August 18, 2021 Earlier this week, I got the Proof 1, Edit 1 on my India Finds a Home book. I corrected the places and sent it back in. Then I got Proof 2, Edit 2 which I corrected and sent in yesterday. Today, I heard back from the editor that she is waiting for the others to send her their corrections, and then she will make final edits. I am very excited--we are making progress and on our way to getting published. August 11, 2021 Still waiting on moving forward with my India book, so I thought I would write a blurb about my last book. I am giving a couple of talks to book clubs in the next few months and will speak on Last Real Cowboy. This is a start on my talk: Follow along with me as I take you into Jonathan Calhoun's world of the cowboy. He is a rich young man with a boring job and a socialite fiancee. Jonathan needs an adventure before he marries. In 181, he takes a job to ride the Chisholm Trail with 2,000 longhorn cattle, and experiences the challenge of a lifetime -- the wild Kansas cow towns, ranching in Montana and Wyoming, grizzly bear attack, and then makes the ride of his life on the Cherokee Outlet Land Run in Oklahoma Territory in 1893. Jonathan comes from a material world where life is measured by how much money you make, your job position, who you are or who you know. It is a life of expensive clothes, fine foods and wines, lavish parties, carriage rides, and highly educated people. Will he trade all this for a world where clothes are important only because of their usefulness, your position means where you ride on the trail with the cattle, your carriage is a saddle on the back of a horse, food is mainly beans, biscuits, and strong coffee, and education is life skills? Hope Jonathan's story interests my audience. August 1, 2021 Been a long and busy week so I have not had time to write on my Blog. I have been working on editing my chapters for the Sunshine book and have accomplished a lot. Found that I got some historic information somewhat wrong and have been correcting my chapters. I am working on a chapter now that is titled "The Puny Old Cow." It is about the Gratten Affair in 1854 with the Lakota Indians. It still fascinates me that something can blow up into a serious event when it starts out as something small. This chapter is about a sickly cow that runs into the Brule camp and destroys much before it is finally caught and tied up. This leads to a fight. A small trickle of a road which the westward emigrants travel upon goes right through the Lakota land. The US Government had worked with the Indians to get this road by offering them annuities each year. The Indians were not allowed to touch these westward settlers as they traveled on this road, and thus it came to be known as the "Holy Road" to them. Walking alongside the Mormon wagon train was the man who owned the cow. When he saw what happened, he got scared and ran off, so the Brule killed the cow because their annuities had not come and their children were hungry. This did not go over well and resulted in soldiers under soldier chief Gratten coming down to camp from Fort Laramie to arrest the man who killed the cow. The man, Straight Foretop, was a Minneconju visitor and would not let himself be arrested. The soldier troop had big guns which they fired at the people. The people fought back. and the soldiers were killed and run off. War started between the Lakota and the US Government---all over the killing of a puny old cow to feed the hungry people. This is the story of the Lakota people, over and over. I love doing research about these historic events and getting the true picture. Also got my second edit for proof reading the India Finds a Home book. Wil get this corrected and sent back ASAP. Progress. July 13, 2021 I have been asked to be the luncheon speaker for the OKC Exchange Club. This is an organization that works for child abuse and helping families in need. I thought it might be a good thing to talk on my India Finds a Home book which is about dog abuse. And I will speak some on writing historical fiction. They want to hear about writing so I will work in several ideas of what I have been doing. July 9, 2021 I have been having difficulties with my computer, and several times I have tried to write, but it wouldn't let me in. I have a few things I wanted to mention days ago, but have forgotten them now. I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July last weekend. I did. Went down to a friend's little dinner party on Friday evening. She lives in Blanchard, and the town was having their fireworks display that night. Our group had a few fireworks to shoot off before the "big" show started. It was very nice. Saturday I went to our Bethany town parade--met some of my family in our same old spot. Been going to this every year since my kids were babies--except for last year when it was cancelled. Lots of disappointed people. After the parade I did a book signing at the Deer Clan Bookstore in town. An old friend (we were Girl Scout leaders many years ago) stopped by, and we had a nice visit. She bought both my Cheyenne Warrior book and the Cowboy book. Sunday I went back down to Blanchard for a birthday party/ cookout, and home fireworks. My grandson Josh's birthday is July 5th. Lots of fun, good food, and beautiful evening. It has been a good week. Haven't had much time to write, but I plan to make up for this next week. Fourth of July seemed so special to me this year, I guess since it's been such an unusual year. I did watch several Independence Day programs on the History Channel, and this always makes me stop and think and appreciate all that I have. June 23, 2021, Went up to the Deer Clan Books Store last Saturday to meet an author and hear about his book. His name is Sherman Andrus, and he was a most interesting man. He told a few of us about his life as a gospel singer and how he has traveled all over the world singing. He will be performing here in OKC the end of July at a church. I plan to go hear him sing. When I walked into the bookstore, I ran into a teacher friend of mine. We taught at the same high school several years ago, and I was so glad to see her again. She was there to buy a copy of my book, Last Real Cowboy. We visited until Sherman began talking to us. My friend has now become involved in teacher traveling and organized several trips with teachers. I am very much interested in maybe going on one of her trips. I am suppose to be leaving for New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii with two grandsons next week, but of course, it got cancelled and moved to next summer. I was also suppose to go Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England, then take the Chunnel train to Paris with two granddaughters earlier this month. That has also been postponed until next summer. I guess things happen for a reason and next summer will be better. I now will have to fill my stay-at-home summer with family, friends, local events, but that's OK too. June 17, 2021 I have been trying to get into my blog the past couple of days, and it has not worked with me. Finally today, I have gotten it to work. I am very excited to report that last week I got a mail with the PDF final format for my India Finds a Home book. I did my editing, found a few places with missing periods or quotes and turned in my list. I am now waiting for the other editors to do the same. We have the cover and now the text is pretty much ready to go, so maybe we will have a book sooner than I had anticipated. Also, there is a new book store in Bethany, across from the Post Office. It is called Deer Clan Books. I talked with the owner, Claudette, and she now carries my two books, Journey of the Cheyenne Warrior and Last Real Cowboy in her store. She said she would also carry my next two books when they are published. It's been a long time waiting for this. June 9, 2021 Sorry I did not get to write the last couple of days, but my computer or something would not let me get into my blog. Today things seem a little weird, but I am "going with what I got." I have been watching several more TV programs about WWII and thinking a lot about how brave the soldiers, all young men not much older than my grandsons, were during