Revisions and Research

So I've been working on revisions of my story The Viking Princess and along with revisions I'm doing more research.

This is a Fantasy that starts in the middle ages and involves a retelling of a Norse Legend. But, some of the research is very difficult because it involves archaic language that no longer exists as we know it.

I've decided to start posting some of my research as I go through the revisions, which I'm hoping will be interesting to some people out there.

Like the word "tent". I was looking at the word that existed during the time period I'm working with and the most suitable word would have been "feldhus". The word "hus" is "house" in Danish and perhaps you would have been able to figure out that feldhus is a field house or tent but I'm not so sure.

These are the kinds of issues I'm working with during my revision process.

Just thought I'd start sharing some of my process.

A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FRIENDS AND FALLS

Breathtaking Multnomah Falls

And no trip up the gorge is complete without a stop at Vista House

And just peering out at the clouds is enough to take your breath away.

It was a fun way to spend a day.

Running in Portland Oregon

Saturday morning I woke up with that sugar hangover from the night before and thought I'd run off a few of those candy bars I snacked on over the last couple of days.

Here's a view of my November 1, 2014 run...

And this is only one of the parks in the center of the city.

There are lots of others to visit, like Forest Park, Mt. Tabor and Normandale just to name a few.

But there's also Washington Park, Macleay, Eastmoreland and more.

There's also Cathedral, Lents and Gabriel parks but today I'm simply posting pictures from a run I took through Laurelhurst Park.

Happy Halloween

Witching you all a Happy Halloween!

Halloween Memories

I have vivid memories of running through the neighborhood with my brothers and sisters carrying a pillowcase to haul all my candy in. I'd start trick-or-treating as soon as the sun started to go down and we'd be out until 9:00, which is when everyone turned out their lights (at least in our neighborhood). I don't remember Mom or Dad ever walking us around to ring on the doors. It wasn't until much later that we heard about razor blades and poison in candy so we were safe - or so we thought. And I never knew anyone who got bad candy.

And even when my kids were trick-or-treating they'd go inside peoples' house and have apple cider and cookies. We must have lived in the golden age.

Now, we have to be so careful and I think it's sooooo sad. Kids have to be "escorted" to stay safe. But I guess it's better to be safe than sorry and I wouldn't risk it today. But looking back, it was such a wonderful time but at least I have those "sweet" memories.

Oregon Coast Writers Workshop

I've heard about another writers' workshop and wanted to share the info: 

July 13-17, we will proudly present the thirteenth Oregon Coast Children's Book Writers Workshop in the exquisite Oregon coast town of Oceanside. 

Click this link to see what attendees have written about us, http://www.occbww.com/evaluations.shtml. It's glowing. 

Over half-a-dozen of our students have been published.  By no means do we take credit, but all of them say that our workshop was significant in making this happen (in several cases an agent or editor at our workshop took them as clients).    Let us help you to join their ranks.

Our class is right beside the ocean, overlooking giant rocks where sea lions lounge and snort.  Eagles fly overhead.  Whales occasionally spout.  The town is exquisite and low key (and inexpensive).  It's the real old Oregon before all the souvenir shops that have moved in elsewhere.

The full-time instructors.  http://www.occbww.com/instructors.shtml, are five accomplished children's book authors, two full-time children's editors from major houses, and a full-time children's book agent.  There will be two guest lecturers.  All are immersed in writing -- covering all genres.  They're immersed in the business.  And they will spend the week giving their best. 

The course is not only lectures, but lots and lots of one-on-one with instructors, everyday.  If you like, you can have your writing reviewed by all instructors at once before the class in what we call an "Anonymous First Page Critique."  Because of the superb instructor-student ratio this course really works for all levels of experience.

The course is available for graduate level credit. 

Turkey Trot

So, the holidays are nearly upon us and one way me and my family celebrate the feasting with family and friends is starting out the day with a good (hard) run. Yep, they make the Turkey Trot sound easy and it looks so cute on the web page but don't let the 4 mile run deceive you. It's a difficult uphill run. But it's a fun way to burn off that pumpkin pie you're going to eat later in the day.

So, if you're looking for a way to spend your morning that will end up making your afternoon not be so painful . . . from having over eaten on that extra slice of pie or that next helping of mashed potatoes, here's a way to beat the calories...The Turkey Trot.