot more to learn.
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October 25, 2023
A story of women’s friendships
A key storyline in Lone Tree Claim is the women’s friendships on the frontier. That’s why the dedication in Lone Tree Claim reads in part: “My mother taught me that having girlfriends is important… They support us when we’re struggling. They celebrate when we triumph. They are a sounding board when we’re choosing a path.”
I didn’t realize I was writing about women’s friendships until I read Michelle Obama’s book, “The Light We Carry.” In her book, Obama wrote, “I am fully convinced that you will get further in life when you’ve got at least a couple of solid friends around you, when you’re reliably and demonstratively invested in them, and they in you.” And then I remembered that I’d heard similar words before — from my mother.
Throughout the book, there’s a recurring theme about the importance of women’s friendships. Sarah Wright, Polly Gibson and Lara Goya were vitally important in helping Katie Rose Kelly survive and thrive on the Dakota frontier. These women were a support group for one another. Polly gave Katie a job and a place to stay when she needed it. Sarah taught Katie about sheepherding and weaving. And Lara, well, you’ll have to read the book to find out about Lara and Katie’s friendship.
I’m sure people will see Lone Tree Claim as a romance book. But as my editor told me, Katie came to her claim without knowing a soul in the Territory. Before long, she creates a community of loving friends who are her new family on the prairie. I think that’s just as important.
Lone Tree Claim is dedicated to women who support and celebrate other women.
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October 19, 2023
What I learned that helped me write book #2
Someone recently asked me if writing the second book, Lone Tree Claim, was easier. I thought about that question and realized the answer was “Yes.”
Writing and publishing my debut novel, Proving Her Claim, was a huge learning curve. I wrote about that learning curve in an earlier blog: I read countless (really, I stopped counting) “how to” articles. Boy, did I have a lot to learn!
This time around, I had a better idea of how to structure the plot, how to develop the characters, and how to manage that pesky Point of View issue for the second book. And, since I could focus on writing the book, it came together more efficiently.
I also had a better understanding of the “mechanics” of the indie publishing process. Since I don’t have a big-name publishing house, I must manage the entire publishing process. And it IS a process — from formatting and submitting the manuscript for printing to selecting Amazon categories and marketing the book.
Having a relationship with a developmental editor whom I trust was invaluable. Her input helped make the story and the characters more vital and her recommendations improved the manuscript. I also had resources for proofreading and formatting. And, of course, I relied on my favorite illustrator for the cover design.
However, I connected with experts this time to ensure a historically accurate story. My favorite history professor provided research recommendations — including Civil War military history Additionally, a long-time friend who is also a Civil War re-enactor offered ideas on approaching that portion of the story. I appreciated their support and advice in this journey. (Note: any inaccuracies in the next novel are my fault).
Finally, the beta readers have been invaluable. These amazing people have been on the “front line” of the publishing process, providing input regarding the plot, the characters, and so much more!
Launching Lone Tree Claim: On the Dakota Frontier has been a fascinating journey to bring these new characters to life.
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October 11, 2023
Literature connects us
I recently returned from a trip to Scotland and Ireland where I explored castles, historic landmarks and miles of beautiful scenery. Many of these landmarks were also locations for movie and television series, including Outlander and Game of Thrones. The Scots, of course, are all about Outlander: “Oh, Jamie!” And the Game of Thrones cast spent months filming in Northern Ireland. So much so, that they became “regulars” at local pubs.
Not surprisingly, both of these series are based on popular books.
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As our tour guide described the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden, I recalled the vivid descriptions in the novel by Diana Gabaldon. Her books were the genesis for the television drama. The Outlander series describes a period of time that is foreign to most of us. It’s the literature that connects us to the events of that time.
Both Scotland and Ireland offered rich locations for Game of Thrones. Edinburgh Castle, built on “Castle Rock,” is the real-life version of the Lannister’s stronghold, Casterly Rock. The dark, foreboding images from Scotland’s historic royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress communicate the strength and power of the Lannisters in Martin’s saga.
Northern Ireland brought to life the stark (no pun intended) scenery in George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. In Season 2, Arya Stark escapes through the iconic “Dark Hedges.” Known as the Bregagh Road, the long road of twisted beech trees provides a mystical path for Arya’s flight from King’s Landing.
As I visited these historic locations, I realized that I first “saw” these scenes through books. Martin and Gabaldon created these images in their novels — with readers translating those descriptive passages through those books. The television programs used these locations to help tell the stories.
But it started with an idea from an author. It’s the literature that connects us.
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October 10, 2023
Literature connects us
I recently returned from a trip to Scotland and Ireland, where I explored castles, historic landmarks, and miles of beautiful scenery. Many of these landmarks were also locations for movie and television series, including Outlander and Game of Thrones. The Scots, of course, are all about Outlander: “Oh, Jamie!” And the Game of Thrones cast spent months filming in Northern Ireland. So much so, that they became “regulars” at local pubs.
Not surprisingly, both of these series are based on popular books.
Culloden Battlefield – Inverness, ScotlandAs our tour guide described the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden, I recalled the vivid descriptions in the novel by Diana Gabaldon. Her books were the genesis for the television drama. The Outlander series describes a time that is foreign to most of us. It’s the literature that connects us to the events of that time.
