Many thanks to my uncle for suggesting the green/green coloring... and the many who discussed the pros and cons of various other color possibilites!
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Wedding Dress
Here it is! This is the wonderful dress I found to serve as the "wedding dress" in the latest book. I took the liberty of colorizing it to reflect the actual color of the dress described.
Many thanks to my uncle for suggesting the green/green coloring... and the many who discussed the pros and cons of various other color possibilites!
Many thanks to my uncle for suggesting the green/green coloring... and the many who discussed the pros and cons of various other color possibilites!
Hi there everyone....
It has been a crazy year. Yes, I said year, for it has been nearly that long since I last updated the blog. Between moving, getting settled in, vacation time, "me" time, and a promotion at work, it has been wild and crazy. The end of October was I diagnosed with diabetes, so you can imagine what life has been like as a result. I've dropped 25 lbs. as a result, and still getting life back in order.
The latest book has just come out as of yesterday. "The Heart Mended" picks up with the latest concerning the children of James and Ella Gray. If you read, "The Heart Broken", the last chapter of the book skipped ahead five years in time and left you hanging with the sudden death of a much beloved character. When Ella Gray died, so did the hopes and dreams of her children.... or so they thought. Through the kindness and compassion of family friends, it seems that the Gray children are reliving their mother and uncle's lives from almost forty years earlier.
This book was a delight to write, and it mentally flowed out onto my keyboard and screen as if I were witness to it actually happening before my eyes. I had even seen a wonderful dress a year or so ago that I hoped one day to be able to use in one of my future books. Lo and behold, the book ended up being "The Heart Mended". I'll post a picture of the dress that will be the "wedding dress" talked about. And yes, there is a wedding... and of a main character! I won't ruin the surprise.
I'm presently working on the fourth book in the series. It is tentatively titled, "The Heart Remembers". In this book, it will not only keep the current story moving, but will go back in time and reveal the histories behind Grandpa Benjamin and Grandma Ruth's families (of the first book, "The Heart's Desire). It will be quite a stretch for me to research and write about a time period that isn't really my forte', but I'm going to give it a try and go from there. The worst that can happen... it flounders and isn't any good. I won't give up, though. The book after that will be the first of possibly two books that cover the Civil War era in Breckinridge County and the nation.
Going to close for now. I'll be posting a picture of the above mentioned dress shortly! Have a great one in Him!!
Dana
It has been a crazy year. Yes, I said year, for it has been nearly that long since I last updated the blog. Between moving, getting settled in, vacation time, "me" time, and a promotion at work, it has been wild and crazy. The end of October was I diagnosed with diabetes, so you can imagine what life has been like as a result. I've dropped 25 lbs. as a result, and still getting life back in order.
The latest book has just come out as of yesterday. "The Heart Mended" picks up with the latest concerning the children of James and Ella Gray. If you read, "The Heart Broken", the last chapter of the book skipped ahead five years in time and left you hanging with the sudden death of a much beloved character. When Ella Gray died, so did the hopes and dreams of her children.... or so they thought. Through the kindness and compassion of family friends, it seems that the Gray children are reliving their mother and uncle's lives from almost forty years earlier.
This book was a delight to write, and it mentally flowed out onto my keyboard and screen as if I were witness to it actually happening before my eyes. I had even seen a wonderful dress a year or so ago that I hoped one day to be able to use in one of my future books. Lo and behold, the book ended up being "The Heart Mended". I'll post a picture of the dress that will be the "wedding dress" talked about. And yes, there is a wedding... and of a main character! I won't ruin the surprise.
I'm presently working on the fourth book in the series. It is tentatively titled, "The Heart Remembers". In this book, it will not only keep the current story moving, but will go back in time and reveal the histories behind Grandpa Benjamin and Grandma Ruth's families (of the first book, "The Heart's Desire). It will be quite a stretch for me to research and write about a time period that isn't really my forte', but I'm going to give it a try and go from there. The worst that can happen... it flounders and isn't any good. I won't give up, though. The book after that will be the first of possibly two books that cover the Civil War era in Breckinridge County and the nation.
Going to close for now. I'll be posting a picture of the above mentioned dress shortly! Have a great one in Him!!
