Friday favorites: Friendship and Fangirling

Last week I spent a few days in Las Vegas with dear friends.


We took a spin on the High Roller -- which is even taller than the London Eye -- to get a bird's eye view of Vegas at sunset.


We enjoyed afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental and explored the Strip.


We soaked in the sun at Rio's Voodoo Beach.


And we fangirled at the Supernatural con!


Eeeeeeee!

The con was EPIC. But the best part of all was hanging out with friends I've known and loved since childhood.

Can't wait to do it again!

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

2015 -- Reflecting on goals

So last year I set some goals for myself, and I thought it might be fun to check on my progress.

1. Journal/blog more.
I'm pretty sure I wrote in my paper journal more than I did in 2013, but a counting of blog posts reveals that I wrote fewer. However, when you take out self-promotey sorts of giveaways and "hey, look at my book!" posts, it pretty much evens out. So I didn't necessarily fall behind, but I would like to contribute more to this blog in 2015. Content-wise, I'm pretty satisfied with what I wrote. Some of it resonated with readers, some of it didn't, but it was all meaningful to me. And I think I did spend less time "blurting" on Twitter and Facebook. One specific goal: write more "Friday Favorite" posts. They're a nice catch-all review of neat things I've encountered during the week. (I already know some things I want to showcase this Friday!)

2. Read more.
GOAL ACHIEVED! In 2013 I read 50 books. This past year I read 72. Hooray! 43 were adult (this includes research books), 12 were young adult, and 17 were middle grade. I did not slog through any work of fiction just because I felt I had to. (I consider this growth from last year.) I really enjoyed my reading. And here are some favorites (starred titles were featured on the blog for "tea and a book"):

My True Love Gave to Me -- adorable anthology of holiday romance short stories.
Cold Comfort Farm -- I enjoyed the film, but the book is so very clever! And much funnier.
High Rising* -- a re-read, but this time it launched me into full-blown Angela Thirkell obsession.
The Signature of All Things* -- the most unusual book I read all year.
The Crowfield Curse* -- compelling medieval mystery/fantasy.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? -- I love The Mindy Project, and this funny memoir showed me just how smart, ambitious, and hard-working Kahling is.
A Stitch in Time* -- my favorite Penelope Lively book so far.
The French Lieutenant's Woman* -- a very satisfying re-read.
Remarkable Creatures* -- early female fossil hunters!
Miss Buncle's Book* -- my introduction to D.E. Stevenson (I'm currently reading my 4th Stevenson novel).
The Hollow Kingdom -- I think of this as the proper resolution to my childhood obsession with Sarah/Jareth from Labyrinth.
Garden Spells* -- my introduction to the magically romantic books of Sarah Addison Allen.

3. Spend more time researching and planning my next story.
I do think I've improved in this regard. Now must endeavor not to languish in the planning stage for too long.

4. Be more like Elfrida.
This goal was about being a better friend, listener, and comforter (like Elfrida in Winter Solstice). Not sure how to measure my progress, but I probably should have been more mindful of it. Part of the goal also involved inviting more people to my house, and in that regard I failed miserably. I only had two friends to stay in the entire year! No group gatherings or parties of any sort. Specific goal: plan a gathering in my home to take place before May 1st.

5. Be more conscious of living in the moment (and detach self from phone).
Hmmmm . . . not sure what to do with this one. It's rather vague. More specific goals: take at least one walk each day. Sit in the living room without turning on the TV. Sit on the patio in warmer weather. Put phone in kitchen when working in the office.

Final specific goal for 2015 -- make a "to do" list at the beginning of each work day. It's a simple thing, and it works!

How about you? Any goals for the new year?

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

It's 2014 -- shall we chat about goals?

We made it through another year!


