Twisting American History… for art’s sake.

Writers are always asked this, (okay, in my case, people are usually telling me “you know, I have this great idea. You should write about it, it’ll make us famous) but anyway…ideas. They come from everywhere, right?

Abigail Smith Adams by Gilbert Stuart, 1815

I’ve had this character bopping around my head for awhile named Abby.  Abigail, actually. I noted the name down after I caught a docu-drama on American Experience about John and Abigail Adams once (this one, I think). I don’t remember what it was that struck me about them, but good ole Abby stuck in my head.

Never could figure out where to fit her. Then I started working on what became my new novel, The Artist’s Inheritance, and Abigail peeked over my shoulder. “Damn,” she said when saw Caitlin in the starring role. “I missed the casting call again? Aren’t there any spots for me?”

So, it was either the missing mom, (and really she didn’t fit the crazy Welsh mom role) or the gallery owner-mentor role, or the who-knows-if-she-can-be-trusted accountant role. She could‘ve pulled off Accountant I think, but…there was all that math involved. *gah* So she opted for the mentor role. And now she’s  recurring character. So ha! Abigail finally found a home. I hope you’ll like what I did to her. (It was the closest I’d come to the dreaded mash-up. I don’t mash much. I’ve got enough ideas on my own thanks).

Of course now all we need to know is what Abigail would think if she knew the real reason behind what’s keeping Trevor away from work so much. I wonder how she’d deal with an onslaught of the paranormal, were Caitlin to tell her everything (one day she might). On the other hand,  I’m not sure I want to know what the real Abigail would say. I hope she doesn’t mind me using her name for my favorite gallery owner!

Interested in what this is all about? Here’s the trailer:

If you’d like to see how my Abby came out, The Artist’s Inheritance is available at Amazon and Smashwords.
Also, author Beth Trissel‘s recent post on the subject made me think to post this. She covers the Adams’ much better than I do, so go check it out, here.

Visitng with Jill Archer–#ghosts as fictional heroes

Yikes! This is the kind of day I’ve been having. I forgot to post the fact that I’ve got one more guest post today. At soon-t0-be debut UF author Jill Archer’s blog.  Thanks to her for putting me up, and for tweeting it. I hope, if you haven’t yet, you’ll stop by…I’m talking about (what else?) Ghosts.

http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/ghosts-as-paranormal-heroes-by-juli-d-revezzo/

Sorry to get this up so darned late… See, I had this ghost who was noodling with my sink… Not really but there were some household problems. *ugh* Pleasant dreams, all!

 

Saturday kitties and Steam…

Hi all, I’ve been ill the last few days, so do forgive the lack of posts. Haven’t been able to look at a computer screen without getting all queasy. *blech* It also made me totally forget Suzanne. I’m pleased to announce I am guest today over at the lovely Suzanne Lazear’s group blog Steamed.  The post is here:

http://wp.me/pukAW-1lm

 

Do please share and stop by to say hi, if you wish. 

Beltaine

It’s May first…again. Do you know the holiday involved? In Celtic countries in olden pagan times this day was celebrated as Beltaine.

Beltaine is an early spring festival dedicated to the approach of summer and the fertility of the land and its people. Most often, the date was celebrated with bonfires, and “Greenwood Marriages”.

(Like I said, Fertility. )

Today, it’s much the same. So, fill a glass of something cool, light a candle or two and, ladies, grab your favorite fella.

I wish you all a very peaceful, blessed Beltaine!!!

There are many others who explain the holiday far better than I. If you wish, read this article for more information:

http://www.chalicecentre.net/beltaine.htm

quote

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt, This is My Story

steampunk project continued

After much consideration, hemming and hawing and stressing out, I just subbed the first few chapters of my steampunk WIP project to a *gulp* chapter contest. Not holding out hope for anything but a critique, and I’m  sure I’ll get a comment or two like “What is this?” but there it is. Out there, hopefully not to stress me out so bad I shred it. That’s happened before. *gulp* Hope it goes well…but officially not holding my breath.

Seriously. No breath holding from me.

Seriously….

Happy New Year

Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org

Finally, it’s time to put 2011 to rest! Although I am grateful for many things in the previous year, it was…well, not one to remember. So I must remember to get those coffin nails from Night Mistress, methinks. Let the celebrating begin. That year is o-v-e-r, and we are looking forward to the new year!

Did you know, the first of January plays host to some important events?

Lorenzo de’Medici was born on the January 1st in 1449. (Which at the time January first was not considered New Year’s day. The date wasn’t solidified until the mid-16th century-17th century depending on the country)

Betsy Ross was born on the first in 1752

The dwarf planet Ceres was discovered January 1, 1801

Queen Victoria was given the title of Empress of India January 1, 1877

Mexican author Mariano Azuela was born January 1, 1873

Author E.M. Forster (Passage to India, A Room With A View et al) was born January 1, 1879

Author J.D. Salinger was born January 1, 1919

Comic book artist Jerry Robinson (creator of the Joker) was born January 1, 1922

Don Novello, Actor who played Father Guiddo Salduci was born January 1, 1943

Artist Joe Petagno was born January 1, 1948 (did art for rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, and Pink Floyd and more)

Cigarette ads were banned on US television, January 1, 1971

Actress Catherine McCormack was born January 1, 1972

So, a few interesting facts to start off your new year. I wish you all a happiness-filled, love-filled, writing and book-filled 2012!