CRXCowboy's Thoughts From My Head

Author Interview: Meredith Bond

2013-09-09T23:01:00.003-04:00

Meredith Bond is the author of the Vallen series of which "Magic In The Storm" is being reviewed over at Unleaded: Fuel for Writers.

Meredith Bond is an award-winning author of a series of traditionally published Regency romances and indie-published paranormal romances. Her paranormal romances include “Magic In The Storm,” “Storm on the Horizon,” and "In A Beginning" (in the anthology “Tales From The Mist”). Her traditional Regencies include “The Merry Men Quartet” of which “A Dandy In Disguise” has just been released. Meredith also teaches writing. If you want a taste of her class, Chapter One is available at your favorite e-retailer. Want to know more? Come visit Meredith at her website, www.meredithbond.com or chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meredithbondfan) or Twitter (@merrybond).

I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Bond during my review of her first book of the Vallen series.

What inspired you to write your first book? Boredom. Honestly. I’d just gotten married and moved to Williamstown, MA where my husband was a professor at Williams College. I had newly minted master’s degree in secondary education and thought that I’d teach high school history and social studies. Williamstown is an absolutely gorgeous town in the middle of nowhere on the Vermont-Massachusetts-New York border. Basically, I was told that if somebody died, I’d get a job teaching. I had nothing else to do, but read my favorite romances… until I started to write them myself.

How did you come up with the title? Excellent question! I honestly can’t recall. It must have been my husband. He comes up with a number of my titles.

What are your current projects? Oooh, the question most dear to every author’s heart! I have just re-published a Regency romance, A Dandy In Disguise (originally published as Dame Fortune by Zebra Books), and now I’m working on a really fun post-Arthurian fantasy trilogy. I’ve got the first two books of the Children of Avalon series finished (but for editing) and am working on writing the third book. As soon as my editing is done, and a bit more of the third book is completed, I’ll start publishing them. I’m aiming to get the first one out in October. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I’m going to assume you mean in the book I’m working on right now, Air: Merlin’s Chalice, the first book of the Children of Avalon series. I’m currently changing the whole thing from third person to first – both I (and my critique group) think it’ll work much better that way. I’ll be able to get much deeper into my heroine’s head, which is always a good thing.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Well, I have to say, my grammar has improved a great deal over the years – I’m no longer writing so many run-on sentences, except for this one, of course. J But definitely, remembering to include descriptions is always a challenge for me, and those dratted five senses. I never remember them and have to go back searching for them and adding them in as I edit.

Do you have to travel much for researching or marketing your book(s)? Sigh… I wish. I have gone to England a few times and deliberately toured Regency era homes there. And I had loads of fun doing research for An Exotic Heir in Kolkata, India, driving around the old British homes, the Governor’s mansion and, of course, going to the bazaar (which hasn’t changed as much as you might expect it to in 250 years).

What was the hardest part of writing your book? Balancing all the pieces. There are two major plot lines in Magic In The Storm as well as a couple of subplots, so balancing everything and making sure nothing got forgotten or dropped. Oh, and sex scenes! Sex is hard to write – at least for me. How much to do you describe (without using too many cringe-worthy clichés)? Why is it there? Does it have to be there? What does that scene do for the book? For the lives of the characters? For their stories? It’s always a challenge writing sex scenes.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life? For Magic In The Storm, I had to create an entire world and a people. I had to decide on what magic could be done, and what couldn’t. I had to come up with the rules of the world and then stick to them. That is always a challenge when writing paranormal and fantasy.

Do you have specific tools to aid your writing? Yes, and in fact, I just wrote a two-part blog series on “My writer’s toolboxes”. You can find them here: http://meredithbond.com/blog/posts/

How would you characterize your experience with self publishing? Excellent, if sometimes a little frustrating. I love self-publishing. I love formatting my books (although Smashwords will always give me headaches). I love being in control of every aspect of publishing (from writing to formatting to designing the cover). I do not love marketing, but in today’s publishing industry, I would have to do that no matter how I was published. Other than that, it’s fantastic!

Who designed the covers? Su at Earthly Charms did the cover for Magic In The Storm. For its prequel, Storm on the Horizon, I copied her design concept and made that cover on my own. I love designing my own covers (with help from my husband who is great at picking out just the right fonts for my titles).

I want to thank Ms. Bond for taking the time to answer my questions. I am looking forward to more of her Vallen series!

