Writers on the Loose in the OC, on Mission Viejo Lake

I just returned home from a Monday night writer's group meeting. Tonight we met on Mission Viejo Lake, thanks to KAS, who lives in the area and rented a boat for us. We all met at KAS's home. That's where things went a bit wrong. We were to meet at 4:30 PM. Diane didn't arrive. We were to get on the boat at 5 so we decided to leave without her (and her dessert). We'd gotten on the boat and set out to cruise the lake and a young man from the dock called to say Diane had arrived. We turned around, picked her up, and set out again. It was quiet, relaxing, inspirational. Well, not all that. That was the original goal but with this group things tend to go awry. We discussed the last book we read, CUTTING FOR STONE, decided on the next book through a long process of elimination, VISIT FROM THE GOOD SQUAD, then tried to agree on a date for our "writer's retreat". No luck. Also no luck on a decision regarding our group writing project. Oh well, next week.

Terrill volunteered to drive the boat. That's where things really went wrong. She ran over a buoy, killed the boat, and we drifted into a private boat dock where we then called the lifeguards for help and passed the wait time by eating our dinner. We argued a bit with each other, disagreed a lot, swore a bit, called each other names. Great fun!

I love this group of dynamic women. We are as individual and different as different can be. We get together and there is so much creative energy anything can happen. It's so energizing and such fun.

Actually, the boat got easily fixed and there wasn't any permanent damage to anything. Hope KAS will plan this again some time!

PS...that isn't me sitting in the driver's seat. It's Terrill, the boat killer.

HOMELESS IN THE OC

Each day, I drive by numerous homeless, or supposedly homeless folks on my way to and from work or play. Fullerton, California is a good place to be homeless. On the coldest nights, it isn't very cold. There's a park nearby in Anaheim that has become a home base for many homeless folks. They stand on the major street corners, near the freeway on and off ramps, with their cardboard signs claiming they are homeless, out of work, disabled vets, trying to feed children, needing just a few dollars to carry them over, hungry, etc........ Yes, I'm one of those people that hand my money out the window of the car. I always have and I always will. A little voice in my head says, "There but for the grace of God goes I." I think that voice is my Grandma Grace's. She always helped those that were down and out.

I'm not naive. I know some of those folks are scammers, and some others could get a job if they really tried. I also know there are mentally ill folks out there, too. But it isn't up to me to sort them out.

I want to know their stories. I would love to sit down and talk to them, one at a time, and really find out why they're there, living in the park on La Palma in Anaheim, and "working" at the 91 Fwy. and Lemon and Harbor Blvds. I'm considering taking a notebook, and a few $10.00 bills and striking up conversations.

The truth is, people love to talk if they know someone is truly interested in them and willing to listen. I'm truly interested and willing to listen. I'm a good listener. I've been told that a lot. I listen, keep secrets, and I don't judge. I just listen. Maybe I'll do it.

I FORGOT WHAT I WAS GOING TO POST!

Oh yeah, now I remember. A big problem with us boomers is that we can't remember from moment to moment. I've been out of town for a week. My husband was gone for four days. We missed our friends, so today I called Amy to see if she and Tom wanted to meet at the Harbor Mexican Cafe for dinner. She said "sure, we'll meet you there at 6:30". Later I received a message from Amy saying that SHE'D FORGOTTEN that she'd made arrangements with her girlfriends for dinner tonight and she'd have to cancel our dinner. Even later, my husband (he who must remain anonymous), talked with Tom who was surprised we'd even thought about having dinner at the Harbor Mexican Cafe. He thought the Harbor Mexican Cafe had closed two weeks ago. Funny thing...it had...then it reopened...then it closed again...now it's open again for real! I had sent Tom emails providing him with updates during the crisis, but HE FORGOT. Anyway, my husband and I had dinner. I had meant to call the Tom and Darlene to see if they were available, but I FORGOT! Just as well. My husband ate, almost fell asleep during dinner, and now he's snoozing in the recliner chair while I'm typing
away. However, I forgot why I was posting. I think it had something to do with my new hobby, painting. But maybe it had something to do with my 99 cent books on Amazon.

Also, I sent a picture to post, but I FORGOT HOW TO DO IT!

