Which comes first . . .

Which comes first .....I bet you thought I was going to say the chicken or the egg, didn't you?

Actually, it is about one of my favorite topics- writing! And, how I process the world around me- in thought, that is.

It occurred to me the other day that even the everyday moments run through my mind like a story, or a seed of a story. Do I think that way because I am a writer, or am I a writer because I think that way?

Writing is not something that I have been trained to do, it is just something that IS inside me. As I have talked about before, I grew up as an only child in a family of readers. So, a love of reading came naturally. Perhaps that had an effect as well. My opinion is that each of us has a skill or gift, as some may say. The influences in each of our lives can enrich our skills or gifts.

In some cases, the opposite may be true- the influences could douse the spark. But at some point in the individual's life, that yearning will make itself known. That person will realize an interest in writing, painting, music...and suddenly feel such contentment! It will all make sense when that yearning is realized.

Back to my question, which comes first - I am still not sure. I am just going to enjoy the ideas and write something!

Secrets One – The Series

Beginning the journey . . .

When I introduced the Marie H. Crain site, I promised to tell about the beginning of Secrets One - The Series.  So today, I thought I would share a little bit about the incredible experience- and journey- that has resulted in the novel being published. This will strictly be from my viewpoint. My co-author, Thomas Jay Wacker, will have his own unique thoughts on the subject, so I do not intend this to be from his perspective.

My co-author and I are not the most likely pairing for such a project. We grew up several states apart and with different backgrounds. Our unlikely meeting was in 2002 in another business venture in a small Colorado community. Some might say the meeting was destined to be- he had returned from England a short time before, and I had not been in the city nor the state long, moving from Ohio.

My take on it is that as we became friends, we soon found we did have some things in common such as the interest in writing, a love of music, and important core beliefs. I had a sense, a premonition if you will, that we would be writing together. At the time though, it seemed unlikely to me since we had met in a different environment.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my co-author had returned from London with more than just memories! He had the seed of an idea, which he was beginning to grow into a storyline. He offered me the opportunity to participate in the adventure, the journey of co-writing a full-length novel as the beginning of a series.

Now, being a writer, it was like a dream come true. You might think the answer was a quick and resounding yes! But, I viewed it as a very serious commitment, and I gave it a lot of thought and prayer before giving an answer.

Obviously, the answer was finally yes! It has been such a rewarding experience. Yes, writing a full-length novel requires dedication and what some might call hard work.  But, even that is a joy. We have learned what works for us to write together. It is incredibly exciting, and satisfying, when characters come to life and a storyline takes shape, continuing to grow.

While there have been other writing projects in the past, and more to come in the future, Secrets One - The Series is that unique experience for both the writer and the reader.

Secrets One – The Series

Enjoying life's tapestry . . .

Hello! It has been awhile since I have been able to visit with you by way of the blog. It is really good to be back!

Through some varying circumstances, the last few weeks have been a time of solitude and retrospect. As any writer will probably agree, those conditions make for a lot of ideas and thinking on how to develop them.

I would say one of the most common themes of my thought processes the last few weeks is how true the comparison of a tapestry is in relation to our lives. There are so many influences that go into the development of what our lives become. People obviously play an important role. It is a crucial role, really. Some provide the color and strength to our life tapestries, while others provide the friction that can either fray or change the pattern. Some may be consistent throughout, others may come and go in the design. Others yet may simply be that one unique color in just a corner of the pattern.

Each experience in life contributes to the tapestry, and can also be a positive or negative. Sometimes, it is our reaction or perception that makes the change in the design, and not really what was intended.

Before a tapestry comes together, it is just a pile of different color threads- maybe of different textures, too. But, woven together it creates beauty.

Writing is much like that. Out of the jumble of colors and textures of our lives, stories come forth- full of emotion and life!

Secrets One – The Series

Music- the love and passion are there . . .

Music runs a close second to my passion for writing. I cannot even imagine life without music. Each and every person has a soundtrack to life. You know that song that takes you back to a different time or place, or brings you to laughter or tears at a memory. . .