Let's celebrate with tea and a good book. :)

I'm not going to do an extended recap/evaluation of 2013, even though I enjoy reading those posts from other folks. Instead I will list some goals for 2014:

1. Journal/blog more. This post from Neil Gaiman really got me thinking, and like him, I plan to blog more and tweet/tumbl/facebook less in the new year. I totally understand the allure of interacting with the world in 140 characters or less (or with photos, etc.), but I'm not that good at it, and it's making me feel strangely fragmented. Anxious, even. I miss the old days of Livejournal. I miss the details, the ruminating, both from my friends and from myself. In the new year, I hope to curb the number of quick blurtings and take more time to express thoughts and share deeper joys. It may be that no one has the time or inclination to read that sort of thing these days. But I'm not blogging to promote myself or create meangingful/practical content for users (or whatever the platform mavens say). My stories are my product. My blog is me. And maybe you'll come by and visit from time to time? I'll certainly make a point of visiting you!

2. Read more. I only read 50 books last year. I recall long stretches of time when I was stuck in a particular book, not making any progress, or just between books, and I felt myself getting out of the habit of reading. In those times, my imgination seemed to slow down, too. I must be more intentional about reading! And lo and behold, studies show that reading novels is good for brain function! (Thanks, C, for linking that article.)

3. Spend more time researching and planning my next story. I'm already a planner rather than a panster, but I still get in too much of a hurry somtimes. Since I don't have a hideous deadline hanging over me, I'm going to immerse myself in the historical context for my next story, and do some deep thinking about character and motivation, before I launch into the first chapter.

4. Be more like Elfrida. One of my favorite novels read in 2013 was Rosamund Pilcher's Winter Solstice. The main character is a warm soul who offers physical and emotional refuge to friends in crisis. Now, I'm too much of a cranky hermit to be 100% Elfrida, but I do want to be a better friend. A better listener. I need to be quicker and more adept at offering the same sort of refuge to my friends. And darn it, I could actually invite people to my house from time to time. Maybe I should start small, like with a bookish tea party? Something casual and joyful, with lots of yummies? Let me know if you're interested. :)

5. Be more conscious of living in the moment (and detach self from phone). This one is pretty self-explanatory.

What about you? I'd love to hear about your goals.

Useful stuff:

--Dr. Lisa has some great suggestions in The 3 R's of Successful Resolutions.

--Family lawyer Shel offers 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Couples (without using the word ‘weight’).

--And here is a procedure for dealing with negative thoughts/emotions (from Elephant Journal).

Let's have a HAPPIER NEW YEAR, friends!

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

Recent adventures

It's been a busy fall . . .


Right on the heels of the YA AdVANture tour, Tessa Gratton, Tara Hudson and I managed eleven library/school visits in five days. (The above photo was taken at the Blanchard Public Library.) We had a blast that week! It was hard to say goodbye at the end.


After appearances at OCTE and the Rose State Short Course on Writing, I moved on to Encyclomedia. The Brown Brothers of Perma-bound put together a series of appearances to benefit Moore schools impacted by the May tornado, and it was an honor to spend time with Gennifer Choldenko, Ann Hood, Ruta Sepetys, and Wendelin Van Draanen -- such incredibly classy ladies! (I enjoyed silly fun with them, too, as you can see above.)


Up next? My road trip to Tennessee. I enjoyed visits with friends and family (hooray for sweet nieces!), but also managed three library appearances. Many thanks go to Pam Ford at the Stewart County Library, Jean Nichols at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library, and Kay French and Kaity at the Houston County Library. They all welcomed me so warmly, and the Houston County library even put on an English tea spread, with the added bonus of a spooky flower arrangement that matched The Dark Between (see above)!


The TN trip wrapped up with the Southern Festival of Books. My panel with Aprilynne Pike and Teal Haviland came off splendidly, and I had a great time visiting with my pal DeAnne, as well as Courtney Summers (who took the above photo), Carla Schooler, Myra McEntire and Sharon Cameron. (Here's Myra and I posing in front of some impressive buttocks.) And on Sunday night, I met up with DeAnne and friends (and eventually my brother) for drinks and snacks at a speakeasy! (Next time you're in Nashville, you simply must check out the Patterson House.)


This past weekend I enjoyed a relaxing and inspiring retreat by Lake Tenkiller in Tahlequah. My crit pals and I chatted, played word games, visited a Benedictine Abbey (!!!), critiqued, and set goals for our writing. My lovely friends also threw a little party for The Dark Between, complete with character cupcakes.

