How a wasp changed my Christmas priorities...

Puttin’ things into perspective…

Trying to walk through life with my eyes and mind wide open, I still catch myself sometimes taking every day’s precious gifts for granted. I’m a busy bee, I love being under pressure going at the speed of sound, and I’m very guilty of over committing. With that said, I like to add that I have been blessed with great health, the point of my little story.
I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had the flu or even just a scratchy throat. Besides the occasional aches and pains from a very active life style, there haven’t been any visits to a Doctor office and no long term prescription medications in years. I have to admit, that in some arrogant way I thought that I was invincible. Well, at least until just two days ago. (Dec. 21, 2007)

As some of you might know, besides writing and ‘rodeoing’ with my hubby Troy, I also train horses in the classical art of Dressage. Here I was, riding ‘Hooligan’, an Irish Eventer, minding my own business when I suddenly felt a poke and a burning sensation on the inside of my left foot. Ouch – what in the heck was that? I thought about a piece of hay that might have poked my skin and tried to wiggle away from it but it stayed.
Annoyed by the inconvenience I dismounted and stomped my foot to the ground a few times to get rid of whatever was causing this unpleasantry, but it didn’t do any good. So I took off my boot and sock and checked for any objects that might have penetrated. The only thing I saw was a red blotch and a slight swelling.
Weird!
And just as I was checking out my boot, there comes this huge insect crawling out of it. Holy cow! I got stung by a wasp – in the middle of December – in Utah – it’s 20 degrees, shouldn’t they all be dead?
Probably, but this one was alive and well enough to hide in my paddock boot and fight off the confinement with a neatly placed sting on the inside of my big toe. I can’t remember ever been stung by a bee or anything like it before, but I swell up pretty good when attacked by mosquitoes.
The sting didn’t really hurt all that bad but I thought ice would help the swelling. After taking care of Hooligan, I went outside and stuck my naked foot into the snow. Ahhh, that felt better.
Having a full plate of chores for the rest of the day (all non – Christmas related) I quickly left the barn, got into my truck and headed out toward the small city of Spanish Fork, six miles away from my home in Payson.
Half way through the ten minute drive I suddenly felt itchy all over. First I thought it was my thick sweater I was wearing, because I had sweated a bit from my ride, but then I looked at my left wrist and almost drove into the ditch. Hives – big, red, blotchy wells on my skin, all the way up my arm, my neck and God knows where else.

A quick look into the rear view mirror explained the sudden sensation of swollen eyes which felt like I had bawled for hours. It didn’t need a doctorate in medicine to figure out that I had an allergic reaction. Still determined to get my busy schedule under control I decided to stop at the drugstore to get a bottle of Benadryl which I thought would take care of it.
Boy was I wrong!
Within minutes my eyes were swollen half way shut and my whole face was red and puffy. I like to add here, that I was in the Christmas spirit all day and was wearing my dark red velvety, silly little Santa hat. By the time I stopped at the store I felt like ripping my clothes off and rolling in the snow. I can understand now why they applied itching and tickling sensation as a method of torture in the medieval times. I stormed into the store and people must have thought I’m some sort of Santa’s crazy helper. Though my scalp itched like mad, for some reason I was still wearing my Santa hat and I must have looked like Rudolph had become insane and piled our sleight against a massive tree.
There was a long line but people stepped aside to let me go ahead. The pharmacist took one look at me, asked what happened and suggested a trip to the ER.
No way! I thought, thanked him for his advice and I bought a bottle of Benadryl, which I drowned a quarter of it on my way back outside.
Then things got worse.

I sat in my truck for a minute trying to decide what to do. The all over itch became almost unbearable and it jerked my body as if I was in convulsions. I could literally feel my blood pressure drop and when my throat began to tighten I called my hubby Troy. His 10-20 was opposite side of my own location and he asked if I could drive. The hospital was directly between us and I figured it’s only six miles - I can do this.
Troy stayed with me on the phone, trying to make this drive short by talking calmly to me. We both knew that driving was dangerous, but this reaction rapidly progressed and I didn’t even want to think about an anaphylactic shock.

Troy arrived first at the hospital and informed the ER. They awaited me and took good care of me immediately. A drip and a shot of epinephrine took the first ‘itch’ off and after a while my BP was back to normal and my panicky pulse below 100.
Two hours later I was home, drugged, very tired, but thankful to everyone who helped, including the good Lord.

Of course, I didn’t tell you this story because I want you feeling sorry for me. I told this story to myself, so I can always remember that I’m not invincible, that I should not live my life counting on never being ill.
My plans for that day and the following day had included a book signing, horses to train, and plenty of paperwork. An upcoming rodeo trip had made up my mind not to celebrate Christmas with my husband and his family in a way that I should. How selfish of me!
This little incident changed my mind and yesterday I cancelled all my arrangements to properly heal. I stayed in all day, baked a bunch of cookies and wrote some poems I will give as Christmas presents to the people I dearly love.
Who knows, maybe I will even go today to get a little last minute Christmas tree, if not, at least some mistletoe so I can thank my husband for being who he is.