Dana
Thursday, April 8, 2010
It's Finally Done
Well, it's finally come and went. Moving day was March 20th and while there were a LOT of emotional moments leading up to that day, there were very few on the actual move day. Quite a few friends along with my brother in law, nephew, aunt, and uncle helped get what I owned from a two bedroom apt. to a one bedroom apt. I wasn't sure it would work, but it did. And several friends gave me a "new" couch and recliner, diningroom suit, and bedroom suit. The Sunday School across the hall from the Nursery (at Church) gave me a brand new mattress as a housewarming gift. I've never had a brand NEW mattress! The blessings that occurred in just one week's time frame are unbelievable... there were 18 that I counted in just a few days or so!
Still unpacking boxes, but thanks to my cousin and a friend from church, quite a bit of it got unpacked and put in place. Just a few days ago several friends from church came over to mount my curio shelves and corner curios. I'm now getting back "into" life and living again since the move. Hopefully here soon I'll be back into writing the next book in the series, "The Heart Mended".
Say a prayer for me and the first book in the series, "The Heart's Desire". Here soon I plan on sending it to "The Writer's Edge" in hopes of getting it professionally published. Self-publishing is nice, and it gets the job done for the moment... but I'm not an agent or a promoter and have little free time to take it on. If it's what God is wanting to have happen, then things will fall into place with it, like it did with the moving!
Heading on to bed now. It's the first time I've been in bed before midnight in almost three weeks.
Have a great one!!
Still unpacking boxes, but thanks to my cousin and a friend from church, quite a bit of it got unpacked and put in place. Just a few days ago several friends from church came over to mount my curio shelves and corner curios. I'm now getting back "into" life and living again since the move. Hopefully here soon I'll be back into writing the next book in the series, "The Heart Mended".
Say a prayer for me and the first book in the series, "The Heart's Desire". Here soon I plan on sending it to "The Writer's Edge" in hopes of getting it professionally published. Self-publishing is nice, and it gets the job done for the moment... but I'm not an agent or a promoter and have little free time to take it on. If it's what God is wanting to have happen, then things will fall into place with it, like it did with the moving!
Heading on to bed now. It's the first time I've been in bed before midnight in almost three weeks.
Have a great one!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
First Review in for "The Heart's Desire" and "The Heart Broken"
Well, I hadn't planned on doing a posting tonight, but couldn't sit on this. I got in the first review for "The Heart's Desire" and "The Heart Broken". As you all know, "The Heart's Desire" is my first attempt at fiction writing. To say I was scared was an understatement. I wasn't sure how it would be received. I was scared that much more that I'd made an idiot out of my myself through my writing attempts and now EVERYONE knew what I felt. I love my family, but while they love my books... I needed to find someone objective to honestly critique it. So, by the grace of God and a friend from church, Debra Gaynor's name was given to me to contact. Debra is a Kentucky reviewer who has her own business and wants to promote the fine authors Kentucky has to offer. So when she not only gave a 5 star rating to "Forget Me Not" AND wrote about it in the Hancock Clarion newspaper, my confidence started to rise... and thus I began my venture into fictional writing.
Below you will find the reviews found at "Readers Favorite: Book Reviews". Out of a 0-5 star rating (0 being bad, 5 being outstanding), I received a 5 star rating for both books. To say I'm estatic just doesn't cover it. I'm beyond estatic. At the present, my dreams are beginning to be touched... but there is still MUCH more of the dream to grasp.
***************************************************************
Rated 5 Stars
The Hearts Desire-Book 1 of "The Heart Series"
Moving from Virginia to Kentucky was a hard trip for the Baker Family. Tragedy and joy followed them on the journey. The death of children and the birth of son along the way, only to be murdured by Indians in this their dream land. The few who survive carry on the legacy.
Ella Baker Gray has grown uo, married and raising a family of her own, all the while beliving her oldest brother survived the attack years ago.When a mysterious stranger arrives in town, he holds the key to all the questions Ella has pondered for years.
When their daughter Kate falls in love with William Miller, his father comes between them and along with her plans to be a teacher will this drive them apart or make their love stronger.
When an unexpected storm comes up just as the Church social is ending everyone in its path is threatened.
As the tornado rips through the town who will survive........