I have been blessed being exposed to music early in life- ironically, in both a small town church and small town tavern as well as at home. My family either listened to country music on the radio, or watched television programs such as Lawrence Welk and the Ed Sullivan Show. At church, I enjoyed the children's songs, complete with motions and little instruments, as well as listening to the grown-up hymns- although I may not have understood them at an early age.

My mother and grandmother would sometimes work in the tavern, as I have mentioned before. When there was not live music, someone was giving me coins to put in the jukebox. My favorite times were when the juke box man came to change out the 45 rpm records. If they were not too worn out, he would give those to me. I thought I was rich!

When I was in 4th grade, my grandparents bought me a clarinet. I played that throughout my school years. As an adult, I sang in a large church choir which recorded an album, and sang in televised services. I was also a member of a small group that sprung up from a Christian coffeehouse. We sang and did skits in smaller venues.

But, I am quite content to sit back and LISTEN to the music. It can touch my soul in so many ways, happy or sad. I believe it helps to fuel my creative processes, whether I am writing or working on other business. Think about the important events of life, there is always music setting the mood. Weddings, funerals, graduations, and everything in between those have music.

A very dear family friend recently died, and my son and I are each working through the grief process. He happened to mention that he thought it strange he was remembering the songs they used to listen to together. I did not find it strange at all because I was going through similar thoughts.  That proved to me that music indeed is a very important, and many times comforting, part of life.

Secrets One – The Series

Inspiration- it could be you . . .

Just as one must have a passion in life, one must also be inspired.

Inspiration is not just for writers, either. I believe every person needs to have inspiration in life. For instance, how does a beautiful sunrise or sunset make you feel? Thankful to be alive to witness such beauty? Does it make you question how that hue or color could possibly paint the sky that way?

Or, does a smile from a loved one give you that pick-me-up for your day? Another inspiration!

Children are always inspiring to me, especially my own son. They teach us the basics. When he was an infant, he liked to lie on his tummy. He would then raise his head up, which would wrinkle his forehead, and those big dark eyes would look around. That look of curiosity and wonder at such a young age would just melt my heart every time. It reminded me to look at the world in a different, more inquisitive way.

The beauty of nature, as well as the power of nature, is inspiring to me. As a person of faith, it reminds me of the awe-inspiring God who put it all in place. The simple things can sometimes be just as powerful- a garden flower, a butterfly, a rainbow. Music can have that affect, too, even changing moods and emotions.

Just as I mentioned my son, other people are an inspiration, too.  For the most part, the rich and famous are not that inspiring.  The inspiring people are the "everyday" people who make a difference, and sometimes it is the little things that make that difference. I think we all know of someone who brightens the day just by being whom they are- perhaps offering a smile, or hug, or some other thoughtful gesture. I remember one job where I was in training, tired and discouraged. However, I saw this young lady who was toughing it out with a broken arm, and always had a smile on her face, even when the fatigue and pain showed there as well. She inspired me to focus and succeed to the best of my abilities.

My co-author inspires me in a number of ways. He is one of the most talented writers I have ever worked with, or read. His mind never stops working! He inspires me to continually improve my writing by his brilliance. He also inspires others by the kind of life he leads- one of integrity, class and hard work.

These are just a small sampling of inspirations; yours can be totally different but, of course, just as meaningful. The important thing is that each of us experience inspirations to help us re-fuel, to give us that extra boost some days, or to remind us to count our blessings. They can even remind us to be inspirations to someone else!!!

Secrets One – The Series

A timeless love of reading . . .

I was talking the other day with a fellow reader, whom I have only recently met, and, who happens to be about half my age. We both are avid readers, and in particular, fans of the J.D. Robb series.

Despite the age difference, my young reader friend and I first discovered our mutual enjoyment of the novels. We then discussed what we liked about the writing of the series, and our dislikes- again, remarkably the same for two very different people.  I think I was most surprised that we actually agreed that the romance scenes in the first two novels were much more graphic than they needed to be.  Such scenes are written in a more subtle manner in later novels of the series, which pleased both of us.

What is really ironic is my young friend also expressed that she is totally “old-school” when it comes to choosing between an actual book and a digital version. I had just written about that very thing a couple of blogs back!! I, too, am definitely old-school as you may remember!

