Carlene Havel's Blog: Carlene, page 4
July 22, 2013
A short Story For You
Molly Bennet greeted her husband at the front door of their house. “Hello, dear. I’m glad you’re home. I was getting a little worried. Did the car break down?”
“No,” John replied, with a quick kiss to his wife’s cheek. “I sold the car,” John replied, as he removed his coat and sat on the worn couch.
“You sold it?” Molly repeated. She came to sit by John and put a hand on his forearm. “But why? What happened?”
John sighed and leaned his head back to face the ceiling, eyes closed. “First of all, Mr. Taggert wouldn’t take our check as a deposit for the new church building. He refused to sign the contract and said we couldn’t do any business until we showed up with five thousand dollars in cash. ‘Then we’ll negotiate,’ he said.”
“But I thought the down payment was four thousand, not five,” Molly said.
John nodded. “It was four thousand, last time we talked.” He opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “Anyway, the deacons and I had a quick prayer meeting. The men put in as much as they could, but we were still short. A thousand dollars is a lot of money. Then Jim Forrester said he would sell his car, and I said I would do the same. I went to the bank and drew all the money out of the church’s account. By the time we raked together the cash, Taggert & Sons Construction Company was closed for the day. When I got back to the bank, someone was locking up there, too.”
“So that suitcase…?” Molly pointed at the brown bag.
“Cash money,” John replied. “Five thousand thirty-seven dollars. I have the other eighty-five cents in my pocket. It didn’t make sense to put loose coins inside there.” He sat up. “It makes me a little nervous to have all that money here in the house, but I couldn’t think of anywhere else to keep it safe.”
“Well, it’s only for one night. We can put the suitcase under the bed, and you can pay Mr. Taggert in the morning. Would you like some supper?”
***
Molly Bennett scattered corn for her chickens, all the while keeping a wary eye on her back door. She would rest easier when John got all that money back where it belonged. He’d said he would take care of that first thing this morning. However, at sunrise a barefoot boy banged on the front door. “Pastor Bennett needs to come quick,” he said breathlessly. “Mr. O’Callaghan had a heart attack.” Now it was almost noon, with no word from John.
Returning inside, Molly went to the bedroom and checked to make sure the brown case containing the money still rested beneath her bed. Then she went to the kitchen and put on a pot of chicken to boil. Based on the length of John’s absence, she feared Mr. O’Callaghan might be gravely ill. She knew John would stay all day if necessary. At least Molly could provide the O’Callaghan family the comfort of a pot of chicken and dumplings.
Late in the afternoon, John came walking down the dusty road, head drooping. “Brother O’Callaghan passed on to glory,” were his first words of greeting.
“I’ll take some food over there as soon as the bread comes out of the oven,” Molly said, giving her husband a hug. “Be sure and keep an eye on that suitcase while I’m gone.”
Shaking his head, John said, “I forgot about the money with all that was happening at the O’Callaghan farm. I guess old Mr. Taggert figured we couldn’t raise the money for the new church building.” He glanced at the kitchen clock. “He’s gone home by now for sure. The bank’s closed, and tomorrow’s Saturday.”
***
John arrived at the bank promptly at eight o’clock Monday morning. Seeing the crowd outside, he asked, “What’s happening? Why are there so many people waiting to do business with the bank?”
“Haven’t you heard?” a man in overalls asked. “Banks are failing all over the place. I came to get my money before it disappears.”
“Failing? What does that mean?”
A smartly-dressed woman turned around to face John. “It means if you’re not in the front of this line, you’re probably out of luck. Don’t you read the newspapers?”
“Well, I read about some trouble with the stock market, in New York,” John replied. The woman turned away.
“The trouble isn’t just on Wall Street,” the man in overalls said. “It’s all over the place. Growing like a cancer. I should have bought land instead of trusting my money to this here bank.”
John walked from the bank to the barber shop, still clutching the handle of the suitcase containing the church’s money. Finding Deacon Fisher standing outside his shop, John hurried over to him. “Brother Fisher,” he said, “there’s a ruckus over at the bank.”
