Book Blurb Friday #9

Just want to say thanks to the new followers! I appreciate it.

It’s Book Blurb Friday #9. Hosted by Lisa Ricard Claro, write a book blurb jacket in 150 words based on the photo (this one by her daughter, Christina Claro). Head to Lisa’s blog for BBF directions.

What? 49 words:

Through Her Glasses

Obermoeller’s mother always told her she looked at life through rose colored glasses. She didn’t get it since she never wore glasses. But as Obermoeller moved into adulthood—her vision more clear—those rose colored glasses turned blue. Read the colorful memoir where one sees more than rose.

Self-Worth

Dear Mom,

Your granddaughter Rita sent me the sweetest handwritten letter last week. She's a JV Coach for the Parkway South Ladies Lacrosse team. She had been reading a book, Successful Coaching by Rainer Martens and had come across a few quotes from the book that she wanted to share with me as she said she thought of me when she read them.

I think she was trying to be kind and remind me of what I need to apply for myself. Here is part of what she quoted, "Of all the judgments that we pass in life, none is as important as the one we pass on ourselves, for that judgment touches the very center of our existence."

I would say Rita knows me quite well in that I am my own worst critic and the not-so-kind judge of myself. I'm not sure where it comes from or why I do it--the only thing I do know is that I must stop it. There was something about reading that quote that hit me.

I love how my children are able to tell me such intimate things whether about themselves or how they think of me. I wonder whether I would have had that same kind of relationship with you had you been around when I became an adult. Either way, it doesn't matter. What matters is that I work on the relationships that I have going on now--and especially with myself.

Book Blurb Friday #8

It’s Book Blurb Friday #8. Using the photo, write a book blurb jacket under 150 words. Hosted by Lisa Ricard Claro—head to her blog for BBF directions. This photo was taken by Sioux Roslawski.

My attempt at 93 words:


Who Killed Snob?

All this fuss embarrassed Obermoeller when the community erected a statue in honor of her unending service devoted to helping animals.

“How dare you call me a slut.”
“Well just look at yourself.”
“It’s because I have a big heart, not because I’m ready to show my breast.”

The conversation turned heated when James Snob couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Would Obermoeller remain calm? Or would the arm of the statue prove evidence when Snob found himself bludgeoned to death? Could Obermoeller prove her innocence or did the community now see another side?

Escape Artist Smeagol

Dear Mom,

I was working on my manuscript when I caught this blurry white and black thing run across the deck. I jumped up to see our Smeagol crouched down being a big scaredy cat. I opened the screened door and said, "Get in here. You're not supposed to be outside." Smeagol is an inside cat, but he's figured out how to get out.

We have a screened in porch where Smeagol likes to watch birds and other wild life. There was a little tear in the bottom right corner of the screen door. Smeagol worked his way through it. My husband replaced the screen, but Smeagol created another hole and got out. My husband replaced the screen again and he made another hole and escaped. Then my husband replaced it again - this time with a heavier duty something or another. But that didn't work either. Now we need to get some kind of metal piece to put on the lower half of the screen or get a brand new door where the bottom isn't a screen.

There is another door on the other side of the porch and I wondered why Smeagol didn't try to make a hole in that one when we had blocked the other door.

Smeagol's smart, but apparently not that smart. But he is darn cute.

Book Blurb Friday #7

It’s Book Blurb Friday #7. Check out Lisa’s blog for BBF directions. Using the photo, write a book blurb jacket under 150 words. This photo was taken by yours truly, which actually made writing this blurb harder for me. Go figure.

Here it is in 113 words (my lengthiest word count!):

Silence at Slide Rock

Park Ranger Obermoeller walked the hills of Slide Rock State Park for 35 years, never tiring the beauty of the once historic apple farm. Critters scurried about, birds sang all year round and Obermoeller took pleasure listening to it all. Never had the park been void of sound. That is until June 13, 2002 when even the rushing sound of water that made its way down the smooth red rocks—what the park was popular for—flowed without sound. What caused this mysterious phenomenon? Had it affected the entire world or just Slide Rock State Park? Read what Ranger Obermoeller discovered as she made her way down the eerily silent flow of water.


Note: My photograph was included in St. Louis Writers Guild’s photo of the month (July 2009) and you can read my little blurb that goes with the photo, if you want. Or check out the website of Slide Rock State Park located in Sedona, AZ.

Missouri Writer's Guild "Just Write" Conference

Dear Mom,

This past weekend I attended the Missouri Writer’s Guild “Just Write” Conference. My mind is still processing it all. It made me think about myself as a writer and what direction I want to take.

