Scattered Jules

LTUE is the symposium at BYU for fantasy and science fiction writers. It is the only free writers conference sort of thing that I am aware of, and it is awesome. Lots of talented artists and authors come together to teach a little of what they know.  I am so excited for Thursday’s main address since James Christensen (the artist) will be speaking and I am so in love with his work. I have several signed, numbered paintings of his in my home, but I’ve never been able to meet him. This will be a real treat for me. Lee Modesitt will also be there on Saturday, which will be fabulous because I haven’t seen the guy since my booksigning in Cedar City. I’m also hoping Kevin Wasden will be there since he is, and always will be, my favorite artist. The only downside to LTUE this year is the fact that Jessica Day George won’t be able to attend. I am sad about this beyond words. The symposium will last three days and is on February 11-13 (it looks like I won’t be missing Valentine’s Day with Mr. Wright this year. It’s about time!)

You can find out more about LTUE and get the schedule for the full symposium here: http://ltue.org/LTUE2010.html

Make sure to star the places on the schedule where I’m speaking–you certainly don’t want to miss those

Michele Ashman Bell, bless her heart, interviewed me on her blog last week. Michele is one of those amazing, cool people that you cannot help but want to hug. You can learn more about me and the scary methods of my madness at her blogspot here: Michele Rocks

And finally, I decided to give an update on the family service project of book giving. It’s going well. We have 38 books collected so far, but are hoping for at least fifty. The kids have donated all the money from their chores over the last couple of weeks to the cause and it’s been kind of fun to have them personally make sacrifices so they can be truly a part of this. I told them that their normal allowance from chores was going to this and then asked them to think about the kids whose parents are away and serving our country. They didn’t even complain like they normally do about having to do their chores. I should have thought of this years ago!

For people who may not be aware of the Mormon teaching of Family Home Evening, I thought I’d give a little recap of the concept and the reality of what those words mean. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are encouraged to hold Family Home Evening in our own homes with all members of our family every Monday evening. The purpose of this is to strengthen home and family, to bring us closer together, and to help families learn how to interact socially with each other.  There’s a little more to it than that, but you can look it up yourself here.

I genuinely believe in Family Home Evening. I think it’s absolutely inspired for families to set aside one night every week to escape all the busyness and time takers that corrode family unity.

Unfortunately, I am not perfect. I am not organized. And sometimes Family Home Evening is composed of breaking up quarrels, raising my voice (to be heard of course, not because I’m actually grumpy or anything), and threatening to kill the offspring I am working  so hard to develop unity with.

Families rock.

No really.

In spite of all the mayhem, I still think Family Home Evening is brilliant. This is why I haven’t given up on the idea yet. With the daughter living in St. George, Family Home Evening has become much more complex. Thank heavens for technology. We call her and put her on speaker phone and resume business as usual. How kids can giggle, tease, and irritate each other when they are in different cities over the telephone is really staggering, but my children have always been a bit staggering.

Why I’m writing all this is because we decided to do the whole “Give a day of service and get a day of Disneyland” thing. It sounded like another one of those brilliant family unity concepts. I am all for brilliant family unity concepts. So we chose a service project and tonight went over the game plan for the execution of the service project.

Teasing, giggling, and irritating.

But at the same time, it was fun. We’re going to collect books for the deployed soldiers who left children at home so that the USO can record the parent reading from the book, and then send the book to the child(children) along with the DVD of mommy or daddy reading a bedtime story. Seriously . . . this is my kind of service project. Books!

And sending books to kids lonely for parent interaction? I am all over that. Tonight we gave my kids each tasks they had to fulfill. They are all completely and irrevocably on board with this project because they know they are getting Disneyland at the end of it all. Disneyland is the ultimate reward for any good deed.

Yet, even with the carrot of Disneyland dangling before them, it still took ten minutes to calm them down long enough for opening prayer and another ten minutes to get them to stop fantasizing of a world in which their parents could be gone for six months or longer. I’m trying to paint this thing as the sad tragedy it really is, and my kids are finding nothing but benefit in the proposition (ie: we wouldn’t have chores all the time, no one would tell us it was time to go to bed, we could play x-box until our eyes rolled out of our heads . . . ).

I sometimes wonder if the success in Family Home Evening is getting through the night without having actually strangled any of the children. If so, I can count tonight as a raging, riotous success.

