Musings from the Slush Pile» Julie Anne Lindsey |

Ohioana Book Festival 2012. Amazing.

Julie Anne Lindsey — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:17:34 +0000

This weekend was made of awesome. Stuffed with books and wrapped in fun. Like my last post pointed out, making arrangements took a little effort, but once we secured babysitting for the three smaller members of my circus, Hubsy & I were on our way to Columbus, Ohio for the Ohioana Book Festival. Best getaway weekend this year.

This was no amateur show. The Ohioana had volunteers and staff flowing from the ground and walls, possible parachuting in from the sky. They were *whispers* everywhere. It was amazing. And they had answers! Which is the schiz-nit because you know I had questions. It was, afterall, my first rodeo. I felt like I needed a neon pink tee announcing “New girl here!” But they had me covered. There were a trillion signs directing traffic, happy workers assisting the signs, a line up of local food trucks scenting the air with Oh-My-YUM! The tables were set, gift bags in place, name tags secured. Despite the size of the building, all rooms were clearly marked, the schedule was maintained. I mean, I seriously wanted to blow a whistle, line up those mega-hundred workers and volunteers for a personal hug at he end of the day. *Amazing*

I traded a ton of emails preceding the event with Beth Poley, who with the help of (holy cow! fierce and fabulous Harper Teen,YA author of A Touch Mortal, and A Touch Morbid, Leah Clifford) I got to meet at the reception. Yes. As if the event wasn’t enough. During the event itself, they catered in Starbucks, and breakfast and lunch fpr the authors. Serious. There was no end. Then, the governor’s mansion hosted the authors at a reception following the event. Right? *shakes head* Amazing. And I found Beth to tell her, she deserves a total spa day for all that effort. Authors and patrons noticed. I drooled. *Swings giant foam finger* I’m her new biggest fan *creepy whisper* For real. She rocks. Like a lot. A. Lot.

Also, I was introduced to my new obsession, Jeni’s Ice Cream. I even got to meet Jeni. She’s like a local celebrity there. Her ice cream is the talk of the town, everyone in Columbus knew who I meant if I dropped the name “Jeni.” It was fun. I tried it more than once. They always knew. After the reception, Hubsy and I walked down to High Street in the Short North District where we stayed at a beautiful B&B. There was a line up the side road where we walked and all the way around the corner at 10pm-ish. Club opening? Fancy black tie restaurant? Nope. Jeni’s. We walked for what felt like miles around the district talking and taking pics. Then, wound up at Jeni’s. I tweeted. It was delicious. Twitter knows Jeni, too. You can follow her @jenisicecreams

All in all, big praises to the in-laws for an incredible weekend with Hubsy. It was *perfect* on all counts. I gained 5 pounds without a doubt. Met people I will never forget and a few I didn’t think I ever would in person. Example: Imagine my surprise when my favorite YA author/blogger/mommy/tweeter/girlfriend showed up and introduced herself? Yeah. Shock and bliss ensued. Mindy McGinnis and her gorgeous daughter gave me yet another *squee*. If you don’t know Mindy, she’s the mastermind behind Writer Writer Pants on Fire Blog. You must meet her. She’s as beautiful in person as you imagine. Genuine, kind, witty and fun. Meet her immediately. You will thank me.

Yeah. I was starstruck this weekend. In awe. Humbled. Amazed.

I even got to participate in a panel discussion on suspense & mystery writing with one of my favorite cozy writers, Amanda Flower. She was seated next to me all day and answered my 1,001 questions on publishing, murder and more. I get to see her again soon, as I will be attending Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention in October. *Clapping wildly*

In conclusion, *coughs* If you live near a book festival, GO. I encourage you. Ohioana was free and open to the public. There were childrens’ authors, a giant character roaming around, Kent State University students and facutly had a room for the kids to get hands-on in some fun activities and hear readings from the children’s authors. Kids had a blast. Parent’s were thrilled. What a great family day out. Definitely don’t miss the one headed to your area. If it’s half as delightful as this one, you’ll be sorry.

