by Angela Smith | Sep 1, 2015 | Books, Introspective
I’m pleased to announce Solace, my first novella, the first in a series that I’m planning for a 12 novella series. Each book will be about a different Vietnam Vet who faces struggles as he returns home from war and, of course, finds love. Since all of the stories in this series are not written, it could always be more than 12. We’ll see.
A few facts about this novella:
Solace is available for pre-order and will be released October 27.
Solace is written in the Vietnam War era, a time I was not born in (I was born in the mid 70s, so it was almost over by then) but a time that has always infatuated me. Maybe because I was born so close to the time it was over and grew up hearing about it, watching movies about it, and seeing it on the news as I grew older? I’m not sure.
Solace is different from my other novels, because there is no harsh language or sex (What?), it is not romantic suspense, and it is about half of the length of my novels (hence being a novella).
Solace is a story that I had to tell, and since I’m having a hard time explaining why, I will defer to the author’s note I wrote and included at the front of this story:
Welcome to Brooklyn and Leath’s story! The first in a novella series set in the fictional town of Chapman Springs, Texas, during the Vietnam War era. Chapman Springs is a town not unlike many others in that day. Although I wasn’t born during this period, I’ve always been infatuated with the history of that era. Even still, I remember in the 80s some of the small towns in Texas and how brutal they seemed against differing opinions or different race.
Forgive me for any inaccuracies, as they are my own. Because I did not live in this era and everything I know is via research, it’s possible I made mistakes. I have talked to many Vietnam Vets, some who recall the horrors of, not what they faced in Vietnam, but what they faced when they came home. I’ve done a lot of research, and what I’ve learned tells me America is not proud of how they treated those soldiers. Still, we made it through and, hopefully, learned from our mistakes.
Sharing Brooklyn and Leath’s story was not an easy journey. They were two of the first characters I’d ever met when I first started writing, but the story I planned for them was not the right one, and they became silent for years. Once I finally figured out the story I was supposed to tell, it took me many more years to get up the nerve.
I have many people to thank for helping me on this story’s journey. But especially Teri French, who isn’t a lover of romance but helped me with the logistics, and Alexander Johns, for her careful critique and inspirational words; I wouldn’t have gotten this far without those inspiring words. Thanks for comparing me to Nicholas Sparks. That couldn’t have made me happier.
I loved writing this novella, and I hope you enjoy it, too! Please be sure to leave a review at Amazon, GoodReads, or other places to share your thoughts of the story and help other readers find me. Also be sure to look for more in this series set at Solace Ranch, a haven for war-torn soldiers who have returned from Vietnam. Feel free to join my newsletter, or find me on Facebook or Twitter to keep up-to-date with what’s coming next.
Thanks again! I’m excited to share Leath and Brooklyn’s story, so let’s get on with it!
The characters in Solace are the first ones I ever created when I started writing, but they’ve definitely taken a different journey than the one I had originally planned. I hope to tell you more about that later, but for now, I’ve got to go find dinner!
by Angela Smith | Aug 27, 2015 | Introspective
I’m a very visual person. I see everything in my head. If I read a story, I’m living it in my head. If someone is talking to me, I see the action as if I’m watching it happen right then. I even feel the emotions of what is happening when someone is telling me this story, or the emotions of the character I’m reading.
You’d think that would make me a better writer, or artist, or conversationalist, right?
Wrong.
As soon as I open my mouth, or get ready to write that scene, or attempt to do some type of creative artwork, I freeze. The image disappears. It’s like it stuck in some black hole and I can’t get it out. While writing, if I envision a scene too much, it becomes dead to me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visualized this beautiful artwork, and yet it falls flat in real life. I’m no artist, but the art I see in my head is pretty phenomenal. I’ve often wondered why I can’t get the image out of my head and into reality. As soon as I try to get any of it on paper, it falls flat.