Putting thinks into perspective is my new year’s resolution for 2008. What’s yours?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Rebecca~
www.rebeccalerwill.com

Cowboy News from the WNFR

Hi friends,

Exciting news from the Wrangler NFR:
Things are still in full swing here in Las Vegas, but we’d like to mention that our Utah boys are doing really well. Bull rider and neighbor Wes Silcox won the second round with an 86.5. Wohooo!
We are happy to announce that Troy is bringing home a couple of awards: He is the proud recipient of the very prestigious ‘Coors-Man-In-The-Can’ award and the PRCA ‘Comedy Act of the year’ award, and another nomination for PRCA ‘clown of the year’.
Congrats to Keith Eisle who snagged this year’s ‘Clown of the year’ award, also a huge congrats to Boyd Polhamus for finally receiving the ‘PRCA Announcer of the year’ award. (Long over due, in our humble opinion)
Also a bug slap on the shoulder to Stace Smith for another win in the ‘PRCA Stock contractor of the year’ category.
As the photo tells you, we had a large time at the PRCA awards banquet hosted by the Southpoint hotel and casino.

And on my part, I had a nice time doing a book signing at the Borders Book Store on Decatur Saturday afternoon.

Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

November book drawing results

Hello everyone,

I have some terrific news!
Due to the amount of entries I have received, I decided to draw two names out of the hat.
I think we'll draw two winner every month from now on. This is too much fun, not to share a little bid more.
So, make sure you enter the drawing for a free copy of my novel in December. You just never know, there might be a late Christmas present on your door step in January!!
Go here to enter:
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/funstuff.html
(The above link will tell you more about my ongoing Christmas Special as well - buy 2 books for just $24 and get the third one free!!!)
CONGRATULATIONS to our November winner: Ruby Davis, Oklahoma and Barbra Killon, BC - Canada.

Also: Fellow author D.H. Schleicher kindly offers his novel The Thief Maker (ISBN 0-595-40518-5). A suspense novel that explores the destruction and restructuring of human relationships in the wake of personal and communal tragedies.
Click here to enter David's drawing

Good luck y'all!

Rebecca~
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

As we do every month...

it's CRAZY!!
Christmas is less than four weeks away. It felt just like yesterday that I complained about the summer's heat. And now... well, though snow is still missing here in Utah, the temperature is certainly below brrrrrrrrrr.
So, with November winding down, of course another book drawing is in order.

Just in case you'd like to try
enter the drawing, I tell you why:
reading is just what we crave
a free book could be yours in days.

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/funstuff.html
Good luck and have a great day, y'all!
Rebecca Lerwill

Talk the (Radio) Talk

Do you enjoy talk radio?
Then listen in:
November, 28th 2007 12:00noon - 1:00p.m. MST

This is my second appearance on the Grapevine Radio Network. Several different shows are being offered - something for everyone and you can stream through the Internet and listen while you work...surf...shop...write...blog... rhyme...or whatever else it is you're doing online.

Join me along with hosts Kim and Kristina live on:Grapevine Radio Network's Show 'Healthy Wealthy Wow'
We'll talk about my book Relocating Mia and I will cite a few of my poems.
Listeners may call in live for any questions or comments about my book. We'll also be giving away a free autographed copy!
Live Call in Number 1-866-377-1737

Call Us Live

I hope you'll enjoy the show.
Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Over-come Your Stage Fright

Hello fellow authors,

You are a published author. What a great accomplishment!
Don't you just love to talk about your book? How about poems - are you really creative? And those short stories which are hiding on your hard drive - have they meet an audience, yet?
Ahh - the magic word.... AU-DI-ENCE!

Sure you love to talk about your book and even read out loud from it. But to whom? Well, to your better half of course, or maybe to the rest of your family.
Have you read yet to a group of your friends? Aha! - so I thought, that's when it starts to get a little uncomfortable, am I right?

Lots of questions, with one big answer: You suffer of a what seems to be an incurable disease....Stage fright!

Imagine your book would do exceptionally well and you'd get famous. I mean really famous! Oprah wants you, Larry King wants you, the Today Show wants you.
Granted, you will hire a professional who is going to teach you how to properly sit, look, dress, and talk.

But in the mean time; wouldn't it be nice to talk and read about your work (in public), even if you're not (yet) the new, hot author every one is raving about? Well, it certainly would be nice. You can - and it is easy!

Pretty much any bigger town has cafes and book stores who offer events like 'open mic' or 'poetry bash'. Just call around, you'll find them.
It doesn't matter if you have written poems of your own. Many events are happy for you to read known work. Just make sure you mention the author. You may also read a chapter of your book instead of poetry, or a short story you composed.

And if you think that 'stage fright' will hold you back, grab a friend or find another local author, and team up. Practise in the privacy of your home(s) if you feel more comfortable doing that first, and then hit the road.

Sure, the first time I participated in an open mic event I had to swallow my own heart a few times, and my voice still gets a little jittery now and then, but practise makes perfect. It will seem to get easier with every new event you do.
Also, you'll be better prepared for radio or even TV interviews once your name gets out there. Believe me, your smile on camera is a lot 'brighter' when you're not a nervous wreck.