Does your town have a book festival?

It Takes A Village

Julie Anne Lindsey — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:12:21 +0000

Last night I had the opportunity to visit a local library and speak about my life, writing, book love and other randomness. The Friends of the Library advertised, baked and decorated. They filled the room to capacity. I mean. Really. There were late-comers seated on the floor. My bestie picked me up from home, drove me, hauled books, kept me from puking because I am a nervous speaker, and collected money among many other things. A friend from years past made a special trip to the town to see me. My in laws watched three kids until Hubsy could get home and take over.

This was just one small, 1 hour event. And look at all the support and involvement I needed and received.

Before any contract is ever signed, at least one beta reader gives me honest feedback. Beta readers should be hugged. They volunteer their precious time to read a manuscript that may never be published – likely one by an author like me who no one has ever heard of. Then, my critique group combs over the words some more seeking rogue commas, plot holes and general writing no-nos. Then my agent reads it and edits it again, sometimes more than once.

After the contract is in place, my international online family rallies to support my accomplishment, allowing me to guest blog for them, tweeting about the success, posting the book trailer…the list goes on and on and on.

I am daily humbled, encouraged and utterly overwhelmed at the incredible people in my life. If you’re reading this post -that means you too. If you don’t have a writer-support group, find one. Get in touch with those who understand you, will lift you up when the rejections roll in, help edit your hate letter to the meaner agents, then convince you never to send it once you’ve gotten that out of your system. We need each other. Writing is no longer a solitary endeavor. Success takes a village.

Who’s in your village?

Writer Wednesday Welcomes: Author Karen Kondazian

Julie Anne Lindsey — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:25:10 +0000

Today’s amazing author comes to us courtesy of the Wow! Women on Writing as part of her Blog Tour. Karen writer historical fiction and she graciously agreed to talk to us about finding inspiration for novels. Take it away Karen!

Karen Kondazian’s life dream was to be a CIA spy…until she turned eight and she was invited to appear on Art Linkletter’s “Kids Say the Darndest Things”. After several days of missing school to tape the show Karen realized that acting was indeed her truecalling. Karen has an extensive list of both theatre and television roles she’s played and also teaches at the Lee Strasberg School of Theatre and Film in Hollywood. Karen’s first foray into writing also stayed in the acting realm: The Actor’s Encyclopedia of Casting Directors. But now she’s branched out into historical fiction with a main character that any actress would love to play!

The Whip by Karen Kondazian

Life can be tough! Imagine falling in love with a runaway slave and having his child. Or tracking a killer who destroyed your family. Living your life as a man, making your living as a stagecoach driver, or killing a famous outlaw. Any one of those things would qualify as a tough life but what if they ALL happened to you? They did to Charley Parkhurst and The Whip is the story of her incredible life in the Wild West of the 1860s.

Just Thought You Should Know:

The Whip is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst, a Rhode Island woman who lived her life in the West as a man.

Find Karen Online:

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheWhipNovel

Twitter @thewhipnovel

Website http://www.thewhipnovel.com/

Blog http://www.thewhipnovel.com/blog/

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWhipNovel#g/u

The Devil is in the Details

Julie Anne Lindsey — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:50:56 +0000

It’s been said a bazillion times, “Write what you know.” My friends think this means I should write about raising small children, or homeschooling or being a domestic failure….but to me writing is an escape. I don’t want to rehash the perils of my day and I don’t know why anyone would want to read about them to the tune of 80,000 words. Yikes. So, I write what I want, but I pepper in my favorite details.

Details can make the story.

How many times have I reread a sentence, put the book on my lap, looked into the air and said ,”Yes!” A lot. I do it a lot and I love that moment where an author has masterfully detailed something dear to me. Or even something simple which I’d never given thought before. Words are powerful. Words will change the way you see things. Words will change the world. But enough of that for right now.