TEHAMA GRACE: HOME AGAIN, BOOMER STYLE

My son, Bill and I just returned from a week visiting Tehama Grace country. My mother, brothers, nephew, niece, her husband, and her children live in the area around where Tehama Grace was set. Bill and I had a great little vacation. Along with seeing all the family, we visited Sutter Buttes, the ranch country around Elk Creek, the Sundial Bridge in Redding, Mount Lassen Park (thank you brother Larry for arranging the road to open through the park the day before we all took our tour). We also made a few trips to Chico, California, one of my favorite places. We ate at Madison Bear Gardens, bought fruits and vegetables at the Thursday night street fair, and Bill visited the Sierra Nevada brewery several times!

Driving home, it occurred to me that going to Orland, Chico, Vina, Elk Creek, reminded me of my childhood in Iowa. I love the peace and quiet, the farmland, animals in pastures, birds singing, and sitting on the front porch in the evening petting the front porch kitty. It soothes my soul.

Interesting boomer aside...I purchased my cemetery plot while there. I know, I know, kind of creepy, but the cemetery is almost sold out. It's on a small hill, outside of Orland, California, and overlooks pastureland filled with cattle. Stony Creek bubbles slowly by. As a girl, I visited my Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace when they lived in Orland, before my parents moved there. I rode horses over that land, swam in Stony Creek, and dreamed of my future. My Dad is already buried in Graves' Cemetery. So is Uncle Tom and Aunt Grace.

On a lighter note...TEHAMA GRACE is now available as a 99 cent ebook from Amazon.com. I hope you enjoy it. This book is appropriate for all ages. Remember, you can download the Amazon Kindle application onto your computer, smart phone, ipad, and multiple other devices FOR FREE. And my books are all just 99 cents! Such a deal! (Except for Let Them Eat Cake, which is still under contract with the original publisher. It's worth the money, though. Good book if I do say so myself!)

FREE BOOK: CORNFLOWER BLUE

Chapter 1

     Alone on the platform, Misty Dawn James watched the Amtrak train she’d just disembarked pull away from California’s Fullerton Station and disappear into the night. This was supposed to be the beginning of her new life, and she’d never felt so alone. 

     The train station parking lot was crowded with cars circling for spaces, and Misty found it difficult to maneuver while carrying her bags.

     “You look a bit lost. Would you like some help?”

     Misty jumped, startled. She hadn’t heard anyone approach. “I...I’m looking for a pay phone.”

     “Where are you going?”

     Misty was unable to answer for a moment. The strikingly handsome, tall young man standing in front of her caught her off guard. He had black hair, dark brown eyes, and a sparkling white smile.

     She pointed in the direction of The Old Spaghetti Factory. “The ticket clerk in the train station said there was a phone in the restaurant.”

     “You don’t want to carry those bags over there. Use my cell phone.”

     He handed her his phone, and waited patiently.

     “Are you sure? I’ll pay you.”

     The young man laughed. “You don’t need to pay me. I have no social life since I’m always either at school or work, so I have lots of minutes I never use.”

     Misty took a piece of paper from her pocket and dialed the number written on it. She listened to it ring several times and was about to give up when it was finally answered.

     “Aunt Marigold? I’m here. Can you come get me?” Misty asked.

     “Where the hell are you? Your parents are going crazy with worry.”

     “In California. I’m at the train station in Fullerton.”

     “The train? Why didn’t you fly?”

     Misty turned away so the young man wouldn’t hear her and whispered into the phone. “I wanted to see the countryside, that’s why. I’ve never been out of Iowa.”

     “Why didn’t you tell your parents where you were going? And why didn’t you give me some warning?” Marigold didn’t wait for an answer. “Never mind. I’ll be right there and you can tell me the whole story when we get you home.”

     Misty handed the cell phone back to the handsome man. “Thanks a lot. My aunt is coming to pick me up.”

     “You’re welcome. Wait over there under the light so you’ll be safe. I would wait with you but I have to go start my shift.”

     Misty felt a shiver of apprehension flood over her. “Should I be worried about being out here alone?”

     “Your eyes are as big as saucers. You look scared out of your wits.”

     Misty swallowed hard before speaking. “I’ve never been in a big city. I kind of grew up sheltered. Is it dangerous here?”