2013-08-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

Recently, I "liked" a page on Facebook called "Creepy Places." The page posts pictures of just that including the name and location of the place. With each picture I've seen I start thinking that there has to be a story behind it - whether that story is inside my head or inside the head of someone else. I thought I would try posting a picture here on my blog and giving people a chance to see what kind of story they can come up with.

Here's your chance to see if you have a story inside of you. Take a look at the picture here and post a short story in the comments below. I'll send a participant web badge to the folks who post and at the end of the week, I'll have an independent party read the stories and pick a winner. I'll send a winner's web badge of my own design to that person.

Now that the pictures up here, let's see those stories!

2013-08-07T19:43:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the year, and incidentally my last post, I talked about keeping track of the books I read this year on Goodreads. The goal was to read 24 books in a year. With that being two books a month, I am about two books behind for the year. I have started reading several books this year, but haven't finished any of them (Khafka's The Trial, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, Bloodlands, and Meredith Bond's Magic In The Storm).

With that being said, I have to ask myself why I've started these books but not finished them. I started reading The Trial when I had some quiet time and thought a little academic reading would do me good. I liked the book, but just didn't pick it up again.

I was on an espionage track with both my reading and my video watching (MI-5) for a while, so I picked up The Spy Who Came In From The Cold at a book sale knowing it was a classic story which had been made into a movie (Richard Burton, 1965). I liked the action the story started with, but I guess my espionage bent was more to current and not WWII.

I hesitated after reading the first few pages of Bloodlands because I had recently read several horror books as well (Undertaker's Moon, Dhampir, Timeless) and I did not want to use this one as yet another horror/vampire book to review for Unleaded:Fuel For Writers.

Finally, I picked up Meredith Bond's Magic In The Storm a few days ago on my Kindle. I had tried once before to start reading it, but my mind was just not in a place to read a paranormal romance at the time. Now, however, when I started again, I was thoroughly enjoying it. This will most likely be the book I stick with and will probably review for September's book review on Unleaded.

If you have book suggestions for me to read or review, please leave a comment below. Stop by Unleaded and click on my name in the author list to see the book reviews I have done for them. Thanks for stopping by!

2013-01-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

With the start of the new year, I've decided to start keeping track of the books I've read throughout the year. I want to see how long it takes me to read a book on average and how many books I can read in a year. I've set my initial challenge to read 24 books in a year. I searched for an online list application, quite frankly because I didn't want to write one myself. What I finally settled on was GoodReads.

So far I'm two books in and January isn't over yet. As work taking more time than the average 9 to 5, and two energetic boys to run after, my reading time is often limited to just before bed or for a few minutes after supper. With that being said, I am surprised that I have have managed two books. I'm curious as to when most folks out there find time to read. Drop me a comment and let me know.

Click here for my list on GoodReads. I'll be adding ratings and links to my book reviews as I write them. Some of my reviews are located on this blog and others on Unleaded: Fuel for Writers

Author Interview: Debra Dunbar

2012-12-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

Debra Dunbar is the author of the "Imp Series" which is being review at Unleaded: Fuel for Writers

Debra Dunbar lives on a farm in Frederick County, Maryland with her family and a multitude of four legged friends. Her novels feature supernatural elements in local settings. A DEMON BOUND is the first novel in her Imp Series:

Samantha Martin, is an imp living among humans. She tries to keep her identity a secret, but when she spots an angel one night, clearly hunting demons, the imp comes out of the bag. Sam ends up smack in the middle of trouble, dragging her human neighbor, Wyatt, along for the ride.

A DEMON BOUND and the sequel SATAN’S SWORD is available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon.com, Nook at Barnes and Noble, and a variety of formats at Smashwords.com. Catch up with the author at http://debradunbar.com

I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Dunbar regarding her first book in the series, "A Demon Bound":

What inspired you to write your first book?
I’m guessing you don’t mean that hideous piece of Dragon Lance fanfic I wrote in college?

My inspiration for A Demon Bound was boringly academic. I’d been reading Marie-Louise Von Franz’s Jungian interpretation of Folklore tales, and was pondering what would happen if parts of the personality we suppress into our unconscious (i.e. Hell) came to the surface. Out of that I eventually got to “If a demon lived among humans long enough, would she become more humane?”

Once I had my theme, I spent months thinking of characters, plots, conflict before I ever opened the laptop.

How did you come up with the title?

The original title was “A Cockroach Bound”. Yeah. I know.

My protagonist is a demon, and the angel who ends up binding her calls her “cockroach.” That’s the ONLY name he calls her by. I had a lot of feedback that, although the name made sense, there was such a visceral “icky” reaction to cockroaches, I’d turn people off with the title. So it ended up “A Demon Bound” instead.