these times of war. And also it has been interesting to think that the women in America stepped up to do their part when the men went off. My mom and aunt worked at Tinker Air Base, training men how to be pilots. It's interesting too that so many Native American men served well in all these far away places. It was in their blood, I think, like going to battle on the Plains to protect their families and way of life against the enemies. And what my great great grandfather tried to do in the Army of Tennessee was to protect his family and his farm in Arkansas. These people are all heroes. I have been editing my chapter on the Sun Dance. My character, Black Pipe, Sunshine's son, is dancing the ultimate for the Plains warrior--he is dancing, tied to a rawhide thong which is tied to a skewer inserted into his breast muscles. Oh, the extreme pain! He will dance, sing, stare at the sun until the thong breaks. This means he has been with the Spirits and showed his humility and humbleness and physical strength. I love reading and researching and writing about the brave people in history. | October 27, 2021 My oh my, it has been so long since I have written. This end of summer and first part of fall have gone by so quickly. We have had many things going on in our family--engagement party for granddaughter, wedding shower party for same granddaughter, wedding coming in December, another granddaughter's engagement party next weekend. We had 5 family member with birthdays in August, 5 more in September. Another granddaughter graduates from Clemson University in December. My daughter is having a Halloween party for the little ones this Friday. We can't forget the OU football games. I have had season tickets for over 20 years. And I have been happy that a few of my organizations have gone back to people--I love seeing my friends again. In a couple of weeks, I am driving with some friends to Dodge City, Kansas, for a coupe of days. Never been there. So, you see, this is my excuse--too many fun, happy things going on---but between these fun events, house work, yard work, etc., my editors and I have managed to get my book, India Finds a Home ready for print. I am so excited about this. Don't know when all this takes place, but we are so close. Please stay with me and I will keep everyone informed. I am still working on editing the Spirit Journey book so we won't have so much editing to do with this when we get back to work on it. November is almost here, can't believe it. ,January 2, 2022 Wow! This is my first writing of the new year 2022. Feels really strange. I hope my readers had a good 2021 and good luck to you for another great year ahead. I had a very good 2021 with many interesting, fun, happy events. In fact, I have had so much going on that I have not had time to write on my blog. I did not even have time to write on my Lakota book for a few weeks. So, this weekend I have had the time to work on editing chapter 21 of my Lakota book. I had to read over the last two chapters to get back into the time and mood of events that Sunshine is living through. The first week of November, 3 friends and I drove to Dodge City, Kansas, just to see what it was like. We drove up one day, spent the night, and drove back. I would have liked to stay longer, but the others had to get back. We visited Boot Hill Museum and it was wonderful. The museum was full of interesting old cowboy and early life in Kansas. We drank a Sarsaparilla at the Long Branch Saloon, checked out the Boot Hill Cemetery, and went into the Gunsmoke room to see memorabilia about Jim Arness as Matt Dillon and also Kitty and Doc and Festis, and of course, Chester--calling out "Mr. Dillon" as he limps into the jail. We had a great time. And, the Museum bought 3 of my Last Real Cowboy books and 3 of my Cheyenne Warrior books to sell there. My next trip was to fly to Clemson, South Carolina, for my granddaughter, Rylie's graduation from Clemson University. I flew out with my son and his wife, and brother Rhett came in from Arizona to be there. Brother Brody still had a couple of finals at OU, so he couldn't come. We had a good time. I flew back Friday night and then the next morning, I drove 3 hours to Robbers Cave in SE Oklahoma for another granddaughter's wedding. It was beautiful--all winter colors of red and green and white--and 4 or 5 Christmas trees lighted and shining up front. Jessica and Nic had their dream wedding outside with lots of family and a few friends around. They had rented several cabins for us to stay in, had a big dining room and kitchen for us to eat and entertain in. This was also wonderful and fun. It was good to see my kids and grandkids so happy and having such a fun time. Then it was Christmas. I had Christmas at my son's and also at my older daughter's on Saturday, and I had family dinner and celebration at my house on Sunday. Lots going on but all good. So, along with Christmas shopping, I have had very little time to write. I am hoping for another good year with family, friends, and my books. January 18, 2022 January is rather quiet after all the events that happened in November and December. I did participate in a Zoom program last Sunday with my publisher--who is also an author, and several of our editors. We discussed writing the historical fiction book. We shared much helpful information. I thought I would share with you a quote I found several months ago which has helped me tremendously in writing historical fiction. This gives a new perspective on getting into the character's point of view. "If you find the burden someone is carrying, you find the thing they can speak to with the most power and weight. Theat's where their story is." Brandon Stanton This has helped me with Sunshine's story and what is most important to her--her family. January 31 Can you believe this is the last day of January already? It has gone by faster than I wanted. Weather report for us here in Oklahoma is major snow and ice storm coming in late tomorrow night and hitting hard on Wednesday. Since we are in a serious drought situation here, we really need the moisture--but not in ice! I want to report that I got some new update on my India Finds a Home book. It is moving down the line. I have information on prices of the book, which is a good sign. Hardcover book is $20.99, and the paperback cover will be $13.99. It will be a beautiful book, a very important book, and an eye opener-- all to help animal rescue. Will report any new information. May 3, 2022, I am so happy that my India Finds a Home is out. I sold 20 copies in the first couple of weeks and had $148. to send to the Ukraine dog rescue. I have sold a few more since then. This is such good, warm-hearted book. I am very proud of it. I will keep trying to promote the book so I can get more money for dog rescues. I am now working on the Spirit Journey, Lakota book, never really stopped, and am finishing up my chapters. I will then send it back to the editor and get started working on this book. I love this book and have learned so much history in writing it. It's a powerful, emotional, memorable story. |
June 7, 2021
I did not forget to write on my Blog last Monday. It was Memorial Day. I had a busy weekend celebrating the Holiday weekend with two cookouts and then on Monday going to a Bluegrass Music Performance. Even though the weather was a little crazy, it was still a nice weekend. I thought a lot about what Memorial Day means. I did watch several movies and shows on TV about World War II. I am proud to think that my dad was in the Army Air Force and was a fighter pilot in this war. He flew a plane the Germans were afraid of -- a P-38. It amazes me that he was only 24 years old and flew missions over North Africa, then onto Europe for the big invasion, and also flew over Battle of the Bulge fighting. I never got to talk to my dad about this, he passed away years ago, so I had to do research about it. I wish I could tell him how very proud I am of him. He also flew missions in the Korean War. I have several letters he wrote to me telling me what he did. He was stationed at a base in Japan, and they were watching Russian to make sure they didn't try to invade Japan. He said he flew the colonel around.