     “Not really. Fullerton is safe, but you kind of stand out.”

     “What do you mean by that?”

     “Actually, you look innocent and kinda vulnerable with all your suitcases and bags piled around.” He touched her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. “Look, if your aunt doesn’t show or anything, come and get me. Just ask for Esteban. I’m sorry I have to go.”

     Misty watched him jog across the parking lot towards The Old Spaghetti Factory. When she couldn’t see him any longer, she lugged her bags back to the sidewalk under the light to wait for her aunt.

If you would like to read more, visit my website at www.kathypratt.org and send me your contact information. The first 25 people to respond will be sent a free copy of Cornflower Blue.

AMAZON KINDLE AND STUFF

I've just published Miss Dairy Queen on Amazon Kindle as an ebook. I've decided to become my own publishing company. Me and Amazon are doing this together. And I'm going to sell every book I write for 99 cents! 99 CENTS! Doesn't get any better than that. Miss Dairy Queen was formerly titled Cornflower Blue, so if you bought it, don't buy this one unless you really like the cool cover. I love those calves! I'm also selling Medicinal Remedies and Bless us Father for 99 CENTS. I'm working on a sequel to Miss Dairy Queen, California Gals, and it should be finished this summer.

Here's the scoop on Amazon Kindle books. In order to buy and read them on a device, you must be a registered Amazon user, register your reading device, and you must download the Kindle application onto your reading device. Following is a list of reading devices in addition to the KINDLE itself:

iPad

iPhone

iPod touch

PC

MAC

Blackberry

Android-based devices.

When I got my iPad I gave Mom my Kindle. My husband registered his iPad on my Amazon account, and I also registered my Verizon Droid on Amazon. We all share books that way. I buy one book and can download it onto all 4 devices.

And yes, I DO read books on my Droid. I always have it with me and have been stuck in waiting rooms many times and am grateful to have a book to read. Okay, I know I'm an addict. But hey, there are worse addictions.

Please, please, please buy and read my books!

Tehama Grace is Finished...last chapter

Autumn turned to winter. The grape vines had dropped all their leaves and stood dormant in the fields. The rains hadn't started yet and the days were still warm, though nights had gotten quite chilly. Little work needed to be done on the ranch and many of the hands had left to go back to look for work elsewhere.


Now that there were three women in the house, the chores got done quickly and the rest of the day was free to do with as they pleased.

Jesse and I usually took the horses out for a ride after the morning chores were done, then he'd go into town to work on Mrs. Shupe's house. According to him, she'd grown quite fond of him and had taken to calling him her grandson. She'd send him home at the end of each day with home baked breads and cookies. He'd share them with me and Shep under the big tree after supper.

Emily and I had settled into a comfortable relationship, though it was quite different from before. Instead of taking on a mother role, she acted more like she was my aunt or godmother and deferred all decisions on what I could and could not do to Mother.

Pa and Mother spent long afternoons driving around the countryside looking for a ranch to buy. Mother had bought another horse and buggy shortly after getting to Vina, not wanting to have to borrow Emily's again. Some days they were gone for hours, and I hoped they wouldn't choose a ranch so far away from Vina. I would miss seeing Emily, Jesse and Shep too much.

Late in the afternoon of one lazy day, while Emily and I sat knitting by the fire, I heard the sound of Pa and Mother returning up the drive. I put my knitting down and went out to meet them.

"Hello there, daughter." Pa took his hat off and waved it to me. "We've found her, all right."

"Her?"

"Our new home. Rancho Paraiso."

I clutched at my throat, happy that we would soon be in a new home, but hoping it would be nearby. I held my breath.

"We reached an agreement with the former owners, and just as soon as the money is transferred from Wells Fargo, Rancho Paraiso will be hours," Mother said, getting down from the buggy. "Let's go inside and I'll tell you all about it."

I exhaled and followed her into the house, my heart thudding against my chest wall.

Mother got a cup of coffee from the pot on the wood stove, and brought it with her to a chair near the fire where Emily sat knitting.

"Good news, Emily. We'll be out of your way soon. We've found a ranch to buy." Mother sipped at her coffee.