What are your current projects?

I’m coming down the home stretch on the first draft of Book 3 in the Imp Series. (Working title is Elf’s Blood). I’m researching a zombie/cop short story named Dead Shift. There’s a prequel short story for the Imp Series in edit, and I’m doing a graphic novel collaboration for the Imp Series too.

I've got a lot of irons in the fire, but I like to intersperse the lengthy novel process with some short stories.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I’m really pleased with both A Demon Bound and Satan’s Sword. Of course, in a few years I’ll look back and see all sorts of things I wish I had done differently. That’s part of growing in the craft, though.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

My writing style is to let the prose just pour out of me like water from a faucet. I have an outline and a conflict grid, but other than that, I let it go.

Which means I always have a LOT of editing to do. With Satan’s Sword, I cut an entire chapter with one press of the delete key. I’d had some doubts about it, and when my beta readers confirmed that it interrupted the flow and build so close to the climax, away it went.

Do you have to travel much for researching or marketing your book(s)?

My urban fantasy series is set locally, so much of my research is Baltimore, Antietam Battlefield, that little bar off Rt 26 in Winfield.

As for marketing, I’ll probably be doing a few Cons on the east coast in 2013, and I've found that I do well at beer and wine festivals. Seems drunk people like to buy books. Who knew?

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Making the time to write/edit/market/build a social media platform. My books aren't generating enough right now to put food on the table and shoes on the horse, so I've also got a full time corporate day-job. Juggling family and what amounts to two full time jobs? The math just doesn't work. I always have to decide what gets the short end of the stick this week.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

For me it was the decision to self-publish. I've never had any prejudice about self-publishing, but I was crippled with anxiety that everyone would think I wasn't an “authentic” author. I half-heartedly put out 3 lame-ass queries for A Demon Bound early spring, but it felt wrong. So I did what any good MBA would do. I did a SWAT analysis and determined that self-publishing was my best alternative.

Do you have specific tools to aid your writing?

Beer. And sometimes vodka if it’s a really bad week.

How would you characterize your experience with self publishing?

All those anxieties I had that others wouldn't think I was “good enough”? Mostly, they were unfounded. I've been warmly welcomed by traditionally published authors, some of them recognizable names in their genre.

But there IS a big steep hill full of misconceptions that we self-published authors need to climb. Many book reviewer sites (the biggies) refuse to even consider reviewing a self-published novel. I can’t blame them, they've been burned by subpar, error-ridden work. As more and more well-known authors begin to explore self-publishing their new and back-list works, I think these restrictions will lift.

Who designed the covers?

Crimson Chain Productions – Adam Frey.

Before we got to the studio, we’d looked at an entire year of cover releases for urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Adam wanted to do something different. He envisioned the cover as looking gritty, almost film noir. It was a huge break from the “woman in leather, with a sword, next to a wolf/vampire/half-naked-man with glowing eyes” cover typical of the genre. I love the direction he took the covers, and I hope he will continue doing them for the series.

I want to thank Ms. Dunbar for taking the time to answer my questions. I look forward to reading the further books in her "Imp Series."

2012-11-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

I have recently read several articles that I could easily see feeding conspiracy theorists and sending them into a frenzy, The NSA is Building the Country's Biggest Spy Center from Wired, and How Your Cellphone Lets the Government Track You from Tech News Daily.

The first article describes how in Utah the NSA is building a center which will be absorbing as much information from emails, phone calls, web sites visited, etc as possible and storing it. The NSA was founded after Pearl Harbor, and has been the subject of controversy for years. The Utah Data Center is no different. In the very near future, if it hasn't happened already, I can see those three words sending the conspiracy theorists as well as many other Americans into a panic. The very thought of Big Brother taking the next step and being able to monitor almost all communications is breath-taking.

However, unless you are a sitting Senator with direct access to the POTUS and chair of an auditing committee, there's probably nothing you can actually do about this but accept it. One argument against building such a site may be, "well, if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about." But, I can imagine that we all have some secrets or at least some dirty laundry that we'd rather anyone outside of our personal diaries, best friends, and pets not know, much less store on a huge hard drive ready to bring up and possibly be used against us. You know, just in case you haven't paid your parking tickets and the NSA delivers that information to your local law enforcement agency. Another argument may be, "INVASION OF PRIVACY!" I add the caps not to denote my own thoughts or fears, but the vehemence at which such words might be spoken. And yes, it may be an invasion of privacy, but potentially no more than someone eavesdropping on your phone call you're having while on your stylish bluetooth headset or looking over your shoulder while you're typing an email while sitting in the airport.