“Yeah. I heard.” Fisher was a tall, portly man, with a bald pate and a brushy moustache. Opening the shop door, he said, “Come on inside and sit a spell, Pastor. Ain’t nobody going to get a haircut or a shave in this town today. We may as well sit and talk a spell.”
The barber eased his bulk into one of his customer chairs. “I bet old man Taggert wishes he’d a waited to get the church’s money, instead of letting it go down the drain with the rest of the town’s savings. Serves him right, trying to jack us up for a bigger down payment. Shoot, the way things are going I bet we could have got the whole building put up now for less than five thousand dollars.”
“You really think so?” John asked.
“I do,” Fisher answered. “Too bad you didn’t hear about the run on the bank in time to get the church’s money out of there.”
“Could you gather the other deacons together and let us meet in your back room this morning?” John tapped the suitcase. “There’s something we need to discuss. Yes, sir,” he said, “The Lord surely does move in mysterious ways.”
-by Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
“No,” John replied, with a quick kiss to his wife’s cheek. “I sold the car,” John replied, as he removed his coat and sat on the worn couch.
“You sold it?” Molly repeated. She came to sit by John and put a hand on his forearm. “But why? What happened?”
John sighed and leaned his head back to face the ceiling, eyes closed. “First of all, Mr. Taggert wouldn’t take our check as a deposit for the new church building. He refused to sign the contract and said we couldn’t do any business until we showed up with five thousand dollars in cash. ‘Then we’ll negotiate,’ he said.”
“But I thought the down payment was four thousand, not five,” Molly said.
John nodded. “It was four thousand, last time we talked.” He opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead. “Anyway, the deacons and I had a quick prayer meeting. The men put in as much as they could, but we were still short. A thousand dollars is a lot of money. Then Jim Forrester said he would sell his car, and I said I would do the same. I went to the bank and drew all the money out of the church’s account. By the time we raked together the cash, Taggert & Sons Construction Company was closed for the day. When I got back to the bank, someone was locking up there, too.”
“So that suitcase…?” Molly pointed at the brown bag.
“Cash money,” John replied. “Five thousand thirty-seven dollars. I have the other eighty-five cents in my pocket. It didn’t make sense to put loose coins inside there.” He sat up. “It makes me a little nervous to have all that money here in the house, but I couldn’t think of anywhere else to keep it safe.”
“Well, it’s only for one night. We can put the suitcase under the bed, and you can pay Mr. Taggert in the morning. Would you like some supper?”
***
Molly Bennett scattered corn for her chickens, all the while keeping a wary eye on her back door. She would rest easier when John got all that money back where it belonged. He’d said he would take care of that first thing this morning. However, at sunrise a barefoot boy banged on the front door. “Pastor Bennett needs to come quick,” he said breathlessly. “Mr. O’Callaghan had a heart attack.” Now it was almost noon, with no word from John.
Returning inside, Molly went to the bedroom and checked to make sure the brown case containing the money still rested beneath her bed. Then she went to the kitchen and put on a pot of chicken to boil. Based on the length of John’s absence, she feared Mr. O’Callaghan might be gravely ill. She knew John would stay all day if necessary. At least Molly could provide the O’Callaghan family the comfort of a pot of chicken and dumplings.
Late in the afternoon, John came walking down the dusty road, head drooping. “Brother O’Callaghan passed on to glory,” were his first words of greeting.
“I’ll take some food over there as soon as the bread comes out of the oven,” Molly said, giving her husband a hug. “Be sure and keep an eye on that suitcase while I’m gone.”
Shaking his head, John said, “I forgot about the money with all that was happening at the O’Callaghan farm. I guess old Mr. Taggert figured we couldn’t raise the money for the new church building.” He glanced at the kitchen clock. “He’s gone home by now for sure. The bank’s closed, and tomorrow’s Saturday.”
***
John arrived at the bank promptly at eight o’clock Monday morning. Seeing the crowd outside, he asked, “What’s happening? Why are there so many people waiting to do business with the bank?”
“Haven’t you heard?” a man in overalls asked. “Banks are failing all over the place. I came to get my money before it disappears.”
“Failing? What does that mean?”
A smartly-dressed woman turned around to face John. “It means if you’re not in the front of this line, you’re probably out of luck. Don’t you read the newspapers?”
