Barrett's Blog, page 6

Post Game report: WWWof NM

A Success. That’s my perspective anyhow.

For a first-time event, I think it went quite well. In case you missed news and weather for the past week, the Rocky mountain west–Colorado and New Mexico were hit by Once-in-a-decade storms, which resulted in massive flooding–especially for the areas recently decimated by huge forest fires. The nearly dry Rio Grande reached 8 foot levels and threatened the city of Albuquerque.

The damage is Colorado is horrific and still not over.

This is relevant only because nearly a year ago, Andi Marquette and I joked about her doing a book signing in the Duke city…and, well it grew from there into a picnic where authors grilled for readers. We agreed on a site in the Manzanita mountains just east of ABQ, and I hurried to reserve a site.  As you might have guessed, picnic grounds were not in high demand in January or this weekend. But the wheels were set in motion. One by one we recruited other writers to join us.

Finally we were all set, and…the rain began and never let up.

Dozens of text messages, emails, FB postings and phone calls were exchanged as we all watched the “plume” of tropical moisture linger over the entire area. Widely scattered showers continued. Two of our guests generously offered their home as a Plan B.  My nerves frayed pitifully, but Andi was relentlessly optimistic.

Saturday began with rain on my roof  and pain in my chest! BUT… I put on my big-girl panties, which were oddly bigger, and headed off to the site. It was no longer raining by the time I got there. The team gathered, walked the site, and voted.  ”LET’S DO IT!”

The elves got to work: cleaned and set the grill, checked the “facilities”, covered the tables, and set about preparing lunch.

When Bliss, Karen, and the Dazzling Lynn Ames arrived with our special honorary guests Parker and Dixie–all work ceased. Fawning admiration ensued.

Sadly several friends were unable to attend because of unanticipated circumstances, but many new friends found us and helped celebrate the festival of reading, writing, and community!

The skies remained clear, and during Lynn’s reading, the sun shone brightly–she was quick to take credit. Maybe it was true, Angel orders. Still, it was fun.

Anna Muir arrived to applause in her semi rig. Then six authors read from their respective current releases. Books were out for purchase and we basked in book reading happiness.

I will attempt to remember those who shared this special event. Apologies to anyone I might have forgotten.

For their support and encouragement:Andi Marquette, R.g.Emanuelle, Lynn Ames, Karen Badger, Barb Sawyer, Mary Ann Bosworth–thank you! For bringing themselves and their A-Game: Nat Burns, Kay, Bett Reece Johnson, Rebecca, Sandy, Nelda, Chris, Anna, Ann, CK, Fran, Janie, Marcia,Parker, and Dixie.  Your provided happy hearts, generous spirits, and created a joyful community moment.

Our friend Annette Clancy was doubtful this would happen (somewhat prescient on her part) and I told her:

FB:  Jeanne Barrett Magill The day will be brilliant, the authors witty, the food yummy, the ambiance…mother’s milk! and don’t forget…Parker and Dixie!! September 9 at 4:21pm




  More pictures in no particular order …




 

P.S.    If you love reading, please show some support for your authors and friends.

Plans are tentatively underway for a bigger and better event in a “sheltered” Canpsite next year   So, remember September.

Our Publishers: Bedazzled Ink, Blue Feather, Phoenix Rising, Regal Crest, Bella Books.

fini

More of the mysterious Caterpillar Cavalry

Barrett, why these nasty pictures of bugs? 

I know, I’m not an insect lover, but, I’m fascinated. As most folks know, New Mexico is a dry state that hasendured a worse than normal drought for years. You know, 9-10 months with NO measurable precipitation, ZERO. Humidity close to single digits.

But everyday, I walk my pup dogs morning, afternoon, and night. And we find the high desert a strange and wondrous place. The black velvet sky, the wind, the silence. There is much to appreciate. It is an untamable wild place where geraniums and lawn figurines are distinctly out of place. It’s a temporary place where I am just a guest. When I’m gone, it will reclaim the land.

I’ve written before about the resilience. In spite of intense drought, tiny blades of grass push through the clay-like soil. A handful of hearty birds and bunnies forage for food.

