First paragraphs from Blackbirds First Flight

Heir to the Warrior Queen

By Wendy Blanton

I gripped the sword hilt in the pre-dawn gloom as I stood watch overlooking the sleeping village of Londinium. It wasn’t much of a village from what I had been able to see. Small, unprotected. Why would the Romans leave their trade center unprotected?
         A small scraping sound preceded warmth on my shoulders. My mother fastened the cloak under my chin and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. Her touch was the only one I could bear.
         "What are you still doing with that Roman sword, Scotta?"
         "I am going to kill Romans with it."

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

Robbing the House of Roche

By Kent Bass

He moved quickly through the crowded Parisian streets, keeping his head down, careful not to make eye contact with anyone, not to go any place familiar, not to give anyone a chance to recognize him. He knew he had to get out of the city and fast. He had hidden for two days and waited until tonight to come out. He had to be gone before the night ended.

         Etienne had always lived on the edge of society but always on the safe side of that edge. He never did anything that would draw attention to himself. He worked odd jobs and committed the occasional petty theft, but nothing serious.

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

Rage

By Gail Henderson

Nine o’clock.
         The book that had fascinated her at eight lay across her lap, face down, her hands rigid on its spine. Dark rage welled up inside her, filled her, and leaked out into the room, replacing wall-to-wall emptiness. With clenched teeth, she turned the book toward her face; her eyes straining to bring the words into focus, reading and re-reading the same paragraph, until, abruptly, she switched off the lamp next to her chair, placed the book on the end table, rose, and walked through the rage-dark room into the kitchen.
         She touched the light switch, illuminating a pan of cornbread and a pot roast cooling quietly on the stove and a few dirty dishes in the sink. Rage shrank back from her habit of orderliness. Rinsing out pans, wiping off counter tops already shiny dissipated her dark energy into apprehension. Nine o’clock was not so late. There might have been problems. Maybe a flat tire. He might not be able to call and tell her he was going to be late.
         What if there had been an accident?

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

Quin

By Jean Schara

Francois’s hand had been poised to open the door to his new employer when it opened, revealing a courtly gentleman decidedly out of place in this rundown industrial district.
         “Mr. Bergeron, I presume?” the man asked.
         “Yes. Please call me Francois.” He offered his hand for a hand-shake, hoping the gentleman would introduce himself, because he did not like being at a disadvantage.
         The man took his hand, guiding him into the building before releasing his grip and shutting the door behind them.

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

Grave Matters

By Stephen B. Bagley

The dead man on the blood-drenched bed had clearly seen better days. Justina Grave slowly approached the body. His heart had been cut out of his chest. Crow and raven feathers were scattered around the room along with other spell materials.
         “Charming,” she muttered. Her Nethersenses probed for signs of magic. She found many. Dark tendrils of energy hovered in the area, visible to any Mage. Something had fed on the victim’s life force and used that energy to power a spell.

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

Endorphins

By Tamara Siler Jones

Edyth stood in the shower, hot water thrumming on her aching head, the heat refusing to soothe her tortured soul. “I just can’t do this anymore,” she sighed through the steam. She scrubbed herself with a complete lack of enthusiasm, refusing to acknowledge her loose sagging stomach, her wide cellulite-dimpled thighs, jiggly arms, or her soft, jowly face. Still sighing, she finished her shower and turned off the heat.
          As Edyth toweled off, she told herself not to look in the mirror, but she sought out her shame anyway. She stared at her reflection, at the droops and rolls on the stranger staring back at her. The hideous person she had become gawked back, sickened disbelief carved into the fat. How did this happen? she asked herself. How did I become so ugly, so utterly repugnant? But maybe, just maybe, I’ve found a solution. Maybe my luck is about to change.

Read more in Blackbirds First Flight!

An Unattended Death, Part Four

An Unattended Death, Part Four

By Stephen B. Bagley

There I stood, my eyes fixed on the big black gun in Leon Brody’s hand. It was large enough to fire rockets. It was pointed at the ground.

“What are you doing here?” Brody asked again, his voice rising.

Thomas was nowhere to be seen. He was still looking for deer sign somewhere. I hoped a maddened buck trampled him.

“Don’t I know you?” Brody asked. “You work for the radio station? I’ve seen you at remotes.”

I nodded, my voice apparently having left my body in search of someone who didn’t have the brains of gravel.

He nodded and slipped the gun into his front pocket. I couldn’t understand how that honking huge thing could fit.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“My friend and I are looking for deer sign,” I said. “He’s around here somewhere.” Naturally
Thomas didn’t appear. Get him, Bambi, I thought. Kick him for me.

Brody nodded. “And I guess you saw this.” He motioned toward the tape. “And you had to see.” His face twisted.

“I was sorry to hear about your son,” I said. “I can’t imagine how terrible it’s been for you.”

He sighed and looked at the ground. “Thank you. What’s your name?”

I told him, and he nodded absently.

“I was just trying to look around,” he said. “I thought there might be something that they missed. Pretty dumb, I guess, but a man’s supposed to take care of his family.”

“No, it’s not dumb,” I said.

“He was clean,” Brody said. “I know everyone thinks he started again, but he was clean. Someone forced him to do it. Then they left him here. They left my boy here.”

He stood there a long time, looking at the fluttering tape.

Finally, he moved off, giving me a sort of wave.

I went back to Thomas’s truck and waited. After a few minutes, the brave white hunter returned.

“I found a lot of deer sign,” Thomas said excitedly. “Oh, it would have been hard for most people to see, but if you pay attention and keep your senses finely tuned, you can see it. You’ve got to be aware of the total environment. Why are you looking at me like that?”

***

After Thomas dropped me off at my place, I sat on my couch, petting my dog Bo.

“Bo, I think I’ve finished playing Rockford,” I said. “I’m done.”

Bo wagged his stump of a tail and wiggled closer to me.

But I wasn’t done. As I sat there, something nagged at me. Something about the trip out to the woods. Or maybe the funeral. It sat there, like a word on the tip of my tongue. Perhaps I was flattering myself, but just like Ron, I thought there was more to Aaron Brody’s death than it appeared. But really what could I do?

I kept thinking about how small and sad he looked in the coffin. I thought about his father and his mother. I thought about Simon. And then I thought about Marlene Postwain.

