Michael Embry's Blog, page 44

Memory Lane

The other night I attended the Happy Together Tour at the Kentucky State Fair that featured several oldies acts from the 1960s. 

Most of those in attendance were oldies -- like me. A few folks brought their (grand) children. It was a fun time, for the most part, especially watching folks sing and dance to the music. A very brief rain didn't spoil the festivities.


Mark Lindsay performs during the Happy Together Tour.The performers were Flo and Eddie of The Turtles, Gary Puckett (and the Union Gap), Gary Lewis (and the Playboys), Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night) and Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders).  All the guys are in their 60s and 70s. 

Needless to say, some of the singers don't have the pipes they had back in their heyday, but they still gave it their best to entertain the crowd. And even if they couldn't hit the highs or lows, for me, the songs were playing inside my head so I didn't mind it. 

For me, and I'm sure for many of the other baby boomers, the concert was a stroll down memory lane with songs such as "Joy to the World," "Young Girl," "This Diamond Ring," "Indian Reservation," and, of course,  "Happy Together."

Thanks for the memories.

Until the next time...

Too Smart to Suit Me

When it comes to technology, I’m falling farther and farther behind as I get older. I don’t really care to own the new gadgets. Oh, I think they’re cool and do some neat things, but offer very little that I find essential to my life and well-being.Many of my friends, especially the younger ones, have smart phones. They surf the Internet, do voice texts, play games, take photos, and all sorts of other things – even talk on the phone. I guess some smart phones even offer GPS systems and all kinds of apps such as weather alerts and whatnot.

Yeah, they're neat and cool. But you know what? When they run their finger over the screen to do this and do that, I can barely see the images. The type is so small and that it gives me a headache. You can enlarge the type but then it takes longer to read a story. I don't feel like carrying a magnifying glass with me to see and read what's on those screens.     What do I own? I recently learned that I carry around a dumb phone. I can access email and even go on the Internet, if I want to. But I use my phone for text messages – off the keyboard – and to communicate via dialing a number to my wife, sons, and several friends. And I don’t do that often.     I think it’s handy to have my dumb phone in case of emergencies, such as car trouble or medical problems or having to call my wife to make sure I pick up everything she needs at the grocery. My wife, who also has a dumb phone (we have a family value plan), has been known to call me and have me pick up some carryout for dinner – which she would probably consider an essential reason for having her phone.Will I ever own a true smart phone? I doubt it unless I get a refurbished one after smart phones evolve into other areas. For the time being, and foreseeable future, I’m perfectly content with my dumb phone. It kinda reflects on my state of mind when it comes to new technology. Until the next time….

Story Songs: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

It's not very often a singer can record an uptempo song and take it to No. 1, then turn around 13 years later and see it reach No. 8 on the charts as a ballad. 

Neil Sedaka, one of the great singer/songwriters in pop music, did just that with "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," in 1962 and 1975. 

I grew up listening to Sedaka's songs, from "The Diary" to "Calendar Girl" to "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" to "Laughter in the Rain." 

But I thought one of his most expressive songs, written with Howard Greenfield, was "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do."  Those who've been in relationships, and left with a broken heart, know how painful it can be. So much, that you want to avoid it if at all possible.

So the song begins:

"Don't take your love away from meDon't you leave my heart in miseryIf you go then I'll be blue'Cause breaking up is hard to do"
And later we hear:

"I beg of you, don't say goodbyeCan't we give our love another tryCome on baby, let's start anew'Cause breaking up is hard to do"
And in the chorus:

"Don't say that this is the endInstead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again"
I suppose most of us survive those breakups, and perhaps after some reflection, realize it was for the best. But it still hurts.
As for the Sedaka's bittersweet love song, I prefer the slow version because it comes across with so much sincerity. 
"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" lyrics

Uptempo version:

Slow version:
Until the next time...

A Farewell to Romance

Back in 1998, after I finished the manuscript to my first novel, "The Touch," and shopping it around to agents, I was told by an agent that what I had written was a romance. 

A romance? Well, it was about a relationship and had an upbeat ending but it was also about a woman in an abusive relationship. I had a relative who wrote romances and she advised me to check out the Kentucky Romance Writers of America group. So I did. And I joined in  1999. And I also joined the Romance Writers of America.

I wrote two more contemporary novels -- "A Long Highway" and "Foolish Is The Heart" -- about relationships that could probably fall under the romance genre. It's such a gray area that they could be labeled as mainstream novels. I've read quite a few "literary" novels that could easily be considered romance.

I maintained memberships in the groups because I got a lot out of them -- things that are beneficial to any author such as promotion, marketing, dialogue, plotting and much more. I enjoyed reading the Romance Writers Report magazine and e-Notes from the national organization and the camaraderie, support, and friendships I developed in the state group at bimonthly meetings. Needless to say, I was the only male in KYRW, and one of a few in RWA.  