So . . . lots of travel and talking and fun. But now it's time to get back to my hermit hole and WRITE.

Stay tuned for giveaways featuring books from authors I've spent time with recently!

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

Final Oxford 2013 post

We leave Sunday, so now it's the mad dash to settle accounts, pack, and say goodbyes.

*sniffle*

And yet, I am so EXCITED to be home after 7 weeks away! My kitty, my house, my TV, my bed, my quiet work space, my AIR CONDITIONING -- I yearn for them all.

So . . . I'll sum up the last couple of weeks quickly.


Weekend before last we went to Cheltenham! Or near it, at least. Here we are at the highest point in the Cotswolds. Too bad a piece of my hair blew into Steve's face -- any photoshop whizzes out there know how to delete that renegade strand? Anyway, we spent the weekend hiking about, eating good food, and even visiting a castle with friends Liesa (who also taught in the OU law summer program), Becky (who worked at the front end to get the program going), and Liesa's daughter JK (who adds class and charm to every endeavor).


Couldn't leave Cheltenham without visiting the famous racecourse, which you can sorta see at the right.


We returned to Oxford to find our friends Bede, Leigh, DeAnne, Kevin, Glenda, and Brandon nicely settled at Keble College. Frolicking commenced, including a day out punting the Cherwell. (Bede's friend Dominic is managing the pole in this photo.)

We also:
-- climbed the tower at St. Mary's Church
-- visited every pub in Oxford (well, Leigh did, anyway)
-- had a fancy tea at the Old Parsonage
-- ate delicious Indian food in Jericho
-- got rained out during a Saturday evening performance of Merry Wives of Windsor (but four of us went back later and enjoyed the entire play muchly -- one of the best Shakespeare performances I've ever seen)
-- ate delicious Italian food in Summertown, and . . .


walked through Port Meadow to have a Sunday roast at The Trout Inn. Above you can see us at the ruins of Godstow Abbey before our walk back to Oxford.


And finally, since I can't help taunting you with tea photos, here is Caroline, Brasenose's lovely conference manager, admiring the tea tray at the Old Parsonage. After enjoying the "very high" tea earlier with the gang, I had to coax Caroline and her officemate Denise to come out for the same tea experience. We were severely harrassed by wasps, but otherwise it was a lovely afternoon.

I could share a million more photos, but nobody has patience for all that, so maybe I'll put them on Flickr one of these days?

Now, back to packing . . . hope to see you soon!

P.S. I have a book coming out IN LESS THAN A MONTH. Eeeek!

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

April is for tea with friends (including our pal Jane)

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at Dragonmoon Tea Company with friends Brandi, Michelle (who was visiting from Tennessee), and Ange. This was our third year of taking tea together in Tulsa. May the tradition go on and on!


Click here for a closer look at the tea tray: scrumptious scones, sandwiches and sweets!

This month's tea recommendation: During our visit I enjoyed more than one cup of Organic Irish Breakfast from the Metropolitan Tea Company. (Follow the link to order from the charmingly named Tweed & Hickory Loose Teas.)


Michelle and I also enjoyed tea during our marathon of Jane Austen adaptations (inspired by our obsession with the Lizzie Bennet Diaries). We watched Pride and Prejudice '95, Emma '09, and Persuasion '07*. Can you identify the film we're watching in the above photo? :)


Cedric always joined us for tea, but he preferred Michelle's company to mine. As a keen lapstalker, he knows a cuddly warm napping spot when he sees it!

*Speaking of Persuasion, I would love to indulge in a fantasy casting of a new, let's say, three-part BBC adaptation, but perhaps that's best for another post? I'll still take suggestions in the comments below. Persuasion really should be given the screentime it's due, don't you think? I'm raring for a re-read.

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

On kindness

One of the 12 Things Happy People Do Differently is to practice acts of kindness:

Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain. (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.) Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside. What’s even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness. How extraordinary is that? Bystanders will be blessed with a release of serotonin just by watching what’s going on.