So after taking stock of what I accomplished in the last year, I realized I:

• Wrote over 100,000 words
• Read only 26 books (which is really genuinely horrible, but if you count all the manuscripts I edited, I really read something closer to 50).
• Ate at Cheescake Factory only twice (which is also genuinely horrible)
• Lost to my daughter at Dance Dance Revolution more times than I am willing to admit in a public forum
• On 28 separate occasions, bored young Webelos bad enough they wanted to gouge out their eyes (because I’m not a good enough leader to have Webelos every week like I’m supposed to)
• traveled to seven states (two of which I’d never been to before)
• Spent two weeks on book tour with Josi Kilpack and had the BEST time ever!
• realized I stink at word challenge on facebook (which is shaming being that I’m a writer and should be good at that kind of game)
• wished on a lot of stars
• played and read a lot with my kids and felt genuinely sorry to see the Percy Jackson series come to an end
• laughed a lot with my husband and realized that he read more books than I did this last year.
• cried a lot over life in general and had several meltdowns for which my husband had to hold me together.
• broke my foot hiking the narrows with the family
• spent several dollars worth of pennies making wishes in fountains
• signed with my agent
• despaired over my writing career
• rejoiced over my writing career
• and found solace through my family over the insanity of my writing career
• learned to make cheesecake
• learned to bottle jam
• found joy in great friendships
• let my daughter go
• found that my relationship with her didn’t change even though she’s hours away
• found yoga
• found I’m not great at yoga
• but I keep doing it anyway
• felt grateful at the year’s end for all of my friends and family who make my life meaningful. Thank you.

Here’s to a 2010 that will inspire us all to the greatness within us.

Day Ten was Wednesday. We awoke at Janette’s house where she helped me with the revision of the ending of a book where the ending vexed me, but I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. Janette is brilliant and someone I just genuinely love. I hated saying goodbye to her.

From Janettes, we went to Thatcher Arizona to the bookstore called Bookworms. It’s always fun to have a line of people waiting when you arrive! It was nice to see a few faces who used to live in my home town and now abide in Thatcher. Great signing and AWESOME owners. I tried to sneak and buy josi a present since she loves chocolate covered cinnamon bears and they had a whole ton of them in cute little gift bags, however the sweet staff refused to let me pay. So though I was thwarted in my moment of gift giving, I think they are all awesome in Thatcher. The owner’s are amazing. Their daughter, Megan, was perfect. You’ve got to love a kid who opens her arms up with a big smile on her face and says, “I’m a hugger!” Me too, Megan! Me too!

We spent the night with Alison Palmer’s parents, the Preys and were treated with tons of hospitality. They even made Josi’s favorite, Hello Dolly’s, and packed her up a plate of those and brownies for the road. They were fascinating people and I loved hearing about their mission in Africa. And the cute pictures of Alison as a youth were way fun to peruse.

Day 11: We left bright and early (sigh. There were a lot of bright and early mornings.) so we could make it to brunch? with Marsha, Connie, and Marjean. I only get to see Marsha once a year if I’m lucky and the last time I saw Connie was at the writer’s cruise we went on several years ago, so it was a huge treat to spend the morning with friends.

From breakfast we went to Deseret Book, where we were greeted by an incredibly lively staff. FUN! Simply just fun! We took a picture for  Craig’s (there were two Craigs) wife with a sign letting her know we missed her since she couldn’t join us for the signing. We really did miss her too. I laughed myself hoarse and hated leaving. Great fun store.

Then we drove for eternity to get to Nevada in time for a book group. Book group was great in a very lovely home where they made lemon tea cookies from Josi’s english Trifle book (I love that Josi’s book got us fed all the time. Way to go Josi!) These cookies were the total bomb. I think I might break down and actually bake because I want to eat these things again.

To the hotel with us where we entered the fitful sleep of two women who were seriously exhausted. Josi should have strangled me this night but to my good fortune, she’s better than that and she put up with me instead. There really is not enough to be said for best gal pals.

Day 12: woke up and got another page written in my WIP. I really believed we’d have tons of free time to do things like, oh I don’t know . . . WRITE! I had no idea how all time consuming this trip would be. We packed up the car and headed to our Vegas store signing at Deseret Book on Sahara. We got a way cool tour of the new Distribution Center area they have upstairs.  After that signing, we hurried to St. George for the signing at the Deseret Book there. Loved Paul. I’ve done sigings at this store before and all signings there have been successful which I think can be attributed to the immense great staff. They were great! And we got to spend time with Alexes who drove up from Mesquite just for the occasion.

After the signing, I got to be with my daughter and my mom and dad. I really miss my daughter and so love every chance to be with her. Josi fixed my dad’s problems with his Ipod and is now worshipped in my parent’s home.

Day 13: We had breakfast with Heather Horrocks and her sister and had a good time chatting about books with her. Next stop was Deseret Book in Cedar City. The last bookstore on the tour. It was a great way to end. We sold lots of books, Josi was a rockstar surrounded by friends and family and Lee Modesitt surprised me with a visit. Lee is amazing and I was so glad to see him! He came bearing gifts that only Lee could give: the first few books of the Recluse series in . . . SWEDISH!!! So now I can read about Lerris nar han har det trokigt! These books hold places of serious rank on my bookshelves.  That was a great way to end this tour!