****************
****************
Rated 5
The Heart Broken-Book 2 of "The Heart" Series
In book two of The Heart Series we find the town of Big Springs Kentucky trying to recoup from the tornado that nearly destroyed the town. When many lives were lost along with homes and businesses ,the town would survive. They would re-build.
For one family, James and Ella Gray the tornado was devastating. When Ella survives the tornado the outcome of the rest of the family changes completely. Who can predict the future.
Matthew Conner along with his family has been a stronghold in the Big Springs community for several years, but he has secrets that have remained hidden that would surprise the whole town if they only knew. If they ever became known it could very well destroy not only his life but the life of his daughter, destroyed by the hands of his very own family.
As the new year begins there have been many changes. A new school teacher, who has her own little unsuspected twists and turns to add to the story to a surprise ending of the book.
To get to know the characters and the what leads up to the beginning of the book “The Heart Broken “one really needs to read the first book ”The Heart’s Desire”. Look for book 3 of the series out later in 2010
*************************************
I'm waiting with anticipation two more reviews to come in on both books... to see if the first was a fluke, or if I really do have "something" to work with.
Have a great one!
Dana
Below you will find the reviews found at "Readers Favorite: Book Reviews". Out of a 0-5 star rating (0 being bad, 5 being outstanding), I received a 5 star rating for both books. To say I'm estatic just doesn't cover it. I'm beyond estatic. At the present, my dreams are beginning to be touched... but there is still MUCH more of the dream to grasp.
***************************************************************
Rated 5 Stars
The Hearts Desire-Book 1 of "The Heart Series"
Moving from Virginia to Kentucky was a hard trip for the Baker Family. Tragedy and joy followed them on the journey. The death of children and the birth of son along the way, only to be murdured by Indians in this their dream land. The few who survive carry on the legacy.
Ella Baker Gray has grown uo, married and raising a family of her own, all the while beliving her oldest brother survived the attack years ago.When a mysterious stranger arrives in town, he holds the key to all the questions Ella has pondered for years.
When their daughter Kate falls in love with William Miller, his father comes between them and along with her plans to be a teacher will this drive them apart or make their love stronger.
When an unexpected storm comes up just as the Church social is ending everyone in its path is threatened.
As the tornado rips through the town who will survive........
****************
****************
Rated 5
The Heart Broken-Book 2 of "The Heart" Series
In book two of The Heart Series we find the town of Big Springs Kentucky trying to recoup from the tornado that nearly destroyed the town. When many lives were lost along with homes and businesses ,the town would survive. They would re-build.
For one family, James and Ella Gray the tornado was devastating. When Ella survives the tornado the outcome of the rest of the family changes completely. Who can predict the future.
Matthew Conner along with his family has been a stronghold in the Big Springs community for several years, but he has secrets that have remained hidden that would surprise the whole town if they only knew. If they ever became known it could very well destroy not only his life but the life of his daughter, destroyed by the hands of his very own family.
As the new year begins there have been many changes. A new school teacher, who has her own little unsuspected twists and turns to add to the story to a surprise ending of the book.
To get to know the characters and the what leads up to the beginning of the book “The Heart Broken “one really needs to read the first book ”The Heart’s Desire”. Look for book 3 of the series out later in 2010
*************************************
I'm waiting with anticipation two more reviews to come in on both books... to see if the first was a fluke, or if I really do have "something" to work with.
Have a great one!
Dana
Thursday, February 18, 2010
And It Continues....
Got the word yesterday that it'll be 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 wks. before they'll have the apartment ready for me to come view and do the last little bit of paperwork. So the date is definitely narrowed down to one of two weekends. Either March 20th or March 27th. The 20th would be best for me, as the 27th is the local book fair. I've already ordered (and paid for) the books and the table for the fair and the roughly $300 isn't something I can "eat". So while I'm praying God's will, I'm hoping it's that He has the 20th in His will. We shall see!
As for now, any writing on the next book in the series (which I'm also working on as a "presentation" piece) has come to a sudden halt until at least after Easter. Each room, minus the bathroom, has little odds and ends that need to be packed to "complete" as much as possible until the actual move day. That means I'll be packing and getting things ready as much as possible between now and then. It also means I might be a little more quiet on this end, barring book reviews coming in, until I get moved into the new place. Once I have a set date, I'll be brief... posting the date... and then it'll be after the move before I get back up and going again. Getting excited!!