Last year, a friend did something so unexpectedly kind for me, and I've been meaning to share it with you for a while.

Let me give you some background first.

Many of you know that I'm a big Duran Duran fan. It goes back . . . decades. (Eeesh, I'm old.) My school friends and I used to pine for the "fab five" quite ferociously, and now that I'm a grown-up (supposedly), it's fun to find other Duranies out there in the world. As it turns out, fabulous author and agent-sister Tiffany Trent is one of them!

I first met Tiffany when she was participating in a Dragon*Con panel about steampunk. She was so calm, collected, and professional, and her presentation captivated me more than anyone else's. I remember creeping up to introduce myself as another of Jenn's clients, so afraid to seem like a doofus. Turns out, she is a delightfully warm and friendly lady, and I've so enjoyed getting to know her better over the years.

That said, I'll confess to feeling a wee tinge of jealousy when I learned Tiffany was going to New York to see Duran Duran bassist John Taylor sign his book, In the Pleasure Groove. But mostly I was happy for her to meet him, because she'd been working so hard and deserved a treat.

On the day of the signing, she tweeted me a photo:


The significance of this didn't immediately set in. I knew Tiffany was at the signing, and I've participated in signings where post-its were used, but still . . . I just stared for a moment. And then it hit me--Tiffany was getting a book signed for me. JUST FOR ME!!!

I nearly peed my pants.

Soon after that she posted a photo of her lovely self with John Taylor, and maybe because the serotonin was raging through my system, I could feel nothing but joy for her. I was in the pleasure groove! (Sorry, couldn't help myself.)

A few weeks later this arrived in the mail:


JOHN TAYLOR WROTE MY NAME. He signed a book TO ME!

I was so moved by this gesture that I had to publicly celebrate Tiffany for it. Sometimes I get so stuck in my hermetic little existence that I forget the energizing and blissifying (pretend it's a word) potential of doing nice things for others. I promise to do better! So many of you have performed kindnesses for me--sending a note, signing a book, critiquing a draft, recommending a good read, hanging out with me, listening to me whine, encouraging me--and I celebrate you, too!

Henceforth I endeavor to be more mindful of the power of kindness. Will you join me?

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

Lake retreat

This past weekend my writing group escaped to Lake Tenkiller for our annual retreat.


As usual, the camaraderie and scenery were uplifting.

Our focus for the retreat was author platform, a topic which has long given me the heebie jeebies. (What does it mean? How do I develop/enact it without making an idiot of myself and/or annoying everyone?) However, Lisa Marotta led us through a workshop so effectively that by Sunday we were all much clearer on what platform means and how we can build it in our own writing careers.


See -- we know how to build a platform! (Yes, we are silly.)

Some links:
A definition of Author Platform (Jane Friedman)
Three Traits of an Author's Platform (C. Hope Clark)
Get Known Before the Book Deal (Christina Katz)

Quotable quote: "Don't collect a following, nuture a following." (C. Hope Clark)

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

Santa Fe

[via Camera Awesome -- I'm a little obsessed with this app right now!]

Last week Steve presented at a conference in Santa Fe, and I tagged along. It's only (only?) an 8 hour drive, so we decided to make it a road trip.

I must confess that the drive from Oklahoma City to Amarillo isn't particularly scenic, but once we hit the mesas in west Texas, things got interesting. I'll spare you the photos I took through the window with my iPhone. Well, all except this one:


Here we're about half an hour from Santa Fe -- I loved this vista of huge sky and mountains in the distance.

Once we were settled into our hotel, we walked about town and enjoyed the cool air and sun, taking a few photos before eating a late lunch.


Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi -- east of the Plaza.


The Loretto Chapel -- a bit of Southwest Gothic just for me!


The Lensic Theater.


It wasn't necessary to awesomize this photo, right? On Thursday I drove down to Albequerque to visit with Caroline Starr Rose, the author of one of my favorite books, May B. Caroline is beautiful, warm, and wise -- it was such a pleasure to hang out with her.