It’s a question I might never have an answer to. I’ve taken those tests that tell you if you’re more visual or logical and usually see both ends. I often wonder if that’s my problem. I’m too much of visual (creative) and too much logical, but not enough of either. Sometimes I feel like I’m so stuck in the middle that I don’t have strong traits of either right or left, creative or logical.
Now they say the two brains work best together, but maybe that’s my problem. I haven’t figured out how to make them work together yet.
It’s a conundrum. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, forcing the issue, but if that’s the case, I still haven’t figured out how to not force it.
What do you think?
by Angela Smith | Aug 21, 2015 | Introspective
For those who don’t know, Sandra Brown is my favorite author. Her writing conveys everything I’ve ever wanted for my own writing, and I found her in my teen years when I was only dreaming of writing romance. Every year, I wait patiently for her newest novel and esteem how she publishes one bestseller a year when the world now urges authors to publish, publish, publish.
I’ve gone to writer’s conferences just to hear her speak. Went to the Austin Book Festival just to have her sign my book and get a picture with her (unfortunately, that picture is long lost by now). Entered contests (cat caught reading contest won one year).
I haven’t reached stalker status, I promise, but even the other day my husband said “Oh, you must be reading the new Sandra Brown novel”. Her newest book came before finishing the last minute touches on a kitchen remodeling project we’ve spent months working on.
So why am I always depressed after reading her novels? Here are a few reasons:
The story is over
What will I do now? I’ll have to wait another year, unless I bring out the old ones. Which I’ve been known to do throughout the year. But right now I’m remodeling, and all my books are packed away somewhere I’m not even sure where to start searching. Thank God for libraries, Kindles, and bookstores, huh? One can never have too many Sandra Brown novels.
Her writing is better than I can ever dream of emulating
Okay, so she does inspire me to write better and think outside the box, but her years of experience and pure creativity seem like a distant dream to me. I do feel like I’m a better writer after reading her novels, along with a few of my other favorite authors, because their strong writing helps remind me to not be lazy in my own. But…who am I kidding? I’m a small pebble in a very large sea, drifting and weaving through an ocean of bestsellers and fighting to stay afloat. Bobbing for that next big story idea, and to be noticed.
Okay, it’s a bit overdramatic, but still.
I’ll never have a chance to sit down with her just to bask in her presence
I told you I’m not a stalker, and that is true, but just to have a conversation with her would be a dream come true. Maybe not quite as exciting as say, meeting Chris Hemsworth, but it’s close. I did meet her one year at a Dallas Writers Conference. She was the keynote speaker, and I approached her after her book signing (when she and her personal assistant were trying to pack up and get away) to let her know I enjoyed her speech and she was the reason I was there at the conference that day. It was a conference I’d never heard of until her posted schedule, and her speech was phenomenal. So were the things I learned in the classes.
She hasn’t gone so suspenseful that I can’t stand reading
That’s nothing to be depressed about, but one thing that could depress me (if I let it) is how some of my favorite authors have just gotten way too gritty and suspenseful, with very little romance and lots of blood and guts and gore and plot-driven detail. I love how Sandra Brown keeps the balance, even with some of her more thrilling novels, and I love how her stories are character-driven. I sometimes wonder if the (plot-driven) thriller romances are one of the reasons romantic suspense has been declining over the past few years. Genres go through its popular stages, but so many of the bestsellers are barely romance anymore. There are still lots of good romantic suspense stories out there, but Sandra Brown’s books really do have the perfect balance and is one reason I fell in love with romantic suspense so long ago.
What did I like about Sandra Brown’s newest release, Friction?
Hello? A Texas Ranger for a hero, and a judge who has the control of whether or not he gets his daughter back? What’s not to love? I especially loved this one because it is set in Texas, and because I have worked in criminal prosecution for 17 years as a legal assistant/office manager. I have met many Texas Rangers and many judges, and I love how she plays these two characters in such a realistic way. Her stories are always raw and edgy no matter what she does, and this one did not disappoint!