Details can help or hinder. So, be sure you get them right. I did a beta read for a friend in another country a couple years ago and her MC woke in LA, pulled back the blinds of her loft apartment to take in the stellar views of the park outside. Central Park. Oops. I’ve seen writers describe the Amish community as if it were a commune. Obvi they haven’t ever been to an Amish populated town. I could go on, but you get he drift. If you aren’t absolutely certain, don’t say it. Google it, phone a friend, or skip it.

But if you DO know it, describe it with abandon. What makes the details truly spectacular is the author’s unique perception of the thing they describe. Chances are, I don’t see it the way you do…until you tell me, then I have a whole new appreciation. Something I considered commonplace is now mysterious, comical or beautiful. Then, as a reader, I officially love you. Or, you describe it as I’ve always imagined it and then we are kindred spirits. So, it’s a win-win really.

Yes, dialogue is important to keep your story moving forward.

Yes, too much purple prose will kill your novel dead by way of strangulation.

All the more reason to make the details you offer up matter. Make them strong, visual images that last long after your reader has finished reading for the night. Make them dream of your creation.

Do you have a favorite author or book where the words pulled you onto the pages, right into the world they created? Please share!

I’m on a Writing Break i.e. Going CrazyPants

Julie Anne Lindsey — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:04:39 +0000

I’m in between WIPs. This hasn’t happened in three years. It’s not a good place for me. I don’t know how to act. I have mad amounts of unfocused energy and I’m developing a twitch. Writing keeps the crazy-pants at bay. However, my family is headed to the ocean in about three weeks and I want to make memories there. I don’t want photos of my torso and the back of a laptop screen in place of my head.

I am painfully OCD and if I’m in the middle of something, it feels like a guillotine hanging over my head until it’s finished. So, when I begin to write a story, I’m *compelled* to see it through – quickly. I cannot start a new story until after vacation. *chews nails*

I cannot begin a new story. It’s killing me. I’ve typed a 12 page outline for my next project. But, I draw the line at beginning the writing.

To harness some of the loose energy, I started cleaning. I decided on Monday to clean one room a day. Top to bottom. Dust ceilings and light fixtures, sweep, use the attachment thingy to get in corners and around baseboards. I moved all the furniture, retrieved lots of change and lost toys, swept the couch cushions, dusted art and pictures. Tuesday I scrubbed the guest bath in the same fashion but instead of a sweeper, I used a bleachy-cleanser to wipe every inch of the space, refold guest towels, etc. Then I started on my kitchen and made two trips to donate all the crap shoved in the back of my cupboards. Good Grief. It took two long days to scrub every inch of the kitchen. I gave away THIRTY placemats. Who on earth has THIRTY placemats? I don’t even use placemats.

When my husband came home I opened all the drawers and cabinets to show off..”How does it look????” I beamed, eyes swirling to reveal the extent of my freak out. He raised a worried eyebrow and told me it looked like Sleeping with the Enemy.

Hey, that’s how I roll. 110% All day.

So, I may not make it three more weeks without writing. My poor family has grown too comfortable with laptop-head mommy. I don’t want to keep frightening them. All the cleaning has everyone concerned for my well-being. It seems the kind thing would be to go back to writing. *Looks over shoulder* Yeah, that’s the ticket. It’s all for the sake of my dear family. *nervous giggling*

What do you do when you aren’t writing??

Writer Wednesday Welcomes: Cynthia Simmons!

Julie Anne Lindsey — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:38:51 +0000

During the late nineties, I went through a very difficult time as I attempted to homeschool my youngest son who has disabilities. Through the hardship, I found comfort in researching history. I wanted to share what I learned with others, so I got interested in writing.

In 2004 I joined Christian Authors Guild (CAG) and started to learn to write for publication. The group offered seminars and classes on writing, which I devoured. The leadership decided to put together a compilation of short stories. I dreamed up three stories and got them on paper. After many critiques and revisions, the committee accepted them into the book, The Desk in the Attic, which came out in 2005. I was thrilled to see my name in print.

