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| © 2010 pins by Lithium Love |
9-01-10- My calendar says it's the first of September, but I honestly don't know
where the summer went. It was mostly wet and cool here, so it's going to make our winter seem realllly long. What to do? What
to do? I guess I'll finish a couple of books I've been working on. My humorous romance, Boogie, Boots, and Cherry Pie
is almost finished, and I'm getting closer to finishing the literary novel about senior citizens living one step to the left
of homelessness. So far it has many titles, none of which I like.
In other news, we have a good row of blackberry bushes that has berries almost ready to pick. I'm not
looking forward to being wet and cold, so I'm hoping for some sun. Our pears are much easier to harvest, and we have one apple
tree that has the tiniest apples it has ever had, and they are as hard and green as that emerald that was found recently in
North (?) Carolina. We could have a good crop of plums if I could keep the possums off the tree. Those little buggers
are so brazen and they bare their teeth at me when I try to shoo them away. They scare the heck out of me! Most likely, they'll
get most of them.
Well, I'd better go get my gear ready to watch the kids play soccer. I feel a little guilty about urging
them on when the field is wet and cold while I'm wrapped up like some kind of Alaskan mummy in wool scarves, but that's
the way I roll (as the kids say).
7-23-10- From an interview on:
How
do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?
My inspiration and creativity come naturally,
as long as it’s early in the day. Nothing creative happens with me after ten PM. When I was young, I imagined myself
being like Mickey Spillane on TV. I could see myself, smoking and drinking shots of whiskey in the wee hours while I sat,
typing in a dark and dusty room. It doesn’t happen with me. I can’t write a grocery list after ten o’clock.
And I don’t drink or smoke.
This was quite a while ago, but I just ran into
it on the Internet. I'd forgotten all about it. Interviews are such fun!
It's Friday! Woo-hoo! when I woke up this morning,
I remembered my elementary school days when the PTA would make popcorn and sell it on the playground for ten cents. Those
were the days! There's just something about the smell of popcorn that makes a day special. (Where the heck is my popcorn machine?)
7-21-10- When I talked all winter about kicking back this summer, I forgot to factor
in the weather. We've had one of the wettest and coolest spring and summers in history here in the Great Northwest. Not so
good for the beach. Great weather for writing! As a result, I'm way behind on my sun-time and way ahead on my writing projects.
Like they say, "Ride the horse the direction it's going!"
Everyday, it seems, I change the title on the novel I'm writing on impoverished seniors. Right now,
it's Slum Resort, Seniors Living One Step to the Left of Homeless. But that will probably change. The second one,
another humorous romance, is easier to name: Boogie, Boots, and Cherry Pie, Love on The Zoo's Third Floor.
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer!
7-05-10- Our neighborhood exploded with fireworks last night. It gets worse every
year. I feel so sorry for the pets that suffer from the loud noises. I no longer have a dog, but I used to have a white sheppard
who was so traumatized by the noise that he'd crawl into the fireplace. He was the best dog, I hated to see him suffer. In
those days, it wasn't nearly as bad as it is now.
Anyway, a belated Happy Fourth to everyone! I figure there was enough cordite in
the air from the fireworks last night to kill every mosquito for miles around. No fear of West Nile this year!
6-14-10- I hope you're having a wonderful summer! We had a sunny weekend in Washington
State. Everyone was running around like an ant who has finally found its way out of an empty paper sack. All over the neighborhood,
yards, flowerbeds, and plant containers were given a healthy dose of attention. Ours too. It was time. I've been fooled
by The Weather Goddess before, so I don't set out plants just because the calendar says it's the first day of spring. All
that really means around here is that it's safe to leave the garden hoses out over night--they probably won't freeze.
We also went to the first (for us) summer fair of the season. Maple Valley Days, set on Lake Wilderness
in Maple Valley is a whopper of a spring fair. Two of my friends who design jewelry were there, so I came away with a gorgeous
cobalt pendant to wear on a silver omega I have. I also got two small fabric turtle paperweights made entirely by hand. I'll
have to give them away because ths house has been full of turtles since A Three-Turtle Summer came out. Even my tape
dispenser is a turtle. I have very thoughtful readers!
The clouds are moving in now, and we won't have as much sun today as we had over the weekeknd, so it
will be a good day to get some writing done!
5-29-10- Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all of our men and women who have served
or are serving in our armed forces. Thank you for your service to our country.
When I was a kid in Oklahoma, I used to help my grandmother make red crepe paper roses to take to the
graveyards. No rain in Oklahoma to fade the flowers. We made an armload of them and I can remember going from grave to
grave with her while she told me about men in our family who had died years before I was even born.
