November 4, 2007

Thanksgiving Greetings!

It's time to pull out those down jackets and comforters and get ready for winter. Of course, here in California, winter means those cold sixty degree days where we all complain like it's forty below! Right now, cold, wet weather would be especially welcome. The fires are mostly out, but there was a time when they caused the moon to literally glow red at night and the air to be thick as molasses. I'm fortunate not to be in the areas where homes were in danger, but my heart goes out to those who've lost so much. Californians are friendly, helpful and more neighborly than people would think of a big city area. Many people have gone out of their way to help the fire victims including my dog daycare center, All Paws, who boarded five evacuated dogs at no charge to the owners. I'm pretty proud of my home state!

On a personal note, things are going along okay with my father. He seems to become a little more feeble each week, but there are no real changes, thanks to the Alzheimer's drug he is taking. To those of you who've either been around those with dementia or if you've seen the movie "Groundhog Day," it's a lot like that. Daddy's short term memory is about five minutes. That is, whatever we did five minutes ago, he doesn't remember. But ask him anything about the ship he was in WWII (USS Tern in the Aleutian Islands), he can tell you the smallest of details.

I had quite a few months where I was having real trouble writing. Writer's block? I guess you could call it that. I just seemed to be spinning my wheels and not making any progress on "Love Mercy." But, I spent the time rewriting and doing a lot of reading. Now I'm back on a writing schedule and making forward progress. To be honest, I'm so in love with these characters that I'm anxious to find out what happens to them. It reminds me of when I first started the Benni Harper series. Remember, "Love Mercy" doesn't come out until May 2009. The only book I have coming in May 2008 is the paperback for "Tumbling Blocks."

There's a new contest, so check it out! I'm giving away three gift certificates (along with the Teddy Bears who are holding them) to my favorite quilt shop, Bear's Quilt Shop, in Garden Grove, California. And, no, you don't have to live here to shop there! They have a web site (www.bearsquiltshop.com) where you can spend it. The contest will run until January 15, 2008, so you'll have fun buying yourself something after Christmas. There'll be three winners, so take a chance. It might be you!

Oh, I forgot my biggest news! In September I traveled back to Alaska to attend a convention and visit my friend, Jo-Ann Mapson, and FINALLY saw a wild moose! Actually three moose. One on their street and a mother and her baby in their backyard. It was such a thrill for me. Now my goal is to see a New Hampshire moose since that is where my friend (and webmaster) Tina Davis lives. I'm told that New Hampshire moose are smaller than Alaska moose--now I want to see for myself! (An Alaskan told me that, by the way.)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a happy Hanukkah, and a Christmas filled with God's richest blessings. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all of you, your encouragements, your prayers, your faithful support of my books, and your friendship. 

Happiest of Trails,
Earlene

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July 22, 2007

A big hug to all my fans who came to see me when I was on book tour. I know how busy everyone is so I truly appreciate those of you who took your precious time to come and say hey! I'd send you all a fresh banana Moonpie if I could (my favorite).

I'm back at home now trying to get into some kind of routine so I can turn in the manuscript of "Love Mercy" on time. My dad stays with me Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Sunday. On those days I don't get any writing done, but I'm becoming an expert on the latest country music videos (the only thing he seems to be able to watch). He's holding steady both physically and mentally, but we've been warned by his doctor that things could change any minute.

As I said on my monthly update, I'm taking banjo lessons! Since my 18-year-old character, Rett, is a banjo player and songwriter, I figured I needed to take lessons to truly understand her character. Did I make her a banjo player so I could take lessons? That's a good question. I often write about things I wish I could do or be, so that might have been my subconscious motivation. At any rate, I'm not very accomplished yet, but

I'm good at grinning!

Not being one who likes to suffer alone, I signed Allen up for mandolin lessons with the same teacher. (Allen's actually loving it). Our teacher, Andy Rau, is very patient and a wonderful musician and teacher. Can his fingers fly on those strings! When I was at a local music store buying a music stand, the man helping me, after I told him about me and Allen, commented that with a mandolin and a banjo, we were "Almost a Bluegrass Band." So, I guess that'll be our name if we ever play something together!