Then came this year’s “Monsoon Season” (yeah, I laughed at that when I moved here, too.) This year we got rain. Every day in July and much of August, WE GOT RAIN. Small amounts, regularly. After six weeks, the ground was saturated. I saw puddles and ponds!

(This is my version of Horton Lake)

Then something I’ve never seen. About a month ago I saw the first bizarre looking caterpillars pushing up out of the hard packed dirt road. It was a little creepy. The next day there were dozens and then hundreds migrating across the rutted road.

DRAMA! 2 weeks ago, we had a big storm with some flash flooding. Lots of mud and the road had real gullies, but not one caterpillar. We walked a mile north and back. Not one. I was incredibly saddened that these little beings had fought so hard to get…somewhere. And apparently, for naught. Washed away in an instant.

The desert giveth and the desert taketh.

Then after several days, last Thursday I saw one! A survivor! of course I took a picture. But it looked different, a light green. Same head and tail. Then there were a few more, much smaller, some different. They had survived or re-emerged. The sad thing is that I have no idea what they are or where they’re going, but I sure as hell am impressed by their grit and determination. It reminds me of salmon swimming upstream to spawn–every year, against insurmountable odds.

So, I’m not going to complain about how hard writing is. I’m lucky to have the chance to do it. Yes, it requires patience, persistence, and determination. But if those little guys can do it, so can I!

(yeah, the last one was a very photogenic grasshopper)

and…

Balefire is coming!

You so want to come to New Mexico?

Chimayo

NEWS AND NOTES:

Labor and delivery complete! It was long. It was arduous. It was painful. But my infant “Balefire” is now recovering in the new release nursery until she’s strong enough to be released. Whew, this one was tough.

It is not part of the Damaged series, but an “accident” of NaNoWriMo 2012. Whoops. I love speed writing, and I needed to spend time with characters not suffering from trauma and drama. Well, I got one out of two. I’ll post an excerpt soon.

Until then let me try to foreshadow a bit. Kirin Foster is a Type A travel writer with a last minute change in plans. She’s cranky!

Silke Dyson is an artist/teacher leaving town–and an unhappy situation–for two weeks of R & R on the white sand beaches of Belize.

A tropical storm, a chance meeting, and a visual impairment set these two women together to make-do of a bad situation and make a lasting friendship.

The interwoven experiences of these characters continue when they return to Milwaukee. Quirky friends, family, and coincidences build unbreakable bonds for two women on the cusp of mid life career changes.

I have grown terribly fond of Kirin and Silke. I hope my readers will feel the same way with a very different kind of story. More news when it’s ready.

Meanwhile, I’m gearing up for the promo train.

September 14th I will be joining my guest  authors, Andi Marquette, Lynn Ames, Karen Badger, Nat Burns, and Bett Reence Johnson for the first Western Women Writers of New Mexico grill and gab. We will gather Saturday afternoon  at the Pine Flat picnic grounds in the cool manzanita mountains and chill.

I’m not sure how many will attend, we’re guessing between 20-40. It will be unstructured and comfortable. This time instead of be “grilled” by readers, the authors will grill FOR the readers. LOL.

(If you needed an added incentive…there will be two very special guests…)

When we’re talked out, we’ll head into Albuquerque for margarita’s and guacamole!

October will find me on a plane to Palm Springs for the first ever Left Coast Lesbian Conference with more fabulous writers and readers!

Later, I’ll be off to my 50th HS class reunion–probably the last

Six trips this year. Good thing my sweet dogs like camp.

 

 

That’s all for now, I need to make a grocery list for the picnic.

Review and comment: Elizabeth Sims

You’ve Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams by Elizabeth Sims

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t consider myself seasoned enough to really discuss the pro’s and con’s of “process” but believe in my heart that the best time to study craft is AFTER writing 100,000 words of dreck. Only then do these pearls sink in. I heard Elizabeth Sim’s speak a couple of years ago and was impressed by her unique ability to distill ideas to and understandable essence. A rare gift.

Her book, “You’ve Got a Book in You” is just that. A distillation of some basic tenets that every writer can adopt. The examples were clear and resonant. And what I walked away with, along with some great tools, was a new understanding and trust in my own worth as a writer.I don’t work like anyone else. My voice and process are unique to me. More importantly, that’s OKAY!

