Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Library hosts signing for new anthology by Createslate authors

ADA, OKLAHOMA—Ada Public Library will host a book signing for the new anthology “Blackbirds First Flight” 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 30. The anthology features stories from Ada author Stephen B. Bagley, Kent Bass, Wendy Blanton, Gail Henderson, Jean Schara, and Tamara Siler Jones.

Bagley, Blanton, Henderson, and Schara will sign copies of the book at the signing. The book will also be on sale at that time for the special price of $10.

“‘Blackbirds First Flight’ is an anthology of stories and poetry with a dark, sensual twist,” said Pru Simmons, Many River Harbor associate editor. “The stories run the gambit from thrilling Gothic adventure to modern urban fantasy to fantastic encounters with the macabre. The poetry is uniformly excellent and tells dark stories of its own, many related to mythology.”

Simmons said the book might become an annual anthology. “We have had many inquiries about the book and its theme,” she said. “We definitely think there is an interest in dark, twisty fantasy that tells a satisfying story and follows traditional narrative arcs. We hope there will be another flight next year.”

“Gail (Henderson) and I are excited to actually meet some of the other authors,” Bagley said. “Wendy (Blanton) is flying in from Chicago, and Jean (Schara) is driving up from Texas. This is the first time we’ll all be in the same town.”

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” “Floozy & Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” His works have appeared in “Creations 2014,” “Creations 2013,” “Creations 2012,” “ByLine Magazine,” “Free Star,” “Nautilus Magazine,” “OKMagazine,” and other publications. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He is a member of Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and Ada Writers.

Kent Bass enjoys writing Gothic action/adventure stories. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and from the University of Oklahoma, with a Master of Science in Accountancy. He and his family live in Dallas, Texas, where he works for the nation’s leading tax software company. “Blackbirds First Flight” is his first publication.

Wendy Blanton published three fantasy novels, “The Dragon’s Lady,” “Rogue Pawn,” and “Sword and Scabbard” under the pen name Elizabeth Joy with co-author Scott Carman. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management from the University of Mount Olive and served in active duty for the United States Air Force for eight years. She is an apprentice bard and tells Celtic folk tales at Scottish Highland Games and other venues.

Gail Henderson collaborated with noted Oklahoma photographer Michael Duncan to produce “Bare,” a book of poetry and photography. “Red Bird Woman,” a collection of her poetry, was published in 2013. Her work has appeared in “Creations 2014,” “Creations 2013,” “Creations 2012,” and “ByLine Magazine.” She holds a Masters of Education in English and Social Studies from East Central University. She is a member of Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and Ada Writers.

Tamara Siler Jones is a wife, mom, writer, quilter, and cat-wrangler from rural Iowa. She has three novels in print/eBook (“Ghosts in the Snow,” winner of the Compton Crook Award for best first novel of the year in the Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror genre; “Threads of Malice”; and “Valley of the Soul”; all published by Bantam Books), one book (“SPORE”) under contract with Samhain Publishing for release next summer; one book (“Morgan’s Run”) being marketed in New York, three novels in progress, and a screenplay in first draft.

Jean Schara retired from a 28-year career in the United States Air Force in 2008 and took up residence in Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and of the Troy State University with a Master of Science in Adult Education. She has had several book reviews published in the “Air Power Journal” and several articles published in “Vision: A Resource for Writers.”

“Blackbirds First Flight” is available from Amazon.com, Lulu.com, and other online retailers and in downtown Ada at Karen’s Art & Framing, Inc., 108 East Main.

For more information, visit Blackbirds Flights.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Dear Father...

It was a week worthy of prayer. But aren't they all?

Monday wasn't a good day for us. We had to have Floyd put down. Mr. L had a set back in the rebuilding of my Jeep transfer case (or as he put it, two years lost), and, overall, it was just a hard day.  But it was all things that happen in the course of living. Later in the week, I once again failed at mind reading, but we survived.

