tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45946057213870935862024-03-13T21:59:23.344-05:00latterdayauthorsTen writers, one faith, endless possibilities ...Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09399360881415091287noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-956375033839949182009-10-28T21:24:00.003-05:002009-10-28T21:31:14.256-05:00Exciting News!We have some exciting news to announce! In this day and age where information flies furiously through the internet (ala Twitter, Facebook, etc.), we want to serve you swiftly also.<br /><br />That's why...<br /><br />...drumroll...<br /><br />we're announcing our new LatterDayAuthors email group at Yahoo! Here is the link where you can sign up: <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/latterdayauthors/?yguid=209217342">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LatterDayAuthors</a><br /><br />This group is open to all LDS writers who are interested in being part of a supportive group, one made up of group members eager to help assist each other in writing endeavors.<br /><br />You might be a playwright. You might be a novelist, a screenwriter, even a poet. It doesn't matter. Our group is open for Latter-day Saints who love writing and desire to improve their craft.<br /><br />Come visit us today! We've just started the group and are eager to get it going. We'll still do BIAMs and will periodically revisit the old forum (it's under construction at the moment). But we are so excited to be able to provide this quicker form of communication for your writing questions.<br /><br />So jump on in and sign up for the LatterDayAuthors' Yahoo group. We'll think you'll love it! Here is the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/latterdayauthors/?yguid=209217342">link</a>.C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-72324631825387677242009-05-08T22:45:00.001-05:002009-05-08T22:48:59.013-05:00Lisa Mangum's Debut Novel is Out!I have loved getting to know Lisa Mangum better, both through our recent interview series over at BellaOnline.com (<a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61120.asp">here</a> and <a href="http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art61433.asp">here</a>) and at a recent writers' conference. I have been extremely impressed with Lisa as a person. Could you meet a kinder, sweeter individual? I think not. No wonder so many that know her love her.<br /><br />But being sweet and kind will not necessarily feed or create a can't-put-it-down novel. Lisa's new book, <em>The Hourglass Door</em>, is a work of delightful creativity that stays with you long after finishing it. I had a hard time putting it down. And for all Twilight fans out there, I have news . . . I think Lisa's novel offers more.<br /><br />In the past two portions of my interview with debut novelist, Lisa Mangum, we learned how <em>The Hourglass Door</em> evolved and the process she used to write it. In this final installment, she shares her future plans and insider information about the publishing industry.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Lisa, what other books do you have planned? </em><br /><br />LISA: The story of Abby and Dante is a trilogy, so right now I’m working on book two. But I’m also working on an adult fantasy novel that’s about halfway finished. And I have a whole file of ideas on the computer and in my writing notebook just waiting for me to tend to it.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: How long did it take to hear back the good news for The Hourglass Door? For those perhaps unfamiliar with the process, what was this like?<br /></em><br />LISA: Having been in the publishing business for more than a decade, I can promise you that no two authors take the same road to publication. And whether it takes two weeks, two months, or two years, each acceptance is as individual as the author itself. My path to publication was shortened by the fact that I work directly with the people making the decisions. But even then, I knew it wasn’t a given that Shadow Mountain would pick up my book. Publishing is a business, after all, and I knew Chris Schoebinger (our Product Director over YA fiction) wouldn’t say yes to a book unless he knew it was a good business decision—no matter who wrote it. So like every other author, I waited anxiously for his decision and fretted and worried and second-guessed my work. And, like so many other authors, I felt that wonderful wave of relief and joy and excitement when I sat in his office and he said, yes, he wanted to publish my book for real.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What is critical that other writers should know about the submission process to a publisher?<br /></em><br />LISA: How many pages do you have? J Maybe I can boil it down to these three things: One, submit your work to the right publisher. It doesn’t matter how brilliant your novel is if the publisher you send it to doesn’t publish fiction. Two, have patience. I know everybody hates to wait, especially to hear back about a manuscript, but more often than not the old adage is true: no news is good news. It’s easy to say no to bad manuscripts and send them back; if a publisher is hanging on to a manuscript, generally it’s because there is something there that they don’t want to lose. Three, rejections aren’t personal. There are a gazillion different reasons why a publisher decides to pass on a project—and none of them are because they don’t like you as a person. So keep writing and keep submitting your work.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What is your favorite part about being a writer?<br /></em><br />LISA: I love that moment when a phrase or a scene or an emotion grabs hold of you and won’t let go. And when you get it down on paper, it’s like you’ve turned a key and the floodgates open. It’s those moments when I feel like the story is telling itself and I just hope I can do it justice by writing it down.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What is the most frustrating part?<br /></em><br />LISA: For me, it’s been learning how to turn off the editor part of my brain and just write. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to tell myself, “Don’t worry about it. Fix it later,” because part of me wants to stop and look up a grammar rule or check the spelling of a word.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Did you ever experience writer's block in the process of writing The Hourglass Door? What would you recommend to other writers if they experience obstacles to their story and/or world-building?<br /></em><br />LISA: There were a few times when I sat down to write and nothing happened. On days when that happened, I found that if I told myself, “Just write something; you can delete it later,” I felt free to play around, make my characters do crazy things, and wander into uncharted plot territory. And while I often did delete a whole hour’s worth of work, there were times I would find something worth keeping or worth rewriting another day when I could look at the scene with fresh eyes. Another thing that helped when I ran into a block was to skip it and write something else. I’d just leave myself a note—“finish chapter,” “add transition,” “add something cool here”—and then jump ahead to another part of the story. For example, if a scene with Abby and Valerie was stagnating, then I’d say to myself, “Well, I know I need a scene with Abby and Zo where they talk about this-and-such” and I’d insert a page break and move on.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Who have you been most inspired by in your life? What encourages you on difficult days? Or do you never have discouraging moments? :0)<br /></em><br />LISA: There are two people who inspire me the most: my mom and my husband, Tracy. Mom is a writer too (she’s LaRene Gaunt, Assistant Managing Editor at the Ensign magazine) and we are like two peas in a pod when it comes to loving the minutiae of a story. She really was the one who set me on the path of being a lifelong reader and lover of words. And she was the one who helped me achieve my dream of being an editor. Tracy is my number-one fan. He always seems to know just when to jump in with the perfect bit of encouragement, or when to stand back and let me find my own way. On difficult days, I know I can always turn to my family and they’ll pull me through.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Who are your favorite authors?<br /></em><br />LISA: A loaded question, to be sure. Currently, or of all-time? Fiction or non-fiction? Which genre—fantasy, romance, mystery, historical fiction? Since I’ve been reading since I was three years old, and since I’ll read just about anything I can get my hands on, I have a long list of favorite authors and books. I’m dying waiting for the new Patrick Rothfuss novel. And the new George R.R. Martin novel. I’ll read anything Tad Williams writes. Watchmen blew my mind. So did Neal Stephenson’s epic Anatham, which made me wish I’d paid more attention to both science and philosophy in college. I loved Neil Gaimen’s Newberry-winner The Graveyard Book. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is high on my list of all-time favorite books. Stephen King’s Dark Tower series is brilliant, as is Lisey’s Story and The Stand. I had the privilege of attending a reading of Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake—I got chills listening to her talk about that book. But ask me again tomorrow and I’ll probably have an entirely different list . . . J<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What have you seen as some of the most damaging choices an author might make to his or her career ?<br /></em><br />LISA: The author-editor relationship is so important and, speaking as an editor, it’s hard when an author fights you on every edit, every change, every suggestion. Having said that, though, there are times when an author needs to fight for their story and their voice. I think the ideal lies somewhere in between—where an author and an editor can build a professional and respectful relationship and understand that everything they do is in the service of the story and for the good of the reader. Editors are here to help—if you’ll let us.<br /><br />The author-publisher relationship is equally important. Publishing is a business, so you have to have some business-savvy to survive, but still balance it with that creative spark and passion that made you want to write in the first place.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Do you have other works in progress? If so, will your path to complete them follow a similar pattern as The Hourglass Door, or will you adjust how you write your next book?<br /></em><br />LISA: Writing book two — working title, The Golden Spiral — is following the same path as The Hourglass Door, and I’m happy to report that things are going great. I’m excited by the story and I think some great things are emerging.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What words of encouragement would you give other writers?<br /></em><br />LISA: Tracy and I love to go to Disneyland on vacation, and one year when we were there, we passed a wall that had a collection of inspirational quotes from Walt Disney and some Imagineers. I fell in love with one them: <strong>“Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. Don’t quit.”</strong> Don’t hurry your talent—cherish it, develop it. Don’t worry if you make a mistake—rewriting is not a sign of failure, it’s the mark of a great writer. Don’t quit—persistence, persistence, persistence.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: How do you maintain balance? You lead a busy life!<br /></em><br />LISA: It’s about prioritizing and multi-tasking. It’s about making choices. I’m also a big fan of checklists—I love that rush of endorphins when I can check something off my list. Long ago I decided to not bring work home with me. I do what I can to complete my tasks at work, and then I go home. If that means building in more editing time for a project, or asking for help, or figuring out ways to work faster or smarter or harder, so be it. But that way, when I’m home, I’m home: I can spend time with my family, I can work on my stories, I can play on the weekends and not feel guilty about missing a deadline at work.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What is your philosophy about life, writing, living?