"Project Salamander"...One Chapter, Is Mine

 The people who are putting on a new writing conference next week in Utah got together and wrote a book. The plan was for each author to write a chapter until the entire novel is complete. I was on the e-mail list with other authors. Every couple of weeks, a writer would say his/her chapter was done and it was time to pass it off to the next creative artist.

Initially, I did not sign up for the project, but as the chapters kept adding up, I thought it might be fun to help out. So, when another author proclaimed their assignment, "Finished," I said I'd like a turn.

And so I did.

A little hint, if your author friends are writing a novel and each is writing a chapter, my advice is - volunteer early. Why? Because when you write early in the process, you don't have a lot of story to build upon. No, it's pretty much a blank slate. 

If you are one of the later writers, well...you have to first, read (and understand...) what others have written, then you must adapt a chapter to not only match what's come before, but enhance and expound on the other's great words.

Such was my assignment.

And it was a blast.

The story had split into several side-stories. I chose one and continued the story. I'm not going to go into detail about the chapter other than to say I liked it. Once finished, I submitted it and a few weeks later, a new novel appeared. It's titled, Project Salamander. Love the title.

Here's the subtitle (which I also love...).

Don't Trust Anyone, Especially the Face in the Mirror

If you'd like to know more about the book, or better yet, BUY the book, you can get a copy by clicking: HERE. Even without knowing the ending, I recommend it.

Project Salamander, pick it up, support a great cause. One of the chapters is mine.

To Help A Friend...

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you could no longer financially support yourself or your family? Believe me, as I get older, I think about it more and more. Of course, it doesn't help that my work involves dealing with individuals facing major disabilities as well as nursing home care. 

Who would you turn to? Family, friends, strangers? My parents and grandparents are gone. I have in-laws who would help, and siblings. Still, even with the knowledge that there are people out there you could count on to help, it is a frightening thought.

A local writer is facing this very question. His name is Robison Wells. I met Robison for the first time last month at Comic Con, though I've known of him for years. I attended his book launch of years a few years ago (I blogged about it, too...) and I remember thinking, This guy's in such a great position! He'd just secured his first of a multi-book deal. He had worked hard to obtain a "regular job," even going to grad school. He'd gone through the ups and downs we all seem to experience and it looked like he was on his way up. Everything seemed to be coming up roses.

Then life happened.

Robison began to experience health problems, so much so, he was unable to write with any regularity. Being a writer as a family's main source of income is hard enough. Throw in health issues, and it's next to impossible.

That's where his friends stepped in. Writers attract other writers. You meet them at conferences and book signings. You "friend" and follow them on social media sites. You get to know them. Robison has some amazing friends. They assembled a book of short stories, donating their talents for one of their own.

They also started an Indegogo fundraiser (you can access the site: HERE) and tonight, they reached their goal. For a writer (or for anyone, really...) the perks were AMAZING! Oh, how I would have loved to buy a couple of those. I'm glad they reached their goal. It's something positive for one who's had a lot of negatives.

The book's titled Altered Perceptions and I'm really looking forward to reading it because I know the reason it exists is to help a friend.

We're Having A Yard Sale (And A Fundraiser...). Come On! It'll Be Fun!

You know how it is... There's stuff piling up in the house, things that once seemed important, or needed. It's been a crazy month and we decided next Saturday, September 21st will be the lucky day.

Almost as important as the items for sale at a yard/garage/estate sale, is location. We live on a dead-end street on the edge of town (the east edge...). We've had yard sales at our house before. People came, but we had limited success. The past couple of yard sales we've held, however, were hosted at our friend's house. And, as far as location goes, their house is as close to perfect as one can get. Main street, in our hometown.

We've got a lot of work to do. If anyone in the area would like to rid themselves of like items that are taking up space in their homes, please contact us. We'll give you the details and we'd LOVE to have you join us. Also, if you'd like to know some of the things we're going to be selling, I'll let you know as well. Big items: weight bench, trampoline, lots of books...

We're clearing clutter, but also having a fundraiser for our oldest. He's going to be leaving the house in a few months and the $$ would help. So, come Saturday morning, we're going to be surrounded by our junk...ah, I mean, important and needed stuff, stuff we'd like others to enjoy more than us. Come on! It'll be fun!

Bob Eggett And His Friends

Tonight we loaded up the van and drove to Weber State University to attend a fundraiser for Bob Eggett. You can read about his story here:

(If you feel the need to help, here's the information)

Bob was at the fundraiser talking to as many people as possible. The place was packed.

I've never met Bob. We have mutual friends. Even though I've never met Bob there were things I could tell about him. I could tell he was loved. There were so many people there doing whatever they could do to help. I could tell he has a loving family. His children painted this picture that was auctioned off.

I particularly agree with this:

We did not stay for all the entire event. We had to give up our seats so others could sit down to eat. There was a line outside the door for people to get in and I'm sure people continued to show their support long after we were home.

I don't know what will happen with Bob. Eventually, I guess, we all know what will happen to him for it will be the same thing that happens to all of us. Best of luck, Bob. I pray for you, your family, and friends.