My new iPad arrived, and IOS is much better at the restore to new hardware process than Mac OS X, so the new iPad is set up indistinguishably from my old iPad, except it's thinner, lighter, faster, and has an incredible screen.  It even takes somewhat decent pictures. The old iPad has been restored and is ready for my sister to set it up as new to her when she receives it.  I'm also sending her my 8G 2nd generation iPod nano (restored and ready to be set up as new). She has an iPhone 4S, so she can use all the 30pin connectors.  She's been using the Tupperware app on her phone for her business, but she's looking forward to the larger iPad screen for that purpose, and I believe it will serve her well.

In brighter local news, the cats love their new prescription food. I brought it home and filled the towers, and I had most of them milling about and jockeying for position to eat it.

I'm still getting my butt kicked on the test site update process.  I'm getting closer, but the end result is not suitable yet.

Just got a call from a "national data collection firm" conducting a survey, and the caller had the decency to ask, after her opening pitch, "May I continue?" I said, "No, thank you." She said, "Have a good day," and hung up. I appreciated that her script had her ask that, though. I should have participated on that alone, but I just prefer not to participate in those things.

Ranch and store property taxes paid. I got more type-in done on Polar Bear on the Loose. I'm struggling with the How to Write A Series lessons.  Some of Holly's teachings work well for me, and some leave me wondering how I ever thought I could string sentences together in a coherent manner. Well, I can do that, but telling a credible story? Not so sure about that.

I saw a post about ADD on Facebook, glanced at it, and most of what it talked about described Mr. L.  Is it possible he has ADD? Perhaps that's why he tells me he's going to do something, I plan to support him in it, and by the time it rolls around to when he's supposed to be doing it, and I begin doing what I thought would be helping him, he is mad because he's not doing that. He's doing something else.  News to me. He told me something else last night. I can't even ask him what I can help him with in the morning, because an hour later, he's doing something completely different and it's like we didn't have that conversation. But why I am pushing him? He wonders why I spend my time sitting at the computer, but it's the only place I'm out of his way. He's still mad at me, but at least I can get something done.

I know what to do to declutter, but actually doing it?  No so hot at that. I'm working on a few things at a time. I didn't get any Granite Hill work done this week.

The Week Ahead:
  • Find something to wear for when I'm in Ada
  • Prepare for the trip (bring my favorite pens)
  • Work on Granite Hill
  • Work on Polar Bear on the Loose type-in
  • Mail the package on Monday
  • Continue work on FM Test Site
  • Probably more things my mind is skipping over right now. I still don't feel as if I have a handle on what I'm supposed to be doing.
Tammy, we'll miss you in Ada, but you have great things going on that we're missing, too.  Stephen and Wendy, see you soon.

Gearing up

I got up early enough this morning and then almost read through church today. I got a low battery warning on my iPad, looked up, and realized it was almost time to leave. Good thing I was dressed.

I'm a little shocked to have cranked out the new synopsis this week. Looks like I'll be doing NaNo after all. I found it helped to walk to coffee shops to work, even if it was just for ten or fifteen minutes. I have three at varying distances and a fourth I haven't checked out yet. There is also a library a mile or so from home.

I broke down and ordered an adjustable rack for my computer desk that's strong enough (so they say) to support my iMac so I can stand and work. I've been sitting way too much lately and my back is starting to bother me.

I haven't been to the gym in nearly two weeks. Since I've been walking outside to take advantage of the nice weather, I don't think it's that big a deal, but it will be when the weather turns. Just thinking about going feels like way too much trouble. I'm going to have to break that inertia.

Our dental insurance kicked in, so I went to have my teeth cleaned and discovered I lost a filling. I don't know how you lose a filling and not know it, but I did. I'll have it refilled after I get back from Ada.