<br /></em><br />LISA: My friend at work has a quote in her office that says, “Don’t place a period where God has placed a comma.” I think that holds true in life and in writing. You can’t ever stop reaching for your dream, developing your talent, becoming a better person, because you never know when what you think is a end is really the beginning of something new. I hope that I can always keep going and keep growing.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: And for those who love trivia, what is your favorite color, food, and music group?<br /></em><br />LISA: Green. Chocolate. Rush.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Any final words on how our readers can find you and your book signings when The Hourglass Door releases? Do you have a newsletter they can join to hear the latest on The Hourglass Door and future works?<br /></em><br />LISA: I’m building my web site <a href="http://www.lisamangum.com/">LisaMangum.com</a> where I plan on hosting my blog and all the latest, greatest information about me and all my books—current and future. Shadow Mountain will also have <a href="http://www.leosdungeon.com/">www.LeosDungeon.com</a> to market and advertise all three books about Abby and Dante. I’m excited to do some book signings and getting out there to tell people about my book.<br />~~~~<br /><em>I'd like to thank Lisa for the time she's taken with us today, especially in light of her busy schedule. And the best part? The wait is over. </em><strong>The Hourglass Door</strong><em> is an excellent read when you need a little pick me up. You can get yours today at Deseret Book stores and online <a href="http://deseretbook.com/store/product/5018584">here</a>. </em>C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-47559629763925797112009-04-04T00:31:00.004-05:002009-04-04T00:35:43.778-05:00More with Lisa Mangum, YA Author<a href="http://latterdayauthors.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-with-editor-and-author-lisa.html">Last month</a> we were chatting with debut novelist, Lisa Mangum, about her book, <em>The Hourglass Door</em>, set to release May 2009 and published by Shadow Mountain (national imprint of Deseret Book). She has worked as a serious editor for years, but launching her first novel has been an exciting twist in her life.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.lisamangum.com/images/hourglass_door.jpg" alt="The Hourglass Door" align="left" border="2" height="130" hspace="10" vspace="10" width="90" />Lisa was kind enough to share a bit more about <em>The Hourglass Door</em>, an imaginative story of two teens working to save life as they know it. Although I finished reading it within two days of receiving it...last month...I still can't stop thinking about it. It's that kind of an intriguing read.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>C.S.: Thank you, Lisa, for chatting again with us. You have introduced some intriguing concepts within your first book. So I just have to ask, when did the glimmer of these ideas first strike you?<br /><br /></em>LISA: It was June 13, 2007. Yes, I remember the exact date. I might even be able to tell you the exact time! I remember because I was talking with Chris Schoebinger (my coworker at Shadow Mountain) about young adult fiction and why certain books are better than others. Our conversation was interrupted, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. That night after work, I had to drive to Provo, Utah, to attend a writer’s conference and suddenly, there it was. I was driving around the point of the mountain and the story just seemed to drop into my head. It was like Abby and Dante jumped in the car with me and wouldn’t stop talking.<br /><br />Since I was on the freeway, I couldn’t stop driving, so I just told the story to myself out loud, working out details, repeating storylines so I wouldn’t forget anything. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I outlined the whole thing on scraps of paper I scrounged up in my car. Twenty minutes later, I had run out of paper and was almost late to the conference. I found Chris and told him about my brainstorm. He said, “When did you do this?” and I said, “On the drive here. What do you think?” and he said, “I think you should write it.” So I did. And a little more than a year later, I was finished.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: As you were working on this manuscript, which part felt the most naturally vibrant to you? Or did you have to work to make the story come alive? </em><br /><br />LISA: In some ways, I think the conversations between Abby and her best friend Valerie were the easiest parts to write. I’m lucky that I have friends with big personalities and so I had a lot of real-life material to drawn on and fictionalize.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Ah, yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Abby and Valerie. Very real, very fresh. What about the other characters?</em><br /><br />LISA:I was surprised a little at how quickly the characters bonded to each other—they felt like real friends or enemies or lovers—and all I had to do was try to keep up. The ending is also one of my favorite parts. I wrote a huge chunk of that in one sitting—just me and the computer—and the story just flowed out effortlessly. I hardly changed it at all during the rewrites.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Do you have a favorite character from </em><em>The Hourglass Door</em>? If so, who and why?<br /><br />LISA: Is it a cop-out to say that I like them all? J Writing Valerie always made me laugh. I identified with Abby’s quest to break free of other people’s expectations for her. I think Dante is downright dreamy. Zo demanded—and got—many of my best lines (turns out the villain hates to share!). And Leo had such a quiet strength about him, he always reminded me of my father.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: What are your thoughts about writers groups, critique groups? Do you participate in one? </em><br /><br />LISA: I do. We meet every other Saturday morning for breakfast and to talk about our work. We rotate deadlines so we can focus on one person’s story at a time. That way we aren’t overloaded by having to turn in something new every week as well as read everyone else’s work at the same time. It’s worked out really well for us and many of us in the group have finished whole books that way.<br /><br />I think writer’s groups are essential. It’s the best place to get honest feedback and specific critiques. As an editor, I can’t always give an author details about his or her manuscript. As a writer, I love being able to discuss big picture items—character arcs, pacing, plot twists—as well as the details—does that comma really go there? Is that really the best word choice? I’m energized every time we meet, even when we aren’t talking about my story.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Some authors outline; some refuse to. Which kind of writer are you? </em><br /><br />LISA: I used to try to write chronologically: Chapter one. Chapter two. All the way to the end. But I learned early on that it’s hard for me to write a book like that. I’d get stuck and instead of skipping the tricky part, I’d just stop.<br /><br />I took a different approach with <em>The Hourglass Door</em>. After my brainstorm where I mapped out all the relationships and overall plot of the story, I took two or three days and handwrote an outline on the train as I commuted to work. It wasn’t anything fancy, just “Here’s what happens in chapter 1. Here’s what happens in chapter 2.” (Some of my notes were nothing more than “and then something cool happens.”)<br /><br />Even though I outlined the book chronologically, I wrote whatever I felt like, whenever I felt like it. I wrote the first three chapters in a chunk because those were the scenes that wouldn’t leave me alone. But I didn’t write the Prologue until months and months later.<br /><br />As I wrote, I realized what I had originally outlined wasn’t going to work so the whole second half of the book changed as the story took on its own life. That’s the fun part about writing—seeing how the story changes and following it down unexpected paths.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Working as an editor by day and an author in the after-hours, how did you manage to complete this book? Were there days you never wanted to see a printed page again? :0)</em><br /><br />LISA: That was the main reason I didn’t write for many years: I spend all morning in a chair, at a computer, thinking about words. Why would I want to come home and spend all night in a chair, at a computer, thinking about words? I was happy just being an editor for a long time. But once Abby and Dante jumped in the car with me and told me their story, I had to figure out a way to balance my day job and my writing.<br /><br />I wrote a lot on the weekends. I wrote (by hand) a surprising number of pages on the train going to and from work. Honestly, I surprised at how quickly the word count added up and how many pages I ended up with considering I had to write in the fringes of my day.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Do you need absolute quiet to be able to write? </em><br /><br />LISA: No. In fact, I find I have a hard time working when it’s absolutely quiet. I love stretching out on the couch, turning on my laptop, setting my iPod to shuffle, and getting lost in the words and the story.<br /><em><br />~~~~<br />I want to thank Lisa for taking the time to chat with me some more about her new book, The Hourglass Door. It releases next month and she'll be back with us one more time to tell us about her next project and what writers need to know about the submission process to a publisher. In the meantime, you may want to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hourglass-Door-Lisa-Mangum/dp/1606410938/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238820954&sr=8-1">pre-order your personal copy</a> so that you can be first on the block to own </em><em>The Hourglass Door</em>!C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-63668152081055500922009-03-23T19:17:00.006-05:002009-03-23T19:31:18.316-05:00Dreaming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpblkcCRU6S5YgeXDPfVW1vZLA8W5PwHhmIf6IDNLUDjIHHSQGsPxqiCvaLYvLUMxHJ8FpAgT_UfR-5GVO9Y_bFjp4geuvE-W4dVuIfevWnDcwOf1uhuaA9Xa1zGOpi2UE_IMNpk_8y3s/s1600-h/BLOG+-+Writing+hands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316541805116779026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpblkcCRU6S5YgeXDPfVW1vZLA8W5PwHhmIf6IDNLUDjIHHSQGsPxqiCvaLYvLUMxHJ8FpAgT_UfR-5GVO9Y_bFjp4geuvE-W4dVuIfevWnDcwOf1uhuaA9Xa1zGOpi2UE_IMNpk_8y3s/s400/BLOG+-+Writing+hands.jpg" border="0" /></a>Several years ago I set five goals for my writing: write, polish, learn, attend, and send.<br /><br />I’m a prolific writer so the first goal wasn’t a problem. I’ve always got a pen and paper—or laptop—in my hands. The second goal, polish, was a challenge. I’m a perfectionist and felt my work was never at its best. With the help of other writers, however, I learned that polishing a story, article, or novel is just that—polishing. Polish, by definition means to buff up. When I spray furniture polish onto my piano, it doesn’t automatically shine. There is, in fact, a dull residue which only after lots of elbow grease—buffing up—begins to yield results.<br /><br />I began to understand that though my writing starts out needing lots of work to make it shine that doesn’t mean I am doomed to fail. It only means I need to work until I get the results I want—just like polishing the piano.<br /><br />For me that was a great realization—a blessing.<br /><br />Since fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I just didn’t know it was okay to work at making that dream come true. When I was young I wrote with enthusiasm, then I followed my mother around reading my work. Her response was constantly harsh and to the point: “Lori, writing is not your forte.” She didn’t believe I could become what I dreamed of being, and she feared I’d embarrass myself; her fears became mine.<br /><br />It took a long time for me to start believing in myself.