I gained a deep appreciation for romance writers. There are some very talented writers in that genre -- great storytellers and supportive of one another. It's no wonder that romance is the biggest seller in fiction. 

In recent years I veered off in other directions in my writing. "A Confidential Man" is a murder mystery, "Shooting Star" is young adult, and "Laments" is a short-story collection. My next novel, which will be released in October, is another young adult story.

So when it came time to renew my national dues after 14 years in RWA, I decided it was time to move on. However, I encourage writers interested in romance to join the national and local groups. It's well worth the time and investment. I know I never regretted being a member.

Until the next time...

Spotlight on Linda Ronstadt

I realize the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can't induct every single performer in rock history. It has to be a thankless job for the voters because you can't please everyone. Not even a few.
But often I'm amazed by the artists who have been overlooked by those who deem performers worthy for induction.  I'm not going to write a list of those I believe should be honored but I do plan to have occasional posts about those out of the shrine's limelight.

So drum roll, please!

I was amazed to discover that Linda Ronstadt hasn't been inducted into the Rock Hall. Unbelievable! Unreal! She is simply long overdue.

For those who grew up in the 1960s and '70s, you already know that Ronstadt was huge on the music scene. After he debut with "Different Drum," as a member of the Stone Poneys in the late '60s, she dominated the '70s.To keep things short and simple, here's something from Wikipedia about Ronstadt's music: "In total, she has released over 30 studio albums and 15 compilations or greatest hits albums. Ronstadt charted thirty-eight Billboard Hot 100 singles with twenty-one reaching the top 40, ten to the top 10, three to No. 2, and "You're No Good" to No. 1. In the UK, her single "Blue Bayou" reached the UK Top 40[7] and the duet with Aaron Neville, "Don't Know Much", peaked at No. 2 in December 1989.[8] In addition, she has charted thirty-six albums, ten Top 10 albums, and three No. 1 albums on the Billboard Pop Album Charts."

Irwin Stambler's "The Encyclopedia of Rock, Pop and Soul" stated: "By all accounts, Linda Ronstadt is a superstar."



Ronstadt has gone beyond rock to successfully perform big band, jazz, opera, soul, folk, Broadway, Latino, country and more. She's appeared in movies such as "FM" and "The Pirates of Penzance" (also on Broadway), garnered 11 Grammys, and nominated for 17 more.

Why she hasn't already made it into the R&R Hall is, well, unbelievable! This superstar should be shining with the other luminaries in Cleveland. 




Until the next time...

Walk Don't Run (or Jog)

I've always enjoyed walking. I'm an urban hiker when I visit a big city. I love to hike at our state parks and other scenic places. And when the weather isn't cooperating, you'll find me on my treadmill.
This summer I've tried to use walking as a big part of my regular exercise. Twice a day during the work I'll venture out of the office and walk with co-workers. If it's raining, we'll walk in the parking garage or inside the six-story building where I work. And at home, I try to walk my dog, Bailey, in the morning and evening. He needs his exercise as well. 
I'm the first to admit that I've slowed down a bit as I've gotten older, but I've never been a sedentary-type guy. I've always been on the move. I used to play tennis until my tennis buddies started having health issues. I also played softball and basketball. I also used to sing karaoke but that's another story.

I've never been interested in jogging because it seems too time consuming and I have other non-exercise things such as writing and honey-do's. Furthermore, I'm not sure my knees could handle jogging. And it seems like too much trouble putting on jogging gear when all I have to do to go walking is, well, start walking. The main thing is to have a comfortable pair of shoes.

These morning and afternoon walks at work have been invigorating, especially in the afternoon when I feel like taking a short nap (older folks will understand). 
Besides the physical activity, I find that walking helps relieve some stress so it's mental exercise for me as well. And walking with my friends, it also becomes social as we chat about various and sundry things along the way.
Visit The Walking Site for more information about the benefits of walking. 
And for something to put you in the mood for your daily jaunts, here's Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Ventures, playing their 1960 hit, "Walk Don't Run."



Until the next time...


All That 'maters

While talking to a co-worker in the office last week, the subject came up about homegrown tomatoes -- or 'maters. She told me she purchased a couple plants for 75 cents each at Lowe's a month or so ago, and now there's little green tomatoes on the vines.
Not a bad investment when you consider the cost of tomatoes at the supermarket. And the 'maters you buy at the supermarket aren't that good unless they're locally grown. Better yet, the farmer's market, and we have an excellent one here in Frankfort.
But I'm getting off the subject.
So today I stopped by Lowe's, hoping to find some tomato plants on the clearance rack. No such luck. But I did find patio tomato plants -- $3.98 each -- and they already had some small green tomatoes. I couldn't resist. I bought two plants, potting soil, and even some petunias.
I put the plants in two large planters. I'm not sure where to put them because they'll get too hot on our deck and perhaps not enough sun on the patio under the deck. They may end up on the front porch, behind some shrubs.
My wife isn't a big tomato fan although she does like BLTs. Since I'm a vegetarian, I'll eat prepare mine with vegetarian bacon. Now don't turn up your nose because they're actually quite good. I also like sliced tomatoes on just about any (vegetarian) sandwich, veggie burger, or simply by themselves. Tomatoes are tasty with egg sandwiches, toast or English muffin, for breakfast. I even like fried green tomatoes (but not for breakfast).
I recall my elementary school days when tomato sandwiches (with a dab of mayonnaise) were one of the items on the lunch line. I still like them. 
And I can't wait when those 'maters start turning red!
Until the next time...

