Category: Friends

One Dance Step at a Time

A few years ago, I discovered a Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio nearby and signed up to take a weekly Ladies Only class. I’d never taken dance lessons before and knew it would be a challenge both physically and mentally, but I was curious about learning to dance and resolved to give it a shot and to do my best. Nevertheless, I walked in the door that first day with hesitation and a fair amount of trepidation. But instructor Gia Viseli quickly made me feel welcome, as did the other ladies, and when class was over, I was hooked. Over the next few months, one dance step at a time, I learned Jitterbug, Salsa, and East Coast Swing, to name a few. Later I started taking private lessons, both with my husband and by myself. We learned other Latin and Ballroom dances, and with practice, I gained confidence, improved over time, and we enjoyed dancing in and out of class.


Fast forward to this month and the 2025 North Florida Dance Challenge. Earlier this year, Gia began teaching me Foxtrot, Slow Waltz, and Tango and said I should compete (!) at the event as a newcomer/beginner. Two of my classmates had competed in it the last few years, and some had even competed in other events in the U.S. and Europe. To say I was anxious and worried about participating in this one is a serious understatement. I was petrified!


However, I had been training for the event—without realizing it, to be honest—for months. Another dancer would be a rookie too, and since her dances (including Cha-Cha and Bolero) were different from mine, we wouldn’t compete against each other. Our friends who had already participated in it were competing in a higher level, and this fall, they took us under their wings to help us get ready—which I soon learned meant much more than getting my routines down. They shared details about the event and helped me find the right dresses and dance shoes. They gave us information on everything from hair and makeup to the event timeline and what to expect. Most important, they encouraged and supported us as we trained, and urged us to have fun!


Others in our dance class are very supportive as well, and not just about events like this one. We help and encourage each other while we learn new dances and routines, we socialize at studio dance parties, and we get together on other occasions. Our teacher is a dance professional who expects us to listen and learn, not to “think” (which is hard for me), and above all, to follow his lead when he dances with each of us. But he’s also very patient, encouraging, funny, and observant—qualities I now know are essential for a dance instructor.

The day before the North Florida Dance Challenge, I felt nervous yet excited. But that first night, my nervousness slowly faded after I danced three “warm up” dances with my instructor: Meringue, Salsa and Bachata. The next morning, I stepped onto the dance floor with more confidence and determination, and I was thrilled to receive 2nd place in my level dancing Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot. My friends also placed in their dances, the more experienced ones earning 1st place medals and inspiring me to work harder to improve and to enjoy myself in the process. Learning to dance is a challenge, but it’s fun and rewarding, and I’m happy that I’ve come as far as I have—one dance step at a time.

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Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel

It’s amazing how many times family members and friends have asked me if a character in one of my novels is based on them—if they are “in” it. It’s just as amazing how often they’re quite sure they aren’t in it, when in fact, they are. Kind of.

You may have heard the adage, “Write what you know.” Most authors I know do just that, and so do I. Not surprisingly, we draw on what we have experienced and observed. I can’t help it. My brain processes what I see and hear, and my mind soon spirals into what-ifs. What if a small town is hiding a dark secret from newcomers? What if a woman’s look-alike is found murdered? What if another dead body turns up? What if the killer lives next door? And that set of what-ifs is just about my next thriller.

Wherever I go, my subconscious is always on the lookout for book fodder—which often makes its way into my next novel. However, I change it up to fit the novel I’ve decided to write. I come up with the plot, create the characters, and then I let my imagination take over. And sometimes, I confess, I do draw on who I know, whether I know them well or not. Some of my characters are composites of people I’ve spoken to, read about, or run across—and sometimes they are combinations of people in my life. Though they are fictional, they share qualities ( good and bad), problems and sometimes even phobias with real people, including myself. That’s the secret to making them relatable, sympathetic and engaging. At least, I hope so.

What happens in real life—truth—is often much stranger than fiction. However, fiction has to make sense. Truth doesn’t. Writing fiction that makes sense is what plot and theme accomplish. Both are just as important when writing creative nonfiction because a true story, when well told, reads like fiction–like a novel–and makes sense.

I’ve written four novels, the latest one (untitled as of yet) acquired for publication later this year. I’ve also written a true story, a memoir, also called creative nonfiction. It’s the story of my son’s journey with brain cancer, and (with their permission) several family members and friends are in it. Though it’s nonfiction, I wrote it as a novel using a three-act structure and story arc. I recounted true events, but only those that are part of the story, and left out everything that isn’t. In some ways, it was easier to write than my novels were. In other ways it was much more difficult. Writing fiction can be an easier task because I get to make everything up, but it can also be much harder for the same reason.

But I like a challenge, especially when I have complete control and am happy with the result. To those who think they are characters in my novels, I say, “Believe me, you are not. But be careful, or you could turn up in one of them one day.”

