Oh my gosh! It IS a murder mystery. And a bit of a western romance! And suspense. And action-adventure!

On finding the right audience for our books. . .

Dear friends,

Authors around the ‘nethood are conversing daily about how we can get our books into the hands of those readers who’ll love them and hopefully recommend them to their friends (no matter how they do that-—by tweeting, Facebooking, Goodreading, Google+ing, blogging or whatever.)

Did you think we just sit down, open up the laptop, and go?  Afraid not. I WISH we had the luxury of doing that. Writing is a business, and increasingly, a lot of our time is taken up with the promotional aspects of being an author. One thing we talk about a lot is finding the perfect audience for our book. The problem with that is that many of us write books that can be categorized in more than one genre.

My novel, Lone Star Death, for example, is basically a historical murder mystery, set in central Texas in the 1880s.

There is a murdered man (victim), a murderer, lots of suspects, a sleuth (Samantha Slater, the editor of the local newspaper), a method of murder (no spoilers!) and a sidekick (Tom Hill, her printer’s assistant).  I include several real places and people that lived in Austin during that time period, and researched the book for a year before sitting down to begin writing it. 

So, it’s a murder mystery, right? Well, yes, BUT, there’s also a whole lotta action/adventure. Think bush-whackings, a runaway horse, an overturned buggy,shootings—-you get the picture. So, my book is a murder mystery/action-adventure novel.

 

Most readers assume that anything written about Texas in the 1880s is a western. I have a wonderful, high-spirited horse, I have cowboys, a train station, a beautiful ranch, a rural small town outside Austin, a “house of ill repute” and the women who live there, market days, a school teacher with a great Victorian wardrobe, a general store, a great pearl-handled pistol, etc. And I’m eligible to join Western Writers of America based on this book. So, my book is a murder mystery, action adventure AND western.

And last, but not least, I have a love interest for Samantha—-Tom--who is plumb smitten with her, an older lady (mentor) who tries to nudge them into a relationship--and a handsome rival! (Ah yes, the doctor!) Not to mention the cowboy who’s impressed with Samantha’s horse riding ability. And, finally, there’s one of those happily-ever-after-moments (after the murder mystery is solved, of course). And there's the promise of a stronger future relationship.

Not to mention the nail-biting suspense. :-)

So—if you’re mostly a western romance book reader, would you give this book a chance?  If you like historical mysteries, would the fact that there’s also a bit of light romance turn you off?

Why all this analysis, you might ask?  Because, if I write another book in this series, it will be very important for me to position it for the right market.  And yes, some of those decisions come during the writing.

For now, I’m calling the book a historical murder mystery/western romance. And I hope readers who like "all of the above" will enjoy it.

Happy trails, and happy reading!

bobbi c.
http://bobbichukran.com

Where DO those story ideas come from, anyway?

Dear friends,


I think every author has been asked this question at least once -- where DO those ideas come from? Of course, being the wild card that I am, I'll make some smart-ass reply.  "Oh, I dig them up in the yard," or "I get them from the cat, he's really good at spinning tales."  Something witty like that.

Truth be told, though, most of my fictional stories are based on true-to-life occurrences.  Some might call me nosy; I prefer to think of it as being aware, paying attention, and being a good listener.  Nothing wrong with that, is there?  There are thousands of story ideas out there.  The key is to take something and make something else out of it.  Give it a different spin.  Start with a snippet of conversation, then imagine what might come after it. (Otherwise, you're writing non-fiction.)

For example, my newest e-story, Dewey Laudermilk and the Peckerwood Tree, (second in my new "Nameless, Texas" short story series) was inspired by true events.  I was sitting in my backyard under the shade tree, after a horribly hot day of gardening.  I heard someone rev up a chainsaw, which isn’t that unusual, given that we live in a ‘hood that’s covered with ancient pecan trees.  I could see the house catty-corner from us, a rental full of rednecks.  (I can call them that since I’m kin to rednecks, and have actually been called one myself.  For some of us, it’s a thing of pride.  Just sayin’.)  

Photos can be inspirations for stories, too.

Anyway, I noticed that there were quite a few of them, all standing around an ancient pecan tree—a perfect healthy one, by the way. And they were hacking at it to beat the band.  One was at the top, waving the chainsaw around like it was a popsicle stick.  I kept waiting for him to cut his head or some other appendage off, but he didn’t.  Over the course of an hour or so, he and his buddies cut the entire tree down, but not without a few mishaps along the way.  And this was not a tiny tree; this tree was at least three-stories tall.

Since I’m madly in love with these trees, it made me heart-sick to see the tree being cut down. I won’t even cut the dead ones unless I'm forced to do so, because there are so many bird families that live in them. Woodpeckers, for instance.  Thus the “peckerwood” in the story.

In my mind, I saw the elderly lady next door come out onto her porch, shake her head, look sad, and go back inside--and in my imagination, she turned into Dewey's grandma.

Badda bing, badda boom!  Story time!  I loped inside and grabbed a pen and piece of paper.  (I should know by now to keep a pad/pencil in my pocket, because lots of my story ideas come when I’m outside, slaving away in the sun.) I scribbled a few notes – “pecan tree, lady next door, idiots, telephone pole.”

I came inside, thought about it for a while, put the notes on The Pile, and took a shower.

