DOG DAYS OF SUMMER--They work for me!

Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time when "the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies." The last word is also written as it sounds: frenzies.

Sound familiar? I believe we truly are in the Dog Days of Summer.

I was born during this time, a Virgo, an August baby, and my mother told me many times how hot it was the day I was born, decades ago, in a house with no air conditioning (what was that, anyway?), no running water, and one light bulb in each room. You might say we were poor, but really we weren't. We just lived as everyone else did in the small North Texas farming community back then.

And so, I can identify with the Dog Days of Summer on a first-hand basis.

I have learned I can make this time work for me. The summer months have become a time of respite, a time to shift gears and work on a different level, a different playing field--or do nothing. During these hot days, my usual responsibilities have been dismissed for the summer, just as they were when I taught high schools students.

Since I'm happily retired now, I have no job or anything professional I must do. All groups I belong to are suspended for the summer. In each one, I do hold a position, a post, or a volunteer spot of various sorts. My book club even suspends meetings once a month, giving us time to read some of the selected books for the coming year.

While you might think I'd be languishing like those people centuries ago when this quote was written, I have instead found a burst of energy that I am directing to writing--more than usual.

A. I pulled a manuscript from Archives titled Whisper on the Wind, dusted it off, re-read and re-edited it, and sent it to a publisher.

B. I wrote a short story for Prairie Rose Publications to add to one of their summer anthologies: Cowboy Cravings. My story? Titled: Starr Bright. This was fun, a little different from my usual fare. Still a Western Romance, it's a complete story in 13,000 words.

http://tinyurl.com/kqjuqa7

C. I wrote out short synopses for three short stories that will be a series titled TRINITY HILL BRIDES, about Mail Order Brides in the 1880 small town in the Central Texas Hill Country.

Book I: Kathleen--The Make-Believe Bride, is 26,000 words complete.

Book II: Lorelei--The Left-Over Bride, has around 6,000 words so far. I know the plot, so the writing goes faster.

Book III: Vague plot is outlined, names not chosen. The bride will abandon her intended husband for a mysterious man.

D. I have a re-release this summer titled TEXAS BLUE, the first of the "Texas Books" back in 2007 which is available once more with a beautiful new cover.  
http://tinyurl.com/ngujhhg

E. I have promoted my summer release titled TEXAS DREAMER, my tenth novel length story, and the last...yes, the last "Texas" book. Time to begin something new. I love Texas Dreamer, though, and I'm happy it turned out so well.
http://tinyurl.com/qdwxyw2


The heat, the long days, the sameness of the weeks do not bother me during July and August. I'm happy to remain at home in my air conditioning, only going out when I wish, going only where I want. How much better could this be?

I can't say I like the name put to these long summer days, but I only pay attention to my own business. Oh, I'm not a hermit. I love to have coffee, and talk with friends, and hang around the library, and shop a little here, a little there.

September will arrive soon enough, and...Bang!...it all starts up once again.

This, too, I love. Newness, beginnings, reconnections.

Can't wait for September.

"Flighty"--the Essence of Creativity?

Flights of Fancy 

Though not exactly the same words, this thought was one of my daily horoscope readings. It stayed with me, because while I'm not a classic flighty person, I do occasionally drift into flights of fantasy.

The dictionary has numerous meanings for "flighty."

1. Given to capricious or unstable behavior
2. Easily excited
3. Characterized by irresponsible or silly behavior.

None of these suited or pleased me. All are somewhat derogatory. I am none of those.

The Century Dictionary gave me this interpretation:

1. Indulging in flights or sallies of imagination, humor, caprice, etc.
2. Given to disordered fancies and extravagant conduct.
3. Volatile.
4. Giddy.
5. Fickle.
6. Slight delirious.
7. Wandering in mind

I appreciate this group of definitions much better, especially "wandering in  mind." This seems to be a common condition of those who write fiction--maybe non-fiction, too. My husband has brought me back to earth often by speaking a little more loudly to get my attention. Yes, he knows my mind has wandered off into some unknown realm, but he doesn't understand that I'm in deep, creative thought. It only appears that I've become addle-brained.

The second good definition is "indulging in flights or sallies of imagination."
Don't we who are authors consider this an absolute necessity to write fiction?

Where do we get our ideas? Books, movies, images, people, places, dreams, and even news headlines. Any one of those might set me off into the wild blue yonder, imagining the beginning of a story or creation of a character. 

What attributes do we need to be good storytellers? Passion, patience, a thick skin, ambition--and perhaps an occasional bout of flighty behavior.

