tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46435906399636523752024-03-18T23:15:28.194-05:00 Terri Lee, authorTales from the other side of the pageTerri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-28292044848222335632019-09-06T08:53:00.000-05:002019-09-06T08:53:30.892-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ Pillow Talk ~</span></i></b></div>
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I may not be Doris Day in my perfect 1960's pajama set but when I lay my head down at night<br />
I'm the star in my own version of <i>Pillow Talk. </i></div>
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My creativity button only works when I’m horizontal!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The minute my tired brain hits the bed at night, my eyes pop
open and story ideas begin to flow onto my pillow as if someone forgot to turn
off the faucet. </div>
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I keep my cell phone handy on my nightstand so I can record my
thoughts and then transcribe them into my book notes later. These nighttime
scenes would make a great comedy sketch. Me hunched over my phone whispering in
the dark as if I’m carrying on a clandestine affair. </div>
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Sleepy midnight questions drift over from the pillow
next to me…<o:p></o:p></div>
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"What? What are you talking about?"<o:p></o:p></div>
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Me: jerking my head up as if I’ve been caught with my hand in
the cookie jar.</div>
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“Nothing. Nothing to see here. Pay no attention to me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Luckily he’s used to my nonsense and just rolls over the
other way,</div>
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leaving me to this crazy writer’s life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Later when I’m transcribing,
I’ve been known to come across a recording that makes no sense. The voice on the other end (me)
is faint, as if some long lost transmission from Tokyo during WWII found itself in a time-warp and landed on my phone. Seconds stretch out between
words as I nod off between sentences, and the message is so cryptic, I need a secret decoder ring
to decipher the contents. Needless to say, some of my most inspirational and
life transforming lines have been lost to the cosmos as empty words drift into
space.</div>
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Garbled and indiscernible. </div>
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Perhaps some space traveler will bump into
them one day and wonder…WTH? </div>
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And who knows maybe it will make sense to them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is my process. I don’t push a story. It comes to me in
drips and drabs. </div>
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Sometimes the faucet runs freely and I can barely keep up. Sometimes
it’s a single drip. Each story unfolds at its own pace and my job is to patiently wait for
it to be revealed to me.</div>
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Insomnia is just one of the side-effects I’ll gladly
put up with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"></span></i></b></div>
Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-91458567764332552632016-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:002016-09-26T08:03:22.425-05:00~Food is love, Baby Girl ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>“Food is love, Baby Girl,” Neenie said as she
spoon-fed Savannah with both.</b></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><i>Savannah
perched on the kitchen stool as she watched Neenie pour the batter like
chocolate lava into greased and floured cake pans. She smacked the tins on the
counter to release any air bubbles before bearing them to the oven and gliding them
inside, with a skilled cook's economy of movement. Neenie in the kitchen, was
as predictable as the sun rising in the east. That predictability was the
island Savannah always circled.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><i>"Here,
child. Maybe this will make you feel better." Neenie set two saucers of
the dark confection on the table and sat beside her mistress.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><i> Savannah's fingers rested on the fork
beside her plate, tracing the delicate pattern of her wedding silverware. She picked
it up, cold and heavy in her hand, and stabbed at her dessert as if it were a
voodoo doll. Looking at Neenie, she sighed from somewhere deep in her soul
where dreams went to die.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><i> "Not everything can be fixed with
your chocolate cake.</i>"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"> -PAPER CASTLES</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif"; font-size: large;"><b>I don't know know what Savannah's talking about. Because everything can be fixed with chocolate cake. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's Neenie's recipe:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "bookman old style" , "serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
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1 (8 oz) container sour cream</div>
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2 large eggs lightly beaten</div>
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1 cup butter</div>
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1 cup water</div>
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1/4 cup cocoa</div>
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COMBINE first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stir in sour cream and beaten eggs. MELT butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup water and cocoa. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Remove from heat. STIR cocoa mixture into flour mixture. Pour batter into lightly greased 15x10 inch jellyroll pan. </div>
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BAKE at 325 for 20-25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Spread Fudge Frosting evenly over WARM cake. YIELD: 24 servings. ( let's be real...more like 12)</div>
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FUDGE FROSTING:</div>
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1/2 cup butter</div>
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1/3 cup milk</div>
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1/4 cup cocoa </div>
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1 ( 1 pound) package of powdered sugar. </div>
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
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MELT butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in milk and cocoa and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until smooth; stir in vanilla.</div>
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Immediately pour over warm cake.<br />
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-24949125301001416202016-07-05T06:29:00.000-05:002016-07-05T06:29:22.056-05:00~ Her name was Savannah ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her name was Savannah. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I first saw her on 7.17.13.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Almost exactly three years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She stood in the shadows, at first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I sensed her there, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the faintest baby's breath of her story </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on the back of my neck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> More a feel of time and place than anything else. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a sense of sadness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> hanging in the air when she left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Slow to trust,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> she eventually moved out of the dark and into the light. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Vulnerable, with all her imperfections on display. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I knew then, that I loved her in spite of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I held out my hands and she placed her story in my open palms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She trusted me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope I've done her proud.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I hope you fall in love, too,</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">with</span></span></div>
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<span id="goog_1411983011"></span><span id="goog_1411983012"></span><br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-42471111516291647342016-06-13T09:40:00.000-05:002016-06-13T09:40:26.784-05:00~ Jumping the Couch ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">What do Tom Cruise and I have in common? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every
time I write a book. I fall in love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I fall in love with the characters, their
stories, their lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I become consumed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each time it seems to get bigger and bigger. I'm like the celebrity gushing about his <b><i>fourth </i></b>wife and saying
he's never been in love before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> ( I hear you Tom. I know how you feel.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Before you know it, I'm jumping on the couch claiming there's never been a love like this one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And Oprah is looking at me like I've lost my mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQo5wGmeZmzrI1YQYeZ4n9c0E2Lg0BOdLy8UOybX0BECVy4HyfsMPTHgTuiugugpZSesiP9d3SDL-PwFJAdDcjXirA7EfI_i26Vx-JfEv0LEF3XMhsY3oei6W_42XhGkJv60pLWGh2aU/s1600/tom+cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQo5wGmeZmzrI1YQYeZ4n9c0E2Lg0BOdLy8UOybX0BECVy4HyfsMPTHgTuiugugpZSesiP9d3SDL-PwFJAdDcjXirA7EfI_i26Vx-JfEv0LEF3XMhsY3oei6W_42XhGkJv60pLWGh2aU/s640/tom+cruise.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Look at Oprah's face !</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">Do I care? <i><span style="font-size: large;">Hell no. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">In love with Savannah Palmerton and her story.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQo5wGmeZmzrI1YQYeZ4n9c0E2Lg0BOdLy8UOybX0BECVy4HyfsMPTHgTuiugugpZSesiP9d3SDL-PwFJAdDcjXirA7EfI_i26Vx-JfEv0LEF3XMhsY3oei6W_42XhGkJv60pLWGh2aU/s1600/tom+cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: center;">Hopefully you'll fall in love too, with;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i></i></b></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEnJ2RRIfeN9DJhv2o-z2acjJvPLdK2I-G23Ij8dXG6Pl7Vy8fnImi_2oiZ3QjbFaF9In7w0UVGlh-uW2F8q4DADHfWOnBxyYyJAMsxvX2ASBEeYZ_MWuIw5HTloLo92mh4qFF9_wbE8/s1600/Paper+Castles+360x540+%2528Website%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEnJ2RRIfeN9DJhv2o-z2acjJvPLdK2I-G23Ij8dXG6Pl7Vy8fnImi_2oiZ3QjbFaF9In7w0UVGlh-uW2F8q4DADHfWOnBxyYyJAMsxvX2ASBEeYZ_MWuIw5HTloLo92mh4qFF9_wbE8/s640/Paper+Castles+360x540+%2528Website%2529.jpg" width="425" /></a></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Coming July 14th</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7ahmh5fsuMna9fBTQfnZjsALYijzLacEJFAg1Ua9y53ldPrem4pKc1ZT_yMFh0Qq6RTdSYYAmP0mZAZ2dMYCLRYN6xgN08S7JDYcev-EUkj5_x22CATMHfkLJZZ2pOhUOBZT2z8EV4k/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7ahmh5fsuMna9fBTQfnZjsALYijzLacEJFAg1Ua9y53ldPrem4pKc1ZT_yMFh0Qq6RTdSYYAmP0mZAZ2dMYCLRYN6xgN08S7JDYcev-EUkj5_x22CATMHfkLJZZ2pOhUOBZT2z8EV4k/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-47466704393255339892015-11-11T08:44:00.000-06:002015-11-11T08:44:05.249-06:00~ Snip, snip ~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Ouch. </b></i></span></div>
It hurts like hell to have spent hours, days pouring over two beautiful scenes...only to realize they're not central to the story. So they have to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioECaXKeKC1qY7EiV_UgmzvTqddf5JSNMTKoMjSdiaywpxa0RcBxQRVNjPSpB-jx62kstrR13MqyCxCVYvBLGA6LAU3AaY4X27zFNlDZLjF6f5e90iRVnaglFKy-4Q58G-c3gZm4pw5yQ/s1600/crazy+editing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioECaXKeKC1qY7EiV_UgmzvTqddf5JSNMTKoMjSdiaywpxa0RcBxQRVNjPSpB-jx62kstrR13MqyCxCVYvBLGA6LAU3AaY4X27zFNlDZLjF6f5e90iRVnaglFKy-4Q58G-c3gZm4pw5yQ/s640/crazy+editing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Can't I keep 'em Mom, please? Can I? Can I?<br />
<br />
Do they move the story along? Are they necessary to the plot?<br />
Well, no...but they're so pretty. And ... and ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Snip. Snip. </b></i></span></div>
Oh my little heart.<br />
<br />
#lovehurts #lifeofawriter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-91297218071628621842015-09-20T12:32:00.000-05:002015-09-20T12:32:10.019-05:00~ See you next year ~<div style="text-align: center;">
My son asked: "What's ORACON? Is it anything like ComicCon?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I said "Sure it is, we dress up like our favorite authors."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjYDROJjy8GqN9u61bSES0ag9GQ-VBytF5rgoKRzplsooGzp-EpbI8B3jDSBjsKHUYkZU4vwrfgek8XZ0DnLuCuc8AuCvZSP1GAxjN3w-2qXPQaSf9hOCaM2PR6dJ2ZJ0FZrDQYs6d50/s1600/author+collage+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjYDROJjy8GqN9u61bSES0ag9GQ-VBytF5rgoKRzplsooGzp-EpbI8B3jDSBjsKHUYkZU4vwrfgek8XZ0DnLuCuc8AuCvZSP1GAxjN3w-2qXPQaSf9hOCaM2PR6dJ2ZJ0FZrDQYs6d50/s320/author+collage+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">But wouldn't that be fun?</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Costumes or no costumes, the annual <i>Ozarks Romance Authors Conference</i> in Springfield MO<br />
is not to be missed. It's so much more than romance, every genre can be found among the attendees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether you'e a newbie with stars in your eyes or a seasoned pro there is always something to be learned by sharing time with fellow authors. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not to mention the guest speakers who share their expertise from various arms<br />
of the writing and publishing world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The creativity floating about the room is electric.</div>
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Just plug in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-GETviW3PSfkR032r9oDJICKCb-QKAAFpZzJzg2GiMNSq_1MVp8n8zQXssEB-dSdJlHZ-afdywsgehIAWtxL2KvqG8ViURaVDx7UO4FHdYl54Im9l3ubcXmypq3_jOZDJeomIeWAfo/s1600/plug+in.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-GETviW3PSfkR032r9oDJICKCb-QKAAFpZzJzg2GiMNSq_1MVp8n8zQXssEB-dSdJlHZ-afdywsgehIAWtxL2KvqG8ViURaVDx7UO4FHdYl54Im9l3ubcXmypq3_jOZDJeomIeWAfo/s200/plug+in.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
Indie Authors are some of the most generous people I've ever met .</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where ever you go someone is willing to share some exciting bit of news they've stumbled across that just might make your journey a little easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6VrYW0gFi7SCZSvCA8SYGCXNvvqTEylrA1p7XthMcV7lc8owPssIqhFBOyRHrgDUH1eDGHQjoTT3QwMj0H5H90UlCwXzHnrKwYw1nXUqmV5RfPtWA0ujDmMZHbVOqDkpCkGXKrIfwL8/s1600/gossiping+teenagers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6VrYW0gFi7SCZSvCA8SYGCXNvvqTEylrA1p7XthMcV7lc8owPssIqhFBOyRHrgDUH1eDGHQjoTT3QwMj0H5H90UlCwXzHnrKwYw1nXUqmV5RfPtWA0ujDmMZHbVOqDkpCkGXKrIfwL8/s400/gossiping+teenagers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
And you happily pay it forward.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snippets of conversation are peppered with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Have you heard of this?'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Have your tried this website. It's full of information."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it's a good thing because in the world of Indie publishing, what worked last year may not be the smartest choice this year.<br />
You've got to keep your ear to the ground and be ready<br />
to hop on the next bandwagon or be left behind.<br />
<br />
So suck it up Buttercup, 'cuz<br />
"There's no crying in Indie Publishing"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD76OVSmxW1OadvCRlf4tMT7zTlkHeN-VwX5Wzb-m0_neUR6hmn9gGyzUm9QcxQVt_ETyvZVYT-H1bqjH28Fu5gk8OdJVg3OM9J6SZG7C3x6JQJX-GyLVswY3yP3eClgh3_rK-ue-8pY/s1600/crying-in-baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD76OVSmxW1OadvCRlf4tMT7zTlkHeN-VwX5Wzb-m0_neUR6hmn9gGyzUm9QcxQVt_ETyvZVYT-H1bqjH28Fu5gk8OdJVg3OM9J6SZG7C3x6JQJX-GyLVswY3yP3eClgh3_rK-ue-8pY/s640/crying-in-baseball.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I always leave the conference feeling like the energizer bunny.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Overflowing with ideas and a tote bag full of goodies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I head off into the world of writing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a little more knowledge tucked under my hat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Thanks to all the hard-working people who made<br />
this conference a sweet success.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">See you next year.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">After all the only thing a writer likes better than writing,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">is talking about writing.</span></b></i> </div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-88355363826181548122015-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:002015-09-08T07:00:15.552-05:00~ A Place of One's Own ~<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been busy putting together the writing space in my new
digs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A task both fun and bittersweet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You see the room wasn't supposed to look like this. I had
another design direction in mind entirely when my life took a 180 degree turn. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But...that's life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For in those moments we are reminded that we're not in charge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now newly widowed
I decorate this space with no one else in mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Just me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's a phrase I'm still getting used to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been saying it with a little more conviction lately.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Yes.