“Well, I read about some trouble with the stock market, in New York,” John replied. The woman turned away.
“The trouble isn’t just on Wall Street,” the man in overalls said. “It’s all over the place. Growing like a cancer. I should have bought land instead of trusting my money to this here bank.”
John walked from the bank to the barber shop, still clutching the handle of the suitcase containing the church’s money. Finding Deacon Fisher standing outside his shop, John hurried over to him. “Brother Fisher,” he said, “there’s a ruckus over at the bank.”
“Yeah. I heard.” Fisher was a tall, portly man, with a bald pate and a brushy moustache. Opening the shop door, he said, “Come on inside and sit a spell, Pastor. Ain’t nobody going to get a haircut or a shave in this town today. We may as well sit and talk a spell.”
The barber eased his bulk into one of his customer chairs. “I bet old man Taggert wishes he’d a waited to get the church’s money, instead of letting it go down the drain with the rest of the town’s savings. Serves him right, trying to jack us up for a bigger down payment. Shoot, the way things are going I bet we could have got the whole building put up now for less than five thousand dollars.”
“You really think so?” John asked.
“I do,” Fisher answered. “Too bad you didn’t hear about the run on the bank in time to get the church’s money out of there.”
“Could you gather the other deacons together and let us meet in your back room this morning?” John tapped the suitcase. “There’s something we need to discuss. Yes, sir,” he said, “The Lord surely does move in mysterious ways.”
-by Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
July 15, 2013
"Cairo" - Must Read!
Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the bountiful San Joaquin Valley. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels. While her genre is inspirational, she likes to refer to herself as a Christian Romance Adventure Novelist.
The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel, Alvarado Gold, was published in 2007.
Victoria is a former staff technician for the environmental sector working in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, church service and emergency radio communications.
I just finished reading Victoria Pitts Caine's latest release entitled "Cairo", a romantic adventure story set in Egypt. Do yourself a favor and read this exciting page turner! The ebook version of "Cairo" is bargain priced at $2.99.
Victoria was kind enough to answer some interview questions for me. I can't wait to share her answers. So here they are:
Q. What is your next book?
The Tempering Agent. This book is the third in the series of adventures which began in Alvarado Gold. The Tempering Agent, like Cairo, is also set in Egypt
Q. Where did the idea come from for the book?
My interest in archaeology, Egypt and exotic gemstones.
Q. What genre does your book fall under?
Inspirational Romance/Suspense
Q. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your books?
Cairo - Unexpected circumstances in an exotic land reveal an unrequited love.
The Tempering Agent - Mystery, intrigue and murder bring together an unlikely couple.
Q. Which publishing house will represented your books?
Prism Book Group
Q. How long did it take you to write the first draft?
About a year for both.
Q. Who or What inspired you to write your books?
For Cairo, I wasn't finished telling the story started in my first novel, Alvarado Gold in The Tempering Agent, I wanted to mix my two hobbies of writing and gem collecting. The Tempering Agent continues the story started in the other two novels.
Q. What else about your book might grab the reader’s interest?
Both books take place in Egypt and there is a mix of mythology, and ancient customs in both books. Also the gemstones of the high priest are explained in The Tempering Agent.
Q. What’s new with your writing?
I had an Easter novella released from PRISM BOOK GROUP this past March. The name of the story is ”Like a Lily”.
I’m currently working on a time travel centered around an old mansion in up state New York and I have an historical short that I may rewrite for republication, too. It is set during the Civil War.
Information on Cairo and The Tempering Agent: http://www.prismbookgroup.com/victori...
Purchase information: Alvarado Gold http://tinyurl.com/oofq4b8
Purchase information: Like a Lily http://www.prismbookgroup.com/LikeaLi...
Website: http://vcaine.homestead.com
Blog: http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com
Email: alvaradogold9@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/victoria.pittscaine.5
or: facebook.com/Victoria.Pitts.Caine
"Cairo" Blurb
Liz McCran and Donnie Barnes travel to Cairo, Egypt, in search of Addie and Gary Wright, who were asked to deliver a mysterious envelope. Within days of their arrival, the couple has vanished. When Liz locates the Wright’s contact, Mr. Moustafa, she receives the first of several riddles.