The group gave me plenty of experience and helped me master the writing skills. I served as chaplain my first two years there, which meant I had to submit an article each month to the group newsletter. In addition, I wrote several articles for a history magazine in my hometown. Condensed versions of those articles appeared in the city newspaper. I also had an article on my son published in a newsletter for parents of disabled children and in the Georgia right to Life Newsletter.

Members of the group went to Blue Ridge Writing Conference, and I joined them. In 2007 I attended classes by Athena Dean who started Wine Press Publishing. I had a set of stories from history and hoped to get it published. Athena assured me I could publish and promote it myself.

After coming home, my husband and I talked. I noted writers seldom told stories of women, especially those with prominent husbands. So I limited my focus to women. My ultimate goal was to demonstrate Biblical truths and encourage women who believed. I chose women whose stories contrasted and called it Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame.

Two months before my book came out in the spring of 2008, my husband had a tonic clonic seizure and slid into the living room floor. We rushed him to the hospital and discovered he was critically ill with encephalitis. As a retired nurse, I knew I could lose him. For a few days the doctors battled pneumonia from the seizure as well.

The publisher needed to contact me from time to time, and I knew I’d be impossible to reach. So I kept them up to date so the project wouldn’t get bogged down. The staff understood the serious nature of the disease and sent flowers to my home.

During that time my world seemed to crumble. Major appliances broke, and my mother’s health began to fail. My husband stayed ten days in an intermediate intensive care but finally rallied. He came home on IV medication. A week later mother broke her hip. Dad panicked. Even though I lived in a different state, he referred all questions and decisions on her care to me. While I appeared on TV and radio to promote the book, mother’s health continued to decline. I kept in touch with medical personnel by phone and shuttled my husband to doctors and therapists. I told a friend I hoped mother could hold the book because I knew she’d be proud. God granted my wish. The day before her 76^th birthday, I put the book into her hand. A week later, she died.

In 2010 I started doing podcasts, CAG Spotlight, for my writing group. I interviewed Tiffany Colter, Writing Career Coach. We clicked right away and kept in touch. She agreed to speak at our fall conference in 2011, and I asked her to look at something I started. Several people read the book and wanted more. So I began preparing a twelve week Bible study based on material in the stories. Tiffany read what I had done and loved it. She made a few suggestions. Based on her ideas I completed Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide in the fall of 2011. After several critiques I submitted it to Writing Career Coach Press for formatting and publication. We went through a number of revisions and chose a cover to match the book.

In many ways I’ve lived Struggles and Triumphs for the last four years. Since March of 2008, I’ve shepherded a family member through a major illness or accident nine times. Both my parents died. I cleaned up after a flood, dealt with a rebellious child, and emptied my childhood home. I can truly say that God is faithful even in the midst of overwhelming heartache. He provides grace even in the darkest times. We always triumph in him.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God , who always leads us in His triumph in Christ , and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place .

Struggles & Triumphs Women in History Who Overcame

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU

Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html

About Cynthia:

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers. “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

WriteOnCon 2012

Julie Anne Lindsey — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:09:25 +0000

As you all know, I am YA obsessed. Every year since the fruition of a particular super- ah-mahzing event, I have been at my computer absorbing everything I could. The event: WriteOnCon. This year will be the same.

What is WriteOnCon?

*Pulled directly from their About page:

WriteOnCon is the brainchild of seven writers who wanted to “pay it forward” and give something back to the writing community. The Conference is designed to give attendees many of the features of a live writer’s conference, but in an online environment. Thanks to technologies like blogging, vlogging, livestreaming, and chats, WriteOnCon connects writers with both industry professionals and fellow peers from the convenience of their own homes. Critique forums allow writers to receive feedback and exposure for their work, and the entire program is designed to be both informative and entertaining.

The conference is scheduled for weekdays, so that attendees won’t have to set aside an entire weekend to be glued to their computers. To accommodate day jobs, the schedule features more static elements during working hours, and most live events are saved for the evenings. Transcripts/replays for live sessions are also available for those unable to attend and all of the conference content is archived on our website.

It’s important to note, however, that WriteOnCon is not designed to be a replacement for larger, live writer’s conferences. Regional, national, and international conferences are a staple of the publishing industry, and WriteOnCon has been designed simply to supplement that experience in a free, easily accessible format.

