Showing posts with label FIRE IS NICE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FIRE IS NICE. Show all posts

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Day of the Dead in SMA by Rolynn Anderson

In a couple days I fly home after five weeks in San Miguel de Allende. You know me…this place will appear in a book eventually. The Day of the Dead (actually a Week of the Dead), was the high point. I was especially interested in the ‘shrine’ concept. Every store, restaurant, hotel, and family develops a shrine to those who have died. Heavy use of marigolds, the ubiquitous skeleton, pictures of the dead, and foods enjoyed by the dead. Yes, even a plate of chicken enchiladas, loaves of bread, seeds, favorite cups, and plates.  Unbelievably detailed. The Mexicans also decorate their cemeteries with bright flowers and seeds. So here are some pictures to illustrate how Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead: 
In a cemetery:
In a street near a church:


 In a cemetery:

In a store (all made with seeds!)

My takeaway…I wish Americans had a ‘memory’ day.  I think we’d benefit from the ritual.  What do you think?

Speaking of memories.  In June of 2013, I introduced myself to you; 33,000 words later, I’m saying goodbye. But since I don’t do farewells easily, I’ll concentrate on the ways we’ll continue to interact.  I still want to tell you about my pre-order experience…I’m dying to ask you what you think of a book I have in mind.  I’ve had some success with AMS, but all my campaigns have stalled lately.  We definitely need to keep in touch and help each other with this crazy career!

As for my pre-order,  click here to get the bargain dollar off before Dec. 4!

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Thursday, November 1, 2018

A Day to Celebrate Those Who Have Passed by Rolynn Anderson

Today I experience The Day of the Dead in San Miquel de Allende, Mexico.  The event is meant to celebrate the memories of the dead, not scare folks, but I have to admit the town is full of skeletons…and that gives anyone pause. Or the shivers.

My brother joins us November 1, and the two of us will have our faces painted, made easy with a couple margaritas.  We’ll march in a parade to the central jardin (garden) by San Miquel Archangel Paroquia, a beautiful church built in the late 1800’s.  After the parade, we (including my husband) sit down to a four-course dinner, three glasses of wine, each, included. Oh boy! Speaking about dead people...and dinner doesn't start until 9:00 p.m.  



I’m decorating my hat and sorting through my meager wardrobe for an event I hadn’t planned on.  I can’t wait!

Like the Mexicans, we Americans have special events to honor those we have lost by celebrating their lives.  These are good memories, worth savoring.

You may know by now I’ve launched FIRE IS NICE as a virgin pre-orderer.  The fun and the marketing moves apace.



In 3 days I have 12 pre-orders.  Who knows how many I’ll get by release day, Dec. 4?  I followed rules/advice.  Report to come.  

Click here to get the bargain dollar off on Fire is Nice before Dec. 4!

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Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Samaritans Good to #Suspense #Mystery Authors: Patron Strangers


I am heartened by the support I get as a writer. My friends and family are my cheerleaders. They know me and understand how important writing is to me, so their encouragement makes sense.

But what about the strangers who step in to do some heavy lifting for me, often providing more time, effort and input than anyone who knows me?  I call them Author Samaritans, without whom my books would suffer from subjectivity, authenticity, and flat out fakery.  Mistakes. Illogical plot. Superficial characters.  Samaritans save me from laughing-stock-status with every page.

And some of these Samaritans request to remain anonymous.  All that hard work and valuable input, never acknowledged.  Amazing!

One such expert was an FBI agent who clarified chain-of-command issues for me. A loop writer heard my plea and offered up her FBI husband to give me advice.  He did, then backed away behind a curtain of anonymity.

For my new book, FIRE IS NICE, one of my golf friends heard me talking about its Sequoia setting and my need to consult with rangers. She connected me up with a golfing friend who was a high level Fish and Game Warden. I gave him my manuscript without having the chance to meet him. To this day, I haven’t met the guy, even if I’ve e-mail chatted with him many times.  The feedback he gave me was detailed and nuanced, complete with pages of information (some redacted) from primary sources. From all he said, he enjoyed the chance to help refine my story.


Gems.  Treasures.  Grist for this author.  Expertise I couldn't possibly glean from Google.

So let's celebrate our heroes.  Who was your most recent Author Samaritan?

Note: Relatives and friends can offer extraordinary expertise, as well.  My geologist brother’s knowledge brings rock solid detail in BAD LIES http://a.co/1N5RAAL Take a look!



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