At least, I don't think it would hurt.

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/celiayeary
 My Website
My Blog
Sweethearts of the West-Blog
My Facebook Page 

 

NEWEST RELEASE:

Lone Star Dreaming-a Western Romance Collection

Four Novellas--$2.99-Kindle or Nook

Also available in print at Amazon and B&N

  Angel and the Cowboy

Addie and the Gunslinger

Charlotte and the Tenderfoot

Kat and the U.S. Marshal

Amazon page:

http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Dreaming-Celia-Yeary/dp/1479224804/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348775365&sr=1-12&keywords=celia+yeary

Barnes and Noble page:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Celia-Yeary?keyword=Celia+Yeary&store=book

   

CLEAN WRITING--and I don't mean "Sweet"

 

 

Writing science research papers taught me the process of clean writing—manuscripts free of too many useless words. "Just the facts, ma'am." As a result, my first fiction manuscript was a failure. The editor told me my writing sounded like a textbook. That sort of hurt, but the statement opened a floodgate of words that's still gushing. I could use adjectives! And adverbs! And descriptions! But also…too many useless words and phrases.  

Still, I absolutely love to embellish sentences with adjectives, adverbs, and well…a long list of writing errors. If I remove the useless words in the previous sentence, I think it reads like a textbook. Where is that fine line?

AVOID USELESS WORDS: My favorite topic. We consider good writing concise, vigorous, and active. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, as a machine should contain no extra parts. Fine idea. But an automobile is a machine. The first cars were little more than a buggy with an engine attached. They were unattractive and uncomfortable. The automobiles today contain endless useless parts, but we buy them because of those extra appealing parts.  

I do agree, though, certain useless words or phrases need to go.
1.  "there is no doubt but that" should be "no doubt" or "doubtless"
2.  "this is a subject that" should be "this subject"
3.  "the reason why is that" should be "because"
4.  "owing to the fact that" should be "since" or "because"
5.  "he is a man who" should be "he"

AVOID USE OF QUALIFIERS: A qualifier is a word or a word group that limits the meaning of another word or word group. The worst offenders are rather, very, little, and pretty.

"I should do pretty well on the exam, for I am a rather brilliant student, but if I make very many mistakes, I'll try to do a little better."

AVOID LOOSE SENTENCES: A loose sentence is one consisting of two clauses, the second introduced by a conjunction or relative. Too many loose sentences in one paragraph will sound mechanical and singsong. The compound sentence is the framework of writing, when used wisely and sparingly.

Read the next paragraph very fast:

"The last concert of the season was given last night, and the hall was filled to capacity. Jane Doe was the soloist, and John Smith accompanied her on the piano. She proved to be quite capable, while he performed admirably. The concert series has been successful, and the committee was gratified. The committee will plan for next year's programs, and they will offer an equally attractive program."

Did you hear the sing-song effect? Blech!

Today's subject appeared because of the editing processes I've undergone. A kind editor—in so many words--told me: You begin too many sentences with well, now, so, or why. In some cases, these words are acceptable, especially when included in dialogue. Southern people talk this way, but in narration, use sparingly.

This made sense to me, because when I talk with a friend—on-line or face to face—those little words pop up all the time.

"What did she say when you said her hair was orange?"

"Well, first she stared. Then her eyes sort of bugged out, and before I knew it, why, she started bawling."

"Oh, my goodness. Now, here's what you should have said, darlin'. You just do not want to make her any madder."

"So, what should I have said?"

And so, well, I need to bring this post to a halt. I need to make a little lunch, because the fact is that my husband is mowing this morning, and he'll be starving. There's no doubt, though, that he won't say an unkind word to me if lunch if just a little late.
(if you can edit this paragraph correctly, you will receive an A+)

RECENT RELEASE-AMAZON:
LONE STAR DREAMING-A WESTERN ROMANCE COLLECTION

RECENT TOP 100 DIME NOVEL-AMAZON:
KAT AND THE U.S. MARSHAL


Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/celiayeary
My Website
My Blog
Sweethearts of the West-Blog
My Facebook Page 

ARE YOU EASILY BORED?

I'M BORED

This question on the on-line news page I read caught my attention. The topic really focused on careers, and which kinds of persons might be suited to something else, based upon their ability to entertain themselves...or not.

I've always said I could entertain myself. It's not easy for some people...I understand that. Our grandsons, in growing up, are not allowed to watch TV--no TV to watch, except one that has a DVD player, used only on weekends. Otherwise, these three boys must learn to "entertain themselves." This means playing outside most of the time, riding their bikes, skateboarding, in-line skating, reading, writing to some extent, building and inventing things, and restricted time on the computer. Not many children today are growing up in this manner. I don't mean to lecture, for I know each family is different.