Marlene was bad through and through, they said. I’d seen her little red car around town, but I’d never seen her or noticed her before. I thought about what the gossipy lady at the funeral had
told us. She had said Marlene worked somewhere ... Where was it? Oh, yes, I remembered. I got my coat and car keys and left before I could change my mind.

And that’s how this Baptist, small-town boy ended up at the Stuttering Rooster, western Oklahoma’s most infamous strip bar.

Click here to read Part Five at Walking to Jericho.

Book blurb!

Here's the book blurb for Blackbirds First Flight:

An unhappy wife can’t decide what to do about her boorish husband until an uneaten meal gives her a dark idea...
Something is raising zombies in Tulsa, and Justina Grave is the only one who can stop it...
When a fat farm promises to make Edyth thin again, her dream comes true. She will never be fat again—or safe...
Hopping a freight train can be a cheap way to travel. Unless you pick the wrong boxcar...
One kiss gives Francois immortality, but at a cost he doesn't see coming...
A woman warrior must choose her fate as the Romans ravage her land...
Stalked by terrible creatures seeking vengeance, a band of robbers runs for their lives in medieval France...

This anthology will lead you into dark, twisted places filled with mystery and delight. Enjoy thrilling stories and chilling poems by authors Stephen B. Bagley, Kent Bass, Wendy Blanton, Gail Henderson, Tamara Siler Jones, and Jean Schara.

It goes on sale October 1st! Watch for it!

Author Speaks: Laura Eckroat

This week we talk with children's author Laura Eckroat.

Laura Eckroat was born and raised in Whiting, Indiana. She has lived in Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, and now lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is married to Steven and has a daughter named Ashley. She also has a one-year old Anatolian Shepherd named Muffin, who was rescued by the Eckroats when she was 12 weeks old.

Laura is certified in Special Education and is an elementary school teacher. She teaches and volunteers at the Fort Worth Nature Center using her books to teach children about the beauty and wonder of nature; her workshops also teach children how to start a Science journal. She previously was a human resources manager and the general manager of an educational toy store. She is also a Chicago Bears football fan -- and will always be. Even though Dallas Cowboy Fans try to convert her!

1. Tell us how The Life of Bud,  your first book, came to be.
 After 10 years of working on this book, Bud was born. For the longest time, the name of the book was Bud, The Littlest Leaf. I could never figure out how to finish the book or figure out really what I wanted to say to pull it together. After going through a tough time after my dad passed away, the book came into full focus and I could see the whole book in my head. I worked for about four hours to finish the book. The book follows Bud, who is the bud of an oak tree, through his life, through the seasons. He sees amazing things, makes wonderful memories, is hurt and scared. This book is a great way to teach young readers about the life cycle and can also be used to gently talk to children and adults about losing a loved one.

2. A Simpler Time was your second book. What prompted you to write it?
I am a lover of all things Nature. I loved sharing that passion with my daughter Ashley when she was little. This book was my way of reliving those memories and sharing with other moms and children, that there is more to life than hanging out in front of the TV or your computer! Go out and see the beauty that is right out your door!

3. Your third and fourth books feature Muffin, a rescue dog. Tell us HER story.
I am a DOG person and will never be without one!  It was a SUPER HOT day in August of 2010. We decided it was time to add to our family. Steven scoured the internet looking at many shelter dogs. After a couple hours he called me over to the computer and said, "Look at this cutie!"

My heart melted when I saw her face and her name--Muffin. She was at a rescue facility in Springtown, Texas. Steven called the facility and learned they usually didn't see people on Sunday, but made an exception. When we got there, we saw a puppy that definitely needed a home. She was 12 weeks old and had already been in four homes. She barely weighed eight pounds, and most of her fur was missing from the back half of her body (she was malnourished and dehydrated). As I held her, she melted into my arms. When I did set her down for a moment, she walked over to the gate on the deck and get looking from me to the gate handle as if saying, "Let's go!"  Well ... she came home with us and we nursed her back to health!

When I came home, my Facebook post was Went Out To Get a Donut (I waited for a few moments) and then posted Came Home With a Muffin -- and posted her picture. I knew it had to be a book. While writing it, I started singing the lyrics, and the rest is history.

Muffin and I love going to rescue dog events and donate as much as we can to help other pups find their FURever homes.

4. Why do you write children's books?
I have stories in me that I want to share with children. I love reading to them and helping them realize reading and writing is a lot of fun.

5. You travel to many places to promote your books. How do you plan this?
I spend a lot of time marketing my books. I am honored when librarians, schools, book fairs, and author fairs invite me to come and share my passion. I truly don't plan events. When they are presented to me, I make them work!

6. What's a favorite story from one of your travels?
Hmm ... I have many interesting things happen: My first book signing had over 200 people attend and was celebrated on my daughter's 16th birthday; I was the grand marshal of my hometown's Easter Parade and also did a whole school book reading at my Elementary School and the principal that was there when I attended came back to introduce me; I've met the nephew of Andy Warhol; I was asked to give the commencement speech at my high school. But my very favorite thing is to see children's eyes light up as I read to them ... it truly never gets old!

7. How do you write? Computer, pencil, tablet? And what is your writing process?
I start a story in a journal. I have many story starts that probably will never become a book. When I do "feel" a book coming on, I begin writing in the journal, and there is a rough story. I then need COMPLETE silence and go into AUTHOR mode and type the story into the computer and if I can't think of a word or just the right word, I leave a blank or fill in the spot with several word choices, but I don't want to lose the momentum. I type and type until the entire book is out. I then do not look at it again for a few days. Once I'm refreshed, I'll look at the book again and then re work it.

Since the Muffin books are songs, I do write down words, but I also use QuickVoice on my iPhone and sing the tune and the words. It helps me with the cadence and rhythm. I also do NOT want to lose the tune that I've come up with, so it helps capture that as well.

8. From idea to completed book, how long does it take you?
The Life of Bud took 10 years! But Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin took about a week.

A Simpler Time and What's In The Corner? A Muffin "Tail" each took a few months.

9. What's your current project?
I have a "sequel" to The Life of Bud in the works called Daisy, and I am working on Where's Muffin's Shadow? A Muffin "Tail" (a working title).

10. How can we learn more about you and your events?
There are many ways to find me: My website is The Books of Laura Eckroat, and I'm on Facebook at Life of Bud and Went Out To Get a Donut. People can email me HERE. And my books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Tate Publishing.

I am available for school visits, literacy nights, library visits, book clubs, and more.