WriteOnCon is also not exclusive to kidlit writers. In order to stay organized, the curriculum is focused on picture book, middle grade, and young adult writers. However, much of the information provided applies to all writers, and many of the publishing professionals who participate cross over. And since the conference is absolutely, 100% free, any interested writer is encouraged to attend.

So, if you’re interested, mark your calendars. It is a free writing conference and a great opportunity to meet other authors. Please know that many things discussed during the event will be widely applicable so don’t poo-poo on it without checking it out first. The forums bustle with feedback for everything form queries to concepts. Friends are there just waiting to be made. Don’t knock it till you try it as they say.

I hope to see you there!

Kent State University: Kent Reads

Julie Anne Lindsey — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:05:35 +0000

About *cough* *cough* *choke* years ago, I graduated from Kent State University with a degree in psychology. It was an exhilarating time in my life and some of my best memories came during the days leading up to graduation. I didn’t put my degree to use for long before marrying, having kids and stepping out of the work force, though one could argue the degree helps with three kids and a husband LOL. Personally, I think I need more help than any of them, but I digress.

Earlier this year, in preparation for the release of Death by Chocolate, I spent some time ruminating on how I turned from career-minded, psychology student to novelist, and I came across a program through Kent State University Libraries called Kent Reads. Immediately, I was home. I contacted the witty and fabulous, Diane Sperko, Communications Director, and we talked about bookish things. I fell in love with her, the enthusiasm oozing from the KSU Library under the hand of Dean Jim Bracken, and the Kent Reads concept. I nearly fell off my chair when I was invited to be a featured speaker for the program.

On Wednesday this week, I had an incredible lunch at Kent ‘s Schwebel Room (Mmmmm), followed by an opportunity to give a little piece of me back to the establishment who taught me so many things about myself. Like, how much I love people, even when they’re unlovable. How a smile, even if forced, can make you happier. How feeding a black squirrel can result in the stalking of you by 100 more all the way across campus. How bad I suck at Spanish. How much I love to read, and THAT is how I ended up writing. In many ways, I can thank Kent and their amazing staff for encouraging me to write 5,000 papers LOL, teaching me how to improve on each effort and giving me the confidence to keep trying.

I had a handful of people who stayed to listen Wednesday while I rambled and wiped my sweaty palms on my dress. Many others paused and kept moving, because that’s college life. Busy. Busy. Busy. ANd there was an drool-worthy display of cupcakes to get your attention if the lady on the mic didn’t LOL.

It was an amazing experience. I officially love this program. I hope many other universities across the country have or will start similar programs. And I can’t wait to go back. What a great way to showcase the love of books, the power of words and the joy or reading.

Thank you so much KSU for all you’ve done for me and so many others.

Big Blue and gold hugs!

Julie

Dean Bracken & Me! (I?) Us? We! … I’m a writer LOL

Writer Wednesday Welcomes: Donna Fasano

Julie Anne Lindsey — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:42:27 +0000

Today I had the good fortune of having romance author Donna Fasano over to my blog. Donna is a romantic at heart, like myself. However, she has had the honor of writing romances with Harlequin for more than 20 years. She’s been kind enough to come by and talk to us today about why she writes romance. Thank you so much Donna! Leave a comment for Donna because she’s giving away 3 copies of her title, Nanny and the Professor!

Take it away:

Why I Write Romance Novels

By Donna Fasano

I can’t tell you how many times over the course of my 20-plus year career as a published romance author I have been asked, “When are you going to write a real book? You know, a [insert genre of choice, such as mystery, family saga, historical, thriller, horror, western, etc].” So I’d like to take this opportunity to tell readers (and anyone else who might be interested) why I write romance novels.