Speaking of which, I've been gathering and preparing. I have to go grocery shopping and do laundry, and then I'll be ready to go. It will be a fun trip. I love jetting off to new places. Tammy, we will miss you! Jean and Stephen, see you soon!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Breaking the (Computer) Sabbath

For you guys, I'm breaking my Computer Sabbath to let you know that it's been a rough couple of weeks spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. But I'm still trucking along. I was working under deadline for another project that took place Friday and Saturday, and now I'm done with that and ready to start the publicity for the book signing at which I finally get to meet Wendy in person and spent quality time with her and Jean and Gail. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm also working on a book with Gail. We had hoped to have the book out (unofficially) by the time of the signing, but that's not going to happen. It will come out in November.

Anyway, I'm still here. Just quiet. Don't want to whine or bore anyone with my complaints, particularly since some of them are apparently self-inflicted. And just to kick off the publicity, here's the story that goes to the newspapers later this week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADA—Ada Public Library will host a book signing for the new anthology “Blackbirds First Flight” 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 30. The anthology features stories from Ada author Stephen B. Bagley, Kent Bass, Wendy Blanton, Gail Henderson, Jean Schara, and Tamara Siler Jones.

Bagley, Blanton, Henderson, and Schara will sign copies of the book at the signing. The book will also be on sale at that time for the special price of $10.  

“‘Blackbirds First Flight’ is an anthology of stories and poetry with a dark, sensual twist,” said Pru Simmons, Many River Harbor associate editor. “The stories run the gambit from thrilling Gothic adventure to modern urban fantasy to fantastic encounters with the macabre. The poetry is uniformly excellent and tells dark stories of its own, many related to mythology.”

Simmons said the book might become an annual anthology. “We have had many inquiries about the book and its theme,” she said. “We definitely think there is an interest in dark, twisty fantasy that tells a satisfying story and follows traditional narrative arcs. We hope there will be another flight next year.”

“Gail (Henderson) and I are excited to actually meet some of the other authors,” Bagley said. “Wendy (Blanton) is flying in from Chicago, and Jean (Schara) is driving up from Texas. This is the first time we’ll all be in the same town.”

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” “Floozy & Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” His works have appeared in “Creations 2014,” “Creations 2013,” “Creations 2012,” “ByLine Magazine,” “Free Star,” “Nautilus Magazine,” “OKMagazine,” and other publications. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He is a member of Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and Ada Writers.

Kent Bass enjoys writing Gothic action/adventure stories. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and from the University of Oklahoma, with a Master of Science in Accountancy. He and his family live in Dallas, Texas, where he works for the nation’s leading tax software company. “Blackbirds First Flight” is his first publication.

Wendy Blanton published three fantasy novels, “The Dragon’s Lady,” “Rogue Pawn,” and “Sword and Scabbard” under the pen name Elizabeth Joy with co-author Scott Carman. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management from the University of Mount Olive and served in active duty for the United States Air Force for eight years. She is an apprentice bard and tells Celtic folk tales at Scottish Highland Games and other venues.

Gail Henderson collaborated with noted Oklahoma photographer Michael Duncan to produce “Bare,” a book of poetry and photography. “Red Bird Woman,” a collection of her poetry, was published in 2013. Her work has appeared in “Creations 2014,” “Creations 2013,” “Creations 2012,” and “ByLine Magazine.” She holds a Masters of Education in English and Social Studies from East Central University. She is a member of Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and Ada Writers.

Tamara Siler Jones is a wife, mom, writer, quilter, and cat-wrangler from rural Iowa. She has three novels in print/eBook (“Ghosts in the Snow,” winner of the Compton Crook Award for best first novel of the year in the Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror genre; “Threads of Malice”; and “Valley of the Soul”; all published by Bantam Books), one book (“SPORE”) under contract with Samhain Publishing for release next summer; one book (“Morgan’s Run”) being marketed in New York, three novels in progress, and a screenplay in first draft.

Jean Schara retired from a 28-year career in the United States Air Force in 2008 and took up residence in Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and of the Troy State University with a Master of Science in Adult Education. She has had several book reviews published in the “Air Power Journal” and several articles published in “Vision: A Resource for Writers.”


“Blackbirds First Flight” is available from Amazon.com, Lulu.com, and other online retailers and in downtown Ada at Karen’s Art & Framing, Inc., 108 East Main.