I have a much greater appreciation of musicians now. The same thing happened when I took ice skating lessons and riding lessons. That, I think, is one of the best things about learning something new. You don't have to ever be great at it, but it enlarges your life and makes you appreciate those who do it well.

So, try something new this summer! Don't be afraid of being a beginner. No one was born knowing how to write, play the banjo, ride horses, ice skate or bake pies. It's healthy for your brain to learn new things. And it's darn fun too!

Happy Trails, Earlene

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February 5, 2007

Day by Day

As you can see, this newsletter is about two months late. Those of you who have cared for elderly relatives or friends understand how the days slip away from you. My dad is doing better, though it is doubtful he'll ever be able to live alone again (something he is struggling with at times).

Physically, he's doing well. Mentally, every day is different, but the medicine the doctor is giving him for his dementia helps tremendously. The problem with these medicines, we're told, is that you never know when they'll stop working. That is something that is hard for my father to understand and so, as the title of the letter says, we take it day by day.

I just officially signed the contracts for my next two books, Love Mercy (A Morro Bay Novel) and State Fair (the 14th Benni Harper novel). Love Mercy will be published in May 2009. State Fair will be published in May 2010.

My writing routine has changed drastically since my dad's change in lifestyle, but I'm beginning to get back into a rhythm of writing. I'm having a great time writing about Love Mercy and her family and friends in Morro Bay. Her granddaughter, Rett, is a banjo player and I've bought myself a banjo and intend on taking lessons. I'll let you know how that goes!

My publisher will be sending me on a little more extensive book tour this year. The tentative plans are for me to go to some cities in Ohio, Kentucky, Arizona and my usual places in Southern and Central Coast California. As soon as I receive my travel plans, I'll post them on the website.

There's new contest! Check out the contest page. This one is a fun and easy one. There'll be a total of fourteen winners, one for each of my books (counting the Benni Harper's Quilt Album). I'm giving away a signed hardback of each of these books.

There some new Frequently Asked Questions as well as the full story behind the beautiful red and white Schoolhouse quilt on my homepage given to me by the Benni Harper Mystery Club at Bear's Quilt Shop. You can read more under Research on the Road. Have a wonderful February! Send someone an unexpected Valentine. It'll warm your heart...and theirs too!

Happy Heartfelt Trails, 

Earlene

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October 29, 2006

Family and Friends First

I know that's a sentiment that everyone can relate to so it's my nutshell explanation for taking so long to write a newsletter

First, I want to thank all of you who came out to my booksignings on my California tour as well as all of you who bought The Saddlemaker's Wife. I appreciate the warm welcome you gave to Ruby, Birch, Lucas and the rest of the characters in Cardinal. They were so dear to my heart and I loved sharing them with you. And, yes, I hope someday to write the sequel.

Once I got home from book tour and finished the first draft of Tumbling Blocks, my summer was uneventful. Until August 7th. To make a long difficult story short, my elderly father fell, hitting his head and he spent the next month in three different hospitals. It was determined that he is likely in the middle stages of Alzheimer's and cannot live on his own any longer.

My older sister, who lives four miles from me, has taken him into her home, and I am very involved with caring for him on a full time basis. He's doing better, though he's lost much of his memory of the last three years. This situation is something I know many of you are going through or have gone through. Because of that, I needed to change my writing schedule to accommodate the days I spend with my father (giving my sister a much-needed break).

I am contracted to write two more books, a mainstream called Love Mercy and the 14th Benni Harper novel-- State Fair. I am taking one and a half years to write Love Mercy. I am working on it now and am very excited about this new book, the first book of a possible trilogy. Love Mercy is set in Morro Bay, California, and features three new characters which I'll tell you more about in future newsletters. Because of the longer schedule, there will be no new book in 2008 (Tumbling Blocks comes out May 1, 2007.) Love Mercy will come out in 2009, though I'm not sure of the month. I'll let you know when I do!

So, there's the latest. I'll write again in December and tell you more about this new book. Have a wonderful hot chocolate-chili dog-popcorn ball-filled autumn!