Both Scotland and Ireland offered rich locations for Game of Thrones. Edinburgh Castle, built on “Castle Rock,” is the real-life version of the Lannister’s stronghold, Casterly Rock. The dark, foreboding images from Scotland’s historic royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress communicate the strength and power of the Lannisters in Martin’s saga.
Northern Ireland brought to life the stark (no pun intended) scenery in George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones. In Season 2, Arya Stark escapes through the iconic “Dark Hedges.” Known as the Bregagh Road, the long road of twisted beech trees provides a mystical path for Arya’s flight from King’s Landing.
As I visited these historic locations, I realized that I first “saw” these scenes through books. Martin and Gabaldon created these images in their novels — with readers translating those descriptive passages as they read. The television programs used these locations to help tell the stories.
But it started with an idea from an author. It’s the literature that connects us.
The post Literature connects us appeared first on CK Van Dam.
October 1, 2023
Happy (?) Banned Books Week
The first week of October has been deemed Banned Books Week. I wish we didn’t have to earmark an entire week for this dangerous movement.
But here we are.
The American Library Association states: “This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”
Apparently, “all” it takes to become a banned book is for one person to object to its content, including words, images, themes, etc. In 2022, the ALA documented 1269 demands to censor library books and resources. That’s the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began recording this data more than 20 years ago.
Banned Books Week sheds light on this unwarranted censorship. It’s an opportunity for readers to voice censorship concerns and to celebrate freedom of expression.
Here are a few things you can do to fight censorship, keep books available in libraries, and promote the freedom to read:
Finally, if you are offended by a book: don’t read it.
Stay informed. If you learn of a challenge at your community library or school district.Attend a Banned Books Week program at your library, school, or bookstore.Participate in the Stand for the Banned virtual read-out. Join other readers in filming yourself reading from your favorite banned book. The videos are featured on the Banned Books Week YouTube channel.Write a letter to a favorite banned or challenged author. They’ll appreciate the support!Encourage your book club to choose a banned book for the next read.Read a banned book. Check out a banned book from your library or buy a banned book at your local bookstore.Finally, if you are offended by a book: don’t read it.
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September 15, 2023
SD Festival of Books 2023
What a difference a year makes. Last year, I attended the SD Festival of Books as a wanna-be author.
This year, I’m attending the Festival in Deadwood as a published author with two Western romance novels to my name.
Last year, I attended panel discussions and presentations by authors from all over the country. I connected with two authors who provided invaluable information on writing and publishing. And I listened to authors who collaborated on fascinating projects.
This year, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with those authors, along with friends who are authors. I also plan to attend a few presentations. Since the publication of Proving Her Claim, I’ve participated in several book fairs and author events. One of the benefits of these events is the opportunity to talk with other authors about their journeys to publication and how they connect with readers. I see every one of them as mentors in my own path to publication.
I’ll be signing and selling copies of Proving Her Claim at the Festival. I’ll also preview the next book in the “Claim” series: Lone Tree Claim. If you plan to attend the South Dakota Festival of Books in Deadwood, please stop by and say hello.
The post SD Festival of Books 2023 appeared first on CK Van Dam.
SD Festival of Books 2023
What a difference a year makes. Last year, I attended the SD Festival of Books as a wanna-be author.
This year, I’m attending the Festival in Deadwood as a published author with two Western romance novels to my name.
Last year, I attended panel discussions and presentations by authors from all over the country. I connected with two authors who provided invaluable information on writing and publishing. And I listened to authors who collaborated on fascinating projects.
This year, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with those authors, along with friends who are authors. I also plan to attend a few presentations. Since the publication of Proving Her Claim, I’ve participated in several book fairs and author events. One of the benefits of these events is the opportunity to talk with other authors about their journeys to publication and how they connect with readers. I see every one of them as mentors in my own path to publication.
I’ll be signing and selling copies of Proving Her Claim at the Festival. I’ll also preview the next book in the “Claim” series: Lone Tree Claim. If you plan to attend the South Dakota Festival of Books in Deadwood, please stop by and say hello.
The post SD Festival of Books 2023 appeared first on CK Van Dam.
September 8, 2023
“On the Dakota Frontier” series continues
I wrote Proving Her Claim: On the Dakota Frontier 20 years before it was finally published. But my second book took only (only!) a year to research, write, polish, and bring to readers.
I write “only” because more prolific writers publish three, six, or nine books a year. I can’t imagine the pressure, but I’m proud to say that Lone Tree Claim: On the Dakota Frontier will be published in October. It’s the story of another strong pioneer woman who stakes a claim in Dakota Territory. Katie Rose Kelly, a determined widow, leaves her father’s home in Chicago to start a new life after the Civil War.
Like Proving Her Claim, the inspiration for Lone Tree Claim has historical roots. Several years ago, the South Dakota Ag Heritage Museum featured an exhibit entitled “The Unspun Tale: Sheep in South Dakota.” As I walked through the exhibit, I was struck by the headline “Sheep for the cash. Cattle for the prestige.” It’s a common and well-known adage among farmers and ranchers in our part of the country.
And on those ranches that ran both sheep and cattle, women were often responsible for the sheep. That’s the plot for Lone Tree Claim — that, and a host of natural and man-made challenges that my gutsy heroine faces.
I’m excited to introduce this new book — and a new family of characters — to readers this fall.
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