Eileen Granfors's Blog, page 4
October 15, 2014
Hey! A Movie and my Book
The animated film, THE BOOK OF LIFE, comes out on October 17th. If you and your children (ages 12+) are interested in the topic of El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, I wrote a book about this very subject.
SOME RIVERS END ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD was my first novel. In it, Marisol and her mother flee the drug wars of Mexico. Marisol finds herself in a new "war," a cultural war of Americans in an upper class LA suburb. She's the new girl, the Mexican.
She uses her optimism, love of family, and the help of her teachers to try to fit in. Her one wish is to return home to Tijuana to honor her father on El Dia de los Muertos. A funny, ironic coming of age tale from a feisty young lady.
SOME RIVERS END ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD was my first novel. In it, Marisol and her mother flee the drug wars of Mexico. Marisol finds herself in a new "war," a cultural war of Americans in an upper class LA suburb. She's the new girl, the Mexican.
She uses her optimism, love of family, and the help of her teachers to try to fit in. Her one wish is to return home to Tijuana to honor her father on El Dia de los Muertos. A funny, ironic coming of age tale from a feisty young lady.
May 7, 2014
On Hold!
Hello friends and fans,
I am delaying my project SO YOU, SOLIMAR, for a variety of reasons. This will be the first summer in 6 years that I haven't put a volume out. I am simply in transition to a new life in a new place and setting up new schedules.
SOLIMAR will come out eventually, but not in 2014.
Meanwhile, if you haven't read books outside the series, SYDNEY'S STORY (prequel to Tale) has been used successfully in several AP programs as a follow up (though it's a sequel) to A TALE OF TWO CITIES. (Teachers love that there is no way to get e-notes or fake term papers on SYDNEY'S STORY.
Also, STAIRS OF SAND, women's fiction, continues to be a book club favorite and has been called my most reflective and joyful work. Eileen
I am delaying my project SO YOU, SOLIMAR, for a variety of reasons. This will be the first summer in 6 years that I haven't put a volume out. I am simply in transition to a new life in a new place and setting up new schedules.
SOLIMAR will come out eventually, but not in 2014.
Meanwhile, if you haven't read books outside the series, SYDNEY'S STORY (prequel to Tale) has been used successfully in several AP programs as a follow up (though it's a sequel) to A TALE OF TWO CITIES. (Teachers love that there is no way to get e-notes or fake term papers on SYDNEY'S STORY.
Also, STAIRS OF SAND, women's fiction, continues to be a book club favorite and has been called my most reflective and joyful work. Eileen
April 8, 2014
April Word Showers
T.S. Eliot may have called April "the cruellest month," but this year, for me, it represents all of what Spring is about:
new growth.
Finally, I finished a new piece for a flash fiction contest. Finally, I entered some other works that I had put off editing into contests of their own.
Tomorrow is the big day as I set out to write a new chapter for SO YOU SOLIMAR.
The weather here in Missouri is astounding: sunny one minute and then a clap of thunder and a downpour. Snow all of February.
We love the peace of our quiet lake neighborhood and enjoy our friendly neighbors' company. I want to complete some new writing before we adopt another dog or two, which is bound to happen.
new growth.
Finally, I finished a new piece for a flash fiction contest. Finally, I entered some other works that I had put off editing into contests of their own.
Tomorrow is the big day as I set out to write a new chapter for SO YOU SOLIMAR.
The weather here in Missouri is astounding: sunny one minute and then a clap of thunder and a downpour. Snow all of February.
We love the peace of our quiet lake neighborhood and enjoy our friendly neighbors' company. I want to complete some new writing before we adopt another dog or two, which is bound to happen.
March 21, 2014
Getting With It
I've spent the last 3 months packing and moving and decorating. Now I want to, need to, must get back into my writing groove.
I have the office all set up. The husband has been told about the sign on the door (open faucet, ideas flowing, keep out; turned off faucet, just knoodling, come on in). Working so far.