It's just me.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that's OK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I must say I'm thrilled with how
the room turned out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(claps hands excitedly)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love decorating almost as much as I love writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My first purchase was this massive desk so I can spread out
all my notebooks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzq8aGnCweKl9Nsqc4JHq0YCD44kIdJ-QCkDNgb7iWTSy76NFz1YAfQxzZWWnVJOQctfKlZDWB4vP08EbPo4zLdTonYgwGtMhm1Ih97LGLGHjRxxKrySgzDsvPL8aMgHTqv01wRvNuyQ/s1600/desk+1+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzq8aGnCweKl9Nsqc4JHq0YCD44kIdJ-QCkDNgb7iWTSy76NFz1YAfQxzZWWnVJOQctfKlZDWB4vP08EbPo4zLdTonYgwGtMhm1Ih97LGLGHjRxxKrySgzDsvPL8aMgHTqv01wRvNuyQ/s640/desk+1+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a serious desk.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0hinG1GtXUImFXZPCZorGwoxk_Q1CKr3lvYCewhJfu8PQYkGsdWdZrdY5KFmEA_fLr5jag0fJgvSNEbyn7ddK3TcE0N5qnienRTE4_W3dBproghHDGbGENbj_fsTBhhN7BLxlCyUbIc/s1600/desk+2+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0hinG1GtXUImFXZPCZorGwoxk_Q1CKr3lvYCewhJfu8PQYkGsdWdZrdY5KFmEA_fLr5jag0fJgvSNEbyn7ddK3TcE0N5qnienRTE4_W3dBproghHDGbGENbj_fsTBhhN7BLxlCyUbIc/s640/desk+2+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Meant for serious business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The kind of desk where Ernest Hemingway might have written <i>'The Old Man and the Sea</i>' </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm hoping it's solid good looks translate to some seriously good writing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZFVy4U9qNSg4adhzwwZpMeiDaNuDlX6wBw-kdVYIoIsnswayGicJSAXjBaM3QM6FbgsvY8qZjwNLXU4d6Zif0u33FUXOZhquVPsMQiykxaxiEP9Rz4KMME5F6YqWnEmo6rV5NHLN2lI/s1600/desk+wall+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZFVy4U9qNSg4adhzwwZpMeiDaNuDlX6wBw-kdVYIoIsnswayGicJSAXjBaM3QM6FbgsvY8qZjwNLXU4d6Zif0u33FUXOZhquVPsMQiykxaxiEP9Rz4KMME5F6YqWnEmo6rV5NHLN2lI/s640/desk+wall+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once I had the desk, the new vision for the room danced into view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chose this serene color palette of soft grays and creams, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wanting the kind of space that just wrapped itself around me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little task lighting, with a sweet reminder that someone
is watching over me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7_lnt7K2rvIKQsBw-REPoWqXayzU357lhvvL6sI5w_DUePcfg6v6pCyVkYJ_YoSQma_8doCM1mpN1RBYcAytf4Ehg2v6-UfvJkaHMiC7ON3R21bcDEPDQs4O_mBiM1DBG0uyyAtcgKE/s1600/lamp+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7_lnt7K2rvIKQsBw-REPoWqXayzU357lhvvL6sI5w_DUePcfg6v6pCyVkYJ_YoSQma_8doCM1mpN1RBYcAytf4Ehg2v6-UfvJkaHMiC7ON3R21bcDEPDQs4O_mBiM1DBG0uyyAtcgKE/s640/lamp+edit.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P-fGrf_jTjNejUB_FEJ56Oup-vQzNGZvtTXTnJcTur0Ikyx7CGjtkVdJVhFRVr5mWtxFZcDa3EnMhJwa0qrtbdytxLZMNFMXNlIcVSmC8Wb156tflKkwLkXQuJMmtOx3Jwn0uIKb7i8/s1600/someone+to+watch+over+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P-fGrf_jTjNejUB_FEJ56Oup-vQzNGZvtTXTnJcTur0Ikyx7CGjtkVdJVhFRVr5mWtxFZcDa3EnMhJwa0qrtbdytxLZMNFMXNlIcVSmC8Wb156tflKkwLkXQuJMmtOx3Jwn0uIKb7i8/s640/someone+to+watch+over+me.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since this space must double as a guest room when I'm not churning out best sellers, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(cough cough)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I chose this comfy Hide-a bed. So the room remains streamlined and still functions like an office. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbkObO-TPNULp_rXhKB8lr1xQaRVMbiIcv-6Q-5A0QxRKx_g7uIar4sqy6FCP8_mfgKXBiPPEK7v6uHDW60d6fwLV_FOyMh8t9X7VJXcp6xQPeZaS5CbQ4YXWMRHNWHoFrm57QOuIc14/s1600/loveseat+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbkObO-TPNULp_rXhKB8lr1xQaRVMbiIcv-6Q-5A0QxRKx_g7uIar4sqy6FCP8_mfgKXBiPPEK7v6uHDW60d6fwLV_FOyMh8t9X7VJXcp6xQPeZaS5CbQ4YXWMRHNWHoFrm57QOuIc14/s640/loveseat+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think my favorite find was this little gem on Etsy; a map of ancient Rome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had it framed in six pieces and hung like a giant grid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>love, love, love</i>
it. It came from a guy in Slovenia. Isn't shopping on the internet GRAND?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Sorry, I couldn't seem to get a picture without the light fixture showing up.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJVxDXqiKTteR4k3zdmiXjLRtlD45IXEzkfWO-jiA83sc0A9iMAcXsfIKUbPaNJOsKWo4KxOTGq_ZstEOC5o0V5q3lJN-A-VGCz8reySx4rlxSTxdVHhn61XJzEhlXuhLp_Nm__BP9xQ/s1600/map+wall+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJVxDXqiKTteR4k3zdmiXjLRtlD45IXEzkfWO-jiA83sc0A9iMAcXsfIKUbPaNJOsKWo4KxOTGq_ZstEOC5o0V5q3lJN-A-VGCz8reySx4rlxSTxdVHhn61XJzEhlXuhLp_Nm__BP9xQ/s640/map+wall+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l8lTma72vtCCKvifXvmJAFayl7sKgndOUq1RQA8ssMA7OHRSXrsupBgtjD6mz2Mx04vfrfSAIrGbyVKlRZGWGZuxNZTYQWO2AvZj0hl8L0FolYzOoHyAxp8xgSeJY9R6guTN8FFnmmI/s1600/20150906_130156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l8lTma72vtCCKvifXvmJAFayl7sKgndOUq1RQA8ssMA7OHRSXrsupBgtjD6mz2Mx04vfrfSAIrGbyVKlRZGWGZuxNZTYQWO2AvZj0hl8L0FolYzOoHyAxp8xgSeJY9R6guTN8FFnmmI/s640/20150906_130156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A large window looks out onto my street with plenty of mature trees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and green to soothe the eye. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You are aware that writers spend an inordinate
amount of time </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">staring out the window aren't you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No we're not daydreaming or wasting time.That staring out
the window thing? That's work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's plotting the next move, running over a scene in our
minds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those quiet 'lost in thought' moments are integral to writing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrSH-MFU9AV4nwJU3vHFqq_JO4g5ZmxbahQ1bfW8F-Uy4LmlFpeEmxSdDGnRvtTHnq6YCsoYDTj_Q6-fOPCkK6x-XuwyWpTizXAJOjb81OjiYFk3e3gNe6H23rT2rUjPSMYPsbthjI_w/s1600/20150907_102424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrSH-MFU9AV4nwJU3vHFqq_JO4g5ZmxbahQ1bfW8F-Uy4LmlFpeEmxSdDGnRvtTHnq6YCsoYDTj_Q6-fOPCkK6x-XuwyWpTizXAJOjb81OjiYFk3e3gNe6H23rT2rUjPSMYPsbthjI_w/s640/20150907_102424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then of course, there's stuff...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TmMSqHuB34vASbxPewonYL0SdA_wxuklKfImfhOKLSqWWJ7WRtLeDekB699XVlOGrtXATBLt3pnchIGW1VR0RiYSUK8Jbf0DLFUW9l1iWIUYfGnnhjUab01lmkpTbEgj_b1xOiZlv48/s1600/stuff+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TmMSqHuB34vASbxPewonYL0SdA_wxuklKfImfhOKLSqWWJ7WRtLeDekB699XVlOGrtXATBLt3pnchIGW1VR0RiYSUK8Jbf0DLFUW9l1iWIUYfGnnhjUab01lmkpTbEgj_b1xOiZlv48/s640/stuff+edit.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love how this bulletin board turned out. I have my 'fortune'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from a dependable Fortune Cookie tacked in the corner already.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA84dTaBxJGXx0YurVFlyIStnHXTirnAyILeDQ3rkJWrwNZeGfQBUMhW0q4GmlA-W0D15zRFXUs7uzExFXwVmc1bjCfmQ7Opbhp27qm1jOiDrUQfpM53B4ypFZoTMj8YlFR-zi_MabPU/s1600/bulletin+board+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA84dTaBxJGXx0YurVFlyIStnHXTirnAyILeDQ3rkJWrwNZeGfQBUMhW0q4GmlA-W0D15zRFXUs7uzExFXwVmc1bjCfmQ7Opbhp27qm1jOiDrUQfpM53B4ypFZoTMj8YlFR-zi_MabPU/s640/bulletin+board+edit.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWgvN1KPDERteFORqAJbxk6Ch2-qVNx6c2imj7T3Pxwlah9y9qhJroRHykmCgnBEUTbuhvc1_wQzSwB5TrcoT_p5KSNUF_MDQ9yL9HIF1tm3Z01cqw5xSzi1lx4A9AsIRGkQeXc_BGkk/s1600/clock+wall+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWgvN1KPDERteFORqAJbxk6Ch2-qVNx6c2imj7T3Pxwlah9y9qhJroRHykmCgnBEUTbuhvc1_wQzSwB5TrcoT_p5KSNUF_MDQ9yL9HIF1tm3Z01cqw5xSzi1lx4A9AsIRGkQeXc_BGkk/s640/clock+wall+edit.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HXoc4P82304lF-uIl1dl1BZ4nwAGnKixTdjLzQKeBJjplGjK9Xen6FwSs7Raz-8AKGRWaOnWvBYWlDm3DFdzi8BUlF-L_ciDiN-m1v6_vIq8t1ldnFTerdmNfbU8_eQkJL-400xTyrU/s1600/shelf+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HXoc4P82304lF-uIl1dl1BZ4nwAGnKixTdjLzQKeBJjplGjK9Xen6FwSs7Raz-8AKGRWaOnWvBYWlDm3DFdzi8BUlF-L_ciDiN-m1v6_vIq8t1ldnFTerdmNfbU8_eQkJL-400xTyrU/s640/shelf+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQj28maXA6DUv5X49zBQJyDZivi6eMyiYLBNwydcIszyg-UQgex8y4JmvJmwqHZtmRSLamAd1tZidOaSX44u19bIykHjv-FIzWgPdQ_kCKbTuMyeJXIOPMwD1YswjFBiIHffq9gd-ps/s1600/20150906_125738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiQj28maXA6DUv5X49zBQJyDZivi6eMyiYLBNwydcIszyg-UQgex8y4JmvJmwqHZtmRSLamAd1tZidOaSX44u19bIykHjv-FIzWgPdQ_kCKbTuMyeJXIOPMwD1YswjFBiIHffq9gd-ps/s640/20150906_125738.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S. I'm well aware that Lizzie thinks she's a <i>Kardashian </i> and must wriggle herself into every photo possible.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMSUSW1sH3nw4r9VnM-qpWMnBAEDxjh2whUQ4FnfZg2WJiIbFOn9fhdZP1W0lE1rFHXNnsrUwdJxirfWSk02fudM8YzK4DqAyxfahMDVw-R4vrnxccznRh_RFiPQ39yb1ZxmhqVOcJiA/s1600/20150906_125748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMSUSW1sH3nw4r9VnM-qpWMnBAEDxjh2whUQ4FnfZg2WJiIbFOn9fhdZP1W0lE1rFHXNnsrUwdJxirfWSk02fudM8YzK4DqAyxfahMDVw-R4vrnxccznRh_RFiPQ39yb1ZxmhqVOcJiA/s640/20150906_125748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look closely, and you'll see 'you know who's nose!' I was going to edit it out, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but hey...she works so ha</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rd for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmcFv4WXDwbl3TewVZuv0rSxDn_GN68SvoZqOfaHeLtrjoNJGxXNk3vVQXudXF0kL4Eju32Shzezau1DH12bNvlisGxOjFf7k6X_HXfvwXY6HOp368-Whpf74pFq2l1rEPjMuT8Mmzy8/s1600/2015-09-06+12.40.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmcFv4WXDwbl3TewVZuv0rSxDn_GN68SvoZqOfaHeLtrjoNJGxXNk3vVQXudXF0kL4Eju32Shzezau1DH12bNvlisGxOjFf7k6X_HXfvwXY6HOp368-Whpf74pFq2l1rEPjMuT8Mmzy8/s640/2015-09-06+12.40.28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> S</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">o I'm done with the finishing touches on this charming space,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">this soothing cocoon, <i>this</i> writer's dream.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess the only thing left to do is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>By the way; was that Ernest Hemingway</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I just saw walk by with a sandwich? Wait a minute, Bub. That's my DESK.</i></span></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-63094183471972520652015-08-24T14:51:00.000-05:002015-08-24T14:51:28.469-05:00~ Take Me To The River ~<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
There's nothing like stepping out of my daily routine to
help me see the world with new eyes. </div>
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This past weekend, I went on a girl's road trip to St.
