Work or Recreation?

By Nichole Giles (Well, who else would it be by?)

This weekend I had the privilege and opportunity to attend another writer’s conference. This one was for the League of Utah Writers. I try to go to as many conferences as I can (you know, if time and budget both allow) because I am of the opinion that I need to learn all I can, and network, and all that good stuff. Plus, it’s fun.

It was held in Midway, Utah, which—if you’ve never been there—is a tiny mountain town, surrounded by trees, and grass, and gorgeous mountains. The view was absolutely stunning with the colors beginning to change and the sky going from clear, to cloudy, to rainy, and then clear again. But the most awesome part—aside from the uber-informative classes that will definitely help me hone my writing skills—was hanging out with so many awesome, incredibly talented authors.

Anyway, as a group of us were hanging out, we got into a discussion about movies, and the merits of watching them to see how the plots progress, and to notice dialogue and things. I have to admit, most of the movies that came up for discussions I either never saw or saw so long ago that I have about zero recollection of details. But the point is that we made the conclusion (or at least, James Dashner did, and then convinced us all to subscribe to his way of thinking) that seeing movies is as important a part of our job as reading books.

(In the picture: Taffy Lovell, Me, Richard Paul Evans, Connie Hall.)

Seriously, after the discussion, I decided James is absolutely right. I should totally see more movies. In fact, I should make a point to watch old movies when I can, too. (Remind me to ask my accountant if there’s any way I can deduct the price of movie tickets…)

(In the picture: James Dashner, Clint Johnson.)

What other people do in their off time for entertainment is actually part of what we do as artists and writers. I love that thought! And you know what else? Going to conferences where we can sit (or stand) around having intelligent conversations about the merits of this movie or that, or this book or that and why this worked but that didn’t is also part of our job. (I did know that, by the way.)

(In this picture: Rachelle Christensen, Connie Hall, Me.)

The problem I’m having is that it just doesn’t feel like work. Not that writing always does either, but at least that requires my butt being in a chair and my computer on (or notebook open) and concentrating for blocks of time. Hanging out chatting with friends (who also happen to be authors/agents/editors) feels more like recreation, just like seeing movies.

So the question begs to be asked: Can there be a more rewarding, fulfilling, awesome career on the planet?

Hm. I’m thinking no. No way, no how. I’ll take my rejections and run with them (and by the way, I’m accumulating quite the collection) because this is definitely where I want to be, what I want to be doing. It’s my dream career. How ever did I—lowly housewife and mother—get so lucky?

(In this picture: Heather Moore and Richard Paul Evans.)

For your enjoyment, a few pictures of some of my author friends at this conference. (Somehow, I failed to get a picture of all of us together, and didn’t get one of Eric Swedin, and a few others who were also our conference buddies. My bad, and now I’m sorry. Catch you all next time, guys! And just for clarification--I don't personally know Richard Paul Evans, but I did meet him and can testify that he is genuine, kind, and extremely smart.)

Book Review: "Martha's Freedom Train" by C. LaRene Hall

By Nichole Giles

In honor of Pioneer Day, a Utah State Holiday celebrating the day the Mormon pioneers finally crested the mountains and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, I’m proud and honored to be reviewing this remarkable debut book by my good friend, C. LaRene Hall.

Cover Blurb:

With help from the Underground Railroad, Martha and her parents escape slavery. Because of her mamma’s poor health, Martha’s heart almost breaks when her papa sends her west with a wagon train of strangers. Along the way, she helps put out a fire, and after falling asleep beside the trail, is accidentally left behind. Upon reaching her destination, Martha wonders if she’ll ever see her mamma and papa again.

Martha’s Freedom Train is a wonderful little story about a slave girl who runs away with her parents in hope of finding a better life. Though her parents don’t make it very far, Martha ends up traveling west with a Mormon wagon train, in the company of an elderly woman Martha calls Grandma Miller.

Though Martha is heartbroken to leave her family behind, she comes to love the people with whom she is traveling, and they come to love her. She learns so much during her journey, like how to make buffalo jerky, prickly pear jelly, and journey cakes. One of the travelers takes on the role of teacher, and Martha has a rare opportunity to learn how to read and write. Grandma Miller even gives Martha her very own copy of the Book of Mormon.