Happy Trails, Earlene 

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June 24, 2006

The Great Repainted Purple Truck Brain Blooper (also known as Maybe It Should Be Called Mind-O-Pause)

Before I explain the above title, I want to give a big ole Western Thank You to all my faithful readers who took the time out of their busy schedules to come see me and buy a copy of The Saddlemaker's Wife.  There are lots of hard things about book tours, but it's all worth while to meet the people who share my fictional worlds.  I hope you enjoyed my latest book.  The biggest question from those who read it before they came to my signings was, will there be a sequel?  The answer to that is, I don't know.  I certainly left it open for a sequel, but it all depends on what is happening in publishing, whether a publisher wants one (which has to do with that always pesky problem, book sales).  All I can say is, wait and see.  Trust me, if there is going to be one, you all will be the first to know!

Now about the title of this letter.  I have received an avalanche of letters about the line in Delectable Mountains where Benni comes home and finds her purple truck restored to its original color.  Okay, you caught me!  Talk about a brain freeze!  The comment obviously refers to when her truck was vandalized with spray paint and had to be repainted in Sunshine and Shadow. Why did I have Benni think about an incident that took place a year and a half earlier?  The only explanation I have is menopause (or as I stated above Mind-O-Pause).  Honestly, I do not have a clue why I stuck that line in there.  I think that writing twelve Benni Harper books in as many years while also living my own real life, I just lost track of fictional time.  It is one of those things that might have been caught by my editor or copy editor, but in the last twelve years I've had four editors and who knows how many copy editors.  There's a good chance that they have not read all my books before working on the current one so it wouldn't have even been an issue for them.  So, that's all I can say is, I'm human, my editors are human and it just was a big ole mistake.  I can try to get it taken out in future paperbacks, but chances are they won't simply because it's too expensive to take the time to do that.  So, I hope that puts that to bed.  I'll put it in my FAQ section for future readers of Delectable Mountains.

Quick update on next Benni Harper book.  I'm almost done with it!  It is called Tumbling Blocks and will come out in May 2007.  I've already seen the cover and it is quite striking.  More about it in later emails.  Have a safe, happy summer filled with hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, S'mores and lots of sunscreen!  

Happiest of Trails, 

Earlene

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April 16, 2006

It's almost that time of year again! For the last thirteen years, May has been the busiest month of the year for me. My latest book, The Saddlemaker's Wife, will be published and I again will be going on tour. My publisher decided to send me on a more localized tour in the states of California and Arizona. But I'll be going to some new places in California--Fresno, Bakersfield and Bishop, one of the towns that inspired my fictional town of Cardinal. It is in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and has a rich history of ranching, mining, fishing and hunting.

I'll start my tour at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 29 on the UCLA campus. I'll be on a panel at 4:00 p.m. with a signing afterwards, but I'll also be signing throughout the day in the Mysterious Galaxy, Mystery Bookstore and Book 'Em Mysteries booths. Drop by and say hi! Then I head over to Arizona, San Diego area and then in the Bay area, working my way down California. My complete schedule is on the website.

I'm busy working on the next Benni Harper book, Tumbling Blocks, which will come out May 2007. It's been a challenge to write since we recently had to have our entire house repiped. The workers did it in one day, but what takes so long is cleaning out closets, cupboards and the pantry since to put in new pipes means they have to knock holes in walls and ceilings. The repiping itself actually only took one very long day, but I'm not finished putting everything back in place! Since I'm trying to weed through things, that may take three months.

Boo is doing great. He still has "limpy" days, but we watch him carefully.

We let him play and be a dog. He loves going to the dog park and barking at the horses who ride by and trying to catch that fleet-footed Basenji. He truly believes he'll catch her one day. He loves his nightly treat of a 1/4 slice of Velveeta cheese and still loves playing ball more than life itself.

He won't be with me on tour, but I'm bringing a scrapbook I made of his life so far...and I won't charge you a dime to look at it!

Until we meet again,

Earlene

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February 26, 2006

Howdy everyone!