I also thought about my great great grandfather who fought for the South in the Civil War. He was a soldier for the Army of Tennessee. He joined up in February 1862 and stayed to the end in 1865. He was seriously wounded three times. Saw a lot of the action, made 2nd Lieutenant. I have copies of 20 letters he wrote home to his wife, Laura.
Have to go to the dentist now, so I will finish this writing tomorrow.
May 27,2021
I didn't get to write last Monday because my internet and phone were down. I did not get service again until yesterday about 9:00 in the morning.
I don't have any book news, but did come across something I thought was interesting and related to my Indian books. In the OKC newspaper on Monday was a big article about the International Indian Relay Championship in horse racing. The event will take place on May 31 in Pawhuska at the Osage County Fairgrounds. As many as 30 teams from around the country will be competing. It has a $140,000 purse, the biggest in history for Indian relays. It used to be just for bragging rights, but now it is a "payout" competitive sport among Native Americans. The riders leap off the first horse while it's still galloping, jump onto the back of the next horse, and take off as quickly as possible. The riding is all bareback as they complete three circles of a track, changing the mount after each loop. The riders use only reins and a whip to stay on. I think this would be most exciting to watch. I have written about the horse racing in my books, because it is an important part of their culture. It has been a competitive sport among Native Americans for the past 200 years.
May 18, 2021
My publisher wrote me that the artist would be adding the title and my name to the cover and then send it back for me to see. I am excited to finally have things moving forward. Don't have any other writing news to report--still editing my chapters. Got my new patio furniture put together yesterday. I lost my table, chairs, and sofa last October in our big ice storm. We have rain predictions every day until way into next week. I decided this week to go ahead and plant flowers when I had a chance. I had been waiting because of the weather, but since it is "chance of rain" every day, I need to see those beautiful flowers. All the lovely plants sitting on my front porch shall find their way into my new flower pots this week. My family is expecting a new arrival any day this week. Granddaughter Rachel is expecting a little boy--and she is so ready. Hoping soon to hear from my Indian book editor that we can start working on editing this book.
May 11, 2021
Today I got the first draft of the cover design for India Finds a Home, my dog rescue book. So I am very excited. Hopefully, things will start moving forward. Don't have any other book news except I am still working for myself as editor and have finished going over the first 13 chapters. I have notice how much better the story gets the more times I read over it and make new changes--even minor ones make a difference.
May 3, 2021
I have really neglected my blog for so long. I am so sorry and plan to write something new every week. I did read over my author page and saw that the information about my children's book, India Finds a Home, has completely changed before it got the OK to go to print. Because of circumstances not in my control, I had to change the last several pages of the story. I had to take out and then add new dogs that India meets. Please take a look at my author's page again and read about Mama Dog, Dog #821, Rocky, Butch, and Binky and best friend, blind Rodney. This is a book to melt your heart.
I did not forget to write on my Blog last Monday. It was Memorial Day. I had a busy weekend celebrating the Holiday weekend with two cookouts and then on Monday going to a Bluegrass Music Performance. Even though the weather was a little crazy, it was still a nice weekend. I thought a lot about what Memorial Day means. I did watch several movies and shows on TV about World War II. I am proud to think that my dad was in the Army Air Force and was a fighter pilot in this war. He flew a plane the Germans were afraid of -- a P-38. It amazes me that he was only 24 years old and flew missions over North Africa, then onto Europe for the big invasion, and also flew over Battle of the Bulge fighting. I never got to talk to my dad about this, he passed away years ago, so I had to do research about it. I wish I could tell him how very proud I am of him. He also flew missions in the Korean War. I have several letters he wrote to me telling me what he did. He was stationed at a base in Japan, and they were watching Russian to make sure they didn't try to invade Japan. He said he flew the colonel around.
I also thought about my great great grandfather who fought for the South in the Civil War. He was a soldier for the Army of Tennessee. He joined up in February 1862 and stayed to the end in 1865. He was seriously wounded three times. Saw a lot of the action, made 2nd Lieutenant. I have copies of 20 letters he wrote home to his wife, Laura.
Have to go to the dentist now, so I will finish this writing tomorrow.
May 27,2021
I didn't get to write last Monday because my internet and phone were down. I did not get service again until yesterday about 9:00 in the morning.
