A Holiday Message from Write Words, Inc;

        Seasons of Life

The days turn from cold and dark,
     Linger but a moment, then flee...
Toward spring’s renewal where mockingbirds squabble
   as their nestlings cry to be fed
where baby rabbits are kissed by a curious cat
   As they explore tall, thick grasses.

Another year flies, almost unnoticed.
   Warm summer days slide by in peaceful enchantment
While, concealed in his copse, the hedgehog watches.
   Two cats dream together on a porch swing...
then waken to bat at butterflies, stretch, and lick their paws
   Attending to cat business, as our days hurry toward a golden fall.
 
Warm friends and family make the colder days
   a shiver of delight. We know moments of endless joy
and gather close, to share heartfelt thanks
   for all those we know and cherish,
We share cinnamon rolls, strawberry pie, and
   Warm conversation, with our Sunday Football...

Our years pass quickly, as if they’re but a moment,
   Then the Winter Solstice arrives and the earth
rights itself upon its axis once more
   We turn toward life, with widened eyes,
While lengthening days bring a dusting of snow, 
   pitted with little cat feet.

Joyful holiday bells ring while laughter peals
   filling the air with the sights and sound of love and joy
We share tradition, good news and warm hugs
   While cats ignore new toys to play with paper and ribbon
Our days move toward the light, and we nod together, 
   peacefully sleeping away our winter...like bears.
           
                               — Arline Chase
                                    Thoughts upon a Winter Solstice, 2014

News from Jack

and Happy Hollidays from all of us!

Sorry, I haven't been keeping you informed. But not to worry. Everything is okay now. At least I think so.

I have to admit it, I was scared. When one of the food persons leaves the house and doesn't come home for three whole days it will give any kitty the tummy-flutters. Roger said Arline was in the hospital, but I knew that coudldn't be right. That's where they take me for my shots and she's had all hers.

She's home now and looking the same, giving out goodies and cat nip, like she always does, but HE still looks worried. Both of them were real sick for awhile. They got something called "fluSHots" that worked overtime. Anyway she wrote her Winter Solstice poem a couple of weeks back and planned to post it on the 21st as usual. But  by then she was gone so she never had a chance.

She writes one every year. I'm in this one again, I think. Sigh! Really, I can't say much for it. To be honest, I don't care much for her poetry. I like a poem to rhyme, myself.  Now, THE CAT IN THE HAT!  Well now, THAT was poetry!

Anyway, she said to tell everyone to have a great Holiday and she will be back to answer your questions as soon as she can.

Meanwhile, they won't let her to anything. The minute she makes a move, Everyone YELLS, "Sit Down, MOM! Let us do that."

So you all celebrate with your family and friends. Enjoy your treats. Pet your pets and snuggle with your loved ones until we can get back to you.

Your friend,

     JACK!

Catching UP!

NO Books  went to press or back to press this week:

But we are celebrating here at Write Words, Inc. just the  same.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  

To Barbara Garro, 

who is a finalist in the EPIC Awards this year for:

We are all so proud of Barbara. 

Galleys that went out, are still out, or went out again, this week:

 

 

Galleys that went out, are STILL out, or went out again, this week:

THE BOY WHO COULD STOP TIME: The Ancient Magic Series, Vol. 1, By Evelyn Frederick Moll
   After strange feelings surround Josh Sparkins when he hears an old time adage, he figures out
he has the ability to stop time. This exciting ability offers Josh opportunities for adventure,
fun, and even revenge. However, when he realizes he ages at an accelerated pace when he
stops time, he fears he may be heading for his final days.

Work began or Continued on the following books:    

 

PIRATES OF THE EASTERN SHORE, by Andy Nunez

 

   Another in Andy Nunez's popular Eastern Shore Series. This one explores Pirates treasure buried along the Atlantic seaboard, visits to the Delmarva Penninsula by Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, to the Oyster Wars of the 20th Century.

