The mice are under control (there was an invasion in my prop room) and I am off to meet some students so we can finish painting the set. We are getting ready for our upcoming production of "Robin Hood" which takes place on Jan. 14 & 15. I have 27 students - Grades 7 - 12 - involved in the show, and although I feel (as usual) that we aren't ready, the show must go on! (Of course, it always comes together at the last minute, but its SO stressful!)
The challenges of putting on theatrical productions her in Tumbler is daunting at times. There is no theatre (or even a stage for that matter ) in town, so we have to set up a portable stage the week before in the school gym. This happens after much arm twisting etc. since it displaces the gym classes and extra curricular sports that goes on in there every day. I won't say it hasn't been a struggle on many fronts - financially; commitment on the part of students and parents; recognition from staff etc. that Drama has VALUE; not to mention the logistics of doing a full length musical in a less than ideal venue and having to set up and tear down all the lighting, sound etc.
I guess I wouldn't do it if I didn't love it, though. Come opening night it is SO worth it.
No wonder i struggle to find time for my more personal pursuit of writing! I did not write this play, by the way, although I have written and produced almost a dozen plays in the past. This one was perhaps too ambitious for our group, but I'll keep you posted on the outcome.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Time management - as if!
I know we're all busy - really, I do. I'm not the only one who seems to heap my plate so full and then go back for seconds. If only I had more time, THEN I'd be able to - you fill in the blanks. I find this dilemna especially glaring now that my first novel has been released and I now have to try to fit in networking/marketing/publicity/ etc. etc ... it really is ironic, don't you think? I'm spending more time on the computer these days clicking away, but NOT actually writing! (At least not the kind of writing that I want to be doing ie: fiction)
I read an interesting blog about time management, especially as it pertains to authors, on the ACFW website. She talked about the need to clock ourselves - actually keep track of time spent writing as well as time spent 'networking' (What I'm doing right now.) Apparently I'm not the only one who suddenly finds themselves spending more time doing the latter than the former - a kind of cart before the horse syndrome. If we really want to make it in this highly competitive field we better not forget the craft itself in lue of all the other consumptive activities that steal our precious minutes away.
With that in mind I am now off to de-mouse my Drama Prop room - yuck! Yesterday I discovered mouse poop everywhere and the little varmints had completely destroyed an awesome wool felt hat. They also seem especially fond of ostrich feathers.
I read an interesting blog about time management, especially as it pertains to authors, on the ACFW website. She talked about the need to clock ourselves - actually keep track of time spent writing as well as time spent 'networking' (What I'm doing right now.) Apparently I'm not the only one who suddenly finds themselves spending more time doing the latter than the former - a kind of cart before the horse syndrome. If we really want to make it in this highly competitive field we better not forget the craft itself in lue of all the other consumptive activities that steal our precious minutes away.
With that in mind I am now off to de-mouse my Drama Prop room - yuck! Yesterday I discovered mouse poop everywhere and the little varmints had completely destroyed an awesome wool felt hat. They also seem especially fond of ostrich feathers.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Reviews Anyone?
I've been getting some feedback for my novel And The Beat Goes On , including from my son in law who stayed up one night over the Christmas holidays reading. He's the first family member to finish it, to my knowledge, which is always a bit nerve-racking. (It's one thing to allow strangers to read your inner most thoughts, but quite another to let those closest to you into the twistings and turnings of your mind ...) Anyway, he said he liked it (and he's usually fairly honest!) except for the epilogue, which he found too 'girlie'. Okay, I admit it - there is definitely a romantic bent to the story, but it is, after all, classified as 'Romantic Suspense'. The novel was written primarily for a female audience, but I hope that all you guys out there will also enjoy the rest of the story. It's no TOO sappy - something i don't really care for, but I guess I must have a romantic bone or two in my body after all, (something I am accused of NOT having on occasion - my husband is the romantic in our family) but I think everybody needs a bit of l-o-v-e, don't you agree?
My pastor commented on the archeological aspects of the book, and although I do not pretend to be an expert by any means on that subject, I did try to do my homework. I also spent quite a bit of time researching the creationist model - and there is a TON of stuff out there on the subject - and hope that I have done some service in that regard. Even the most skeptical proponent of evolutionary theory would really have to stop and consider intelligent design a little more seriously if they actually looked at the facts. In any case, I am a believer in creation, although I don't pretend to understand all the intricacies of how and when it really took place. I think that is something better left up to the Creator himself. So if I have offended anyone, or 'gotten it wrong', as may very well be, just remember that fiction is just that - a made-up story meant to primarily entertain. If I've managed to plant some other seeds, so much the better.
It might also be of interest that the legends referred to about Pterodactyls in That part of Africa are actually true. I came across that tidbit when reading once and thought how awesome it would be to somehow include it in the story. In fact, I guess it became the main catalyst for the events that followed.
In any case. I would love to hear any reviews from those who have read the book and any other comments that you might wish to share.
My pastor commented on the archeological aspects of the book, and although I do not pretend to be an expert by any means on that subject, I did try to do my homework. I also spent quite a bit of time researching the creationist model - and there is a TON of stuff out there on the subject - and hope that I have done some service in that regard. Even the most skeptical proponent of evolutionary theory would really have to stop and consider intelligent design a little more seriously if they actually looked at the facts. In any case, I am a believer in creation, although I don't pretend to understand all the intricacies of how and when it really took place. I think that is something better left up to the Creator himself. So if I have offended anyone, or 'gotten it wrong', as may very well be, just remember that fiction is just that - a made-up story meant to primarily entertain. If I've managed to plant some other seeds, so much the better.