Story Songs: Under the Boardwalk

I think one of the coolest songs to listen to on a hot summer day is "Under the Boardwalk," a hit song for the fabulous Drifters in 1964.

The smooth-sounding song, with Johnny Moore the lead vocalist, was written by Arthur Resnick and Kenny Young. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard pop chart. 

The opening lines set the mood for a sweltering day, probably on the Jersey shore:

"Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roofAnd your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire proof"
And from under the boardwalk, you hear and smell the activity on the boardwalk:

"From the park you hear the happy sound of a carouselMmmm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell."
But it's being with his girl that provides that great escape from the heat:

"Under the boardwalk, down by the seaOn a blanket with my baby is where I'll be."
There were three versions of the song,  according to Wikipedia, and they had to do with the line:

"(Under the boardwalk) we'll be falling in love"
The original had "...we'll be falling in love"
The second had "we'll be making love"
And the third had a combination of the three.
The second was considered too controversial, and was banned by many radio stations. In the combo, "making love" was in the first two verses and "falling in love" in the last.

The song has been covered by everyone from The Rolling Stones to Lynn Anderson to the Tom Tom Club. Rolling Stone magazine ranks it No. 489 on its top 500 songs of all time.

The Drifters, who were formed in 1953, have gone through numerous personnel changes through the years. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Among the famous members have been Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Ben E. King, and Rudy Lewis. 

I've included a version of the song by the current Drifters.

"Under the Boardwalk" lyrics

Painful Process to Publication

The editing process is under way on my upcoming young adult novel. The publisher sent the manuscript to an editor, and after a thorough read, it was returned to me to make corrections for typos, missed or misused words, punctuation, style points, and to consider story suggestions.

It can be a humbling experience, especially when you stare -- make that glare -- at your precious creation on the computer screen and wonder: "How did that slip through?" It can be very frustrating, perhaps a bit stressful, and somewhat embarrassing. 

After the initial shock wears off, and you've made numerous fixes, you're grateful the editor found the mistakes, even if they're more than you want to see. You may even discover a few mistakes the editor didn't catch. But the bottom line is getting things right before publication, no matter how hard or painful it is.

It's practically impossible for a writer to find all the mistakes in a novel-length manuscript. When proofreading, a writer will often read words that aren't there. Sometimes you'll have a same-sounding word -- a homonym -- that doesn't make sense in the story. And spell check doesn't guarantee you'll find everything.  

While some may take offense to story suggestions, these can be especially helpful when the editor also puts on a "reader" hat. You certainly don't want readers to have questions about scenes in a story. And remember: they're only suggestions. You have the creative control.

After I return the manuscript, the editor will give it one more read and then pass it on to a senior editor, who will going over it as well. If there are any more corrections, it'll be sent back to me to make the fixes.  

When everything looks right, I'll be sent a galley proof for one last read. I hope I won't find typos or anything major, but if I do, this will be the last opportunity to make things right before it becomes a...BOOK! 

I've also been working with the cover artist. I was sent a draft cover  that captured the essence of the story. I provided her with some additional input, so that process should be completed in a few weeks.

Until the next time...   

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

I signed the contract for my manuscript, put it in a legal-size envelope, and mailed it to the publisher this week. If everything goes as planned, it will become a book for young adults on Oct. 1.

The book has been assigned ISBN numbers for print and electronic editions. 

Before publication day, there's more work to be done. At this point I'm completing forms that will be part of the marketing and promotion plan and the cover design for the publisher. That involves providing a synopsis, blurbs, excerpt, bio, keywords, cover ideas, and a dedication.

I'll be doing some self-promotion as well. I generally have bookmarks and postcards printed for distribution to friends, bookstores, and libraries. And I'll be spreading the word on Facebook, Twitter and other social-media sites and reader-writer sites such as Goodreads, Authors for Libraries, Authors Den, Shelfari, and Manic Readers.

As many authors will tell you, promotion and marketing can seem as time intensive as it was writing the book. Most authors would probably prefer not to do it -- they'd rather be writing-- but it's a necessity if a book is going to have a chance in the marketplace because publishers have only so much money to go around. 

I'll also be working with an editor in getting the manuscript ready for publication. And then I'll receive the galley proof for one last read. 

By the time the book is released, I want to hit the ground with some momentum. 

I've already started the promotion. Look at the bottom of this post for the Countdownr widget. I'll be watching it as well during the coming weeks.

Until the next time...