THE BOY WHO COULD UNDERSTAND ANIMALS:  The Ancient Magic Series, Vol. 2. 

by Evelyn Frederick Moll

   It was a normal, hot summer day for Josh Sparkins…lazily swinging in a hammock and thinking about the upcoming school year. Then thoughts of his Gramps’s Ancient Magic book pop into his head. Remembering his recent use of his time-stopping ability and aging a year in the process brings a chill to the air.
When Josh’s mom brings home a puppy from the Humane Society and Josh suddenly understands what the puppy is “saying,” his boring summer turns into a mysterious adventure. Josh understands Gina’s barking sounds and finds out other pets are being kidnapped.

 

THE KIDNAPPING OF SEN. ANDY THOMPSON: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2. 

   by Celine Rose Mariotti
  

    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

  

 

ROYAL PRINCESS: WIFE AND MOTHER, Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 1 by Anna Dynowski  

    Prince Stefano, Crown Prince of Mondoverde, never shirks the responsibilities attached to his privileged position. Born to reign and trained from birth, he accepts his life is not his own and does not complain about his duties to the House of Graziani, at least, not publically. But now he must wed and produce the next heir to the throne. Can he find a woman who is willing to take him on, embrace the public life of a royal princess, and produce the required heir? 

 

 

Earthquake in Messina Italy, in the early 20th Century

STORYBOOK II, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

      Within the pages of this book are stories that my mother once told me; of certain incidences that she remembered. But mostly it is compiled of the memories that were a part of all our lives.
    There were happy times and there were sad times. It was a time of struggle, of prosperity, of joblessness, of wondering where the next paycheck would come from.  Times when a “breadwinner” didn’t have the money to buy a quart of milk, put bread on the table, or a dime to ride the trolley to work. Even a time when the poor didn’t know they were poor. But always, a family that stood together no matter what problems they were facing.  
 

 
THE MURDER OF SEC. JUDD KANE: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2. 

   by Celine Rose Mariotti
  
    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

REVEREND CASTLE'S CRISIS, Rev. Castle series, Vol. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
 
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.

BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendal Mystery Series, Vol. 1
   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat, 
gossip columnist, and feline friend.

Don't miss Joan C. Cannon's poetry reading. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with her and her friend at 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT call the number below for tickets and Enjoy!

I have to tell you humans are no fun when they are sick. I always knew they were peculiar -- after all, they wash BEFORE they eat! But all this sleeping and moaning is getting to be pretty tiresome. Not to mention  that they ignore me. 

Well, I've done my best. I offered to share all my favorite toys, even the ones with catnip.  But nobody would play with me...I hope things get better soon. 

Don't forget me IF you are going to have a book signing somewhere, 

make a personal appearance, or are 

planning a launch party where you live, 

please let ME KNOW. Just put 

 NEWS FOR JACK, in the subject line, 

and we will be sure your news 

 is included here in the blog and posted on Facebook!

Arline has caught Roger's Cold. She is no help to me at all in the office this week.  Sorry, I'll get her whipped into shape, soon.

                                   JACK

Young Attorney Brooke Wheeler searches for a truth buried under the surface and suppressed by long held secrets. She has been in love with the wealthy heir, Jeremy Wright, who has long been suspected of killing his high school girlfriend, Lindsey. Years later, those suspicions deepen when his wife, Cassie, suddenly dies. Once inseparable, Brooke and Cassie severed their friendship years ago. Now Brooke will no longer be able to reconnect with her, repair their rift and heal the scars.

Eggnog/Rum Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 ounce) box yellow cake mix (2 layer size)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup  rum or 1 tablespoon rum extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
  
• can White Frosting
• 2 tbsp Rum
• 4 tbsp Half & Half

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
   
2. Grease bundt pan well.
   
3. Press almonds onto bottom of pan.
   
4. Mix other ingredients well, for five minutes.
   
5. Pour into pan.
   
6. Bake at 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean.
   
7. Let cool for 10 minutes and then invert onto a plate.
    
   Icing
    
   1. Open canned frosting and place in a small bowl.
    
   2. Add Half and Half and Rum and blend until even consistency
    
   Pour over the COOLED Bundt cake, then refrigerate until Icing sets.

Catching UP!