The second article goes on to describe how the US Government may potentially be using your phone's GPS to track your movements. Again, those same two arguments apply. But, say you do take a long lunch break and go to the local strip club, unbeknownst to your wife. The US Government, NSA or otherwise, is not likely to turn that information over to your wife just in an effort to blackmail you into...what?

Looking at the potential good here is what we have to ask ourselves is worth the invasion of privacy, or other arguments. If the NSA is able to use information to route out terrorist cells, whether they be the sterotypical type, or the militant group who just wants to vent their anger against what they believe is an unjust government, and protect the US citizens from danger, foreign or domestic, then I say it's worth it.

“The Forever Girl: Sophia’s Journey” by Rebecca Hamilton

2012-06-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

“The Forever Girl: Sophia’s Journey” by Rebecca Hamilton is the first volume in “The Forever Girl” series. Ms. Hamilton’s story is a most original take on the vampire mythos. She weaves in witches, shape shifters, and religious fanatics to produce an interesting story which makes the reader wish for an extended ending.

Ms. Hamilton has created an intriguing protagonist in Sophia. The self professed practitioner of Wicca, which dominates the first sections of the story as a secondary conflict is set up in Sophia’s battles with Mrs. Franklin, a local fanatic Christian. At first, I was afraid the entire book was going to be a pro-Wicca pamphlet and educational piece, but was relieved the story progressed beyond this.

The progression of Sophia’s relationship with Charles, the attractive stranger a mutual friend introduces her to, seems to drag the flow of the overall story. I found myself nearly dreading to read once again the “are we dating or not” conversation. Also, the ending seems a bit rushed as we are hurriedly introduced to a technology not yet seen before in the book. This technology definitely seems to be a deus ex machina. Ms. Hamilton would have been better served by exploring and explaining more of the story to solve her protagonist’s problems.

The dialogue flows quite well and helps push the story along as it should. We are introduced to some of the back story through Sophia’s discussions with her mother and old friends. Through one conversation, we have a quote which has become one of my favorites: “Perhaps you might consider life is complicated enough without your helping things along.”

There are several examples where the “Show Not Tell” rule slows down the flow of the story and detracts from the overall experience. At nearly every new day we are walked through Sophia’s morning routine and choice of clothes. I had hoped this would have a bearing on the next portion of the story, but that expectation was unfulfilled. There are a few other instances, but the morning routine example was by far the standout.

As I read through “The Forever Girl,” I was struck by several mistakes in spelling, grammar, and story. I had thought perhaps Ms. Hamilton had embarked on the road to self publishing without a proper editor. However, I see “The Forever Girl Series” is published by Immortal Ink Publishing. I feel that perhaps this editor has done Ms. Hamilton’s work an injustice in not properly editing the book prior to release.

Overall, I found “The Forever Girl: Sophia’s Journey” to be an entertaining story. I look forward to more of Ms. Hamilton’s writing. I believe she is blooming with the potential to be a great storyteller in the paranormal genre.

Women in Combat

2012-05-12T17:30:00.001-04:00

I read a wonderful blog post regarding the absurdity of women's armor in fantasy: Fantasy Armor and Lady Bits
I find this a practical examination as well as hilarious view of the subject. There is a formula in the post that sums up the subject quite well.

This post was inspired by the the tumbler feed: Women Fighters in Reasonable Armor

The descriptions in this feed describe the pics as "awesome", "fine example", and "cool"

Most often these are descriptions that one would find in a collection of "Men Fighters in Armor." I believe the majority of Women in Armor galleries would include words like "sexy", "oh yeah", and "babe."

I believe a corollary to these posts is the following: Impractical Aspects of Superhero Costumes
Although, this post should have been entitled "Completely Impractical Aspects of Superheroine Costumes."
This post expands the sexism of women in fantasy to women in comics.

I know. I know. The expected retort to this thread is "obviously, immature men and boys are the ones reading comics and fantasy novels as well as playing fantasy games."
...
My response to this is "the artists for the fantasy and comics have most likely not fought an actual woman trained in combat." Through the years, I have dabbled in various combat styles and there have always been women in my classes. There have been girls and women in my fencing classes that have easily been able to best me. And in the martial arts classes I have attended have had women instructors whom I would not like to be on the receiving end of their attacks without protective gear.

In this video of women sparring in a taekwondo match, they're wearing effective pugilist's armor.