Have a great one!
As for now, any writing on the next book in the series (which I'm also working on as a "presentation" piece) has come to a sudden halt until at least after Easter. Each room, minus the bathroom, has little odds and ends that need to be packed to "complete" as much as possible until the actual move day. That means I'll be packing and getting things ready as much as possible between now and then. It also means I might be a little more quiet on this end, barring book reviews coming in, until I get moved into the new place. Once I have a set date, I'll be brief... posting the date... and then it'll be after the move before I get back up and going again. Getting excited!!
Have a great one!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Exciting Times Abound
Where do I begin? The excitement has been incredible the past two days to the point I can barely stand it. Yesterday I got the call that it'll be a couple of weeks before an apartment is ready for me to view. If it pans out, then it looks promising for a possible March 20th date to move. That means I need to get "off my behind" from writing and start packing so I'm not totally caught off guard. Tonight... it's totally breaking down the bathroom minus the absolute essentials. Gonna be interesting!!
Today has been incredible. I finally received the copies of "The Heart's Desire" and "The Heart Broken" for the book fair the end of March. It seemed as soon as I started showing them off, they started selling. In one hour's time, I'd sold three sets of the series plus one book of "Forget Me Not" and one book of "The Heart Broken".... two hours later I sold two more sets. With what was sold in that short amount of time, I believe I have recouped what I've already paid for the printing of the 10 sets. Out of all of this, there was a very special blessing that occurred. This blessing is one of two blessings that I can fall back to when I get in the writer doldrums and wonder what in the world am I doing writing.
I know you all know I'm a preschool teacher of many years. One of my former students, she's nine years old, came with her mom this evening to pick up her little sister. I happened to have the books there and showed her mom... to which her mom called her over to see them. Caitlin loves to read, I gave her my old set of "Little House on the Prairie" books when she was finally reading at a level where she could understand what she was reading. So when she was reading the backs of the books I asked her if she liked the "Little House" books, to which she replied, "yes". I responded that my books were like those. Well, Caitlin asked about getting a set and her mom said they would but things were a little tight right now and they would get them later. With that, you could see the wheels beginning to turn in Caitlin's mind. She said, "Mom, I have $34, I could get one book." Her mom asked her if that included $10 from her sister (Caitlin just had a birthday a few weeks ago) and she replied, "No." When her mom told her she had $44, Caitlin got all excited and said, "I can get both books mom!". She was so excited that she was getting them... reminding me she would get them tomorrow and wanted them signed.
I can't tell you what that did for my ego, but MOST especially for my heart. This is the second of my former kids who has a copy/copies of my books and are excited about them. While my marketing strategy is for the 30+ year old womens group, my secret desire was also to reach the pre-teen and early teen readers too. I wanted to offer them another choice besides the Vampire novels and Harry Potter books that are out there. Something that their moms could read right along side them and they could discuss it and talk about the characters... and the moms weren't concerned about language, extreme sexual/violence scenes their daughters might read. So this has been a VERY blessed day that I'm not only grateful for the blessing of having, but excited that He chose me to experience it.
Y'all have a good one!
Dana
Today has been incredible. I finally received the copies of "The Heart's Desire" and "The Heart Broken" for the book fair the end of March. It seemed as soon as I started showing them off, they started selling. In one hour's time, I'd sold three sets of the series plus one book of "Forget Me Not" and one book of "The Heart Broken".... two hours later I sold two more sets. With what was sold in that short amount of time, I believe I have recouped what I've already paid for the printing of the 10 sets. Out of all of this, there was a very special blessing that occurred. This blessing is one of two blessings that I can fall back to when I get in the writer doldrums and wonder what in the world am I doing writing.
