UW Madison Writers' Institute

I'm just back from a wonderful weekend at the University of Wisconsin Writers' Institute Conference. Laurie Sheer and her crew did a fabulous job putting together a great, well-organized weekend. The workshops and panel discussions were excellent, the hotel was lovely, and Madison is a fun place. I highly recommend this conference for writers at all levels.
Special shout outs to my new BFFs: Sally, Sola, and Connie!

Author Event

How cool is it that my book is in the window of Women & Children First Book Store!

Tomorrow, I will be doing a reading there at 4:30, which should be really fun. W&C is my new favorite book store. They have had my book on display for over a month, they've promoted my signing event on their website and in their calendar, and the staff have all been helpful and enthusiastic. I'm looking forward to meeting them in person.

It's quite interesting to see how various venues react to a new author, particularly a self-published one.
We all know that changes in the industry have happened very rapidly over the past couple of years, and there is still a lot of evolution (and revolution) going on. Some bookstores have embraced the changes, while others continue to cling to the old ways, automatically giving indie published books short shrift. That strikes me as ironic, since the indie book stores should be all about NOT letting the big guys, tradition, and status quo have the upper hand. Would it make sense to say an indie book store has poorer quality books because they aren't run by Barnes and Noble or Amazon?

In any case, Women & Children is obviously a place of vision and dedication to writers and readers. Let's all support this store.

The Dog Ate My Homework

Okay, I can't really blame Woki. Maybe it's spring fever. Though given the current weather, that's not likely. Whatever the cause, I've got unfinished writing projects up the wazoo, and I just spent the last hour googling restaurant possibilities for dinner Friday night. My thoughts drift to warm climates--Florida, Jamaica, the Mediterranean. This sluggishness must be the fault of the weather. I'm too damn cold and miserable to write. The Muse is frozen solid. Why didn't I book a vacation to get the hell out of here? Oh, yeah, because I have too many projects that need to get done over Spring Break. Vicious circle.

Launched!!

Here it is!!

Finally, the book is out. We had a fabulous launch party on March 3, and I have several more events coming in the near future. Finalized, as of now, are an author reading on April 7 at Women  &  Children First in Chicago,  (www.womenandchildrenfirst.com/event/mary-driver-thiel)

and a weekend of cool stuff at University of Wisconsin, Madison, April 12 to 14. 

(www.continuingstudies.wisc.edu)


FYI, if you don't have a copy already, it's available through Amazon, Kindle, Nook and any bookseller who is capable of ordering through Ingram or Baker & Taylor.

I was flattered and a little alarmed that several people have already said, "Loved your book. Read it in one day. When's the next one?"

Ahh, I'm working on that. In the meantime, you can find one of my short stories in the new UW literary journal, Midwest Prairie Review. The journal will be published in April, so I can't link you to it yet, but here's a link to the list of contributors: http://continuingstudies.wisc.edu/lsa/writing/mpr/contributors.htm

Pine Lake Press

A big, kinda scary week here, and Halloween is not the frightening part. Pine Lake Press, LLC is official. The logo above is what I designed, but low and behold, the world has changed and I've learned I have to have "vector art" if I want a logo. Well, that turns out to be complicated, but the designer I'm working with is going to try to find something ready-made that can be adapted to come as close as possible to the image above.
I have to say it is frustrating to be forced to use "pre-fab" art when I can design my own, but technology is what it is. Can't fight all the beasts, so I'll have to be content with posting my image here.

I'm Back . . .

 It's a beautiful autumn day, much like this photo taken a year ago on Washington Island, and I'm returning to this blog after a year of Pine Lake Stories. The "blogopera" was great fun, but the "real" writing needs so much time, and there are never enough hours in a day.

For those of you who are interested (if there's actually anyone out there who IS interested, please let me know), here's the short version of my grand plan:
1) I'm hoping my novel, The World Undone, will be published by the end of the year (book launch party will be a blast, I promise)
2) C.C. Crescent's first novel, Turning Points, should be out shortly after the New Year  
3) The anthology of Lake Forest Stories is coming along. We've got some great manuscripts in the works


In the meantime, check out www.alfiedog.com  It's an online collection of stories, and they've chosen one of mine for publication.





And a message from C.C. --->

The Pine Lake Trail has come to a resting point until at least the first of the year, as those of you who followed Pine Lake Stories already know. The old episodes are still available at www.pinelakestories. blogspot.com
 C.C. Crescent is busy with another project in the works, namely getting her first novel, Turning Points, polished for publication. TTFN

Faith and Magic

A Place of Faith and Magic

I took this photo a year and a half ago just outside the town of Kenmare in Ireland. I decided to post it for two reason: someone who reads this blog asked for photos (it's so fun when people comment--please do more), and I could seriously use an escape to Kenmare about now. It's only November 2 and I'm feeling some definite cabin fever.

I love writing most days, but every once in a while (like now), I get burnt out. If I try to force it, the results are drivel. The muse does not like to be chased.

So I think it's time for a little break. It would be nice to catch up with friends again, go out for lunch, see a movie. I suppose I could even clean house a bit. (Maybe.)

And I will read. Among the many books on my short list is a new one by Frank Delaney, called The Matchmaker of Kenmare. On page 4 of the book, a character declares that the only two words in which she puts her trust are Faith and Magic. Now those are words for a writer to live by.  Perhaps I'll be going back to Ireland after all....