SO YOU SOLIMAR will be out by the end of summer. I thought spring, but it's one thing after another here.
Plus, my writing group dissolved before the first meeting, so now I have a smaller group that's critiquing online. I really appreciate their support.
Write on, read on my friends.
I have the office all set up. The husband has been told about the sign on the door (open faucet, ideas flowing, keep out; turned off faucet, just knoodling, come on in). Working so far.
SO YOU SOLIMAR will be out by the end of summer. I thought spring, but it's one thing after another here.
Plus, my writing group dissolved before the first meeting, so now I have a smaller group that's critiquing online. I really appreciate their support.
Write on, read on my friends.
March 2, 2014
New Home
We've been settling into our Missouri home for the past month. The boxes are now unpacked, pictures are on the walls, and I more or less know where things are.
The neighbors have been more than welcoming. It's wonderful to have people drop by or wave or ask us over to dinner. We owe a few dinners!
Patrick is returning to LA to pick up his mom and her things. She is in assisted living there. We have found a nice facility here for her.
The weather is amazing--we've had all the seasons in a day with wind, rain, snow, sleet, sunshine, and fog. Every day seems like a new adventure.
Our dogs have adjusted fairly well. Their favorite place is on the couch in my office where I'm dabbling with poetry until I find my way with SO YOU, SOLIMAR.
My new critique group is to meet here Weds. for the first time if the roads are open. I am hopeful to meet new writers and enjoy some book talk!
The neighbors have been more than welcoming. It's wonderful to have people drop by or wave or ask us over to dinner. We owe a few dinners!
Patrick is returning to LA to pick up his mom and her things. She is in assisted living there. We have found a nice facility here for her.
The weather is amazing--we've had all the seasons in a day with wind, rain, snow, sleet, sunshine, and fog. Every day seems like a new adventure.
Our dogs have adjusted fairly well. Their favorite place is on the couch in my office where I'm dabbling with poetry until I find my way with SO YOU, SOLIMAR.
My new critique group is to meet here Weds. for the first time if the roads are open. I am hopeful to meet new writers and enjoy some book talk!
January 23, 2014
Where's Waldo? (Eileen)
Hello readers,
I have been working madly, day and night, not on a novel as would be my wish, but packing the house up. My husband has finally retired, and we are moving from California to Missouri.
I can't believe the time has come at last! We've owned the house there for 8 years.
When I sat down this morning to write one more review before we hit the road, I realized how much I miss being at my key board, working on a story or a book or a review.
It will take us a few weeks to get organized in Missouri, and then I hope to be writing SO YOU, SOLIMAR to finish by summer.
I'll keep notes on the books I read as we wend our way cross country. It is not possible for me to go a day without reading.
I have been working madly, day and night, not on a novel as would be my wish, but packing the house up. My husband has finally retired, and we are moving from California to Missouri.
I can't believe the time has come at last! We've owned the house there for 8 years.
When I sat down this morning to write one more review before we hit the road, I realized how much I miss being at my key board, working on a story or a book or a review.
It will take us a few weeks to get organized in Missouri, and then I hope to be writing SO YOU, SOLIMAR to finish by summer.
I'll keep notes on the books I read as we wend our way cross country. It is not possible for me to go a day without reading.
December 18, 2013
BEST of 2013
Hello readers,
I have posted a baker's dozen of FICTION favorites for 2013 and non-fiction favorites for 2013 on my blog:
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
Today I will be putting up my Indie books of 2013.
I will also name my book of the year! I bet it will surprise you!
Please follow Word Joy http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
I have posted a baker's dozen of FICTION favorites for 2013 and non-fiction favorites for 2013 on my blog:
http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
Today I will be putting up my Indie books of 2013.
I will also name my book of the year! I bet it will surprise you!
Please follow Word Joy http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
October 28, 2013
Free, Fun, Educational
On November 1 (Day of the Dead in Hispanic culture) my first novel, SOME RIVERS END ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD, will be free on Amazon Kindle. The free days go through November 5.