<br /><br />Knowing it was alright if my words didn’t shine the first time I wrote them, or when I rewrote them the second time, or even the third, I came to the realization that I could help myself by striving to learn more about writing in general. I began to read more, books on writing and books in the genres I wanted to pursue, thus helping myself meet my third goal. Attend, fourth on the list, involved writing classes and being part of critique groups. I met lots of other writers and would be writers who shared dreams and goals similar to mine.<br /><br />I become conscious that early on in my life I’d been lead to believe that writing—being a writer—was something you either could or could not do, like walking or talking. When I understood that (just like playing the piano with any degree of proficiency) becoming a writer takes time, effort, and practice I was able to let go of old fears and enjoy the process of becoming.<br /><br />The last item on my list, send, became easier as well. I analyzed, versus agonized over, rejection letters and resumed polishing before I again sent my work out. In time my efforts paid off. I found many opportunities and enjoyed writing for the newspapers and magazines that asked for my work; it felt good to have my articles, short stories and essays—my own words and feelings—appear in print.<br /><br />But there was something more, something I dreamed of for a long time: I wanted to write children’s books and novels.<br /><br />Gathering courage amidst continued opposition, both interior and exterior, I set out once more with my five writing goals. I still have a long road to travel but I enjoy being on that road, grateful to know it's okay to do more than just sit by the wayside and wish.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919434639446724942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-26853315257868425812009-03-07T10:47:00.002-06:002009-03-07T10:51:30.794-06:00Interview with Editor and Author, Lisa Mangum<strong>Lisa Mangum </strong>is a person who has helped writers for many years as an experienced editor. So when I heard she had her own novel coming out May 2009, I was thrilled. I love to see others succeed and creating. Lisa was kind enough to spend time with me, chatting over all kinds of things. In fact, she's going to visit with us periodically over the next two months about her pending release of <em>The Hourglass Door</em>. It's a YA (Young Adult) novel that is full of adventure, romance, and a whole lot of intrigue.<br /><em><br />C.S.: Lisa, you have a new book that is scheduled for release May 13, 2009. It's categorized as YA (Young Adult), but I bet adults will fall in love with it too. I'm soooooo intrigued with the title, "The Hourglass Door." Tell us about the book. </em><br /><br /><img src="http://www.lisamangum.com/images/hourglass_door.jpg" alt="The Hourglass Door" align="left" border="2" height="130" hspace="10" vspace="10" width="90" />LISA: First and foremost, it’s a love story. It’s about a girl named Abby who is going through some tough times during her senior year of high school. On the surface, she has it all figured out: cute boyfriend, good friends, and high hopes for college. But it doesn’t take long before Abby’s life starts to take a different turn. Her boyfriend is looking for fireworks, but Abby’s not so sure about her own feelings. Her friends are full of advice, but Abby’s not sure they always have her best interests at heart. And she’s pinned her college dreams on the one school that she fears she won’t get into.<br /><br />And then Dante Alexander walks into her life. He’s mysterious and interesting and unlike anyone she’s met before. Sparks fly between them almost immediately, and a relationship develops between Abby and Dante. But when the lead singer of the rock band Zero Hour, Zo, takes an interest in Abby and her friends, the danger deepens—and so does the mystery. Soon Abby learns of a centuries-old secret and must make a near-impossible decision that will change her future forever.<br /><br /><em>The Hourglass Door</em> is technically classified as Young Adult, but I like to think that readers of all ages can enjoy the story.<br /><br /><em>C.S.: When you were little, did you have any idea of what industry you wanted to work in as an adult?<br /></em><br />LISA: Absolutely. In fact, when I was in junior high, I checked out a copy of The Writer’s Market from the library and wrote to the editors of, maybe, twenty publishing companies asking for advice: How did they get where they were? How could I do the same thing? What should I study in school? Almost everyone wrote me back with great advice and encouragement (the editor at Del Rey even sent me two free books!). I still have those letters. It was a great boost to my youthful dream; it made everything seem possible.<br /><br />In college, when I would tell people I was pursuing an English degree, they all ask, “Oh, so you want to be a teacher?” and I’d say, “No, I want to be an editor.”<br /><br /><em>C.S.: When did you first start writing?<br /></em><br />LISA: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d fill up notebooks with stories, poems, and ideas. I’d spend my summers writing stories on the computer in my pajamas. I guess I started writing seriously three or four years ago when my friends and I started a writing group together. I think that was when I put writing as a priority in my life and said to myself, “Hey, I can do this!” <br /><br /><em>C.S.: Did you have any self-doubts when you first began writing?<br /></em><br />LISA: I think all writers have that little voice in the back of their head that says, “What are you thinking? Why would anyone want to read something you wrote?” It’s hard to silence that voice, but when I do, I find that some of my best writing comes through. Maybe because those are the times I toss my fears out the window and write something that I would want to read.<br />~~~~~<br />Thanks, Lisa! Next month, <strong>Lisa Mangum</strong> will share with us how she got the glimmer for <em>The Hourglass Door</em> in the first place, her most favorite character in the book (hmmm, I wonder if it is the dreamy Dante), and especially how writers' groups are important to the improvement of pure creation. Make sure to subscribe to our blog so you'll be first to know when part two of our interview series posts.<br /><br />Have fun checking out <a href="http://www.lisamangum.com/Home_Page.html">Lisa's website</a>. And here is a bonus <a href="http://ldsmediatalk.com/2009/02/26/mormon-messages-youtube-channel-update/">link</a> to President Uchtdorf's message on creativity given at a recent General Relief Society meeting. It will inspire you and lift you, all at the same time. Who knows. Maybe it will be <span style="font-style:italic;">you</span> next year being interviewed here for your own book!C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-27610172415069880382009-02-16T20:54:00.002-06:002009-02-16T21:00:11.137-06:00LDSBookCorner.com -- A Great New WebsiteAre you an LDS author? Do you love LDS fiction (or non-fiction)? Want to sample a book before buying it? Enjoy this interview I had recently with Deanne Blackhurst and learn about her exciting new website concept. Just wait till you read what she's been up to!<br /><br />~~~~~<br /><br /><em>C.S.: Deanne, you have an exciting new proposition to share with us, a website all about LDS books. What was your purpose in starting this site?<br /> </em><br />DEANNE: The site is LDSBookcorner.com and it is devoted to supporting and promoting LDS authors.<br /><br />It’s funny but ever since I was a little girl I’ve dreamed of owning a bookstore. Of course in my imagination it was a quaint little shop filled with new and used books, where people could browse at their leisure while I sat in a rocking chair by a fire, a cat at my feet reading a good book. Granted a cyber bookstore is a little different but I do have a wood burning stove near my computer and my black lab is curled up under the computer desk at my feet. So perhaps I’m living the dream after all.<br /><em><br />C.S.: When did the idea first come to you?<br /> </em><br />DEANNE: I’ve always been a big reader, and always interested in LDS authors. I hate to date myself but I remember reading Charly by Jack Weyland when it first came out. Since then a lot of bright and talented new authors have been emerging. I think some of the best writing ever produced by Latter-Day Saint authors is out on the market today.<br /><br />Originally I just wanted to create a place where all these books could be gathered and appreciated. But my husband pointed out to me that I had to support my dream somehow. So I became an Amazon book affiliate, which allows me to sell books without carrying the inventory. What is really cool is that I can offer everything from the most recent releases to those that have been out of print for years.<br /><em><br />C.S.: What do you feel are the best things about LDS books? <br /> </em><br />DEANNE: First off, I want to make it clear that I support books by LDS authors, not all of which are LDS books per say. But getting back to your question…<br /><br />Like many avid readers, trying to find something in the national book market today is really a crap shoot. Take Danielle Steele. First rate stories, a skilled writer but in almost every book there is at least one scene that just makes me cringe. But you wouldn’t know that from looking at the cover. No half naked men molesting half naked women. And she is quite successful.<br /><br />Another example. I saw The Devil Wears Prada at the movie theater and thought I might enjoy the novel, but I couldn’t get through the first chapter because of the foul language. And don’t get me started on the blood and guts mysteries that are all the rage today.<br /><br />When I open an LDS novel, I never worry. I might not like the story, but I will never be offended. I may explore the hearts and experiences of people who see the world differently than I do, but I’m never going to be fed the lies that evil is good, and good is passé.<br /><br />This doesn’t just apply to fiction. There are some amazingly wise and insightful members out there who are sharing their expertise in such areas as understanding the scriptures, to how to run a family, teach a class or have a closer relationship with your spouse. I wouldn’t touch a book on intimacy in a national books store, but there are several tasteful and informative books on the subject, written by LDS experts.<br /><em><br />C.S.: What do you wish you'd see more from LDS authors?<br /><br /></em>DEANNE: I read a lot of books so that I can review them on LDSBookcorner.com, and what I’d like to see are more authors continuing to hone their skills. In my opinion, the number one problem is the first chapter. There are so many books that are just wonderful, once you make it to chapter two. But how many new readers will push on?<br /><br />On my website, I offer a feature called the Daily Chapter. For no charge, a visitor can sign up to receive five or six pages each day Monday through Friday of a select book or novel with a different book chosen each week. This allows readers to sample a number of new authors as well as their old favorites, and buy the ones that catch their interest.<br /><br />But to catch a reader’s interest, those first twenty pages have to reach right out, grab the reader and pull them in. Once they’re hooked, if the plot is exciting, the threat is truly threatening, and the characters are real and likeable, then people will flock to buy the book.<br /><br />~~~~<br /><br />I'd like to thank Deanne. Next week, we'll learn about her very own book that is slated for release soon. Until then, feel free to stop by her site at <a href="http://www.ldsbookcorner.com">LDSBookcorner.com</a> and sign up for the Daily Chapter. The writers participating are some of the top selling LDS authors like Jennie Hansen, Shannon Guymon, and more. She'll also be showcasing some lesser known but equally talented up and coming writers. LDS writing has grown up a lot in the last ten years, so sign up and find out what’s out there.<br /><br />And while you are on the site, you are free to browse the library and explore some of the hundreds of books she has on display.<br /><br />If you like what you see, pass the word around. if you know of an LDS author that isn’t on her site yet, please drop her a line at ldsbookcorner@gmail.com and tell her about them.C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-17577534825156953782008-12-19T11:12:00.007-06:002008-12-19T11:22:20.776-06:002009 LDStorymakers Conference registration is now open!