As my mother aged, she was no longer able to go to the cemetary as her mother had. Once, she went several
days late and discovered flowers had been placed on all of the graves. Puzzled, she went home and wondered how they had gotten
there as most of the family had moved on and hadn't followed the custom.Later on, she discovered my cousin, Trude, had
visited the graveyard and fulfilled the family duties. My mom never stopped loving her for that. I haven't either.
5-17-10- I've lowered the price on my Kindle version of Bears in the Hibiscus
to celebrate the release of the paperback version. What fun! A sale! Amazon gave me a little control and I went crazy. Try
it. You'll like it, I promise! I don't mean you should try going crazy, just try the book...(I think I need another cup of
coffee.).
My canna(s?) didn't freeze. They were just late coming up. I'm really glad because I haven't seen any
in the nurseries around here.
Today, I'm working on my next silly romance, tentatively titled, "Boogie, Boots, and Cherry Pie".
It's a good day to work because it's going to rain and I won't be tempted to go out on my sundeck.
Have a great week, everyone.
5-14-10- I've just noticed that my Bears in the Hibiscus book is now available
on Barnes and Noble's online site. The others are there too, of course.
My book pins from Lithium Love are in. Rochelle did a great job. I'm attaching a photo above. I don't
have a plan yet to give them away...maybe with book purchase at street fairs this summer...
5-9-10- Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers. For Mother's Day, my husband buys me hanging baskets for under the
eaves. Sometimes, it's hard to wait but, this year, they would have frozen if we'd jumped the gun. From now on, they should
be safe.
In my flowerbeds, my cannas froze. I planted them in memory of my Aunt Vera, so I will replant if I can find some. I
put in three plants a few years ago (they're expensive) and hoped they'd spread. I guess not. This is not the climate for
cannas or crepe myrtle, but I keep trying anyway. It IS the climate for hibiscus--because I keep my plant in the house, lol.
Better get back to the flowerbeds, it's supposed to rain tomorrow...
4-28-10- Well, the paperback version of Bears in the Hibiscus is finally on Amazon. When Boogie, Boots,
and Cherry Pie comes out, I won't make that mistake again. Of course, it's not due until December 2010, so my memory
may not be that long! The book will be available on most other online sites soon. These things take time.
You know, I still don't have a title for my mainstream fiction novel (still in progress) about senior citizens? This
has never happened to me before. I usually have three or four possible titles for a book. It's not due for months, maybe I'll
figure something out...if I don't, there's going to be a very cranky cover designer in my future, lol.
The photo of skunk cabbage was taken over the weekend in Newport, Oregon. We made a quick run to eat some fresh crab
and soak in some sunshine. What a fun town! If you're looking for some great seafood, try Ocean Local and Sharks. YUM!
4-18-10- Well, DUH! I've been waiting for Amazon to post my book. They've been waiting for me to click the enable
button. Now that they have shown me where it is, maybe the book will be up this week (hope, hope, hope).
My book-signing at the Freighthouse Square was a huge success. Elfi Hornby and I sold a lot of books, saw many old friends,
ate some great food, and even talked to the politicians who stopped by. Elfi and I have been a team for years. We split a
table at book shows so we can help each other during lunch and coffee breaks. We're already planning the next one.
3-30-10- Yesterday, my first shipment of the paperback version of Bears in the Hibiscus
was delivered. I'll be mailing the reserved copies this week. Email me if you'd like an authographed copy, I have extra ones.
The book will also be available on Amazon (and other places) in a few days.
It's going to be a busy week--I'm also converting my Kindle book so the cover will match the paperback. It takes days
to get these changes made on websites, so I get a little stressed!
From what I hear, winter hasn't left a large part of our country yet. I'm aware that our people and people in other
parts of our glorious planet are still suffering, not only from bad weather, but much, much more. This has been a terrible
winter. Without going into details, let me just say my prayers and thoughts are with you.
I hope you have a pleasant and safe week. Hug your kids. Pet your dog. Life is good.
3-20-10- No, those are not my feet in the above photo! LOL! They belong to my husband. He works very hard and we spend
a lot of weekends hiding out with a good movie and an early bedtime.
Last night was my hometown's annual dungeness crab feed sponsored by our local Rotary. The event, to raise scholarship
money, is one of my favorites, and not just for the crab. I love to watch the couples dancing to the country/rock band in
their faded jeans and freshly pressed cowboy shirts. A lot of them look as if they passed their 50th wedding anniversary years
ago--they move so well together. This is a good place to live. A great place to raise kids. And a wonderful place to hide
out from that big city just to the north of us. You know, the one with all of the traffic???
3-18-10- Hello to the students in Texas who are using my writing for oral interpretation pieces. Let me know how it goes!