Charles.</div>
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Three women...a few bags...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In my mind it went something like this:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In reality it looked more like this.</i></span></div>
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Shopping, laughing, sharing as only we women can do </div>
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was the perfect
antidote for what ails me. </div>
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St. Charles, Missouri was our destination.<br />
St. Charles was settled primarily by French-speaking colonists from Canada<br />
in its early days and was considered the last 'civilized' stop by the<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_and_Clark_Expedition" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" title="Lewis and Clark Expedition">Lewis and Clark Expedition</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> in 1804.</span><br />
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A title this little gem of a city embraced and still wears proudly today as she was dressed up in her<br />
finest summer hat for this street fair.</div>
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Her charms did not go unnoticed as we strolled the </div>
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cobblestone streets along this historic river-front town.<br />
<i>Hello, you had me at cobblestone.</i><br />
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After an early morning storm cleared the air,<br />
the rest of the day was perfectly set for shopping</div>
There was nothing little about the annual 'Festival of the Little Hills'<br />
The sellers tents seemed to stretch on for miles.<br />
We couldn't have seen more than 1/3 of the vendors before we gave out.<br />
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A little retail therapy goes a long way. </div>
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Then it was time for a lengthy stop at the famous Lewis and Clark's for lunch. </div>
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Reflecting on the historic nature of my surroundings got my creativity bubbling.</div>
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I could almost feel the centuries of stories in the brick walls.<br />
Stories and lives that had been carried
along with the current of the old<br />
Missouri River just steps away. </div>
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I'm always attuned to my
surroundings,<br />
taking in the sights, sounds, smells, the feel of a place and its
people. </div>
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Filing away information for a future story or
character, </div>
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even when I'm unaware that's what I'm doing in the moment. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Writing even when I'm not writing.</span></i></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-5248309501381309742015-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:002015-07-28T08:30:40.909-05:00~ At The Water's Edge ~<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Writing </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">has always been my salvation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe never
more so than now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had just begun to lay down the words</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for my third novel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fingers itching to tell the story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But those all-important pages were cast off</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">without a second glance when</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cancer,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a cunning thief,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> came and stole my husband right out from
under my nose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I no longer recognized my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All energy was channeled into simply surviving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, during the dark night of the soul...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">words began to wrap around me like my grandmother's quilt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I let my feelings run down
through my fingertips </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and drip onto the pages of my journal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And began to heal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm breathing easier now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finding my way back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My darling protagonist, Savannah, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">has agreed to take me by the hand and lead the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> And I'll
let her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been tossed a life line,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and I will grab it and hold on for dear
life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For dear life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Life is ...dear. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Am I back in the game?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hardly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have my toes in the water !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></span></div>
Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-79250485878327001732015-03-29T21:25:00.000-05:002015-03-29T21:25:34.546-05:00Meet Tierney James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Come over here and let me introduce you to this lovely author. </div>
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Tierney James, is the real deal. A class act and gorgeous, to boot. I should hate her , but I don't.</div>
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Do yourself a favor and get to know her through this short interview and then through her writing. </div>
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You can thank me later !</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Author Tierney James</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Garrett Horton is a hard rock miner with an attitude. Why should the reader like him?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This hard rock miner is a redneck good ole boy with
brains, looks and courage. He doesn’t give up on his men or the love of his
life that abandoned him just days before their wedding. Determined to
understand why Fawn left him, Garrett uncovers a conspiracy created by her
father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">Fawn’s father is
the owner of the lead mines. She’s determined to shut out the past after
returning home. The biggest obstacle to her happiness turns out to be her
stubbornness and a heart as hard as the rock brought out of the mines. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Why
would a rich girl even consider staying in such a small town with no
opportunities?</span></b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I spent 25 years of my life in a hard rock mining
town. There’s something very culturally rich and satisfying about living with
people who don’t take life for granted. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the
richest or poorest, a miner or a logger, there is a common goal of surviving.
Everyone is connected through work, school and mining. The entire community
becomes a family. When I left the mining industry I grieved for my family. The
history I created there became a part of the fabric of who I am. Now, fourteen
years later, I still consider it part of my life. Fawn came back because there
are things money just can’t buy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Living in a mining
community must have its challenges. What was that like?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I gave birth to two children my husband had to
drive me 60 miles to a hospital. Both times it snowed. I drove 40 miles to get
groceries for a month at a time. Our local store could supply small items, but
sometimes it wasn’t enough. The movie theater was over an hour away. Kids
played outside until dark. Friday nights the town went to the high school
basketball game. Swimming in creeks or floating down the Black River. Picnics
and baseball games made life pretty awesome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Living in a mining
community sounds like serious stuff. Can you tell readers something funny that
happened to you there?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There were a couple of old guys who lived up the
hill from me. They would drive down to buy hay from me and put it in their car.
After teaching my Great Dane to jump up and remove my hat, she decided to do
the same with my two neighbors. They never came back. I still laugh when I
remember the look of panic on their faces when my dog jumped over the fence to
greet them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">When you picture
your characters who played the parts?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is something I like to think about before I
start writing. I thought about Mark Wahlberg being Garrett Horton and Jeff
Bridges as Big Jim Turnbough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I created a pinterest board to see some of the
mines and scenery. You can see them on this link.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/the-rescued-heart/">https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/the-rescued-heart/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">This is a romantic
suspense with twists and turns. Is this the kind of books you usually write?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do like to surprise the reader. My novels usually
are more geo-political thrillers. I’m currently working on my first urban
fantasy. I’ve also written two children’s books. The Rescued Heart is the first
romantic suspense. There are a lot of stories stomping around in my head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Rockwell Extra Bold","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">What is one thing
about yourself that might surprise readers?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There have been several careers I’ve always wanted
to do. Being an astronaut was always a dream as well as becoming a war
correspondent. I was able to go to Space Camp for Educators and become a Solar System
Ambassador for NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab. The correspondent thing never
happened, but becoming a writer is a pretty good place to be.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">You can find And Follow Tierney here</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TierneyJamesAction">http://www.facebook.com/TierneyJamesAction</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/TierneyJames1"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://twitter.com/TierneyJames1</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Other Books by Tierney James</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNE0UhsYnxvkC59FmoqokV3FDPXDFJaocmK7fhC_o0_mzG3ve6KY6Uid_CsmC6mDJQj9w2PvLR1m4aS8fk8YHsLle8DWqaisuptYEfKxbWjyL7YENwrrwQezJXf42iLPbDjv3DfCVJak/s1600/hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNE0UhsYnxvkC59FmoqokV3FDPXDFJaocmK7fhC_o0_mzG3ve6KY6Uid_CsmC6mDJQj9w2PvLR1m4aS8fk8YHsLle8DWqaisuptYEfKxbWjyL7YENwrrwQezJXf42iLPbDjv3DfCVJak/s1600/hero.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYXY_NPGKI8D692EIw9yu6DPgfVxtn16qR0J6TKyeaIKLn_oNRGHhm4u3Bnzk9haPmdnmbGF1-O7YPDfF-3rV6hx5gNyEa_KPzCwh5JrRvsW_m8tiW1n_0FS8gcMlrrB4DMVCxxF6pE4/s1600/zombie+meatloaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYXY_NPGKI8D692EIw9yu6DPgfVxtn16qR0J6TKyeaIKLn_oNRGHhm4u3Bnzk9haPmdnmbGF1-O7YPDfF-3rV6hx5gNyEa_KPzCwh5JrRvsW_m8tiW1n_0FS8gcMlrrB4DMVCxxF6pE4/s1600/zombie+meatloaf.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t8G-WwF14p-rtacF7p5-aFMR0Wph19Bo0iTFnjiZWoEunKoeA8yIIVN8TgccH8vPRGRLUknE5TXmSNuyldW2TTliT9EWHu8CeDimA2T-eZmCvP4TR_AA-Z_agiAAeH9coUl8Alpdlk4/s1600/superhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9t8G-WwF14p-rtacF7p5-aFMR0Wph19Bo0iTFnjiZWoEunKoeA8yIIVN8TgccH8vPRGRLUknE5TXmSNuyldW2TTliT9EWHu8CeDimA2T-eZmCvP4TR_AA-Z_agiAAeH9coUl8Alpdlk4/s1600/superhero.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Hero-1-Tierney-James/dp/1480276030/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1426259716&sr=8-16&keywords=the+unlikely+hero">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-Meatloaf-Tierney-James/dp/0991180534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426260187&sr=8-1&keywords=zombie+meatloaf">Amazon</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theres-Superhero-Library-Tierney-James/dp/1612252214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426260341&sr=8-1&keywords=There%27s+a+Superhero+in+the+Library">Amazon</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr6-jZCm3TObrD2zTSoi2fqnl7atEqO4rRllOScbXCX9_eyH2nISSHjk89M9tmFsSN3N1QE8V3Y2j1bCm3Uj6baakgFaMFNd5cKNZZ3L4j9gybr5KDbKBHg9BMLGKNeyDBNgS2Ces0SM/s1600/winds+of+deception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr6-jZCm3TObrD2zTSoi2fqnl7atEqO4rRllOScbXCX9_eyH2nISSHjk89M9tmFsSN3N1QE8V3Y2j1bCm3Uj6baakgFaMFNd5cKNZZ3L4j9gybr5KDbKBHg9BMLGKNeyDBNgS2Ces0SM/s1600/winds+of+deception.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Coming Soon </i></b></span></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-88932937600993411762014-10-22T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-22T07:00:01.909-05:00~ Follow the Yellow Brick Road ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">putting one little ruby slipper in front of the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a crazy road full of twists and turns, but thankfully no flying monkeys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like the scarecrow, I've fallen down on wobbly legs a time or two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But like the cowardly lion, I found my courage and off I went.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guess what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was right there in my pocket the whole time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>ROARRRR</i> <i>!!!!!</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Now my destination is right around the corner.</span> </i></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for joining me on the journey thus far</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-57847973305456990482014-10-01T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-01T07:00:06.426-05:00~ Stuck on the Sidewalk ~<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i><b>Here's what I've learned along the way....</b></i></span></div>
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When my best friend Gail and I went to Italy, I learned one of those little life lessons that has stayed with me.<br />
There we were, two <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Rubes</i></b></span> from the Midwest who had never traveled outside the U.S.<br />
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Alone in a bustling, swirling mess, like a plate of spilled spaghetti, this city called ROME.<br />
Only our wits to lead the way. No tour bus guide. No group to traipse behind as we stumbled along the cobblestone streets. Once we touched down, the reality of our decision to go it alone, hit me like a giant cannoli. I was frightened almost into paralysis. What in the world was I thinking, traveling half way around the world, with a only a little book of Italian phrases stuck in my back pocket?<br />
Gail and I had plans to meet one of our parish priests our first night in Rome.<br />
He was studying abroad and was on his way to Africa the next day, but he kindly offered to join us for dinner and share a bit of his hard-earned wisdom.<br />
One of his best tips regarded how to maneuver around the city streets.<br />
He said "When there's the smallest break in traffic, you just have to step off the sidewalk.<br />
March out into the street, looking neither left nor right.<br />
Plow straight ahead as if you own the street and it's your right to cross.<br />