Back side of October

Been writing, been exercising, been working at modifying my diet to get back on plan. Sewing some, sleeping probably too much, watching football.

I'm a Steelers fan (we suck this year, possibly worse than we dis last year) and since they aren't playing any midwest teams, I probably won't get to see them on TV except Sunday Night Football on Nov 2 when they play (and will likely lose to) the Ravens, then again Dec 21 when they'll also likely lose to the Chiefs. With a lack of televised games, I've started listening to them online via Steelers Radio Network. It's aggravating in some ways, I'm more visual than auditory, but I can do other things like sew while the game is on and I'm not tied to the television. So that's good, Just wish they weren't so sucky.

We've been doing more community things. Last weekend was the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast - I made scrambled eggs for about 5 hours - and this weekend we're putting flags up to decorate the route to the cemetery for an airman who was shot down over the Battle of the Bulge. His remains - along with those of his crewmates - were discovered a few years ago and just identified via DNA this year. It's fascinating and humbling and tragic. He was just a kid, it happened during the first attack flight... Such a waste. Our local Fire Department put the word out on FB that they were looking for volunteers to help, and they needed folks with pickups. We fit both criteria. Anyway, that all starts in a couple of hours and it'll be a good thing to do.

I don't feel like I'm accomplishing much, but as I look back over the week I'm actually doing pretty well. Managed to do some sewing, some writing, quite a lot of cleaning, cooked every day, lost 4 lbs, exercised... I don't know why I always feel like a lazy bum. The reality is I'm not.

Therapy is going all right, she's being easy on me as I prep for the conference at the end of the month. I am rather stressed about that. I have panels scheduled, a reading, books to sell, clothes picked out, the hotel's booked, so everything's set and ready to go, but I'm still anxious. Back into the pool I go.

That's about it, I guess. Can't wait for political season to be over. Very sick of the ads, mail, and phone calls.

Have a happy week, everyone! {{hugs}}

Stephen!!!

We haven't had an update post from you since July. All you've posted is Blackbirds updates. Surely you're doing something besides that.

Sleeeepy

I overslept this morning and we missed church. I'm going to have a hard time keeping track of days this week.

I made some progress on the story I'm plotting. Freewriting seems to be my secret weapon these days. I'm getting good plot twists. My protagonist was kidnapped as a toddler and raised to be a criminal. She's a skilled grifter, but specializes in safe cracking. My antagonist is her older birth brother, who is an honest (or as honest as they come in 1925) businessman. I'm having fun with that dichotomy. More importantly, I'm working every day. If I can pull it together in time, I'll do it for Nano. Otherwise I probably won't be playing this year. It's looking good, though.

We saw Fury yesterday. It was really good, but kind of intense. It was interesting to see the interaction of the old seasoned crew, who'd been together from West Africa, into France, Belgium, and Germany, with the new guy who'd been in the Army 8 weeks and was trained to be a clerk. I don't know if it was based on a true story, but a WWII vet who'd been on a tank crew said it was an accurate representation. I can't even imagine living that. I felt raw after a two hour movie.

I got together with another writer I met at church to see if we could help each other. I'm not sure but we're going to trade chapters next month and see if it's going to work out. She has a YA novel she's working on with another group, but she's not getting the feedback she needs. I'm planning to check out the group next week.

That's about all of interest going on here. I'm getting stuff together for the signing. I feel like there should be more to say, but there isn't. I guess my brain is taking a sabbath today. Or maybe I've finally hit maximum deceleration. One thing is for sure: I don't need a nap.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

It's good to be home. Now we're just trying to find equilibrium after traveling.  The lawn is mowed, the laundry it caught up, the dishwasher is emptied and put away, cats (except Floyd) are home and relaxing, the truck is unloaded, and we're trying to get settled back into a routine.