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List Post: juin 2017 (June)

Not exactly a list, but…

Here’s an update:

On June 1, I hosted my neighborhood’s Book Club meeting. The book we chose to read and discuss? My latest suspense novel, DADDY’S GIRL.

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We talked about my other books, too, including my creative nonfiction book ALL THE ABOVE: MY SON’S BATTLE WITH BRAIN CANCER. Many of my neighbors had known Jack since he was a little boy (he was 9 when we moved in), and they were touched by his story.

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Book club members holding my novels UNDERWATER and DADDY’S GIRL, nonfiction ALL THE ABOVE, and of course…wine.

I was thrilled to see everyone that night. Although these are the only photos we took, there were about 18 people at the meeting. I’ve been hit or miss lately at our meetings, but I’m always interested in what we select to read. I like to read multiple genres, and luckily, the book club does, too.

We talked about my novel, and members were also very interested in my writing process, my path to publication, and what it’s like to work with an editor. Just the kinds of things I like to talk about! We drank wine, munched on appetizers, and enjoyed catching up when we weren’t talking books.

I’d love to be a guest at YOUR book club anytime, in person or via Skype. Just let me know when!

Two nights later, I attended the 53rd Annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards banquet. DADDY’S GIRL was a Nominee in the Mystery/Detective category (the best fit, since there isn’t a Thriller/Suspense category, too). There were over a dozen Nominees in the category, and though it didn’t win, I was thrilled to be there and to be nominated. It was wonderful to be among writers of many genres and watch as a Winner and a Finalist were chosen in each group.

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Here I am at the banquet with my friend, author Liz Lazarus, a Nominee in the First Novel category

What else is planned for June? Basically, writing (book 5). So far, it’s unnamed, but the characters are in serious development, and the scenes are coming together. Stay tuned.

 

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List Post, mai 2017 (May)

May is a busy month. It’s when the school year ends (in the south, anyway), and when graduations happen. Mother’s Day falls in May, Memorial Day weekend occurs, and summer vacation is just around the corner. In my family, there are several May birthdays, at least one wedding anniversary, and this year, there was an engagement announcement. It’s also Brain Tumor Awareness month.

I don’t have any author events scheduled this month, but on Saturday, June 10, I’ll join other local “Sisters in Crime” authors in a panel discussion about publishing at the Decatur Library (see my News & Events page for details).

Earlier this month, I scheduled a photo shoot with the fabulous and talented photographer, Lynn Crow. I needed a professional, updated headshot (not taken by an iPhone) to submit to mystery writers’ conference Bouchercon for its program. I’ll appear at the conference later this year in Toronto.

Lynn had me meet her at the Goat Farm Arts Center in Atlanta to shoot the photos. When she sent me the proofs, I thought I knew which one I should choose for the headshot. However, I liked several, and after I narrowed them down, I asked my Facebook friends to vote for their favorite.

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The one above is the winner, 18-6, by my count, and it’s the one I thought I should select. Second place was the one below. I sent the winner to the Bouchercon folks, but I can always crop the “brick wall” one for a closeup headshot alternative for other occasions. I used the other photos (slideshow below) on my website, social media sites, and Amazon author page. And there are a few other (so far, unpublished) proofs I’ve saved in case I need them later.

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All in all, I’m glad I had this done. I’d had a previous headshot (only) taken by a different photogragher a few years ago, but since then, I’ve lost a lot of weight. The only other time I’ve had professional photos taken was in my wedding dress when I was engaged to be married, over 35 years ago. I’ve always wished that I’d had more taken (or chosen to keep the proofs). But I had a very limited budget then, and didn’t realize how much I’d want to see those photos later on.

It’s different now that photos are much less expensive and easier to share. I’m more often the one behind the (iPhone) camera, rather than in front of it, and I’m more comfortable with words than images. But I’m happy to share these, and I hope they reflect something about me.

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List Post, avril 2017 (April)

It’s the last week of April, and I just realized I forgot to do a List Post this month!

I’ve been a little busy writing…and appearing at bookstores, festivals and markets, signing copies of my books. Back in late March, I went to Asheville, NC for a few days, and to Savannah the next weekend. The first weekend of April, I went to Texas with my husband to visit family. Here’s a rundown of this month, through the end of it, this Sunday:

  • My appearance at Tall Tales Books had to be rescheduled from March 26 to April 8. It was lots of fun mingling with readers in a great bookstore!
  • Alas, I had to cancel as a Regional Writer for the Dahlonega Literary Festival last month. I hope to be back next year, though.
  • On April 9, I headed to Wilbur & Rudy’s Farmtable and Market in Milton, GA for a book signing.
  • Then on April 15, I appeared as a panelist with authors Gelia Dolcimascolo, Nancy Stephan and James Huskins at the Atlanta Writers Club meeting in Dunwoody, GA. Our panel was the 3rd speaker slot beginning at 3pm. Lots of interesting questions and discussion!
  • On April 22, I was one of several authors signing books at “Lemonade Days” in Dunwoody, a festival held at an area park. It was a gorgeous day and we met lots of cool readers. We appeared again the next day but had to close up shop early because of heavy rain.
  • And on Sunday April 30 (rain or shine), I’ll sign books at an Author Signing at the Donaldson-Bannister House in Dunwoody! Please stop by.