I don't have any book news, but did come across something I thought was interesting and related to my Indian books. In the OKC newspaper on Monday was a big article about the International Indian Relay Championship in horse racing. The event will take place on May 31 in Pawhuska at the Osage County Fairgrounds. As many as 30 teams from around the country will be competing. It has a $140,000 purse, the biggest in history for Indian relays. It used to be just for bragging rights, but now it is a "payout" competitive sport among Native Americans. The riders leap off the first horse while it's still galloping, jump onto the back of the next horse, and take off as quickly as possible. The riding is all bareback as they complete three circles of a track, changing the mount after each loop. The riders use only reins and a whip to stay on. I think this would be most exciting to watch. I have written about the horse racing in my books, because it is an important part of their culture. It has been a competitive sport among Native Americans for the past 200 years.
May 18, 2021
My publisher wrote me that the artist would be adding the title and my name to the cover and then send it back for me to see. I am excited to finally have things moving forward. Don't have any other writing news to report--still editing my chapters. Got my new patio furniture put together yesterday. I lost my table, chairs, and sofa last October in our big ice storm. We have rain predictions every day until way into next week. I decided this week to go ahead and plant flowers when I had a chance. I had been waiting because of the weather, but since it is "chance of rain" every day, I need to see those beautiful flowers. All the lovely plants sitting on my front porch shall find their way into my new flower pots this week. My family is expecting a new arrival any day this week. Granddaughter Rachel is expecting a little boy--and she is so ready. Hoping soon to hear from my Indian book editor that we can start working on editing this book.
May 11, 2021
Today I got the first draft of the cover design for India Finds a Home, my dog rescue book. So I am very excited. Hopefully, things will start moving forward. Don't have any other book news except I am still working for myself as editor and have finished going over the first 13 chapters. I have notice how much better the story gets the more times I read over it and make new changes--even minor ones make a difference.
May 3, 2021
I have really neglected my blog for so long. I am so sorry and plan to write something new every week. I did read over my author page and saw that the information about my children's book, India Finds a Home, has completely changed before it got the OK to go to print. Because of circumstances not in my control, I had to change the last several pages of the story. I had to take out and then add new dogs that India meets. Please take a look at my author's page again and read about Mama Dog, Dog #821, Rocky, Butch, and Binky and best friend, blind Rodney. This is a book to melt your heart.
April 26, 2021
Hi. I am trying to get back into getting on my page more often and updating. Nothing new has happened and I am still waiting to get back to working with my editor. I have had a wonderful experience with a remarkable young man who has been helping me over the computer with the Lakota language for my Sunshine book. Peter lives in South Dakota and works with the language and is fluent. He has been working with me since last summer and has helped me tremendously. I have asked him to give me the correct words to use, asked him questions about customs. He even helped me to put the Lakota language keyboard on my computer so I can hit a certain key and then type the words with the correct accents markings. It is wonderful. I don't have that many words, but in some cases it just seems like the Lakota word fits, so I use it. Peter helped me translate my song that Sunshine wrote as grandmother had advises her to do. the language is so beautiful and I enjoy writing the words.
I flew last weekend to Clemson, South Caroline, to visit my granddaughter. She goes to school at Clemson University and she was getting her university ring. It was a nice, traditional ceremony. My son and I had a great weekend with Rylie in Clemson and nearby Greenville. First time I have been out in the world since I got back from South Africa three years ago.
So I am still plugging along on my own editing ...
Hi. I am trying to get back into getting on my page more often and updating. Nothing new has happened and I am still waiting to get back to working with my editor. I have had a wonderful experience with a remarkable young man who has been helping me over the computer with the Lakota language for my Sunshine book. Peter lives in South Dakota and works with the language and is fluent. He has been working with me since last summer and has helped me tremendously. I have asked him to give me the correct words to use, asked him questions about customs. He even helped me to put the Lakota language keyboard on my computer so I can hit a certain key and then type the words with the correct accents markings. It is wonderful. I don't have that many words, but in some cases it just seems like the Lakota word fits, so I use it. Peter helped me translate my song that Sunshine wrote as grandmother had advises her to do. the language is so beautiful and I enjoy writing the words.
I flew last weekend to Clemson, South Caroline, to visit my granddaughter. She goes to school at Clemson University and she was getting her university ring. It was a nice, traditional ceremony. My son and I had a great weekend with Rylie in Clemson and nearby Greenville. First time I have been out in the world since I got back from South Africa three years ago.
So I am still plugging along on my own editing ...
April 13, 2021
Hi Everyone, Finally got back onto my page. Something happened and I lost the ability to get into my webpage information and update. But now maybe all is well again. Everything was going well last summer until the Covid-19 shut us down. I was on hold for my India Finds a Home book and my Spirit Journey; Sunshine's Song. Finally in the fall, I thought things were back on track but no, not to be. Then my wonderful editor got very sick and could not be my editor, so I have been assigned another editor (who is terrific), but she is busy with projects and cannot work with me for a couple more months.
In the meantime, I have been editing my chapters to get the work more polished, hopefully, for when I do get to work with my new editor. It has been fun, also, to have found a person who speaks fluent Lakota, and he has been helping me with getting the correct words for my characters to speak a word or two. I put the Lakota keyboard on my computer so I can make the accent marks. Just because I am not official yet, I am still working hard to write the best book I can. My dog rescue book is finished, but it needs to be illustrated. This all takes time.
Hi Everyone, Finally got back onto my page. Something happened and I lost the ability to get into my webpage information and update. But now maybe all is well again. Everything was going well last summer until the Covid-19 shut us down. I was on hold for my India Finds a Home book and my Spirit Journey; Sunshine's Song. Finally in the fall, I thought things were back on track but no, not to be. Then my wonderful editor got very sick and could not be my editor, so I have been assigned another editor (who is terrific), but she is busy with projects and cannot work with me for a couple more months.