I suffered a lot of tragedy while I was growing up, the worst of which was losing my mother just as I was entering my teens. I felt as though I went from 13 to 35 overnight, and when my friends were off having fun, I was cooking and cleaning and helping my little brother with his homework. Romance novels were an escape for me. The Wolf and the Dove, The Far Pavilions, Whitney My Love, Rebecca, The Thorne Birds…if the book featured one man and one woman falling in love, I read it! Romance novels offered me hope for a happy future filled with love (hokey, yes, but I was young). As a young wife and mother, I discovered Silhouette Romance Novels. These books were short and sweet and uplifting. Each and every story put a smile on my face, and the happily-ever-after endings always boosted my spirits. Are romance novels real? No. Does every relationship end in HEA? Of course not. But if I wanted doom and gloom, I’d watch the evening news.

As an author, I can’t think of a better way to use my talent than to bring pure enjoyment to my readers. I tell people that I write cotton candy for the mind. Think about that. When you were a kid and you put a small cloud of that wispy confection on your tongue, what did you do? You smiled. And maybe you even laughed. That’s the reaction I’m going for with my short, upbeat stories. That’s why I write romance novels. So if you’re looking to get lost for a few hours in a fun, cheery story, I hope you’ll try one of my books.

~ ~ ~

Nanny and the Professor

Professor Joshua Kingston thought he’d found the perfect nanny for his son. But once Cassie Simmons stepped into his life, she turned it upside down! His son no longer played by the rules – and Cassie kept making up new ones. He would fire her – if he didn’t find her so utterly enticing.

Cassie had a huge secret to hide, and she couldn’t afford to lose her new job. But her handsome employer wasn’t making things easy. All those silly rules. How was an eight-year-old boy supposed to have any fun? The professor definitely needed a lesson in laughter – and love!

Leave a comment for Donna because she’s giving away 3 copies of her title, Nanny and the Professor!

Find Donna online:

Donna is a bestselling, award-winning author of over 30 novels that have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide. You can find her on the web at www.DonnaFasano.com, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz. Her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, Sony, and Apple iBooks.

~ ~ ~

Ohio River Festival of Books 2012

Julie Anne Lindsey — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:09:56 +0000

Last night I had the honor of attending the Ohio River Festival of Books in Huntington, WV. It was quite a little adventure for Hubsy and I. He took half a day off work, his mom and devoted grandma, took the whole day off. She met us at home and kept Little Miss until the bus arrived with our boys that afternoon, then kept them all for the night. Someone give this woman a medal!

Meanwhile, I packed up, prettied up, and we hit the road! We talked about things from serious to silly and thanks to modern technology, we listened to our combined playlist we heard from House of Pain to LL Cool J, Nirvana and everything in between. It was so much fun. I always have a blast with my husband, and I gotta say, this writing thing is giving up legit opportunities to get away together.

West Virginia truly is Wild & Wonderful as their slogan states. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. I met dozens of wonderful authors and their spouses and some of their kids too. The speaker was lovely. The venue was pretty. The local band was phenomenal. We were all treated like truly special guests at the event. I’m always humbled at that concept. It was fun to be from Ohio down there too. After I’d say “Hi!” and they’d say “How’doo.” ( I got that a LOT) and “How y’all doin tuh-not.” I would smile so huge my face hurt. My dad was born adn raised in West Virginia. He lives there now. I don’t see him enough and the patrons at this event sounded like my dad. I wanted to squeeze them each. But, then, I’d say “I’m great. It’s really nice to be here” and they’d raise an eye brow…”Where y’all from?” Cause obvi I was not from Huntington

Something great about Huntington? Marshall University. Fabulous, gorgeous, beautiful school. My dad was jealous he couldn’t meet me for the event and check out the campus. It is, after all, home to his second favorite basketball team. You already know WVU is his first favorite

We had an amazing little get away. Hubsy and I. We got back home a little after one and slept like logs. While the music might’ve made us feel young again….the age kept us in check. LOL Now, I’m up and caffeinated and waiting for grandma to return those little Lindseys to me. I’m sure there’s a busy day ahead.

HUGE HUGE Thank you to the folks at Ohio River Festival of the Book for their lovely event and gracious invitation to join them.

Thank you!