<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Oh, it is so exciting. The 2009 LDStorymakers Conference registration is now open. And within the first 24 hours (yesterday), nearly all of the hotel rooms were already booked. That's right; registration is filling quickly. Here is the </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);" href="http://www.ldstorymakers.com/">link </a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">and in just a second, I'll share more information below (from the LDStorymaker site itself). But I have to tell you: I was present at last year's conference and it was the highlight of the year for me. Register quickly to reserve your space!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">~~~~~~~</span><br /><br /><b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" >Sixth Annual</span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:6;" >LDStorymakers Writers Conference</span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" >Friday & Saturday April 24-25, 2009<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,Times;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/slcvo-provo-marriott-hotel-and-conference-center/?ptnr=thayer_slcvo_banner"><span style="font-size:6;">Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center</span></a> </span> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" ><br />101 West 100 North<br />Provo, Utah 84601</span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:130%;" > Phone: 801-377-4700<br />Fax: 801-377-4708<br />Toll-free: 800-777-7144</span><br /><br /></b> <center style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> </center> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" ><b>PRESENTERS INCLUDE:<br /><br /> Keynote Speaker Dean Lorey</b></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:130%;" >who has written extensively for film, television, and recently, a middle grade fantasy series</span><br /><br /> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" > <b>National Agent Amy Jameson</b></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:130%;" > of A + B Works Literary Agency </span><br /><br /> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" > <b>Editor Stacy Whitman</b></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:130%;" > previously with Mirrorstone, the children's and young adult imprint of Wizards of the Coast, and now a consulting editor for Tor's children's and YA lines</span><br /><br /> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" > <b>Representatives from LDS publishers</b></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:130%;" > including Deseret Book and Covenant</span><br /><br /> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,Times;font-size:180%;" > <b>Plus many, many national and LDS authors</b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">~~~~~~~</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">That's right; registration is filling quickly. But there is still time for you to register. Here is the </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);" href="http://www.ldstorymakers.com/">link </a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">. Again, last year's conference was the highlight of the year for me. Register quickly to reserve your space!</span>C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-36806729295948931212008-11-21T09:07:00.002-06:002008-11-21T09:16:12.898-06:00The Power of a Good Book<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>As writers, we aim to write a book that influences, sustains, or even entertains. Books are able to do that simply because of ink blobs on the page, formed in shapes we recognize. I have always found that fascinating.<br /><br />I found an old book recently in a used bookstore (sometimes these stores are our society's most priceless of jewels). Published in 1941, the book is called <span style="font-style: italic;">The American Citizens Handbook</span>.<br /><br />The book's author quotes William J. Hutchins' 1916 text, "The Code of the Good American." His words remind the reader not to injure another, whether in word or in deed. I found his "ink blobs" fascinating ... and sobering, an almost literary analysis of a gentler time.<br /><br />And here was the thought that struck me upon reading his words (included below): How far have we strayed as a culture, in the nearly 100 years since he first fashioned his publication?<br /><br />I must admit, Mr. Hutchins' words saddened me. For against them, the backdrop of our society intensified his society's own gentility. Oh, that we would capture that society's expressions and make them our own. What a better world that would be.<br /><br />Here are his words:<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />THE LAW OF SELFCONTROL<br /><em><br />"The Good American Controls Himself.</em> "Those who best control themselves can best serve their country.<br /><ul><li>"I will control my <em>tongue</em>, and will not allow it to speak mean, vulgar, or profane words. I will think before I speak. I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.</li><li>"I will control my <em>temper</em>, and will not get angry when people or things displease me. Even when indignant against wrong and contradicting falsehood, I will keep my selfcontrol.</li><li>"I will control my <em>thoughts</em>, and will not allow a foolish wish to spoil a wise purpose.</li><li>"I will control my <em>actions</em>. I will be careful and thrifty, and insist on doing right.</li><li>"<strong style="font-weight: normal;">I will not ridicule nor defile the character of another; I will keep my self respect, and help others to keep theirs</strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;">."</strong><br /></li></ul>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />That kind of says it all, doesn't it? Again, as writers, are we aware that our words capture more than simple thought as we write them? They contain nuances of mood and lifestyle, veritable snapshots of our day. Ah, the power of the written word.C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-89197035772617531392008-10-15T08:44:00.004-05:002008-10-15T10:30:36.906-05:00Discipline is a MuscleHow many times have you thought to yourself, "I sure wish my book were out."<br /><br />It can be hard, sitting at your computer screen and looking at a word count that feels measly. Whether that word count is 247 (or 2470 or 24,700) if your goal is a published book, the distance between reality and your dream can feel exhausting and perhaps improbable.<br /><br />In an interview in the newspaper Idaho Statesman, on 10/14/08, author Laura Lippman shared how she moved from being a newspaper reporter to published novelist -- 4 pages at a time. She spoke how she simply loved writing and really did sit down daily and write about 1000 words a day. It was that simple.<br /><br />OK. Well, maybe it is a bit more complex than that. There is a craft to writing that must be achieved to actually write books that people want to read. But the craft comes <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> the actual writing. If you don't have words on a page, how can you polish them?<br /><br />So the next time you feel like despairing over your unfinished manuscript, instead of getting cerebral about where you're <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span>, sit in front of the computer instead and get lost in the world you are creating. Ignore punctuation, ignore grammar rules. Just play around in your written world.<br /><br />That's right; romp in your fictional world with your characters and just have fun. You'll find yourself writing more and commiserating less over unfinished projects. And in the end, you will find yourself with a completed manuscript, bringing you much closer to being like published authors similar to Laura Lippman. With a completed draft, <span style="font-style: italic;">then</span> you can focus on the craft of writing and begin the next portion: editing and seeking an agent (if that's your dream).<br /><br />But until you are actually writing and completing your project, the reality of "published author" will stay far, far ahead of you. For more information on bringing your dreams into realities, visit my new blog, <a href="http://thebutterflyprinciple.blogspot.com/">The Butterfly Principle</a>. And make sure to join our <a href="http://www.latterdayauthors.com/wforum/index.php?sid=0f8b6508200ebc3a6000f04d6ee59eb0">LatterDayAuthors.com forum</a> for camaraderie and fun along your "written way."C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-45549478610000524582008-09-27T09:22:00.004-05:002008-09-27T09:26:57.140-05:00Announcing a new BIAM!Hey, hey, guess what? Are you ready to escape all the misery that the daily news is bringing? If so, get your pencils ready or your laptop ready ... because we at LatterDayAuthors.com are sponsoring another free Book in a Month event!<br /><br />Whether you are interested in writing your family history, life story, screen play or even a novel, come visit <a href="http://www.latterdayauthors.com/wforum/index.php?sid=0f8b6508200ebc3a6000f04d6ee59eb0">LatterDayAuthor.com's forum</a>. If you're already a member of the forum, you'll know what to do. If not, join today and then scroll down to the BIAM section and click on "October 2008 BIAM" and follow the directions. We have such fun times during these and would love to have you join us!C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-6904901362390997912008-09-15T09:50:00.005-05:002008-09-15T10:03:52.870-05:00Finally Arriving...It's been a long summer. My family found out in the late spring that we would be moving across the country. Filled with typical feelings of excitement and nervousness, we tried as best we could to prepare for the movers to come. But can one ever be truly prepared for an anticipated event of upheaval and change?<br /><br />Writing a book is very similar. The long hours my family put in clearing the garage and slimming/trimming our belongings was a lot of work. Our muscles ached and we retired to bed each evening exhausted. But I'm thrilled to say all that work has now brought forth what we'd most hoped for; we're now in our new home in a wonderful location.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.qdosconsulting.com/images/79x59/brown%20pen%20paper.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.qdosconsulting.com/images/79x59/brown%20pen%20paper.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>How much work have you put in on your most recent writing project? Your back muscles may not spasm from the effort (but then again, they might. Sitting in front of a pad of paper or the computer can be tiring!) Your neck may not experience muscle strain from lifting heavy items (but then again, it might. Writing can be a heavy process.).<br /><br />The point is, a completed manuscript is much like prepping for a move. You first must put forth the effort to write the thing. Then comes the slimming and trimming of all those initial efforts. Days morph into weeks and some days you wonder if the mental "move" from brain to written page is worth it.<br /><br />I'm here to tell you it is. Continue your work. One day you'll finally arrive at completed manuscript status (or in my situation, a new home). You'll be able to sit back and look at all those tired efforts and be grateful you continued moving forward. "Finally arriving" is more than worth both the physical and mental strain it may cause along the way. <br /><br />So back to the computer let us go. Work, work, work. Write, write, write. Your final destination (called "completed manuscript") is calling you. And so is that feeling of having finally arrived.C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-54828620163477482932008-06-29T23:23:00.001-05:002008-11-13T12:02:57.420-06:00Making a Fashion Statement<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKLs_LkkQvXab-9222bqD8gUdjcgsk6piqozSd_jTdaWeRWj3OyUvbZ6HBqiGI8ruXXVvsqdI0_tQ7ZQo7Ef5aXjwWeVeX-3D_y5sTtknU1VZVoP3ll1m1Th1WaYXmyQ1hWMHG2UJS82r/s1600-h/Ancient+Robbers+Cloth.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKLs_LkkQvXab-9222bqD8gUdjcgsk6piqozSd_jTdaWeRWj3OyUvbZ6HBqiGI8ruXXVvsqdI0_tQ7ZQo7Ef5aXjwWeVeX-3D_y5sTtknU1VZVoP3ll1m1Th1WaYXmyQ1hWMHG2UJS82r/s400/Ancient+Robbers+Cloth.