Hi, all!
I’m excited to announce that Keowee Valley will be on sale for only $1.99 at the Amazon Kindle Store, this Friday, March 22 through 7 p.m. Monday, March 25th! If you’ve got reader-friends or family looking for a new read, I hope you’ll share the news.
In addition, tomorrow (Friday, Mar. 22), my publisher is running a Goodreads campaign for Keowee Valley. This means that there’ll be a Q & A with me that any Goodreads user can log into, to ask any questions you want. Goodreads will also feature two book giveaways.
If you’re not a Goodreads user, it’s free to sign up. Goodreads is basically the world’s largest online book club, and a great place to chat, list, and learn about books.
I really hope you’ll take part!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Goodreads Campaign & a Little Help from my Kin
If you’ve been reading along you’ll know that I’m due to have my second child in early May. Okay, so you’ve probably heard me wax poetic about the glories of pregnancy. Especially the 3rd trimester. I am Earth Mama. Hear me roar.
Sorry. It’s okay to be seriously sarcastic on a Monday morning, right?
Because of the impending arrival of Baby 2, my mom and my aunt arrive today to spend most of the week with us. They painted the nursery when my (now) 3 year-old was on her way, and we had a great week together. They worked hard! We also ate yummy food and drank wine. (Okay, they drank wine. But I sniffed it.) I can’t tell you how nice it is to have family pitch in in times like these.
So, because they love me and aren’t tired of me yet, they’re coming back. We’re (okay, they’re) painting my 3 year-old’s new “big girl” room, where she’ll be moving so Baby 2 can take over her old digs. It’s a bigger room, and the previous owners of our house decided–for who knows what reason–to paint it a particularly dark shade of garnet, so it may take some elbow grease. I plan to ply my mom and aunt with wine and food all over again.
On another note, my publisher is going to be running a campaign for Keowee Valley on Goodreads this coming Friday, March 22. All day long readers and bloggers (whoever is interested) will be able to write to me with questions that I’ll answer in real time. (And I’m up for answering anything!) There’ll also be a book(s) giveaway. Along with this, I’ll most likely also be doing a blog tour, where I and Keowee Valley will be featured on several different blogs.
When I get the finalized details, I will post here and at my author web site. I love Goodreads, and I’d love to hear from you!
Sorry. It’s okay to be seriously sarcastic on a Monday morning, right?
So, because they love me and aren’t tired of me yet, they’re coming back. We’re (okay, they’re) painting my 3 year-old’s new “big girl” room, where she’ll be moving so Baby 2 can take over her old digs. It’s a bigger room, and the previous owners of our house decided–for who knows what reason–to paint it a particularly dark shade of garnet, so it may take some elbow grease. I plan to ply my mom and aunt with wine and food all over again.
When I get the finalized details, I will post here and at my author web site. I love Goodreads, and I’d love to hear from you!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Show & Tell Friday - The Ides of March Edition
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| The Death of Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini |
Mostly, though, we know of the “Ides” because of Shakespeare’s bloody and fascinating play Julius Caesar. (What, you’ve not read it since high school–or at all? Get thee to a library!) He gives us an up close and personal view of the B.C. formula for taking down a dictator.
And people think a study of history is worthless. Pshaw.
On to today’s edition of “Show & Tell Friday.” Last week, I gave you a new book, a poem, and some great music. Today I’ve got some good stuff to share, too:
My grandmother was one of those “girls,” so this book holds special meaning for me and my family–especially my mother and her three sisters. My Grandmama Jean moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, just out of college, recruited to work there in the war effort. As a family, we’ve returned many times to “the Secret City” where my mom and aunts were raised, and where my grandparents met–he a scientist on the Manhattan Project (the atomic bomb). My sister and I bought this book for my mom as an early Mother’s Day present. I hope she reads fast, so I can get it next.
2) Have you heard yet about the “Harlem Shake,” a YouTube dance craze sweeping pretty much the world lately? Sure, it’s becoming a bit passe, but still a whole lot of fun to watch. Check out the students at Clemson University doing their version:
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| www.aotc.org |
Brevard has become a mecca for road and mountain bikers alike; many of my friends and neighbors have become honestly obsessed with the sport, going on long rides every weekend and even weekdays. They are most definitely, as my buddy and neighbor Adria says, “All eat up with biking.”
4) And finally, some quotes for your Friday. Because I can’t resist quotes. I papered the walls of my college dorm room with quotes. (Apologies to Lisa, my roommate who put up with them.)