Let's get back to us as adults. The article I read stated that those who bored easily might be best suited to jobs such as food critic, landscape architect, law enforcement, publicist, hotel concierge, bartender, or hair stylist.

So, whatever job or position you might have held, if you are an author, what drew you to this profession/hobby/job? I've not written anything most of my life, but if I had downtime from working (teaching), I read novels and magazines, collected recipes, did crewel embroidery and made pillows and framed pictures, sewed and made a few clothes, gardened some, did crafts...in other words, I was rarely bored.

Even when I retired, I have not become bored.

Even at an early age, when I lay down in the dark and closed my eyes, I almost always invented a little story in my head. Now I realize I was a writer--I just didn't write anything down. I made up characters and scenes until I went to sleep. No, I didn't remember them the next day, but still...the process kept me from being bored.

Now I cannot find time enough to really write. Bored? Never. I'm too involved with my women's Bible study group, my writer's group, my longtime ex-teachers group, and my husband. In addition, I am the world's great "piddler." (If you don't know the meaning of that term, then you're not one.)

So, I ask you.
Are you easily bored?
Or are you constantly trying to find more time to write in your busy life?
If you worked, did your job bore you?

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas

ANGEL AND THE COWBOY

ADDIE AND THE GUNSLINGER

CHARLOTTE AND THE TENDERFOOT

KAT AND THE U.S. MARSHAL

99Cent Dime Novels

Amazon, Smashwords, Monkeybars, B&N

FOUR WINNERS! Congratulations!

The First Annual Western Romance Blog Hop was a great success. Thanks to all the visitors to my blog and for leaving comments. Also, I appreciate the added bonus of new Followers--that puts me over 200. Very nice...I love it!

My winners are:
Book Lovers Hideaway--Vampire Mistress
Desitheblonde
Theresa--Marine Mom
Ruth Hill

Your chosen Dime Novel has been sent to you as a Gift for your Kindle. Check your email.
Only one has not responded.

The choices were:
ANGEL AND THE COWBOY--first release in the series--sold very well, and still selling.
ADDIE AND THE GUNSLINGER--a best seller as a Top 100 on three different lists.
CHARLOTTE AND THE TENDERFOOT-excellent sales, too.
KAT AND THE U.S. MARSHAL--the newest release, rising in the ranks slowly, but I hope it will take off soon!  Inching up!

I hope to participate again next year--it was fun.
Celia Yeary

HOW TO DATE A COWBOY

WELCOME, M K MCCLINTOCK,
my guest today and
AUTHOR of
GALLAGHER'S PRIDE

           

A PAPERBACK COPY OF
M K'S NOVEL WILL BE
GIVEN TO ONE VISITOR
WHO COMMENTS!
U.S. only

How to Date a Cowboy

By Brenna Gallagher

 I’d never met a cowboy until I ventured up Montana way. Back home in Scotland, I had little contact with gentlemen living a quiet country life as we did, but they were certainly different from these men. You wouldn’t catch them wearing those odd clothes and they wouldn’t dream of sleeping outside or carry a gun on their person. Yes, those cowboys certainly are interesting specimens and I’ll admit I’ve become rather fascinated by them.

The first one I ever met stood tall and proud and behaved as a true gentleman. Of course he was wearing those dusty clothes and that strange hat, but those deep dark eyes of his bore through to my soul. Those strong hands that could only be had from hard work were warm to the touch. His gruff demeanor couldn’t mask the heat in those eyes on that cold autumn day. I’ve learned a few things since that first encounter and I’m here to share my meager expertise, so listen carefully.

        *A lady must know that a true cowboy is charming and dangerous. He’s a little like the wild land on which he lives. It doesn’t take much more than a swish of skirts and a pretty face to get his attention, but he won’t be easy. If a lady wants to hold onto a cowboy, she must be strong and even a little stubborn. She has to show him that she has what it takes to survive in his world, but don’t worry ladies-he’ll make it worth your while.

 *A hard-working cowboy is independent, stubborn and even a little fierce. He’ll charm you just as easily as he charms a bull so you’ll want to keep him on his toes. Show him you’re not a lady to be trifled with. He won’t be able to control you, but he’ll certainly want to keep you.

 *He’ll rarely tell you what’s on his mind and doesn’t like sharing his emotional feelings. If you want to understand your man, let him come to you. Don’t push or prod because he’ll make for the range. If you want to rope him in, you’d better learn how to handle the lasso.