It might also be of interest that the legends referred to about Pterodactyls in That part of Africa are actually true. I came across that tidbit when reading once and thought how awesome it would be to somehow include it in the story. In fact, I guess it became the main catalyst for the events that followed.
In any case. I would love to hear any reviews from those who have read the book and any other comments that you might wish to share.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
On Christmas and the slogging of books
For those of us new to the book promotions game, I can now see that Christmas really is the time to be out there 'selling'. People (myself included) will pay good money at the last minute to ease out consciences and make sure our Xmas list gets checked off. And what better way than a book? (Especially if the recipient likes to read, or in my case, is related so they need a copy for their bookshelves 'just because'.) Seriously, I'm not sure my own father - now 83 - has ever read a novel in his life. But he assures me he's going to read mine. Hmm. Good luck with that, Dad.
Unfortunately, I am not on top of my game as far as promotions go, so I've probably missed the Christmas boat, so to speak. I was expecting, naively I admit, for my publisher to do all the promoting. I really didn't realize that getting the thing published was the easy part. Now I am expected to do my fair share of slogging it as well.
Anyway, all that aside, I am looking forward to Christmas and a possible break from thinking about ways to sell books. I just wish I could wave a wand and get a copy into every book store. But since I know that's not going to happen, I guess I'll keep on slogging come the new year. Blessings to all this holiday season!
Unfortunately, I am not on top of my game as far as promotions go, so I've probably missed the Christmas boat, so to speak. I was expecting, naively I admit, for my publisher to do all the promoting. I really didn't realize that getting the thing published was the easy part. Now I am expected to do my fair share of slogging it as well.
Anyway, all that aside, I am looking forward to Christmas and a possible break from thinking about ways to sell books. I just wish I could wave a wand and get a copy into every book store. But since I know that's not going to happen, I guess I'll keep on slogging come the new year. Blessings to all this holiday season!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Press release
Press release that went out for my new book:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
Dem Bones! Dem Bones! Dem Dinosaur Bones!
When an archaeologist uncovers an earthshaking discovery in the
mountains of Zimbabwe, plenty of theories are unearthed to
describe his find.
Canadian archaeologist Mark Graham digs up the remains of a
pterodactyl, found carefully buried next to a set of gigantic
human bones. What could his finding mean? Was there a race of
giant humans who existed near the time of the dinosaurs? Or is
the find a carefully planned hoax?
One theory speculates the existence of a race of giants, believed
to have descended from both men and gods. The race is called
Nephilim, and scientists scurry to find the truth behind the bones.
As sinister forces enter the picture and Graham is deceived by
friends and colleagues, he struggles to safeguard the bones and
his reputation so he can learn the mystery behind the Nephilim.
Publisher’s website: www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/AndTheBeatGoesOn.html
ISBN: 978-1-60693-199-8 / SKU: 1-60693-199-7
About the Author:
Tracy Krauss grew up in Saskatchewan and has written numerous stories,
plays and novels. She received her bachelor of education in Saskatoon and
has lived in several interesting spots in northern Canada with her husband
and four children. Krauss is a high school teacher of English, drama and art,
and lives in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. And the Beat Goes On is the
sequel to her book Play it Again. She is currently working on three other
books.
For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com
Strategic Book Group
845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com - http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
http://www.Strategicbookgroup.com
1-888-808-6190 - Corporate Office
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
Dem Bones! Dem Bones! Dem Dinosaur Bones!
When an archaeologist uncovers an earthshaking discovery in the
mountains of Zimbabwe, plenty of theories are unearthed to
describe his find.
Canadian archaeologist Mark Graham digs up the remains of a
pterodactyl, found carefully buried next to a set of gigantic
human bones. What could his finding mean? Was there a race of
giant humans who existed near the time of the dinosaurs? Or is
the find a carefully planned hoax?
One theory speculates the existence of a race of giants, believed
to have descended from both men and gods. The race is called
Nephilim, and scientists scurry to find the truth behind the bones.
As sinister forces enter the picture and Graham is deceived by
friends and colleagues, he struggles to safeguard the bones and
his reputation so he can learn the mystery behind the Nephilim.
Publisher’s website: www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/AndTheBeatGoesOn.html
ISBN: 978-1-60693-199-8 / SKU: 1-60693-199-7
About the Author:
Tracy Krauss grew up in Saskatchewan and has written numerous stories,
plays and novels. She received her bachelor of education in Saskatoon and
has lived in several interesting spots in northern Canada with her husband
and four children. Krauss is a high school teacher of English, drama and art,
and lives in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. And the Beat Goes On is the
sequel to her book Play it Again. She is currently working on three other
books.
For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com
Strategic Book Group
845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com - http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
http://www.Strategicbookgroup.com
1-888-808-6190 - Corporate Office
###
Original painting for "And The Beat Goes On" and for the prequel "Play It Again"
I did a couple of original paintings as cover ideas for two of my novels. The first one of a saxophone is symbolic of the theme in the novel "Play It Again" - sometimes the fragments of life can come together in an unexpected and beautiful way. I think I was inspired by the Cubist school (Picasso, Braque etc.) and their trteatment of objects from more than one perspective. Although this is not a true Cubist painting, it does speak to the fragmentation that one might experience during life's ups and downs, and of course, the saxophone is symbolic of beauty, life and experience in the novel itself.
The second painting "The Beat" goes swith my published novel "And The Beat Goes On". I purposely split the painting into two halves to reflect the dupilicity of the book - ancient vs. modern day / truth vs. what people want to hear/ good vs. evil etc. The figure started out as the main character, but developed into more of a symbol for the 'ancient man' also central to the book. Of course, I also like the juxtaposition of the Pterodactyl and the city scape. I purposely tried to use a similar colour scheme in the two paintings since they are connected through the characters.
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