As long as you don't hesitate, the cars will stop. Trust me."<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">REALLY?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Are you kidding me???</span></i></b><br />
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You've never seen traffic until you've been in the midst of the madness of the Roman streets.<br />
To an outsider it appears as if there are no rules at all.<br />
Lines on the road? Only a suggestion.<br />
Speed limits? Apparently not.<br />
When one comes to a stop light, all the scooters come swarming up, filling in any small gap left between vehicles. Amazingly, everyone just seems to make room for the next guy.<br />
But to actually STEP off the curb into that chaos and ASSUME that they would stop was mind boggling. Everything I'd been taught in my life told me to stand on the sidewalk.<br />
To hold on tight.<br />
But if Father David hadn't coached us, that's where I'd be today.<br />
Still standing on that sidewalk, clinging to a signpost, biding my time until it was safe.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">A metaphor for life?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">You bet.</span></i></b></div>
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There are so many reasons to <b><i>NOT</i></b> chase after your dream</div>
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So many little voices whispering in your ear. </div>
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Doubts piling upon doubts.</div>
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Fear and negativity disguised as rationality. </div>
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But step off the curb, we must.</div>
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And plow forth.</div>
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Or we'll never find the life we were meant to have.</div>
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And the wonders waiting on the other side.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">The reason we struggle with insecurity is because</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">we compare our behind-the-scenes </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">with everyone </span></i><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">else's highlight reel. </span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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-<span style="color: #783f04;"> Steve Furtrick</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>Don't do that.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i>Be brave.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i>Step off the sidewalk.</i></span></b></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-60194548078283388092014-08-25T07:30:00.000-05:002014-08-25T07:30:00.198-05:00~ A Chat With Wanda ~<br />
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Thrilled to welcome another new writer to The Author's Table.<br />
Hi Wanda, pull up a chair.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b>Wanda, this is your first
published novel, tell us a little about your writing journey. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I started Beyond The
Horizon during National Novel Writing Month in 2009. Long time ago, right? In
2011 I worked on revisions so I could pitch it to an agent at ORACON. That
agent asked for a full and I thought I had it made. But, as we all know,
publishing is a fickle mistress. The editor left, the company sold, and my
manuscript came back six months later. After I picked myself up off the floor,
I started the query process again. After 12 rejection letters, a writer friend
told me Breathless Press wanted to see NaNo novels. That was last fall. They
accepted it after yet another revision and the rest, they say, is history.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b>Tell me how Katie and
Josh's story was born.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Their story came to me
as I watched my own daughter struggle with an abusive relationship. Unable to
help her, I decided to write a story showing a woman escaping that situation
and finding a happily ever after ending. It's the story I wish for my daughter. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What a beautiful thought, Wanda. I felt as I was reading your book that somehow you had a personal connection with the storyline. If only we could write the happily ever after endings for all of those we love. </b></span></div>
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<b>Check out the sexy cover:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfprIZ8PbYokwV_s8POppHWt3nJw7nrWwfp-ONFHjr09H6QTYbsL9FnHUD_6F2Zk8HZTUQEysMKzLLp15048RNX-4uv38r_F4VhF5rK6PPUWIAynYH1JHzzIrKUUrNmJIXY326olKqhvk/s1600/BeyondTheHorizon200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfprIZ8PbYokwV_s8POppHWt3nJw7nrWwfp-ONFHjr09H6QTYbsL9FnHUD_6F2Zk8HZTUQEysMKzLLp15048RNX-4uv38r_F4VhF5rK6PPUWIAynYH1JHzzIrKUUrNmJIXY326olKqhvk/s1600/BeyondTheHorizon200x300.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Back of the Book:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Katie and Josh, both desperately seeking
redemption from their past, discover passion in each other's arms. With danger
just around the corner, will love survive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision
to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her.
She only knows it has to be better than her life up to now. Her boyfriend is a
powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too
much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little
money, and a growing fear of failure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an
elderly couples’ farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son
and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife’s memory
and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another
relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves
drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion,
and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil
headed their way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i>Here's a little sneak peak</i></b></span></span></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Josh had his back turned to Katie as she approached. Sneaking
up she reached around him and put her hands over his eyes. </div>
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"Cindy, stop, I don't have time for your games." </div>
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Katie lowered her hands and crossed her arms over her chest. </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Josh turned around. His lips, stretched tight over his mouth,
showed his annoyance. </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Hey," he grinned and reached for her.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
She stepped back. His hand got a fist full of air.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Who's Cindy?" </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"What?" </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"You called me Cindy just now."</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"I did?"</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Yes, you did."</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Oh, Cindy." He turned his back to her and adjusted
Spirit's saddle. "She's just a barrel racer on the circuit." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Josh looked at her over his shoulder. "Where are Betsy
and Bud?" </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Katie sensed he wasn't telling her something, but decided to
let it go for now. Maybe she would ask Betsy later about this Cindy person.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"They're getting our tickets and seats. They told me to
wish you good luck." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"I need all of that I can get." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Katie looked around. "Where's Chad?" </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"He's working."</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Working?"</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Josh turned around and propped one leg up on the trailer. He
adjusted his jeans over his boot before answering.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Yeah; he helps take care of the livestock."</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Is that safe?" Katie surprised herself with the
concern she felt for the boy.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"No need to worry. The guys watch out for him and don't
let him around the bulls. Mainly Chad just feeds and waters the calves and
steers, and cleans their pens. He loves it and he earns a little spending money
too. I made him open a savings account for his college fund with part of it. He's
saved quite a bit already." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"That's great," Katie said. An awkward silence fell
between them. </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Well, uh, I need to finish getting ready." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Oh, of course, and I need to find Bud and Betsy. I just
wanted to wish you good luck." </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Thanks, I appreciate it."</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"Even if I'm not Cindy?" Katie couldn't help the
jab as she turned to go. He reached out and this time successfully grabbed her
hand.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"I'm glad you're here." He tried to pull her to
him, but she resisted. Katie squeezed his hand and let go. </div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
"I guess I'll see you later." Katie searched his
eyes for any kind of clue as to how he felt about her, but she couldn't tell.
This Cindy person had somehow stepped between them.</div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
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<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i>Want more?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Purchase 'Beyond The Horizon' here:</span></i></b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?%20%20%20%20main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=5017d74f68a3e741ae3cd2f525feb582&keyword=fittro&x=0&y=0">Breathless Press</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Horizon-Wanda-Kay-Fittro-ebook/dp/B00LCHJ1FA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408219693&sr=1-1&keywords=fittro"> Amazon</a></o:p></div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv292051686msonormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b><i>Author Bio</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wanda Kay Fittro lives in the beautiful
Ozark Mountains in Southwest Missouri. Born and raised in a small town
community, gave her an appreciation for that lifestyle, and provides the inspiration
for her novels. A love affair with books started early on while reading Nancy
Drew by flashlight under the bed covers. She won the prestigious Missouri
Literary Festival Reader's Choice award in 2011 for her Civil War short story <i>One, Two, Three</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can find and follow her at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://awritercalledwanda.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://awritercalledwanda.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wandakayfittro"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/wandakayfittro</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/WandaFittro">https://twitter.com/WandaFittro</a></span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Who doesn't love a cowboy? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Not this girl. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">And you will too, once you sink your teeth into Wanda's debut novel</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04;"> '<i>Beyond the Horizon'</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Here's wishing you all the best Wanda </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Thanks for stopping by.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-29077555983877497952014-08-16T11:33:00.000-05:002014-08-16T11:33:14.564-05:00~Retreat ~<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm not talking about sounding the alarm and running for the hills. I'm talking about taking a moment. A day or two to step away from the busyness, the noise, the things that pull you this way and that. I've been on retreat to <a href="http://www.conceptionabbey.org/">Conception Abbey</a> north of St. Louis a couple of times, each time I've left renewed. Filled up again, where I had been depleted. Whenever I have a quiet moment to hear myself think, I find that<br />
poetry spills out of the cracks and crevices that were stuffed with busyness from my work week.<br />
<br />
My times at Conception Abbey are no exception. I loved the fact that I was just left alone. To come and go at my leisure. No schedule, no meetings, no groups to attend. My days were my own to fill up or... <i>NOT.</i><br />
It was my choice.<br />
<br />
I love Gregorian Chant. Something about it immediately soothes me. You know the old saying<br />
"Music tames the wild beast." That's me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3263JIA2YhiLJcirkbCQqzjLrwOEUrQQVtqnwcYz9TzrKnqa6D9T10yW7193-mu8baXX-8JRDR7YkQ6_a8h9DznTTd87jsb2fCN2zNkag0vtnDm49QuZP6R0l8_05gDviHXLsXd8McKw/s1600/gregorian+chant.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3263JIA2YhiLJcirkbCQqzjLrwOEUrQQVtqnwcYz9TzrKnqa6D9T10yW7193-mu8baXX-8JRDR7YkQ6_a8h9DznTTd87jsb2fCN2zNkag0vtnDm49QuZP6R0l8_05gDviHXLsXd8McKw/s1600/gregorian+chant.jpeg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Gregorian chant is how the soul sings." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrRfU_Ie7_K4-WWQ0Dbkq-2D_X5E3MWSf-sOrHR7g-keX-uI5u4qGzehZkZgqtAdXWWaNX3Pv2AmqlwZNRL72AbPpWZeF8FTmicReKfD353yFvF2XiXj18NeWfkuTm_Cnqfzd-UIS_2w/s1600/conception+abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrRfU_Ie7_K4-WWQ0Dbkq-2D_X5E3MWSf-sOrHR7g-keX-uI5u4qGzehZkZgqtAdXWWaNX3Pv2AmqlwZNRL72AbPpWZeF8FTmicReKfD353yFvF2XiXj18NeWfkuTm_Cnqfzd-UIS_2w/s1600/conception+abbey.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.<br />
Borrowed from Conception Abbey's website.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's one of the little poems I wrote during one of my stays. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The low moan of the monks alerts me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the sacred parade. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heads bowed<br />
intent on the task at hand </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they file in like a whisper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
oblivious to my comings and goings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Voices rise and fall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I move with the old world rhythm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as my soul recognizes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the familiar call </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ancient supplications</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wrapped in sing-song cadence</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soar to the rafters </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then settle in the stone walls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the hallowed halls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where thousands of prayers </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have lived for years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My breathing slows </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my heartbeat quiets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the plaintive voices beckon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I remember<br />