That night, I sat down and launched into it.  I visualized the guys cutting down the tree, and it wasn’t long before the characters took off on their own.  A few times, I gave them a nudge, thinking, what’s the WORST THING that could happen here?  What would a group like this be saying to each other, or doing?

Since the theme of REVENGE figures a lot in my stories (I don’t do it on purpose; it just happens--really), I used that for my motive. I won’t say anything more, because I hate spoilers, and it would ruin the story for you. :-)

Here’s the lesson from all this – pay attention to what other people are doing.  Because people ARE stories.  Eavesdrop if you get the chance, and don’t ever dismiss everyday happenings as inspiration for stories.  Some of the best stories might come from a comment you overhear at the Dairy Queen. "I knew he was trouble when I first laid eyes on him." 
 Hmmm--now that has story potential. By the way, until they moved out (finally!), this crazy group was the inspiration for at least two more stories. Stuff I couldn't make up if I tried!

If nothing else, you’ll be amused, and you might even get a story out of it.

Oh, and the photo on the cover of the story?  That's a log from the pecan tree next door to me.  It was also cut down because the homeowner "got tired of picking up twigs in the yard."  Perhaps there's another story in THAT one.

Happy trails from Texas!

bobbi c.

Another New Nameless, Texas Short Story Published

The second in my Nameless, Texas series of short stories...

Dewey Laudermilk and the Peckerwood Tree

Now available on Amazon.com (introductory price of 99-cents!) 

for the Kindle & other devices using the free reading apps available there.

A short story inspired by true events (unfortunately)! :-)

The second short story featuring the quirky characters of Nameless, Texas, population 2,354.

When Dewey Laudermilk decides that his grandma’s old pecan tree has to come down, he won’t take no for an answer. Pretty soon, his hilarious redneck network is on hand to help with the process.

Dewey's Grandma is heartbroken because she remembers when she and her husband planted that old tree, home to a family of woodpeckers (called “peckerwoods” by Mr. Laudermilk).

After a series of unfortunate accidents, and a mysterious illness, Dewey is reminded that sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone.

This short story comes with a Bonus Recipe for Grandma Laudermilk’s Brown Sugar Glazed Pecans.

Thank you for supporting an independent author!

Happy trails from small-town Texas,

bobbi c.

Interviewed by Ann Marie Meyers in The Allure of Fairy Tales

Dear friends,

This morning I was honored to be interviewed by Ann Marie Meyers, author of the upcoming children's book, Up in the Air.

 The interview is all about "The Allure of Fairy Tales" and I talk about how my new middle grade novel, Princess Primrose and the Curse of The Big Sleep (and my other plays and stories based on classic tales) came to be.

 She asked some tough questions, but it was a joy to answer them.

Please read it when you get a chance.

http://www.annmarie-meyers.com/2013/06/the-allure-of-fairytales.html?spref=tw

Happily ever after,

bobbi c.

Now available for the Kindle! A new short story...

The first in my Nameless, Texas series of short stories...

Aunt Jewel and the Purloined Pork Loin

featuring Kendra Louise Harper

A Nameless, Texas Short story of 5,600 words.

With a Bonus Recipe for Aunt Jewel's Sweet 'n Tart Homemade Cranberry Sauce!

by Bobbi A. Chukran

Available NOW on Amazon.com for the Kindle, for only $1.49.

Free book chapters now available

...on my website!

Now you can read a free chapter from my 1880s Texas historical mystery novel, Lone Star Death, on my website.

AND you can also read a free chapter from my new fairy tale spoof for middle grade kids, Princess Primrose and the Curse of The Big Sleep.

I hope you enjoy them both!

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

Princess Primrose Featured on Kid's Book Blogs!

Dear friends,

I'm honored to be featured on the new website/blog for kid's books--EWords4Kids.

I'm also excited to announce that I'll be appearing later this month on two other author's blogs.

On the 22nd, I'll be interviewed on Ann Marie Meyer's blog.  Ann Marie is the author of a new book, Up in the Air, that will be released in July.

Then on the 24th, my new book will be featured in the spotlight on Marcy Blesy's Middle Grade Monday blog.  Marcy is the author of numerous books, including Confessions of a Corn Kid.

Please visit the blogs on those days and make comments. We love comments!

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

The characters speak....Moribunda McEvil

Dear friends,

The characters in my latest book, a new middle grade fantasy, Princess Primrose and the Curse of The Big Sleep, are certainly chatty!  So I decided to feature them, one by one, here on the blog and let them have their say.

Today, meet Moribunda McEvil.  She's sooo evil that she was elected the president of SOWWWW, Society of Wicked Witches, Wizards and Warlocks.

When Moribunda learns that her sister, Queen Floribunda, has a beautiful daughter (who's about to turn fourteen-years-old), she's fit to be tied!  She immediately sets out to whomp up a spell that will make the queen's life miserable.  Enter Snitch, the Tattle-Tale Fairy, and things get out of hand---in a BIG way!  Let's just say that misunderstandings lead to some hilarious unfortunate incidents!

Read the first chapter of Princess Primrose FREE here.  Now available on Amazon.com as an e-book (only $2.99) or paperback on sale June 15th!

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Now available on Amazon.com

ANNOUNCING...
PRINCESS PRIMROSE and the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP
A comedy fairy tale detective caper, suitable for all ages!