Martha makes it all the way to the Salt Lake Valley with the pioneers, and even spends some time in Southern Utah helping plant crops. She learns more about religion, and discovers that she truly is a child of God, regardless of the color of her skin.

This little chapter book is such a fun, easy story to read. It’s well written, well researched, and the characters are enchanting. Also, the pencil illustrations are way fun. Though it’s perfect for six to twelve-year-old readers, I found it a delightful story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it myself. I’ll keep this one on my personal shelf—and my kids will have to borrow my copy. Or better yet, maybe I’ll get them their own so they’ll leave mine alone.

In case your interested in the life of the author, I interviewed her this morning, asking her questions that I felt would help me see into the deepest recesses of her soul.

Hi Connie! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit with me today. I just have a few questions and then you can get back to writing your next book.

NG: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Today, my new favorite is Ben and Jerry’s Key Lime Pie

CLH: I like a lot of flavors, but don’t eat a lot of ice cream. I love peach sherbet and also chocolate chip shakes. I also like hot fudge sundaes.

NG: Who is your favorite author? (Besides yourself or me.)

CLH: That’s a hard one. I love variety and I read a lot so I don’t always stick with one author. My answer would probably be the author of the book I’m presently reading. Right now that would be Loyalty’s Web by Joyce DiPastena. If the book is good, has no bad scenes or language I usually like it. Something historical is generally my preference.

NG: What is your most favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

CLH: More than anything in the world I love to travel, but since I don’t always have the time or money I have to say my favorite thing is reading. When I read I can go anywhere I want and it doesn’t cost much. Also I can go places that people only dream about.

NG: If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?

CLH: I love animals, and like people they are all different. Sometimes I’d love to be a kangaroo so I could hop all over. Other times I think a big cat like a tiger or lion would be great fun. Of course, a giraffe with a long neck so I could see off in the distance would be advantageous. Many days I’d love to soar in the air like an eagle. Wouldn’t it be fun to see the world from way up high every day. I just wouldn’t want to be a spider or any creature like that because people are always killing them.

NG: Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

CLH: I love the diamond my husband gave me on our wedding day. It’s small and just right for me. I don’t like big or bulky jewelry. Pearls are pretty, but unless they are real small they aren’t for me. Of course, I love seeing fancy rings and necklaces on other people, and on occasion I do wear a little jewelry, just not often.

NG: Name one or two power snacks that keep you going as you write.

CLH: My all time favorite snack is chocolate. I’m not sure if that’s a power snack or not, but it keeps me going. The chocolate can be almost anything; candy, donuts, brownies, or cookies. If it’s chocolate I like it.

Thanks for the visit, and the answers to what makes an author tick.

Now for the fun part! This book is brand new off the printing press and I have a signed copy to give away in a drawing, just in time for Pioneer Day.

Here’s what you do:

1. Pay my good friend C. LaRene Hall a visit at her blog and become a follower, then come back here and leave me a comment telling me you signed up.

2. Leave me a comment telling me why you think it’s important for our children to learn about history—such as slavery, the Underground Railroad, and pioneers.


3. Pass the following link to all your friends through Facebook or Twitter, telling them to check out C. LaRene’s fabulous new book. Link: http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=55282

You have three opportunities to get your name in the drawing, and one week to get it done. On Thursday, July 29th, I’ll use a random generator to draw one lucky winner who will get their very own signed copy of “Martha’s Freedom Train.”

Good luck!

To buy your copies of Martha's Freedom Train, click here.

I Won the Superior Scribbler Award

My friend Jordan has given me a blog award for helping her with a recent query letter. In that case, I should give one right back to her, since she also helped with mine. But I think that's against the rules, so I'm going to have to pass the joy on to other people who have helped me during my writing journey.

The trick, I think, is picking only five people out of a whole lot who help me every day.

These are the rules:

Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Though choosing five bloggers has been extremely difficult, I've chosen people who've helped me recently, and who I know will respond to this award with a post of their own.

Many thanks to: Cindy Beck, Rachelle Christensen, Tristi Pinkston, Ali Cross, Elana Johnson, and Connie Hall. (I know, I'm a bit of a cheater to give it to six people instead of five. I told you it was a tough choice!)

Thanks for all your help, you guys! I wouldn't survive this whole writing thing without you.

Peace and Love--until next time.