I am a kindergarten teacher, also, and I believe every child should have access to new and wonderful books. I am raising money to purchase books from up and coming authors and donating the books to the KIDS NEED TO READ organization. You can contribute HERE! Please help this worthy cause.

Thanks for interviewing me!

Thanks, Laura, for participating! Read other Author Speaks at 51313 Harbor Street.

Author Speaks: Gail Henderson

Gail Henderson recently collaborated with noted Oklahoma photographer Michael Duncan to produce Bare, a newly released book of poetry and photography that explores the enigma of womanhood in the world. She wrote Red Bird Woman, a collection of her poetry published in 2013 under the name Gail Wood. She has been published in ByLine Magazine, Creations 2014, Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love, and Creations 2012. As a board member for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, she honors the memory of her sister who suffered from bipolar disorder. She holds a Masters of Education in English and Social Studies from East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma. She loves hiking, gardening, cooking, and life. She taught junior high and high school English for 14 years in the small rural school from which she graduated and served as federal programs administrator for the same school for eight years. She is a member of Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and Ada Writers.

1. Your latest book Bare was released this year. It features your poetry and artistic nude photography. Tell us about how Bare came to be.

My brother-in-law, who is an amateur photographer, showed me pictures of a nude in rural Oklahoma settings. He wasn’t sure how I would react to them. They were beautiful and inspiring--so evocative of the feminine spirit--so the first words out of my mouth were “I want to write poems for these!” He came up with the idea of a book of photography with poems written specifically for each one. It was such a joyful project.

2. Red Bird Woman is the name of your first book, but it's also a name that your Native American husband gave to you. Tell us how that happened and why you identify with it.
Neil and I were hiking when we heard a cardinal. It sang a three-part song ending in what sounded like “woogie, woogie, woogie.” He turned to me, squeezed my cheeks three times while saying “woogie, woogie, woogie.” It was so spontaneous and funny that he christened me Ohoya Hoshe Homma (woman bird red in Choctaw), which translates into Red Bird Woman. Neil understands my connection with Nature. Now the red bird symbolizes that connection.

3. Why do you write poetry? 
I love playing with words, trying to find the best word or phrase to express a thought in a way that is pleasing to the ear and accessible to the mind. I’m not a good story teller so short stories and novels are difficult for me to write. Poems are everywhere. I don’t have to make anything up. I just translate little pieces of life into words.

4. Do you find certain favorite themes in your poetry?
My poetry is woman-oriented, personal. I love being a woman, and I love expressing all the heartache and joy that goes with it.

5. Name a few poems you enjoy and tell us why.
My favorite poem is “Patterns” by Amy Lowell. I love the way it sounds, the images, the emotion it contains--I cry every time I read it aloud. Lowell squeezed so much into that poem. I am amazed every time I read it. Also, I love Shel Silverstein poetry. It’s musical, clever, and always has twisty endings! My children loved it when I read his poetry to them so I have good memories of his poems.

6. What is your writing process? Do you use a pen or computer?
I might jot ideas down on paper, but I mostly compose at a computer. It’s so handy to have an online thesaurus. I wish I could say I were disciplined and wrote everyday, but I take spells of writing --unless I have a particular project, then I can work more steadily. Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to write a poem--that’s rare. Most of the time I struggle with the poem until I finally let go and let it be what it wants to be. That can take weeks, but a good poem always wins.

7. Many people are turned off by poetry. How can they be turned back on?
I’m turned off by so much of today’s poetry! A poem should make sense, not be an obscure accumulation of words that involves detective work and a hundred readings to understand it. If you are writing for the literati, be obscure and intellectual, but if you want to be read by the masses, make sure your poems are accessible and appeal to the emotions. I would never make it in New York City!

8. What do you want a reader to take away from or learn from your poetry?
First, I want my reader to say, “I get it!” It is important that a reader understand the poem at some level. Second, readers must like the way a poem sounds--the music--even if they can’t tell you why. It is not necessary for a reader to identify alliteration or metaphor to enjoy the result.

9. What has been the best writing advice for you?
Be concise. Use the best and fewest number of words.
And what has surprised you the most about the process of publishing a book?
When you have good friends helping you, it’s easy.

10. What will be your next writing project?
Right now, I am helping my husband write the story of his journey to receiving his Ph.D. For my own project, I’m not sure yet. I’ve learned not to force myself to establish specific writing goals. That doesn’t work well for me--it sets up too much pressure and causes my creative self to rebel. It comes from too many years of proposal writing and deadlines. I keep myself open to ideas. I’ll recognize the next project when the words “I want to write poems for that!” leap out of my mouth.

I am considering a poetry project about my baby sister who died eight years ago of a drug overdose. I miss her everyday and writing about her would keep her spirit alive. My heart will know when the time is right for this very personal project.

Thanks, Gail!

To learn more about Gail and her poetry, visit her website Red Bird Woman.

To learn about other authors, visit Author Speaks at 51313 Harbor Street.

Author Speaks: Christy Bower

Christy Bower is the author of more than twenty books, including Christian nonfiction and youth fantasy fiction titles. She has a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (2004) from Multnomah Biblical Seminary.

Christy lives in northwest Montana, where she considers Glacier National Park her backyard. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking, cleaning, and doing mundane tasks. She says, “Being an author isn’t as glamorous as people seem to think.” And if you hang out with Christy very long, you’ll discover she’s a Star Wars geek and proud of it. She sat down and answered 10 questions for us.

1. What's your latest published book?
My first book, Abundant Life (2002), has been out of print for several years so in honor of publishing my 20th book (Bible Surveyor Handbook), I decided to give new life to my first book by making it available in electronic form for the first time. I republished it under a new title, Unstuck: Escape Spiritual Stagnation, Experience Abundant Life. Unstuck is for people who feel like they are doing all the right things as a Christian but they’re still not growing or they feel their relationship with God has flat lined.

2. Why do you write inspirational books?
Writing inspirational books comes from my heart. Faith defines my life, but I’ve struggled with my relationship with God over and over in different ways. People at church don’t talk about struggles like these, but I was pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels this way so I decided to speak out about overcoming these obstacles so I could help others who suffer in silence.

3. What are you working on now?
Right now I’m in the production stage of finishing Donkey Oatie’s Bushel of Fun Cookbook (now released) It’s a companion book to the Dragon Hollow trilogy, my youth fantasy fiction books for ages 9-12. Not everything I write has a Christian flavor. My youth fantasy fiction is just good clean fun that organically portrays virtues such as loyalty, courage, and forgiveness. They’re packed with action and plenty of humor.