Emily didn't answer for a moment, and kept her eyes on the work in her hands. After a bit she said, "Going to be awfully quiet around here."

"You could go with us," Mother said quietly. "There will be plenty of room for you and Grace and I will need help."

"Mr. and Mrs. Gerke couldn't do without me."

"Well, certainly they would have a difficult time finding a replacement..."

Emily raised her hand. "No. I can't leave here, but thank you for the offer."

"Well then, we'll just have to visit often. We aren't going to be but a few miles away."

"Oh, Mother, where?" I was so relieved I couldn't wait any longer.

"Why, just a few short miles north of Vina, on the road towards Tehama. The Southern part of our ranch borders Vina Ranch. The east border of our land is the Sacramento River. We'll have about 13,000 acres. It was originally one of the Mexican Land Grant Ranchos, but now the family is selling off half of it. It will be just the right size for us to start our cattle operation."

I looked at Emily and saw that she had a contented look on her face.

"It will be good to have women friends as neighbors. I'm pleased." Emily put her knitting in the basket. "I'm going out to fee Shep, then I believe I'll retire to my room to read. You and your family have a lot to talk about."

Shortly after Emily left, Pa returned, followed by Jesse.

"Did you tell her all about it?" Pa was looking at Mother expectantly.

"Not everything. You and Jesse sit down and I'll make you sandwiches."

"Not for me, ma'am." Jesse rubbed his stomach. "I'm gettin' fat as a tick. Mrs. Shupe stuffs my face every time I go there."

"I could eat a bear," Pa said. "Give me his share."

"Is there a house?" I asked.

"Why, there's at least three houses. One main one. It's a big old thing, kinda like this one. A wood farmhouse. Then there's another smaller wood one, and a long old bunkhouse. We'll need a lot of help in the beginning." Pa took the sandwiches Mother handed him and bit off a big chew.

It dawned on me that Mother had mentioned a cattle operation. "What do we know about cattle?"

"Not a lot, Grace, but we can certainly learn and we'll hire the appropriate men to help us." Mother was gazing at Jesse. "I don't suppose you know about cattle ranching?"

"Me?" he asked.

"Yes, Jesse, you."

"Well, yes, ma'am. I grew up on a cattle ranch. I've wrangled since I was just a little guy."

"Then perhaps you'd like a job as our foreman." Mother leaned forward and looked into Jesse's eyes. "Are you man enough for the job?"

"I put in a good word fer ya son," Pa said, then took another bite of his sandwich.

I noticed Jesse blushing in pleasure. He looked at the ground and rubbed his palms together in thought. "Yes, I s'pose I am man enough at that."

"Well then we've got us a deal," Mother said, extending her hand to him to shake. "We'll move in early December. You can come when you're ready and once we all get settled we'll plan out our operation."

"Ma'am, this is just about the best thing that's happened to me in many a year, and I thank you. I'm going to call it a night."

We all said our good nights and Pa decided he was going to retire as well. Mother set to cleaning the kitchen, then got out her book to read.

"I'm going out to check on Shep."

"All right, dear. Don't be long. It's dark outside now."

I got my shawl from my room and wrapped it around my shoulders. The moon was full so the path that led to the old oak tree was well lit.

Shep was lying on a pile of leaves underneath the tree. He was snoring softly but woke when I approached, his tail thudding on the leaves sending them into the air. I settled down next to him and took his big head in my lap. He sighed contentedly as I scratched his ears. Maybe Emily would let me take him, but then again he was a good watch dog and she was here alone a lot. I was sure Mother and Pa would let me have a dog of my own. I had a horse, and a dog was less trouble than a horse. We would need dogs on the ranch to help with the cattle, too. Why, I'd have lots and lots of dogs.

Most importantly I had my family back together again. It had been a long haul, but we'd made it. And Jesse was coming, too. Not as my husband as he'd wanted, but there was plenty of time for that in the future. I looked into the sky, saw a shooting star, and made a wish.

TEHAMA GRACE

Here I am, in Ireland, flying a Harris Hawk. Such fun. Lots has happened since my last post. We had our Ireland trip, came back, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right (typing) hand, then came down with severe asthmatic bronchitis. Whew! Much better now.