who I am.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">My days have been extremely hectic as of late</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">and I find myself thinking that</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> to retreat is a good thing !!</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">How about you???</span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA-ImUSb8cMmGA6IQHTJllFDbduGB0MlKySehPeuwRfhgmVUTJWBduzfe0j9NkWNEK0hm6KO9Ri7D-f4APrpbo0cVw8VQtFeLbrDfvlyRpsuixtuwheWLXu6W4EeH-tMZY-I7aoSIqzY/s1600/hallowed+halls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBA-ImUSb8cMmGA6IQHTJllFDbduGB0MlKySehPeuwRfhgmVUTJWBduzfe0j9NkWNEK0hm6KO9Ri7D-f4APrpbo0cVw8VQtFeLbrDfvlyRpsuixtuwheWLXu6W4EeH-tMZY-I7aoSIqzY/s1600/hallowed+halls.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-41357895937127132432014-08-11T06:31:00.000-05:002014-08-11T06:31:57.618-05:00~ What the H ... ~<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been wearing a lot of hats lately as I prepare my book for the world.<br />
<span style="text-align: start;">While holed up for months on end in my little writers corner , I am ruled by the creative side of the brain. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">Months upon months are spent happily hammering out the next blockbuster for the literary world, </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;">( insert laughter here)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"> and during that time I wear only<b> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>ONE</i></span></b> hat. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">This is my creative hat....it really gets the juices flowing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Too much?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpfgnYRrELhTQCbrqimzlB574CgksYbtvslueQPZ5QUHWPksaWDVci5Z44478rSWReRoGu4UcIIRu6OVAtzKY9B37xax7_k8l1OVBHkaQNd1YW7qg4-DQ13lV6aHvQkadraJlx8-RMjY/s1600/too+much+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpfgnYRrELhTQCbrqimzlB574CgksYbtvslueQPZ5QUHWPksaWDVci5Z44478rSWReRoGu4UcIIRu6OVAtzKY9B37xax7_k8l1OVBHkaQNd1YW7qg4-DQ13lV6aHvQkadraJlx8-RMjY/s1600/too+much+hat.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
But as soon as the manuscript is completed, it's time to start the old hat <i><span style="font-size: large;">switcharoo.</span></i><br />
It's time to put on the business hat and let the other side of the brain take over.<br />
Although the business hat is not just one hat but...<span style="font-size: large;">Many</span>.<br />
Sometimes I feel like this guy<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8FPxXqVISD_yWjJwa5PWFmaOU5JnEDdDNE0vVK-H_nMoKtA_3_t-quMhp11xIB1qydXgsfRMKjAdmbWPxOgGkxTfHUhuQDGOsNEDfiqOF_7HXT7JcDc4fiFFdG-btz7RWHiiCrEZCSE/s1600/spinning_plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8FPxXqVISD_yWjJwa5PWFmaOU5JnEDdDNE0vVK-H_nMoKtA_3_t-quMhp11xIB1qydXgsfRMKjAdmbWPxOgGkxTfHUhuQDGOsNEDfiqOF_7HXT7JcDc4fiFFdG-btz7RWHiiCrEZCSE/s1600/spinning_plates.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whew !!!! Look at me Go !!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The business side of things is a whole other world.<br />
It requires constantly being plugged into the market and learning on the fly.<br />
In this biz, things change almost daily. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even for Wonder Woman, that's a lot of hats for one person.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKpqSg6Z3kuD82ypVvuhYkwC9buvTYbxWcIACqWCx6GX4oMiSo8YlMqpnZXh4dhlyvp4qM1wc7V1T5VWUObvzryukP_GZSqTrHukHwuPW40xXjtr1T03CPaTIdaKOc_FlTVPorC2Gnyo/s1600/lots+of+hats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKpqSg6Z3kuD82ypVvuhYkwC9buvTYbxWcIACqWCx6GX4oMiSo8YlMqpnZXh4dhlyvp4qM1wc7V1T5VWUObvzryukP_GZSqTrHukHwuPW40xXjtr1T03CPaTIdaKOc_FlTVPorC2Gnyo/s1600/lots+of+hats.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not exactly my comfort zone.<br />
When mostly all I want to do is.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>WRITE !!</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankfully there is much that can and <i>SHOULD</i> be contracted out:<br />
Cover Design<br />
Professional Editing<br />
Formatting<br />
(but I still have to do all the research and FIND these masters of their domains)<br />
I am lucky indeed, to have found such great people to work with along the way.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Speaking of hats....<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i>What the H.. (hat) ???</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVapYyGjxgzvT4LQkJrKBgySd5aCusc-ftdCmbq8IFB5x3ozR1E2XougVESdnWU37JZzLqgIUzbflTPI2aILXukICHHUanM8JqZNUP8wG1pz42SyVcm75_bY_Xax5l9lh5jJIuhK7VuA/s1600/wtf+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVapYyGjxgzvT4LQkJrKBgySd5aCusc-ftdCmbq8IFB5x3ozR1E2XougVESdnWU37JZzLqgIUzbflTPI2aILXukICHHUanM8JqZNUP8wG1pz42SyVcm75_bY_Xax5l9lh5jJIuhK7VuA/s1600/wtf+hat.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Oh my</i></span></span><br />
<br />
Let's get back on track here, shall we?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Not one little bit. </span></i><br />
Because along with all the responsibility comes all the rewards!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I firmly believe that this is the greatest time in history to be a writer.<br />
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Is it worth it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkgUDYVvgV_mzRXbzkIefvndbHUTuJeEoFsaz8rv7BUBthiShJ-w5xYp6LoU9hhEtI-P6z9_u27dbOOzXIeikMXDna2zXY9oXRgmU6TzVfrDzOUcqDNJ9odoKeIiD0klgP4xqS1ElPag/s1600/runway+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkgUDYVvgV_mzRXbzkIefvndbHUTuJeEoFsaz8rv7BUBthiShJ-w5xYp6LoU9hhEtI-P6z9_u27dbOOzXIeikMXDna2zXY9oXRgmU6TzVfrDzOUcqDNJ9odoKeIiD0klgP4xqS1ElPag/s1600/runway+hat.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>You bet.</i></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-85600103722512264412014-07-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:00:01.727-05:00~ Is there a draft in here ? ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5RpguwqOTj4K0m0kSlSiFLadSdTT9wKOijFlS0VK8-b_AkN5MKgKBl4kDLIJFNYBTDqrIo8vfGvZPGM8jaREet76K_snbfTvyK1dQk5QdyWvTTLG2wZTR7POU517qdG_aEGWpjdbCpU/s1600/cute+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5RpguwqOTj4K0m0kSlSiFLadSdTT9wKOijFlS0VK8-b_AkN5MKgKBl4kDLIJFNYBTDqrIo8vfGvZPGM8jaREet76K_snbfTvyK1dQk5QdyWvTTLG2wZTR7POU517qdG_aEGWpjdbCpU/s1600/cute+cartoon.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely you'll notice I only have a few hairs left on my head !!!! Here's why:</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" height="68" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Is there a draft in here? </span></div>
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Oh no, my lovely readers. There are <span style="font-size: large;">NO MORE DRAFTS.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am thrilled to announce that the final words have been written. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The End</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has been lovingly typed on the last page and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
&</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The Bootlegger's Wife</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is ready to meet you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When? Soon, very soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>The Bootlegger's Wife</b></i><br />
is scheduled for release on October 24th .<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am giddy and can't wait to hear what you have to say.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In these last <span style="font-size: x-large;">90</span> days I will be opening the door a little wider, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just enough for you to peek around the corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been partners on this journey, my dear readers, and we're not done yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The best is yet to come.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Come along.</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned for the cover reveal, coming soon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-42264618679171326662014-07-14T07:54:00.003-05:002014-07-14T07:54:25.673-05:00~Suanne's at the Author's Table ~ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJDnqtpe-qp0OmF-PHwbL6dpzwK5fe4SujmXyNf-XrmDhJOGNJIT6CJZBRazwW3GTzTGnYmUGU4ManKkMTe99bjhyphenhyphen7O3dNCVjor7Kut2Z_w1StDnqq8fL4r53dhNL73BjHjgIK1YSAl0/s1600/lunch+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJDnqtpe-qp0OmF-PHwbL6dpzwK5fe4SujmXyNf-XrmDhJOGNJIT6CJZBRazwW3GTzTGnYmUGU4ManKkMTe99bjhyphenhyphen7O3dNCVjor7Kut2Z_w1StDnqq8fL4r53dhNL73BjHjgIK1YSAl0/s1600/lunch+lady.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look who joined us at the author's table today !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Y</span><b>ou know it when you see it. </b></div>
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<b>That moment when you stumble upon something special,</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>a piece of art</b></div>
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<b>the perfect dress</b></div>
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<b>a song that could have been plucked from the pages of your diary</b></div>
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<b>But in this case, it was a book. </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpQCxVL09QJyKttm2o79Vsxk0KcLrJ1xLVZf_t5S6-SSgqcB5Sym5VR_J0umjd2e6SF93kU_fU83aGDH6GNtoOrpoACmnq7WLO3M6HjY1koOx6V1GKTa58bqMiCfaGW4tLKhDYtR5F5Y/s1600/Man+I+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpQCxVL09QJyKttm2o79Vsxk0KcLrJ1xLVZf_t5S6-SSgqcB5Sym5VR_J0umjd2e6SF93kU_fU83aGDH6GNtoOrpoACmnq7WLO3M6HjY1koOx6V1GKTa58bqMiCfaGW4tLKhDYtR5F5Y/s1600/Man+I+love.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Man-Love-Suanne-Laqueur/dp/1499715609/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405095258&sr=8-1&keywords=the+man+i+love+book">The Man I Love</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Suanne Laqueur</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I fell in love. </b><br />
<b>That's what it feels like when </b><br />
<b>you <i>FALL</i> into a great story. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You lose track of time.</b><br />
<b>Nothing exists but you and the words on the page.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I let myself go </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>willing to be swept away </b><br />
<b>into the world of</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Erik Fiskare & Daisy Bianco</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlzVF3wP0zzb2KbqaSMeLfe8vteTpAEtYkA8S-KGuCP4_VsHSqorS1H9UPs9a_wBo_kC0jC9HTpzaeEQgWBZnQBPRIj6Xm4Gl3yKdYO0Bb1l-oiAyjNVA9yRpK1I00p3k3EtJvmpG5Ng/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlzVF3wP0zzb2KbqaSMeLfe8vteTpAEtYkA8S-KGuCP4_VsHSqorS1H9UPs9a_wBo_kC0jC9HTpzaeEQgWBZnQBPRIj6Xm4Gl3yKdYO0Bb1l-oiAyjNVA9yRpK1I00p3k3EtJvmpG5Ng/s1600/lighting.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06o0yXvBxzlargQUN_Z61r3YLGJ-I4s7w5pOP4Y1VRRneru1GCmMOjp1wrXhNC6zXgzmIRmP2lBlUIj6JTveOXCsrkw3V3OR-SO4LsxPTpvx4dmkpYcJMd1XXniDARypokmMmZuyOgDc/s1600/daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhGPXqmPidCAgAONOvWBlWphYZCTfcO85vwsZsxMq4M2CAmTl9MyaxZG_IiZMUQKkac3fuUR9NRvbOy3yTe7ZDs9HqF2vjsCjS9xeEhuS42AmDFPSRf45UCTyd1ybmlehbpZMdM_Jhto/s1600/ballett+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhGPXqmPidCAgAONOvWBlWphYZCTfcO85vwsZsxMq4M2CAmTl9MyaxZG_IiZMUQKkac3fuUR9NRvbOy3yTe7ZDs9HqF2vjsCjS9xeEhuS42AmDFPSRf45UCTyd1ybmlehbpZMdM_Jhto/s1600/ballett+girl.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a> <br />
<b>Here's a snippet of the review I left for <i>The Man I Love. </i>This will give you a little hint of what I'm feeling about this book. </b><br />
<br />
<i><b>As a reader, I gobbled this story up in giant spoonfuls, like the best homemade ice cream on a hot July day. As a fellow author, I stand in slack-jawed awe saying, "how did she create this magic?" There's no formula. We can't put it under a microscope, peeling away the layers, so that we can dissect it, diagnose it and reproduce it. Magic defies our clumsy attempts at affixing a label. But this story is pure magic simply because the author had the courage to write the truth. She gave us real people, in real moments dealing with the truth about life in all its glorious mucked up mess. And it was beautiful. </b></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>So you can imagine my giddiness, when the opportunity came my way to host an interview with one of my new favorite authors. I'm bouncing up and down like my pre-teen self when I heard David Cassidy was coming to town to film an episode of The Partridge Family. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>But enough about me and my silliness. Let's get serious. Because this is a seriously</b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">great book</span>.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b>Thanks for stopping by to chat today, Suanne. Let’s start
with something basic: why are you a writer? Can you tell us a little bit about
yourself and what led you to authorship?</b><b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>I write because my mind
never shuts off. I write to get things out of my head and stomach so I can
sleep. I write to capture moments, I write to create understanding and I write
to connect with people.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I’ve written little
stories since I was about ten. From a young age, I had very sharp powers of
observation which made me retain details of experiences. I was a steel trap. I
kept a journal for most of my life and this, coupled with my very strange
photographic memory, led me to start recording conversations as dialogue.
Complete with quotation marks and “he said,” “I said.” As I got older, I
noticed how much people enjoyed when you shared memories of them: what they
were wearing, what they said to you and how it made you feel. Or an act of
kindness you remembered. Or when you observed them doing something they loved
and how it affected you. People love to be noticed. People love to be
remembered. People love to connect and that’s what’s inspired me most in my
writing—the thought of being able to connect with people emotionally by drawing
on my own memories and observations. Letting them know that what they perceived
as a throwaway moment was actually a story to be told.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">As for inspiration, I set
the goal to finish the novel in 2014 and put it out there. And I posted about
it to all my friends. Public accountability is a spectacular motivator. </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I know that some authors use outlines, while others “write by the seat of their
pants.” So, are you a planner or a pantser? Could you describe your process for
piecing together this book? <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I wrote <i>The Man I Love</i> using both methods. The
characters have existed in my head for years. They were sort of playmates for
me. Literary dolls. I just made up little scenarios and vignettes for them but
there was no storyline, no arc. In that regard, the universe of the novel was
“pantsed.” When I made the commitment to create the story, I had to plan it out
and make a start-to-finish outline. So I had a mix of highly-polished, finished
work interspersed with what I call “chapter sketches”: raw material, snippets
of dialogue or a quick outline of “this has to happen.”</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">How was the
story born?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The Man I Love </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">was
written from the outside in. In other
words, I had the story of Erik and Daisy meeting in college. Then I had the
story of Erik and Daisy finding each other in adulthood. There was nothing in
the middle. And I think this is because I created those two characters when I
myself was in college, in a novel I was tentatively calling <i>All the Running You Can Do</i>. I tinkered
around with it for years and actually sent it away to an editor, who came back
with this breathtaking observation: “You have a 500-page character analysis but
no story.”<br />
<br />
So I got discouraged and sulky and I put <i>All
the Running </i>away for a long time. Sometime in my thirties I picked it up
again, and the college storyline was totally boring for me. I had moved beyond
that twentysomething drama and just couldn’t relate to it anymore. I didn’t <i>care. </i>But it occurred to me that Erik
and Daisy were in their thirties now as well. Where were they? Were they together? Suddenly I knew they weren’t together.
