Barrett's Blog, page 15
November 3, 2011
Day 3 = 6,164
Sliding into the writing challenge is exhilarating, daunting, and a tad intense. [image error]
Day One flew by, ended with 1,779. Day two started slowly and picked up speed topping out at 2,653. Today was harder (the story got a little more complex) but I managed a respectable 1,732.
Past Wrimo's have taught me to pace and try to inch ahead gradually so I have a little cushion, in case of unforeseen circumstances. Things like the holiday, day long events and the like, suck the life out of an introvert like me, rendering me "wordless".
Hopefully I'll be able to get a word count widget soon so I won't be posting every lurid detail of this, oft agonizing, ordeal.
So Far, so good! (and I'm really liking this story)
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November 1, 2011
The November Challenge
[image error]November first for the past seven years has meant NaNoWriMo. Thirty days of literary befuddlement and angst in order to achieve the goal of 50,000 words. FIFTY thousand. That breaks down to roughly 1,666 words per day.
Today is Day One and I'm at 1,779 so far, whew. The most important thing I've learned over the past few years. DO NOT FALL BEHIND!
Check back and see how it goes.
Wish me luck.
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October 30, 2011
Warm, squishy, cuddly, puppies…mostly
Dalwhinnie Duchess of Dinkus~ Labrador extraordinaire,
Princess Poppy~ Border collie mix and whackadoodle.
With one shot of Sweetie the wandering stray who came to visit.
My family.
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October 26, 2011
Fun Facts about your host
Inspired by Georgia Beers, as I frequently am, I'm going to attempt a little self-promoting "more about me".
My Bio on the affinityebooks.com web site has most of the riveting broad-strokes of life story so I will focus on The Little Known Factoids.
I'm the older of two siblings of the limited MacGill Clan.
For my third birthday, I got a new tricycle. One hour later, while riding on the front sidewalk, my neighbor, Dickie Roscomb asked if he could ride it. I said no, and he pushed me off and took it away. His mother told and he couldn't tried it for the rest of the day. (still carrying a little bit of a grudge).
Following my first surgery (tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy) at approximately age six, my grateful mother promised me anything I wanted for dinner because I had been so *good*. I asked for and got steak and chocolate cake.
In fourth grade, I had a pet squirrel named "Perry" that I carried around in my shirt pocket. This did not endear me to my teachers.
My academic career was less than spectacular and I compensated with humor. (But it wasn't till age thirty-five that I learned I needed reading glasses.)
In junior high, my goal was to become a missionary. In high school, I wanted to become an artist then an actor. Ten years after that, I decided to be a nurse.Guess what? Now I'm a writer!
I love to travel and some of my favorite adventures: the former Soviet Union, Scotland (favorite), Ireland, England, Paris, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Belize, and numerous places in our United States.
No drugs, No jail time, No tattoos, No felonies.
I've collected small trophies for softball and canoeing.
For six years, I was an Associate of The School Sisters of Saint Francis and seriously considered joining.
For two years, I volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. (one of the hardest things I've ever done.)
Some of my favorite things: my two dogs—Dalwhinnie and Poppy, squirrels, single malt scotch, Tillamook sharp cheddar, New Mexico Sunsets, the mountains, the beach on Ambergris Caye, all kinds of music,Thanksgiving, a warm sweatshirt, sleeping through the night, a good book, a good review, a warm hug from a loved one, laughing hard,clean sheets, a fun road trip, swimming, champagne and a good dinner at nice restaurant.
Probably more than you needed, but that's only scratching the surface.
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October 24, 2011
In Praise of Bett Reece Johnson
Several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a woman by the name of Beth Reece Johnson, a local woman who was also a writer. I promptly went out to buy the first book in her series, the Cordelia Morgan mysteries.
Over time, we've become good friends and I was thrilled when Bett recently made her work available on Amazon. I'm not sure how it happened, but after reading her first book, "The Woman Who Knew Too Much" my interest in writing became much more focused. Now, years later, I've published my first book with many thanks for her encouragement. My protagonist, Zeke Cabot of "Damaged In Service" is hoping to one day run across the mysterious Cord Morgan in Santa Fe.
To this day I am captivated rereading the prologue to her book.
AUGUST 6,1993
11:47 P.M.
Sangre De of Cristo Lab
(Near Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Morgan
IN NEW MEXICO, the desert lives outside of time. Scorpions and rattlesnakes and coyote flourish, winding their way among piñon-studded mesas, cutting paths through vast plains of cholla and mesquite and flowering yucca.
Mindless and ancient, impervious to human revision, the desert endures millennium after millennium—a timeless panorama of sudden electrical storms and flash floods, of killing droughts and deep smothering blankets of snow, of shrieking winds that tear through the arroyos and across the mesa tops, howling among the cottonwoods that follow the rivers. At night, the land becomes a boundless ocean of darkness, its chill air pricked above with stars, the earth below the last dominion of restless spirits-playground of kokopella and cursing desperadoes and fugitive misfits, where it is said that the shade of La Llorona still haunts the riverbanks, weeping in endless grief and searching for her lost children.