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215930099033362642" /></a>An editor I once worked with offered a suggestion that the character Shechem King of Robbers in the <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Series</a> was too Robber-like to be credible. He was cliché. Did he really need to dress in so much black? Black cape? Black sashes? Black robes? He didn't buy the short yes answer so I offered him something a little longer like this:<br /><br />The inspiration for the character Shechem came, in part, from an actual Robber King by the same name who lived in the caves near Jerusalem though in a different era than Lehi. Dressing him in black wasn't just good drama, it was fashionable history. Archaeologists found this scarf left by an ancient middle eastern grave robber caught in the act of plundering a tomb. For the religiously inclined of the day, it was an unthinkable act of thievery. If the perpetrator were a member of the community he was betraying his own religious beliefs. The gold and silver rings left with the deceased were needed for a wealthy afterlife. But if the theft were committed by an ancient robber who didn't share the same beliefs as the culture on which he preyed, a grave made the perfect target.<br /><br />Robber. Thief. What's the difference? In your world they're likely the same bad guy. An untrustworthy no good who stole a woman's purse. A bank robber. A con man. Maybe even a Mafioso. They take what isn't theirs and if the justice system does its job, they get what they deserve. <br /><br />Robbers and thieves were a more differentiated lot in the ancient Old World of Lehi's Jerusalem and their traditions likely influenced the rise of robber bands in the Americas. Take your neighbor living down the street in the one story hand-cut limestone Egyptian-style home of Jerusalem's Lower City. You know his name. Jonah. You shop at the same market and draw water from the same well. You're a blacksmith. He's a stone cutter. Your kids play leap frog together. Its a game that's sure to be around a long time. You have no reason not to trust Jonah, but when you leave your new ax near the trunk of a dead olive tree, Jonah can't resist the temptation. He takes it and becomes what ancient Jerusalemites called a thief. <br /><br />Here's a description of some differences between thieves and robbers taken directly from the historical novel <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/pillaroffirechaptertwo">Pillar of Fire (Chapter 2, page 26)</a><br /><br /><strong><em>Thieves were loners, working their craft among their neighbors. They stole bread from the baker, sheep from the farmer and coins from a blind man’s purse. And for their crimes they were to make a sin offering at the temple. <br /><br />Robbers were ruthless outlaws, burning farms and besieging villages, plundering the trade route, and raining terror down on whole cities from their mountain hideouts. With their oaths, they planted men on government councils and assassinated heads of state. And for their crimes, they were not tried by a judge. Jewish law allowed them to suffer beheading by the first man to catch them. </em></strong><br /><br />No wonder Captain Laban called Nephi's older brother, Laman, a robber rather than a thief. He was justifying attempted murder while telling every servant and soldier within the sound of his voice that his house guest was fair game. A fairly Israelite-law-savvy cover for his crime. It was also a not-so-subtle legal order to kill <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_ne/3">(1 Nephi 3:13).</a><br /><br />Ancient robbers belonged to an organized group. A band. In some cases it grew into an entire society with its own cultural identity. Members took an oath of loyalty, paid homage to a priestly order of appointed officials who either developed their own religious doctrine and law or borrowed it from previous bands of robbers. Positions like high priest, king, and prince were not out of place. They understood that intertwining a hierarchical government with the trappings of religious zeal was critical for the long term survival of their way of life.<br /><br />In one of the most telling documents ever recovered from antiquity, the Robber King Giddianhi, in a letter to Lachoneus, the chief governing officer of a group of ancient Americans, details the secret oaths and ruthless means employed by robbers <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/3">(see 3 Nephi 1-10).</a><br /><br />Ancient robbers were parasitic, robbing society of its wealth by taking advantage of its decaying morality, but not entirely destroying it. Without a host culture they had nothing on which to prey. To protect their identity from the uninitiated they administered oaths of secrecy, planted loyalists on government councils, and bribed judges.<br /><br />With the growth of a band, robber kings, priests, and princes, like Shechem King of Robbers, added ceremonial clothing, medallions and rings to their vestments to convey their authority. The name Shechem is borrowed from Israelite sacred history. Shechem may have taken his name from the holy site north of Jerusalem where the arc of the covenant and other sacred emblems were kept safe until Solomon's temple was built and they were transported to the capital city. <br /><br />Robbers mimicked the sacred rites and clothing of their host cultures. Capes, flowing robes, sashes, ornamental belts, and loin clothes were important ritual clothing. All of it black.<br /><br />So the next time your editor suggests a different fashion statement for one of your characters or maybe the addition of some stylish alternative color selections to their wardrobe, tell him Shechem sent you.<br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website.</a> He is also a weekly contributor to <a href="http://utahrangers.blogspot.com/">Rangers at the Far Post</a> blog.David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-77756215519500536062008-06-21T14:54:00.008-05:002008-11-13T12:02:58.029-06:00Rhymy-dimey Stuff<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqFgB3dBx9tpTChZZMto9_OyY2rI6C4EtKCIazRXq7Mb1AcK1H925s6LLrIp57nZYNAM5TEhtxUL4xYaKFF5FYvLf5FQ3PByMrvj-z46GUbFMf0o-wHSobTaa4Ncn9sTMKRwTVSFVsj8/s1600-h/Dime.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqFgB3dBx9tpTChZZMto9_OyY2rI6C4EtKCIazRXq7Mb1AcK1H925s6LLrIp57nZYNAM5TEhtxUL4xYaKFF5FYvLf5FQ3PByMrvj-z46GUbFMf0o-wHSobTaa4Ncn9sTMKRwTVSFVsj8/s200/Dime.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214426448648545042" /></a><br /><em>Coming next week: the sequel to <strong>Little Green Dwarfs.</strong> Come back next week when David G. Woolley posts more thoughts on developing your writing voice. Until then, may all your stories be peopled with little green dwarfs.</em><br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website.</a> He is also a weekly contributor to <a href="http://utahrangers.blogspot.com/">Rangers at the Far Post</a> blog.David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-58173045490923162772008-06-21T14:17:00.014-05:002008-11-13T12:02:58.584-06:00Invention<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm6f4qxaY_l1_05oPoH7TMOMrsshhCChrObJQVA-az6dwqJCi8uAfKp8RpdqwcdGyAXm_1lsuThk6q473Thl6jpMsGnZfGA6sVHuti-XUgKiKoEW72NP7TPG0leQcBPMwJyyyh_O25Yk_/s1600-h/Invention.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm6f4qxaY_l1_05oPoH7TMOMrsshhCChrObJQVA-az6dwqJCi8uAfKp8RpdqwcdGyAXm_1lsuThk6q473Thl6jpMsGnZfGA6sVHuti-XUgKiKoEW72NP7TPG0leQcBPMwJyyyh_O25Yk_/s400/Invention.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214078690574191986" /></a><br />One of Ben Franklin's many passions was lightning. It wasn't a curiosity. It was a force to be reckoned with, understood. After his famous thunderstorm kite flight in June of 1752 his research led to ideas we still use today when we talk about electricity. Ideas like battery, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock, and electrician are all Ben Franklin contributions. Electric shock is my favorite. He also understood the dangers of untamed electric force and he figured out a way to protect buildings, sea faring ships, and people. The lightning rod is today a metaphor for inventiveness.<br /><br />It wasn't long before others built on Franklin's ideas. Edison perfected the incandescent filament and tube we call the light bulb, Graham the telephone and Neil Armstrong took a giant leap for mankind when he beamed down the first electrically illuminated video from the moon. <br /><br />My mother invented Tutti Fruity home made ice cream. No kidding. Its a creamy blend of cherries, pineapple and strawberries with a rather inventive mix of vanilla and a few other secret ingredients that will not be revealed until the US patent office gets back with word on the application. The dessert has clinically addicted our family for decades.<br /><br />I was a dangling participle in seventh grade. My English teacher was a good man. Mr. Herman paced during class. I napped. He was a grammarian. I was a daydreamer. His lectures on sentence structure were architectural wonders. My papers were an accident waiting to happen. If he remembers me at all it was for our last conversation of the school year. He advised me to avoid any profession which required the use, manipulation or selection of words, pronouns, adjectives, or any other use of the English language. My mother used to apologize for my poor spelling. We practiced a lot. It never helped. I was too busy dreaming.<br /><br />Mr. Herman said, "You'll never amount to much in any profession if you can't write properly."<br /><br />I said, "No worries Mr. Herman. I got dreams."<br /><br />We were both right.<br /><br />Invention—that seemingly boundless well of ideas that afflicts the curios, finds solutions for the problem solver, and creates wonder in the artistic expression of the gifted. How do you become one of the curious? How do you join the ranks of the problem solvers and gifted souls whose inventiveness delights and amazes?<br /><br />Necessity may be the mother of it, but there was no pressing need for Franklin to study lightning, Edison to test thousands of materials until he found the perfect filament or for mom to find a more perfect ice cream. Vanilla would have been a fine dessert. There is something divine within each of us that engenders the need to create. Its an inheritance from heavenly parents and when we feel heaven near we simply can't deny the impulse that prods us to ask, "What if? What are the possibilities? If we can dream it, can't we achieve it?"<br /><br />If necessity is the mother of invention, then the brain may just be the father. That gray matter just happens to have the processing power of 100 teraflops. That's about 100 trillion calculations per second. How do I know? Take the 100 billion neurons in your brain, factor in the 1000 interconnections each neuron makes with other neurons and add the 200 calculations per second that take place at each of those interfaces and you've got yourself a 100 teraflop super computer that's mobile, compact and guaranteed for the life of the handy dandy carrying case.<br /><br />A couple of years ago IBM built the first computer with more processing power than the human brain. They call it ASCI Purple. Its computing power is a whopping 360 teraflops. The only problem? Portability. It took over a year to move it from the design center in New Jersey to its home at the New Mexico Los Alamos Laboratory. ASCI Purple weighs 197 tons. The human brain weighs about 3.3 pounds soaking wet. ASCI Purple takes up a mere 8,900 cubic feet (about the size of two basketball courts). The average size of the brain? About 56 cubic inches. <br /><br />There is one other problem. Despite being bested by more than 200 teraflops, the brain still manages to out-do the bulky upstart in the most important category. ASCI purple hasn't the capacity for invention. It simply can't piece together seemingly unrelated ideas and create something revolutionary. Like, say, a 360 teraflop computer. ASCI purple is a huge time saver. Its not an inventor.