There are other comparisons such as women fencers, boxers, and even women's MMA.
All of them show two sides of the combatants, participating in their chosen sport in the appropriate "armor", and also a "sexy" side to them

Gina Carano -WMMA Fighter

Laila Ali - Boxer

Natalie Vie - Fencer

In conclusion - our society is going to view women in the same vein as the fantasy and comic artists, but it's important to point out they are also valid warriors.

NCMEC - FYI

2012-05-12T16:34:00.003-04:00

I am not one to publicize a cause on my own personal sites (unless it's my own of course), but I've decided to add banners and a donate link for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Check them out at the top of my blog and to the links on the right.

This is not something that I thought much about prior to having children of my own. I imagine this is the case for many people. I realize this may seem like jumping on the bandwagon, but this is definitely a cause that benefits in a positive way despite people following a fad or a trend.

There are ways people all over the country can get involved. On the web site, there are links to show how to start a program at your workplace for reporting missing children, especially if you work in a public place like a mall. Also, there is a poster program and other type programs you can get involved with. There are local offices in each state and in many cities as well - contact them and see what you can do to help.

In addition to the programs, an abundance of valuable information is there about keeping your own kids safe.

Ethnic Cleansing in the US?

2012-02-23T22:06:00.001-05:00

Today, I read this article today on how books regarding Native American and Chicano heritage are being banned in Tuscon, AZ schools: http://www.nativenewsnetwork.com/tucson-schools-ban-is-chilling-step-towards-ethnic-cleansing.html

Removing traces of a people's history is one step toward ethnic cleansing however it's done. The reasons that will be stated in defense of the act of banning books such as "Rethinking Columbus" will obviously not say anything about trying to remove the history of Native Americans so as to remove any memory of them. Those reasons are never given in any situation such as this.

Remember, people are not being killed (this time), but instead this "cleansing" is being done surreptitiously. I know many people in Northeast Georgia where I grew up with Cherokee blood running in their veins. I can only imagine the type of outcry that would happen in some of the small towns and counties there if this type of thing were attempted. Politicians would lose their jobs and would most likely have to leave town if they supported such an asinine action.

Share this story to make everyone aware of such political policies and agendas masquerading as educational reforms.

"The Collaborator of Bethlehem" by Matt Rees Book Review

2012-02-02T23:43:00.000-05:00

This month I decided to take a slight departure from my usual reading fare and venture into a murder mystery. I am no stranger to the genre as I am familiar with Agatha Christie, of course, and the Hamish Macbeth series by M. C. Beaton is a favorite of mine. “The Collaborator of Bethlehem” by Matt Beynon Rees is a murder mystery based on current events. It was this fact that drew me to the book.

“The Collaborator of Bethlehem” is the first in a series where “Omar Yussef” an aging Palestinian teacher is the main character. Just before the first chapter starts, a disclaimer states that all the crimes in the book are real, even though the names have been changed. This truly does set the tone for the entire book. The story begins with Omar Yussef having lunch with one of his former students and shortly after establishing the characters, the violence commences.

Omar Yussef is an artfully developed protagonist. He is neither the typical hero nor the typical anti-hero. He is an aging man who feels older than his age and at times acts like it. The book centers on the murder of a Palestinian and the wrong person is accused of being an Israeli collaborator responsible for the murder. Omar Yussef involves himself to find the real collaborator and begins playing the role of detective while simultaneously attempting to save his job teaching history at a UN sponsored school for children in the Dehaishe refugee camp.

Consistently, Omar Yussef encounters religious and cultural differences, and much find a way to work around and within those circumstances. Much of the book describes how Omar Yussef feels himself defined by the successful students he has taught throughout the years. Many of those students are still in Bethlehem giving him many opportunities to reinforce this belief. However, he has an epiphany before the end of the story which will shake the very foundations of his belief for much of his teaching life – and comes out better for it.

Matt Rees has painted a beautiful picture of Bethlehem and he has painted a horrific picture of Bethlehem. The people who live there and just want to live are presented in such a way that your heart immediately goes out to them when their lives are touch by the violence that comprises the horrific side of life in a city that is under the influence of an Israeli army and Palestinian rebels. The rebels are not always shown to be the boogey-man but the ones that are portrayed in such a way evoke feelings in the reader that makes you root for their downfall.

I have been intrigued and stimulated by this book. Matt Rees has produced a powerful first novel and I applaud his efforts.

2012-01-02T21:59:00.001-05:00

I have posted a new book review at "Unleaded: Fuel For Writers."
"Vampire Empire: Book One The Greyfriar" by Clay and Susan Griffith
I was surprised and lucky enough that the authors picked up my review and shared it on their facebook page.

