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.
2026. Celebrating 45 years as a published author. I am a writer mostly focusing on short fiction--mysteries, spooky, ghosts, weird western. Previously worked as a non-fiction freelance author writing gardening and crafts books/articles. I am also an award-winning playwright specializing in comedic craziness.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
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.
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.
This is Chester the Jester, Queen Floribunda's right hand man. He's a bit put out in this drawing. :-)
Happy trails!
bobbi c.
 | |
| Chester, from PRINCESS PRIMROSE. Art by Bobbi A. Chukran |
Happy trails!
bobbi c.
Monday, May 13, 2013
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!
BROP!
bobbi c.
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 |
bobbi c.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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.
Thanks!
bobbi c.
Blog updates
Dear Friends,
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 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.
Friday, January 25, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, November 2, 2012
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. |
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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."
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 |
Saturday, October 13, 2012
We're doing the RENFIELD RAP! Just in time for Halloween
Here at Two Sisters Cottage, we're doing the Renfield Rap! Check it:
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:
Thank you very kindly,
bobbi c.
P.S. This play is available for productions. Contact the playwright. Just sayin'.
“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!" |
bobbi c.
P.S. This play is available for productions. Contact the playwright. Just sayin'.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Second Annual Austin Writergrrls Book Festival
Save the date!
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.
Sunday December 2, 2012
4 - 6 pm
Bookwoman, 5501 North Lamar, Austin, Texas
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.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
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.
Monday, September 24, 2012
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.
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!
Friday, August 17, 2012
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.
What's not to like? Rude humor, Aardman Animation and-------PIRATES!
Yo ho!
bobbi c.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS Production Photo!
Just found this photo of my recent production of LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS & COOTER COYOTE, MASTER OF DISGUISE.
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.
 | ||
| I'm not sure who took this photo. If anyone knows, I'll be glad to give them credit. |
|
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.
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.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
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.
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.
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