I’m also working on editing my September release, Sweeter Than Chocolate: Developing a Healthy Addiction to God’s Word. And I’m finishing my Christian apocalyptic novel, Return of the Elves. I stay busy.

4. What’s your writing process?
As you can see, I work on several projects at once. I don’t know if other authors work that way or not. At any given time I have projects in the idea stage, planning, writing, revising, editing, and production (layout and design). I usually have five projects in the works so if I’m not in the mood for fiction, I can work on non-fiction. I write best at night, from 10 p.m.–2 a.m., but that can quickly become an all-nighter if I’m engrossed in my content and lose track of time.

My writing process revolves around self-awareness. I have bipolar disorder so I have manic swings in which I am highly creative and can generate lots of content. At other times things swing the other way and I’m mired in depression so it’s not a good time to write, but it is a good time to edit. To some degree that’s true for everyone: our brains operate in right-brain creativity and left-brain logic. Rather than trying to force creativity or analytical editing, I choose to shift to the type of project my brain is capable of at the moment.

5. Do you write with pencil, pen, computer, or tablet? What’s your favorite?
I generate first drafts with pen and paper. Sometimes pencil. I like how a pencil feels, but my hand gets tired faster. And I have good reason for using pen and paper, too. When you type at a keyboard and make a typing error, your brain shifts to left-brain analytical correction mode. Then your thoughts become more critical about the words you put on the page because your brain is analyzing. Writing by hand allows me to stay in my right-brain creative mode because I’m writing down words I will correct later on. It tells the left-brain, “It’s not your turn yet, but you’ll get your chance.” I actually plan to write a book on this next year.

6. What has been important advice to you in pursuing a writing career, and what advice would you give to a new writer?
The most important advice I received early on was: “Don’t fall in love with your own words.” The publishing committee will change your title, the editor will change your words, and entire chapters may fall on the editing room floor. Don’t be offended. The editor’s job is to make your message better. Why wouldn’t you want that?

But more and more writers are going independent today, so my advice would be: learn grammar and punctuation and keep learning it. Take a class at a community college. Take a class online. Or at least go through a grammar book. I read one book a year on grammar or punctuation. There are some fun ones on the market. You might even laugh and learn at the same time. Ongoing education is important for any writer, but even more so for a self-published writer. And don’t be afraid to hire an editor. I have.

7. What has been the most gratifying or most surprising result from your writing career so far?
Twice I have been named “Writer of the Year” by American Christian Writers (2007, 2011). These awards corresponded with the releases of my books by Discovery House Publishers, Devotion Explosion: Getting Real with God (2007) and Best Friends with God: Falling in Love with the God Who Loves You (2010), both of which have now gone into a fourth printing. I never dreamed my books would enjoy longevity and popularity. It has been an unexpected blessing.

8. You've written 20 books. What are some of their titles?
In addition to the books I’ve already mentioned, I have a series of 12 Crossword Bible Studies containing crossword puzzles for every chapter of the New Testament. And this year I released Bible Surveyor Handbook: A 15-Lesson Overview of the Entire Bible, which gives readers a basic understanding of what’s happening in the Bible. And, of course, there’s my Dragon Hollow trilogy: The Legend of Dragon Hollow, The Secret of the Sword, and The Rise of the Dragon King.

9. Which of your books is your favorite?
I have two. Grant me one non-fiction and one fiction.

Devotion Explosion has always felt like a book I was meant to write. The message of that book is important to me. It’s very freeing and I want others to experience that freedom in their relationship with God.

I thoroughly enjoyed writing the Dragon Hollow books because they are filled with puns, silly The Secret of the Sword was my favorite of the three because in writing it I had to solve some serious problems with how to get this boy to overthrow a usurper king and convince the people he was the rightful king. That took some thinking and I was pleased with how it came out. It has songs, humorous incidents, and hidden literary references. It’s like Christy unfiltered.

10. How can people learn more about your writing?
My website, Christy Bower, offers lots of free downloads, including sample chapters, resources for Christian growth, articles I’ve written for magazines, as well as downloadable extras to go with my books. But to stay up with the latest, you can receive a chapter a week in your inbox from one of my books. Sign up at HERE. Thanks for the thought-provoking questions.

Read other Authors Speaks at 51313 Harbor Street.

Library to host book signing for Ada Writers

ADA, OKLAHOMA – Ada Public Library will host a book signing for “Creations 2014,” the newest anthology from Ada Writers, Thursday, June 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The book will be available to purchase at the signing for $12 and is available now at Lulu.com, Amazon.com, and other online retailers. Later this month, it will be on sale at Karen’s Art & Framing, Inc., in downtown Ada.

“We’ll have most of our authors at the signing,” Ada Writers president Stephen B. Bagley said. “It will be a great time to get your anthology signed by the writers and to meet them and talk about writing.”

A limited amount of the previous anthologies will also be available at the signing, and there will be a table featuring books by group members, including three new books. “Don Perry will be there with his new young adult book ‘Little Texas on the Pecos,’” Bagley said. “Tom Yarbrough will be bringing his new inspirational book ‘Treasures of the Kingdom.’ And Gail Henderson will present her new poetry and photography book ‘Bare.’” Other authors featured will be Bagley, Kelley Benson, and Martha Rhynes.

This is the third year that Ada Writers has produced an anthology. “Each year we’ve gained new authors,” Bagley said. “This year, we feature poems, essays, short stories, memoirs, and book excerpts from 17 local and area writers. Five of the authors have never been published in our anthology before.”

Authors will read from their works at the signing, Bagley said. “And we will have cookies. We can’t have a reading without cookies. It’s one of our traditions now.”

The local and area anthology authors include: Stephen B. Bagley, Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Stacey Foster, Gail Henderson, Mel Hutt, Sterling Jacobs, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, James Sanders, Anna Tynsky, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Tom Yarbrough, and Loretta Yin.

Ada Writers meets the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. in an upstairs meeting room at the Ada Public Library, 124 South Rennie. New writers are always welcome. For more information about the anthology and the writing group, please visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.

Ada Writers Fall Book Festival slated for Tuesday

ADA – Ada Writers Fall Book Festival will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m. hosted by Karen’s Art and Farming, 108 East Main. The festival will feature “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology by Ada Writers, and books by local authors and by award winning children’s book author Laura Eckroat.