So I’ll get over my depression that the book is over and will eagerly await the next, as I always do. But if you haven’t read her yet and love a good suspenseful romantic thriller, what are you waiting for?
by Angela Smith | Jul 2, 2015 | Introspective
Can you believe it’s already July? This year has just flown by for me, and I hate to admit I don’t feel I’ve accomplished much.
I never feel I accomplish much if I’m not writing. I have been writing, albeit way too slowly for my liking, because my husband and I have been so busy with a huge remodeling project. First, our roof, now our kitchen, and eventually we will replace the entire floor in our home. Combined with our real jobs, it’s been a long and tiring process, and not one I’m sure I’ll ever do again.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s been fun, and I’m learning so much! But…ugh, it’s hard work and I’m at the point I feel it’ll never be done.
Also, we’ve had my niece this summer. That’s slowed our remodeling project down a bit, but we’ve had a blast so far and it’s been worth it!
July used to be a time for me to reevaluate my yearly goals, but right now my yearly goals are to finish this dang house project. And maybe take care of myself in the process. Part of that taking-care-of-myself-process includes writing, because I get cranky when I’m not writing.
I’m not much of a blogger, so until next time, I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer, and have a safe and happy July 4th!
by Angela Smith | Apr 3, 2015 | Introspective
“Furious 7 poster” by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg#/media/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg
My husband and I are HUGE Fast and Furious fans, and Paul Walker. We have never missed a opening weekend movie, ever, and I’ve never missed a Paul Walker movie. From the beginning of the first Furious movie, we have been relentless fans, standing in long lines at the theater and then buying the movie as soon as it comes out so we can watch it again. And then watching it again if it shows up on a channel somewhere.
We are the type of couple who would rather sit home and watch a movie, and only on special occasions do we go to the theater. Even now, with the ease of buying tickets online and picking your seat (love that option!), we only go when it’s a movie we know we don’t want to miss!
Fast and Furious movies are always special occasions.
So this morning, we got up and headed out to our favorite theater, the Alamo Drafthouse, for breakfast (if you count breakfast as Hatch Green Chili Queso, Loaded Fries, Corona, and Rocks Margarita!) and watched Furious 7.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I told my husband later I needed Xanax just to watch that movie, because I was so scared and happy and sad, experiencing so many emotions with that movie, sometimes at the same time. And of course I cried at the end.
I was worried how they would do Paul Walker’s scenes, but they were all so seamless. So very well done. It’s hard to pick a favorite Fast and Furious movie, but this might be it for me.
No kidding. For true fans, you know when you hear a line, or a music (loved how they played the Tokyo Drift music!) I was disappointed that they didn’t have more of Lucas Black. I thought he did so well in Tokyo Drift, I was hoping they’d make him part of the team. And I’m hoping they’ll keep Brian (Paul Walker’s character) and add Lucas Black to the next Furious movie.
Action, comedy, romance, drama, thriller. This movie truly has it all! I can’t say enough about it. I know these characters like the back of my hand, I feel like I’m a part of the Furious family that Dom always speaks so much about! Loved the tribute to “Brian” (Paul) at the end! So so so so so very good. Would love to see it again tomorrow!
Oh, and being such a huge fan of Jason Statham, I was almost disappointed to see him as a bad guy. But he makes such a good bad guy!
I don’t want to spoil too much for those who haven’t watched it yet, but if you haven’t watched it, what are you waiting for? Go now!
by Angela Smith | Mar 29, 2015 | Introspective
This is Greta before treatment.
Greta after surgery. Yes, she’s a little upset.
Greta-one year later
One year ago, I had a few feral cats hanging around my property. I “inherited” feral cats when I moved into my home, but I made the mistake of not having enough knowledge or foresight to do a trap, neuter, release program with them. I have my own indoor pets and I fed the outdoor cats to help them, but that was the extent of my knowledge and care.
Boy have I learned a lot since then.