In addition to holding the Ides of March, the month of March is also home to Women’s History Month and Albert Einstein’s birthday. So, in honor of both these lauded events, some sayings:
“It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.” ~ Susan B. Anthony
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” ~ Dolly Parton
“About age thirty, most women think about having children and most men think about dating them.” ~ Judy Carter
“Please know that I am aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When the fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”~ Amelia Earhart
“I’d much rather be a woman than a man. Women can cry, they can wear cute clothes, and they’re first to be rescued off sinking ships.” ~ Gilda Radner
And these from Albert Einstein …
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”
“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Happy weekend, y’all!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Perfect Obituary
If you've not caught wind of this obituary that a Mississippi daughter wrote for her 80 year-old father, who passed away Saturday, you should.
The obituary has gone "viral," sweeping the Internet and making folks laugh, nod in agreement, and probably tear up a bit, all over the country. Not only is the daughter obviously a gifted writer, she obviously knew her daddy like no one else. The obit is full of sass and fun, love, care, and has that unmistakable sparkle that comes with being utterly genuine.
My husband told me about it on the phone today. Before he hung up, he said, "You'll wish you'd written it."
My favorite paragraph:
"He despised phonies, his 1969 Volvo (which he also loved), know-it-all Yankees, Southerners who used the words "veranda" and "porte cochere" to put on airs, eating grape leaves, Law and Order (all franchises), cats, and Martha Stewart. In reverse order. He particularly hated Day Light Saving Time, which he referred to as The Devil's Time. It is not lost on his family that he died the very day that he would have had to spring his clock forward. This can only be viewed as his final protest."
A big ol' pat on the back to Amanda Lewis for writing something that so many folks are enjoying, and for honoring her daddy, Harry, so well.
To read the whole thing in the Sun-Herald, click here.
The obituary has gone "viral," sweeping the Internet and making folks laugh, nod in agreement, and probably tear up a bit, all over the country. Not only is the daughter obviously a gifted writer, she obviously knew her daddy like no one else. The obit is full of sass and fun, love, care, and has that unmistakable sparkle that comes with being utterly genuine.
My husband told me about it on the phone today. Before he hung up, he said, "You'll wish you'd written it."
My favorite paragraph:
"He despised phonies, his 1969 Volvo (which he also loved), know-it-all Yankees, Southerners who used the words "veranda" and "porte cochere" to put on airs, eating grape leaves, Law and Order (all franchises), cats, and Martha Stewart. In reverse order. He particularly hated Day Light Saving Time, which he referred to as The Devil's Time. It is not lost on his family that he died the very day that he would have had to spring his clock forward. This can only be viewed as his final protest."
A big ol' pat on the back to Amanda Lewis for writing something that so many folks are enjoying, and for honoring her daddy, Harry, so well.
To read the whole thing in the Sun-Herald, click here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
What a Weekend!
Just wanted to share a photo of the incredible Cherokee (or pre-Cherokee) arrowhead presented to me by a reader at a book event over the weekend. The picture doesn't do it justice--it is truly cool.
On a side note, I tend to wear this maternity turtleneck quite a bit, don't I? And I look tired. It's time to wear makeup.
For a full recap of the weekend's book events (two held on the very land where Keowee Valley is set), and news about future book travel, click here.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Books, Music & More: Show & Tell Friday
Last week, I inaugurated “Show & Tell Friday” here at The Writing Scott and over at my author website.
I dug it. I’m doing it again.
First up, my dear writer-friend Christine Byl’s debut book of nonfiction: Dirt Work: An Education in the Woods. I was lucky enough to get to know Christine back in 2008, when we spent a month as writing fellows at the Vermont Studio Center. We talked the wonders of Alaska, and she lent me her cross country skis. She is good people.
I know from personal experience reading her work that she’s an incredible talent. This is a book worth buying! It releases April 16, 2013 from Beacon Press, but you can reserve your copy now at Amazon and other stores, including your local independent bookstore.
By the way, that’s her in the wheelbarrow on the cover!
Next, a poem to share: “Waking,” by Stephen Dobyns. This was Monday’s featured poem on my daily dose of The Writer’s Almanac (which can show up in your Inbox, too, dear reader, if you only sign up). I am an awful poet, yet I adore poetry. And this poem just touched me with its gorgeous familiarity. It’s about marriage, and family, and it says so many of the things I’d like to say if I could.