Dear friends,

I take the pleasure in announcing that PRINCESS PRIMROSE is now available for sale on Amazon.com for only $2.99 (introductory price).  The Kindle e-book can also be read on other devices by simply downloading the free apps software that Amazon provides.

Read a free excerpt or buy at Amazon.com

To read more about Princess Primrose, see previous blog posts.  A description of the story was posted yesterday, here:
http://bobbichukran.blogspot.com/2013/05/whats-princess-primrose-all-about-anyway.html

This was such an enjoyable journey from writing the original award-winning play (thank you, East Valley Children's Theatre!), to turning it into a book then deciding to illustrate it myself.  Now I'm on to the next book in the series---because you know, those characters are still frolicking around in my head!

By the way, if any of my readers are involved in school drama programs, church programs (yep, it's 100% family friendly) or library programs and want to produce the PRINCESS PRIMROSE play---just e-mail me here.

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

What's PRINCESS PRIMROSE all about, anyway?

I spent all day yesterday working on formatting "gremlins" and resizing the artwork in my upcoming PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP.  This is the stuff you wish you'd known before you spent a month making museum quality artwork.  Ha. Let's just say, if you can't see it on an i-Phone, it's too detailed for an e-book. For cryin' out loud!

Anyway, since I had to write a description of PRINCESS PRIMROSE before I upload it to Amazon.com, I decided to share it here.  Especially since everybody's been clamoring (OK, a few people asked) to know what it's all about. Here we go!  

Miss Slumberkins to the rescue. She has a unique talent; she can only reverse spells.  Sometimes.

PRINCESS PRIMROSE and the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP is a comedy fairy tale detective caper, suitable for all ages.


Moribunda McEvil (a wicked witch) is furious when she learns from Snitch, a tattle-tale fairy, that she has a beautiful niece (Princess Primrose) that she's never seen.  With the help of her sidekick Eargore (a spell gone really, really wrong), she quickly sets out to ruin Primrose's life by putting a sleeping curse on her.

In a fit of remorse, Snitch runs to the palace to warn Queen Floribunda and King Rosario about the curse (otherwise known as BLABBING), but in his hurry he misunderstands and gets everything wrong. 

The Queen hires S. White & R. Rapunzel, Inquiry Agents, to help.  But by the time they get to the palace, it's too late--Princess Primrose has had an accident and fallen into a Big Sleep. The case is dire!

With the assistance of their seven elven sidekicks (Nosy, Snoops, Sherlock, Stealthy, Creeper, Gumshoe and Marlowe), and a young witch who can only reverse spells (Miss Slumberkins), Snow White and Rapunzel Rapunzel search the kingdom for a Prince. What they end up with is a an enchanted frog who's afraid of germs (Prince Thaddeus A. Pole, AKA “Tad”), a motley assortment of enchanted creatures and Weasel the Wizard, who makes a bargain with the detectives for an essential potion that will save the day.

Filled with fun word play, misunderstandings and hilarious dialogue (and a happy, yet twisted ending), this story will delight anyone who still believes in magic.  No matter how old you are!

You'll never look at a frog the same way again.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Introducing...R. Rapunzel and S. White

Rapunzel Rapunzel and Snow White, Inquiry Agents---In Service to Her Majesty the Queen!

In PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP
by Bobbi A. Chukran
Author/Illustrator
 Based on the award-winning stage play for young adults

A crazy mixed up fantasy tale of one cursed sleepy princess, enchanted frogs, witches, wizards, jesters, a tattle-tale fairy, seven elven sidekicks and two intrepid girl detectives (one with really, really long hair).  What more could you ask for?

 Coming soon to a Kindle near you, in June (yes, really really soon!)

Artwork copyright Bobbi A. Chukran, 2013

I can't wait, can you?

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

It's Children's Book Week!

Celebrate by taking a child to a library, reading a book out loud to a child (doesn't have to be your own child!), or giving a gift of a book to a child.  It's all good!

And adults, how about reading a children's book---for yourself?  Many adults love to read children's picture books, middle grade or young adult novels.  

bobbi c.

Another sneak peek from my upcoming PRINCESS PRIMROSE

More art from my upcoming tween/middle grade novel, PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP.

Chester, from PRINCESS PRIMROSE.  Art by Bobbi A. Chukran

This is Chester the Jester, Queen Floribunda's right hand man.  He's a bit put out in this drawing.  :-)

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Introducing Thaddeus A. Pole, AKA Tad

Here's the newest from Grackle Stew Studio--Thaddeus A. Pole (AKA Tad), the enchanted frog prince!  He's having a bit of a hop today.  He's a tricksey fellow who was quite reluctant to show his little face around here.

From my upcoming illustrated novel for middle grades/tweens/young adults and adults who like crazy mixed-up fairy tale funny stuff---PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP---based on my award-winning play by the same title.

Stay tuned for more art and big big news!

Thaddeus A. Pole, AKA "Tad"---an enchanted prince/frog

BROP!

bobbi c.

It's research, I tell ya!

It seems authors and illustrators will do almost anything to get in the mood, get inspired, or fight procrastination.  We'll even resort to such hijinks like donning silly masks.  Thusly:

Let's just say I'm a bit tired after drawing all day.  I blasted through the PRINCESS PRIMROSE artwork for Weasel the Wizard, the seven elves, and even the dreaded Rapunzel Rapunzel and Snow White portraits.  Those were no problem!