But it wasn’t over . . . not really. We went to lunch with Josi’s family (who were great) and my daughter. Then we finished our sojourn home.

I cannot begin to describe how it felt to hug my kids and kiss my husband’s cute face! The house didn’t even look too bad if I didn’t scrutinize too hard. The first thing Murks had to say to me was, “We even did our own laundry!” The guys had fun being bachelors, but Mr. wright said they were pretty much to the end of their rope and were glad to have me back. I am certainly glad to be back.

Josi and I each now have a sign (gifted to us by her talented sister, Crystal). The sign reads, “We’ll be friends forever . . . You know too much!” That is certainly true after two weeks of conversations in a car. I could never have pulled off such an amazing two weeks without Josi. She is steady and funny, and great conversation. we talked about books, writing, publishing, life, our pasts, our hopes for the future, our great husbands, and our firm belief in all the things that are right in the world. She made signings effortless and kept us organized and on time. She is awesome!

Thanks Josi . . . for everything

flowers from Pearl!

Josi

Sorry I have been negligent in blogging updates. It’s been a lot of time on the trail and when I get in, I am so exhausted, I seem to crash rather than spend much time on the computer. Sunday was a great day of rest–sooooooo needed. We stayed with Melanie Jacobson who is just the bomb. She lives in Huntington Beach just a few blocks from the ocean. I LOVE the ocean. Her husband made us these awesome inlaid wood ornaments commemorating our tour and they welcomed us in with absolute warmth and kindness. Melanie had us over for dinner at her in laws house and we went for an evening ride in their boat through the harbor. Her whole family was amazing and her sis-in-law, Jill, is a complete kindred spirit. I laughed myself hoarse and felt like part of the family. Melanie was an amazing host and made us feel so welcome! And I cannot believe I left without her chicken chowder recipe!!!

Monday morning, I walked down to the ocean and took some time out to actually write. It was wonderful to stretch those writing  muscles that aren’t getting much use through this tour because we’re so busy. We had breakfast with Melanie, and her cute as heck son, at Ruby’s on the end of the pier and went home to get ready for our next book signing.

Monday’s signings were in Newhall and Fountain Valley. Again, great employees, great stores, and great times. It’s fascinating to me that the people who come into these bookstores all seem to know each other. These stores are genuinely a part of their communities and they play a role in social gatheries and feelings of community and togetherness. It’s something I hadn’t realized until taking this time to visit them.

That night we were supposed to sleep in Lake Havasu where we had a reservation for our hotel. But all the locals in the LA area gasped audibly when we told them that was how mapquest had planned our route to the Mesa area. Apparently this route took us an extra four-five hours out of our way. We’d had no idea. The moral of this story is check mapquest against an atlas before making reservations. We were seriously so tired. It’s a lot of time in the car and that seems to suck energy away from us. We made an executive decision to just take the 10 to mesa and throw ourselves to the mercy of Janette Rallison, who we were supposed to stay with the next night.

Janette is twenty shades of awesome. She totally took us in and made us feel welcome in spite of the fact we’re a wee bit like transients. Janette’s home is beautiful and her cute daughter gave up her room for us (which we totally appreciate).  And Janette is one of those people who is not only nice beyond measure, she is just naturally funny. I’ve laughed a lot and enjoyed our conversations.

Tuesday’s signings were at the Glendale Deseret Book, and the Mesa Seagull. Between the signings, we had lunch with Peggy and Cindy who manage the Seagull store. They treated us to this spectacular place called the Landmark. Beautiful. The lunch was supreme, the company even better, and I loved getting to know them. Peggy and cindy were interesting and fun and just delightful. We were supposed to have been joined for lunch by Kerry Blair and Janette Rallison, but alas, it was just us. I really missed not being able to see Kerry. Kerry is darling and any chance to see her is a treasure.

After lunch we had the mesa Seagull signing. To my great surprise, I had a delivery at this signing. A big beautiful flower cookie bouquet was waiting for me. Pearl, my sister in law, sent me a treat for the road. Pearl also sent me a care package before we even left with things like chips, nuts, and dried fruits so we had something to snack on in the car. Seriously. So. Awesome. I shared the wealth with the seagull employees and with Mary, who had come to the signing to see us. Pearl is big on sharing and doing nice things for others, so I am certain she would approve.

Peggy has a stuffed chicken that dances the chicken dance and gargles if you grab it by its neck. I want one of those, and have to be honest . . . I really liked Peggy before she brought out the chicken, but I absolutely love her now.

Last night we spoke at a book group with Janette Rallison and had a great time. I met a young girl who was smarter than any kid I’ve ever seen. She let me know I used the word awesome a whole lot. I’m still laughing at that. So cute.