First, if you don’t know what a feral cat is, let me explain. To many, “feral” denotes savage and uncontrolled creatures, but that is not true. A feral cat is an untamed, undomesticated cat that prefers to be outside away from humans. Doesn’t mean it won’t eventually learn to trust humans and it doesn’t mean it is aggressive or full of disease. What it does mean is that it doesn’t trust you and likely will always have fear. Which is probably best, because there’s a lot out there for them to fear. Feral cats are often scared, but can still make good pets. I have made feral cats into pets.
Many people believe that killing feral cats is the best way to deal with them but what they don’t realize is if you kill one, more will take its place. Cats are territorial and will rarely let other cats in, unless they are gone. So if you kill one, more will take its place. What’s the point in that?
Last year, this particular cat I speak of had babies. She was incredibly wild but we were working on getting her to trust us. Before we got her close enough to us, she ended up dying, I’m pretty sure because my neighbors shot it with a BB gun. Unfortunately, that BB eventually killed her (yes, BBs can kill, although not always right away!) This cat had kittens, and I was able to rescue them. Soon, I had them tame and on an eating schedule. They were a little messed up, their hair matted, ringworms all over their body.
That word is enough to scare anyone, but it didn’t scare me. I did my research and know that most healthy cats can get rid of the fungus and yes, you can get rid of it around your property, too. So I bought lime sulfur dip, and the results were almost immediate. Soon, the kittens were growing back their hair and were the cutest, softest, cuddliest babies I’ve ever known.
I did get ringworms, I will admit. That’s because it was the springtime and I thought I had mosquitoes. I put cortisone on it, the worst thing you can do for fungal infections! It looked worse than it was, but I lived through it none the worse for wear.
It isn’t okay to kill nuisances. I know most people would have done that, but I am not most people.
Because I intended to spay/neuter the cats and release them back into the property and care for them, I took them to my local humane society to be fixed. I was nervous and scared of what would happen to these animals since I’ve never done this before. I had bonded with, but I’ve never been so impressed with a facility as I was with The Austin Humane Society. Walking in, I saw many animals for the TNR program, some from a company who helps people and some from people like me who were trying to help the world.
The humane society had other cats they allowed you to visit while you waited, and I felt so sad for these animals. Yet, these animals weren’t exactly abandoned. They had a home in a no-kill shelter, given free time to play and be petted. I blinked back tears as I checked in so no one would think I was crazy, but I cried. Some of the cats lost their parents and were relinquished. Some might never be adopted out. And the effort of the humane society, the love these people felt, the good they were doing with their jobs, made me realize there is still good left in this world.
Molly before
Molly now. The ear tip indicates she is spayed. Leave her be.
Next time you see a cat with an ear-tip, leave it. It was part of the trap, neuter, release program and is fixed, released back into the wild, where it will make its home. Don’t consider it a nuisance because killing it will only bring in more animals. And if it isn’t fixed, consider trapping it or calling someone to find out if there’s a local trap, neuter, release program nearby. For more information about ear tipping, go here http://www.feralcatproject.org/faq.aspx
My dad, being the cautious dad he is, lectures me on rabies. TNR programs also do rabies shots, and now the cats are tame enough I can give them their updated shots. I’m still working on helping the other neighborhood cats get fixed, and am still feeding the wild ones that won’t get close enough for me to tame. Call me a crazy cat lady, but I love what I do and love helping these animals!
Romeo before
Romeo now. He comes by his name naturally. It’s a close-up, but those are his real eyes!
Emirys lounging in the sun!
Esme. How can you say no to that face?
So that’s my experience. If you want to know more about trapping and releasing animals, feel free to ask. Curious about ringworms and how to safely help them? Lemme know and I’ll be glad to give you info. I promise it isn’t as bad as it sounds.
!["Furious 7 poster" by Source. Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg#/media/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg]("<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg#/media/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg">Furious 7 poster</a>" by Source. Licensed under <a title='<a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Non-free_use_rationale_guideline" title="Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline">Fair use</a> of copyrighted material in the context of <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furious_7" title="Furious 7">Furious 7</a>' href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Furious_7_poster.jpg">Fair use</a> via <a href="//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/">Wikipedia</a>.)