Thanks, Ms Sim’s for sharing your experience so eloquently!

Addendum:

When I started writing, I bought and read several writing books. Frankly, they confused the heck out of me. It felt like conflicting advice. There were dozens of terms and phrases that were complete Greek.

Bottom line: I was convinced I was doing EVERYTHING WRONG! And pretty much, I was. But I kept writing. I knew one thing to be true, that we should write the kinds of stories we want to read. So I did! I’m not sure of the count now, nine or ten COMPLETED manuscripts.

Yeah , Baby, that’s what I’m talking about!

That was essentially due to my die-hard loyalty to the NaNoWriMo program seven years in a row. To be honest, they are not ready for prime-time. They are mostly the dreaded “first-drafts” Tantalizing dreck, BUT complete stories.

Someday I’ll polish some of them up and submit them. In the meantime I have new ideas percolating and with new tools I have, courtesy of some really fine teachers, I’ll be telling Better stories!

Thanks again, Elizabeth! Great book.

View all my reviews

Resilience

waiting for a new day.

Resilience.

This idea has been fermenting for weeks from several different sources. I started thinking about it earlier this spring because of the devastating drought we are enduring in the high desert of New Mexico. My property sits within a few miles of a small mountain and is windswept and barren. Before July, we had received no measurable precipitation in almost a year. The small amount of snow never really accumulated and even the minute amount that hung around for more than a few hours eventually evaporated.

Unlike other years, when seasonal rains were generous and a bounty of prairie wildflowers appeared; this year looked more like the dust bowl. An early “monsoon season” began around July 1 and we’ve had small amounts of precipitation almost every day since. After three weeks, the soil was actually saturated and a few errant weeds began to sprout. Today when I look out, the brown-gray prairie has begun to shift to more of a greenish-gray and the sunflowers are beginning their fall display. Resilience. Buried deep beneath the dried clay are tiny seeds awaiting a little bit of moisture and warmth.

People are resilient too. I’ve read and listened to numerous stories from friends and acquaintances who’ve overcome incredible adversity not just economic or political hardships, but deep, life-altering personal struggles. You know the kind I mean, the “I complained that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet” kind of adversity. Each one is a hero to me.

It amazes me, and on some level thrills me to see people push through it and defy the odds. –Just like those tiny seeds beneath the crusted soil. I’ve always  rooted for the underdog because I understand that desire. We’re made of stronger stuff than we often realize. I’ve had my struggles like many others and times when I thought I didn’t have the strength to get back up again. But, I had no choice. Today, when I reflect on the many times I dismissed some of my darkest moments, I’m a surprised but  proud that I made the effort, proud of the woman I’ve become. I think my parents would be, too. Is it what I dreamed of? Not really. But I think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And yes, I consider myself resilient.

My life path trajectory shifted a bit, recently, when I discovered the work of Dr. Brene Brown and her book Daring Greatly. She is a qualitative researcher working in the field of shame and vulnerability and the quote at the beginning of her book, “The Man in the Arena” has haunted me with its powerful message for several weeks.

THE MAN IN THE ARENA  

Theodore Roosevelt

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Resilience.

I began to understand that as a writer, whenever I publish a book, or share it with another writer, I am stepping into the arena. And it is daunting. It is the very height of vulnerability. Regardless of what we’re writing—whether fiction or nonfiction—and WE–all of us– are stepping into the center of a very public space to share tiny bits of ourselves. I think that for many of us, some of the truth in our fiction is not the stuff of casual conversations; but more likely small windows into the soul. And when the critics shout from the stands, as they often do, their thoughtless words can cause wounds.

Resilience: the power or ability to return to the original form.

It is an amazing gift and one for which I am very grateful. And for all who have shared their triumphs and tragedies both public and private, thank you. We can all stand a little taller for the sharing we do.                                                                                                              “We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.”― Thich Nhat Hanh

A day, or several, in a writer’s life

If I chose a simplistic overview, I’d speculate that some folks might guess that being a writer is kind of a hobby-like job. Dream up some idea, write it all down, tweak it so it looks and sounds about right, and send it off to a publisher. If one already has a contract–groovy!