Hope the late winter blues haven't gotten you down too much. This month we've had an unusually hot and dry Santa Ana condition here in South California. Of course, that would be when we have a wild fire. The last one was in Anaheim Hills, about twenty miles from me. At one point they had to evacuate 2000 homes! Not our typical Orange County February. I'm not near the fires, but my patio was covered with ash for three days. I've watched record snow fall across the country, so it looks like all of us will be glad for spring to arrive.

Not a whole lot going on here in the Fowler household. I'm getting ready for The Saddlemaker's Wife to come out May 2. That's its official publication date, but I've heard that books will be shipped before then. Try ordering it and see! I'm excited about you all reading this book and will be interested in hearing what you think about Ruby, Birch, Lucas, Ely and the rest of the citizens of Cardinal, California, an eastern Sierra Nevada town that I based somewhat on the towns of Bishop and Independence, California. You should be getting a postcard in April. I'll also be posting my signing schedule here on the website. I'll only be doing a California and Arizona tour this year, but if you're in the area, come by and say hi. I'll show you my new pictures of Boo.

Boo is doing good. He has some hard days, but since he's been on Deramaxx (an anti-inflammatory drug) every other day, he hasn't lost the use of his back legs in quite a while. When he's feeling good, he goes to doggie day care to play with his friends Peanut, Bernie, Rocco, Henry (actually two Henrys), Otter Pop, Holliday, Jayjay, and a bunch of others I can't remember! For those of you who have never tried it, dog day care is wonderful. He's a happier dog because of it. And I get more writing done. 

I'm working on the next Benni Harper novel--Tumbling Blocks. I'm happy to be back in San Celina and catching up with everyone. It's Christmas in this book and Benni's mother-in-law, Kathryn, has come out from Kansas. And she's dog sitting for Hud. Yes, a Pembroke Welsh corgi named Boudin. Hey, I couldn't let all that experience go to waste! It will come out in May 2007.

There's a new contest, so check it out. There will only be one winner this time. It's for a carved leather daytimer made by Richard Vieira, the saddlemaker whose brain I picked when I was writing The Saddlemaker's Wife. His wife, Kathy, is a wonderful friend, a good writer and generously lets me ride her horses. 

To those who've been asking, Delectable Mountains, will be out in paperback at the same time as The Saddlemaker's Wife. 

Have a spectacular spring and hope to see you on the road!

Happy Trails...and Tails, Earlene

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November 12, 2005

Yes, it happened again. Or rather, didn't happen. I failed to see a moose. I'm just going to have to keep going to Alaska until I spot one. Such a terrible fate. Despite my mooseless state, I had a wonderful time on our trip. The cruise was like being in a movie. Allen and I especially liked walking the ship's promenade and the library. The glaciers were incredible and, though I didn't see moose, I did see some Alaskan wildlife. I awoke about 1:30 am (thank you, hot flashes) and went out on our balcony to cool off. We were cruising at sea toward Glacier Bay. Up in the air I saw a bevy of bats (I think that's what they're called...at any rate, there was a bunch of them). They swooped along side the ship, sparkling in the night. Yes, sparkling...or maybe glowing. No, I hadn't been drinking! The next day I asked a Glacier Bay ranger about them and I was not imagining them. They were Alaskan Brown bats and she said they probably were glowing because they were catching the ship's lights. This was, apparently, my bat year with seeing the famous Austin, Texas bats in July and then the Alaskan Brown bats. 

My week after the cruise with my friend and colleague, Jo-Ann Mapson, was relaxing and fun. We shopped, talked writing, played with her dogs and I attended the graduate writing classes she teaches at University of Alaska. We spent a few days down in Homer, Alaska, at the Two Sisters Bakery and Bed and Breakfast. Highly recommended, especially the sticky buns. I could live in one of their lovely rooms above the bakery.

When I returned, Boo had his appointment with the orthopedic specialist. The vet concluded Boo's left knee was the culprit, though both have problems coming out of the socket (official diagnosis is medial patella luxation). Right now, we're trying to decide when surgery is necessary. He has his good days and bad, but at least we now have medication for the bad. He's a happy little dog, quite stoic, and I don't always know when he's hurting because he likes to play so much. But the lameness still comes many nights so the problem isn't gone.