3-15-10- I'm still waiting for Bears in the Hibiscus to be released. Mother Nature sure wrecked havoc on the
east coast this year. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we got off easy. This is the first time in about four years that I didn't
have heavy snow pictures of my deck to post on my blog ( http://JanelleMerazHooper.blogspot.com ). Of course, winter isn't over yet, lol!
The new romance I'm working on, tentatively titled: Boogie, Boots, and Cherry Pie opens with a St. Patrick's
Day Party. I thought about posting it just for fun, but it is not due to be released until December 2010. That's a long time
away. I'll post it next March.
In the meantime, I wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day...watch out for that green beer!
2-20-10 Where does the time go? I'm still writing January on my checks. My Bears in the Hibiscus paperback isn't
out yet. Soon, I hope. I'm guessing the terrible weather back east has a lot to do with it. I've extended the pre-order date
a few days to compensate. See the pre-order page on this site for info on ordering.
Meanwhile, I'm moving along on the next humorous romance, tentatively titled: Boogie, Boots and Cherry Pie.
I love these silly stories; I'm a firm believer in humor when it comes to relationships.
I'm also working on a literary novel about senior citizens living just to the left of homelessness. Its inspiration is
a reaction to the problems senior citizens have growing old in this Land of Me society. So far, it has no title. Bette Davis
wasn't kidding when she said, "Old age is no place for sissies!"
1-19-10 Late-breaking news! My latest humorous romance, Bears in the Hibiscus, will be out in paperback soon.
Watch for it on Amazon.com!
12-15-09-Merry Christmas! I'm sitting around my office wondering if it's going to snow tonight so,
while I'm waiting, I added the Christmas chapter (Chapter 17, Ray Gets Lucky) to the sample chapters on my Bears in the
Hibiscus page. Check it out. It's a fun read!
11-24-09 Big news! You can now read Kindle books on your computer! Free download for
the feature: www.Amazon.com/KindleforPC. This is an exciting because now you can read books for the same low price a Kindle user can. I'll be writing about
this more as I become familiar with it.
Amazon has given me my own author's page. Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM23QO
10-17-09- If you're an author, check out the book pins on My
friends page. They're made by Diaz Dezigns. The link is on the page.
The big news this week is the book war between Amazon and Wal-Mart. Some of my book prices
may be lowered--scoop up the savings!
9-24-09- I was surprised to hear that yesterday was the first day
of fall. Can that be true? Where did summer go? I don't know about you, but I'm definitely feeling like I got cheated out
of a few hot dogs and watermelon slices. Of course, there's never enough watermelon, no matter what the season is.
I'm tickled to have so many new readers from a new source. A few months ago, I thought
phones were just for ordering pizza. Now, readers are coming up to me and showing me my books on their phone. Who knew? If
you have an iPhone or an iPod touch, give it a try.
The paperback version of Bears in the Hibiscus is being delayed, but I'm offering
it on this site in eBook form for $3.00. Of course, it is available also on the electronic devices.
I'm moving along on my two new novels. The working titles are The Zoo (a humorous
romance) and The Resort (a literary novel about seniors living on the edge of poverty). You won't see them by this
Christmas. Around here, I'm known as Rebecca of Rewrite Farm. I'll keep you posted.
Guess I'd better check in at The Resort or Zoo and get some work done...enjoy
the fall. It's not beach weather, but it does have its perks!
8-20-09- Another week almost gone. Time flies when you're writing
two books at once. I'm lying, LOL. I haven't done much on either book--maybe three thousand words. Our summer house projects
have taken up most of our energies. First, we painted the house. Then, next to the new house paint, the deck really looked
shabby, so we replaced it. Sounds so simple on paper, but I could tell you stories...thank goodness the work is done (except
for the construction clean-up) and even when I sneak out of bed at 3:00 AM to check, the solar lights on the deck posts are
twinkling away. Back to my keyboard. I've really missed it.
8-15-09- Yesterday, I spent some time with a group that has become
near and dear to my heart in the span of a few weeks. That's saying something because I don't just take up with anybody. Extreme
Networking 101 is a group you'll be reading more about from me. In our little podunk town they are putting big sister Seattle
to shame in public service. In one meeting alone, there were members having house parties, free haircuts, and car washes for
a needy family. A Woman collecting winter coats for the street people in Tacoma (I guess we don't have any homeless here in
little old Puyallup). And much more. I am flying fast and low, as usual, so I will keep you posted on their activities. Meanwhile,
I will be packing up books for raffle prizes and writing checks for their fundraisers. Ya think ya got it bad? I could tell
you stories. Look around. Help someone today. I have to put in a plug here for my favorite organization, our local foodbank.
You have one too, wherever you are. Sit down, Sally, and write them a check. Momma don't want no hungry kids on this planet!