Then, for you Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee readers–heck, anyone in the near-enough area–there’s some great music being created in my neck of the woods. This time, by two of my favorite people: Bradley Carter and H.R. Gertner, guys I worked with in my college days at an outdoor adventure camp in the mountains. Back then, I got to listen to these two pick, play, and sing on Sunday nights around a roaring campfire. (They’re also mad climbers and paddlers.) Check them out on Facebook!
Now they’re sharing their talents with the world. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for dates when they’re playing near you. Bradley will be coming home to Brevard, N.C. on April 16, 2013, to play at 185 King Street!
Finally, I’ll be signing copies of Keowee Valley and chatting with readers this Saturday, March 9 at the Oconee Heritage Center in Walhalla, S.C., from 2 – 3 p.m. My visit coincides with Old Time Music Day, so there should be a lot of great sounds coming from this fabulous little museum. (There’re also two incredible 18th century, preserved Cherokee canoes–pulled from nearby rivers–to check out at the OHC, along with all kinds of other cool stuff.)
Happy Friday, everyone–hope it’s a great weekend for us all!
I dug it. I’m doing it again.
I know from personal experience reading her work that she’s an incredible talent. This is a book worth buying! It releases April 16, 2013 from Beacon Press, but you can reserve your copy now at Amazon and other stores, including your local independent bookstore.
By the way, that’s her in the wheelbarrow on the cover!
Next, a poem to share: “Waking,” by Stephen Dobyns. This was Monday’s featured poem on my daily dose of The Writer’s Almanac (which can show up in your Inbox, too, dear reader, if you only sign up). I am an awful poet, yet I adore poetry. And this poem just touched me with its gorgeous familiarity. It’s about marriage, and family, and it says so many of the things I’d like to say if I could.
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| Bradley Carter |
Finally, I’ll be signing copies of Keowee Valley and chatting with readers this Saturday, March 9 at the Oconee Heritage Center in Walhalla, S.C., from 2 – 3 p.m. My visit coincides with Old Time Music Day, so there should be a lot of great sounds coming from this fabulous little museum. (There’re also two incredible 18th century, preserved Cherokee canoes–pulled from nearby rivers–to check out at the OHC, along with all kinds of other cool stuff.)
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| 18th c. Cherokee canoes - Oconee Heritage Center |
Happy Friday, everyone–hope it’s a great weekend for us all!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Going Home
Oh, I had the loveliest time yesterday down in Greenville, S.C. (I say “down” because I drive down through the Blue Ridge Mountains of N.C. and S.C. to get there from my house) at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s Adult Group.
I got to share so many memories of growing up at Aldersgate UMC, and then talked about Keowee Valley and my research and writing process. There were lots of great questions at the end; and, after, a delicious lunch! I’m so thankful to Director of Children & Leisure Ministries, Ruth Hughes, for putting it all together and inviting me to come.
This was a particularly special book event because I grew up at Aldersgate: I was a member there from the time I was two years old until just last year, when we finally transferred our membership to the church we’d been attending in the mountains. I played on the basketball team, was involved in youth fellowships, went to vacation bible school, acted and sang in church plays–all the good stuff. So it was just like going home.
Last week, I was the guest author at a book club in the neighborhood where I grew up, which was another special treat. I got to sit at a gorgeously appointed table with a fabulous group of women readers, eat delicious dessert and talk all about Keowee Valley, Quinn, Jack, Ridge Runner, and the rest. Such fun!
Tomorrow, I’m headed to another book club–one of which my own mother and one our dearest family friends are members. I know it’ll be a blast.
After this, I’m slowing down quite a bit in my book travels. Being 31 weeks pregnant takes a toll on a girl. But I plan to pick back up in late summer, after my baby is born and my whole family is settled into life in a whole new world.
This was a particularly special book event because I grew up at Aldersgate: I was a member there from the time I was two years old until just last year, when we finally transferred our membership to the church we’d been attending in the mountains. I played on the basketball team, was involved in youth fellowships, went to vacation bible school, acted and sang in church plays–all the good stuff. So it was just like going home.
Last week, I was the guest author at a book club in the neighborhood where I grew up, which was another special treat. I got to sit at a gorgeously appointed table with a fabulous group of women readers, eat delicious dessert and talk all about Keowee Valley, Quinn, Jack, Ridge Runner, and the rest. Such fun!
Tomorrow, I’m headed to another book club–one of which my own mother and one our dearest family friends are members. I know it’ll be a blast.
After this, I’m slowing down quite a bit in my book travels. Being 31 weeks pregnant takes a toll on a girl. But I plan to pick back up in late summer, after my baby is born and my whole family is settled into life in a whole new world.
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