The love of reading really is timeless, young and old alike can enjoy the activity. Of course, tastes may change over time; but the basic joy of choosing something to read remains the same.  Technology may have changed some of the forms of delivery but people are still reading!

I look at my mother, who despite some challenges to her vision, still must read her morning newspaper every day, and always welcomes a variety of other reading materials. Her newspaper to her is what my first cup of coffee is to me- a must-have to start the day!

My son, on the other hand, is a computer reader. His first love is music, and there are multitudes of resources online. He also enjoys history, and in particular, US presidents and other political leaders. The ability to do research on a variety of subjects seems to intrigue him.  I think that if he had been born before the technology age, we would have had one of the largest encyclopedia collections around! Laughs!

And, that is all good…

Secrets One – The Series

Finding your passion- and living it . . .

Passion is a word that describes a strong feeling or emotion. Obviously, it is many times used in connection with love and romance, which can be a driving force in itself! However, the kind of passion I am talking about is what makes a person enjoy life; what it is that makes that person want to get up each morning with enthusiasm to pursue that passion.

Obviously, I would say writing is my passion.  I really love the creative process. I love the way ideas seem to blossom, just like the subject of this blog. For more than a week now, the idea of pursuing one’s passion seemed to be in everything I read. Totally unrelated sources, and yet, the theme always the same!

My mind then begins its quest to put the idea into some form, such as this blog. I can get so involved in writing whatever story in my head that I am not aware of performing everyday activities.

I cannot even tell you how many times I have been washing my hair, and not remember if I used the conditioner! Laughs! Worse yet, I have driven from point A to point B and not remembered it!!  All because my mind is so intent in forming that story, re-tooling it until it actually is typed into the computer or written by hand. Once that release occurs, the mind calms down until the next idea hits! Does the word obsessive come to mind? Laughs!

As I look back, I see how writing has carried over in every aspect of life and occupation I have been blessed to enjoy over the years- whether it is as a police dispatcher, hotel manager, customer service, Sunday school teacher, or an actual newspaper writer!

A wise person told me once that I should do what I love, because no amount of money can replace that satisfaction.  No truer words were ever spoken! Find your passion, and live it!!

Secrets One – The Series

Just call me old-school- I'm alright with it . . .

I guess you can call me old-school- you know the type, the ones who still like newspapers that are printed on newsprint (that inexpensive off-white paper) and books that still require paper, glue and ink to make an impression.

I was born into a time when high-tech was an IBM Selectric- red in color (Did they come in any other color?), and my first newspaper job was at a weekly that still used a linotype, with the melting lead bars. Don't get me wrong, I love the electronic age especially when it comes to doing homework (research) but I still believe that some things are finer in their original 'old-school' form.

My waking-up ritual still requires coffee and the newspaper. Holding a non-digital book in my hand is a pleasure any time of the day; and it's a rare treat, indeed, when I can indulge myself with a block of time to read a novel- hard cover or paperback- without a concern in the world, my mind deep in the author’s story.

I do appreciate the technology that provides us with the Internet, online newspapers, and even the digital books.  My son even teases me about being addicted to the Internet because I get really nervous if we're not connected, or worse yet, my computer crashes.  My explanation to him on those rare occasions when it goes down is that I was in the middle of my homework and surfing the web for bargains. That's my story, and I am sticking to it. Laughs!

Secrets One – The Series

Missing Grandpa Otto . . .

I was talking with three other mothers the other day and we discovered we have something in common besides all having sons. None of the sons seem to have the passion for reading that their mothers embrace! All four of the sons are bright young men of varying ages and talented in many areas, but none have been bitten by the reading bug as much as we have.  As reading mothers, we each seemed to question why they do not read as we do! Is it a guy thing? Or, maybe the result of the technology age?

As I have mentioned before, I grew up in a reading family- both the men and women. My mom, dad and grandma always had their newspapers; my grandpa was the book reader.