Furthermore, they were very badly not together. Estranged. Disconnected. But they
had never forgotten each other. In fact, the abrupt disconnection was haunting
them. They had to find each other again just so they could be free of the past.
I wrote that reconciliation. Then I began to wonder what had happened. What
drove them apart all those years? And
from there, the story that became <i>The Man
I Love </i>began to emerge and take on a life of its own.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I think it was a courageous choice to write this story from the male perspective, what made you decide that was the right course of action?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Originally the novel
started out from Daisy’s point of view. It made sense to me: as a woman, to
write her story. Why wouldn’t I? I kept writing and writing Daisy but the
material seemed strangely stagnant. I’d write chapters and scenes from her
adult life and yet nothing was <i>happening.
</i>I tried adding in some chapters from other points of view, just to make it
interesting, including a few scenes from Erik’s perspective. I didn’t know what
I was doing, I still didn’t know what the story was. I took the whole mess and
put it in the lap of my friend Ami. And she came back with Daisy’s chapters
separated, saying “These are all right.” Then the chapters from other characters
and her feedback was, “These are a distraction.” Finally she indicated the few
chapters from Erik’s point of view and said, “This. This is your story.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I was like <i>Are you kidding me? Write from his point of view?</i> But then I realized Ami was right. It wasn’t
Daisy’s story at all. It was Erik’s. He had the evolution. He chose to leave
and he eventually chooses to go back and the choosing, the deciding to
decide—that is the story. Once I had him
in my mind, it was very easy to write from his eyes. It felt very natural to
tell his tale. It was fascinating to watch him emerge off the page, take on
life and embark on this incredible journey.</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> It’s a big challenge, going it alone. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">How did you come to the decision to self-publish?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Going the mainstream
publishing route can be heartbreaking. I am not a thick-skinned person and I
sensed shopping the manuscript around to agents and publishers would get me
very discouraged. I took a good hard look at the goal I had set for myself,
which was to finish the novel and get it out there. I wasn’t after fame or
fortune, I simply had a good story to tell and I wanted to tell it. To show
people another side of me. I wanted the story to be the best it could be, which
is why I chose to work with a professional editor. But I also wanted to retain
control of the manuscript and in that regard, self-publishing was the way to
go.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The thing with
self-publishing is what we refer to as APE: you must be Author, Publisher and
Entrepreneur. The latter is where I do not shine. I have an inherent shyness
which makes me reluctant to “push.” You cannot be shy or reluctant. You have to
talk about yourself and talk about the book at every opportunity because nobody
else is going to do it for you. You do not hit the “publish” button and
suddenly the phone rings with your lucky break. You have to stop thinking of
yourself as solely a writer and start thinking of yourself as a brand. That’s a
hard step for authors because you don’t think of writing fiction as providing a
service. It takes a lot of introspection and deep digging to find out who is
going to be looking for what you have, and what’s the best way to let them know
you got it and more. And then you have to kick shyness to the curb and start
introducing yourself as a writer at parties and talking about the book any
chance you get. You have to work the network like crazy.</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Are you working on anything else right now? </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><b>I’m not
entirely sure what’s next but I have a feeling I’m not yet done telling Erik
and Daisy’s story. There’s a whole new phase of their adult lives to explore.
And I’m just as curious as some of my readers to know what exactly happened to
Erik’s father. I think any novel I write next is going to be much more
thought-out and planned. I’ll have an outline much earlier and an idea of the
arc of the story. Nothing is in stone, but let’s just say I’ve checked out some
books on Swedish history and Swedish immigrants in America, and leave it at
that for now.</b></span></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> I've been happy to host two new authors within the last two weeks. </b><br />
<b>What a wonderful treat for my readers, to be introduced to just talented women on the cusp of their careers. Not only talented, but women with the DRIVE to go out and </b><br />
<b>grab their dream with both hands. </b><br />
<b>Here's to dreams coming true.</b><br />
<b> Thanks for taking the time to share with us today, Suanne. </b><br />
<b>And here's wishing </b><b>you all the best </b><br />
<b>with <i><span style="font-size: large;">The Man I Love </span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>You can find Suanne here:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.suannelaqueur.com/">suannelaqueur.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/suannelaqueur">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/suannelqr">twitter</a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06o0yXvBxzlargQUN_Z61r3YLGJ-I4s7w5pOP4Y1VRRneru1GCmMOjp1wrXhNC6zXgzmIRmP2lBlUIj6JTveOXCsrkw3V3OR-SO4LsxPTpvx4dmkpYcJMd1XXniDARypokmMmZuyOgDc/s1600/daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06o0yXvBxzlargQUN_Z61r3YLGJ-I4s7w5pOP4Y1VRRneru1GCmMOjp1wrXhNC6zXgzmIRmP2lBlUIj6JTveOXCsrkw3V3OR-SO4LsxPTpvx4dmkpYcJMd1XXniDARypokmMmZuyOgDc/s1600/daisy.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a><br />
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-66212911636836612452014-07-10T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-10T08:37:30.326-05:00~ Hi Ellen !! ~<br />
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<br />
One of the great things about being a writer and being in a writers group, is the fellowship.<br />
What could be better than meeting a group of people who suffer from the same multiple personality disorder that you do?What joy to find a group of people who understand what it's like to have strange people living in your head, leading you down the garden path and demanding that you tell <i>their</i> story...in the way that they want it told? Yeah, we're a crazy lot. But I digress.<br />
<br />
Another great thing about authors...at least all the ones I've met so far, is their generosity. Generous in their time, and in sharing any hard earned wisdom they've gleaned along the way. Ellen Harger is such an author.<br />
<br />
I'm honored to say I know this woman.You have no idea what words are capable of , until you read one of her books.Not only can she write the pants off a story, but she's smart and witty and you're going to love her.<br />
Her newest novel : <i><span style="font-size: large;">The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones</span></i> is a story about love, loss, pain, starting over....basically a story about LIFE. It's just that in Ellen's hands it's more beautiful !<br />
<br />
So pull up a chair, grab your cup of coffee and say hello to Ellen Harger.<br />
Honoring the theme of Ellen's book, her answers are in <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>RED.</b></span><br />
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Aright, alright...enough applause. Let's settle down. </div>
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Ellen, having read both of your novels <i>Strong Enough</i> and your latest novel,<br />
<i>The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones,</i> I'm curious. How was the <span style="font-size: large;">writing process</span> different this time around?<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">With</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (from now on known as</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">), I hit on the hook pretty early--a blog between two lovers.
Having a solid hook was a huge leap forward. My first novel,</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong Enough</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">, was written by trial and error. That and pure determination to
finish. I wrote scenes to figure out who the characters were. I tried various
situations on several characters, fired an important cast member, and totally
cut the unifying image--a key. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one technique I
continued to use was procrastination. I called it "incubating the
story." Letting it simmer in my sub-conscious. Which meant I was stuck.
Maybe because originally in</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Mr. Write was a blast from Mrs. Jones' past who
looked her up on the internet, but the blog never really fit them. So even
though I had a hook and blog posts written between Mrs. Jones and Mr.
Write, the story wasn't flowing. Plus, in the first version they didn't make
it. It was a fling, an experiment in fresh love until the world noticed their
private world on the internet. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write to music and love
soundtracks, so I incorporated that passion into my first novel.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> I</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">n the spring of 2013, I immersed myself in
P!nk's album, <i>The Truth About Love, </i>and found the missing
ingredient. Fear. Fear was driving Mrs. Jones' actions. Now I needed to know
why.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But the most significant
change was </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">music enjoyed a new role
with</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">he
songs on <i>The Truth About Love</i> meant something to Mrs. Jones
while they underscored the theme that love is hard. After that, I didn't need
an outline to write. I was flying on instinct. I joined a writing camp with the
goal of completing my novel in a month. My first draft was Swiss cheese.
The next step was to hire the writing coach from camp as my editor, but I
didn't let her see my newest draft for three months as I filled in all the
holes.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An editor is a gift you
offer yourself. No matter your writing style, that's a universal truth.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
What have you learned about <span style="font-size: large;">yourself as a writer,</span> after completing this book?<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">After writing</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog, </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned to trust my unique voice. I spent years
envying other writers--usually people from my classes. In my mind, they wrote
cleaner, crisper imagery and expanded moments so the reader could relax into
the book. Even though I never copied another writer, I did focus on clarity.
Last summer I found a local writing group and love our monthly critiques. I
didn't offer my writing until</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was a solid, cohesive draft. But after
hearing, "I love your voice" a few times, I stopped coveting other
writer's style. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did my voice change
radically? No, I've workshopped short stories written years ago and quirks are
still there. What I learned was to trust my instincts.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog</span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is written in first person, present tense. It savors the
fragment sentence like a fifty-year-old Scotch. So much of the prose happens in
Gillian's head that I had to forego italics to denote every internal thought or
italics would drown the prose. This is my voice and I pushed it with</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anon Blog.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took changes and tested rules. It doesn't
always work. I have unpublished pages of experiments, but I kept trying and
finally, I trusted.</span></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
Like a lot of people, I love to peek behind the curtain of authors and celebrities and catch a glimpse of who they are when we're not looking. What's your writing space look like? Are you neat as a pin? Or a messy genius?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Yes, and at the same time. I love my writing space. The desk is large with two long drawers. The renovatino of the space into my dream office began with a <a href="http://ellenharger.com/lighting-my-way/">lamp</a> and while I have lots of plans, I'm enjoying the slow transformation. I have fabric for pillows and to cover my reading chair, folded into a neat pile. It's been a year but I've yet to sew. I think I'm waiting for my custom made bookshelves and a slender table beneath my bulletin board. My husband doesn't trust me with his saws. </b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">As far as neatness...everything has its place. My calculator goes in the drawer on the right, small note pads on the left of my miniature hutch. All my graph paper pads belong in the desk drawer on the right with my tape, label maker, checks, and supply bin (lead, paper clips, mini post-its, etc.) On the left is my laptop and miscellaneous items. Which reminds me, I think it's time to clean out the drawers and reorganize. However, on each corner of my desk are batches of things to do/deal with. I like colorful folders with printed labels, but I don't like to file until I have a good stash crowding my work space. My shredder is currently full with a pile of papers on top. </span></b><br />
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While you're in the mood to divulge secrets...give me more. Tell me something crazy. Surprise me.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>1. After years of dancing in my basement while watching Solid Gold Dancers, Flash Dance, Turning Point, I took a dance class for the first time when I was eighteen, and danced in theater productions for four years </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2.I'v lived in ten states, Germany and spent a summer in Italy. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. My parents considered leaving our dog Mittens in WV with my Mamaw when we moved to Germany. I was seven and informed them I would stay with dog and Mamaw. Luckily my parents hadn't made the final decison and Mittens came to Germany. It would have been epic to see me and my mom square off. I'm not sure, but I think she would have won. I was lucky she hadn't made up her mind. My mother had one major go-to rule for parenting: once she said "No" she never backed down. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>4. Marion Zimmer Bradley rejected a short story I submitted to her Fantasy Magazine when I was nineteen. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>5.When I was six, I twirled a baton in the Ceredo-Kenovo Sweethearts ( because my sister did). Later, in high school the experience helped me to become a twirler for the Highlander Drum and Bugle Core.</b></span><br />
<br />
Wow! Those were fun facts. You are full of surprises.<br />
<br />
Still on the topic of sharing, but on a more serious note, what advice would you offer to aspiring authors who think they don't have the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIME</b></span> to write?<br />