Meet Marisol, a 9th grader, pulled from her comfortable life in Tijuana to the rich suburbs of Los Angeles--except that she's living under an oak tree in a field.
Marisol is plucky and determined to make her way through the inspiration of a good teacher and the backing of a quirky friend.
She struggles with bullies, American idioms, and family life. Her optimistic, funny narrative takes her to places she had never imagined except in her favorite books.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD SOME RIVERS END ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD--easy reading, great for middle grade reluctant readers and adults alike. Like WONDER, this book looks at life and makes the reader aware of struggles on society's fringes.
Meet Marisol, a 9th grader, pulled from her comfortable life in Tijuana to the rich suburbs of Los Angeles--except that she's living under an oak tree in a field.
Marisol is plucky and determined to make her way through the inspiration of a good teacher and the backing of a quirky friend.
She struggles with bullies, American idioms, and family life. Her optimistic, funny narrative takes her to places she had never imagined except in her favorite books.
PLEASE DOWNLOAD SOME RIVERS END ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD--easy reading, great for middle grade reluctant readers and adults alike. Like WONDER, this book looks at life and makes the reader aware of struggles on society's fringes.
October 16, 2013
Blog Hop and Free Download
Hi to all my followers,
The SPOOKTACULAR blog hop is underway with 379 blogs participating.
My comments button is not working. You may message me here at goodreads or using my email, eggranfors@gmail.com to enter for a chance to win Atwood's Madd Addam.
Also, my prequel to A TALE OF TWO CITIES, SYDNEY'S STORY, is free to download through Oct. 19th. I checked on Kindle and TALE is also free if you want to brush up on Dickens. You don't need to know Tale inside out to enjoy Sydney's growth from toddler to hero in my prequel.
@AmazonKindle
The SPOOKTACULAR blog hop is underway with 379 blogs participating.
My comments button is not working. You may message me here at goodreads or using my email, eggranfors@gmail.com to enter for a chance to win Atwood's Madd Addam.
Also, my prequel to A TALE OF TWO CITIES, SYDNEY'S STORY, is free to download through Oct. 19th. I checked on Kindle and TALE is also free if you want to brush up on Dickens. You don't need to know Tale inside out to enjoy Sydney's growth from toddler to hero in my prequel.
@AmazonKindle
October 14, 2013
Ten Things I'm Thinking About
1. My husband works too hard. He commutes LA to San Francisco M-F. It's painful.
2. My husband is a marvelous cook. He made baked quince yesterday. Amazing.
3. I am not happy if my dogs are not under foot or on my lap.
4. I am wondering if the time I spend on Twitter is worth it.
5. The government needs to get it together. They aren't dealing with paper or stones. They are dealing with the lives of real, living people.
6. My new novel-in-progress is not progressing. But SYDNEY'S STORY is FREE Oct. 15-19 --be sure to download. It's a prequel to A TALE OF TWO CITIES.
7. Flash fiction is a kick to read/write.
8. I need flowers for my hair--Jimmy Buffett this Saturday!
9. 379 book bloggers joined for the SPOOKTACULAR giveaway. Begins tomorrow. Start w/ mine:
Word Joy, http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
10. I live a lovely and blessed life.
2. My husband is a marvelous cook. He made baked quince yesterday. Amazing.
3. I am not happy if my dogs are not under foot or on my lap.
4. I am wondering if the time I spend on Twitter is worth it.
5. The government needs to get it together. They aren't dealing with paper or stones. They are dealing with the lives of real, living people.
6. My new novel-in-progress is not progressing. But SYDNEY'S STORY is FREE Oct. 15-19 --be sure to download. It's a prequel to A TALE OF TWO CITIES.
7. Flash fiction is a kick to read/write.
8. I need flowers for my hair--Jimmy Buffett this Saturday!
9. 379 book bloggers joined for the SPOOKTACULAR giveaway. Begins tomorrow. Start w/ mine:
Word Joy, http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
10. I live a lovely and blessed life.