Once I outgrew children’s books, my grandpa Otto’s reading habits encouraged me to continue reading. He always had books in the house, regularly ordering them through the mail.  If I did not like his selections, I would eagerly plan a visit to the Bookmobile. That red bus with white lettering could have been a limo, or a jet plane, or a cruise ship for me because the books always took me to another place.

I was thinking the other day how proud I still am of my grandpa Otto.  He came to the United States in the 1920’s, a German native.  He was proud to become an American citizen, and spoke perfect English with a charming hint of his German accent.  I am not sure if he read to improve his English, or if he improved his English to read; either way it was definitely something he enjoyed.

Grandpa Otto passed away in 1996; two months shy of his 95th birthday.  I think there will always be a grandpa-size hole in my heart. I know he always read my newspaper articles, I wish he was here so that I could hand him a copy of Secrets One – The Series.  I think he would be very proud of the fact that I am now a published author (thanks to an awesome co-author).

And, I hope that when my son has a family of his own that he will carry on, and encourage, a family tradition of reading. I know I will be a reading grandma!

Happy reading to all of you!

Secrets One – The Series

Emotionally yours . . .

Emotions - that kept popping in my mind this week, one of those seeds of an idea that I knew I would have to write about it. Now, I do have to give credit to two other people who inspired this. One is Elvis. Yes, I am talking about THAT Elvis. Laughs! And the other is a writer/pastor named Jim in Northwest Ohio.

If I have time and opportunity, I put on a varied playlist of music. If I have time for only a song or two, it many times is my favorite Elvis song, "Can't Help Falling in Love." It makes my day for some reason! (My second favorite Elvis song? All other Elvis songs- laughs!)

I first remember listening to Elvis as a child of about 7. At the time, my mother and I lived with my grandparents in a very small town where my grandfather was a self-employed barber, and my mother and grandmother would sometimes work in the small tavern. Elvis records, 45's to be exact, were on the jukebox. (Boy, am I telling my age).

Now, I have a computer playlist which includes some videos- which is always a treat when it is Elvis! Watching those videos at different times of his life show a myriad of emotions. Always an entertainer, even Elvis could not hide the raw emotions when he and his beloved Priscilla separated and divorced. Other times, the happiness and joy overflow.

His gospel performances are heartfelt and soul-stirring- did you know that he won his only three Grammys in that category? One of the songs was "Crying in the Chapel". Oddly enough, that song was on that tavern jukebox. It had a great effect on me because of the true emotion, although at my tender age I did not realize the spiritual impact. I think one of the reasons people connected to Elvis was his emotional side. He was real and open to others- and I believe searching for people who would love him for the person he was and not the “idea” of Elvis.

As a newspaper writer, emotions are not supposed to enter into the mix. But, how can one not be affected by seeing a group of people come into town with the robes of the KKK? Or, reporting controversial meetings which emotionally divide a community in half? At the same time, readers need to know the news, and so it was. Those challenging reporting times made the feature stories and op-ed pieces even more enjoyable!

My friend Jim and I wrote on the same daily newspaper for a time. Jim is not only a talented writer; he is a pastor with a very tender heart. He can write a news story that rivals any other. And, he can bring one to tears and laughter with a feature story or column, or even a personal note. I know from experience! He recently wrote two columns that really touched my heart. One was a tribute to his aunt, who recently died, and the other a tribute to mothers. Actually, there was a third writing, his response to my thank you for sharing his Mother's Day column. Events touch that pastor's heart, and it brings forth the beautiful fruit of a tremendous writer.

I feel so privileged and blessed to be an artist - a writer- and humbled to know the power and responsibility of the pen. Writing a novel can be an emotional release as well as a creator of emotions that make the writing even more powerful.  It is my hope that my writings may in some way make a difference in those who read it, just as these two artists have made a difference in my life.

Secrets One – The Series

Inquiring minds want to know . . .

The process of writing a novel appears to be of interest to many, at least it appears so from the questions I have been receiving since the publication of Secrets One – The Series. So today, I will answer the two most frequently asked questions!

"How did the storyline come about?" This is the most asked question. I must give credit to my co-author for this one; the main story idea came to him while he was living in London.  He came back to the states, we met in 2002, I was invited to work with him on the project, and the rest is history. We each contributed to the story as the work progressed, of course, but the genius backbone of this story is all his.