The day before I had the opportunity to breakfast with agent-sister Tiffany Trent, who was in town for a Science Writing conference (how cool is that?). We had a grand old time chatting about writing and Duran Duran, but silly me forgot to take a photo. Great to see you, Tiffany! Can't wait for the Unnaturalists to come out. :)

[Cross-posted to Livejournal]

My wild week

I've been out of it for a while -- last week was crazy busy, as you'll see . . .


Saturday before last Steve and I (along with another couple) hosted a Moulin Rouge party for law students as a benefit for the Women's Resource Center. Yes, that's me in a can-can dress. (Steve was trying to simulate Jim Broadbent's costume from the film -- obviously we neglected to affix the elaborate mustache!) Additional photos: a shot of me, Steve and his colleague/co-host E, a tiny pic of the students (note E's husband in the background, dressed as a bear), and check out these amazing Moulin Rouge-themed cupcakes made for us by Gigi's.


On Monday I drove to Dallas and fetched my buddy Michelle from the airport so that we can could enjoy the big city experience before heading back to OKC. Our first stop was the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which currently features hundreds of amazing sculptures from Dale Chihuly. We also enjoyed afternoon tea in the restaurant. We were too starved to remember to take a photo of the soup and sandwich course, but here's the desert course. Delicious!

After tea we visited a charming temporary exhibit entitled Small Houses of Great Artists. I wished I could turn Seurat's house into my writing office. Van Gogh's house was particularly cozy, and we both loved the bridge and lily pond at Monet's house.


On Wednesday we drove to Tulsa to meet up with friends Brandi and Ange at Dragonmoon Tea Company (now to become a yearly ritual, I hope). For some reason I had my camera set to a fish eye view, but the above photo was decent enough. Here's a close-up of the tea tray.

By Thursday I had a very pesky head cold, and I really must apologize to Michelle for being so grumpy and fuzzy in the head. She bore my misery and hostessing failures with grace, which is exactly how she handles any adversity that comes her way. (I'll show you a better time next year, my friend!) Anyway, after I took Michelle to the airport I spent the rest of the day resting up for my big event on Friday -- a visit to Deer Creek High School!


Jason Stephenson invited me to spend a couple of hours with his Creative Writing students, and I really must thank them all for such a nice time! See more photos -- courtesy of Jason -- at my Facebook Author Page. Great kids, excellent discussion, and some students even took notes. Heaven!

Now back to OWFI work and revisions. *sigh*

[Cross-posted at Livejournal]

Big weekend

Exciting things happened this past Saturday night, and they did NOT involve being swept away by a tornado, thank goodness.



The Revenant won the Oklahoma Book Award for YA!

I was given a medal. (!!!) And I made a little speech. A speech in which I forgot to thank the Oklahoma Center for the Book. THANK YOU OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR THE BOOK!

As exciting as that was, the true highlight of the evening was seeing Anna Myers accept her Lifetime Achievement Award. Anna has written nearly a million* books, most of which have won awards and made important lists. Her stories have thrilled children and adults alike. Anna is one of the wisest and most supportive people I've ever met. She's also HILARIOUS and great fun to be around. Read more about her accomplishments here. After being introduced so poignantly by her son Ben Myers (a 2011 OBA winner in Poetry) Anna spoke of life, art, and inspiration. She made me giggle (as she often does), but mostly she made me think. I'm so grateful to her and the Oklahoma kidlit writing community for all they've taught me.

*slight exaggeration

Please join me in a happy dance for all the finalists and the friends who cheered them on. Hooray for the bookish people of Oklahoma!



[cross-posted from Livejournal]

Boston

First thing -- I've heard from a couple of people that they've had trouble posting comments on this blog. And the other day I received an email notification of a comment that never actually appeared on the blog. (Maybe it was deleted?) So . . . if you have any suggestions on how to fix this, please let me know!

We had a great time in Boston, once Steve got his presentation out of the way. Met up with my friend Ellen Thursday morning and she kindly showed me around. I was jabbering so much that I didn't take many photos, and those I did take weren't that great, but it was SUCH a nice time.