But, the last one, the one I've been putting off---is Thaddeus A. Pole.  Also known as Tad.  Also known as the enchanted frog prince.  Sigh.  I wonder, back in biology class, why they didn't teach us to draw frogs instead of how to---well, you know.  I have an art degree, for cryin' in a bucket!  And yet, I still fear drawing this enchanted frog.

So of course, what do I do?  RESEARCH!  I flip through photos online, flip through a few children's story books I bought with nice frog drawings in them.  I got nuthin.  Then I open up a copy of a book I bought called MY WILD LIFE---I AM A FROG, from the Animal Planet people and authored by Camilla de la Bedoyere.

What should I find inside but a MASK!  Woohoo!  And STICKERS!  And a POSTER!  Wow, who said research is booooring?  Not me!

So, that frog might not get done tonight. It WILL get done eventually because, like, it has to.  There is no story without Tad. But I sure am having fun thinking about drawing him.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

New free dramatic monologue posted on website

I just posted a new monologue, I WONDER IF VINCENT... (about Vincent Van Gogh) on my website.  The monologue is free for use by students or actors doing auditions.  Any others, please contact me for production information.

Thanks!

bobbi c.

Blog updates

Dear Friends,

New e-book coming in May, 2013!

As I explain HERE, I'm consolidating my art and writing blog.  As I plunge into the final edits for my play-turned-novel PRINCESS PRIMROSE e-book, I would like to keep myself from going bonkers, if at all possible.

We shall see.  :-)

So, from now on, my posts will be here on this blog.  Please come back from time to time to visit.

'K?

Happy trails from Texas!

bobbi c.

New short story published in the Dead Mule!

Dear friends,

I'm pleased as punch to announce that my literary short story, Sadie and the Museum Lady, has been published in the Dead Mule School of Southern Literature online journal.  Yippee!  The Dead Mule has long been on my "get published there or else -- dagnabbit" list.

You have to love a journal that forces you to come up with a "Southern Legitimacy Statement" before they'll look at your work. :-)

You can read the story here:

http://www.deadmule.com/fiction/2012/12/bobbi-a-chukran-sadie-and-the-museum-lady/

Happy trails from Texas!

bobbi c.

P.S. Check out my latest handmade artists' book, Our Family of Dogs, over on da-art blog.

Deep thoughts for a Friday

"I tell you, we are here on Earth

to fart around, and don't let

anyone tell you any differently."

Kurt Vonnegut

 

 

Bert and Bertrice Bottleheads looking forward to Friday night karaoke at the pub.

 

She used to be good lookin' but she's gone to heaven now

SOLD!

One of my linoleum block prints, done for Dia de los Muertos.

" Katarina loves to dance in her new boots and hat."

Available at the Dia de los Muertos art show at the Cafe Lafayette in Taylor, Texas

We're doing the RENFIELD RAP! Just in time for Halloween

Here at Two Sisters Cottage, we're doing the Renfield Rap!  Check it:

“Flies? Fliiiies, did you say? I love flies!  

Latrodectus hesperus!  Drosophila melanogaster!  

Latrodectus variolus! I love them all! 

Crunchy munchy, they’re all so nice. 

 Crunchy munchy with sugar and spice! 

 Flies, flies, flies!”

 I tell ya, he's off his head, and he's rappin'!  And who is that young woman with the absolutely enormous hat?  And who is that strange new neighbor who creeps about the 'hood, wanting to borrow onions in the middle of the night?  And what's happened to poor Miss Lucy?  Lucy, put that poor baby DOWN right now! It's positively fiendish!

You'll read about them all in The Journal of Mina Harker.

 Just in time for Halloween (my favorite holiday), I'm reducing the price of my *THE JOURNAL OF MINA HARKER* stage play e-script to just $1.99, (or FREE with AMAZON PRIME) published for the Kindle on Amazon.com. This is my loose (very loose) fast read adaptation of the classic DRACULA novel, by Bram Stoker, and it's all fun!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Journal-Mina-Harker-ebook/dp/B005UNKLJC

One Five Star  review says:

This is Dracula ala Mel Brooks!  

"Don't be put off because this is a theatre script - it's as enjoyable to read as any book. If you laughed at "Young Frankenstein," you'll love this twisted take on "Dracula." The plot and characters are straight out of Bram Stoker but with a wickedly funny slant. Renfield is a scream! The only thing better than reading this version would be seeing a production."

Look into my eyes!  You are getting very sleepy.  You are going over to the Amazon website now.

"For cryin' out loud!  It's ONLY $1.99!"

Thank you very kindly,

bobbi c.

P.S.  This play is available for productions.  Contact the playwright.  Just sayin'.

Second Annual Austin Writergrrls Book Festival

Save the date!

Sunday December 2, 2012
4 - 6 pm
Bookwoman, 5501 North Lamar, Austin, Texas

I'm stoked, because I'll be reading *something* at the Second Annual Austin Writergrrls Book Festival. 

I haven't decided what, yet.  Maybe it would be a good time to trot out some of my poetry that no one's ever heard or read.  Maybe it will be good motivation to get a small chapbook done.  Deadlines!  I do love me some deadlines!