In the meantime, I have been editing my chapters to get the work more polished, hopefully, for when I do get to work with my new editor. It has been fun, also, to have found a person who speaks fluent Lakota, and he has been helping me with getting the correct words for my characters to speak a word or two. I put the Lakota keyboard on my computer so I can make the accent marks. Just because I am not official yet, I am still working hard to write the best book I can. My dog rescue book is finished, but it needs to be illustrated. This all takes time.
| April 19, 2020 From a woman who just recently read my book, Journey of the Cheyenne Warrior, I received the nicest review. I would like to share this with you: Journey of the Cheyenne Warrior was a nonstop read from the moment I read the first chapter. During the entire book you cannot help but root for Little Eagle and his family/tribe. You have written the book so well that I felt like I was living the story with the tribe on their land, and while reading, the story plot came to real life like watching a movie. I wish that we can use stories like this to earn about history, as reading about the treaties and history of the Indian tribes through a story and making it more personal through the lives of those that went through that time period makes it an interesting way to learn about history vs reading names and dates in a social studies book. I am most shocked that the book is not marked with NY Times best seller as this truly was an amazing read. March 12, 2020 M Lots of love has gone into this book. And when it gets published, I will go back to the Spirit Journey; Sunshine's Song book. And since everything is shutting down and cancelling, I guess I will have plenty of time for editing this next book. So, two important books coming out soon---lots of research, lots of hours on the computer. But it will all be worth it. February 9th Still working on the editing for India Finds a Home book. It is turning into such a sweet story--sad but with a good ending. I visited the new Animal Shelter that just opened because of India and her friends and their life as long term dogs who lived in cages. This new shelter will have no long term animals, no cages but only runs, lots of open spaces. The dogs will now get baths and shots when they come in, and hopefully soon be able to get spayed and neutered and micro chipped. They are working with some vets to make this happen. It is life changing for these wonderful animals. The cats have nice spacious paces to stay and blankets and stuffed animals in their spots. The dogs also have big nice beds with blankets and stuffed animals. I feel so good about this and to know India and I were a very big part of making it happen. We will get this book out and then go back to editing the Spirit Journey book. January, 19, 2020 Wow, can't believe it is already 2020. Time goes so fast. I am still working on editing my two books. We have put aside the Spirit Journey book for a time and are trying to finish editing the India Finds a Home book so hopefully it will come out this spring. I have helped an organization get 105 animals off to rescues up north where they will get adopted within days. Such a wonderful experience to know you are saving so many awesome dogs and cats. They so deserve a good home and loving family. When the India story is published, then we will concentrate on finishing the editing of the Sunshine book. I am ever on point for that and always reading and learning. In the meantime, I have also given several book reviews to writing groups and book clubs. I will be ready to get back to my Indian book when the time comes. Never thought I would be working on two books at the same time, but it is exciting. October 8, 2019 I never realized how hard it is to write a best seller book. My editor seems to think I may have one but I must continue to edit and rework sentences, take out, change, add--and my brain must stay focused at all times. I am used to hard work, but this is certainly a challenge. Hopefully, I will be able to produce. At the same time I am working on the Spirit Journey book, my first tween children's book, India Finds a Home, made it to the contract spot. So I am editing this story, too. I am doubly excited because the editors think this book also will be an award winner. Tough work, but worth the extra sweat and tears to have a darn good book. |
July 26
Not much going on this summer. I had planned to go on a book signing tour in Wyoming and also thought about going to the Western Writers of America Convention in Arizona, but my house AC went out and had to buy a new one, so all trips were cancelled. I have stayed busy though on working on the Lakota book. We have been editing and also working with the Cheyenne people and Lakota people for the native language I use in the book. Want everything to be correct. I have met some really nice and helpful people, but it has just been a slow process. Glad I now have the time to work on these since I am home. I do have some things lined up to do for the fall and winter which will be fun and interesting.
Not much going on this summer. I had planned to go on a book signing tour in Wyoming and also thought about going to the Western Writers of America Convention in Arizona, but my house AC went out and had to buy a new one, so all trips were cancelled. I have stayed busy though on working on the Lakota book. We have been editing and also working with the Cheyenne people and Lakota people for the native language I use in the book. Want everything to be correct. I have met some really nice and helpful people, but it has just been a slow process. Glad I now have the time to work on these since I am home. I do have some things lined up to do for the fall and winter which will be fun and interesting.
Monday, June 3
I have not been doing too well keeping up with my blogging. I have been so busy editing and working on my new book, Spirit Journey: Sunshine's Song, that I have been a slacker when it comes to blogging. Writing consumes several devoted hours each day and then you have to squeeze in house work and yard work. My highlights for the last couple of months have been a book signing at Barnes & Noble, several interesting activities at the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the cocktail party there where I met Kevin Costner. What a night that was. So I am working very hard to finish up my own editing so the editor can help me and work with me to get it ready to publish
I have not been doing too well keeping up with my blogging. I have been so busy editing and working on my new book, Spirit Journey: Sunshine's Song, that I have been a slacker when it comes to blogging. Writing consumes several devoted hours each day and then you have to squeeze in house work and yard work. My highlights for the last couple of months have been a book signing at Barnes & Noble, several interesting activities at the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the cocktail party there where I met Kevin Costner. What a night that was. So I am working very hard to finish up my own editing so the editor can help me and work with me to get it ready to publish
Saturday, February 9, I went to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum to see the new Bison exhibit and meet Rumble our Thunder mascot. I got more than I planned when my friend and I got pictures taken with Rumble, even kissing him on the cheek. Some men with big cameras took our pictures, and later we found out we were on Channel 4 News that night. What a fun day! The exhibit is wonderful.
