Showing posts with label Sequoia National Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sequoia National Park. 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!

Facebook page:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Amazon

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!

Facebook page:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Amazon

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Horrors! #Amwriting a Blurb by Rolynn Anderson

*#!@&^!
All of us swear when we write blurbs.  Some of us have blurbs thrust upon us by publishers (and commence swearing at first sight). We indies get to swear at ourselves for every wooden phrase or hackneyed term. Since we're all trying to use the same keywords, it's no surprise our teasers sound alike. After we place the polished blurb on the back of the book, we're still growling and groaning over this or that word choice.

I come begging for feedback on the blurb below. Many of you read my Christmas short story about Sable and Carter, so you have more insight about FIRE IS NICE than anyone else I know.  So have at this draft...even if you just tell me the phrase/idea you like and/or the phrase/idea you don't like.  My skin is thick and I need your objectivity.  Thanks!



Giant redwoods crave a scorching forest fire to release their seeds. What kind of heat will smoke poachers out of Sequoia National Park?
***
Criminals are stealing 11,000 year old animal bones from the caves of Sequoia. Ranger Sable Chisholm, assigned to collar the thieves, brings along her donkey and pig. Sable is a former L.A. Agent, recovering from a brain injury, which took away fear but intensified her other emotions. Ranger Carter Glass, devoted to applying logic and statistics to park problems, is Sable’s reluctant partner in crime-solving.

Then the bone-robbers start shooting rangers, deepening the mystery and pushing the stakes sky-high.

If Sable can’t control her fearlessness to team with Carter, her career is over.


For the ancient Sequoia tree, fire is nice, but Sable’s fiery personality could reduce two reputations to ashes.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

An Attack on Friendship by Rolynn Anderson

What a mess Amazon’s algorithms have wrought. By removing book reviews, the behemoth company is quashing a writer’s chance to grow a readership and make money, while inadvertently forcing readers to stop making friends!  

Amazon is out to silence click farms and punish authors who buy reviews, and good for them! But in their zeal to stop misuse, their message to us is: don’t cultivate friendships, much less name any of your online acquaintances buddies. Those of us who have been busy building relationships with street teams, FB groups, and blog tribes, are now faced with turning our backs on our friends, our fans.  The closer we get to individuals in any of those groupings, the more likely their reviews of our product will disappear.

The lesson is clear: stop making friends/fans of authors and readers.

This is so frustrating to those of us hoping to warm up an often impersonal social media.  Also giving me apoplexy is the idea an author can’t be a reader!  I read a book a week…why can’t I write reviews that ‘stick’ for every story I read?

I don't mind if you commiserate, but perhaps it's best to move on to things friends CAN do for each other without retribution.   My cover artist is busy designing FIRE IS NICE.  What are your impressions of her draft, so far? Candid critique welcome!



Web and Blog:
Facebook page:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Amazon