<br /><br />For some still unknown reason the mind dreams, creates, and invents. Science calls it amazing. I call it divine. Its so powerful a machine that it even manages to fill in the gaps when you can't. You thought you told the kids to be home at 10 pm, but you only thought it. You were certain you connected all the electrical wiring in an ingenious new grid to improve efficiency and incorporate dimmers in all the bedrooms. Instead you got a blackout. You think you're losing your mind. No worries. Your brain is just busy doing what it does best. Invention. <br /><br />Try writing a story. One that you're passionate about. One that's been stewing in your thoughts for months maybe even years. You know the beginning middle and end like you know your way home on a dark and stormy night. What doesn't make it onto the page your mind fills in with colorful imagery, rational thought and delightful pros. You've got the beginnings of a masterpiece. Until, of course, you read it aloud. What you thought was a symphony choired by angles is little more than a dangly jitty with flat notes. Where did all the faulty logic come from? There's some important descriptions missing and who made these terribly unspecific word choices? What you lacked in experience and training your brain filled in with an inventive solution.<br /><br />The next time you set out to follow your dreams, make sure you take the time to train your brain to get to Oz and back. Franklin put in hours of study. Edison put in hours of testing. My mom went through gallons of cream. You can do it too. Combine your inventiveness with some blood, sweat and tears and you'll be amazed by the quality of what you achieve. <br /><br />May your dreams and your Tutti Fruity ice cream be a symphony choired by angels.<br /><br /><br /><em>Editor's Note: For Kerry Blair and me, the last line of this post should have read: May your dreams and your Soy Milk be a symphony choired by angels.</em><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website.</a> He is also a weekly contributor to <a href="http://utahrangers.blogspot.com/">Rangers at the Far Post</a> blog.David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-42756818452516785322008-06-04T15:41:00.024-05:002008-11-13T12:02:58.881-06:00Little Green Dwarfs<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnpJ77ZdhZ70ka2448WfwT_pO31MqGYzbSASjC11_ukAgz0QFE5OcjOYMdoHgpukK9yEoe8ZgxpmCulO1TiwommlhFAsklnW8uiHvtIKz9V9Oo7YqgJfkluq8hY0tByITf1phYnRr1H4/s1600-h/Little+Green+Dwars+II.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnpJ77ZdhZ70ka2448WfwT_pO31MqGYzbSASjC11_ukAgz0QFE5OcjOYMdoHgpukK9yEoe8ZgxpmCulO1TiwommlhFAsklnW8uiHvtIKz9V9Oo7YqgJfkluq8hY0tByITf1phYnRr1H4/s400/Little+Green+Dwars+II.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208129607533381986" /></a><br /><em>* Disclaimer: Management is not responsible for blurring the line between dwarfs and aliens. Also, the use of alcohol in the example below should not be construed as condoning the sale or consumption of spirits. May we suggest soy milk?</em><br /><br /><strong>"A hundred odd-looking men walked into the room and ordered a drink."</strong> Not a terribly poor way to describe what's going on in the picture above. The sentence is grammatically correct. The actions are clear. Maybe you fill a page with sentences like these without giving a second thought to how it affects your voice. The issue, in this case, is vagueness. The characters (a hundred odd-looking men) are woefully abstract. Write something like "a hundred little green three-eyed dwarfs", on the other hand, and you've rendered things more specific. The setting in this run of pros could be any room, but a bar is more clear and certainly more consistent with placing an order for alcohol. When was the last time you wrote something like: A man ordered a drink? It doesn't pack near the punch as say, ordering a fifth of scotch on the rocks. The following solution may be just the right stuff to improve your voice:<br /><br /><strong>"A hundred little green three-eyed dwarfs stepped up to the bar and ordered a bloody mary."</strong><br /><br />Don't worry about your voice when you're writing. You'll end up forcing things. When you find that your voice is flat turn the vague, the unspecific, the abstract, into more concrete pros. Make your unspecific characters more tangible, what a movie director would likely call giving the extras some life. Choose a precise word for your setting. Make your descriptions not just clear, but precisely clear. It is not simply a matter of poor word choice. Strengthening your voice requires discipline. Shed the lazy attitude of accepting as adequate whatever pros happen to pop into your mind. When you go back to rewrite do the hard work of finding a better solution. And remember: There is always a better solution.<br /><br />Repetition is not just another culprit that weakens voice. It is the ring leader. Do you write sentences with the same structure all in a row? A run of declarative sentences, ones that all begin with say, I or She or He, are certain to weaken your voice. Maybe you've written one question right after the other. Not only is that repetitive, it can be confusing. Do you give multiple descriptions when a single solution is less repetitive if not more precise? Go ahead and re-read the previous sentence again and notice how writing "if not more precise" tends to muddle your voice. Pick one and stick with it. Writing "do you give multiple descriptions when a single solution is less repetitive," strengthens your voice.<br /><br />Just for the fun of it, let me rewrite the previous paragraph with a weaker voice. That's right, even non-fiction has a voice. Here goes:<br /><br />Repetition is not just another culprit that diminishes voice. It is the ring leader. Do you write sentences with the same structure all in a row? Do you write a run of declarative sentences, ones that all begin with I or She or He? Do you write one question right after the other? Not only is that repetitive, it can be confusing if not down right redundant. Do you give multiple descriptions when a single solution is less repetitive if not more precise. Go ahead and re-read the previous sentence again and notice how writing "if not more precise" tends to muddle your voice. Pick one and stick with it. <br /><br />I couldn't resist throwing in an extra repetition in the paragraph above. Did you catch the "not only is that repetitive, it can be confusing if not down right redundant"? Like I said, pick one and stick with it.<br /><br />There are other observations that may strengthen your voice when you're rewriting. I'm going to post some of them here in the next few days in a blog I plan to call: "Rhymy-dimey stuff." <br /><br />Until then, may your voice be specific, may your writing be void of abstraction, and may you never, never, never repeat yourself. And if you've got time, come join me for some uplifting commentary at <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning</a> where I guarantee you'll enjoy an Irish lift to your day and a lilt in your step.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website.</a> He is also a weekly contributor to <a href="http://utahrangers.blogspot.com/">Rangers at the Far Post</a> blog.David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-43917867892432798392008-06-02T19:18:00.023-05:002008-11-13T12:02:59.141-06:00Don't Jump<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3MkN2HRknOuavI8MqyqVvY3hihQbigUcSyDe9B7L95cy_TM8_S-M4BVxJDjm-i8jTkM7tTHG9iS2TCzIpTCl4vnxu1ZBFq3zpBjZ5vi7BCzZLvHXkF2EJm89af7o3O7URi10z3oohM0/s1600-h/Don't+Jump.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3MkN2HRknOuavI8MqyqVvY3hihQbigUcSyDe9B7L95cy_TM8_S-M4BVxJDjm-i8jTkM7tTHG9iS2TCzIpTCl4vnxu1ZBFq3zpBjZ5vi7BCzZLvHXkF2EJm89af7o3O7URi10z3oohM0/s400/Don't+Jump.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207449847354411266" /></a><br />Don't jump. Its good advice for people who work in tall buildings. Its also good advice for anyone who would like to write some fiction. Some habits are hard to break including jumping from head to head. If your heroine is feeling an emotion that begs for a line or two of introspection, but you began the scene in the hero's point of view, do something I call RUJ: Resist the Urge to Jump. Use a line of dialogue, settle on some bit of creative action for your non-point-of-view character. Maybe a snippet of description will do the trick, anything that conveys the emotion without jumping. <strong><em>And without explaining the emotion. </em></strong><br /><br />You will be richly rewarded for not taking a leap. Initially the only perceptible payoff is less confusion for the reader. But over time you'll notice that your scenes have a much deeper dramatic impact on the reader because you begin to employ internal dialogue that only your point of view character would employ. You begin to think like your character. And then you begin to foreshadow the subtle motivations that prod your character to action.<br /><br />Even more rewarding than a deeper understanding of your character is the development of what is fawningly referred to as voice. They say you can't develop your ability to achieve a voice for your character. It is said that its a gift, a talent, a genetic endowment from an ancestor of literature prodigy fame. I say fooey. You can develop your voice. The first step is selecting a point of view character and sticking with her through thick and thin to the end of the scene. But then what?<br /><br />What do you do once you've committed to endure to the end in a single point of view and still your scene lacks a powerful voice? How do you transform a lackluster chapter with a thin voice into a dramatic marvel? Join me Wednesday, June 4th, and I'll share two observations that may help you recognize some sublte tendencies that tend to dampen a strong voice. Its a blog to which I'm applying the working title: <strong><em>Little Green Dwarfs.</em></strong><br /><br />Until Wednesday, may your writing be filled with all sorts of twists and turns. And my your hard drive never go belly up.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website</a>David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-26886082748781299432008-05-30T19:24:00.004-05:002008-11-13T12:02:59.554-06:00The Slower Pleasures of Life<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk2j_doVV_lticW-wYR_SxUXWmOC2d0rhrgFa_LqfR8t3XLvkNzm-ZSM-gxncJW7NP_BfIKM77HSU21xgDLw2xbII4LegdiaIXMPCWD7-ZiMdb3XNMdGVaxleRO4x0khOy4_YbI_6-03/s1600-h/Speed+Limit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk2j_doVV_lticW-wYR_SxUXWmOC2d0rhrgFa_LqfR8t3XLvkNzm-ZSM-gxncJW7NP_BfIKM77HSU21xgDLw2xbII4LegdiaIXMPCWD7-ZiMdb3XNMdGVaxleRO4x0khOy4_YbI_6-03/s320/Speed+Limit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206279464471283922" /></a><br /><br />You can save on gas if you drive slower. No rabbit starts. No skidding stops. No kidding. I got 30 freeway miles to the gallon going sixty in my Ford Explorer. And 23 city miles per gallon by avoiding all those pedal-to-the-metal accelerations and breaking decelerations. I also noticed my neighbor put in some flowers and a bench swing. I was in too much of a hurry to notice him reading a book in his garden before I slowed down and drove less.<br /><br />Our fascination with speed and distance didn't start with the model T. Ancient Mesoamericans tracked their travel in days. An odd measurement for our odometer-obsessed sensibilities unless, of course, you're traveling with a large group of family, friends, goats, and chickens. When moving at the speed of a lama who cares how many steps it is to Nephiha. All you want to know is: "How long have we been on the road and when the heck are we getting there?" Did you know the ancient City of Zarahemla was located about 23 days north of the City of Nephi? The begrudged Lamanite and Nehite enemies were separated by a mere 175 miles. Thankfully 80 of those miles were difficult-to-travel mountain wilderness or the Book of Mormon would have been cover-to-cover warfare. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OkbCtkwFLFI4uwk_-HRDu_8vLsIP3ef4b8uhCH0q48LP7vYe-aGT-ybf0vT7-QHHY_lCe82FKjzWaW2YEj7cV346imy56PCRrtpYTN63msn3JCFYN2T-M6XicNjKzx4iyJwPOErDfdj9/s1600-h/Pioneer+Odometer+I.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OkbCtkwFLFI4uwk_-HRDu_8vLsIP3ef4b8uhCH0q48LP7vYe-aGT-ybf0vT7-QHHY_lCe82FKjzWaW2YEj7cV346imy56PCRrtpYTN63msn3JCFYN2T-M6XicNjKzx4iyJwPOErDfdj9/s320/Pioneer+Odometer+I.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206321602395424994" /></a><br />We have this guy, BYU Professor Larry Howell, to thank for reconstructing a Mormon Pioneer measurement curiosity. Its an odometer. Every time the wagon wheel goes around it turns the gears forward by a single tooth. Did you know there are 360 wagon-wheel lengths in a mile? The only thing missing was an easy-to-read digital display. Poor William Clayton. Brigham Young assigned the Mormon pioneer inventor to the tedious task of counting the number of teeth traveled each day. Brother Clayton translated his count into a fairly accurate 1,032 miles between Nauvoo and Utah. We may not have understood his 1847 journal entry if he wrote, "We traveled 371,520 gear teeth to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake."<br /><br />In the days before relatively less expensive cars, paved roads and cheap gas, travel was a novelty. There was less obsession about getting the kids somewhere and more imagination. Yesterday the backyard was a space landing on Mars. Today its a frontier ghost town complete with an O.K. corral. The lone family car was for the wage earner to get to the job site. There was no such thing as running an errand. If you didn't get it on your weekly grocery run you didn't need it. Before the dawn of accessible transportation we stayed closer to home, made up games to entertain ourselves and enjoyed a stroll around the block on a warm summer evening.<br /><br />My friends obsess over the cost of getting around. But if the economics of travel keeps them closer to home is that such a bad thing? Who knows? Maybe a little drive across town to visit family may become what it once was: A trip. Slowing down will save some money at the gas pump, but it may also help you find something you've been missing.<br /><br />Life's slower pleasures.<br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website</a>David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-41209612257321498362008-05-29T12:51:00.009-05:002008-11-13T12:02:59.761-06:00Dianne Odell<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3box4pyJ3adsiMQO7TwUd5S9850V_aE4iwzbWmSXKK-AhtkSOwB9s_EsC5WtLR7NHEUymiLDTmcftqyTims9ljbdLcO50kLCPMG-cvJbH_L4P87C8PMqs4QI1VheWACzm_6mu8Y3rm_V/s1600-h/Dianne+Odell.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3box4pyJ3adsiMQO7TwUd5S9850V_aE4iwzbWmSXKK-AhtkSOwB9s_EsC5WtLR7NHEUymiLDTmcftqyTims9ljbdLcO50kLCPMG-cvJbH_L4P87C8PMqs4QI1VheWACzm_6mu8Y3rm_V/s320/Dianne+Odell.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205850032166193346" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I didn't know Dianne. She lived, until this week, at her parent's residence in Jackson Tennessee, 80 miles northeast of Memphis. She was 61 years old. Dianne spent 59 of those years laying on her back inside this 750 pound iron lung where she had control over one thing: the television clicker. She used her elbow to change the channel. Polio was the culprit. It infected her when she was three, just two years before a vaccine was approved to fight the paralytic disease.<br /><br />When I saw the photo of Dianne I said, "That's too bad."<br /><br />When the power at Dianne's residence went out and the stand by generator failed, not even her family's desperate efforts to operate the iron lung using a manual lever were enough to save her life. She passed quietly on a blustery Tennessee Wednesday afternoon, May 28th. Cause of death: power outage due to bad weather. <br /><br />When I read about her story and how a power failure ended her life, I said, "What terrible luck for anyone to suffer."<br /><br />But Dianne wasn't just anyone. She didn't let her circumstances dampen her enthusiasm for life. She earned a high school diploma while laying inside her iron cell and she wrote a delightful children's book titled "Blinky" about a wishing star. Her pen and paper? A voice activated word processor. I wonder if the wishes she made on that blinky star are finally being realized.<br /><br />A lot of people helped Dianne the least of which were her parents who, for 59 years, bathed her, fed her and kept her company. There were other actors in this drama, friends like Frank Mcmeen who helped raise money for Dianne's equipment and nursing assistance. He said, "Dianne was one of the kindest and most considerate people you could meet. She was always concerned about others and their well-being."<br /><br />You may think that Dianne was lucky to have family and friends who were willing to care for her. Voice activated word processing and elbow television clicker control don't prepare meals, change clothes, or do dental and doctor visits. There were a lot of caregivers. But if you're wondering who the lucky ones were, look to Dianne's parents, to her sister and brother-in-law, to friends like Frank. Dianne gave them the chance to care, the opportunity to give, and the hope of being found with a charity-filled soul. It was Dianne's luck that they embraced the chance. <br /><br />If Dianne left any legacy, it is likely found peacefully entrenched in the hearts and souls of those who cared for her. Look close enough at her circle of family and friends and you may just find the one thing that has the power to save us all.<br /><br />The pure love of Christ.<br /><br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website</a>David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-16658091288198139482008-05-28T15:16:00.013-05:002008-11-13T12:03:00.076-06:00Tough Times? Tetherball Anyone?<a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">by David G. Woolley</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBN5xujCZbIwNRU9A1d3gHXKIwZ9PUKmEi-6Ye2eudrbFyps9VeHWkGDljrh5vehDj2wZ7J7UgMB-863_vsAqBt2EwL8WOnm7vN2M01WMHGHT2iRr_9MU09KHN8bnmeGMI6YVD2robxQD/s1600-h/tetherball.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBN5xujCZbIwNRU9A1d3gHXKIwZ9PUKmEi-6Ye2eudrbFyps9VeHWkGDljrh5vehDj2wZ7J7UgMB-863_vsAqBt2EwL8WOnm7vN2M01WMHGHT2iRr_9MU09KHN8bnmeGMI6YVD2robxQD/s320/tetherball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205486196896614578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Fads and fashions. I've never understood them entirely. Maybe its because they come and go so fast. Blink and you miss it. I never noticed when bell bottoms shrunk, tie-dye became a polo shirt or when the skateboard came, then went, then came again. Fads are cyclical. I'm still waiting for the hula-hoop to come full circle. When it does, I'm breaking out the record collection. Gonna play the pointer sisters' "We are Family!"<br /><br />I never owned a pair of Batman pajamas, Big Bird bed sheets or a transformer action figure with teleporting capabilities. I wasn't deprived. In Iowa we had tetherball. There was some nasty weather there last week. Seventeen tornadoes, seven deaths. I got an email from some friends. They're okay, but the hog farm got vaporized. <br /><br />Our smallish Iowa city tested the emergency warning system at noon. Everyday. We set our clocks by the siren. It was a heads up reminder for mom and dad that tornado season had arrived, but then it was nearly always tornado season in Iowa. For us kids it meant lunch. Toast strips dipped in tomato soup. <br /><br />We tracked a lot of mud inside after one particularly nasty afternoon storm. From the roof of our backyard shed I swear I saw a funnel cloud. Mom shook a can of orange Shasta at us while telling us that, "Where have you been? Its bad outside. You're going to clean up this mess and learn to be more responsible or else."<br /><br />"Or else what?" I asked.<br /><br />She popped the tab on the can and spewed pressurized soda across the ceiling and over both of us. We laughed.<br /><br />The sirens were loud, blaring, four-foot-wide, yellow horns placed strategically all over the city. I know. I used to map their location with the help of a trusty Schwinn bicycle. There was one near the entrance to the Pine Cone Forest, home of the largest evergreen trees this side of the Redwood National Park. Forty fire-breathing monsters with scaly skin and claws hid in dark shadows behind the thickest tree trunks. They ate pine cones and kids. <br /><br />There was another siren on the bike path at the top of Big Hill. It was the steepest stretch of one lane asphalt in the whole world. If you did big hill with bad breaks you were gonna end up in the skunk river.<br /><br />The Mighty Skunk. I found a lot of golf balls in that river. Nearly cleaned out my dad's spare change. He was the golfer. I was the caddy. He paid me fifty cents for every ball. Dad died of cancer last year. Nasty, terrible disease. We placed golf balls in floral arrangements at the funeral.<br /><br />One stormy summer evening the sirens woke me up and I swear when I looked out the window I saw a man dressed in black running down the street carrying a bulging black sack on his back. There was something squirming inside. I thought he'd stolen my sister and I went back to sleep without telling anyone. Dad carted us to the basement a few minutes later where we waited out the worst of the storm. My sister was there. I didn't ask her how she escaped.<br /><br />The media has reported a lot of disasters this month. Tornadoes all over the country, even in places that never have tornadoes. Have you ever heard of one in Los Angeles? There was a cyclone in Myanmar. It sucked up enough seawater to flood the entire coast. Myanmar doesn't have a lot of beach front property, but there was enough to wreck havoc on the lives of hundreds of thousands. There have been some major earthquakes the least of which are gas prices. I'm still reeling from the aftershocks. Oil goes up eight bucks a barrel and its a modest increase? They say its a sign of the times. Increasing numbers of natural disasters. Decreasing amounts of human kindness. Exactly how do you measure the amount of human kindness? By weight or by volume? And then there's that Economic slowdown. That's the disaster that scares nearly everyone. <br /><br />I've slowed down to 55. Got 30 miles per gallon in my Ford Explorer last weekend. Amazing what a little less pedal will do to the wallet. My friend's mom, Phyllis, used to drive her yellow station wagon on the freeway to soccer games at 55. That was when gas sold for cents on the gallon. He spent twice as much time in the car with his mom than any of the rest of us. We used to tease him until we found out the drives turned them into really good friends. Maybe an economic slowdown has some advantages.<br /><br />An official in my church, Boyd K. Packer, gave a talk a few Sundays ago. He told the congregation that things were likely going to get tough. He won't be the last spiritual adviser to raise that kind of warning. He used the word frugality and he quoted the verse: "Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Or do without." It worried a lot of people. Could they afford the Caribbean Cruise? Should they eat out less? What about saving some money for a rainy day? And then there's that nagging debt. <br /><br />The warning sirens don't worry me too much. Mom and dad taught me well. I know how to play tetherball.<br />__________________________<br />Join author David G. Woolley at his <a href="http://davidgwoolley.blogspot.com/">Top of the Morning Blog</a> or his <a href="http://davidgrantwoolley.googlepages.com/home">Promised Land Website</a>David G. Woolleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09392352753586598503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-69571002398177169312008-05-04T14:40:00.002-05:002008-11-13T12:03:00.275-06:00writing workshop open to all, springville, ut<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR6Wm46m5FYmhSwzYDVPrPHZQhSYRIhyXvnKJFYYMAtnGyX5cJXAy5Ouj78V6rjmX1k8FBBlZ9weaG2t7DXcQxfsxPZT48rOmS8mIniYfqi1hXBssmFDi0D3bQdhlqKl7kYNqDFHugHw/s1600-h/orig_Photo_061806_001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR6Wm46m5FYmhSwzYDVPrPHZQhSYRIhyXvnKJFYYMAtnGyX5cJXAy5Ouj78V6rjmX1k8FBBlZ9weaG2t7DXcQxfsxPZT48rOmS8mIniYfqi1hXBssmFDi0D3bQdhlqKl7kYNqDFHugHw/s400/orig_Photo_061806_001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196610470104682450" /></a><br />You’re Invited to:<br /><br />6 – 7 - 8 Writer’s Conference<br /><br />(if you sign up, tell them Janet Jensen sent you!)<br /><br /><br /><br />When: 6 7 8! (June 7, 2008)<br /> <br />Where: Cedar Fort, Inc.<br /> 2373 W 700 S<br /> Springville, UT 84663<br /><br />What: Writers Conference<br /> <br />Motivational speaker and author Eloise Owens will headline the writing conference. She is the author of Get Off The Beach and has spoken to close to a million people in her career. I saw her in 2006 at the Utah Press Convention, and when my boss said I could bring in anyone I wanted to, I thought of her first. <br /> <br />Schedule of Events:<br /> <br />10 am -10:15 Welcome by Doug Johnston, Publicist, Cedar Fort. <br /> <br />10:15–10:30 Jeffery Marsh, acquisitions editor for Cedar Fort and BYU professor, tells what he wants in manuscripts, book submissions, and so forth.