Here's what's going on here:
  • The property tax notices arrived while we were gone. I've sorted through them and have determined my plan for paying them before the end of January (the ranch and store this month, half the house and shop next month, the San Antonio taxes in December, and the remainder of the house and shop in January -- or by June 30th if something comes up -- that gives us flexibility).
  • I ordered the new iPad Air 2 (128G, WiFi).  After it arrives and I get it set up, I'll wipe the iPad2, gather it's accessories, box it, and mail it to my sister, who has a use for it.
  • One of the tires on the truck has a slow leak, which was the symptom Mr. L's truck tires began to exhibit when they needed to be replaced.  I had hoped to put off replacing them until after the first of the year, but I may have to do it sooner. I firmly believe tires should last longer than 30k miles.
  • The new iPhone and new Mac Mini and monitor purchase may be delayed until a few months into the new year.  We'll see how things shake out.
  • I've blogged about Pretty Boy Floyd's problems with several other cats experiencing similar issues, so we'll be converting the cats to a prescription urinary tract formula food, including the outside cats, because we don't want any of them experiencing this problem (and I suspect most of the outside cats around here are inter-related, so this could be a problem endemic to the population, so I want to protect them as much as feasible).
  • I managed to get some writing work done during the trip. I'm still struggling with how to identify and gain readership. Reading Tina's commentary on Tammy's post on FB highlighted the challenge writers face in their attempts to market their work and make a living.  I don't have to make a living from my writing, but it sure would be cool. How to do that without destroying the magic? We're all struggling with solving that equation (to play on Tammy's FB post about everything coming down to math -- grin).
  • I'm trying to figure out how to upgrade the FM site from Joomla! 2.5 to Joomla! 3. I thought I had the "simple" solution ready to go. I pushed the upgrade button on the test site, and it crashed and crashed hard (this is why we have a test site!). I've deleted everything and am uploading the software now, and hope it will allow me to reinstall everything.  I tried this without a clean directory, and it failed miserably. This is the "not fun" side of playing with tech stuff.
The Week Ahead:
  • Continue Polar Bear on the Loose type-in.
  • Get caught up on How To Write A Series lessons
  • Get the FM Test site operational again.
  • Pay property taxes for shop and ranch on Monday
  • Visit Floyd -- hope to bring him home this week
  • Figure out a way to declutter the two rooms in the house we use the most -- kitchen and parlor and begin doing it, systematically and thoroughly.
  • Continue work on Granite Hill
  • Get sorted on on whether I'm coming or going and proceed in the appropriate direction with purpose and resolve (or something positive like that)

Friday, October 10, 2014

Blank Sheet of Paper

We're done with Hershey. Mr. L covered it in two days (that's about 12-15 miles of walking for him) with only a couple of times I needed to haul stuff back to the truck. He didn't find a lot at Hershey, but what he did find was quality stuff. The plan we began last year continued successfully this year.  I go to a designated area and work on writing while he hikes the swap meet.  When necessary, I haul stuff back to the truck or move to the next location. I got a lot of work done Wednesday and Thursday in beautiful, cool weather. Today (Friday) we hung out in the room, and I am getting some type-in work done on Polar Bear on the Loose. I'm up to page 162 of 330 pages (It won't be that many when I'm finished -- I printed it sideways on a regular size sheet in two columns. I did my hand-written revisions that way, too).

Mr. L extended our stay in New Cumberland by an extra day, so, thankfully, we don't have to pack up and move twenty miles away. He made reservations for next year for the same timeframe. I'll do laundry either tonight or tomorrow in preparation for the trip home.

I signed up for Gwen Hernandez's Scrivener II class that begins next week.  I had planned to review the lessons from the first class, but I don't seem to have them all with me.  I must have saved them to the Mini and didn't get them put on Dropbox.  That means I may have to go to the old Time Machine back up of the Mini to find them when I get home.  By that time, this new class will be half way done.  I guess I'll have to hope I retained more of the information from the first class than I fear I may have.  I also plan to take her compiling course in December.

Adding the related links plug in to Word Press does seem to help people check out other posts on my site.  I've been looking for ways to increase engagement.  That tip seems to have helped incrementally.