The good news is, the http://www.textnovel.com/ contest is almost over. I almost have Tehama Grace finished as well. (Now that I can type again). Wish me luck in the contest, please! If I win, I get $1000 but more importantly, a chance for agent representation and a chance to get published. That would be wonderful. I love Tehama Grace and believe in it. I could do a whole series of Grace stories! Maybe I just will.

Review: Let Them Eat Cake

Once Upon A Romance's Review Of...


Let Them Eat Cake by Kathryn Pratt

onceuponaromance.net

________________________________________

Reviewer: Robyn Roberts

Title: Let Them Eat Cake

Author: Kathryn Pratt

Publisher: Awe-Struck E-books

ISBN-13: 978-1-58749-676-9 (e-book)

Print version available later this year

Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Time Travel Romance

Year/Setting: Present day France, 1789 France

Overall Rating: 4.25

Sexual Content Rating: Sensual

Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: Very Mild

Violent Content Rating: None

Kathy's Website: www.kathypratt.org





Anna Mulligan is on the trip of a lifetime. She’s an ICU nurse on a hospital-sponsored trip to Paris. It’s been her lifelong dream to visit Paris, especially Versailles. Her ancestor lived in Versailles with Marie Antoinette just prior to the revolution. Her last name had been lost over time and Anna is hoping to get some geneology information.

When Jeff, the handsome ICU intern, turns out to be on the trip, her heart skips a beat. She has had a secret crush on him since they met. Maybe this is her chance at love. When his female traveling companions join him, Anna is devastated. She is determined to enjoy her Parisian trip with or without Jeff.

From there, the reader gets a wonderful tour of Paris and her sights. With vividly descriptive scenes, I felt like I was actually in Paris. After working out a misunderstanding, Jeff and Anna appear to be headed down the road to true love. When she suddenly disappears into the mist and walks into the hamlet at Versailles in 1789, she’s not sure she’ll ever get back to Jeff or the present. She meets Jeff’s ancestor (Gefforoi) who is madly in love with her (or her ancestor). Trying to keep out of trouble while finding a way back proves to be challenging. Gefforoi is pursuing her and wants them to marry. She turns him down not knowing what will happen to her. Will the real Anne-Marie reappear while Anna is still stuck in the past. Will marrying Gefforoi in the past alter her future with Jeff? Can she ever get back to Jeff?

I was amazed at the turn of events at the end of the book. It kept me on my toes and was a surprise to the last page. I found Ms. Pratt’s portrayal of France to be historically accurate and captivating in her descriptions. Both times were so well described that it didn’t feel like a time travel book, it read more like a traditional historical novel with contemporary elements. The story reads very smoothly and doesn’t feel choppy in the time travel. Ms. Pratt has a well-written story with engaging characters who will leave you wondering about the possibility of genetic memory.

Robyn

Tehama Grace, A Novel

This novel is being posted chapter by chapter on http://www.textnovel.com/. It's free to sign up to read books on this site, and they don't send you spam by email or share your email with anyone else. If the first part I'm posting here interests you, please check it out on Textnovel.

September 1863

Hot dry air blew across the flat expanse of land. A dust devil whirled toward us but made a quick turn before showering me and Pa with debris. September in California was a poor time to be traveling, especially since much of the time we were walking. I was just fourteen years old when we made the trip. It would change my life.

I stopped to readjust the coolie hat I was wearing to keep the sun from hitting my face and gave silent thanks to the Chinese woman who'd given it to me days before when we’d left Coloma. Mother always told me to be careful not to ruin my pale complexion with too much sun. Even though she wasn’t with me, I could still hear her saying, "You have the best combination of creamy white skin, black hair, and sky blue eyes."

"Pa, I can't go any farther. It's too hot in midday. Can't we rest under a shade tree until evening?"

"No Emily Grace, we cain't. We're nigh about there I 'spect according to the directions the rancher gave us a ways back." Pa took a rag from his pocket and mopped his brow. "We got to keep on 'til we find water to quench our thirst."

I knew Pa was right so I forced myself to stand tall, brushed the dust from my brown muslin skirt, tied the hat tighter under my chin, and trudged onward. I still didn't know why we were heading for the town of Vina in Tehama County. I’d been happy living in the gold camp along Sutter Creek, but Pa had suddenly pulled up stakes and away we went. I didn't know when we would be going back. My stomach churned with worry that I'd never see Mother again.