Rayhan Shenouda, an Egyptian working at the American Embassy, agrees to help but his desire is to win Liz’s heart. Following his traditional customs, and much to her surprise, he proposes within days of their meeting.
Will the Wright’s be found? Can Rayhan and Liz’s love withstand an inevitable collision of cultures and customs? Or will it all end at the hands of a nomad insurgent named Ahmad?
Video Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bMc6...
The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel, Alvarado Gold, was published in 2007.
Victoria is a former staff technician for the environmental sector working in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, church service and emergency radio communications.
I just finished reading Victoria Pitts Caine's latest release entitled "Cairo", a romantic adventure story set in Egypt. Do yourself a favor and read this exciting page turner! The ebook version of "Cairo" is bargain priced at $2.99.
Victoria was kind enough to answer some interview questions for me. I can't wait to share her answers. So here they are:
Q. What is your next book?
The Tempering Agent. This book is the third in the series of adventures which began in Alvarado Gold. The Tempering Agent, like Cairo, is also set in Egypt
Q. Where did the idea come from for the book?
My interest in archaeology, Egypt and exotic gemstones.
Q. What genre does your book fall under?
Inspirational Romance/Suspense
Q. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your books?
Cairo - Unexpected circumstances in an exotic land reveal an unrequited love.
The Tempering Agent - Mystery, intrigue and murder bring together an unlikely couple.
Q. Which publishing house will represented your books?
Prism Book Group
Q. How long did it take you to write the first draft?
About a year for both.
Q. Who or What inspired you to write your books?
For Cairo, I wasn't finished telling the story started in my first novel, Alvarado Gold in The Tempering Agent, I wanted to mix my two hobbies of writing and gem collecting. The Tempering Agent continues the story started in the other two novels.
Q. What else about your book might grab the reader’s interest?
Both books take place in Egypt and there is a mix of mythology, and ancient customs in both books. Also the gemstones of the high priest are explained in The Tempering Agent.
Q. What’s new with your writing?
I had an Easter novella released from PRISM BOOK GROUP this past March. The name of the story is ”Like a Lily”.
I’m currently working on a time travel centered around an old mansion in up state New York and I have an historical short that I may rewrite for republication, too. It is set during the Civil War.
Information on Cairo and The Tempering Agent: http://www.prismbookgroup.com/victori...
Purchase information: Alvarado Gold http://tinyurl.com/oofq4b8
Purchase information: Like a Lily http://www.prismbookgroup.com/LikeaLi...
Website: http://vcaine.homestead.com
Blog: http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com
Email: alvaradogold9@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/victoria.pittscaine.5
or: facebook.com/Victoria.Pitts.Caine
"Cairo" Blurb
Liz McCran and Donnie Barnes travel to Cairo, Egypt, in search of Addie and Gary Wright, who were asked to deliver a mysterious envelope. Within days of their arrival, the couple has vanished. When Liz locates the Wright’s contact, Mr. Moustafa, she receives the first of several riddles.
Rayhan Shenouda, an Egyptian working at the American Embassy, agrees to help but his desire is to win Liz’s heart. Following his traditional customs, and much to her surprise, he proposes within days of their meeting.
Will the Wright’s be found? Can Rayhan and Liz’s love withstand an inevitable collision of cultures and customs? Or will it all end at the hands of a nomad insurgent named Ahmad?
Video Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bMc6...
July 8, 2013
Meet Victoria!
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite authors. Victoria Pitts Caine is a native Californian and lives in the bountiful San Joaquin Valley. Her varied interests include genealogy and exotic gemstone collecting both of which she’s incorporated into her novels. While her genre is inspirational, she likes to refer to herself as a Christian Romance Adventure Novelist.
The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel, Alvarado Gold, was published in 2007.
Victoria is a former staff technician for the environmental sector working in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, church service and emergency radio communications.
Want to find Victoria’s books? “Alvarado Gold” is available at http://tinyurl.com/oofq4b8
Her novela “Like a Lily” can be found at http://www.prismbookgroup.com/LikeaLi...