For the week ahead:
  • Continue thinking about Granite Hill and working on laying out the first book in the series.
  • Continue typing in PBOTL
  • Work the Scrivener II lessons
  • Drive safely on the trip home
  • Survive these horrible motel beds
  • Plan a cardio routine to begin after we get home
  • Continue planning and refining life -- so much to do; so little time


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Downtime

I got back from Michigan yesterday evening. Despite almost a week with my mom, I didn't gain weight, so I call that a win. It helped that the ice cream shop was closed every time we went into town. I touched base with some old friends, my brother, dad, and a couple cousins. My brother mentioned he'd seen a squirrel picking nuts off tree branches instead of waiting for them to fall and be gathered. That doesn't bode well for this winter.


I ordered a Nutribullet last week and it got here Wednesday afternoon, so I didn't unpack it until last night. I made my first green smoothy with it this morning and it was good. We'll see how long it sticks. It didn't have very many calories, but it's already been two hours and I'm not getting hungry yet. I think I see a grocery run in my future for fresh and frozen fruit.

I'm officially out of books. I sold some last week, and gave the last one to my Grandma yesterday. I expect it will be passed around by my aunts and cousins before too long.

Of course, there was no writing last week, but I did have a lengthy e-mail exchange with a friend who's (soon to be ex) husband has untreated PTSD. I got some good perspective that will help me flesh out Sophie's POV, and Trevor's, too, to a lesser extent. A good chunk of yesterday's drive was devoted to puzzling out the real plot. It's still about as clear as mud, but I might get some work done on it today. I'm planning to. We'll see how much I actually get done with Velcro Kitty helping. It's not easy typing with a twelve pound cat in your lap. Anyone want to play in the mud with me? ;-)

There is nothing on my calendar before the signing that requires advanced planning or my presence for more than a few hours. Although it was good to see my family, it feels like I've come out of a tunnel. I might have to devote some time today to looking at the trees outside my window.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Roll on Down the Highway

The trip is going well.  I'm fighting my dislike of it, and I'm mostly enjoying it. We still have our moments when he thinks I'm ignoring his directions, and I remind him I have to drive in the real world. And he complains that he told me to go to the middle lane for a reason (as a BMW swerves to avoid a collision -- thankfully -- between deer and other traffic hazards, yesterday was mildly harrowing).

One friend we'd hoped to see on this trip died last week.  Another friend I'd hoped to see had to make a trip to Missouri for a family meeting on her mother's declining health.  My friend's husband's mother just died last month.  It's a rough time for their family. Death of a parent is something we've all had to deal with or will have to deal with, but that doesn't make it any easier.

I'm trying to get a short story going.  I've brought PBOTL to type in, but I don't plan to work on it until we get stationary in Harrisburg. I have blank worksheets to play with planning for a potential Granite Hill series.

We're in Morristown, TN, this morning.  Laundry is in the dryer down the hall.  Mr. L is working on trip planning.   I'm catching up on sundry items in the room.  I still don't have an idea for the "Tech Stuff" post due this Friday.  Other than that, my blog posts are set up for the duration of the trip.

I have some writing ideas, but they aren't gelling into coherent stories. I'm doing some reading.  I'm so far behind in that area.

My weight is up about 14 pounds from my previous low.  I need to reverse this trend and resume a downward trend.  I'm experiencing various levels of dissatisfaction and lot of personal churn.  On the bright side, my mom and dad seem to be doing well, and I'm thankful for that.  Have a wonderful week.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Blackbirds First Flight goes on sale!

Blackbirds First Flight is officially on sale now! This brand new anthology features dark, twisty short stories and poems from Stephen B. Bagley, Kent Bass, Wendy Blanton, Gail Henderson, Jean Schara, and Tamara Siler Jones. 

To buy the book from Lulu.com, go here: Blackbirds First FlightGet free mail shipping or 50% off ground shipping on your order by using coupon code: GMF14. (Offer ends Oct. 6 at 11:59 PM. Offer cannot be combined with other offers.)