Been working on this new book since I can take my time reviewing and editing and rereading. My new editor is still finishing up his other project, so I have the time now to really think about my changes and polish what I have. My editor gave me some wonderful ideas to give the story more life and to make the reader really get involved with what Sunshine is going through in her life. I think this will hook the reader into feeling what she feels and goes through with the events that occur in her life--ending with Wounded Knee. He said it could be a real heart-wrenching story.
Been working on this new book since I can take my time reviewing and editing and rereading. My new editor is still finishing up his other project, so I have the time now to really think about my changes and polish what I have. My editor gave me some wonderful ideas to give the story more life and to make the reader really get involved with what Sunshine is going through in her life. I think this will hook the reader into feeling what she feels and goes through with the events that occur in her life--ending with Wounded Knee. He said it could be a real heart-wrenching story.
February 12, 2019 I have already started on editing my next work even though my new editor has to finish up a project before he can work with me. He has given me some great ideas which I have been working into the story. I think these changes will make my story much more personal and more interesting. The reader will be able to see how Lakhota history was from the woman's point of view. There will also be new historical information about life at this time (early 1800's) for the fur trader and the Plains Indians. I enjoy finding new facts and putting them into my stories.
I will be going to some book sales during this spring and a couple of history days at museums. This is always fun and I get to meet interesting people.
I have written a children's book which I plan to submit soon. It is about a rescued dog named India. Lots going on now.
In June I plan to go to Arizona for the Western Writers of America Convention. My first one was in Kansas City two summers ago. I had such a great time and can't wait to go to this one.
I will be going to some book sales during this spring and a couple of history days at museums. This is always fun and I get to meet interesting people.
I have written a children's book which I plan to submit soon. It is about a rescued dog named India. Lots going on now.
In June I plan to go to Arizona for the Western Writers of America Convention. My first one was in Kansas City two summers ago. I had such a great time and can't wait to go to this one.
November 15, 2018
Having some problems with getting my blogs to stay put. I wanted to say that my next book has been accepted to be published. Work is now beginning on editing and fixing and changing again. My editor and I have a busy and hard road ahead to get the book just right. I am excited and don't mind the rewriting and editing that I must do, for it is a labor of love. I hope it's the best book that I can write. I love writing historical fiction because it is a wonderful learning tool. The reader will learn much history and culture about the Lakota Sioux people and their struggle to survive. Get a box of kleenex because it is not a happy story.
This past June, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to South Africa for 3 weeks. It was truly a journey of discovery. I really did not know what to expect in the landscape, weather, people, and wild animals, but I was amazed and overwhelmed at everything. South Africa is magnificent and powerful and different in so many ways. We flew to Cape Town for a few days, then traveled to Port Elizabeth on the east coast for a couple of days, then flew to Durban. This is wine country and it is delicious. We learned all about apartied and its effects on the people and land and economy. We got on a big bus at Durban and drove through Swaziland, over flat land and over mountains and valleys so beautiful, it took your breath away. At Johannesburg we learned all about the mining industry because there is where diamonds and gold were discovered. This big city is the "Wall Street" of South Africa. From here we flew up to Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls, the largest water fall in the world. Oh, this was so incredible and so big and powerful. We had an evening cruise on the Zambezi River and watched hippos and crocs along the shoreline. We had been already on 3 game reserve drives and had seen elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions, cheetas, leopards, impalas, hyenas, kudos, buffalos--so close and personal--it was amazing and so powerful. Before we left Victoria Falls, we drove down to Botswana and went on a walk with the lions---actually walking with them and petting them and sitting down with them. Their faces are so beautiful up close. Then we flew back to Johannesburg and on home---15 hour flight to Atlanta, Georgia. And it so happened that since the plane was already full, my two grandchildren and I flew first class! What an experience it was. The people were wonderful--so friendly and helpful and happy--and always smiling. The people and the animals all live in harmony with each other. There are very few fences, and animals could be any and every where. I have fallen in love with South Africa and hope someday to go back and do the very same trip. I had read the history before I left , and I was so glad I did because I understood more. It was a trip of a lifetime (And I sold three books)
March 16, 2018
I had the opportunity to visit the new Indian Museum here in Oklahoma City. It will open in the spring of 2021. It will be such a beautiful museum. Most of the outside is finished and it will be unique. The museum will be borrowing back (on loan) many items from the Indian Museum in Washington DC. So basically we are taking on loan items that we loaned Washington and presenting them in our museum. The theme that includes all the 39 tribes here in our state is water/earth/fire/wind. There will be in the outside center circle twelve 28 foot poles/flutes which represent the twelve language families that all the tribes speak. When the wind blows through them, one hears flute music from the wind. They have many wonderful ideas in making this museum special. I will be looking forward to seeing it complete.
March 9, 2018
I don't have anything new to write about, but I did come across a quote I found taped up on the bathroom door in a hostel in Peru where I was staying a few years ago. It really struck me ... as I have tendency to get a little bored when I have stayed home too long. I have traveled to a lot of places over the years and this quote made me realize why I get bored:
"I am not the same having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world."
The rest of the quote is also something to think about: "Most of all, inspire yourself. Find a tree and sit at its roots and listen, pick up a rock and hear it speak. The moon is our night light, the sun our everglow ... The world will turn eagerly towards you to hear your inspiring words and songs, see your paintings and drawings, touch your sculptures, drink your films and embrace all your inspirations. Let your inspiration feed others and give them the juice to grow and to glow, see you in dreams and telepathic communications ...
Just some food for thought.
Having some problems with getting my blogs to stay put. I wanted to say that my next book has been accepted to be published. Work is now beginning on editing and fixing and changing again. My editor and I have a busy and hard road ahead to get the book just right. I am excited and don't mind the rewriting and editing that I must do, for it is a labor of love. I hope it's the best book that I can write. I love writing historical fiction because it is a wonderful learning tool. The reader will learn much history and culture about the Lakota Sioux people and their struggle to survive. Get a box of kleenex because it is not a happy story.