Want to follow Victoria’s blog? Pop on over to http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com
The latest release from this talented author is entitled “Cairo.” Here’s what it’s all about:
Liz McCran and Donnie Barnes travel to Cairo, Egypt, in search of Addie and Gary Wright, who were asked to deliver a mysterious envelope. Within days of their arrival, the couple has vanished. When Liz locates the Wright’s contact, Mr. Moustafa, she receives the first of several riddles.
Rayhan Shenouda, an Egyptian working at the American Embassy, agrees to help but his desire is to win Liz’s heart. Following his traditional customs, and much to her surprise, he proposes within days of their meeting.
Will the Wrights be found? Can Rayhan and Liz’s love withstand an inevitable collision of cultures and customs? Or will it all end at the hands of a nomad insurgent named Ahmad?
For a special treat, check out this video about “Cairo”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bMc6... "Cairo" release date is July 10!
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
The author has received recognition in both fiction and nonfiction from: Enduring Romance top 10 picks for 2008, William Saroyan Writing Conference, Byline Magazine, Writer’s Journal Magazine and The Southern California Genealogical Society. Her first novel, Alvarado Gold, was published in 2007.
Victoria is a former staff technician for the environmental sector working in air pollution control. She is the mother of two daughters. Victoria and her husband enjoy travel, church service and emergency radio communications.
Want to find Victoria’s books? “Alvarado Gold” is available at http://tinyurl.com/oofq4b8
Her novela “Like a Lily” can be found at http://www.prismbookgroup.com/LikeaLi...
Want to follow Victoria’s blog? Pop on over to http://victoriapitts-caine.blogspot.com
The latest release from this talented author is entitled “Cairo.” Here’s what it’s all about:
Liz McCran and Donnie Barnes travel to Cairo, Egypt, in search of Addie and Gary Wright, who were asked to deliver a mysterious envelope. Within days of their arrival, the couple has vanished. When Liz locates the Wright’s contact, Mr. Moustafa, she receives the first of several riddles.
Rayhan Shenouda, an Egyptian working at the American Embassy, agrees to help but his desire is to win Liz’s heart. Following his traditional customs, and much to her surprise, he proposes within days of their meeting.
Will the Wrights be found? Can Rayhan and Liz’s love withstand an inevitable collision of cultures and customs? Or will it all end at the hands of a nomad insurgent named Ahmad?
For a special treat, check out this video about “Cairo”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_bMc6... "Cairo" release date is July 10!
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
June 29, 2013
A Vent
Are good manners and common sense disappearing from our culture? I appreciate fine acting, but I’m astonished at how many accomplished actors think of themselves as gurus after a string of good performances on the stage or screen. How, exactly, does achieving a high level of skill as an actor qualify a person to give advice on everything from courtship to how to cast my vote in a presidential election?
Hollywood does its share of claiming wisdom with slim credentials, but (we) writers come in for our share of criticism also. I would love for every human being on this planet to click the “buy” button on one of my books. However, I don’t believe I will ever come close to that goal by losing the ability to carry on any conversation—spoken or written—that does not begin with a 30 second commercial. BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK didn’t convince me the first time I heard it. I seriously doubt thousands of repetitions will affect that decision. Nevertheless, some writers appear to be determined to test that premise.
I’ll admit to using social media in the hope of having my work noticed. But there’s a time and a place. Hint: the time is NOT always, and the place isn’t everywhere, every time we meet. If I didn’t buy insurance from the secretary’s husband who was trying to sell it to me at the office Christmas party (and I didn’t), it’s unlikely I’ll buy a book because the author barrages me with emails, friend requests, and tweets.
I may be alone in this opinion, but I think it's rude to add my email address to a mass mailing list without permission. When was the last time you listened carefully to the message of a robocall? Thankfully, caller ID keeps me from answering most of those. I hang up on the others.
What’s next? Door-to-door solicitation with flyers on the website to BUY MY BOOK? I’m sorry I asked that question. Someone’s ringing my doorbell…
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
Hollywood does its share of claiming wisdom with slim credentials, but (we) writers come in for our share of criticism also. I would love for every human being on this planet to click the “buy” button on one of my books. However, I don’t believe I will ever come close to that goal by losing the ability to carry on any conversation—spoken or written—that does not begin with a 30 second commercial. BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK BUY MY BOOK didn’t convince me the first time I heard it. I seriously doubt thousands of repetitions will affect that decision. Nevertheless, some writers appear to be determined to test that premise.