At any rate, mark your calendars and join me and other members of the Austin Writergrrls at Bookwoman.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

What have you written today?

Dear friends,

I just had an epiphany.  I realized that over the last month, I've tweeted, blogged, promoted and talked about my writing.  Have I actually written anything new?  Well, I did make some notes for a new play.  And I submitted three older stories to publishers. And I read a dozen short stories, essays and book chapters.  Does that count?  Not really.  I figured out why I'm out of sorts, feeling sort of blechy, feeling anxious, like I'm about to spew, even.

I haven't done any REAL writing.

This morning, I was reading an excellent book by Priscilla Long, titled The Writer's Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life. 



In it, Ms. Long recommends writing for fifteen minutes every morning.  I USED to do that, before we bought this old house and started the remodeling process. If anything, I should have written more, because there was an experience that can be turned into stories, and perhaps a book. 

Luckily, I took thousands of photos, so I can use those to prompt my memory later on.

Photos can make great writing prompts.  This one reminds me of the barn swallow families that we "raised" at a former home. Perhaps it will lead to an article about the swallows, or a short story about wildlife.

 Julia Cameron, in her classic book, THE ARTIST'S WAY, also recommends writing Morning Pages, three pages of WHATEVER you want.  This is a similar idea, except it's timed.

One thing that Ms. Long recommends that I've never done is to put each day's entry on a separate page, and title it.  Brilliant idea!  That way, when I go back through the writing, I can find where I wrote about my experiences as a kid, living in a bait shop, or I can find the page where I made a list of possible names for a character, or some suggestions for beginning first lines.

She suggests that these little bits of writing can turn into stories, or you can use your 15-minutes to work on any of your Works in Progress.  What a good idea!  I often have to fight with Mr. Inner Critic to get to work, doing the REAL work, which is writing.  I can write ANYTHING for fifteen minutes, can't you?

Write on! and, as always---
Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Original Middle School Scenes & Monologues

Dear friends,

Over a year ago, I submitted some monologues for middle schoolers to Dramatic Publishing company.  Just a few days ago, I finally got my copies, and they look GOOD!

Edited by Kent R. Brown, Original Middle School Scenes and Monologues contains more than 90 roles created especially for middle-school-aged kids. Different themes and styles will especially motivate young actors to create memorable characters.

This is especially useful as a resource for acting auditions and forensic competitions.

Both of my monologues included are comedies---Telling Stories and Power Play.

I was especially pleased to be included because I'm in good company.  Some of my Playwright Binge Yahoo list friends are also included: Jack Dyville (who also directed my ANNIERELLA and LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS plays in ND), Nancy Gall-Clayton, Claudia Haas, Maureen Brady Johnson, Shirley King, Robin Rice Lichtig and others.

Pass the word on to any school teachers you might know!

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

Free herbal e-book for three days only!

 Dear friends,

As announced over on my Earthly Gardener blog, my COOKING WITH HERBS & SPICES e-booklet is free for three days on Amazon.com, starting today.  Formatted for the Kindle, you can also download free software there to read it on other devices, as well as on a Mac or PC.

Since it went live this morning, there have been almost 900 free downloads, and I couldn't be happier!

http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Spices-Earthly-Gardener-ebook/dp/B008JHVR08

It's currently #262 Free in the Kindle Store,  and #1 in Kindle Store for Gardening & Horticulture > Herbs, and  #2 in Kindle Store > Cooking, Food & Wine > Reference.

That's a big Yeehaw!

Thanks for looking!

bobbi c.

Readers & Reviewers Rave about LONE STAR DEATH

Dear friends,

I've finally collected all the reviews of my new historical mystery novel into one file. I couldn't be happier with the comments that people are making about the new (improved) version of LONE STAR DEATH (previously published as LONE STAR STATE OF DEATH).

The book is now available in both Kindle and Nook e-book formats, and in trade paperback, also available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble online and Createspace.com.

If you haven't already done so, you can read a free excerpt as a Kindle download, or on the Amazon sales page, where there are even more reviews of the book.

LONE STAR DEATH Sales Page & Free Excerpt

Readers & Reviewers say:

"Lone Star (State Of) Death is the intriguing tale of journalist Samantha Slater in her new move to a small town in Texas and immediate assignment to cover a local murder mystery. When Samantha's boss, George Stanley, is suspiciously killed by a runaway horse, Lone Star Death takes swift turns through an increasingly thickening plot as the mystery surrounding recent happenings, envelope Sam's life in the intricacies of finding the truth. Lone Star Death is very highly recommended reading for mystery buffs with a preference to murder mysteries featuring an inventive tale of deceit, thrills, and colorful characters. " Midwest Book Review, June 2006 review of previous edition

"...Samantha Slater is a young woman who does not wait for her life to come to her - she goes out to make her own. The mystery begins on Samantha's arrival in a small town to begin her new job as assistant editor to the local newspaper. But before she is able to meet her new boss, he is brought in to the newspaper office fatally injured by his favorite horse. Abruptly realizing that she is now the editor in chief, she decides that the editor's death is the news to report. However, when she begins questioning the locals, all she ends up with are more questions. I really enjoyed this story of Texas in the 1800's. The haracter development is wonderful - you really begin to see the people as the story unfolds. The final question is this: Will Samantha survive to write her next story?" from Amazon.com reviews

"LONE STAR (STATE OF) DEATH is a history mystery with a well-researched Texas setting and fine cast of characters, including Sam(antha) Slater, a sleuth with gumption and a sense of humor.  This is a debut you don't want to miss."  Bill Crider, Texas--author of the Sheriff Dan Rhodes series.