<br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3355" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Theories abound. Some adhere to the write an hour a day. Other's prefer a daily minimum word count. I didn't learn which was best for me until I participated in National Novel Writing Month. I'm more comfortable with a time frame, but to help me write and not edit the same sentence for ninety minutes I use <a href="http://www.focusboosterapp.com/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3361" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">focus booster</a>. The ticking should be annoying but it honestly boosts my focus. Maybe the sound distracts the fear like a laser light does a cat.</b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3115" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>You won't know what works until you try a few techniques. Discover the best way to motivate you. I got to the point with <i>Strong Enough</i> that finishing was my only remaining incentive. I wanted to at least say I completed a novel (endings are tough). Who cares if it takes you a decade to finish? As long as you keep returning to your characters to tell their story, isn't that progress? Keep going. The more involved you get with your plot, the more you'll want to share with readers. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3117">For those who have a hundred stories competing in their head, awesome! You have a catalog waiting to be brought into existence. If selling your book, not just finishing it, is important, regular writing sessions are critical, so my theory is write the first draft in a month. The best thing I learned from NaNoWriMo was to stop editing and push through the scene. However, I cannot use word counts. I have two NaNo manuscripts that made it to 50,000 words in a month. I must completely rewrite one--I followed a tangent and missed my story. The other followed an outline, but the editing is daunting.<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />All those tips people offer in their blog posts and articles? That's motivation. I know they can sting when filtered through your fear and translated into "You can't be a serious writer unless you write twenty-five hundred meaningful words a day." </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3367">Don't stab yourself with all the tips you're not doing.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3379"> Take comfort in the fact that you keep searching for a key to unlock your writerly style. </span></b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1404930144624_3382" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Writing is difficult. Keep writing. Don't let anyone else tell you how fast you need to be. Let the first book teach you about what kind of writer you are. When it's Theory vs Experience, experience wins. Try different tips: write with a timer, with headphones, with a writing prompt, a coach, in a coffee shop. Try until you find the formula that is your writing style.</b></span></div>
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And finally, what did Gillian ( your protagonist in <i>The Anonymous Blog..</i>) <span style="font-size: x-large;">teach you?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is essential can't
be destroyed.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ash is fertilizer.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth is more attractive
than we know.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And moving is
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Thanks for taking the time to stop by today Ellen. Readers, now that you've been properly introduced, introduce yourself to her writing. Make sure to grab her book when it comes out on July 21st.<br />
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From the author:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm a word gypsy and emotion sifter, writing about broken condoms, unhappy marriages and women's issues at the chick-lit end of women's fiction and women's fiction end of chick-lit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">I believe great storytelling asks readers to confront what they've stuffed deep down. We all get blinded by emotion and stuck in ruts: in June 2005, I woke up to a wall of fire. Watching the flames eat away at my life was my biggest turning point in life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">My first novel <i>Strong Enough</i> released February 2013. My sophomore work, </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones</i> debuts this July.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In the mean time you can find Ellen everywhere:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://ellenharger.com/">ellenharger.com</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><a href="https://facebook.com/AuthorEllenHarger">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/ellenharger">Twitter</a></div>
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G<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EllenHarger/posts" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">oogle +</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ellenharger/">Pinterest</a></div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-1811451798360532852014-06-26T12:21:00.000-05:002014-06-26T14:02:37.986-05:00~ Gone With The Wind ~<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXv19QzMZaDfhUyriYv9tKoViNXnjZ1mBpS7oSOk_o8nTdG1K3WIeKBWJ-lssq4J4kkD8zvLOFjELogSel6ZHRw5CTFBwuMpNvNg5d_NirWzK5_zZcu53nT1gHELy8SE5qI3LWe1Tmjc/s1600/girl+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXv19QzMZaDfhUyriYv9tKoViNXnjZ1mBpS7oSOk_o8nTdG1K3WIeKBWJ-lssq4J4kkD8zvLOFjELogSel6ZHRw5CTFBwuMpNvNg5d_NirWzK5_zZcu53nT1gHELy8SE5qI3LWe1Tmjc/s1600/girl+writing.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a><br />
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"<i>The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading. In order to write, a man will turn over half a library, to make one book."</i><br />
<i> </i>-Samuel Johnson<br />
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I've been a nerd for a long time. For as long as I can remember, I preferred to be nose-deep in a book than almost anywhere else. My very first GROWN UP books were these charming stories about Donna Parker. I still have the complete set. Actually I have two complete sets, but who's counting? I adored these books and the girl I was when I read them. I also had and have the Annette Funicello series and Janet Lennon, and several other single titles. They meant so much to me, that I spent a good deal of time tracking them down through e-bay and antique stores over the years, until I completed my quest of gathering all the titles I could remember. For many years now, they've shared sacred space on my library book shelves.They take their rightful place, along with all the other important books. When ever my eye wanders over their colorful spines, it just makes me happy. And every once in awhile, I'll read one just for the fun of it. They still leave a sweet taste in my mouth. Did you know there are Pinterest boards devoted to Donna Parker? Seems as if she cast her happy spell on a lot of tweens in the sixties. Good times. Sigh.<br />
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Of course I graduated, to bigger stories. I've always been a sucker for a good biography. Then one day in the fifth grade I lugged home <i>Gone With the Wind.</i> My mother, clucked "what in the world are you doing with that thing?" Of course, it was way over my head. But somehow I was still swept away to the south and the civil war and I knew enough to know I held something special in my hands.<br />
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Holding all of these wonderful words in my hands, left a mark on me. The ink of a thousand pages stained my soul. I fell in love with words. And the way someone with skill could twist them and bend them into shapes I'd never seen. Mark Twain, had me laughing out loud. Jane Austen, chasing after Mr. Darcy, and Pat Conroy had me in awe as he painted pictures of his beloved low country.<br />
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It didn't take long before I knew I would rather play with words, than other toys. At thirteen I wrote my first novel, and I've never looked back. I understand what I feel about something after the words have pushed themselves down through the fingertips and onto the page.<br />
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Today as I edit away on my current manuscript...I thank Donna, Annette, Amelia, Florence, Scarlett and so many others for capturing my imagination all those years ago and leading me on an adventure of a lifetime.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Can you relate?</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Tell me about your early book affairs....</span></b></i> </div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-42890612512902778032014-06-09T14:16:00.001-05:002014-06-09T14:16:42.797-05:00~ Smithy ~<br />
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<i>"It's none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way."</i><br />
-Ernest Hemingway<br />
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I am a wordsmith.</div>
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I didn't coin the phrase, but I do love it.</div>
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And so today I found myself playing with the imagery the word evokes.</div>
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A Blacksmith works with iron</div>
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I work with words, </div>
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We both use the tools of our trade to CREATE </div>
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I take a sentence, a plain ordinary sentence</div>
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I thrust into the fire until it burns <i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>RED-HOT</b></span></i></div>
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Before it cools , I begin </div>
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hammering</div>
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bending</div>
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coaxing</div>
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smoothing</div>
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until the once plain nondescript string of words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
becomes something new</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
designed to fit perfectly </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(hopefully not just on the back end of a horse.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Continue to do this over and over, stringing all your lovely creations together until you reach :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE END</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-86548028614995100412014-05-28T08:54:00.001-05:002014-05-28T08:54:56.073-05:00~Slow Simmer ~<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyepQj-AaS73oz5vMr2WKEu28pjN_ygSwaRh62VlWOE6C26-VuToYq2nko7oi-eQ6HkQ9tXarqZeplWjCjW7GBFsjP1vE_Q08gzp-W3tXrdi7CVphmNKurqwk3qumNgDuju5UrzCo7Wes/s1600/Kiera+Lizzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyepQj-AaS73oz5vMr2WKEu28pjN_ygSwaRh62VlWOE6C26-VuToYq2nko7oi-eQ6HkQ9tXarqZeplWjCjW7GBFsjP1vE_Q08gzp-W3tXrdi7CVphmNKurqwk3qumNgDuju5UrzCo7Wes/s1600/Kiera+Lizzie.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"I try to leave out the parts</i><br />
<i> that other people skip." </i><br />
<i> -Elmore Leonard</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" height="68" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If only it were as easy as Mr. Leonard states. (above quote) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The Bootlegger's Wife is proving to be a difficult beast to tame. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwGSZc49PajD13SBmRuQ8tUB1wyOMg7SCctoRSfioq6cHbpYqTqGEc9FcUFPN1UKMrCPOZn3RvwyrnjGYrd7yrV8fr2XVKr8QwGgJi4wmAKQlDH0kqhlHNc49d5KFxGEszKHg7vBb56o/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwGSZc49PajD13SBmRuQ8tUB1wyOMg7SCctoRSfioq6cHbpYqTqGEc9FcUFPN1UKMrCPOZn3RvwyrnjGYrd7yrV8fr2XVKr8QwGgJi4wmAKQlDH0kqhlHNc49d5KFxGEszKHg7vBb56o/s1600/tiger.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Slippery...Wiley...CAGEY</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm finding that this is a very demanding story.<br />
Demanding to be told in its own way.<br />
The only problem is...I'm not sure which way that is.<br />
Every time I head off in one direction, it's takes off in another. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whenever I think I've got it nailed down, there's a little tap on the shoulder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a whisper saying "Pssst....over here."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So instead of fretting and wringing hands </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in order to maintain my <span style="font-size: large;">self- impose</span>d release date, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm turning the flame down low </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to let it simmer nice and slow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The soup is not ready until it's ready.<br />
It never tastes as good if you rush it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
( Hmm...Sounds like I'm cooking up a metaphor soup)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After spending the last few weeks with my editor,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my creative juices are flowing like a fresh mountain stream. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now I want to drink from that stream until I get my fill. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
There is more to be done with The Bootlegger's Wife.<br />
All the heavy lifting has been done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this time I will go back in with the precision of the surgeons scalpel,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making some fine cuts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Making a small opening for something new here and there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and digger deeper for that buried treasure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thankfully, I'm in love with the whole process</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and before you know it </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'll be shouting. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Soup's On !!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7ahmh5fsuMna9fBTQfnZjsALYijzLacEJFAg1Ua9y53ldPrem4pKc1ZT_yMFh0Qq6RTdSYYAmP0mZAZ2dMYCLRYN6xgN08S7JDYcev-EUkj5_x22CATMHfkLJZZ2pOhUOBZT2z8EV4k/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7ahmh5fsuMna9fBTQfnZjsALYijzLacEJFAg1Ua9y53ldPrem4pKc1ZT_yMFh0Qq6RTdSYYAmP0mZAZ2dMYCLRYN6xgN08S7JDYcev-EUkj5_x22CATMHfkLJZZ2pOhUOBZT2z8EV4k/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-40724238021773787272014-04-29T08:47:00.000-05:002014-04-29T08:47:14.189-05:00~Puzzle Pieces ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3HX-GhSWVGTbyQfsktgT7jrK96F_PIGLQ6ab0ntcpMEqyutpoW28aQIIrSeLyg3PjWH-6mWWKl6_niimnhyphenhyphenODFnftAJMbIKAqJViT8lCpJQZ4mYg8ppxeG4fbSG3Tc0MvHLBzJbN1pA/s1600/toss+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3HX-GhSWVGTbyQfsktgT7jrK96F_PIGLQ6ab0ntcpMEqyutpoW28aQIIrSeLyg3PjWH-6mWWKl6_niimnhyphenhyphenODFnftAJMbIKAqJViT8lCpJQZ4mYg8ppxeG4fbSG3Tc0MvHLBzJbN1pA/s1600/toss+it.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>"If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it."</i><br />