The authors' blog has some interesting photos of some of the locations in the book.

Thanksgiving vs Native American Heritage Day

2011-11-25T15:24:00.001-05:00

The following was taken from a Facebook post of a friend of a friend. It is quite the interesting read.

Donna Ann Farmer
Most of us associate the holiday with happy Pilgrims and Indians sitting down to a big feast. And that did happen - once.

The story began in 1614( I think) when a band of English explorers sailed home to England with a ship full of Patuxet Indians bound for slavery. They left behind smallpox which virtually wiped out those who had escaped. By the time the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts Bay they found only one living Patuxet Indian, a man named Squanto who had survived slavery in England and knew their language. He taught them to grow corn and to fish, and negotiated a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Nation. At the end of their first year, the Pilgrims held a great feast honoring Squanto and the Wampanoags. ( not sure about the spelling)But as word spread in England about the paradise to be found in the new world, religious zealots called Puritans began arriving by the boat load. Finding no fences around the land, they considered it to be in the public domain. Joined by other British settlers, they seized land, capturing strong young Natives for slaves and killing the rest. But the Pequot Nation had not agreed to the peace treaty Squanto had negotiated and they fought back. The Pequot War was one of the bloodiest Indian wars ever fought. In 1637( pretty sure) near present day Groton, Connecticut, over 700 men, women and children of the Pequot Tribe had gathered for their annual Green Corn Festival which is our Thanksgiving celebration. In the predawn hours the sleeping Indians were surrounded by English and Dutch mercenaries who ordered them to come outside. Those who came out were shot or clubbed to death while the terrified women and children who huddled inside the longhouse were burned alive. The next day the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declared "A Day Of Thanksgiving" because 700 unarmed men, women and children had been murdered.
Cheered by their "victory", the brave colonists and their Indian allies attacked village after village. Women and children over 14 were sold into slavery while the rest were murdered. Boats loaded with a many as 500 slaves regularly left the ports of New England. Bounties were paid for Indian scalps to encourage as many deaths as possible.

Following an especially successful raid against the Pequot in what is now Stamford, Connecticut, the churches announced a second day of "thanksgiving" to celebrate victory over the heathen savages. During the feasting, the hacked off heads of Natives were kicked through the streets like soccer balls. Even the friendly Wampanoag did not escape the madness. Their chief was beheaded, and his head impaled on a pole in Plymouth, Massachusetts -- where it remained on display for 24 years. The killings became more and more frenzied, with days of thanksgiving feasts being held after each successful massacre. George Washington finally suggested that only one day of Thanksgiving per year be set aside instead of celebrating each and every massacre. Later Abraham Lincoln decreed Thanksgiving Day to be a legal national holiday during the Civil War -- on the same day he ordered troops to march against the starving Sioux in Minnesota.This story doesn't have quite the same fuzzy feelings associated with it as the one where the Indians and Pilgrims are all sitting down together at the big feast. But we need to learn our true history so it won't ever be repeated. Next Thanksgiving, when you gather with your loved ones to Thank God for all your blessings, think about those people who only wanted to live their lives and raise their families. Oh , they also took time to say with reverence "Thank You"to what they understood as "The Creator" We know Him as Jesus.

Anyways, i hope this shed some light on the truth about the "American Thanksgiving"

NaNoWriMo - At Least I'm Writing

2011-11-24T20:43:00.001-05:00

I decided to delve into the world/culture of National Novel Writing Month. There are only a few days left, and I'm nowhere near the 50,000 word goal. However, I'm not stressing over it. I have so many other stresses going on right now - in short life happens. Work has gotten in the way, for various reasons, I had to pitch in around the house more than normal, taking the kids to swim lessons, etc. Needless to say, I have spent time writing, but it's been sporadic at best.

I have managed to plan much of my story using Free Mind (which I highly recommend). I do have some more to plan and more to write. There is of course the editing process to go through as well. I'm torn between editing it myself or asking someone to edit it for me. So, with only a few thousand words, can I still say I'm a NaNoWriMo Participant? I do have the web badge to prove it. That makes it so, doesn't it?

Could-a/Should-a

2011-10-25T13:29:00.002-04:00

I am currently at home helping my wife recover from some minor surgery. This entails housework, helping her, keeping the kids fed and relatively clean. Now, all of this would make one think that perhaps I might have some time to work on projects that have sat idle for quite some time.

I have said for a while that if I could have some extra time away from work, then I should work on these projects. I could list them all, but I think it would start to depress me at the sheer volume of unfinished works around here.