“We will be offering books that are mysteries, romances, biographies, inspirational, humor, and more,” said Stephen B. Bagley, Ada Writers president. “And of course, the new anthology features short stories, poems, memoirs, and more by members of Ada Writers, including Kelley Benson, Eric Collier, Lindiwe Hall, Mel Hutt, Ken Lewis, Rick Litchfield, Don Perry, Martha Rhynes, Joanne Verbridge, Tim Wilson, Gail Wood, and Tom Yarbrough.”

A small quantity of signed children’s books by Laura Wintczak Eckroat will be available at the Festival. Eckroat's book “Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin” was featured in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine and won the Texas Association of Authors First Place Award for Best 7 and Under Children's Book. Her latest book, “What’s In The Corner? ... A Muffin ‘Tail,’” was released this summer. Learn more about Eckroat and her books at LauraEckroat.blogspot.com.

“We will have readings, signed books, refreshments, and good conversations about books,” said Bagley. “We invite everyone to attend.” For more information about Ada Writers, visit AdaWriters.blogspot.com.

“Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love” is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.

The anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.

Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.

Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.

Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.

Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.

Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.

Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”

Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.

Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.

Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.

Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a nonfiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”

Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.

Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three nonfiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full-time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.

Ada Public Library hosts book signing

ADA – Ada Public Library will host a book signing for “Creations 2013: 40 Ways to Look at Love,” the newest anthology from Ada Writers, 4-6 p.m., Thursday, August 22. The book will be available for purchase at the book signing for $12

The back cover explains the theme of the book: “For some, passion and joy. For others, torment and regret. Ada Writers looks at love in its many forms with articles, essays, memoirs, poems, short stories, and excerpts from books and novels-in-progress in this new anthology.”

The anthology is dedicated to the late Arlene “Aren” Rose Howell, who was a cherished longtime member and officer of Ada Writers.

This year’s anthology features works from the following Ada and area authors:

Stephen B. Bagley wrote “Murder by Dewey Decimal,” “Murder by the Acre,” and the forthcoming “Murder by the Mile,” all in the Measurements of Murder™ series. His other books include “Tales from Bethlehem,” “Floozy and Other Stories,” and “EndlesS.” He also wrote the full-length plays “Murder at the Witch’s Cottage” and “Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God” and co-wrote “Turnabout.” He coauthored two one-act plays published by Dramatic Publishing Company. His poetry has appeared in “Creations 2012,” ByLine Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other journals, and his articles in Nautilus, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, and other publications. He currently serves as president of Ada Writers. Visit his website at StephenBBagley.blogspot.com.

Kelley Benson wrote “On Target: Devotions for Modern Life.” He is a Christian and small town minister who has a passion for using everyday opportunities to help people recognize how God works in their lives. He is the husband of his beautiful wife, Jade. They are being intentional about raising their three young children to see how God should be part of everything people do. He’s been involved in the ministry since 1997. A close Christian mentor inspired Kelley to practice “vocational preaching,” simply put: to work and preach. This allows him the opportunity to be involved in the lives of other people in a personal way through secular work while demonstrating leadership in a local church. Visit his website at KelleyBenson.blogspot.com.

Eric Collier is a father of two and grandfather of six. He started writing poetry for a poetry class hosted by Continuing Education at East Central University. He lives in Ada and works as physical therapist for a local hospital. He enjoys camping, hiking, bird watching, and growing vegetables and flowers.

Lindiwe Hall is a published author of books and eBooks. She enjoys all kinds of writing. She is a graduate of the College of New Rochelle, New York. She has written autobiographical fiction, writes children’s books, and is in the process of proofing and writing an album for her mission called Rose of Sharon. Also, she is very proud of her late father, who was Ambassador to the United Nations from Swaziland for 18 years.

Mel Hutt and his wife have been married for more than sixty years and have three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. When his father died in 1945, he entered the Navy and served more than three years in the Pacific, including Operation Crossroads of the atomic bomb experiments at Bikini. He was then assigned to a destroyer and traveled to places like Australia, China, and Japan, with Hawaii as the stop to and from those places. He shares his memories in memoirs.

Ken Lewis has written several articles and short stories of different genres. His interests lie mostly in the paranormal and science fiction genres, but he enjoys exploring other avenues of the art. He’s a graduate of the Longridge Writer’s Group. He’s a firm believer in “Life is learning.” He currently serves as vice-president and treasurer of Ada Writers.

Rick Litchfield’s poetry appears in “A Surrender to the Moon,” “The International Who’s Who in Poetry,” “Timeless Voices,” “The Best Poems and Poets of 2007” and “Creations 2012.” He is working on “Shards of Wit and Wisdom: Stories and Stained Glass.”

Don Perry grew up outside of Crockett, Texas, and later moved to Fort Worth. After many years in the aviation field, he retired and moved to a small farm outside of Ada, Oklahoma. Don married Barbara Burleson in 1965, has two children, Melissa and James, and three grandsons. Since his retirement, he writes short stories of life and times during his youth, geared toward the young adult and teen-aged audiences. Many of his short stories show the humorous and whimsical side of the 1950s life and are often autobiographical in nature. He is currently writing a novel in the fantasy genre.

Martha Rhynes, a retired teacher, began her writing career by re-searching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include, “I, Too, Sing America, The Story of Langston Hughes,” “Gwendolyn Brooks, Poet from Chicago,” “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man,” “Jack London: Writer of Adventure,” and “Ray Bradbury: Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and three novels: “Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest,” “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Her non-fiction includes an eBook for young adults: “How to Write Scary Stories.” Visit her website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com.

Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Oklahoma where she enjoys taking time to write about those experiences. She is trying to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. She currently serves as the secretary and historian for Ada Writers.

Tim Wilson is a steadfast believer in truth, justice, and the American way of life, and writes to make a difference by helping others with his hard-earned knowledge and life experiences so others may not suffer the same tragic consequences. He is currently writing a non-fiction book, “Yet to be Disclosed,” which is based on facts that explain “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the issues of modern society.”

Gail Wood has written all her life. “It is as natural to me as breathing. I love the written word, all the nuances, the connotations, the music. I am retired from the perverted world of grants, reports, and strategic plans—the bureaucratic graveyard for words. Besides writing, I have a passion for walking. I love the outdoors and all things natural. The best part of my life is now.” Her forthcoming book, “Red Bird Woman,” will be released later this year by Many Rivers Harbor.

