...tickets to Antarctica!
Yep, I get to March With The Penguins soon, on Happy Feet, I can only hope. Nothing literary in all of this, or maybe there is.
I've been passionate about animals all of my life, wanting to be a veterinarian, ending up being a nurse. Same passion, just a different type of animal. We've been called worse in this life, right? Who here is not rivited to the tele when shows such as Deadliest Catch (filmed in and around Dutch Harbor, Alaska) or Everest, Beyond The Limit (filmed at 29,000 feet and holding) come on? I sure am! Of course I've also been rivited to the tele in days of old when Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom came on. If I'm not mistaken, Wild Kingdom was the first long-standing animal show on television. Mesmerizing, all of it!
And so, with passions stirred re all animals both wild and domestic, human and otherwise, I look forward to crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and find out for myself, what is really going on down there. How much has the potential rise is sea temperatures affected the Chinstrap penguins or the Gentoo? How much has their food source depleted? Surely the guides on board my Zodiac will share all the hard facts, first hand. I'll be going the end of January.
When I return I plan to "put passion to my pen" and tell all!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jo(anne)
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squido.com/historicalromancewriter
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesdays with Joanne - "Go East, young man! Go East!"
All right,
I know the pioneer cry was to Go West, but I'm thinking it's time for this pioneer to Go East ... on the historical romance page, that is.
To date I've written books set in the 19th century west and for good reason. I moved west over 35 years ago, to Colorado to be precise. After 5 years in the lowlands, I moved to the highlands, and have been a mountain woman ever since. It's on my outings with my trusted huskies where I refuel to "write another day." No better place for inspiration to write historical romance set in the West, than to walk where the pioneers walked, and trod the same path as the Native Americans, this being their home long before ours.
In thinking about future projects, I've turned east now, to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where I was born. I'm not leaving my love of All Things 19th Century behind, however. My next book will be set in Civil War, Virginia. I grew up on battlefields, with Lee and Grant charging across my front yard, camping near my favorite swimming hole, and setting up pup tents nearby our traditional family picnic area at Bull Run. Even before I could spell I knew about the battles of Manassas, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Brandy Station and on and on and on. Gettysburg is not alone in its hallowed ground. It's for another day, for me to wax on re my next project. Suffice is to say, I'm ...
GOING EAST!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL!
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.historicalromancewriter.com
I know the pioneer cry was to Go West, but I'm thinking it's time for this pioneer to Go East ... on the historical romance page, that is.
To date I've written books set in the 19th century west and for good reason. I moved west over 35 years ago, to Colorado to be precise. After 5 years in the lowlands, I moved to the highlands, and have been a mountain woman ever since. It's on my outings with my trusted huskies where I refuel to "write another day." No better place for inspiration to write historical romance set in the West, than to walk where the pioneers walked, and trod the same path as the Native Americans, this being their home long before ours.
In thinking about future projects, I've turned east now, to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where I was born. I'm not leaving my love of All Things 19th Century behind, however. My next book will be set in Civil War, Virginia. I grew up on battlefields, with Lee and Grant charging across my front yard, camping near my favorite swimming hole, and setting up pup tents nearby our traditional family picnic area at Bull Run. Even before I could spell I knew about the battles of Manassas, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Brandy Station and on and on and on. Gettysburg is not alone in its hallowed ground. It's for another day, for me to wax on re my next project. Suffice is to say, I'm ...
GOING EAST!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL!
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.historicalromancewriter.com
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesdays with Joanne - "Bird by Bird"
Whoops! Just like my last blog entry, it's NOT Wednesday today! Sorry folks. I'd blame it on the spiked eggnog if I weren't Jewish. Hmmm, I'll blame it on too many latkes!!!
This is not a piece about Anne Lamott's signature book on writing, Bird by Bird, but about my step-by-step process in meeting my goals to get things done. I do things little-by-little because if I worried about everything all at once, ie manuscript writing, selling to publishers, marketing, networking, et al ... I'd never get anything done. Never!