7-24-09- I'm flying fast and low today, but I want to tell you that
I'll be attending Adventures in Literature on the 8th & 9th of August. There is more info near the bottom
of my homepage. All details aren't ironed out yet. I'll let you know when I do!
7-05-09- Free Pecan Pie is now available on Kindle
as well as paperback and eBook. Thank you all for your patience, I know I've taken up a lot of space whining about the project,
lol! I just like to have things done right, and even though I have driven everyone around me crazy, I think it has been worth
it.
Now, if I can just survive the Speed Spanish final, I can move on and spend the summer
writing. I have two new books started, and am anxious to see where they go (sometimes, the outline gets over run by the muse).
In the meantime, grab one of my books and head for the beach. Time is fleeting. Saturday,
I got a back-to-school email from Costco. Honest! How rude was that?! Augh!
7-03-09- As of this week, all of my books, except Free Pecan
Pie and Other Chick Stories, are available on Kindle. Of course, they are still available in paperback and eBook.
Grab one and run to the beach! The old duplicate copies have been removed.
As soon as I take the final for my Speed Spanish course, I'll be back in my comfort zone,
working on my new novels. I can't wait!
6-22-09- I now have four of my Kindle books reformatted.
However, there is a glitch in the computer system, and Amazon is showing both books of each title--the old
version and the new. I'm working to fix it. The fifth book, Free Pecan Pie and Other Chick Stories,
is in the works.
As of July 31, 2009, Tripod is using new software. I will leave this site in
place until I get everything moved over to the new one. My initial impression is that their new software is high on tech,
but lacking in design. I hope they read this.
6-16-09- A Kindle bit: Kindle is experimenting with
voice. There is a voice option where you can have the book read to you--it's not the author's voice, and
some of the words are mispronounced, but those kinks can be forgiven if you need an audio book.
I added the new, reformatted version of As Brown As I Want : The Indianhead
Diaries to Kindle yesterday. Look for the black cover with the brown font--the
older version is also still showing on the screen. I've added the link above the photo on this page--the software wouldn't
let me add it here.
6-03-09- Today, I've been on the site enlarging fonts. It's a long,
slow process, and it's only me here behind the curtain...those flying monkeys aren't worth a darn when anything needs to be
done...
5-30-09- Amazon is redoing its authors' blogs. Soon,
there will be an Author's Page with book info, bio, photo, and blog all in one place. So, again, I need an
author photo. Augh! I've been using the one I took months ago for everything, people are sick of it.
5-26-09- I've had a query as to why my audio stories
have been taken off my site. I deleted them because they stopped working, and I couldn't figure out how to repair them. someday,
when I have a fresh pot of coffee, I'll try again.
It now has the cover of the book on the first page, and the format
by Five Rainbows Services is beautiful. My turtles are so much happier. You can download a free sample onto
your Kindle. Try it, you'll like it, I promise!
Now, I'm moving onto As Brown As I Want: The Indianhead
Diaries. I've done my part. On the production side, the photo has been worked on for the cover. I've posted
it at the top of this page. It looks so much better.
I never thought this would take so much time! But it has been worth
the effort, and I've learned a lot about Kindle production!
Three more books to go! Meanwhile, I'm working on three more books,
two romances and a literary.
5-14-09 I just checked, and my first versions of my first four books
are still on Amazon. They're okay, just not as well formatted as my new book, Bears in the Hibiscus.
I have re-submitted A Three-Turtle Summer, and am waiting for Amazon
to switch it on. The others are still in the formatting process. I'm tickled with the improved cover that Five
Rainbows Services has done for As Brown As I Want: The Indianhead Diaries. The
photo of my cousin and I looks like it was taken yesterday. The original photo was faded and blurry.
By the way, on the Three-Turtle Summer
page, Amazon is still listing my Brown book with the title of Devil's Rope: The Indianhead
Diaries. This was the original title, but it was changed before I published the book. Somehow, I forgot to change
it, and I don't think I can now. It is the same book, just the wrong title.
Latest news: Dear Reader, I have temporarily removed my first four
books (everything but Bears in the Hibiscus) from Kindle to have the format re-done. I think you'll be pleased
with the new format that will match the Bears in the Hibiscus book. This change requires a lot of work from
me before it is sent to be formatted--I'm working as fast as I can. A Three-Turtle Summer should be ready the first
of June, and the rest soon after.
Also, I have eliminated the cd edition of Bears in the Hibiscus
and am now offering it by email only (except for Kindle sales). This new price will make it more affordable for a wider range
of readers. Enjoy!
Late news: Some of you may have noticed that my latest book
has gone straight to eBook and Kindle. Although I love the traditional books, the world of publishing is changing. I
may publish my new romance, Bears in the Hibiscus, as a paperback later on. I'll let you
know! Janelle
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