The Saddlemaker's Wife is in typeset. I looked it over one more time after the copy editor had a pass, so it is what it is now. I hope you all will like it. My characters Ruby, Birch, Lucas, Sueann, Cole and Ely are eager to tell you their stories. Look for it in early May 2006. No news yet about whether I'll be touring. Publishing is cutting back these days, so I may end up just signing around my Southern California area.

The winner of the quilt contest sponsored by Penguin-Putnam was Kelly F. from Lodi, California. Congratulations, Kelly! Look under Quilt Patterns or Contest. You can also see a photo of the quilt and information about ordering the pattern.

Happiest of autumn to you all! I love walking Boo in the afternoons now because there's a bit of a nip in the air. We have one maple tree we walk by every day, the only color changing I see here, but it reminds me that it is fall. 

Until we meet again, 
Earlene 

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September 4, 2005

North to Alaska!

Before news of my trip, a medical update on Boo. He went to his very nice neurologist, Dr. Berry, yesterday. He'd been off his medication for 6 days to see how he'd react and it wasn't good news...he went lame every day. So, after showing Dr. Berry the movies we took of Boo unable to walk (yes, we went out and bought a movie camera just for that purpose, but we'll use it on vacation, too), he said he thought it might be orthopedic, that Boo might have already worn out his knees! I was shocked and felt guilty, thinking I'd done something wrong (I let him play a lot with other dogs as a puppy), but the doctor assured me it was genetic. And he said orthopedic problems are much better to have than neurological. So, when I get back from Alaska, he has an appointment with the orthopedic specialist. He's back on his anti-inflammatory medication until then and is doing much better. I can tell when he's not feeling good, because he gets cuddly. That's not Boo! He's feeling good when he's being a crazy little devil dog, so I'm always glad to see him back to throwing a ball at me when I'm trying to write.

Allen and I are going on an Alaskan cruise! We're flying to Vancouver and taking a ship through the Inside Passage. We'll end up in Anchorage where Allen will spend the night, then come home. I'll stay another week with my friend, Jo-Ann Mapson. I'll be doing a signing at Tidal Wave Books (see book signing page) and speaking to creative writing students at University of Alaska where Jo-Ann teaches creative writing.

I finished the last rewrite of The Saddlemaker's Wife and sent it to my editor on Monday. That was cutting it close! It will come out in May 2006 instead of a Benni Harper book. But, don't worry, Benni and the gang will be back in May 2007. I am starting that book as soon as I get back from Alaska.

The last time I visited Alaska, I was promised a real live moose sighting. But, alas, they were as scarce as snipe. So, hopefully, I'll have pictures of moose to post when I get back.

Thanks again for all the prayers, good wishes, sympathy and advice so many of you have sent concerning Boo's condition. I cannot think of fine enough words to express my gratitude. My heart and prayers go out to friends and families of those hurt by Hurricane Katrina. We are all praying for a speedy recovery.

My happiest trails to you all, Earlene

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July 16, 2005

News about Boo

Like the trooper he is, Boo came through his MRI ordeal beautifully. The doctor had good news. Though the x-ray had looked bad, the MRI showed that there wasn't any severe problem with his back. The reason he's occasionally lost use of his back legs has to do with a bad knee that pops out. Jumping and playing hard can do this (Boo does like to play with the big dogs rather than the little ones, something we'll have to avoid in the future).

He's on NO ball playing for four weeks, a more powerful anti-inflammatory and only two walks a day (we cheated and took three yesterday.) He's not a happy camper about that as he'd rather play ball than eat! The vet also took some fluid from his spine and brain just to eliminate a disease that is something like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. We'll find out about those tests in a week or so. But, so far, it looks good. He's already walking much better.

Thank you from my heart to all of you who wrote me. I read every letter and have saved them in Boo's special box (someday, I'll actually get his scrapbook done and all of your letters will go into it.) Allen read them also and we were both extremely touched and grateful for your prayers, support and good wishes. I'll keep you updated. Now, I have to get back to the rewrite of The Saddlemaker's Wife so you all will have something to read next May!