-Elmore Leonard<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" height="68" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div>
What's been going on around here?<br />
I've been putting everything together, my friend. </div>
<div>
I'm on the very last leg of the 'writing' journey, with 'The Bootlegger's Wife'.<br />
(sound the trumpets here)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Puzzle pieces that were once scattered about on the table top<br />
have now been put into place.</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt3KhIc72avgwzHUlGlW6AHV-X1tJFh7iGxmE9ZpOCfdk_4WEx0nmaUfZ-QWtdy51qStMqEmtokl70DI7jMXf8PnsVlj4279Hr9tO4OLQu_Z0rK4Ub8TCGTjFOuVNMLXIL2ejW22NOyU/s1600/mona+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt3KhIc72avgwzHUlGlW6AHV-X1tJFh7iGxmE9ZpOCfdk_4WEx0nmaUfZ-QWtdy51qStMqEmtokl70DI7jMXf8PnsVlj4279Hr9tO4OLQu_Z0rK4Ub8TCGTjFOuVNMLXIL2ejW22NOyU/s1600/mona+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
Each random puzzle piece<br />
represents a character, a piece of the story, research,that relates to the next piece.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My editor, Scott Southard, has been pouring over my manuscript and offering sound advice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A fresh pair of eyes, especially eyes that know what they're looking for<br />
is just what my manuscript needs at this point. </div>
<div>
It's time to make sure all the puzzle pieces fit neatly into place. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtEhwwD092R2WELaUfg_eYUKLTYCG1sFMvRCXn6ZY1cVvnRBy9HTjEUNskT1KUUaGXhWdYUevZfgYhyphenhyphenKchej3EO8Kz38aiBF3UFXuw9MudjtV9joSADP8zS5xKX5pu3mMh4suapyt0mE/s1600/Puzzel+Pieces2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtEhwwD092R2WELaUfg_eYUKLTYCG1sFMvRCXn6ZY1cVvnRBy9HTjEUNskT1KUUaGXhWdYUevZfgYhyphenhyphenKchej3EO8Kz38aiBF3UFXuw9MudjtV9joSADP8zS5xKX5pu3mMh4suapyt0mE/s1600/Puzzel+Pieces2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
It's his job to find where I might have been shoving the wrong piece into the hole<br />
trying to make it fit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A good editor </div>
<div>
shines a light for you to find your way.<br />
They don't do it for you. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCGDT-gipicI_RvLqZGgP4mhLhI8W6dTc1d7829kon4XzQXE7u3RC9XbSc59ucW2lcSotUigUJ0KIhxTZj3qyuK73tssFK_8SQRlC5WUv9JXPaRkFuBtafuuYqsrb6bqO8i63CWVX2pw/s1600/puzzle-pieces1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCGDT-gipicI_RvLqZGgP4mhLhI8W6dTc1d7829kon4XzQXE7u3RC9XbSc59ucW2lcSotUigUJ0KIhxTZj3qyuK73tssFK_8SQRlC5WUv9JXPaRkFuBtafuuYqsrb6bqO8i63CWVX2pw/s1600/puzzle-pieces1.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
After all my hard work I don't want to be left with a gaping hole.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyqnBawLFRp4HtZ0WA7t2asRUEmVmAsmqn8La2oct_zS_4GEWjWhkBomZ3ketD4NkJLWq7iMhH_Ih2Iz-nXta7mR0afkDONlV2llF7hYXq0TM-HPZK2wGB8o_aufGqIkQz4MwPsC9WB4/s1600/mona+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyqnBawLFRp4HtZ0WA7t2asRUEmVmAsmqn8La2oct_zS_4GEWjWhkBomZ3ketD4NkJLWq7iMhH_Ih2Iz-nXta7mR0afkDONlV2llF7hYXq0TM-HPZK2wGB8o_aufGqIkQz4MwPsC9WB4/s1600/mona+2.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
But if all the pieces come together properly</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdouDhz18tfJihNKjZpKsmiENcupEGhTBMkz6mEuwdMTqO2bHzyvIRA-d92vTui8hEPH7eruEybUWMj_TLwFuX3tZIDzSrCUqfKkOHbqLFmHV1pTZXAVeW1SfeYJblCYwmpbNqq435hg/s1600/mona+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdouDhz18tfJihNKjZpKsmiENcupEGhTBMkz6mEuwdMTqO2bHzyvIRA-d92vTui8hEPH7eruEybUWMj_TLwFuX3tZIDzSrCUqfKkOHbqLFmHV1pTZXAVeW1SfeYJblCYwmpbNqq435hg/s1600/mona+complete.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You'll never see the seams.</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj68ft7OTZeAvsar2JIzWhRIP4z_QA6PA5FlpgAK5oyzsUVoGHRk-UtKvInWOM9eVnpGoplwmnBomUky6JJkh4UAzE-EHpxkjs0oKo_wbeaReqJLi_JxmppRnjpCvl5HVNV6N10nbQi0/s1600/mona+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj68ft7OTZeAvsar2JIzWhRIP4z_QA6PA5FlpgAK5oyzsUVoGHRk-UtKvInWOM9eVnpGoplwmnBomUky6JJkh4UAzE-EHpxkjs0oKo_wbeaReqJLi_JxmppRnjpCvl5HVNV6N10nbQi0/s1600/mona+painting.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fingers Crossed</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-24277375291400431432014-04-14T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-14T08:00:03.652-05:00~ Are we there yet? ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLt3TcYHysSz-N-fdffHtsZEY_yRFIiYrE9bLuVUJM9rxJ1SBpJz6JJoEAMWkb29D0GtJ-v8TlomHnGPKACcQoYLfh_9bl-30yVl7m_BnH2vQUCO-rLDNRRubF_McD0heZSywLZn5Jsw/s1600/Lady+at+Writing+Desk+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLt3TcYHysSz-N-fdffHtsZEY_yRFIiYrE9bLuVUJM9rxJ1SBpJz6JJoEAMWkb29D0GtJ-v8TlomHnGPKACcQoYLfh_9bl-30yVl7m_BnH2vQUCO-rLDNRRubF_McD0heZSywLZn5Jsw/s1600/Lady+at+Writing+Desk+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> One day I'll find the right words</i><br />
<i> and they will be simple.</i><br />
-Jack Kerouac<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" height="68" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Are we there yet?" </span></div>
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comes the familiar refrain from the back seat. </div>
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After a long, hot, and sweaty ride in the back of the family station wagon...I would eagerly look out the windows, anxious for any sign that I was nearing our destination. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBstMFtIc30IOEpluKmUgVvhZvAv3vCzVfV40Ln7IHBqZ3xhzN2GMisf4-2WeQHjBjnSM41ncDxCJwr25F4ytP7SJCLjUW894gOiZAqV4N961vq2UUSkM4oSYwEB0VmeXOVIr8hnJUptY/s1600/national-lampoon-vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBstMFtIc30IOEpluKmUgVvhZvAv3vCzVfV40Ln7IHBqZ3xhzN2GMisf4-2WeQHjBjnSM41ncDxCJwr25F4ytP7SJCLjUW894gOiZAqV4N961vq2UUSkM4oSYwEB0VmeXOVIr8hnJUptY/s1600/national-lampoon-vacation.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Lampoons Vacation</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"NOT YET." </span></div>
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Was the usual reply. </div>
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Sigh. </div>
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Not yet. </div>
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For months now I've been writing, re-writing, editing, re-writing. Repeat. </div>
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Just when I might be able to convince myself the story is ready...<span style="font-size: large;"><i>it's not.</i></span></div>
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Now my editor will take a look. She better hold on tight because I'm pretty sure </div>
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this is what she'll see:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7RA8W6asvWvjFjh_qgQqwObkIOkdfIByTkrd7OmEuqCnLri0RVDnAxGAtcGxjWQ_bw4r_QBVosPzaIk0fDTTqilwhAAkBANH1iGOrI_y0h-30uPEIIMpaT4FSPGHhM3tWm1rTcovAvI/s1600/story+coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7RA8W6asvWvjFjh_qgQqwObkIOkdfIByTkrd7OmEuqCnLri0RVDnAxGAtcGxjWQ_bw4r_QBVosPzaIk0fDTTqilwhAAkBANH1iGOrI_y0h-30uPEIIMpaT4FSPGHhM3tWm1rTcovAvI/s1600/story+coaster.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Ellen Harger for sharing this pic<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Am I there yet?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Not yet. But almost."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLctK_zUKkerPUtzZ3LlEJEVlEN2CzNPosLTBGvM3F29-uG_10bXcRK5E-j3LaRm9uK9txbkDEF76TEmpAoA9y4zfS7u6w1KCeyRZlYCDtitbga1uElAFZwBZlDVuUQnZDJMgJQXG_UPY/s1600/terri_signature_small.png" /></a></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-77245045558534666672014-03-24T08:27:00.003-05:002014-03-24T08:27:53.544-05:00~Shhh... I've been having an affair ~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDEjzqo5MwMzWbWhyphenhyphenmk5BLzr68CO1HVbYD10o05bVL4kkdhKp4BG9aQqWlr9tmO8aQWRqUSnR0NSRVM-ukMfXgpXMHF5HgX1Wj6v70Xl9uSA0RUyGproilY8bvJ5e93qbofunjP9ErRU/s1600/1950s+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDEjzqo5MwMzWbWhyphenhyphenmk5BLzr68CO1HVbYD10o05bVL4kkdhKp4BG9aQqWlr9tmO8aQWRqUSnR0NSRVM-ukMfXgpXMHF5HgX1Wj6v70Xl9uSA0RUyGproilY8bvJ5e93qbofunjP9ErRU/s1600/1950s+woman.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
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<i>"Ink and paper are sometimes passionate</i><i> lovers, </i><i>oftentimes brother </i><i>and sister, and</i><i> occasionally mortal enemies."</i><br />
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- Emme Woodhull-Bache<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i><b>Writing is like being in love</b></i></span></div>
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There's that first flush...when you come face to face for the first time,<br />
( in this case when you first meet your story.)<br />
"Hello" says Mr. Story "How do you do?"<br />
"Hello." I respond with curiosity. "My name is Terri...and you are???"<br />
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It doesn't take long before you enter into the 'Giddy' phase. Just like when you first meet your true love it's all you want to talk about. It's certainly all you can think about. And just like new lovers everywhere, you are in a rush to find out everything about them, no detail is too small. In this phase when all the pieces begin to tumble out willy nilly, it's hard to remember that I'm the one writing the story. Because in the beginning, I feel like an observer. All the facts are simply being REVEALED to me.<br />
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Unfortunately at some point you have your first fight... it's a difficult blow when you realize you don't understand one another after all. What were you thinking? You ask yourself. You might be ready to throw in the towel.<br />
But then you kiss and make up.<br />
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The words on the page become your love song. Sweet nothings whispered in your ear. Sometimes I've made a spectacle of myself as the right words have taken me by surprise. I dance around the room with a big goofy grin on my face, like a sixteen year old that just got asked to the prom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0rA3UXoy2bwKfS6dkMDlw9KzXq9w4stImpZ8KXJe8pXUM-GFWqeliFdvd6IhWjAw_jMt88KPV9qgdS5qMY8hq3k8ExRAemdDqRKQgFRX3cUgUcg7x9Mx3mt6E5-kl5qPKZ_45apXREg/s1600/Life+-+1958+prom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0rA3UXoy2bwKfS6dkMDlw9KzXq9w4stImpZ8KXJe8pXUM-GFWqeliFdvd6IhWjAw_jMt88KPV9qgdS5qMY8hq3k8ExRAemdDqRKQgFRX3cUgUcg7x9Mx3mt6E5-kl5qPKZ_45apXREg/s1600/Life+-+1958+prom.jpeg" height="392" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I think you get the picture.<br />
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But not only am I in love, but sometimes it's like I'm having an affair. I sneak around and write a line or two or jot down my notes with every spare moment I can snatch from the day. I'm constantly writing secret love notes. Or recording some random bit of dialogue on my phone to capture later.<br />
"What are you doing?" asks innocent Hubbs<br />
"Nothing....nothing. Pay no attention to me." I say with a guilty grin.<br />
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Yes, it's quite obvious to anyone who is looking.<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> I'm having an affair with my writing.</i></b></span></div>
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Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4643590639963652375.post-31004890115716274892014-03-03T08:34:00.000-06:002014-03-03T08:34:32.666-06:00~ The Good, The Bad & The Ugly ~<br />
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<i> "You take people, you put them on a journey, </i><br />
<i> you give them peril, you find out </i><br />
<i> who they really are. "</i><br />
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-Joss Whedon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s1600/flourish-for-site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdRnxEvnrx5PC2MwAT9gjWWeqvKaIA5D6THMA9lolS-g3wxxdgZvB2XXtWvw-ir7etil_Acgw6O-V6JUlG2pOTyeOgKXoPWwoRud15M0Y_efQb_8qrIlI3_I0mbegnalmnWR3Zqi9Eh8/s200/flourish-for-site.png" height="68" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b>Character development. </b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is where the Good, the Bad and the Ugly comes in to play. Even my darling hero/heroine has flaws. I shouldn't cover them up or sweep them under the rug. The flaws are what humanize characters. I have learned to embrace their imperfections, and allow my character to</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">G</span> R <span style="font-size: large;"> O</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">W. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Kate first whispered her story to me (while in my bathtub, over a year and a half ago) I knew I liked her right from the start. I loved the fact that she was '<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><u>every girl </u></i></span>'. Not too perfect. Pretty, but not gorgeous. She often thought of a splendid retort, hours after an embarrassing incident. In other words, she was a girl every one could relate to.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i_mVg-rwYAW9wWEYPiKQzjHOb3Eg-ig6LoxgUDT9rSJ8P62v7qFgEjsXnS_9Y32K0TSK46Isc2yl0o8TZppu4gf9jfJ7Yd3qAk_13_1fLMtkb-zWJqetYWoPK4Jz_MXWIWaP_D9xLQo/s1600/Back+to+Austen+432x648+Small+Ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i_mVg-rwYAW9wWEYPiKQzjHOb3Eg-ig6LoxgUDT9rSJ8P62v7qFgEjsXnS_9Y32K0TSK46Isc2yl0o8TZppu4gf9jfJ7Yd3qAk_13_1fLMtkb-zWJqetYWoPK4Jz_MXWIWaP_D9xLQo/s200/Back+to+Austen+432x648+Small+Ebook.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And it was important that she remain that way throughout the story. As an author one can become so intimately involved with our characters, it's sometimes hard to watch them get kicked around. But it's important that they don't always win at everything ... because hey, that's life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I had to fight my instinct to protect Kate. I had to let her fail a time or two. But in the end it makes for a stronger character and a better story. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's up to my reader to discover the character for themselves. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in that discovery, they will either fall in love ... or they won't. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hat is the beauty of reading. For how do you know that the ending is fitting...if you haven't been on the entire journey, page by page?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Likewise, I let my reader follow a trail of breadcrumbs that allow them to take a small peek into the mind of my hero's nemesis. Even if the antagonist's logic is flawed, in their little world they have a reason for their behavior. The evil villain in a cartoon, is just that...a cartoon. REAL people have many layers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my current novel, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bootlegger's Wife, </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there are plenty of flaws and weaknesses to go around. But hopefully the characters are lovable in spite of them...or perhaps... BECAUSE of them. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">But that,dear friends,will be for you... to tell me!</span></i></div>
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<br />Terri~terrileeauthorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16285328074771704439noreply@blogger.com3