Tag: celebrations

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Mini-Milestones

ellenparkerwrites

Authors can be extraordinary people — for either good or ill. Fiction authors especially share a vivid imagination. They often work alone, perhaps with music or the hum of a coffee shop in the background, but they are able to immerse themselves in an alternate world as they put words into fictional characters mouths and move them about in a non-existent world.

They also tend to celebrate events on a timeline other may seem strange. Examples would be completion of a manuscript, publisher accepting manuscript, edits complete, and one of my personal favorites:

BOOK IN HAND!

Celebrations and rewards vary. Many of mine involve food. Other examples might be a manicure or a few hours at a local museum or attraction. A visit to a bookstore also rates high.

Yes — a new sweet romance is due to go out into the world on August 7, 2024! The title is Stitching a Dream. Once again, we are in fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois in the year 1851. This time we drop in and learn the story of Polly Black, seamstress.

The links below will take you to two of the most popular ebook retailers. The volume is also available in a print edition.

Kindle readers: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

Nook readers: https://bit.ly/3Ri8RNX

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National Novel Writing Month

ellenparkerwrites

Every day, every week, and every month appears to celebrate one or more foods, activities, or occupations these days.

Some of these I celebrate more than others. There are the national holidays which are noted on a sliding scale of enthusiasm. Many I am unaware of unless a social media post catches my attention.

When I started writing seriously, and joined a writing group, (best thing a serious writer can do), I learned of NaNoWriMo. I needed an explanation.

It’s a writing challenge in the month of November. Write, ugly first draft encouraged, a complete novel of 50,000 words in 30 days. That works out to 1,667 words per day or 6.67 pages in standard format.

Novels are included in this bookcase at my house. I wonder if any of them started as a NaNoWriMo project?

Started as a project — then rewritten and polished to publication standards — New Dreams, a sweet, historical romance follows a pair of immigrants to their new life in 1850’s Illinois. Check it our here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Holiday Ready

ellenparkerwrites

Today the United States of America celebrates a birthday. Hundreds of thousands of people will wear red, white, and blue clothing, grab a small flag, and watch (or participate in) a parade.

Will there be marching bands? Veterans in straight rows? Candy thrown from a bright float? Clowns? Horses?

Don’t eat too much cotton candy–you want to save room for the hot dogs!

Wear a hat — and sunscreen!

The Mississippi River glides past the arch grounds — the site of St. Louis’ largest July 4th party. Stay until dark. Those barges most likely hold the fireworks!

Comfort Zone, a sweet romance set in St. Louis, features a heroine with her fingers crossed for moderate weather — she wants to enjoy the day with family instead of working to replace A/C units during a holiday.

Check out the book here: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Top Reason to Eat Cake

ellenparkerwrites

Have you eaten cake recently? Within the last month? Week? Yesterday?

Perhaps you seldom bake. That’s fine. Many restaurants offer cake on the dessert menu. Too full after a meal out? How about a “to go” box?

A cake exists for almost every taste. My brother’s favorite is chocolate. I prefer Angel food. Lemon is a beautiful flavor for summer. Perhaps carrot cake is more to your liking.

Just in case you need a reason…

CELEBRATE WITH CAKE!

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Last Call

ellenparkerwrites

The party ends at midnight. Set down your adult beverage. Remove your mask. Put the beads away.

Until then…well, it’s PARTY TIME! Also known as Mardis Gras.

New Orleans is in the spotlight in the United States. Other cities along the Gulf Coast hold their own celebrations. And St. Louis celebrates in an old, French portion of the city.

Parades. Color. Noise. Music. Drinks. King Cakes. A little something for everyone. I do advise, if planning to attend the St. Louis parade the Saturday before Ash Wednesday (the largest event), keep an eye on the weather. It varies from snow and freezing, to balmy and clear.

Mardis Gras accessory — didn’t bring any? Attend a parade and snatch a few from the friendly, generous people on the floats.

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I Love a Parade

ellenparkerwrites

When I moved up from Junior to Senior band in eighth grade — this was one of the first marches we practiced. The first time, as with most pieces the rest of the band was familiar with, I sort of watched the notes for third coronet zip past.

The situation improved. Each time I managed to actually play more notes — even at the correct time. In other words, I caught the end of the learning curve and climbed.

Parades are intended to be fun — for participates and observers. Marching in straight rows. Keeping step. Playing from memory. Catching beads or candy or favors tossed from a colorful float.

And then there are other sorts of parades — not as organized or scheduled.

Pelicans parading on a sunny afternoon.