Tom Yarbrough is the author of four books, three non-fiction and one fiction. He is currently editing two works accepted by a publisher. After a long career in counseling and education, he now spends his time with full time writing, family concerns, and hobbies like Rendezvous (an 1840 living history camp) and making bookmarks called Shepherd Staffs.

The Second Edition of "Murder by the Acre" is now on sale! Purchase it here!

Review of "Floozy and Other Stories"

Being of a fan of Stephen Bagley’s mysteries and his thoughtful, funny, and occasionally inspiring website, I eagerly waited for Floozy and Other Stories, his collection of humor columns from various media.

I wasn’t disappointed. From the introduction on, Bagley shows his dazzling ability with wordplay and humorous images. I’ve read the book twice now and discovered a new sly joke each time. Bagley winks at us while inviting us into the joke. The clever codes hidden on the back cover and in at least one chapter were delightful surprises, particularly since they’re not advertised but hidden like Easter eggs. Maddeningly, he refuses to discuss the codes. That’s okay. I like looking!

Several stories in the book stood out. ‘Sex and the Single Novelist’ made me actually spit coffee! I laughed so hard at ‘American History 101’ and ‘Mansquito’ that I nearly busted something. And his twisted looks at the Twilight movies and at the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving deserve to be classics. I kept calling my sister to read parts of the book to her until she finally drove over and demanded to borrow my copy. (I bought another one so we could both have a copy of our own.)

I also really enjoyed ‘Tanning My Hide,’ ‘A Hard Day Knighting,’ and many, many others. I don’t think you can find a page that doesn’t have a laugh on it. I expect each reader will have his or his favorites.

A note on the look of the book itself: it’s sharp and attractive. The illustrations (from Dover Publications, Inc.) are funny in their own right and fit the stories as if they were drawn for the book. It’s a good looking volume that will brighten any bookshelf.

All in all, Floozy and Other Stories is a wild and funny ride, one that I’m glad he invited me along.

Review of "Murder by the Acre"

I always approach sequels with a certain amount of trepidation, particularly if I enjoyed the previous work. Rarely does the author improve upon his original vision, and much of the joy of discovery is gone. I’m delighted to say Stephen B. Bagley’s new mystery novel, Murder by the Acre, is a happy exception. It’s even better than Murder by Dewey Decimal, the first novel in Bagley’s Measurements of Murder™ series.

In Murder by the Acre, most of the original characters from the first book return. Bernard, Lisa, and the chief are back as well as the chief’s strong-minded wife Maggie, the efficient Lt. Sims, the annoying Hyatt family, the ever politically minded Ryton Mayor Otis Brunson, and many others. If you’re a cat lover as I am, you’ll be glad to hear that Obsidian, Lisa’s black cat, is also back and has a larger role this time around, although not as large as Obsidian obviously deserves.

Ryton, Oklahoma, expands in this book. We meet many of its citizens, most of whom have something to hide. Ryton is a small town of gossip, romance, adultery, secrets, and intrigue. It’s the Peyton Place of Oklahoma. It’s not a surprise some of these secrets lead to murder; what is surprising is more of them don’t! There are several characters in this book who would drive a sane person to homicide if you had to spend a lot of time with them and knew what is finally revealed in this book.

Bagley juggles many minor plots in this book and never drops a one. I was impressed by his ability to conclude all of them in satisfactory fashion. In fact, he brings two minor plots to a surprising and clever conclusion on nearly the last page of the book. I didn’t even realize the two plots were connected until the revelation.

As for the murders, they are baffling and terrible. I actually figured out who was responsible halfway through this book and then changed my mind when I misinterpreted a clue later on. Bagley plays fair with the clues, but figuring out which clue points to which person is a real challenge. He is also clever in the way he hides clues in plain sight. When every clue comes together at the end, they make perfect sense. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but I will give you a hint — “how” is just as important as “why” in this book and will eventually lead you to “who,” although it’s a hard path to follow.

I finished Murder by the Acre in one sitting and wished the book had been longer. (It is longer than Murder by Dewey Decimal.) Not because Bagley didn’t finish the story, but because I was enjoying visiting Ryton so much I hated to leave.

As always I enjoyed the relationship between the chief and Maggie. Their loving marriage of many years rings true. Bernard and Lisa’s relationship faces several hurdles this time around, but those are the perils of any love affair. Lisa’s past and her insecurity may complicate their future together, but I hope they will work things through. I want to see how things turn out between these two young people and look forward to reading more about them.

Bagley is especially talented in his portrayal of the minor characters. With a few deft sentences, he brings the smallest of characters to life. I know what Lisa’s brash cousin Lorene looks like and how she acts even though we never “see” Lorene in the book.

And I mustn’t forget the one-liners. Thankfully, Bagley can’t resist a good zinger, and several of them are laugh-out loud funny.

If you pick up Murder by the Acre, you won’t be disappointed. It’s funny, surprising, and exciting. I can’t wait for the next one.

EndlesS on sale now!

      Yes, that's right. EndlesS is on sale now! Everything came together over the weekend, and this afternoon the link to purchase EndlesS went live.
      I'm excited about this first collection of poetry, so much so that I've planned two others, Undying, which will be poems of fantasy and science fiction; and Quicksilver, which will be spiritual poems. One of those will be out in 2009.
      But it's May 2008 right now, and you can be one of the first to own Endless. I am offering signature labels that I will be signing to everyone who purchases a copy online. Just email me your name and address after you've received your copy, and I'll send a signature label right out.
      And the first five people who purchase EndlesS will receive a Murder by the Acre kitchen magnet! As soon as you've purchased the book and received your "thank you note" from Lulu, email me with your name and address. I'll send you a MBTA kitchen magnet, but remember, it's only the first five people so don't delay. (My email address is issacskye at gmail dot com.)
      I'm excited that EndlesS is available now. I hope you enjoy it. Here's the link to it again.

EndlesS

By Gloria Williams

I received an advance copy of EndlesS, a collection of poems by Stephen B. Bagley. While I’m a fan of Stephen’s writings – particularly his humor and his mysteries – I’m not a fan of poetry. Still, I had enjoyed the poems on his blog so when he asked if I wanted to read an advance copy and review it, I decided to take the chance.