***
[image error]Currently there are three books in this wonderful series. And in each one, Ms. Johnson parses out of delicious glimpses of this fascinating character, Cord Morgan. A highly trained assassin, her assignments seem to move her with the feline grace of a panther through the lives of some intriguing protagonists and nefarious antagonists.
Bett's exquisite prose is as important to the stories as her characters. I have reread these books and will continue to do so if, for no other reason to be lost in the language.
Still, Cordelia Morgan is as fascinating a protagonist as I have ever read. Indeed, she's the stuff of which dreams are made.
I offer opinions of some others who enjoyed the book, which were shared on Amazon.
"The Woman Who Knew Too Much is a riveting and well-crafted thriller that turned up in the "slush pile" at a small feminist press. The author offers a plot that mixes murder, water rights, environmental hazards, and designer drugs–including a synthetic testosterone with deadly side effects. The lesbian subtext is as unexplained as Jet's
growing fascination with the local sheriff in charge of investigating Jas's death. And while Jet is the protagonist and central figure, it's Cordelia Morgan, a.k.a. Caroline Marcus, who stars in this first of a promised series." –Jane Adams
"A literate, unusual, absorbing mystery offering an intriguing central character, fine writing and food for the intellect-what an impressive debut. for one am glad to be in on
the ground floor with this writer and await her next books." — Katherine Forrest
"Cordelia Morgan is surely one of the most intriguing new protagonists to come along in years." — Ellen Hart, author, Wicked Games
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October 22, 2011
Memories
Eternal Rest, Margaret.
On this date, October 22nd, for forty-three years I pause to remember one of the greatest gifts in my Life. My Mom.
My brother and I lost one of the greatest examples of love and tolerance there ever was. Whatever small amount of grace and compassion I possess, came directly from her.
She was a beautiful and talented woman who adored children, was quick to laugh, and loved her son and daughter unconditionally. She died too young and never knew how much my brother and I learned, appreciated, and tried to be like her.
I never knew how much I would regret not being able to tell her what she meant to me. And she never knew that I escaped my "misspent youth" to become a successful, productive member of society; that I would provide care and understanding to thousands in my career–that would make her proud; that I would create new dreams and live into them.
I hope you are proud of your legacy, Mom.
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October 13, 2011
The Author Asks
Story time. For those who know me, a story usually pops up in conversation at some point. It's my Celtic heritage. My people are storytellers.
June 2010, I attended my first GCLS conference in Orlando. I
went —by myself in order to pitch my newly completed first manuscript. I didn't know a
single soul, except for virtual names and faces.
Long story short, at one of the sessions, a well-loved author was commenting on the value of reader feedback. She remarked that although writing was a solitary task even one e-mail from a reader could provide enormous incentive. I made a promise to
myself that whenever I finished a book or story, I would let the author know
and make some sort of comment.
At the time, I didn't consider myself knowledgeable enough
to be analyzing anyone's work but felt that I could at least say thank you for
taking the time to write a book that I could enjoy. Little did I know about
what was involved in getting said book to said reader.
Sixteen months have passed since that time and to my credit, I have made good on my promise. I have either emailed, Face booked, texted, or spoken with a number of authors to acknowledge their hard work.
The difference today is that I am now one of those authors. 
A Little over three months ago, Affinity eBooks published my first book "Damaged In Service"– the first in a four books series.
According to my first quarterly report, I've sold more than a few of these books. (Warning: the whining starts now)
I was thrilled when I received my first e-mail a mere 48 hours after release. Soon after I received two very flattering reviews. There were a number people who let me know how happy they were after ordering my book. Some folks even sent one are two progress notes detailing their excitement as they began reading.
And in all honesty, I have received four other thoughtful reviews.
So here's my question, when you (the universal reader) finish a book that you either loved her hated or maybe just tolerated, do you contact the author?
If you do, Brava!
If you don't, what might be holding youback? I seriously want to know.
Is it shyness?
Is it because you don't think your opinion is of value?
Is it because you think authors are too busy to read your
comments?
Is it because it's just too much trouble?
Is it because you don't want to tell them the books sucked
because they might kill you?
As I said before writing is a solitary endeavor. My dogs have virtually no input in my 
stories. All conversations occur in my head between my characters and me and sometimes it's hard to gain perspective. Happily, I have a critique partner and a very good beta reader. But, that said, I have just offered up a large chunk of my soul with a solemn promise to bring you three more installments and I would really like your feedback—good, bad, or ugly. Caveat: I am not looking to be browbeaten, but I would certainly appreciate feedback.
There is an address on the right hand side or you can message me on Facebook.
Thanks for your time and your support now I will go back to our regularly scheduled writing.