I volunteered to be a shepherd (another name for assisting) for one of the speaker’s—Cindy Lovell. She is a Twainiac—a lover of Mark Twain. It oozes out of her in a lovely, fun way. I can’t wait to start reading more Mark Twain. As Cindy’s shepherd, I was honored to introduce her for her workshop, “Get Your Facts First…” “…and then you can distort them as much as you please.” It saddened me when it was over. I could have listened to her all day. I’m excited to read Cindy’s books too. Having the pleasure of getting to know her and hanging with her was worth going to the conference. Seriously.

I also had the pleasure of introducing Dianna and Don Graveman for their breakout session—“Writing Pictorial Histories”—and can you believe, they have four books published! But the kicker is they did it in 18 months—three simultaneously. They shared much wisdom and with such grace.

Oh and there’s more. I introduced Margo Dill for her breakout session—“What Should I Write and When? Finding Subjects that Sell and the Time to Pursue Them”—Margo is so full of tips, she makes your head spin.

I attended Regina William’s, “Writing the Personal Essay,” and didn’t walk away disappointed.

Can’t forget C. Hope Clark (fundsforwriters.com) who started off the conference. Mary Troy—luncheon keynote speaker. Elaine Viets—banquet keynote speaker. They all wowed me.

My reading pile grew all weekend long.

I pitched my story idea to two fine ladies; Kristina Makansi (Blank Slate Press) and Susan Swartwout (Big Muddy). They were gracious and kind as I stumbled through the process. At least I failed in comfort.

Mom, I’m lucky to be surrounded by many fine writers that I can call friends who are supportive and encouraging. I hope they all know how much I appreciate them.

I also hope everyone knows how much I appreciate the hard work that went into the conference. Mom, the Conference Chair, Debbie Marshall I bet no one knew she was suffering with severe back pain because she was all smiles and helpful at every turn. A huge success I'd say and I'm glad I went—now I have work to do!

Check this out

My blogger friend at Liberal Sprinkles has a worth while blog to read, so head on over to get all the details of this awesome project that is taking place.

Book Blurb Friday #6

It’s Book Blurb Friday #6. Check out Lisa’s blog for BBF directions for this meme to write a book blurb jacket in 150 words. Sandra Davies provided this week’s photo.

Okay, I did two. I stink at this. Double stink. Combined my word count still didn't make 150.

What Happened When He Left? (61 words)
He couldn’t leave his New York City home nor could she leave the quaint village on the other side of the world from his. They knew one day a decision would have to be made, yet neither budged. Obermoeller positive he’d come back, peered out the 2nd story window, watching, waiting. Would the only man she’d ever love really leave her?

One Eyed Killer (62 words)
Visiting from Las Vegas Obermoeller headed down the cobblestone path—the same one that kept others inside due to the one eyed serial killer that had been spreading terror for the past six months. What lurked around the corner as Obermoeller walked the small quiet village? Would Obermoeller be the next victim or was that glass eye really from his recent surgery?

And the photo for next week's blurb taken by yours truly:

Bunny Love

Dear Mom,

I did something the other day that I normally do not do. I bought something (not needed) for myself. I just couldn't help it. I went into this store looking for postcards. I walked around and spotted this cute little bunny. I picked him up and that was it... I knew I was going to buy him. I thought, oh he'll be sweet for one of the grandkids. After debating which grandkid, I knew that was an excuse—he was for me. But geez I didn't need a bunny. And yet, I couldn't put him down. I tried.

I stood at the counter waiting for the mother and her two kids to check out. The woman turned, a dreamy look in her eye. "Oh, that bunny. I saw him. Isn't he the cutest?" She knew what I was feeling.

I shook my head yes and squeezed it. I wondered if I was turning into a loony old lady. "I just can't put him down."

Paying the outlandish price for this silly bunny didn't faze me. My husband always jokes I'm so tight with money I squeak. And I squeak loudest with myself.

When I got home, I put bunny on the bed with the other two fellas (that husband bought for me) and I waited for Norm to notice. Surprisingly it didn't take him long.

"Where'd this come from?" Norm pointed to the bunny.

"Isn't he the cutest? I bought him for myself. I just couldn't help it. I don't know what's the matter with me."

"What'd that cost?" Norm secretly likes to hear my tales of bargains.

"I'm not telling." I felt shameful having spent good money on a stuffed animal. But one touch and I was doomed. I get over the shame once bunny is in my arms. Clearly the lady at the counter only looked at the bunny.

So, Mom did you ever do that? I think I got my squeakiness from you and I can't picture you buying anything (just for the heck of it) for yourself.

I wonder what I should name him, any suggestions?