Books that went to press or back to press this week:

PERIPHERAL VISION, by Joan L. Cannon. 
   A collection of widely published and, in some cases, award-winning short stories from well-respected novelist Joan L. Cannon. All the stories contain rich detail of both language and imagery.

   They are wide-ranging, with a variety of characters, experiences, and settings and are told in a unique style that is well-seasoned with both wit and insight.

 

A VANISHING BREED, by Tom Ward, Jr.
    The story of Medic 1260 continues in the second book of the "Volunteer" series.

 

Galleys that went out, are STILL out, or went out again, this week:

 

THE BOY WHO COULD S TOP TIME: The Ancient Magic Series, Vol. 1, By Evelyn Frederick Moll
   After strange feelings surround Josh Sparkins when he hears an old time adage, he figures out
he has the ability to stop time. This exciting ability offers Josh opportunities for adventure,
fun, and even revenge. However, when he realizes he ages at an accelerated pace when he
stops time, he fears he may be heading for his final days..

THE BOY WHO COULD UNDERSTAND ANIMALS:  The Ancient Magic Series, Vol. 2. 

by Evelyn Frederick Moll

   It was a normal, hot summer day for Josh Sparkins…lazily swinging in a hammock and thinking about the upcoming school year. Then thoughts of his Gramps’s Ancient Magic book pop into his head. Remembering his recent use of his time-stopping ability and aging a year in the process brings a chill to the air.
When Josh’s mom brings home a puppy from the Humane Society and Josh suddenly understands what the puppy is “saying,” his boring summer turns into a mysterious adventure. Josh understands Gina’s barking sounds and finds out other pets are being kidnapped.

Work began or Continued on the following books:    

 

PIRATES OF THE EASTERN SHORE, by Andy Nunez

 

   Another in Andy Nunez's popular Eastern Shore Series. This one explores Pirates treasure buried along the Atlantic seaboard, visits to the Delmarva Penninsula by Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, to the Oyster Wars of the 20th Century.

 

THE KIDNAPPING OF SEN. ANDY THOMPSON: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2. 

   by Celine Rose Mariotti
  

    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

  

 

ROYAL PRINCESS: WIFE AND MOTHER, Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 1 by Anna Dynowski  

    Prince Stefano, Crown Prince of Mondoverde, never shirks the responsibilities attached to his privileged position. Born to reign and trained from birth, he accepts his life is not his own and does not complain about his duties to the House of Graziani, at least, not publically. But now he must wed and produce the next heir to the throne. Can he find a woman who is willing to take him on, embrace the public life of a royal princess, and produce the required heir? 

 

 

Earthquake in Messina Italy, in the early 20th Century

STORYBOOK II, by Elena Dorothy Bowman

      Within the pages of this book are stories that my mother once told me; of certain incidences that she remembered. But mostly it is compiled of the memories that were a part of all our lives.
    There were happy times and there were sad times. It was a time of struggle, of prosperity, of joblessness, of wondering where the next paycheck would come from.  Times when a “breadwinner” didn’t have the money to buy a quart of milk, put bread on the table, or a dime to ride the trolley to work. Even a time when the poor didn’t know they were poor. But always, a family that stood together no matter what problems they were facing.  
 

 
THE MURDER OF SEC. JUDD KANE: Adventures on Capital Hill Series, Vol. 2. 

   by Celine Rose Mariotti
  
    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have U.S. Senators who really did their job, got along well, and stood up for what was right? This is not your typical book about politics.  It’s the perfect U.S. Senate!  Throughout the book, there is an ongoing health care debate.  Senators Andy Thompson and Hunt Wagner lead the way with a resolution to try to stop President Robinson and Secretary von Schumann from sending troops to Botswana.  But a real adventure begins when Senator Thompson is kidnapped and Brian Travors, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is suspected of being involved.  Senators Hunt Wagner and Darius Clemens head a committee hearing to get to the truth.  President Robinson suffers a heart attack and Vice-President Barry Newman takes over temporarily.  This book is a real page turner!  Read it and you’ll have hope for tomorrow!

REVEREND CASTLE'S CRISIS, Rev. Castle series, Vol. 2 by Celine Rose Mariotti
 
   Rev. Castle is back in another cozy mystery.

