Hats Off Party...An Amazing Way To Say "Thank You"

Saturday night many of my friends dressed up in their finest and went to a party. For only the second time, I joined them. The theater's been putting on this event for years to show appreciation for those who volunteer their time and talents to make the theatre a cultural and financial success.

The place was packed. 

It makes sense--the theatre, with its two stages, presents at least nine full-length shows a year, not to mention special events and children's performances. For us, it's like a church for performing, and we're the congregation. So, when the theatre throws a party, people come in droves to feel that spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

And they all looked fantastic, even without hats!

When I attended a few years ago, I went for the food. Saturday night, I went for the program, or part of the program. I performed in one show at the theatre in 2018. Some years, I've done as many as four shows. Looking at the schedule this year, it's likely I won't be on either stage in 2019. 

Because of social media, you can tell what's important to your friends. Since I have hundreds of theater friends on Facebook, my timeline was inundated by pictures and comments and videos of smiling beautiful people posing for selfies, or seeing themselves on stage. It's a testament of what--not only the party--but also the theatre means to them in their lives. I know I've dedicated numerous photos, comments, videos, and blog posts to the theatre, the shows, and my friends.

I noticed the same thing happening after I attend a writing conference the weekend before. I sort of live in both worlds, a performer and a writers. The week before my social media timelines were flooded with pictures of authors and artists mugging for selfies and videos, letting everyone know of the great time they were having at the LTUE writing conference.

I left early, didn't really talk to many people Saturday night. I had obligations with family. It might be a long time before I'm again invited to the festivities at the theatre a few miles down the road. And even if I don't go, there will no doubt be pictures and videos to show me--and everyone else--just what a great time they had. Thank you Centerpoint Legacy Theatre for the invitation. You throw a great party, even if no one's wearing hats.

Giving Plottr A Chance...

A few weeks ago I attended a writing conference. I wasn't on any panels, but I did spend and entire day in the vendor room trying to sell my books. 

I've spent a lot of time in vendor rooms at conventions. You get to recognize many of the other vendors. Books, jewelry, music, even a masseuse were there, all trying to attract potential buyers. But there was a new vendor there this time, just across the aisle from where we had set up shop.

As you do when people aren't at your booth, you look around and watch the other vendors. I noticed many people visiting Plottr.

I surmised it had something to do with writing. They set up two computers and almost everyone who walked by sat down and test drove the program. Normally, I'm leery of things that seem to promise so much. A writing software program--there's so many out there and some very expensive ones. I'm sure they would help my writing, to some extent, but a program can only do so much.

Eventually, I took my turn in the driver's seat and checked out the program. It's from a local developer. The best way they described it was the software replaces a system where stories are plotted using sticky notes on a wall. I can see why so many writers were excited at the prospect. You can access their website: HERE.

Today I downloaded a trial copy. I know it's been a few days since my demonstration, but it looks confusing I'll have to figure it out. I need help me--I'm not usually a plotter. I know I should be. I believe I could get so much more written if I did. Hopefully, this little program will help.

I'll let you know.

A Couple Of Cans Of Food Storage...And I Became Con Lore

The story's out there, in fact, I had several people come up to me today and ask, "That was you?"

There's a famous line from The Untouchables, that talks about bringing a knife to a gunfight--not a good idea. Well, I did something that has absolutely nothing to do with that line.

Earlier this week I got a package of books, the first order of Chaser. I was excited because of a literary convention this weekend I was asked to attend. And I would be able to bring a huge stack of new books to unleash on a hungry populous.

At last, the day came. The convention, "Life, the Universe, and Everything", or LTUE, has a mass book signing on the Friday night of the convention. It's well attended and many wait until Friday night to make their book purchases. Yesterday afternoon I loaded up my car with boxes of my short story compilation, Speckled, but I was most excited to show everyone Chaser. 

Off I drove. It took twice as long to reach Provo Utah, because of the rush-hour traffic--it stunk. But, I didn't really need to be there until 7pm, so the thirty miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic didn't bother me too much (a rare thing...). 

Finally, I reached my exit. I maneuvered my little car to the convention center--even found a close parking spot. I unloaded my boxes, wheeled them into the center and found the table where I ran into my publisher. He had not seen the final product.

"Did you bring your book?" he asked. I proudly and excitedly say, "Yes!"

I opened my first box, my copies of Speckled, then I reached for the second box, the bigger box, the box I spent a couple of hundred bucks to get in time for the convention. I couldn't wait to reach down, grab a copy of Immortal Work's newest publication, and show everyone just how cool the book is.

One problem.

When I opened the box, I didn't see thirty copies of my book.

I saw three cans of food storage.

Yes, my books, the ones I'd waited for and needed for this very moment, were sitting in a box at the foot of my bed sixty miles to the north, and there was no time to go get them or to have someone bring them down. We hadn't put the food storage box into the basement with the rest of them, and when my books came, I set the box right next to the other.

I couldn't believe it. I had a choice. I could fuss and get mad, or I could laugh it off and enjoy the evening. Sure, I didn't have my book to show off, but I had fun telling people who asked where my book was, what happened. My friend, David J. West, took a picture of the box and posted it on Twitter. As I walked around the room, people were asking me if I was the one who left my books at home, not quite believing it actually happened.

So, no I didn't bring a knife to a gun fight--I brought food storage to a book signing. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it. But it makes for a great con story.