This past June, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to South Africa for 3 weeks. It was truly a journey of discovery. I really did not know what to expect in the landscape, weather, people, and wild animals, but I was amazed and overwhelmed at everything. South Africa is magnificent and powerful and different in so many ways. We flew to Cape Town for a few days, then traveled to Port Elizabeth on the east coast for a couple of days, then flew to Durban. This is wine country and it is delicious. We learned all about apartied and its effects on the people and land and economy. We got on a big bus at Durban and drove through Swaziland, over flat land and over mountains and valleys so beautiful, it took your breath away. At Johannesburg we learned all about the mining industry because there is where diamonds and gold were discovered. This big city is the "Wall Street" of South Africa. From here we flew up to Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls, the largest water fall in the world. Oh, this was so incredible and so big and powerful. We had an evening cruise on the Zambezi River and watched hippos and crocs along the shoreline. We had been already on 3 game reserve drives and had seen elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions, cheetas, leopards, impalas, hyenas, kudos, buffalos--so close and personal--it was amazing and so powerful. Before we left Victoria Falls, we drove down to Botswana and went on a walk with the lions---actually walking with them and petting them and sitting down with them. Their faces are so beautiful up close. Then we flew back to Johannesburg and on home---15 hour flight to Atlanta, Georgia. And it so happened that since the plane was already full, my two grandchildren and I flew first class! What an experience it was. The people were wonderful--so friendly and helpful and happy--and always smiling. The people and the animals all live in harmony with each other. There are very few fences, and animals could be any and every where. I have fallen in love with South Africa and hope someday to go back and do the very same trip. I had read the history before I left , and I was so glad I did because I understood more. It was a trip of a lifetime (And I sold three books)
March 16, 2018
I had the opportunity to visit the new Indian Museum here in Oklahoma City. It will open in the spring of 2021. It will be such a beautiful museum. Most of the outside is finished and it will be unique. The museum will be borrowing back (on loan) many items from the Indian Museum in Washington DC. So basically we are taking on loan items that we loaned Washington and presenting them in our museum. The theme that includes all the 39 tribes here in our state is water/earth/fire/wind. There will be in the outside center circle twelve 28 foot poles/flutes which represent the twelve language families that all the tribes speak. When the wind blows through them, one hears flute music from the wind. They have many wonderful ideas in making this museum special. I will be looking forward to seeing it complete.
March 9, 2018
I don't have anything new to write about, but I did come across a quote I found taped up on the bathroom door in a hostel in Peru where I was staying a few years ago. It really struck me ... as I have tendency to get a little bored when I have stayed home too long. I have traveled to a lot of places over the years and this quote made me realize why I get bored:
"I am not the same having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world."
The rest of the quote is also something to think about: "Most of all, inspire yourself. Find a tree and sit at its roots and listen, pick up a rock and hear it speak. The moon is our night light, the sun our everglow ... The world will turn eagerly towards you to hear your inspiring words and songs, see your paintings and drawings, touch your sculptures, drink your films and embrace all your inspirations. Let your inspiration feed others and give them the juice to grow and to glow, see you in dreams and telepathic communications ...
Just some food for thought.
Yesterday, February 17, 2018, I did a book signing at Full Circle Book Store in OKC. I always enjoy going to these events and mostly seeing friends who show up and then meeting new people. Of course, it's most fun to sell! This is the start of this new year and maybe I can make up for lost time from the last 3 months of being sick. I got over, I think, my bacteria infection, then I got the flu. Now I am crawling back out of the hole and starting a fresh page for this spring. I do have several events for the spring where I can have an opportunity to sell some books. The anniversary for the Chisholm Trail is past, but this next September is the 125th anniversary of the Cherokee Outlet Land Run in 1893. My characters make this run, so my story is still "in the news."
Still editing and polishing Sunshine's book. She has an interesting life with the Lakota people. Of course, her story is filled with hardships and tragedies along with happiness. I found some new info which I have added and woven into her book--I like to have little known information in my stories to make them more interesting and to make learning more fun. Many times these facts are things I didn't know and always wondered about. Now I know and will share with my readers.
I will work on this book until I edit the whole thing and it is ready to submit--hopefully this next summer. I am still home a lot as I recover. I get impatient at not being able to be my old self with lots of energy, but it will come. I have to get my strength back before summer because I am taking two grandchildren to South Africa for 3 weeks.
I took granddaughter #1 to Europe, granddaughter #2 to New Zealand and Australia, now the next 2 want to go to Africa. I have 4 more trips with grandchildren to look forward to--don't now where in the world they want to go. This is such precious time with my grandchildren when they graduate from high school. Where will the next children take me?? It doesn't matter, I love to travel and have been to many exciting places all over the world.
I know many people blog every day, but I don't know what they talk about. I don't have that much interesting to report so I don't write very often. I am involved in many things besides writing, but this is my writing blog so I keep it at that. I guess I can tell you all about South Africa when I return. We are going to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Game Park and several other game reserves, Durban, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls and much more. I have been reading about the history of this area--so very fascinating. I will write about my travels and hopefully about my next book this summer. In the meantime, I do have some events to look forward to this spring for my cowboy book.
Been working on editing and polishing my next book--Sunshine and her Lakota Story. Had lots of time while stuck at home recouping.
Still editing and polishing Sunshine's book. She has an interesting life with the Lakota people. Of course, her story is filled with hardships and tragedies along with happiness. I found some new info which I have added and woven into her book--I like to have little known information in my stories to make them more interesting and to make learning more fun. Many times these facts are things I didn't know and always wondered about. Now I know and will share with my readers.