Although, I do have to point to my prior post where I participated in Flash-a-thon. Of course, that did not require me to move very much and I could do it in spurts around everything else I had to accomplish.

And, of course, I sit here now updating this blog (albeit while I'm eating lunch). So, there are things that I can do I suppose, but getting out into the yard, nailing down rogue nails on my deck, finishing a storage cabinet I promised my wife 5 years ago....*sigh* see: could-a, would-a, should-a

Flash-A-Thon!

2011-10-23T11:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I participated in an online writing challenge. I've never done anything quite like that before, but I definitely enjoyed it.

I surprised myself at how many words I was able to churn out in just an hour.

The following are the hours I was able to participate in:
http://www.dlthurston.com/blog/2011/10/22/flashathon-hour-4-prompt-from-james-morrow/

http://www.dlthurston.com/blog/2011/10/22/flashathon-hour-5-prompt-from-leah-petersen/

http://www.dlthurston.com/blog/2011/10/22/flashathon-hour-9-prompt-from-scott-andrews/

http://www.dlthurston.com/blog/2011/10/22/flashathon-hour-12-prompt-from-day-al-mohamed/

Lots of fun. I wish I'd had more time and more creativity to do all of the stories.

First Book Review for Unleaded

2011-10-02T14:48:00.003-04:00

I just posted my first book review for another web site: Unleaded - Fuel for Writers. The site is run by friends of mine, Day and Renee. After my last review here on my blog, Day asked if I could fill in for their book reviewer. I gratefully accepted. Please stop by the site and see what all they have to offer there. The title of this post links to my entry, and here is a link for the main Unleaded site: Unleaded-Fuel for Writers

The Urban Shaman by C. E. Murphy

2011-09-17T10:59:00.001-04:00

The Urban Shaman by C. E. Murphy is the first book of “The Walker Papers.” The story is a cross-over between Native American folklore and Celtic myths and legends. Murphy does a decent job of mixing the two in the main character of Joanne Walker. However, there is a back story referenced regarding the Celtic roots of Joanne Walker that would serve the reader better should Murphy have elaborated on it a bit more. The story mostly, and rightly so, focuses on the development of the shamanic powers of the main character, but Murphy's omission of the Celtic back story does little to help the reader understand how the newly learned Native American Shamanic powers of Joanne Walker help to defeat the Celtic themed Wild Hunt

As an introduction to The Walker Papers series, The Urban Shaman is an entertaining effort by C. E. Murphy. The story does read well and leaves the reader curious regarding the next book in the series. Anyone reading the story would be advised to have reference books of Celtic legends and Native American myths handy, or at least Wikipedia.

Never Forget

2011-09-11T13:10:00.000-04:00

A decade has passed since a great day of mourning.
Our country united, sent our nation's symbol soaring.
Those who died are written in history.
Those who caused it, written in infamy.
A Firefighter just doing his job, ran into the flames.
He never came out and a hero he became.
A Policeman followed the the fireman into the inferno;
Little did he know he would too become a hero.
The ones who gathered their courage to fight above the field;
Their hearts died fighting, they would not yield.
And at the Pentagon, the first soldiers died in this war
Those after them will never forget what they're fighting for.
NEVER FORGET...Never Forget...never forget

Heat Wave Book Review

2011-08-23T20:42:00.004-04:00

Heat Wave by Richard Castle
Obviously, Richard Castle is a fictional author from the ABC TV show "Castle." The book, "Heat Wave" was released as a publicity piece, or even "stunt" if you will. Two famous authors have given critical blurbs for the book's cover: James Patterson and Stephen J. Cannell. Both of these authors have appeared on the TV show as Rick Castle's poker buddies.
Since the book's release, Stephen J. Cannell has passed away, but I believe the he was the ghost writer for this book. It's possible that both Cannell and Patterson both collaborated or wrote the book. The next book, Naked Heat, is already out, with the third, Heat Rising, coming out soon.
Heat Wave is a bit slow starting, but once the action starts a few chapters in, the story is a pretty easy read. If you have watched "Castle" you can't help but picture the characters from the show as the characters in the book. It is entertaining even though the writing is a bit sub-par. Unlike some authors I have read, I did not find myself re-reading a sentence several times to pick up the subtle undertones of the passage or comprehend the complex language employed. It is all straightforward if not force-fed at times.
Finally, Heat Wave is an entertaining read and is a must for fans of ABC's "Castle."