I'm happy for each and every small achievement, as over time they do have a way of adding up and building up, bird-by-bird. I'm ever surprised that I finish writing a book, much less sell a book, then actually get myself scheduled for book signings in libraries and bookstores. A marvel, indeed for someone who never dreamed of writing romance until I'd worked in nursing, married, and raised my children. I'm ever grateful for such good fortune. No, I'm not a NYTimes bestseller but I'm happy in my writing shoes.
With three books sold in the Five Star Expressions line, I do (of course) hope to keep Tekno/Five Star interested, and write more for them. In the meanwhile I tend to marketing as best I can, with lots to learn, no question. Step-by-step I try to build on what success I've had with readers, happy over every single person who takes the time to read anything I write. A writer is only as good as the readers who check out or buy their books! Whenever a New User registers for my newletter on my website, I'm over the moon. Very, very nice.
Of late, my bird-by-bird has grown a few unexpected feathers, a pleasant surprise, indeed. Colorado Country Life Magazine selected A...My Name's Amelia as one of their dozen favorite books in their 10th annual book review issue. A piece about me will appear in the next Grand County Relocation Guide, an 80-page resource guide to mountain living. Both the Arapahoe Library District and Weld, have petitioned me to schedule presentations on my books at their libraries in the coming year.
During this wonderful holiday time, I know it's better to give than to receive ... but it is ever so nice to be on the receiving end, is it not! I appreciate the aformentioned overtures re my work.
Thank you to "one and all, and to all a good night!" Hey, in my case I suppose I should say, "and to all a good latke ... or a nice piece of brisket ... a little gelt ... you shoud eat something!"
Shalom,
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
This is not a piece about Anne Lamott's signature book on writing, Bird by Bird, but about my step-by-step process in meeting my goals to get things done. I do things little-by-little because if I worried about everything all at once, ie manuscript writing, selling to publishers, marketing, networking, et al ... I'd never get anything done. Never!
I'm happy for each and every small achievement, as over time they do have a way of adding up and building up, bird-by-bird. I'm ever surprised that I finish writing a book, much less sell a book, then actually get myself scheduled for book signings in libraries and bookstores. A marvel, indeed for someone who never dreamed of writing romance until I'd worked in nursing, married, and raised my children. I'm ever grateful for such good fortune. No, I'm not a NYTimes bestseller but I'm happy in my writing shoes.
With three books sold in the Five Star Expressions line, I do (of course) hope to keep Tekno/Five Star interested, and write more for them. In the meanwhile I tend to marketing as best I can, with lots to learn, no question. Step-by-step I try to build on what success I've had with readers, happy over every single person who takes the time to read anything I write. A writer is only as good as the readers who check out or buy their books! Whenever a New User registers for my newletter on my website, I'm over the moon. Very, very nice.
Of late, my bird-by-bird has grown a few unexpected feathers, a pleasant surprise, indeed. Colorado Country Life Magazine selected A...My Name's Amelia as one of their dozen favorite books in their 10th annual book review issue. A piece about me will appear in the next Grand County Relocation Guide, an 80-page resource guide to mountain living. Both the Arapahoe Library District and Weld, have petitioned me to schedule presentations on my books at their libraries in the coming year.
During this wonderful holiday time, I know it's better to give than to receive ... but it is ever so nice to be on the receiving end, is it not! I appreciate the aformentioned overtures re my work.
Thank you to "one and all, and to all a good night!" Hey, in my case I suppose I should say, "and to all a good latke ... or a nice piece of brisket ... a little gelt ... you shoud eat something!"
Shalom,
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday's With Joanne - HAPPY HANUKKAH!
Hi all,
I realize it's not Wednesday, but Friday. I just returned from the west coast, and then the east ... from the fires of California to the snows of Virginia. If only the two could meet, the left coast and the right ... perhaps then, all would be well.
Before the holidays come and go I wanted to wish one and all a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas! I live in the Colorado Rockies and oy vey ... do we have snow today. It's beautiful but cuts into fun shopping trips to Denver for sure! Geez, maybe I'll have to bake gifts this year which means they won't be too well received. Where's Paula Dean when I need her?
I want to thank everyone who's signed up for my newletter this year, come to my signings, stopped for a chat, and actually bought my books. You guys are all the best. We all have romance in us, don't we?