"Wow!  I really enjoyed reading your book! It is all your fault that I didn't get enough sleep this week because I kept staying up just a little later to read just a little more....the twists you threw in there were great!  Well done!"  Barbara T., in LA

"LOVED the book!"  Michael M., Texas

"I really enjoyed this one! Couldn't put it down..."  Lou R., Texas

"Just couldn't put it down!  I really liked the details--the meals, scenes and true to Texas observations."  Debbie B., Texas

"I really loved your book!" Elaine S., Texas

Please take a look!  Thanks, and Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Pirates--Band of Misfits. Prepare to laugh your booty off!

I am SO THERE today!  I've been waiting for this movie for a while now.

What's not to like?  Rude humor, Aardman Animation and-------PIRATES!
 


Yo ho!

bobbi c.

LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS Production Photo!

Just found this photo of my recent production of LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS & COOTER COYOTE, MASTER OF DISGUISE.

I'm not sure who took this photo.  If anyone knows, I'll be glad to give them credit. 

 

Little Red Riding Boots, played by Paige Wold, right, and Cooter Coyote, played by Wesley Nygaard, participate in the play “Little Red Riding Boots & Cooter Coyote” at this year’s Summer Shorts 7: Animal Antics Tuesday at the Williston Armory Theatre.

Aren't they cute? :-)  I hear they did a great job.  

By the way, although there are thousands of stories online using the title "Little Red Riding Boots", this is the ORIGINAL play based on a book I wrote way back in 2003.  Since then, it was turned into this Texas style play, then a puppet play.  It's the second in my series of Texas style mashed-up fairy tales.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Help your favorite authors sell books

Here's a  short article on how you can help your favorite authors sell books on Amazon.  It's all about tags:

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2012/08/selling-books-whats-tags-got-to-do-with.html

And thank in advice for doing this for my books.  :-D

Bobbi Chukran's Amazon Link

 Happy trails!

 bobbi c.

A new character---Sister Heliotrope

Dear friends,

Every now and then, a new character will push their way to the front of the line.  I write characters.  That's one of my strengths as a writer.  I guess that's why I also enjoy writing plays.

I have notebooks FILLED with characters, bits of dialogue, descriptions, names---I LOVE naming characters.

In my mystery fiction, some of these characters are a bit more feisty than others.  A new one just emerged this week----Sister Heliotrope Barnhart.  Hard to tell what she'll be getting up to, but she did write a new signature line for me.  For which I thank her.  :-) 

Of course, she curses a bit, which I would never do.  But I know better than to CENSOR her.  She wouldn't take kindly to that.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

"I have the right to say what I want; you have the right to use your damned delete key."
Sister Heliotrope Barnhart

The Life of a Writer

Dear friends,

Looking back on what I've actually done this week, I realized that other than editing a couple of short stories, I haven't done any actual WRITING.  For crying out loud!  I'm a writer!  Why am I not WRITING?  Well, let's see---

First, there's this garden that's shriveling up in our Texas heat and drought.  Tending to it, keeping it alive, takes time.

Then there are the kittehs.  We have a whole herd of these critters right now, and they take time--feeding, watering, scooping poop, buying food/litter, grooming (especially these two),  breaking up the skirmishes that occur on a daily basis, playing, cleaning up after them.  We do a LOT of cleaning up after them.  Aren't cats supposed to be CLEAN animals?

Then there are those things that LOOK like writing, but really aren't.  Like tending to blogs, for example.

There's this one----A Murder is Announced---where I feature a handful of small press and indie published mystery novels and their authors.

And this one---Earthly Gardener---my long-time garden blog where I post photos of the garden, talk about organic gardening and sometimes even guest posts from friends.  A recent one was about planting a pollinator garden.

And this one---Two Sisters 1930 Cottage---where I am chronicling our efforts to remodel an abandoned 1930s bungalow/cottage that we named "Two Sisters Cottage" after the former owners.

Isn't blogging writing?  Of course it is, but it seems I spend more time tweaking colors, fonts and wrangling other little bits 'n bobs of problems with them than I actually do writing them.  Then there's the promotion of them, getting the word out that you've actually written them.

What else?  Oh yes, there was the cover design work I did for my next published book, PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP---a crazy P.I. noirish fairy tale spoof mish-mash of at least five different tales turned on their heads---the novelization of my award-winning play.

Not to mention the last, final edits.

Here's the first cover, which friends and other authors said was too pretty.  I kinda liked it.  The little froggy is a clue to what the book's about, but otherwise, not.  I wanted to put the two sleuths on the cover somehow.

Then there was this one---book cover two.  I think it's a bit too dark and drab.  This is supposed to appeal to middle graders and those "tween" creatures, so it needs to be bright and colorful.  I kinda like that whole noirish P.I. vibey-thingy, but it's not quite there yet.

Book Cover Three.  Brighter and more colorful, for sure, but a bit too shabby chic for what I want.