*Most importantly, a true cowboy is loyal to the death. Be warned ladies-he expects that same in return. Treat your cowboy well and he’ll move heaven and earth for you.

Win an free paperback copy of M K's
novel! Just leave a comment.
Winner will be chosen on June 1st!
U.S. only

 Gallagher’s Pride Blurb

She was on a quest for discovery.

He was on a quest for revenge.

Together they would discover a second chance.

 Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.

As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

Excerpt
Are you out of your mind?” The words tumbled from her mouth before she could stop them, but he had gone and truly shocked her.

“No actually I’m not. It’s your safety I’m thinking of,” replied Ethan, more to himself than her. He loosened the hold on her arm.

Brenna let out an exasperated sigh, something her mother had always tried to discourage, and said, “I do appreciate your kindness, Mr. Gallagher...”

“Ethan.”

“…Ethan, but I’m certainly not the type of woman to just go home with two men whether I know them or not. It would be highly inappropriate, not to mention stupid.”

“And you’re not stupid.”

“Not as far as I can tell,” Brenna said with fire in her eyes. She rarely ever took offense at what people said, too comfortable in her own skin to care, but this man riled her and he did it effortlessly.

Gallagher’s Pride is available in eBook and print.

About the Gallaghers: http://www.mkmcclintock.com/#%21books/vstc5=the-gallaghers                                    

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-First-Gallagher-Novels/dp/1456346814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327247860&sr=8-1

Amazon Kindle Link: http://www.amazon.com/Gallaghers-Pride-Gallagher-Series-ebook/dp/B006ZOSVFG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327248043&sr=8-2

Gallagher's Pride Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/4VE6VFSf1LA

 Coming Next in the Montana Gallagher Series

Gallagher’s Hope – August 2012

MK McClintock-
Over the years McClintock traveled the country and visited magnificent Scotland. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock still calls Montana home.

Website: http://www.mkmcclintock.com

Blog: http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com

Author of the Montana Gallagher Series

TWO RELEASES APRIL 1

I'm happy to announce two releases on April l.

The first—in keeping with our glorious Spring—is TEXAS TRUE: The Cameron Sisters—Book II. The wildflowers on the cover are Indian Paintbrush, which is one of the heralds of spring, along with its faithful companion the Texas Bluebonnet. (look on the sidebar for the cover of TEXAS PROMISE: The Cameron Sisters—Book I for the Bluebonnets.)

BLURB:

At a Governor's Ball in Austin, Texas, True Lee Cameron meets suave Sam Deleon. Before the night is out, she transforms from the coddled and protected younger sister to a woman in love. Reality crashes down when she accidentally learns he has deceived her. Daring to disobey him, she follows Sam to the oilfields and determines to live wherever he does. Has she made a mistake? Will she give up and return home where she can make her own rules?

When Sam Deleon meets the gorgeous young woman his mother has chosen for him, he fears falling in love, because he knows nothing about love. In order to carry out his mother’s plan, he marries True and moves her to his mother's home, intending to visit enough to set the plan in motion. When True fails to obey him, he faces the possibility of losing her, thereby losing his inheritance and the family property.

Sam and True attempt a reconciliation and compromise. Together, they now face a nemesis, someone who determines to thwart every action they take, endangering not only their lives, but also those whom they love.

Available April 1-Desert Breeze Publishing
Ebook only.
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-156/Celia-Yeary-Cameron-Sisters/Detail.bok
Also Available on Amazon--eBook

~*~*~*~

The second book is a Contemporary Romance set in Texas titled Crystal Lake Reunion. The story also involves three women and two babies—one of which dies at birth.

BLURB:
Twenty-five-year-old Houston realtor, Dana Dawson, has no reason to believe her life is not as it seems. When Ruth Dawson, her mother, travels thirty miles to Crystal Lake for her twenty-fifth high school reunion, she becomes ill. Dr. Grant Adams summons Dana to the small town she has never seen. There Dana begins to unravel a secret about her past she did not know existed.

Dana keeps her suspicions to herself and remains in Crystal Lake when her mother goes home. During the next week, she becomes acquainted with the charming young doctor and elicits his help to discover her true birthplace. There she finds a shocking truth that not only changes her life, but also almost destroys her mother and another entire family.

Available April 1 from Whiskey Creek Press
eBook only
http://whiskeycreekpress.com/comingsoon.shtml
eBook only

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/
http://www.celiayeary.com/
http://sweetheartsofthewest.blogspot.com/