I love you all a-latke! Ho Ho Ho!
Jo(anne)
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
I realize it's not Wednesday, but Friday. I just returned from the west coast, and then the east ... from the fires of California to the snows of Virginia. If only the two could meet, the left coast and the right ... perhaps then, all would be well.
Before the holidays come and go I wanted to wish one and all a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas! I live in the Colorado Rockies and oy vey ... do we have snow today. It's beautiful but cuts into fun shopping trips to Denver for sure! Geez, maybe I'll have to bake gifts this year which means they won't be too well received. Where's Paula Dean when I need her?
I want to thank everyone who's signed up for my newletter this year, come to my signings, stopped for a chat, and actually bought my books. You guys are all the best. We all have romance in us, don't we?
I love you all a-latke! Ho Ho Ho!
Jo(anne)
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesdays With Joanne - "Let's Give `Em Something to Blog About"
Hi everyone,
As of November 14th, Romance Writers of America has re-sanctioned Five Star as an accepted non-subsidy, non-vanity publisher! For a while we were off the list, and so its nice to be back on. I can't pretend to know the ins and outs or the exact nature of the ongoing debate; I'm just glad we're approved now.
I'm going to enter A...My Name's Amelia in the RITA, RWA's prestigious annual award. It's just fun to be able to enter, which I'd best hurry and do since the deadline is Nov 3oth! Since Amelia has enjoyed several print runs and is soon going into large print, I thought it worthy of entry. Nothing ventured, right? Amelia got 4&1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine so I might have a shot. cough cough As I said, I'm just happy to be able to enter.
This also makes my membership in Colorado Romance Writers, one of the local Colorado chapters of RWA, all the more sweet.
Thanks for listening ...
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
As of November 14th, Romance Writers of America has re-sanctioned Five Star as an accepted non-subsidy, non-vanity publisher! For a while we were off the list, and so its nice to be back on. I can't pretend to know the ins and outs or the exact nature of the ongoing debate; I'm just glad we're approved now.
I'm going to enter A...My Name's Amelia in the RITA, RWA's prestigious annual award. It's just fun to be able to enter, which I'd best hurry and do since the deadline is Nov 3oth! Since Amelia has enjoyed several print runs and is soon going into large print, I thought it worthy of entry. Nothing ventured, right? Amelia got 4&1/2 stars from Romantic Times Magazine so I might have a shot. cough cough As I said, I'm just happy to be able to enter.
This also makes my membership in Colorado Romance Writers, one of the local Colorado chapters of RWA, all the more sweet.
Thanks for listening ...
Jo(anne)
www.joannesundell.com
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesdays with Joanne - "Ah, the Colorado Country Life!"
Hi all,
Thanks to the amazing editor/publisher of Colorado Country Life (REA Association, vol 38, #11) Mona Neeley, A...My Name's Amelia got a favorible review in the widely-read magazine. In our mountain co-op there are approximately 15,000 in the readership, and CCL reaches 22 other co-ops. Talk about the Gift Outright ... I'm so very grateful.
Toward the close of her review, Ms. Neeley writes that, "author Joanne Sundell of Tabernash has woven rich, little-known history from our state's past into a touching story about learning to communicate and to trust another person." Told ya, the Gift Outright. While Amelia has received other good reviews (thank goodness) I'm touched that Ms. Neeley found my book while combing the shelves of her local Barnes & Noble, and further touched that she gave me such a heart-felt review.
She's just one more reason I can say, "Ah, the Colorado Country Life."
BTW, thanks, Marie, for your comments. I'm glad you're out there!
Until next time ...
Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
Thanks to the amazing editor/publisher of Colorado Country Life (REA Association, vol 38, #11) Mona Neeley, A...My Name's Amelia got a favorible review in the widely-read magazine. In our mountain co-op there are approximately 15,000 in the readership, and CCL reaches 22 other co-ops. Talk about the Gift Outright ... I'm so very grateful.