BLEEDING HEARTS: Killian Kendal Mystery Series, Vol. 1
   Winner of the Stonewall Society's 2002 Pride in the Arts Literary Award in the Whodunit Category!

REAP THE WHIRLWIND: Killian Kendall Mystery Series, Vol. 2,  by Josh Aterovis.
   Suicide, or murder? That's the question in the second Killian Kendall mystery. Will Smith suspects murder when an old childhood pal drowns, and asks his friend Killian for help in solving the mystery.

TRUTH OF YESTERDAY,  by Josh Aterovis

ALL LOST THINGS, by Josh Aterovis

CHANGE  OF WORLDS, by Josh Aterovis

Jack's News!

  by your bookstore cat, 
gossip columnist, and feline friend.

 

Joan C. Cannon will be reading her poetry, along with other poets in her region, to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Best of Success to all of you. Have a great time and anyone who is in their neighborhood, 44 Upland Road, New Milford, CT call the number below for tickets and Enjoy!

   Arline she has been sleeping late in the mornings. I can wait for real breakfast at 8 like a gentleman, but I like my morning treats promptly at six and she completely ignores me when I try to wake her up.    

   Nothing works! Nose kisses only make her hide her face under the pillow.  Paw pats on the chin get no response at all. Eventually, I just have to stand on her chest. That always works every time. I'm just too big and important a boy to ignore.

And speaking of big, they have me on a diet! Arline says my hips are getting trimmer. Roger just gives her that indulgant look. Maybe he's right. I still weigh 18 pounds.

A Great Christmas Read, and a Viewpoint Question

By Lynn R. Hartz

Lydia was burned out by her work as a midwife until destiny called her to be an aid to the birth of Jesus. A moving, beautifully-written book about a witness to one of the most important periods in religious history.

Question from the e-mail:  I'm still confused about viewpoint.  I remember you said in class that it was the hardest thing of all that you had to learn. My current teacher keeps saying, "Whose eyes are you seeing through?" But all the people who are present can see the same thing.

Answer: A short story should always be told from only one viewpoint.

In novels if you are in first person, the viewpoint character is always the "I" narrator. 

If you are writing a novel in third person, the the viewpoint can change at chapter and scene breaks.

Writing teachers often say, “Whose eyes can see that?” But that confused me for a long time, too. The best explanation I’ve found is: Whose body are you inside? If you can imagine yourself inside the character's body, that is your viewpoint character. You can only tell the reader what that character sees with his eyes, hears with his ears, and feels with his heart.

If you want to tell the reader what someone other than the viewpoint character thinking, then you can have the viewpoint character see his reaction on his face or in his body language. What you can't do is tell the reader what that Other character is thinking and feeling. Only the viewpoint character can have thoughts and feelings in a particular scene.

I didn't make up these rules and I know many authors ignore them. Many successful authors ignore them. But critics will always notice...

The viewpoint character should always be the first person mentioned in a new scene or chapter. IF you name first someone  whose body you are not inside, then you will confuse the reader.

Free read for the holidays!

Any book with No Price listed on the website at
http://www.writewordsinc.com

IS FREE for the Holidays!

Just order it as usual and you will not be charged.

by Eugene Field

A children's Christmas anthology of stories and verse by one of the masters. Includes "Christmas Hymn," "The First Christmas Tree," and "Star of the East."

Blueberry Scones

Ingredients 

Original recipe makes 1 dozen 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, chilled and diced OR softened (but not liquified) in the microwave

• 1 cup fresh, canned, or frozen blueberries
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 grated zest of one orange
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
• 1 egg

• PREP
  20 mins
• COOK
  20 mins
• READY IN
  40 mins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, toss cranberries with sugar; add to flour mixture along with orange peel and nuts. Mix lightly.
4. In another bowl, beat together cream and egg; slowly pour into dry ingredients, mixing with rubber scraper until dough forms. Knead dough 4 or 5 times, being careful not to over handle.
5. Spray muffin tins with non-stick spray.  Spoon  dough into muffin tin at about half to 3/4 full.
6. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.