One of the fun things about writing is how a storyline can begin as a tiny seed, and then begin its growth. Some go in many different directions before evolving into the final version, and others are a straight path to the heart of it all. Emotions, happy or sad, add a richness to the creative process. Another way to look at it is as a tapestry, much like our lives. One color thread here, another there, and soon it is a beautiful work!

"How does one co-author a novel?" being the second question. I can say that from my viewpoint, it has been a wonderful process of collaboration even though, most of the time, we are in different cities. We each work on research and details, developing characters, and fleshing out the story. It has been quite interesting- and exciting- to see how each of our work comes together, completing the other. I can also say that when one is working with a writer who has such a brilliant and creative mind as I have the pleasure, it is an inspiration to strive for even higher levels of creativity and writing.

Writing has always been enjoyable to me; co-writing on this project is over the moon! It has been great fun, and a great source of satisfaction with the finished project!

Thanks for being interested and asking the questions!

Secrets One – The Series

The love of writing . . .

I recently read the trilogy written by Frank McCourt- Angela’s Ashes, Tis, and Teacher Man. For those who do not know, his books tell about growing up in New York and his native Ireland, his coming of age, and then, his years in teaching.  While I enjoyed reading all three books, I did not feel a connection to them or the author until a passage toward the end of the last book, Teacher Man.  McCourt talks about a writer’s mind. 

The gist of his comments are that a writer’s mind is never still, it is always working on some idea or searching for the rest of the story that has begun in thoughts.  The only release is to write the story. That short passage made me want to stand up and wave my hands in the air, and shout, “Yes!”  That is what it feels like to be a writer, to have a love of writing.

Many writers will say their work began with journals or diaries. I never really did either one.  I grew up as an only child, and my creating all begin in my mind, entertaining myself. I have to laugh now at the imagination I had; at one point I decided I was from another planet, and was only here to observe everyone else!

I became an avid reader at an early age, thanks to my family who made sure we had a steady supply of newspapers and books. I soon realized that I needed to do something with those thoughts that were so active in my mind.

I began writing for others in high school. When a journalism teacher named me co-editor of the high school newspaper, I found it humbling that something I loved to do brings enjoyment to others. And, that was the beginning of my journalism career.

Co-writing the novel Secrets One –The Series is a dream come true. To have it published is thrilling and humbling, knowing the many works that are never in print.  

By the way, I still enjoy observing people- but as a writer, not a child from another planet. Laughs!

Secrets One – The Series

My joy turned to excitement as the words become sounds . . .

Wow-writing a novel is pure joy, holding in my hand a published novel- Secrets One – The Series is beyond words! What could add to that thrill? The news from my publisher that an old-time radio show will also be made from the novel!

Radio dramas remind me of my childhood in Ohio. When I was very young, my mother and I lived with my grandparents. We had one of those old-fashioned radios- you know, the authentic old-fashioned radio with the tubes that light up. It was a beautiful floor model; I would say about three feet tall. I remember the wood being a lighter brown. In my young eyes, it was just beautiful. It sat in a place of honor in the dining room, which was the center room of the two-story house.

Even though we had a television, the adults would many times prefer to listen to the radio dramas in the evenings. I would try my best to stay awake and listen, usually to no avail. My grandparents’ room was right off the dining room, and sometimes they would let me take my blanket in there to rest while listening to the programs. (My room was upstairs, and it was no fun going to bed up there when everyone else was listening to the radio downstairs.)  I recall that one of the programs had an assortment of really spooky music. One night in particular, that music scared the heck out of me! I remember pulling the covers over my head and stuffing my fingers in my ears! I have to laugh now, but it still gives me the shivers to think about that strange winter night!

Despite that eerie evening, I am still an avid fan of such radio programs. Family memories contribute to my personal enjoyment of radio drama- when I can find it. I find it quite intriguing that the voice actors can draw the listener in while bringing the words on a page to life.

And thankfully, Bloodline Confidential – Part One based on the novel, Secrets One – The Series will be one of those radio dramas! 

Secrets One – The Series