I know you all know I'm a preschool teacher of many years. One of my former students, she's nine years old, came with her mom this evening to pick up her little sister. I happened to have the books there and showed her mom... to which her mom called her over to see them. Caitlin loves to read, I gave her my old set of "Little House on the Prairie" books when she was finally reading at a level where she could understand what she was reading. So when she was reading the backs of the books I asked her if she liked the "Little House" books, to which she replied, "yes". I responded that my books were like those. Well, Caitlin asked about getting a set and her mom said they would but things were a little tight right now and they would get them later. With that, you could see the wheels beginning to turn in Caitlin's mind. She said, "Mom, I have $34, I could get one book." Her mom asked her if that included $10 from her sister (Caitlin just had a birthday a few weeks ago) and she replied, "No." When her mom told her she had $44, Caitlin got all excited and said, "I can get both books mom!". She was so excited that she was getting them... reminding me she would get them tomorrow and wanted them signed.
I can't tell you what that did for my ego, but MOST especially for my heart. This is the second of my former kids who has a copy/copies of my books and are excited about them. While my marketing strategy is for the 30+ year old womens group, my secret desire was also to reach the pre-teen and early teen readers too. I wanted to offer them another choice besides the Vampire novels and Harry Potter books that are out there. Something that their moms could read right along side them and they could discuss it and talk about the characters... and the moms weren't concerned about language, extreme sexual/violence scenes their daughters might read. So this has been a VERY blessed day that I'm not only grateful for the blessing of having, but excited that He chose me to experience it.
Y'all have a good one!
Dana
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Decisions and Surprises
It has been a wild and crazy week. First it was a possible publishing company's interest in me and my books, then it was snow, then it was more snow, then it was more snow! We've had a break in the snow, the last round letting loose with 6". Weather forcaster are saying there is more scheduled to be on the way starting tomorrow. Depending on the track of the system, we'll get snow or we'll get SNOW. I think I'm going to have to make a trek to the store to get more dog food so the Pookie puppy is as ready for it as what I am.
Obtaining a publisher has been an interesting venture. There are several things on the table, the first being something local. I talked earlier this week with Bearhead Publishing based in Louisville, Kentucky about my books and publishing avenues. Due to scheduling conflicts this coming week, we will be meeting to talk the following week (barring any snow events). I'm interested to hear what they have to say and what they can do regarding the publishing and promoting of my future work. While it seems the first two in the series are probably out of their publishing control, it seems God is moving me into several different areas and places.
The second has been something on a "national" level. I've been retooling the next book in the series, tentatively entitled "The Heart Mended". I'm beginning to learn the ins and outs of the publishing world. I learned that the first two books in the series are under my ownership when it comes to the content within the pages of the book. Lulu Publications, though, holds complete and total publishing writes... so the first two books are not under my publishing control. In order to have a body of work to present to Writer's Edge or Christian Manuscript, I need to do some heavy "reflecting of the two previous books" in the first chapters of the newest book. It will provide them the ability to send it to a traditional publishing firm, versus a private/local firm, and there be no issues with ownership of the writing or publishing portions. Only time will tell! I'm not making rash decisions and have several that I'm talking with for guidance and help. Oh, and waiting on a contract lawyer too! All that said... I have a LOT of work to do on my part... but I'm up for it.
Have a great one and happy reading!!
Obtaining a publisher has been an interesting venture. There are several things on the table, the first being something local. I talked earlier this week with Bearhead Publishing based in Louisville, Kentucky about my books and publishing avenues. Due to scheduling conflicts this coming week, we will be meeting to talk the following week (barring any snow events). I'm interested to hear what they have to say and what they can do regarding the publishing and promoting of my future work. While it seems the first two in the series are probably out of their publishing control, it seems God is moving me into several different areas and places.
The second has been something on a "national" level. I've been retooling the next book in the series, tentatively entitled "The Heart Mended". I'm beginning to learn the ins and outs of the publishing world. I learned that the first two books in the series are under my ownership when it comes to the content within the pages of the book. Lulu Publications, though, holds complete and total publishing writes... so the first two books are not under my publishing control. In order to have a body of work to present to Writer's Edge or Christian Manuscript, I need to do some heavy "reflecting of the two previous books" in the first chapters of the newest book. It will provide them the ability to send it to a traditional publishing firm, versus a private/local firm, and there be no issues with ownership of the writing or publishing portions. Only time will tell! I'm not making rash decisions and have several that I'm talking with for guidance and help. Oh, and waiting on a contract lawyer too! All that said... I have a LOT of work to do on my part... but I'm up for it.
Have a great one and happy reading!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