I wondered why Pa didn't tell me anything. After all, I was practically grown up.

"Daughter! Here're the tracks. Get your head out of the clouds," Pa said, shifting the pack he carried on his shoulder and stepping up onto the railroad tracks.

Picking my way carefully along the railroad ties, I followed behind him.

"Pa? How is Mother going to know where we are when she gets back to Coloma?"

I thought I saw his shoulders tense at my question but he didn't answer, so I wasn't sure he'd heard. "Pa?"

"I heard you, girl. Yer Ma ain't comin' back," he said, turning towards me, his blue eyes flashing in anger.

"What do you mean?" My breath was coming in short gasps and my stomach had tightened into a hard knot.

"She up'n left for San Francisco with our gold three months ago. She'd a been back by now if she had a coming back plan. She's livin' high on the hog in old Yerba Buena now, I expect." He turned his back to me and resumed walking down the railroad tracks.

"But Pa, Mother would never leave us. She loves us. Something must have gone wrong. Aren't we going to San Francisco to look for her?"

Silence.

"Pa?"

"Hush, girl."

My New Diet and Writing Plans

Okay, here we go. This is a little schizophrenic but I just seem to need to have a lot going on in my life. I have a new diet plan. It's very simple and so far it seems to be working. I've lost several pounds. Want to know the plan? Eat anything you want but only eat half. That's it. If I order a meal in a restaurant I take half home. When I cook at home I only serve myself half of what I would in the past. I don't feel the least bit deprived. My goal weight is 145 pounds.

My latest writing venture is Textnovel.com. Since I've been unsuccessful selling Bless Us Father, I've gone the serial route and am posting it on Textnovel. You can either read it on your cell phone or your computer. Pretty cool, huh? Maybe someone will see it, love it, publish it.

I'm also just getting ready to start my next project, TEHAMA GRACE. I've been doing tons and tons of research and am ready to put pen to paper. Well...put fingers to the computer keyboard and tap away.

I'll keep you posted.

Posting an entire book on a blog

I'm wondering about posting an entire book on a blog, chapter by chapter. Has it been done? I have a completed manuscript and am thinking about going for it.

I'm working through my block. My muse hasn't found me yet--probably on a prolonged vacation in Tahiti which is one place I would like to be. I'd love to be lounging on the sand, drinking tropical drinks one by one, and bobbing in the water when I get too warm. Maybe some sun-drenched god-like creature would come by every now and then and rub sunscreen into my already roasted skin. Perhaps someone could fan me every now and then, too.

In the meantime, we just returned from the Harbor Mexican Cafe where you can "sit anywhere you like my friends" and I had a couple of glasses of wine and a chicken tostado. I had a hard day with hospice. The 45 year old man is close to dying but still hasn't gone. I let my guard down today and shed some tears while I was visiting. I don't do that too often. I'm supposed to be strong for the family, but I couldn't help it. They're all so wonderful and loving and I feel so bad for them. My next three visits were okay. One of them, an 87 year old lady, I learned is an RN too, and worked for 50 years in a lot of the same hospitals I've worked in. Small world.

Now it's time for me to sign off so I can recoup for tomorrow whatever lies ahead. I'm formulating my next story while I'm driving around during the day.

Muse! Where are you?

Reality Check

Today I put my hospice nurse hat on and went to work. There's nothing like it for putting your life in perspective. I'm going to stop sniveling now and move on.

My first visit was to a palliative care patient that isn't dying any time soon. I love to visit him. I fill his pill boxes, check his vital signs, talk with the caregiver at the facility, then he and I sit and visit. Today he really wanted to go out for some Jack Daniels even though he hasn't had anything to drink in 9 years and he's 92 years old. We laughed a lot and then he kissed my hand when I had to leave.

My second visit was also to a palliative care patient to change a dressing on her leg wound. It was also a nice visit. She's a pleasant lady with a bit of dementia which gives her a bit of a childlike innocent quality.