Remember, Book two will be along in February 2012
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October 11, 2011
The New York Connection
I recounted the epic journey elsewhere (catching up with the peeps..) on the importance of the trip. There were other incentives for traveling to Western New York in October. First and foremost, was the wedding of two good friends on Saturday the first. Second, was the opportunity to meet my life coach, without whom there would have been no book signing. And then, the opportunity to spend time with friends I normally see only once a year.
First stop Buffalo, New York. After quick check in, Laurie and Linda invited 
me over and I had the opportunity to visit the Coyote Crossing Farm in person.(I 've seen dozens of pictures and heard so many stories in the past two years.) But best of all, I got to meet their five fabulous canines! Cedar, Cagney, Echo, Sadie, and the incredible Leika (the captivating Vizla).
Friday morning I drove into Buffalo to meet Diane Gaidry. Almost two years earlier, she and I spent weeks Skyping about my writing career. And meeting her in person, was like reconnecting with an old friend. I can't say enough good things about this extremely talented and gentle human being. We would meet later after her performance at the Torn Space Theater production of "Procession".
Before the show, I met with Rachel Spangler and we joined other guests in a pre wedding barbecue thrown by Laurie and Linda. If it was a crisp fall day and the pulled- pork entrees were perfect. We had to dash in order to get to the theater, where Rach and I enjoyed a thought provoking, avant garde performance in an old German church space.
Saturday's weather threatened with dark clouds, wind, and cooler temps. None of it 
affected the warmth and love that abounded in the protective tent that covered all of us. We shared in the official marriage of two very special people celebrating 30 years together. It was one of the most personal and touching ceremonies I have ever had the privilege to attend.
Sunday I got word that my best friend fron 4th grade was coming down from Toronto to spend a couple of days with me. I had only seen her once in the past 40 
years and was ecstatic to think we would have the chance to catch up. Of course, I had no way of knowing that it might be a big deal to find Aurora, NY. In fact, it was huge. I wandered around Western New York for over an hour, getting more and more lost, until I finally called a friend who kindly looked it up and guided me, patiently, to the correct location in East Aurora. Whoops.
Lil and I talked and talked and laughed, all while reminiscing some ridiculous escapades from our youth. I introduced her to the newlyweds, who graciously invited us for dinner 
and on Tuesday, drove her to Rochester to have lunch with the gracious and extremely talented, Georgia beers.
Wednesday we managed a circuitous route to the Buffalo bus station where Lil departed for Toronto. I had time to change before I picked up Laurie and drove to Fredonia to watch Professor Rachel teach a class on romance writing (we were the visiting celebrities, snicker.)
Finally Thursday arrived. A day I had dreamed of and dreaded. My first public reading. 
Months in the planning, The Pride Center of Western New York was presenting an Evening with the Artists, including: Georgia Beers, Rachel Spangler, S. Alexander Smith, Laurie Salzler, Diane Gaidry and me.
We met for dinner beforehand at a terrific restaurant called La Tee Da. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet and become more familiar over a delicious meal. We caravaned over to the Pride Center and found that the space was filled to capacity and they needed to find a larger room. Well that was great news!
We each took turns reading a small sample of our work and then answered questions from the audience. There were many good questions that provoked a lively discussion, lively enough that the moderator had to invite us to leave. We adjourned to another area for wine and cheese and a chance for us to answer questions one on one.
It was a thrilling opportunity for me to share the stage with other writers who have been working 10 or more years in the field. Their insights, suggestions, and encouragement provided me with even greater enthusiasm and hope for the path I've chosen. Writing can be a lonely pursuit and every once in awhile we have the opportunity to connect with one another. For those of us just starting out, it's an enormous gift to share the path these women have forged for us. Laurie and I were the two newly published authors given the opportunity to join the ranks.
The bonus for me was to have my coach sitting on one side and Georgia Beers on the 
other, it's a moment I'll always remember and Cherish. Thank you, ladies.
Friday was my final day filled with packing and traveling. I came home with a suitcase filled with memories and laundry. Maybe we'll have a reunion and reading again next year?
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October 9, 2011
Kindlegraph
ta da…announcing Barrett has joined the ranks of those offering Kindlegraphs for both ebook and print versions of "Damaged in Service".
Check it out. It's not pretty but can be personalized.
>>> http://kindlegraph.com/authors/BarrettWrites <<<<
I would also invite you to peruse the new stuff on the blog, at the bottom is a slide show, to which I'll be adding photos. A lovely furry distraction stage right. (I come here for grins and giggles.)
Tomorrow I'll describe my authorly NY adventure complete with embarrassing pictures.
ta da…announcing Barrett has joined the ranks of those of...
ta da…announcing Barrett has joined the ranks of those offering Kindlegraphs for both ebook and print versions of "Damaged in Service".
Check it out. It's not pretty but can be personalized.
>>> http://kindlegraph.com/authors/BarrettWrites <<<<
I would also invite you to peruse the new stuff on the blog, at the bottom is a slide show, to which I'll be adding photos. A lovely furry distraction stage right. (I come here for grins and giggles.)
Tomorrow I'll describe my authorly NY adventure complete with embarrassing pictures.