What an unexpected little book of treasures! The poems cover emotions from joy to sorrow to passion to bitterness to grief to rebirth. I particularly liked “Creationsong” and “Quicksilver,” two decidedly religious poems that surprised me with their joy and power, respectively. “Last Poem For Jenny” has to be one of the most touching poems I’ve ever read, and “Endless,” the title poem, is simply stunning, particularly its last line. “Passion” is certainly passionate as the writer reveals a love in his life and has to be one of the sexiest poems ever.

Not that the poems shy away from the dark events of life. “Non-Communion” is a strong, unflinching look at divorce, and “Hush” gives us the multiple stories of people that society would like to ignore. I wouldn’t have liked to have been the subject of “Dismissal” or the recipient of “You & Me.”

EndlesS also takes a look at the end of the world (“No One Expected It to Happen”), the lure of a mermaid (“Undertow”), paganism (appropriately titled “Pagan”), the marriage problems of a Native American couple (“Wounded Needs”), and many other subjects.

The poems are clear and understandable even on first reading, but as I re-read the poems to write this review, I was impressed and intrigued by the hidden meanings that occurred to me. All in all, EndlesS is full of riches that even a person not fond of poetry will enjoy and a poetry lover will be thrilled by it. I highly recommend it.

Launch!

Murder by Dewey Decimal

A Measurements of Murder Mystery™ Novel

By Stephen B. Bagley

      When Assistant Librarian Bernard M. Worthington finds the body of the dreaded Agatha Ryton-Storer, he has no way of knowing her death will begin a series of murders that will stun his small town & reveal secrets hidden for thirty years. He, roving reporter Lisa Trent & Police Chief Chuck Donaldson must outwit a ruthless, determined murderer. What was stolen from the library safe? What happened to the missing janitor? Why is Lisa a target? Who stole the Ryton family jewels? Why did old Eliah Ryton will his hideous mansion to the city? What secrets does it hold & who is killing to hide them?
      Appealing characters, sly wit, clever plot & chilling suspense mark this first novel in the Measurements of Murder Mystery™ series.

Order Murder by Dewey Decimal in paperback HERE!

Order Murder by Dewey Decimal in hardcover HERE!

Order Murder by Dewey Decimal merchandise HERE!

Rant (Ver 1.032106)

...
LOADING ANGER MODULE...
RIGHTEOUS FURY EXECUTING...
BEGIN RANT...
      It works like this: If you write a book, you own it. If you write a song, you own it. If you write a short story, you own it. What is so hard about that? What is so hard about understanding that you shouldn't steal from other people's works? Are you stupid or what?
      Forgive me if I seem abrupt, but I've had it up to here with hacks stealing other people's work and listening to them justify it. They toss around "fair use" even though they don't have the slightest understanding of what it means. They say that it's okay to use other people's words because "it's for charity." They say that it's okay to photocopy plays, books, articles in large quantities because "we're giving them away free." They say that they have a friend who has a cousin who has a brother who is dating a lawyer and she said it was okay.
      And if you call them on their twisted thinking, they look at you with wounded eyes and quietly say they were just trying to be "creative."
      Let me make it real simple for you. If you steal someone's work, it's theft. Forget about "copyright infringement." Those two words have been tossed around so much that they've practically lost meaning. Let's call it what it is: It's theft. It doesn't matter if you bought the book, the CD, the video, the script, you still have no right to use it to create new works, to adapt it into other forms, to film it, to tape it, to sample it. WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT THIS?
      This will be even simpler. If you steal someone's work, you have no morals. You can babble on about fair use and claim your theft hurts no one and even misquote the copyright laws, but you're nothing more than a common crook. That's all you are.
      If you think you might be in violation of copyright, please go to the site for the United States Copyright Office. They have plenty of explanations of what is and isn't copyright theft.
END RANT
EXIT PROGRAM
...

Seven things

Tech memed me so here it is!

A. Seven things to do before I die:
1. Write the story of my life.
2. Go back to college.
3. Pay off my home.
4. Give more to my church.
5. Spend more time with my nieces.
6. Spend more time with my family.
7. Spend more time in prayer.

B. Seven things I cannot do
1. Play any sports!
2. Enjoy rap or hip-hop music.
3. Listen to any talk radio.
4. Sew a straight line.
5. Use a microwave properly.
6. Wear white.
7. Change the oil on my car.

C. Seven things that attract me to anyone
1. Stability and intelligence.
2. Church-goer.
3. Kindness.
4. Non-drinker.
5. Non-smoker.
6. Sense of humor.
7. Looks fine! :)

D. Seven things I say more often
1. Good morning. How may I help you?
2. Bless you.
3. Have a good day.
4. Whatever you say.
5. S..t! (I'm ashamed to admit it!)
6. Whew.
7. I hear that.

E. Seven books I love
1. The Bible.
2. Any Grace Livingston Hill books.
3. Books about living a Christian life.
4. Black history books.
5. History in general.
6. Historical romances but not the ones with naughty parts.
7. Current events.

F. Seven movies I like
1. The original Star Wars movies.
2. Anything with Denzel Washington in it. But not his violent roles.
3. The Indiana Jones movies.
4. Romancing the Stone. The most romantic film ever.
5. Steel Magnolias.
6. The Color Purple.
7. The Way We Were.

G. I don't know seven people on the Net who haven't already been taggged. So anyone who wants to do it, should do it! :)

Team Mascots

      Do team mascots that use Native American names and symbols disparage Native Americans? As a Native American (Cherokee), this is something that I've wrestled with frequently in my own heart and in discussions with other tribal members. It's a muddled thing.
      I remember as a child watching old Westerns and rooting always for the cowboys. It would be a long time before Native Americans would be shown as something noble in movies and on TV. And now that the world is so PC, Native Americans are shown as noble but always doomed. How about a few Native Americans that aren't doomed nor buried by the tragic past, but making their way through the world bravely and proudly? This is off the point, though.
      Some of the team mascots are offensive not because of the name, but because of how they're portrayed on t-shirts, signs, etc. We would never allow a mascot to be a black person stripped down to a loincloth with a savage smile and holding a war axe. We would never allow a team to be called the Jews. Perhaps Native Americans are too sensitive about this. I certainly don't believe that anyone supporting a mascot is doing it to consciously insult Native Americans. It's that unconscious layer of prejudice that Native Americans are trying to get it. To raise awareness that such names are more than advertising slogans. That a real people are tired of being marginized. Is attacking mascots the way to do it? Probably not, but it does bring a lot of media attention. It does get people talking. However, does anyone believe that changing the mascots names will end that prejudice? If they do, they are deluded. Society changes slowly in response to pressure. The mascot question is just part of that pressure.
      Now, how do I feel about it? Mascot names don't bother me. I don't know if it's because they shouldn't or because I've been indoctrinated to be that way. Various people on both sides of the questions would say one or the other. I can only point out that using the mascot question to get media attention will end when all the mascot names have changed. And then where will we be?
      And finally, as an aside to my Native American friends, why is it okay to name our casinos that way we do? Apparently it's okay for us to use such names, just not the white folk. And that is wrong. Either the names are sacred or they are not. Let's not be hypocrites.