The editor will find any mistakes you might have made, send it back, and when they’re all corrected…BANG! It’s published, folks love it, and then it’s time for a well-earned break while the great American Novel earns some serious coin.

Yeah, not so much. The “actual” overview would be more like a three act play, without intermissions.

I regale y’all with this little snippet for another reason. At some point in the journey, the storytelling gets darn serious to many of us. The story part becomes a precious life that requires great skill, patience, and ingenuity to make manifest. Suddenly each word becomes sacrosanct, and each sentence or paragraph integral to the whole. This is the part where we actually learn and practice the “craft” of writing. The heart of what we do.

Writing a story was a challenge in 1998 when a friend and I made up a “what if” scenario. It was for fun and I played with it for over ten years, intermittently. It was for my own personal enjoyment and didn’t share it for a long time. It was fun and I made up other stories, several of them. I counted once, about three years ago, and figured I’d written over 600,000* words. Yes, 600 thousand. And as some might say, not all of them were “good” words. But I just kept writing, because I really had fun making shit up. (Elizabeth Sims would like that, she says: Writing is Fun.)

Fast forward. I’ve published three of those stories and I’m, working on two more. NOW, if I’d known then what I know now… Well, I wouldn’t have to work so hard to revising them.  But, therein lies the learning. It’s much harder than the ‘making up shit’ part, believe me.

Now here’s the next part. Promotion. Yup. And here you thought the revising part was hard. nuh uh.

Most books don’t sell themselves, unless it’s “Jericho”.

So, I must screw up my courage and leave my comfortable, cluttered little writer’s lair, and get a little face-time with actual, book-buying humans. While I am a friendly, fun, character, I’m also an introvert. I need naps and quiet time. Regularly.

However, I love writing, and in order for my publisher to continue to buy my stories, we must sell them. So, I’ve had to really hit the road, literally.

This year alone I’ve appeared at the Dallas Jewel Book Club, The Lone Star Lesfic Festival, the Southwest Book Fiesta,and The Golden Crown Literary Society. Is that enough face-time? Nope.

Next Saturday, I’ll join my local RWA chapter Land of Enchantment Romance Authors at a “Love-in at the Library” in ABQ. Next month(September) I will appear and sponsor the Western Women Writers along with the Petroglyph Guild for a afternoon author’s event in the mountains. In October, I will proudly join some stellar writers at the first ever Left Coast Lesbian Conference in Palm Springs, sponsored by Sapphire Books. November will be our local writer’s conference at the Indian Pueblo Center in ABQ. (details can be found on my FB page or my FB author page “Barrett Writes”)

I think I’ll stay home in December. Maybe.

For now, I’m lovingly putting final touches on “Balefire” -a warm, interwoven love story.

The Fabled Book-Giveaway *Winners*

*****Tuesday, July 23, 2013   Announcement Day*****

(as a sidenote, Brenda Novak –Award winning Best Seller– just announced a contest where she was giving the winner 7 nights paid at a posh resort. I thought to myself, why didn’t I think of that? huh.)

Back to business…

Trumpet Fanfare, then slow drumroll…

There is a TIE!

Both were correct and therefore both will have their choice of any of my  3 books including the soon to be released “BALEFIRE”

Congratulations to “Dutch”  and SueH!

Let me know your choice and thanks to everyone who participated!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Apologies for all the interruptions and delays. I have far too many distractions and I wanted to get this done in …May? yikes. In my defense, I was working on two books and planning a writing event in Albuquerque in September. Then came GCLS.

First, the prizes.For the first person to get all three answers correct: your choice of any of the three titles–print or eBook–as well as the option on the the new book “Balefire” (see teaser blog dated 6/10/13).

Second place will get a choice of any of the published ebooks. Next two runners up (if there are any) signed postcards of choice.