<br /> <br />10:30 - 11:00 Abel Keogh, author of A Room For Two, will teach each of you the importance of websites and blogs, even if you don’t have a book yet!<br /> <br />11:00 - 11:30 Janet Kay Jensen, author of Don’t You Marry The Mormon Boys, will teach on publicizing yourself and your books. Janet is very good at self-promotion and will teach each of you how to do the same. <br /> <br />11:30am - 12:15pm Doug Johnston, Publicist and former newspaper owner, will show writers what they need to know about being an author from a Publicists point of view. <br /> <br />12:15 - 1:00 Lunch<br /> <br />1:00 - 4:00 Eloise Owens will be the keynote speaker. Ms. Owens will make you think, make you better, and make you money through your writing. Like I said above, Ms. Owens is great. You will remember her for years to come and be a better author and self-promoter after listening to her. <br /> <br />During the conference, you can sit down with Jeffery Marsh. Bring him your manuscripts, book ideas, or questions. You will be allowed 15 minutes to talk with him about your ideas. Please call 801-489-4084 and tell the receptionist you want to be added for a time slot. There are a limited number of slots, so call today. <br /> <br />The cost for the conference is $25. You will receive Eloise Owen’s book Get Off The Beach and lunch. <br /><br />To sign up, please do the following:<br />If paying by credit/debit card, call 801-489-4084 and tell them you are signing up for the 6 7 8 conference.<br /> <br />If you are paying by check, please make payment to <br />Cedar Fort<br />Attn 6 7 8<br />2373 W 700 S<br />Springville, Ut 84663<br /> <br />We are limited to 200 seats, so RSVP as soon as possible.<br /> <br />NOTE: After you sign up, you can make some money too. For every person that signs up and mentions they heard about it from you, you will get $5 back from us at the conference. They MUST mention you when they sign up for you to get the money. <br /> <br />If you have any questions, you can email me at djohnston@cedarfort.com or you can call me at 801-489-4084.<br /> <br />I look forward to this wonderful day full of learning!<br /> <br /><br /> <br />Doug Johnston<br /><br /><br /><br /> Doug Johnston<br /> Public Relations Director<br /> Cedar Fort Inc.<br /> (801) 489-4084<br /> djohnston@cedarfort.com<br /> See us online at cedarfort.com <br />Blog at www.atonofauthorsandawannabe.blogspot.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-55982916341909528572008-04-18T23:01:00.002-05:002008-11-13T12:03:00.440-06:00"Mormon Boys" gets notice Down Under<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZdWSPc_5IpU/SAlutm1w9tI/AAAAAAAAAp8/y4oq5Lg0ffc/s1600-h/australia.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190801775320430290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZdWSPc_5IpU/SAlutm1w9tI/AAAAAAAAAp8/y4oq5Lg0ffc/s400/australia.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Well. Last week CFI's publicist sent out emails about my book to a number of newspapers, thinking that the timing of the polygamous sect's news might increase interest in my novel.<br /><br />Somehow one email landed in Australia, and the editor wrote back to me. Polygamy is quite rare in his country, he said, and his paper would be more interested in information than a review copy of my book. So I thought it over for a week and carefully formulated my reply. Only a few hours later it was a lead article in the Australian paper, with the headline: "Mormons aren't Polygamists and Polygamists aren't Mormons."<br /><br />I am in shock, but very glad to have this exchange of information with the editor. Here is my entire email to him:<br /><br /><em><br />Thank you for your response. I am sure the subject of polygamy is foreign to you, so the publicist’s email must have been something of a puzzle.<br /><br />A brief summary: During a period of about 40 years, early in its history, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (often called Mormons) did practice polygamy. Less than 10% of the members did so. The practice was seen as a way to accommodate the fact that there were more women than men who joined the church and participated in its western migration to the area now known as Utah. The LDS church officially discontinuied the practice in 1890, and at that point several splinter groups formed, believing that the church was in error for discontinuing polygamy. The LDS church does not practice polygamy now and excommunicates members who do.<br /><br />The most notorious of the offshoot groups (at least in terms of recent news coverage) is the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, (FLDS) led by Warren Jeffs. They lived in a small community in southern Utah which he led, and most people would describe the lifestyle as a cult led by a power-hungry man. Jeff was recently convicted on several counts in Utah, the most serious being named as an accomplice to rape, in the case of a 13-year old girl he forced to marry an older man. It is believed that this practice of marrying underage girls to older men is common within the sect, and is of course illegal as well as immoral. Jeffs is also facing charges in the neighboring state of Arizona. Before his arrest, he established a new compound near Eldorado, Texas, where he moved his “most faithful” followers and young children “who hadn’t been contaminated by worldly influences.”<br /><br />Several weeks ago a 16-year old girl from the Texas compound phoned Texas authorities and told them she was married to an older man, subjected to marital rape and physical abuse, was the mother of an 8- month old baby, and was pregnant again. She requested assistance as she could not leave the compound with her baby. The compound was then entered by law enforcement officers, and more than 400 children and many of their mothers were removed to a different location where they could be questioned to determine if abuse has occurred within their families.<br /><br />The girl who called for help has not yet been identified, and now the state of Texas has the daunting responsibility to determine the fate of these children, many of whom have given multiple names to authorities or have refused to name their parents at all. It is turning into a legal nightmare at this point, with so many young children and their parents facing separation due to a lifestyle which is not only illegal, but may have abused some of its weakest members, women and children.<br /><br />http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5712603.html<br /><br />The above URL chronicles some of the recent events in regard to this case and has some related articles.<br /><br />My book, which was released in November, is about the relationship of two individuals from two opposing cultures – a girl raised in polygamy, in a large and harmonious family, and a boy raised in an LDS family - who meet at medical school. Though they have feelings for each other, they know that polygamy presents an impossible barrier to their future. She is expected to return home to take care of her people, and will eventually become a plural wife, and he cannot embrace that lifestyle. How they continue to develop in their practices after medical school, and how they reconcile their differences after a chance encounter gives them another opportunity to be together, is one major theme of the story.<br /><br />One of my other purposes in writing the book was to clarify that Mormons are not polygamists and polygamists aren’t Mormons, and that abuse and mistreatment can be found in any culture. In the end, the families of both young people must learn about tolerance and acceptance, and discover that what they have in common is much more important than their differences.<br /><br />I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about this current situation as I have described it, or my book, which does not seek to sensationalize polygamy, but to provide a compassionate look at individuals from both cultures. You are welcome to quote any of the above statements in your publication.<br /><br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />Janet Kay Jensen</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-52582221763957278332008-04-18T13:12:00.002-05:002008-11-13T12:03:00.765-06:00Advice, plz<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZdWSPc_5IpU/SAjkvG1w9qI/AAAAAAAAApk/uavGl6x9oPU/s1600-h/wc-logo_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZdWSPc_5IpU/SAjkvG1w9qI/AAAAAAAAApk/uavGl6x9oPU/s400/wc-logo_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190650068485600930" /></a><br /><br />I will be signing copies of my book, Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys, at the BYU Womens Conference on May 1, 4-6 p.m. Anybody else going? I'd love to see a friendly face. Any advice on how to navigate the campus, parking, signing hints? I plan to have bowls of Hershey hugs and kisses (well, my book is about marriage) and bookmarks with little wedding rings (if I can figure out how to attach them) and . . . I don't know . . maybe set a timer, and when it goes off, someone in reach of me gets a prize such as a package of johnnycake (cornbread mix) in a lovely, decorated brown paper bag . . . (the book's title is from a song, and the clincher is that if you marry a Mormon boy, johnnycake and babies is all you'll see. I do have a video trailer and I do have an mp3 recording of the song . . and I do have a small DVD player . . would you advise taking those, or do you know if there is space? Any suggestions would be more than welcome. I'm thrilled at the opportunity. Just not sure what to expect. <br /><br />Thank you!<br />JanetUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-57333496735479743032008-04-12T11:38:00.004-05:002008-04-12T11:41:18.462-05:00Mamas, here's the right url if you don't want your babies to grow up to be writers:Try this url for the essay on country music/writer parallels. It's really very clever! Sorry I had the wrong one in the previous article! <br /><br />http://www.independentpublisher.com/department.php?page=1213&urltitle=Much%20Ado%20About%20Publishing<br /><br />And thanks for the kind words, Cindy, (though my novel was a Whitney nominee, not a finalist). <br /><br />A future post will cover some of the highlights of the recent Erma Bombeck Humor Writers Conference I attended April 3-5. Needless to say, it was hilarious....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-86507285836716409332008-04-11T11:38:00.008-05:002008-04-11T11:53:19.563-05:00Congratulations to Janet Jensen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://janetjensen.com/images/don't_you_marry_cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://janetjensen.com/images/don't_you_marry_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Our own sweet Janet Jensen continues to rack up attention with her gifted writing and with her most recent book, <span style="font-style:italic;">Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys</span>. Her newest award is the 2007 <a href="http://www.aml-online.org/awards/a/A200719.html">AML Marilyn Brown Novel Award</a>, Honorable Mention! <br /><br />Some of the other awards she has won are:<br /><br /><ul><li>Finalist, USA Best Books 2007 (Religious Fiction)<br /></li><li>Finalist, Foreward Magazine's Book of the Year Award (Religious Fiction)<br /></li><li>Finalist, Whitney Award (Reader Views Literary Awards 2007 Fiction: Religion/Spiritual)<br /></li></ul>We'll be featuring an interview with Janet in the future about her writing experiences, including tips for new and old authors alike. Until then, congratulations Janet! <br /><br />For more information, feel free to visit <a href="http://janetjensen.com/">Janet Jensen's website</a>.C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594605721387093586.post-90285696880403867402008-04-08T17:38:00.004-05:002008-04-11T11:52:32.416-05:00J. Scott SavageJ. Scott Savage is one of the nicest guys I've met. But more importantly, he is an amazing writer. He's prepping for his summer book tour and is inviting all to come along for the ride. Visit <a href="http://jscottsavage.blogspot.com/">J. Scott Savage's blog</a> for more information!C.S. BEZAShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09172553173841270615noreply@blogger.com1