I will work on this book until I edit the whole thing and it is ready to submit--hopefully this next summer. I am still home a lot as I recover. I get impatient at not being able to be my old self with lots of energy, but it will come. I have to get my strength back before summer because I am taking two grandchildren to South Africa for 3 weeks.
I took granddaughter #1 to Europe, granddaughter #2 to New Zealand and Australia, now the next 2 want to go to Africa. I have 4 more trips with grandchildren to look forward to--don't now where in the world they want to go. This is such precious time with my grandchildren when they graduate from high school. Where will the next children take me?? It doesn't matter, I love to travel and have been to many exciting places all over the world.
I know many people blog every day, but I don't know what they talk about. I don't have that much interesting to report so I don't write very often. I am involved in many things besides writing, but this is my writing blog so I keep it at that. I guess I can tell you all about South Africa when I return. We are going to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Game Park and several other game reserves, Durban, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls and much more. I have been reading about the history of this area--so very fascinating. I will write about my travels and hopefully about my next book this summer. In the meantime, I do have some events to look forward to this spring for my cowboy book.
Been working on editing and polishing my next book--Sunshine and her Lakota Story. Had lots of time while stuck at home recouping.
I have not written anything for my blog for several weeks because I have been seriously ill with a stomach bacteria. I have had to stay home and take strong medicines to kill this bacteria. I spent two separate days at the hospital emergency room getting fluids. So I have not been working as hard on my manuscripts or sales as I had planned. I am feeling much better and stronger now and have been editing my next book. I hope to get a couple of book signings lined up and maybe a talk or two somewhere this spring. The Chisholm Trail anniversary has passed in 2017, but 2018 marks the 125 anniversary of the Cherokee Outlet Land Run in 1893. My cowboys participate in this land run so I can still have a connection. Sales are going well on the cowboy book, and I am still selling the Cheyenne book. Hopefully, spring will bring more opportunities to promote my book. I have entered several contests, and I am excited about this.
October 22, 2017 I drove to Duncan, OK, last Saturday for a book signing at the Library. This is the beginning of the Chisholm Trail in Oklahoma. It was such a nice day--everyone was so friendly and helpful. I sold 4 books and also had a chance to read a few pages from the cowboy book for a small audience. I am getting good comments on this book.
My second book, Last Real Cowboy, has been released. The cowboy is, of course, an American icon. Nothing seems so powerful an image as a cowboy with boots, vest, and wide brimmed hat sitting in the saddle on a horse.
The cowboy was usually in his late teens. He worked up to 14 hours a day for about $25.-$30. a month. On trail, he slept on the ground with his saddle as a pillow, ate plenty of beans and biscuits, and drank strong six-shooter coffee. After about 6-7 years of hard, back-breaking work, the cowboy got burned out and found another job. He worked outside in all kinds of weather. He carried no watch, yet knew when it was time for supper or when it was time for him to ride out for his watch on the herd. The cowboy had a good appreciation for humor and could tell a long-winded tale which left everyone laughing until their sides hurt. Most could not swim, so the river crossings presented a fear unknown to us today. The cowboy dealt with Indians, stampeding cattle, crazy weather, and rustlers -- all in a day's work. The cowboy's job was far from glamorous, yet he invokes a spirit of freedom and adventure of the Old West.
Hope you readers will enjoy learning about the life of the cowboy, riding the Chisholm Trail, the Johnson County War in Wyoming, and the Cherokee Outlet Land Run.
If the cowboy was the hero of the West, then the Indian was in many cases the tragic figure as depicted in my first novel, Journey of the Cheyenne Warrior. Brave Eagle's life as a warrior on the plains was truly a simple life of nature and freedom and peace -- except when fighting another tribe, usually over horses. They did not covet the land but merely lived on it and with it. The white man came onto the plains and changed everything. The Native Americans had to decide how best to live with the ever-increasing white men. They could fight them or accept their rules, either way they lost. The brave warrior with feathers in his black hair, painted face and body, wearing fringed and beaded war shirt and leggings, beautifully beaded moccasins, carrying his war shield and bow and arrows, and seated on his pony was just as powerful an image of the West.
Cowboys and Indians are both part of America's unique history.
The cowboy was usually in his late teens. He worked up to 14 hours a day for about $25.-$30. a month. On trail, he slept on the ground with his saddle as a pillow, ate plenty of beans and biscuits, and drank strong six-shooter coffee. After about 6-7 years of hard, back-breaking work, the cowboy got burned out and found another job. He worked outside in all kinds of weather. He carried no watch, yet knew when it was time for supper or when it was time for him to ride out for his watch on the herd. The cowboy had a good appreciation for humor and could tell a long-winded tale which left everyone laughing until their sides hurt. Most could not swim, so the river crossings presented a fear unknown to us today. The cowboy dealt with Indians, stampeding cattle, crazy weather, and rustlers -- all in a day's work. The cowboy's job was far from glamorous, yet he invokes a spirit of freedom and adventure of the Old West.
Hope you readers will enjoy learning about the life of the cowboy, riding the Chisholm Trail, the Johnson County War in Wyoming, and the Cherokee Outlet Land Run.
If the cowboy was the hero of the West, then the Indian was in many cases the tragic figure as depicted in my first novel, Journey of the Cheyenne Warrior. Brave Eagle's life as a warrior on the plains was truly a simple life of nature and freedom and peace -- except when fighting another tribe, usually over horses. They did not covet the land but merely lived on it and with it. The white man came onto the plains and changed everything. The Native Americans had to decide how best to live with the ever-increasing white men. They could fight them or accept their rules, either way they lost. The brave warrior with feathers in his black hair, painted face and body, wearing fringed and beaded war shirt and leggings, beautifully beaded moccasins, carrying his war shield and bow and arrows, and seated on his pony was just as powerful an image of the West.
Cowboys and Indians are both part of America's unique history.
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