Well, I still don't have any news to report about my novels. 65 rejections seem like a lot, but when other authors tell me about their journeys to traditional publishing, some of them receiving hundreds (yes, plural) of rejections, my plight doesn't seem so bad. So I trudge on. Meanwhile, I have 7 short stories out to publishers and contests. Hopefully I'll have good news to share about those,soon. I'm also embarking on a new adventure.

Several of my buddies in the music industry have suggested that I take up songwriting. They say I'll be a natural at it. I don't know about that, but I'm finally giving it a try. In two days I will attend a workshop hosted by an award-winning songwriter from Nashville. It sounds fun, and a little intimidating. But hey, if I can persevere against publishing agents and editors I can handle this. Even though I'm as green as anyone can be in this field. And I'm sure I'll be surrounded by accomplished professionals. So there will be a wealth of information to absorb. That's a good thing.

Who knows? This workshop may lead to some worthwhile connections. And may be the beginning of a hit song or two.

Inspiration can come from lots of different sources. For me, and I would suppose many writers, people watching is one of the best ways to gather information for character descriptions, both external and internal. And this comes from being in any public place.

For instance, I recently needed a line, just one line, for a query letter that best described what my main characters were feeling. It is their "A-ha" moment. I was struggling with it until I saw someone run through a park during a festival. The girl was with one friend, left that friend, ran back to someone who called to her and began to talk to them. She waved the first friend away, but the girl stayed put and waited on the friend who had left her to return. That simple act was what I needed to see. My character had left his wife to fight in a war, came home broken inside and was distant, even abusive. To the wife's credit, she didn't run away, even though her husband was basically waving her away. She waited for him to want to return to her.

Presto! Problem solved.

I also went to a concert to see some friends perform. Since I've seen them several times, I know their set list about as well as they do. I know they saw me in the audience (we made eye contact and smiled), and so they may have noticed that I did not pay strict attention to them during their show. I was looking to the right and left, making mental notes about the physical appearances of men, women and children in the audience. How they walked, talked, and reacted to certain songs and comments. Describing these traits will come in handy later in future stories. In fact, I wore a T-shirt that read: "Be careful or you will end up in my novel". After the concert, while talking to my friends, they laughed at the shirt and said they were going to make up shirts that read: "Be careful or you will end up in my song".

So watch out. You've been warned.

It was a lot of fun seeing old friends, and meeting new ones, when I went back to my old stomping grounds for a festival in Jacksonville, AL. The weather was nice and so was the crowd. That's all you can ask for as a vendor. Those two ingredients, plus quality work offered at a reasonable price, equal good sales. Actually, I sold more books than I had anticipated. Thanks to everyone who came out to see me!

It was extra special to reminisce with people I hadn't seen in a while. A friend I graduated from high school with stopped by and we chatted for two hours. It was the first time we had seen each other since graduation night, and 30 years between hugs is far too long. My gosh! I've been out of high school for 30 years? I must be getting old. But it seems like it was just yesterday. 

I'm excited about the prospects with new business contacts. I was invited to speak to a writers' group and also place my books in an independent bookstore with the promise to be given opportunities to have signings. Those are always fun.

And, I have several more appearances scheduled for May. The next one is in Glencoe, AL (please visit the Events & Appearances page for details). My buddies, Sweet Tea Trio, will be performing from 2:30 - 4:00 in the afternoon. They sing country music, and they are spectacular. If you haven't heard this all-female band yet, you are in for a treat. If you have, then you know what I mean when I say they will certainly be stars in the near future. In fact, we have a little contest going to see who among us will reach #1 first. I'm pulling just as hard for them as I am for myself. Hopefully, we will all meet at the top very soon! Come out and see us if you can.  

Thanks again to everyone who purchased books in Jacksonville. Hope everyone is enjoying them. I'm looking forward to lots more meet and greets this summer.   

Back on the second day of July, I went to see a new country group, a trio of girls who call themselves Sweet Tea Trio. I had never heard of them before a full page ad ran in the Fort Payne Times-Journal announcing their upcoming appearance as part of the Independence Day celebration. Well, about two songs into their set, I was hooked. These young ladies are all 18 years old, sing, write their own songs and play instruments. They are very talented, and are working on original songs to record for a forthcoming EP. They plan to pitch their album to major record labels in Nashville in hopes of securing a major recording contract. I wish them the best of luck. I pray their dreams come true. I've since been to another of their concerts, and was even more blown away. Needless to say, they made a lasting first impression.  

I got to meet them after both shows. In Fort Payne, I was first in line at the meet and greet. I mentioned that I was a writer and had two books of ghost stories. They seemed interested, so I sent them a link to my website. Last night, after their show, I again went by to say hello, and they all recognized me. One of them even said she had checked out my stories. I guess I made a good first impression. All right. How cool would it be if they made it big in the music business and remembered me and my work? Very special! Last night we talked as if we were friends. Know what? That's exactly what we are.  

I'm tickled when anyone buys my books, reads my articles or attends my speaking engagements. My goal is to leave a lasting impression. Any customer, especially repeat customers, are special. But to have people remember you, you first have to make a good first impression.    

I want to take a break from talking about writing and history, and post this week about music.  We just celebrated our Boom Days heritage here in Fort Payne.  As part of the week-long festival, there was a special screening of the movie Muscle Shoals.  The Muscle Shoals Sound is known worldwide, and a couple of the original "swampers" - the session players - were on hand.  Getting to meet them was awesome!  They recorded with many best-selling artists, including Cher, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones.  During the main festival day a friend commented that no matter where we walked we could hear music.  Country, folk, rock, gospel, you name it.  We decided that we needed to practice, and maybe be a part of the lineup next year. 

For me personally, I like to sing and play stuff from gospel hymns to the country music of The Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and George Strait, to a little folk and period music, to the rockabilly sound of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis to rock 'n' roll by Billy Joel, Bob Seger and Bon Jovi.  I've played the guitar for more than 30 years, and can fake my way to sounding decent on the banjo, mandolin and keyboard.  I've recently taken up the harmonica, and the first song I learned was Piano Man.  I tell you though, the sweetest sounds I've ever heard are from Celtic Woman.  I've also recently discovered a fantastic classical crossover duo from Great Britain named Eden.  I've even connected to classical and opera singers on social media! 

Lisa Lambe, of Celtic Woman, once commented that she couldn't imagine a world without music.  Neither can I.  If I couldn't jam or relax to some tunes, what would be the point of being around?  Music makes the world go round.