April30AuthorMeme!

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That’s me on the left, with two other authors and a reader who grabbed copies of our books at Lemonade Days! 

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Pizza, Salad, and a Movie: The Lego Batman Movie

Last weekend’s Pizza Toppings at Corner Pizza:

  • Arugula
  • Jalapeños
  • Artichoke Hearts

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I had a wedge salad, but since it was the first Friday of Lent, I skipped the bacon. So it was basically iceberg lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese dressing. My husband joked that it reminded him of the salads his mom used to make. (But he doesn’t remember blue cheese dressing…)

Since I haven’t mentioned this in a while, let me say that the pizzas at Corner Pizza are very good. When I achieve my weight loss goal, I may have a slice or two. Until then, I’m happy just to take photos of them.

Movie:

The Lego Batman Movie

Whoever thought of making a movie using Lego pieces/characters? Someone did for the first one (The Lego Movie, I think), and because it did so well, they came along and did another. This one was clever, if a little silly, but it was well done and entertaining. A bit of a change from movies we’ve seen lately, and a welcome one.

Now – it’s old news that La La Land didn’t win the Academy Award for Best Picture (and how it didn’t win). I’m glad it didn’t, but we haven’t seen Moonlight and don’t really want to. I’m kind of over the Oscars, anyway, except maybe for the gowns on the Red Carpet. Staying up past midnight to see the announcers (or whoever it was) mess up the biggest award of the night – well, I’m glad I didn’t.

[I did wake up in the middle of the night though and checked Facebook (!) to see who won that award. I saw a post that said “That was nuts. #Oscars”, but for some reason, I wasn’t curious enough to look further. I went back to sleep and found out what happened the next morning.]

Incidentally, Bonnie and Clyde is one of my all time favorite films. Too bad its actors had the misfortune of being the ones who got the wrong card that night!

 

 

 

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List Post, mars (March) 2017

I have 2 events coming up later this month on the same weekend:

  1. I’ll appear at the 2017 Dahlonega Literary Festival on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Come see me between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm at the Dahlonega Baptist Church (234 Hawkins St, Dahlonega GA 30533). I’ll have copies of all four of my books available to sign. Bring your book club members and enjoy this wonderful event!
  2. The following day, Sunday March 26 at 2:30, I’ll appear at Tall Tales Books for a discussion and book signing. This bookstore is conveniently located in Toco Hills at 2105 La Vista Road in Atlanta. You’re invited to attend!

Until then, I’ll be working on my (so far, untitled) next novel (“Book 5” for now). And on Monday evening, March 20, I’ll be the guest of the Atlanta Women’s Book Club at their meeting to discuss DADDY’S GIRL. 

Merci mille fois to my friend Hamid, the owner of Café Vendôome on Roswell Road for hosting me last Saturday, March 4 for the afternoon, to sign copies of my books. Thanks to all who attended – it was wonderful to see you all and to chat about books!

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Wine with Wendy on Wednesday, Feb 2017

Happy Mardi Gras!

Earlier this month, Wendy and I met for lunch, and I’m just now getting around to writing about it. I’ve lost count of the number of posts I’ve done about our déjeuners, so I’m going to start identifying them by date.

This time, we didn’t go to a French restaurant. Instead, we chose Seasons 52 for the lighter fare. We passed on dessert, but we had a glass of wine.

And this time, we didn’t discuss our artistic endeavors (much). Instead, we talked about practical things like our households (not our kids, though) and health (basically, exercise and dieting).

Kind of appropriate, when you’re at Seasons 52.

I hope we can fit in a lunch this month. Spring break is coming, and Wendy’s 5 children have different spring breaks. I have a lot on my calendar in March, too: book signings, book club appearances, travels, and a literary festival. My next appearance is this Saturday afternoon* at a French café called Café Vendôme. They have wonderful bread, patisseries and a great lunch menu. Hope to see you there!

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Above: Seasons 52 flatbread and dessert choices. Below: Café Vendôme macarons, etc.

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* Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:30

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List Post: janvier 2017

  1. My calendar is filling up! Click News & Events for my upcoming appearances, all in February: Book Signings in Cumming, Roswell, and Buckhead; a Sunday Tea; a Saturday Luncheon; and a Radio Interview! Sign up there to receive my bi-monthly newsletter (the January 2017 edition was just published).
  2. This month, I’m back to and hard at work on my next novel, a domestic suspense.
  3. And on Monday, January 30, I’ll attend the “Simply Buckhead Welcome Party” to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer with two lovely friends (and “Quiet Hero” moms). Hope to see you there!

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