Rain

2011-03-22T22:52:00.003-04:00

It's funny how something so simple as rain can remind you of childhood memories. Tonight, it's reminding me of Spring afternoons spent at my grandmother's house listening to the rain patter on her tin roof. My father used to say how that noise would put him to sleep very quickly. And of course, my Granny's house reminds me of my Granny. I remember how she used to let me snack on her graham crackers that she kept to help her diabetes and how through her I learned to love butterscotch candies.
She was a great lady - never stirring up trouble, always loving. I could go on all night.
It's nights like this I have to say...."I miss you, Granny"

Declaration of Independance

2010-07-03T03:07:00.002-04:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_declaration_of_independence

"WASHINGTON – Preservation scientists at the Library of Congress have discovered that Thomas Jefferson, even in the act of declaring independence from England, had trouble breaking free from monarchial rule.

In an early draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote the word "subjects," when he referred to the American public. He then erased that word and replaced it with "citizens," a term he used frequently throughout the final draft."

This brings a striking thought to mind! What if Thomas Jefferson, a horticulturist, political leader, architect, archaeologist, paleontologist, musician, inventor, founder of the University of Virginia, and of course, the third President of the United States, secretly harbored dreams of his own kingdom? Obviously, he was such an intelligent and revolutionary man, one might be able to see how he could simplify many of the country's problems if he were just the man in charge, like the President, and to stay in charge, like a King.

The artistic side of my mind begins to pull together all sorts of wild thoughts where perhaps Jefferson is the United States' first major villain, and others such as Alexander Hamilton the heroes who opposed him. Jefferson's mounting financial problems could be a turning point in this wildly imagined story in which mild political philosopher becomes enraged would be king. And finally, his death, caused by toxins in his blood and uremia from nephropathy, severe diarrhea, and pneumonia, even though attributed to old-age, could have been the result of his own mad experiments, or perhaps due to a successful assassination attempt by poisoning.

As always in my mind, history serves up some of the most delicious tidbits of information that make speculation regarding past years much more fun than the dreariness of today's sad realities and absurd headlines.

Van Gogh

2009-05-10T19:38:00.003-04:00

The headline "New Details Emerge on Van Gogh's Ear" drew me to the article - http://www.comcast.net/video/debate-over-van-gogh-s-ear/1115429620/Comcast/1114783404/
Apparently, it was not Van Gogh himself who cut off his own ear, but Gauguin, who was an excellent fencer. I found myself fascinated by this and even immediately went to Netflix to add "Lust for Life" to my queue. Why, I ask myself, am I so fascinated by this new information regarding quite the odd act on the part of the artist. I think perhaps that it thickens the thin line that so many have drawn between genius and madness. If it really was Gauguin that cut off Van Gogh's ear lobe, yes it was only his ear lobe, do we now paint this as a "lover's quarrel" between Van Gogh and Gauguin? Or, if Van Gogh really did cut off his own ear lobe after Gauguin left their partnership, was Van Gogh really the distraught party merely trying to get attention, instead of the eccentric painter performing an eccentric act? Either way, the news makes those interested begin to ask new questions about both artists, and that is, in truth, the real reason that the story drew my attention.

Schedules

2009-04-20T06:23:00.000-04:00

We live by our schedules - and some die by their schedules, literally. It would seem that our offices are incapable of functioning if we do not arrive at the office at our designated time. Although, some of us do have "flexible work" schedules, but we are still expected to arrive by a certain, if not unspoken, time. Of course, meetings happen, deadlines must be met (schedules within schedules). But, must we be subject to someone else's notion that we must be in a certain place by that designated time in order to attend those meetings, in order to meet those deadlines? In this day and age of technology, there are virtual meeting rooms, telecommuting, etc. One would think that with the idea of "going green" recently being pushed on us by the media, there would be more and more of these virtual workplaces giving more of us a flexibility to start working when we want and work the hours we want, as long as those meetings are attended and those deadlines are met. Then, I could work in my pajamas.

Heroes

2009-03-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

There are portrayed in movies and books great heroes, historical and fictional: King Arthur, and even Harry Potter. Some more classical heroes such as Spider-Man are coming to prominence in pop-culture again. There were once real men and women hailed as heroes - Lawrence of Arabia, Charles Lindburgh. Whatever happened to that thing that makes men heroes? Why are there no names coming out of our current wars hailing men as heroes. Sure there was Stormin' Norman back in the '90's, but how many can truly name one man or woman from the Iraq or Afghanistan compaigns that we would count as a hero? Has that thing died in Americans that names someone a hero? Have we become so complacent in our expectations that we feel we don't need heroes anymore?