SATURDAY NIGHT COCOA FUDGE

Isn't that a marvelous title for a book? My friend and fellow Tulsa Night Writer, Gloria Teague, is the author of this nostalgic book about her growing up years in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. I haven't got my hands on a copy yet, but hope to attend her book signing Saturday, September 13, here in Tulsa: 2-4 pm at the Frugal Bookworm on S. Lewis. If you're in the area, you might stop by and tell Gloria that I sent you.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

SATURDAY NIGHT COCOA FUDGE is the coming-of-age story in an era of bobby socks, poodle skirts and the freckled-faced girl that wore them. It's also about the Deep South and sweetly flawed women who taught her what she was meant to be and what she was not meant to be.

Their corner of the world was filled with folklore, superstition, and mystical ideas. Her grandmother believed and practiced most of these, passing them onto the next generation. The little girl's life was populated with strange relatives, quirky neighbors and mysterious bible verses that could stop the flow of blood. Being a member of this bizarre family made life worth living. These people were so fiercely loyal in their love for her, for each other, she felt they deserved to have their story told.

Gloria's book is available on Amazon and at the book signing, of course. I think you'll be glad you picked this one up.

Devoted to Cooking

Lest anyone think the title of this post is a confession about me, it's not. It's the title of my good friend, Jacqueline (Jackie) King's newest book, an inspirational cookbook she's been working on feverishly for many months. Co-written with her daughter, who is a culinary expert, they combine great recipes and the stories that inspired them. I've not seen a copy yet, but the cover is magnificent (created by another writing friend, Romney Nesbitt). This talented bunch are part of the Tulsa Night Writers tribe, and I am so honored to help spread the word about Devoted to Cooking.

Blessings and Bon Apetit!

SHADES OF TULSA Book Signing

My first official “Book Signing” was yesterday at Steve’s Books and Magazines in Tulsa. It’s an old-fashioned book store/soda fountain that is a landmark in Tulsa. We had a great turnout and sold all the books (an anthology of the Tulsa Night Writers) our president brought with her. She had to dash home and get some of her reserve stash.

Since many authors were represented, we took shifts at the signing table, but I got a huge kick out of walking around, pen in hand, signing books whenever someone asked, “Are you one of the authors?” Great fun!

L to R: Bren Presley, Me, M. Carolyn Steele, Gloria Teague

Mark Darrah, Bren Presley, Me, M. Carolyn Steele, Gloria Teague

Me with writing buddy and friend, M. Carolyn Steele

My First Book Signing

Shades of Tulsa, an anthology showcasing the writing of the Tulsa Night Writers, has just released. Many of Tulsa's published authors and others who just have a story to tell are showcased in this eclectic collection. A bit of history, a few ghostly tales, memories, and a poetry section make up the book.

I'm privileged to be part of this talented group. My contribution, "A Nod in the Right Direction," depicts my ambivalence in moving from our family farm into the heart of the city. In Tulsa, I found a warm welcome, not only from the wildlife in my own backyard, but also an offer of friendship from a neighbor, who has become a wonderful friend.

A group booksigning by many of the anthology authors will be this Sunday, Dec. 2, from 2 - 4 pm at Steve's Sundry: Books and Magazines. 2612 South Harvard. Tulsa. I'll be there and would love for you to come by if you are in the area. The book would be a "cool" Christmas gift for someone you know who loves Tulsa.

Now, what color ink should I use to sign my name?

How to BE a Writer

My friend and fellow Tulsa Night Writer, Chuck Sasser, talked at our monthly meeting about becoming a writer. Chuck is multi-published in the action adventure and military genres and has written both fiction and non-fiction with thousands of magazine and newspaper articles to his credit as well. Born to a sharecropper in Arkansas, he told his mother at an early age that he wanted to live many lives and write about all of them.

Indeed, he has done that. Chuck served with the Special Forces (Green Berets) in Viet Nam, was a war correspondent on several occasions, became a Miami police officer and later a Tulsa police detective, and rode broncs in the professional rodeo circuit. His adventures have included running with the bulls in Spain, hopping freight trains, scaling Mr. Everest, trips down the Amazon, hunting bears in Canada, and his current quest: looking for Sasquatch in various North American locales. He turns every adventure into magazine articles, book deals, and entertaining conversations.
In his book, Magic Steps to Writing Success, Chuck weaves his life story with writing wisdom.
Here’s what he shared the other night:
Many people dream of being writers, but few have what it takes to BE a writer. For those with the drive and desire, success is attainable with these steps.

1. Discipline. Many talented writers are never published. Successful writers are those who discipline themselves and write EVERY SINGLE DAY, no matter what.
2. Inspiration. Good work doesn’t come from inspiration. It comes from constant, tedious effort. In pursuing this, ask yourself Why do you want to be a writer? For Chuck it was to see and experience many things so that others may share that experience through his writing. What drives you?
3. Goals. Set attainable goals, but aim high. One of Chuck’s favorite quotes: “If you aim for the moon, you might at least hit a mountain.”
4. Ideas. If you wait for your well to overflow with ideas before you use them, your well will run dry. Curiosity is the rain that fills the well. Who? What? When? Where? How? Explore everything in your world with curious eyes and ears. Use details in your writing, and your words will ring with authenticity.
5. Craft. How can you build a house if you can’t use a hammer or know a rafter from a ceiling joist? You can’t write a good story while consciously thinking about how to apply the techniques. Learning the craft is essential. Learn well and often.
   
   Five steps. That’s it. Chuck has made a living as a full-time writer for twenty-nine years using these steps. Thanks, Chuck, for the insights and encouragement.