Then I made my third visit to a 45 year old man dying of a brain tumor. He's married to a wife who loves him a lot. He has a teenage son and a preteen son who are having problems accepting that Dad is going to die. He's one of 8 kids, and all his brothers and sisters are around the house, too. And his uncle is there. Thank God for the uncle. He's a retired hospice Dr. and he's the glue that is holding the whole family together. He looked really tired today when I was there. I hope he doesn't have to do this much longer. I left that home with a heavy heart and drove back to my own home.

Enough introspection and wallowing in my self pity for having lost my muse. He'll either come back or he won't. I have bigger things to do.

What's a writer to do?

There's much discussion going on among my various writer's groups regarding the current state of publishing. It seems we who have chosen to go the ebook route are still being treated as the "red headed stepchild". We can't join PAN, submitting to RITA is next to impossible, RWA doesn't respect us, etc., etc., etc....

Here's the deal. In order to be a published writer you need to get published. In order to be published you need to be accepted by a publisher/editor. They tell you you need to be published in order for them to consider you. They suggest you get an agent. You query agents. They mostly want writers that have already proven their worth by being published. They suggest you attend conferences and meet other writers, editors, and agents. They suggest you attend classes and learn the craft. Join a critique group. You spend lots and lots of money. You do all of the above and you still can't get published by any of the BIG GUYS. You write your books. Revise your books. Give your books to friends and family to read. Of course they all love them. So, the ebook world opens up and it looks like there's a whole new ball game out there. You submit your previously rejected, many times revised works and Woo Hoo! They accept them and you're now a published author! You promote, promote, promote. It's hard to do and takes a lot of time, but you do it. You sell some books. BUT, you can't sell enough to get into PAN. Then someone tells you that you need to go back to square one. Change your pen name. Disconnect yourself from your ebooks that didn't sell enough to make you respectable. But don't stop writing! Keep on keeping on!

Okay, okay, so I sound a little bitter. It's all part of the "working through my writer's block" process, I guess. Really. I'm almost there. I do think I need to remove myself from my Yahoo groups. It's getting to be a real downer.

Oh yeah, the dog is Willie, my golden retriever and constant companion while I'm working at the computer. He's always right here by my side. Is he my muse?

Searching for my muse

I ran across this logo from Night Owl Romance. They reviewed my ebook, LET THEM EAT CAKE, and chose it as a top pick. My muse was around then.

During my writing hiatus, I've decided to work full time at my other job as a hospice RN. When I began writing, my plan was to replace nursing with writing. I thought I'd be there by now. Maybe I'm not supposed to replace nursing with anything. Maybe I'm supposed to continue my work as a hospice nurse. I did have a good week last week despite the man that chose to misplace his anger at his wife's illness and take it out on me. Boy did he bend my ear! Oh well, the rest of the folks I saw benefitted from my visits. 1 bad one out of 20 isn't so bad.

Back to finding my muse...my thoughts are turning to historical California. I recently finished a book, CALIFORNIA WOMAN by Donald Knapp, and it was full of history about California. It was such fun to read because I've been to all the places he wrote about. I'm especially drawn to Northern California where my mom lives, near Chico. I guess I'll do some more research and see if my muse finds me.

Enough thoughts for today. I'm going out to float on the pool and meditate.

MUSE: MIA

My muse is gone. Packed up and left me. Skeedaddled to who knows where? Will my muse return? Is this just a short vacation or have I been dumped for good?

Okay, my writer friends tell me I just need to write. It doesn't matter what. Journal, write on table cloths in restaurants (well maybe not), somewhere, anywhere. Writers write. That's what we do. So here goes.

Maybe my muse left because I don't know what direction to go in? I really enjoyed writing MEDICINAL REMEDIES, LET THEM EAT CAKE, CORNFLOWER BLUE, and my stories for our Kaiser book, CARING: MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE STORY AT A TIME. I agonized over BLESS US FATHER and haven't gotten it into print yet. So what next?

I think perhaps I need to go in another direction. I don't like formulaic romances though I certainly enjoy romance in my books. I'm not chic litty. I'm not terribly passionate about telling nursing stories. What did I enjoy the most? LET THEM EAT CAKE. I enjoyed researching the history of France and weaving the romance into it. I had the most fun writing that book.

Hey! Maybe I'm getting somewhere. Okay, enough for today. Are you proud of me Terrill?