Truly Happy Tails indeed! Earlene

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July 11, 2005

The Kindness of Strangers

Actually, the title of this letter/essay isn't exactly correct. I don't think of my readers as strangers though I do appreciate the kindness shown to me by many of you when I'm on tour. I am always touched by the distance and difficulty to which many of you travel to come to one of my signings. I appreciate it more than I can say. It makes going on the road so much easier in these, often harrowing, times. Thank you for that and for being such loyal readers and book buyers. The publishing business is, like so many others, one of pure numbers and corporate profit. You all are making sure, so far, that Benni, Gabe and the rest of the San Celina gang continue to exist. To be honest, every year, for almost every author these days, is up for grabs. The accountants always have the final say.

I'm sorry for the delay in sending this newsletter, but I've been going through some difficult times. After I came home from book tour, I did all my California signings. On my trip up to the Central Coast, the first weekend in June, Allen and Boo came with me. During that trip, Boo went lame a couple of times in his back legs. We came home and rushed to a vet recommended by other corgi owners. The long story short is Boo was born with a defect in his back that is causing the lameness and could get worse if it presses on his spinal cord.

We've consulted a neurologist and Boo is going for an MRI this week.

Surgery is likely as he as had more moments of lameness despite being on anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. I'll keep you posted on his progress. Allen and I are hopeful, but also broken-hearted to see him in pain. He's a great dog and has been a cheerful little soldier through all this. But, then, he's a corgi. Those of you who know corgis know what courageous and optimistic dogs they are.

Of course, this would happen when I am scheduled to be a guest of honor at a convention. Allen will be taking off work to stay with a, hopefully, on-the-road-to-recovery Boo. July 23-25 I'll be in Austin, Texas, as one of the writer guests of honor at ConMisterio (www.conmisterio.org). It's a new convention and looks to be a lot of fun. What's great about it is they have day passes, unusual for many conventions. I'm speaking all three days, but on Sunday, July 25 at 1:00 PM, I'll be talking about quilting, art and how they inform my writing.

There will be a dealer room so there will also be books available for sale...which I'll be happy to sign! Feel free to bring any of my old books you want signed also. Check out the details on their web site or my book signing page.

I'm also working on the rewrite of my first stand-alone novel (not in the Benni Harper series) called The Saddlemaker's Wife. It will be published in May 2006. I've seen the preliminary art work for the cover and it is going to be gorgeous.

Happy trails...and tails, until we meet again,

Earlene

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April 16, 2005

Finally, she writes! Actually, I've been doing a lot of writing which is why my newsletter is so late. I finally finished the manuscript for my stand-alone novel, The Saddlemaker's Wife. It will be published in May 2006 instead of a Benni Harper novel. 

I know, I know, I can hear the complaints already. Don't worry! Benni and her family will return in May 2007 with another San Celina adventure, but I hope you'll give the new book a try. I think you'll enjoy Ruby, Ely, Lucas and Birch, a few of my new characters. It is set in the beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in a town based on Bishop. It is a bit of a departure from my series, but the story still revolves around ranching, small towns, families and the secrets they keep. 

Right now I'm gearing up for my book tour for Delectable Mountains, the twelfth Benni Harper book. In celebration, Penguin-Putnam is sponsoring a contest where a quilt will be given away. It was designed by my friend, quilt artist, Margrit Hall. There will soon be a link on my website to Penguin-Putnam's so you can enter. It is a sampler quilt with each square based on one of my twelve books. Don't worry if you don't win it as Margrit is going to make the pattern available to anyone who wants to purchase it.

Go to my signings section of the website to find out if I'll be in a town near you. This year my tour is focused on the New England and Pennsylvania area. I'll also be in Arizona and my usual haunts in San Diego, Southern California and the Central Coast.

It's been a wild ride of a winter for all of us, but it's spring now. Celebrate with a barbecue, a shopping trip...or a good book! I'll be celebrating Boo's first birthday on April 17th. Yes, I'll be throwing him a party (which will include family, friends--his and mine--and neighborhood kids and their dogs. A recent poll showed that eighteen percent of all Americans have attended a dog birthday celebration. So don't laugh when you get your first doggie invitation in the mail. Just go and have a good time!

Check out Boo's page for new pictures. 

Always happy trails! Earlene
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