I’ll admit to using social media in the hope of having my work noticed. But there’s a time and a place. Hint: the time is NOT always, and the place isn’t everywhere, every time we meet. If I didn’t buy insurance from the secretary’s husband who was trying to sell it to me at the office Christmas party (and I didn’t), it’s unlikely I’ll buy a book because the author barrages me with emails, friend requests, and tweets.
I may be alone in this opinion, but I think it's rude to add my email address to a mass mailing list without permission. When was the last time you listened carefully to the message of a robocall? Thankfully, caller ID keeps me from answering most of those. I hang up on the others.
What’s next? Door-to-door solicitation with flyers on the website to BUY MY BOOK? I’m sorry I asked that question. Someone’s ringing my doorbell…
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
June 14, 2013
Problem Solved
Sometimes it seems we grapple with problems that have obvious solutions. I’m not talking about world peace or the international monetary fund. But, come on, why do companies need to spend time and money attempting (and failing) to develop breakfast cereal that remains crunchy in milk? Listen to the way the cereal plinks against the glass bowl when it comes tumbling out of the box. Want to keep that crunch? Then doesn't it seem logical to avoid pouring a cup of liquid over the flakes?
I simply drink my milk from a glass, as I would at lunch or dinner. I eat the cereal and fruit separately, either with a spoon or as finger food. My flakes remain crunchy to the last bite. Works every time.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
I simply drink my milk from a glass, as I would at lunch or dinner. I eat the cereal and fruit separately, either with a spoon or as finger food. My flakes remain crunchy to the last bite. Works every time.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
May 31, 2013
New Video Trailer
Check out this lovely trailer created by Jacqueline Hopper of Prism Book Group: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq3xCg...
Don't you love it??
Carlene Havel
Co-Author, Daughter of the King
Only $2.99 at http://goo.gl/5WLKj
Don't you love it??
Carlene Havel
Co-Author, Daughter of the King
Only $2.99 at http://goo.gl/5WLKj
May 27, 2013
What Happened?
Once upon a time, not so long ago, I looked forward to visiting a fabric store. My love of sewing has not diminished, but it seems everything else has. I can’t remember the exact order of the events, since each one by itself seemed insignificant. A big chain began to sell fabric at bargain basement prices. Small, locally-owned shops held going-out-of-business sales. The franchise stores held on by taking out about half of the fabric, replacing it with yarn, cake decorating supplies, and plastic flowers.
Back in the day, anyone who sold fabric knew how to sew. The sales clerks, mostly women, could advise customers on their projects. They understood what kind of thread could be used for various fabrics and knew the characteristics of different interfacings. Regardless of the instructions on the end of a bolt, they knew what could be laundered, and at what temperature. They could explain quilt batting, piping, one-way stripes, and elastic; and they could figure out how much yardage would be required to cover a sofa or make a set of draperies.
The national chain fabric stores consolidated neighborhood shops into one or two giant locations, the kind of place where the customer takes a number (literally) and waits for the electronic sign to summon her to the cutting table. There’s a separate long line for checking out, of course. The employees who could read and interpret the information on the back of a pattern envelope? They’ve disappeared, replaced by cutters and cash-register operators who’ve mastered the wordless response of a blank look when confronted with a question.
The national chain department store closed its fabric department after the locals were driven into bankruptcy. Instead of fighting crowds and standing in line for what seems like forever, I’ve taken to shopping via the internet. Oh, how I miss walking down the rows, touching each bolt of colorful fabric, and imagining what wonderful things could be made from each treasure.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
Back in the day, anyone who sold fabric knew how to sew. The sales clerks, mostly women, could advise customers on their projects. They understood what kind of thread could be used for various fabrics and knew the characteristics of different interfacings. Regardless of the instructions on the end of a bolt, they knew what could be laundered, and at what temperature. They could explain quilt batting, piping, one-way stripes, and elastic; and they could figure out how much yardage would be required to cover a sofa or make a set of draperies.