      (I posted this on another blog where Republicans were beating up on a Democrat friend of mine. Several people thought it was worth reposting. So here it is.)
      I like it when Republicans spend their time arguing. I like it a lot. Because that means you're not out there getting in my way.
      Does that sound vain? Well, I recognize my efforts won't do much. After all, the Bible says there will always be poor people and there will always be war and there will always be sin, so maybe we should let it all that happen because after all, what's the point? Isn't it a hopeless battle? We can't win. Let's just all sit here on our big fat white behinds and wait for the Rapture.
      Do I sound angry? You bet your sweet ass I'm angry. Do I sound liberal? You're gonna think so. It's easier to peg me there. To write me off. To assume that my stance has no merit rather than to consider it. Why shouldn't you? The Pharisees did it two thousand years ago. If it's good enough for our forefathers, it's good enough for us.
      Right?
      Of course, there is that little slavery problem back there in the early days of our nation. A lot of the people who forged this country held slaves. But what's a slave between us good old boys? And a lot of our forefathers held religious beliefs that -– and this may be embarrassing to some folks -- we would call "cultist" today. Like old Ben Franklin who was a Deist. (Deists believed that God made the earth and then went off somewhere, maybe playing golf, and left us completely alone to make our way in the world.) Or George Washington, who also held somewhat Deist beliefs, but didn't have much to do with church. Don't blame him. He was a bit busy. He didn't pray at Valley Forge like we've all heard. Well, he might have. We don't know for sure. The so-called "George Washington's Prayer at Valley Forge" was written after he was dead. But he probably prayed. After all, he was at war with an enemy who outgunned him and out-manned him. Oh yeah, I think he prayed.
      My point is, and I do have several, is that the miracle of the United States is not that we had Christian forefathers. In fact, modern churches wouldn't consider most of them to be Christians; at least we Baptists wouldn't since they drank, smoked, cussed, etc. The point is that they wanted to see that everyone had the right to believe as they choose. So they wrote that clause in the Constitution. That one saying the state had to stay out of religion and vice versa. Of course, maybe we're taking it too far. Personally I think we should be allowed to teach religion in school. It's part of our history. It's part of our culture. It's part of our literature. We should cover every single faith we can think of. One a week. Or two a week. I think we should have a minute of prayer before every game or event. Not led by anyone, just a moment where everyone prays in his or her own way. Except for the atheists. They can hum or drink beer or just shut their big, uneducated mouths for a minute. Is that conservative or liberal?
      What about gay rights? Well, frankly the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. They let the Republicans make that into an issue. What nonsense. The gays are a minority. They will always be a minority. Best estimates now show they number 3 to 4 percent of the population. In fact, as far as statistics can tell, that's been same number for years. (Now you're going to bring up that 10 percent figure from Masters and Johnson, well reported by the media, but produced by incomplete and flawed data. No scientist accepts that number anymore. Look it up.) So we're talking a small percent of the population, a small percent that isn't gaining in numbers even though they're more visible on TV. If they get married, what happens? Does anyone really think that the nation will collapse? Will dogs foam at the mouth? Will Brad Pitt marry Roseanne? It hasn't happened in any nations that have allowed gay marriage. Do we think that gays will do more damage to marriage than we straights have done and continue to do? We cheat on our spouses, we beat them, we abuse them, we kill them. How could the gays do worse? And if we allow gay marriage, how many gays will even take advantage of it? People say thousands. Guess what? We're a nation of millions. But this is an easy issue to stir people up. People hate gays. HATE THEM. The Republicans used that and will continue to use that as long as the Democrats let them.
      If I were making a new Democratic platform, I'd tell the gay rights groups, Not this year. It's not going to happen this year. Probably not for several years. Let's work on keeping you from being beat up or killed or fired from your jobs for your sexual orientation. But marriage isn't going to happen. Let's win the battles we can.
      Is that liberal or conservative? Is that bowing to status quo? Maybe. Maybe it's just realistic. I think the Republicans better hope that people of the same mind as me don't draw up the next Democratic platform.
      I'm pretty sure that I'm a liberal because I do support the environment. That's because I want my children and their children to have a decent world to live in. Can we trust big business to protect our environment? No, they're driven by the profit motive. They're supposed to be driven by the profit motive. There's nothing wrong with that. But it's stupid, short sighted and woefully naïve to expect them to protect the environment. That's not what they're supposed to be interested in. Oh, there are some notable green businesses out there, but most are not. That's why we have government regulations. That's what a government is supposed to do: to protect our heritage and to give our children something to inherit.
      But I might be a conservative because I'm against abortion. Completely again it. Even Republicans like to wimp out and say that it's okay in case of rape or incest or birth defects. Really? If it's okay for those instances, why isn't it okay otherwise? Take a stand, you yellow-bellied weasels. Be for it or be against it. Even God can't stand lukewarm.
      Of course, none of this actually addresses what ER (the writer of the blog on which this was originally posted) wanted to do. He wanted to show that liberals and conservatives have both contributed to the greatness of this nation. Notice I said "the greatness of this nation." I didn't say "perfect nation." It's not perfect, but it's better than anything else out there, and if you don't like it and if you don't believe in it, then find yourself some other country and do it fast because this is one erudite redneck who has more guns than most of you have teeth. You stomp on my freedom and I'm going to stomp back. Is that conservative or liberal? If you attempt to claim that for either side, you're missing the point. The point is that it takes both sides to make a great nation. BOTH.
      So I'm a proud, gun-toting, pro-life, tree-hugging Democrat. My beliefs and stances have as much validity as anyone else's. I don't give up my right to point out what's wrong with this nation and I don't give up my right to defend it from any sorry bastards who attempt to harm us. Whatever will you do with me? Whatever will I let you do with me?