 >>>>   The Questions:

1. DIS  ”T.J.” is the nickname of Zeke’s closest childhood friend. What does it stand for?  

2. WCM   Anne is amazed by the non-fogging mirror in the hotel bathroom. What was the explanation? 

3. DG  When Zeke orders room service on her arrival in AZ. what does she order?

*******addendum: send your answers to: barrett.writes@gmail.com    ****

Book three of the Damaged series is In-Process, so to speak, and will be titled “Dispatched With Cause”.  Buckle up.  Winners will be announced next Tuesday, July 23rd.

​

http://bink.bedazzledink.com/index.php/authors/barrett/

At Long last, The Fabled Book-Giveaway

Apologies for all the interruptions and delays. I have far too many distractions and I wanted to get this done in …May? yikes. In my defense, I was working on two books and planning a writing event in Albuquerque in September. Then came GCLS.

First, the prizes.For the first person to get all three answers correct: your choice of any of the three titles–print or eBook–as well as the option on the the new book “Balefire” (see teaser blog dated 6/10/13).

Second place will get a choice of any of the published ebooks. Next two runners up (if there are any) signed postcards of choice.

 >>>>   The Questions:

1. DIS  ”T.J.” is the nickname of Zeke’s closest childhood friend. What does it stand for?  

2. WCM   Anne is amazed by the non-fogging mirror in the hotel bathroom. What was the explanation? 

3. DG  When Zeke orders room service on her arrival in AZ. what does she order?

*******addendum: send your answers to: barrett.writes@gmail.com    ****

Book three of the Damaged series is In-Process, so to speak, and will be titled “Dispatched With Cause”.  Buckle up.  Winners will be announced next Tuesday, July 23rd.

​

http://bink.bedazzledink.com/index.php/authors/barrett/

Inevitable re-entry

Golden Crown Literary Society 9th Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas 2013

YES.

It really has taken a week to recover my empty tank and I still needed a nap.

230+ women celebrating books AND chocolate chip cookies!! What’s not to love?

It’s been almost a year since I join the amazing team at Bedazzled Ink. What a great group. This year we had a record number of incredible authors present, including: Andi Marquette, Barb Clanton, B.L.Miller, R.g.Emanuelle, Baxter Clare Trautman , Salem West, Newbie Sandra Moran, and the inexplicable and Goldie award winning Ann McMan!

Team Bink! The Literary Tip of the Spear–TOTS.

Bedecked in some very handsome tee-shirts (Courtesy of Claudia and Casey– Publishers Extraordinaire and Tree House Studios) we covered the Con with jocularity and jubilance. Our books at the Allied table sold quickly. And in Sandra’s case, her pre pub “Letters Never Sent” Sold out! Very proud of the new kid.

There were so many old friends that I could finally hug and talk face to face. New friends from emails and Facebook were everywhere. They were new, but oh so familiar. For some of us who enjoy a solitary life without distraction or petty irritants, it is a wonderful opportunity to bathe in the nurturance of loving caring friends for four magical days. I heard, more than once, there’s nothing better than time spent with smart, funny, caring women. Amen.

The schedule was brutal when I wanted to attend everything. Ther readings, coffee talks, and master classes offered an opportunity to learn, improve my craft, and hear about current hot topics and new writers. It was incredible. This was only my fourth Con, but boy have things changed–even in one year!

This year, the Board and volunteers stepped up their level of organization and everything flowed so much better.

Special nods to Sandy Thornton, Nelda Ireland and their team. The auctions–both author and silent–generated an amazing amount of money for scholarships for next year.

As writers, we are so incredibly blessed with the most loyal and generous readers. I wish everyone of them could afford to attend just one of these great family reunions. My own reading is so much greater for having the chance to meet and talk to some amazing authors. Mainstream readers probably never have that opportunity. We are very lucky.

I am home anxious to get Balefire off to the editor for publication, as well as getting back to work on Book Three of the Damaged series Dispatched With Cause.

A special thanks to all who made this event possible, every single hugger I ran into, and especially my new “Family” of choice, Salem West, Ann McMan, Baxter Clare Trautman, Sandra Moran, Bev Prescott, Andi Marquette and of course, Casey and Claudia!

Portland, here I come!

oh, and p.s.  the Bink Elves were up to more mischief yesterday, thanks to our talented graphic designer… Ann McMan at Tree House Studio

Summer Solstice-Take II

You know it’s hot when….