The national chain fabric stores consolidated neighborhood shops into one or two giant locations, the kind of place where the customer takes a number (literally) and waits for the electronic sign to summon her to the cutting table. There’s a separate long line for checking out, of course. The employees who could read and interpret the information on the back of a pattern envelope? They’ve disappeared, replaced by cutters and cash-register operators who’ve mastered the wordless response of a blank look when confronted with a question.
The national chain department store closed its fabric department after the locals were driven into bankruptcy. Instead of fighting crowds and standing in line for what seems like forever, I’ve taken to shopping via the internet. Oh, how I miss walking down the rows, touching each bolt of colorful fabric, and imagining what wonderful things could be made from each treasure.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
May 20, 2013
Meet Kim McMahill
My guest today is Kim McMahill, the talented author of six adventure novels. The three most current, Big Horn Storm, Marked in Mexico, and Desperate Dreams were published by Prism Book Group. Her latest novel, Shrouded in Secrets, is scheduled to be released this summer. For more on Kim and her work visit her website at
http://KimMcMahill.com
or follow her blog, Embrace Adventure
http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com
.
Question: Do you ever frighten yourself when you’re deeply involved in writing a suspenseful story?
Answer: No. Most of my adventures are really out there, set in the mountains, jungles, deserts or other exotic locals, many of which I’ve visited with no crisis or unpleasant experiences. What I couldn’t write are serial killer or psychological thrillers. Those types of stories show up on the news often enough that they are too entrenched in reality. I like my adventures to be a little less likely to happen in real life. Stories can be incredibly suspenseful using the “what if” scenario.
Q: How long does it take you to write a novel, from start to finish (submission to a publisher)?
A: The time it takes for me to write a novel varies considerably. Big Horn Storm probably took only about two or three months. Others such as my upcoming novel, Shrouded in Secrets, can take years. Most, though, fall somewhere in between. I could easily produce two novels a year, but my goal is to complete at least one high-quality novel annually.
Q: Do you have a favorite character among those you’ve created?
A: I would say Niki in Big Horn Storm is one of my favorite characters. Despite a less than ideal childhood she has always focused on the positives in her life such as her annual summer vacation with her grandfather at his sheep camp in the Bighorn Mountains, and worked hard to provide a stable future by being independent and putting herself though college. She is loving and loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. When pushed to her limits she reacts with strength she didn’t know she possessed and surprises even the most stubborn of cowboys.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: As I mentioned earlier the release of Shrouded in Secrets is just around the corner. In the novel the massacre of an unarmed South American village, destruction of one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world and multiple museum thefts ignite a desperate scramble to locate a deadly group of terrorists in an action-packed international thriller. For a sneak peek at the cover stop by my website or blog. I am also very excited about a novel I’m working on where the rural west collides with the pharmaceutical industry in a suspenseful thriller. It’s got ranchers, researchers, blizzards, fires, snowmobiles, explosions, shoot-outs, and, oh yes, a hunky Sheriff’s deputy.
Q: If you could go and live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book set in that location, where would you choose?
A: That’s a tough one. There are so many exciting places in the United States and around the world to choose from. I do love Italy, but there are also many places in Central and South America that are fascinating for their beauty, culture and history. I’ve already written two novels, Marked in Mexico and Deadly Ruins that incorporate Mayan Ruins found in Mexico, so it might be exciting to head further south to Guatemala or Belize for more Mayan adventures.
Again, Kim’s website is found at http://KimMcMahill.com , and her “Embrace Adventure” blog is http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com . Thank you, Kim, for taking time to share about yourself and your writing!
Question: Do you ever frighten yourself when you’re deeply involved in writing a suspenseful story?
Answer: No. Most of my adventures are really out there, set in the mountains, jungles, deserts or other exotic locals, many of which I’ve visited with no crisis or unpleasant experiences. What I couldn’t write are serial killer or psychological thrillers. Those types of stories show up on the news often enough that they are too entrenched in reality. I like my adventures to be a little less likely to happen in real life. Stories can be incredibly suspenseful using the “what if” scenario.
Q: How long does it take you to write a novel, from start to finish (submission to a publisher)?