Steve and I walked until we dropped Thursday afternoon. I offer you a random selection of photos:


I have to ask -- what's up with the obese squirrels in Boston Common?


The Revenant is shelved in YA Mystery at the Boston Public Library. So cool! Steve faced it out, probably to the great annoyance of the librarian who checked the shelves before closing.


Quincy Market was very festive! (We walked through after dinner in the North End)


I couldn't resist getting a photo in front of the tree. :)

Haunted Seminary Tour

This past Friday I met up with pals Brandi, Martha and Karen for the Haunted Seminary Tours in Tahlequah. I was scheduled to do a reading, accompany the first tour and sign books, but it felt more like a visit to an old friend than an "author appearance." Now that it's behind me, I can tell you that returning to the setting of The Revenant on a dark and chilly October night was the perfect way to celebrate Halloween!


How can you not love Seminary Hall in all her spooktacular evening glory? To those familiar with the book -- Willie's room is in the right turret, second floor. We had to laugh because the lights were on, but on the wrong side. And yet, do you notice a funky light in Willie's window? Or is that just me? (Click to embiggen) I know the right turret was completely dark when I took this picture.


Karen, Brandi and Martha admire Seminary Hall at night. So atmospheric! (Notice statue of Sequoyah behind them.)


Posing with Martha and Karen (& the book!).


Marie Madison, graduate student in English at Northeastern State University, was my contact for this event. Proceeds from the Haunted Seminary Tours enable NSU grad students to attend professional conferences and present papers. As a former starving grad student, I'm all for that!


You guys, I PHOTOGRAPHED AN ORB! A GHOSTLY ORB!

Okay, maybe it was just a flash effect, but Brandi (& others) heard ghostly typewriter sounds on the third floor. Apparently, many of the hauntings at Seminary Hall are auditory.


This is my favorite part -- I remembered it well from the first tour I attended over 2 years ago. Our guide shared the story of a professor who was alone on the third floor and heard someone running up and down the hall, but she could never catch the offender. Apparently, this is one of the most common auditory hauntings. Years ago, when the wiring above the drop ceiling was getting an upgrade, these footprints were discovered on the original plaster ceiling. Aren't they creepy? Is this a ghostly residue of the primaries who once ran up and down the halls?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYONE!

(I will announce the winner of the signed copies of BLOOD MAGIC, HEREAFTER, and THE REVENANT later today!)

Weekend recap

Had a great time with Tara Hudson, Tessa Gratton and Natalie Parker this weekend. Our events at Full Circle Bookstore and Norman Public Library were intimate and lively.

Clever Natalie created a banner from a photo she took at Full Circle Bookstore -- yay!

We chatted for quite a while with the group at Norman Public Library. I love Tessa's mischievous expression here -- I think she's channeling Josephine from BLOOD MAGIC.

Ha ha!

Today I am ever so grateful for independent bookstores, local libraries, and author friends.

Stay tuned for a giveaway!

Friday Favorites - better late than never?

First off, there's still time to enter my "Six weeks to THE REVENANT" giveaway of BLOOD MAGIC. Check it out here. I won't be tabulating entries until Sunday morning, so do please enter. (If you don't win this time, you'll still be entered in the giveaway for a finished copy of THE REVENANT. And, of course, there will be more giveaways in the weeks leading up to its release.)

Okay, now for the favorites: Friends and Tea!

My longtime buddy and kindred spirit Michelle flew all the way from Nashville to visit me earlier this week.


We enjoyed a tea at The Victorian Tea Room in the quaint old town square of Guthrie.

On Tuesday we headed to Tulsa for a viewing of Jane Eyre (even better on the THIRD viewing), a visit to the gorgeous Phillbrook Museum of Art, and . . .


Tea with friends Brandi Barnett and Ange Brunner at the Dragonmoon Tea Company.


Here's a clearer view of Brandi and the tea tray -- equally delicious, are they not? ;) (OH, and that's our server Vladimir lurking in the background. He was lovely.)

We had a lovely time! Tea always makes gatherings more festive.

If only my launch party could be one huge tea party . . .

Happy weekend, everyone!

[Cross-posted from Livejournal]