A month or so ago, I quit writing--no more books to be published under my real name nor under my pen name. I just became bored with the whole deal. My agent is seeking a home for my last two books (a horror and a thriller). Don't you think six Callies and several books by a pen name are enough for someone who only got serious with fiction after retirement?
Besides, I do have an anthology I've been involved with coming out in September, 2015. This came about when David Lee Jones, a writer friend, and I were having lunch. He said, "Let's write something, publish it, and contribute the royalties to charity."
"Sounds like a plan," I answered, assuming he meant he and I would write it. As we talked, we decided on a ghost story book with all stories about SC and written by SC authors. We invited two more writers, James Kirk and Richard Laudenslager, to join us and became SC Screams, an association whose purpose is to raise funds for children's charities. The manuscript is complete, and we've found a publisher who is as enthusiastic about it as we are. I'll tell you more about that when the release date is closer.
That was exciting, but it still left me bored.
I was having a hard time sitting, and I certainly wasn't staying. I redecorated some rooms, and I became a "lady who lunches."
Since most of the people I met for lunch are either writers or friends who read my books, I was constantly faced with this across the table:
When I explained that I'd quit writing, so there was no book to report on, they asked in disbelief, "No more Callies?
"Not unless Russ produces something I can 'Callicize,'" I answered, referring to the author who wants to write a Callie.
"It won't last," they told me. "You'll get some big idea and be back on the computer all night." I did get a big idea, but not for a writing project. I decided to sponsor a benefit for children.
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Music captivates children. What better way to earn
money to help them than a concert? |
In the past two weeks, I wrote an article for Bluegrass Unlimited and that led to contact with Willie Wells who owns Bill's Pickin' Parlor with its listening room that seats over 300. The idea of a benefit concert hit me while talking to Willie, and he agreed to contribute the venue for my cause.
I am producing GENE HOLDWAY Flying Solo with a special guest appearance by NANCY GATES OWEN on July 20th to benefit Children's Chance.
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Gene agreed instantly to performing his "Flying
Solo" act which includes bluegrass, but also
folk, country, Americana. and a few
comedy bits.. |
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I met Gene Holdway in 1998 when I did
a photo shoot of the band Split Rail.
He and I became "partners in rhyme,"
co-writing and producing music and
have remained friends. |
Th
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Nancy Gates Owen is an Americana singer/songwriter
and recording artist in Tennessee. She'll be
performing in Columbia, SC, as a special guest
on July 20, 2014. |
Note that I don't say, "All profits will go to Children's Chance, a SC nonprofit organization for children with cancer." My problem with that statement is the word "profits." Too often, the profits are contributed after a lot of debts are paid. In this case, admission is a donation at the door, all of which will go directly to the charity because both performers, the owner of the venue, the staff, and the promo team are contributing their parts of this project free-of-charge.
Everyone's enthusiasm about this has revved up my energy and enthusiasm. It also has me writing again--press releases, public service announcements, and at least four feature articles that have to say the same things in different ways for local magazines, each with its own hook.
It all feels good, but I must confess--I just got one helluva an idea for a short story.
Until we meet again… take care of you!