You know how when you meet people, it takes only a few moments to decide they’re your friends? I’ve met, and spent time with, lots of people like that on this trip–people who have proven to me how good humans can be to one another–people who prove our world is a beautiful and miraculous place to live. It’s been truly humbling at the same time it has been inspiring. People are good.

 Awesome! So. Seriously. Awesome.

Book Group with Josi and Janette

Joy

making bubbles on huntington beach

Day five was Oakland Seagull Book and Tape and Beehive Books. As Josi mentioned in her blog, the traffic gods either hate us, or they hate California roads, but either way it affects us the same. Mr. Wright always drives in California so I never have had to deal with it before, but this trip I have Dora and though I love her, she is no replacement for Mr. Wright. I’ve seriously yelled at Dora. And yelled at the drivers sharing the freeway with me. But once we arrive at the bookstore, we are greeted with nothing but kindness and sweetness, which makes me feel slightly(though not entirely) guilty for my road angst. It isn’t road rage. I haven’t purposely driven anyone off the road yet, but it is definitely a step or two down from road bliss, or road peace.

The managers at the seagull, John and Marilyn. were wonderful. Though we didn’t get much time there in Oakland, I feel that our time there was well spent. Loved the store set up.

Beehive books was another thing of amazement. The manager/owner, Vicki, had decorated her store and set out a table of wonderful foods–sandwiches, lemon tart and English Trifle (in honor of Josi), and drinks. It was fabulous and what a sweet and generous thing for her to do! We couldn’t stop for lunch since we were so tight on time and since the traffic gods had already declared war on us. We were starving! So to find sustenance when we arrived was appreciated in every way.

We then went and stayed with Victoria Gunther for the night. She was a very gracious hostess and is a truly stalwart woman. Her husband deserves many kudos for making us breakfast and her daughter was awesome. Victoria is a new author with a new book out and we were able to spend the day with her doing signings at three of the Ensign Books stores: temecula, riverside, and upland. Helen is my hero of bookstore managers. She was wonderful! And to our absolute delight, we were surprised with a visit from Lael Littke! Lael is an amazing author and a great friend and it was wonderful to see her.

Here are some pictures from the days:

me with my hair down for the first time in years

Beehive Books

Beehive Books with Vicki

Riverside booksigning

Helen my hero!

Wow. Tired. And excited. The tour has been great. I’ve made some fabulous new friends and had a great time meeting and greeting. Day three was a long drive to Cottonwood California where we were fortunate to go to the Classic Books store. What an amazing group of women! They were having a “Girl’s Night Out” event and it was genuinely a great time. There was a festive air to the store that kept us going long after we left. The store was beautiful and so very well put together and the staff was incredibly accommodating. Good times.

Day four, we woke up early and hit the road to Reno. Josi hates backtracking so she reprogrammed Dora to lead us on a highway that cut through the mountains. Great choice as the scenery was beautiful! Misty mountains and snow frosted trees that were also covered in bright green moss. I’m pretty exhausted so I won’t really try at eloquence in descriptions other than to say it was worth every moment of driving. And we made great time. Josi wouldn’t let me stop to take pictures  (she’s under the impression that it’s important to be on time . . . what’s up with that? KIDDING! I know we need to be on time) so I did the best I could out the window. I’ll include a few here so you can judge on my photos at 70 MPH outside a window with an Instamatic. I think I did okay

We made good time, so we had a few minutes to spare before our signing.  We found a thriftstore not too far from the bookstore and decided to powershop. I found a wicked awesome black jacket, and Josi got a gorgeous red shirt. We paid three bucks each and felt proud of our . . . well, thrift.

Reno was fabulous. Again–a great staff, fun patrons and an all around good time. Loved joking around with everyone and getting to know them.

And on the road again BACK to California. we ended the day at Sacramento’s Deseret book where I was glad to greet the familiar face of Lori (who comes from my home town and is just lovely in every way) Lori works at DB and helped set up this signing. She is awesome! Josi was reunited with her sister and family and one of her friends. The singing was a blast, the people were excellent and we went to dinner with Josi’s sister and her family and it was wonderful. Good food, seriously wonderful women, and good conversation.

Josi’s sleeping. I should be too, but I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful to be on this journey. My last few months of life have been filled with tough decisions and changes I had no control over and it’s good to come to a place where I’ve decided to do what I love (write) and make it work. Josi’s been a huge supporter and it’s great to have someone like her who’s got my back (even if she won’t pull over to let me take a picture )  I miss my family and hope they miss me too. It’s tough being away, but it’s also good to know Mr wright has things under control.

Classic Books

Classic Books

Melissa, Josi, Jules, Lori