Toward the close of her review, Ms. Neeley writes that, "author Joanne Sundell of Tabernash has woven rich, little-known history from our state's past into a touching story about learning to communicate and to trust another person." Told ya, the Gift Outright. While Amelia has received other good reviews (thank goodness) I'm touched that Ms. Neeley found my book while combing the shelves of her local Barnes & Noble, and further touched that she gave me such a heart-felt review.
She's just one more reason I can say, "Ah, the Colorado Country Life."
BTW, thanks, Marie, for your comments. I'm glad you're out there!
Until next time ...
Jo(anne) Gregg Sundell
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesdays with Joanne - "Kicking and Screaming into the Bloggosphere!"
Hi all,
Yes, I do already have this blog. And yes, on rare occasion someone actually posts a comment. I do feel a little alone out here on my skinny blog limb and so ... I hope to increase my readership (bloggily-speaking) by linking up, hooking up, and chatting it up on other writers' blogs.
I attended a Cyberspace Marketing talk at the recently-held WomenWritingTheWest conference in Colorado Springs, put forth by non-fiction author, Donna Druchunus. She's written several successful books including ARCTIC LACE. Well, you can bet that I paid attention to her words when she shared that at one point ARCTIC LACE was 800 on Amazon! My oh my, I said to myself. Donna does Blog Tours for her books. I won't go into detail, except to say that she literally sets up a blog tour with 30 or so writers and posts on their blogs. You can see the value in this, ie many other folks get to know about Donna and her writing, through other sites and other subjects. A nifty idea, I'd say.
Also, I have the pleasure of e-knowing the wonderful, successful writers, Karen Kay and Alice Duncan. These women are amazing in talent and generosity. Bestselling, Native American author, Kay, is part of a western blog, petticoatsandpistols.com. Check it out and comment, absolutely. I might be able to guest post on Kay's blog, which would be an honor. Alice is a talented, award-winning, bestselling author and editor. She's ever a font a knowledge on well ... just about everything. It would be an honor, indeed, if she gets a blog up and going, to guest post on her site. You can see where I'm going with this. You can see the value of being on the same cyberpage with these powerhouse women. You bet, I'm a groupie!
And so ... whether kicking and screaming all the way into the bloggosphere ... I shall try to go where "no historical romance writer from Tabernash, CO, has gone before!"
Blogging all the way ...
Jo(anne)
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
http://www.joannesundell.blogspot.com/
Yes, I do already have this blog. And yes, on rare occasion someone actually posts a comment. I do feel a little alone out here on my skinny blog limb and so ... I hope to increase my readership (bloggily-speaking) by linking up, hooking up, and chatting it up on other writers' blogs.
I attended a Cyberspace Marketing talk at the recently-held WomenWritingTheWest conference in Colorado Springs, put forth by non-fiction author, Donna Druchunus. She's written several successful books including ARCTIC LACE. Well, you can bet that I paid attention to her words when she shared that at one point ARCTIC LACE was 800 on Amazon! My oh my, I said to myself. Donna does Blog Tours for her books. I won't go into detail, except to say that she literally sets up a blog tour with 30 or so writers and posts on their blogs. You can see the value in this, ie many other folks get to know about Donna and her writing, through other sites and other subjects. A nifty idea, I'd say.
Also, I have the pleasure of e-knowing the wonderful, successful writers, Karen Kay and Alice Duncan. These women are amazing in talent and generosity. Bestselling, Native American author, Kay, is part of a western blog, petticoatsandpistols.com. Check it out and comment, absolutely. I might be able to guest post on Kay's blog, which would be an honor. Alice is a talented, award-winning, bestselling author and editor. She's ever a font a knowledge on well ... just about everything. It would be an honor, indeed, if she gets a blog up and going, to guest post on her site. You can see where I'm going with this. You can see the value of being on the same cyberpage with these powerhouse women. You bet, I'm a groupie!
And so ... whether kicking and screaming all the way into the bloggosphere ... I shall try to go where "no historical romance writer from Tabernash, CO, has gone before!"
Blogging all the way ...
Jo(anne)
http://www.joannesundell.com/
www.squidoo.com/historicalromancewriter
http://www.joannesundell.blogspot.com/
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