Ah, now this is more like it.  Cover four, which one children's author said looks like a cross between the Lemony Snicket books and the Purple Fairy.  Hmmm, I'm kinda diggin' this one.  And that little bit of the castle that you can see through her magnifying glass?  TOTAL SERENDIPITY, due to a quirk in Photoshop.  Damn, I love it when things like that happen!

(By the way, that's  R. Rapunzel and S. White on the cover.)  I'm sure you're wondering, when will this book be OUT?   Soon, very soon!

In between all that frenzy, I read three new books, read samples of dozens more, made notes for my new mystery novel,  participated on at least six online list-servs and forums, posted links, tweeted a few things and yacked it up on Facebook.  Drank a lot of coffee.

Then, on Tuesday, I....LOL!

All I can say is I'm glad Husband loves to cook, or we'd all starve.

OK, so I didn't do any real WRITING this week.  But you know, this is what the life of a writer who decides to go the self-publishing (or indie publishing) route looks like. There are all those other things that you MUST do in addition to the writing. And it's so different from that fantasy we all had at one time about what it would be like when we were finally able to write full-time.

Maybe I'll start that new story next week.

Is she mocking me?  Looks like she's mocking me! 

Happy trails from La-La Land!

bobbi c.

All Things Writing Interview Today!

Dear friends,

If you get the chance, please visit my friend Kaye George's All Things Writing blog today, where she interviewed ME!  I KNOW, exciting, right?

Kaye was a tough interviewer, but asked questions that really made me think about my work.  And that's a good thing.

http://allthingswriting.blogspot.com/2012/07/interview-of-bobbi-chukran.html

And while you're at it, check out Kaye's excellent mystery series.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Sneak Peek! Cover Art for PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP

Dear friends,

This is the third cover I've done for my upcoming middle grade/'tweens book---PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP--From the Case Files of R. Rapunzel & S. White, In Service to Her Majesty, the Queen.

Yes, I should win an award for the longest titles in the world!  LOL.

The book is the novelization of one of my award-winning plays that I wrote a couple of years ago.  I couldn't leave those two crazy gals behind, so decided to turn the play into a series of books.  This is the first in the series.

 The artwork has morphed from showing a boring brown office door to a much brighter, colorful illustration featuring the two sleuths---S. White and R. Rapunzel.  In general, I probably need to flip them since I use Rapunzel's name first, but this is just a rough draft of the finished cover.

I can't decide if I love it or not enough to actually use it on the published book.  I'll have to ponder it a bit.  The thing about publishing e-books is that you need a color "cover" that's basically just an image that's used online.  It also has to show up well in black and white, which this one does.

 I'll probably go with this one, maybe with a few tweaks.  Once the cover is finalized, I have a few more edits to do on the text.  I also want to do some black and white line drawings for the inside, basically making it an illustrated chapter book.

From there,  it will go through my publishing committee (which consists of Me, Myself and I).  Bottom line---the book should be available for sale by the end of September, if not before.  I have to brush up (heh) on drawing witches, frogs, elves and other motley creatures.  :-D

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Taking the day off...

Enough said!  LOL

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

Interview on No Wasted Ink

Check out my interview by Wendy Van Camp that appeared today on her No Wasted Ink writing blog.

http://nowastedink.com/2012/07/18/author-interview-bobbi-a-chukran

Thanks again, Wendy, for having me!

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

LONE STAR DEATH discounted on Amazon

Dear friends,

I was just notified that in their wisdom (and quirky marketing ways), Amazon has discounted my historical Texas mystery, LONE STAR DEATH, from $12.99 down to $9.35 with Free Super Saver Shipping if you buy at least $25 there.

http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Death-Samantha-Emmeline/dp/1477673970

 So if you were on the corral fence, so to speak, about buying the paperback version, this would be a good time to do so.

And no, I don't know how long this price will last.  Wish I did!  Amazon didn't tell me nuthin'.  LOL.

Yeehaw!

Happy trails,

bobbi c.

Don't you hate it when this happens? Dreamus Interruptus!

Peeps!

So, I dreamed that I was in some sort of week-long camp of some kind with a lot of girlfriends.  I'm not sure where it was, but the Queen was supposed to make an appearance, and she invited me to have tea with her.  Not only once, but TWICE in one day.  Of course, this set me all a-flutter with anticipation.

Alas, Husband woke me up before I could actually do that, but I did catch a glimpse of her across the way.  Don't you hate it when that happens?  I call it "dreamus interruptus."  Turns out, it was Queen Floribunda, from my work-in-progress.  I'm pretty sure it wasn't THE Queen. Because well, um, they look a bit different.  I'm pretty sure Queen Floribunda's hat is pointy at the top, and THE Queen's isn't.

So, what brought this on, you might ask?  Well, I'll tell ya.  Yesterday I got one of my Wild Hairs that I often get, and decided that I wanted to not only do the cover for my upcoming PRINCESS PRIMROSE & the CURSE OF THE BIG SLEEP middle grade novel, but I also wanted to do some inside illustrations. In essence, it would be turning it into an illustrated chapter book instead of just a book with a color cover.  I spent hours looking at book covers online, working through a  few cartoon tutorials and learned how to draw a puppy, alien, and zombie.  All much needed skills.