A: The time it takes for me to write a novel varies considerably. Big Horn Storm probably took only about two or three months. Others such as my upcoming novel, Shrouded in Secrets, can take years. Most, though, fall somewhere in between. I could easily produce two novels a year, but my goal is to complete at least one high-quality novel annually.
Q: Do you have a favorite character among those you’ve created?
A: I would say Niki in Big Horn Storm is one of my favorite characters. Despite a less than ideal childhood she has always focused on the positives in her life such as her annual summer vacation with her grandfather at his sheep camp in the Bighorn Mountains, and worked hard to provide a stable future by being independent and putting herself though college. She is loving and loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. When pushed to her limits she reacts with strength she didn’t know she possessed and surprises even the most stubborn of cowboys.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: As I mentioned earlier the release of Shrouded in Secrets is just around the corner. In the novel the massacre of an unarmed South American village, destruction of one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world and multiple museum thefts ignite a desperate scramble to locate a deadly group of terrorists in an action-packed international thriller. For a sneak peek at the cover stop by my website or blog. I am also very excited about a novel I’m working on where the rural west collides with the pharmaceutical industry in a suspenseful thriller. It’s got ranchers, researchers, blizzards, fires, snowmobiles, explosions, shoot-outs, and, oh yes, a hunky Sheriff’s deputy.
Q: If you could go and live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book set in that location, where would you choose?
A: That’s a tough one. There are so many exciting places in the United States and around the world to choose from. I do love Italy, but there are also many places in Central and South America that are fascinating for their beauty, culture and history. I’ve already written two novels, Marked in Mexico and Deadly Ruins that incorporate Mayan Ruins found in Mexico, so it might be exciting to head further south to Guatemala or Belize for more Mayan adventures.
Again, Kim’s website is found at http://KimMcMahill.com , and her “Embrace Adventure” blog is http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com . Thank you, Kim, for taking time to share about yourself and your writing!
May 10, 2013
Happy Mothers Day!
I hope you have some cherished memories of your mom and the things she taught you. One of my mother's legacies is a love of words, books, and reading. She read to us, sang silly songs, and quoted poetry when her hands were busy with housework.
I've searched the internet but have not been able to find one of my favorite poems she told me over and over. It's about a monkey who taunts a hippo--"Oh, hippo, my boy, don't you wish you were me?"--for his inability to swing in the trees by his tail. The hippo dreams that he tries to engage in this behavior, with predictably disastrous results. "The splash could be heard ten miles and one half. It wiped out a village and drowned a giraffe. Flamingoes and fishes were strewn far and wide, and trees were laid flat by the force of the tide."
At the end the hippo realizes he has his own identity, separate from the monkey's. His parting words, "I'll stay on the ground, and I'll like it by heck!"
If anyone knows the name of this charming poem, or where to find the complete text, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
Happy Mother's Day to all moms, and especially to mine.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
I've searched the internet but have not been able to find one of my favorite poems she told me over and over. It's about a monkey who taunts a hippo--"Oh, hippo, my boy, don't you wish you were me?"--for his inability to swing in the trees by his tail. The hippo dreams that he tries to engage in this behavior, with predictably disastrous results. "The splash could be heard ten miles and one half. It wiped out a village and drowned a giraffe. Flamingoes and fishes were strewn far and wide, and trees were laid flat by the force of the tide."
At the end the hippo realizes he has his own identity, separate from the monkey's. His parting words, "I'll stay on the ground, and I'll like it by heck!"
If anyone knows the name of this charming poem, or where to find the complete text, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
Happy Mother's Day to all moms, and especially to mine.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
April 30, 2013
Have You Tried Almond Milk?
I hope I am not the last American to find out about almond milk. Shopping for interesting soft or liquid food after some dental work, I noticed almond milk in the dairy case. Except it isn't dairy. It's actually made from almonds, and I have no idea how. The calorie and fat content could be better, but there's no cholesterol, no saturated fat, and the taste knocked my socks off. If you loved chocolate milk as a child--you know, back when you didn't have to worry about what you ate and drank--you might want to give this product a try. I'm absolutely in love with the dark chocolate variety. Vanilla is pretty good, too.
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
Carlene Havel,
Author of "A Hero's Homecoming" co-author “Daughter of the King”
http://goo.gl/s6EQS