This isn't totally outrageous, since I do have an (mostly unused) art degree.  But two years ago I announced that I was retiring from art.  It often takes me a while to process things, and to "get it."  I finally "got it."  I was doing a lot of really different and crazy drawings back then, using simple things like marker and ink, then decided to turn them into ginormous paintings.  That's where I took a wrong turn.  I should have stuck to the drawings, because that's where my absurd sense of humor really comes out.  The paintings were interesting, and colorful, but how many of these can one person really hang in a very small house?  You get the picture.  Yes, I sold a few of them to creative types who appreciate an absurd sense of humor.  (Thank you again, Little Sister!)

So, here's one of them. Yeah, I know it's a crappy photo.  Deal with it.  The point is---aren't those strange?  In an endearing sort of way?   I think at the time I was fighting an infestation of squash beetles in my Earthly Garden. 

So....the point to this is, maybe I can do the drawings for my book.  The cover is the hardest part, because it needs to appeal to adults with money, and the kids who will be reading the book.   (And practically, it has to look good in teeny-tiny size because it'll be an e-book at first.)  But if I can pull this off, well, heck, the sky's the limit. 

Because in those old sketchbooks I also  have a parade of crazy clowns, a whole lot of punkin head creatures, witches, cats with wings, strange and wonderful characters of all sorts who would just LOVE to get out and cavort around in a story of their own.

BTW, PRINCESS PRIMROSE is the novelization of my award-winning play I wrote back a few years ago. It's a hilarious mash-up fairy tale spoof featuring my series sleuths--R. Rapunzel & S. White, In Service to her Majesty the Queen.

Stay 'tooned for further developments.

Happy trails from la-la land!

bobbi c.

Looking for a Christmas Play?

Dear friends,

I just uploaded a long sample of my DOT & the (AMAZING TECHNICOLOR) QUEST FOR THE REAL SANTA CLAUSE on my website.  DOT is one of my family-friendly, award-winning comedy plays that has yet to have a production.  So it's a BRAND NEW, original play.  How about premiering it at your school or theatre?

Click on the title to see more information about the play and to download the PDF file.  I'll be happy to answer questions about royalty rates (affordable!), just e-mail me.

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

How to make a book trailer

Dear friends,

I'm pleased as punch at all the wonderful messages and such I'm getting today about my new book trailer for LONE STAR DEATH.  In general, the reviews are good and I've had quite a few views overnight.  And some even think that the "silent movie" treatment suits the book.  That's great, because I've still to figure out how to put audio with the thing.  Still, it was a first project, is a tad rough, but it did strike a fire in me to do more of them.

I've always loved multi-media projects.  Back in school, I was always the kiss-up who begged the teacher to let me run the film projector.  One of my projects for Speech class was a "multi-media extravaganza" using an opaque projector, cheap tape recorder, a poster and hand-outs.  LOL.  In college, while studying for my Early Childhood Education certificate (before my art degree), I took a few courses in multi-media where I got to play with bigger, fancier equipment.

Then, when I was chosen to set up one of the first Macintosh networks in Austin, I really had fun.  And recently, I've discovered GarageBand, iMovie, iTunes---and it's all multi-media again, just a bit more high-tech this time.

I had sort of forgotten about all this until I started messing around with Powerpoint two days ago.  I worked for Microsoft back when they first bought Powerpoint, and I have to say that it's been greatly improved since then.  It's still buggy as hell (LOL) but still fun to use for slide shows, etc.

So, this morning everyone's asking me HOW I made my book trailer.  Here's the short version:

It's not that hard to do--unless you want music in it.  Let's just say I'm a bit balder today from that audio thang.

Write a short script for the text, distilling your story into as few words as possible.  Mine is a tad long, but nobody's complaining much, yet, so I'll leave it for now.  The longer, though, the more memory it gobbles, so that's one consideration.  Audio also gobbles a LOT of memory.

Use Powerpoint and make a slide show, adding text, photos, pictures, whatever.  Then save it as a movie, and upload to YouTube.  That's the simplified version.

The long version-----insert where needed---pull at  your hair, go find some snacks, open a bottle of wine, drink a little, eat a little, drink some more, go yell at the cats who are scratching at the door wondering what all the strange noises are, go gobble down dinner, drink a little more wine----repeat.  Oh yes, and there was cursing.  Lots of cursing.

 The only step I didn't take, and should have, was to ingest massive quantities of chocolate. 

Maybe I'll try that today. 

Happy trails!

bobbi c.

Lone Star Death Slide Show

Lone Star Death by B. A. Neal

More PowerPoint presentations from bobbi chukran

Little Red Riding Boots is a Winner!

I'm pleased to announce that my LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS & COOTER COYOTE, MASTER OF DISGUISE play won FIRST PLACE as well as AUDIENCE FAVORITE in the recent production in Williston, ND. 

The Summer Shorts 7: Animal Antics Festival, sponsored by Youth Education On Stage was directed by Jack Dyville.

LITTLE RED BOOTS is my Texas-style, insane crazy adaption of the Little Red Riding Hood story, except with a wiley coyote, a talking horse, fried chicken and an armadillo Sheriff ("Matt Dillo" natcherly).   As they say about most of my fairy tale mish-mashes, this ain't yo mama's fairy story!


Thanks to Jack Dyville, Director, and all the wonderful cast.

By the way, LITTLE RED BOOTS is available for productions right now.  Just e-mail me for details.


Happy trails!


bobbi c.