As I said many times before - Just Get Out There!!

Rebecca~
www.rebeccalerwill.com

Meth Detox Center for Cops DONATION

Hi friends,

Last night (Nov. 7th) I watched a news cast on FOX 13 here in Utah on a Meth Detox Center for Utah Cops. Many of those officers are suffering health issues (joint pain, headaches, ect.) due to their time of investigating meth labs withhout protection.
This detox center provides help to those officers, and the success rate of relief is huge. I think it's an excellent way of giving back to our cops who risk their lives to protect us.

The report indicated that the detox center's funds are running low and I have a proposal for a possible $10'000 DONATION:

As you are aware, my romantic suspense 'Relocating Mia', just got honored of being a finalist in the USA Best Books Award for 2007. You can get more info about my book on my site www.rebeccalerwill.com

I have several thousand books here in Utah in my warehouse for sale. The retail price is $14.95.
I am willing to sell 2000 books for the amount of $10 each, and donate $5 per book back to the Meth Detox Center for Cops.
The books would make great Christmas presents for a large cooperation to purchase for their employees.
For someone interested in Utah: I would be happy to deliver the books free of charge and autograph each and every one of those books at an event, where more money for the Detox Center could be raised.
For someone interested outside the state of Utah: Costs for the shipment of the books would have to be negotiated.

I hope to get some feedback regarding this fundraiser! You can contact me through my website.
Best,
Rebecca~
www.rebeccalerwill.com

'Relocating Mia' honored with award.

Hello Friends,

I'm proud to announce, that my romantic suspense "Relocating Mia" has placed as a Finalist in the "Fiction & Literature: Chick Lit/Women's Lit" category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.
Though hopeful, I have never thought I would have a chance of an award in the jungle of great books released in 2006/2007.
I will let this one sink in and use it as a good doze of fuel to feed the fire which keeps my writing side 'aflame'.

I pasted parts of the press release for anyone interested:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2007
Media Contact: JPX Media

LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2007 AWARDS (BBA) on November 1, 2007. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print, audio books & courses, e-books and interactive CD-ROMs.
Awards were presented for titles published in 2007 and late 2006.Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists.

A complete list of winners and finalists in each category can be found at: http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2007.html

A humble Thank You to all of you who have read and liked Relocating Mia!
Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Trunk Or Treat

on how a new way of 'trick or treating' keeps kids safe on Halloween

Hello friends,

I have been watching an interesting change in the habit of ‘trick or treating’ over the past few years. Maybe this is just happening in Utah, since we are extremely family oriented here, maybe this new way of ‘trick or treat’ is becoming popular in other places as well, I don’t know.
This is what is done in Utah on Halloween, it’s called ‘trunk or treat’, and this is how it goes:
Instead of walking the neighborhood hunting down favorite candy, Parents gather with their dressed up little ones in the church parking lot. The little goblins then walk from car to car (or mini van to mini van) to spook the adults and collect their sweet treats.
After the kids made their round, everyone gets back in to the car (or mini van) and drives back home.

The issue at hand is the safety for the children. On a FOX news interview several mothers made it clear why they are so worried about letting their children go on a ‘trick or treat’ spree through the neighborhood; The list of registered sex offenders in Utah is long and a quick search on the internet reveals that some of them might live close by. I certainly understand and appreciate any parent whose priority is the safety of their child.
However, is a child’s safety less endangered walking home alone from school, the bus stop, a friend’s house, or soccer practice on any given day? Wouldn’t a group of trick or treaters accompanied by older kids be safe? Times have certainly changed and I wonder if our parents had to fear as much as we do today. There is much to think about before you send your little ones out there for a few hours of Halloween fun.
As far as I remember, we were always warned to be ‘careful in the woods’, nobody ever said anything about being ‘careful around the neighbor’s house’!

No doubt, - the world is a dangerous place. But can’t our kids possibly be protected carrying on a tradition we loved and so did our parents when they were young? It seems like our kids get robbed of the good times. I’m not here to judge the positive and negative sides of ‘trick or treat’ versa ‘trunk or treat’. Safety for kids is a huge issue - not just on Halloween. Pedophiles are all around, but so are predators on the internet, around schools, and the mall.
How much protection can a parent offer? How many restrictions do parents have to put upon their kids to ease the worried mind? One last question comes to my mind: Do you let your children become hostages of your anxiety and fears?

Have a happy and safe BOO Day!!

Rebecca~
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Small Stores - Big Hearts

Hello friends,

This blog is for writers and readers alike. Especially if you enjoy browsing and shopping little, independent (book) stores.

Being in the middle of a little 'book signing tour' I combined with my husband's travel, I had a wonderful experience in an independent bookstore named Sleuth's Mystery Bookstore in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Until now, my focus has been on the big chain stores, the likes of Barnes & Nobles, Hastings and so on. I always thought that I couldn't go wrong visiting the 'big ones' promoting my book. But what makes a book signing truly memorable and unique is the special attention the independent bookstores put into a writer’s visit.

In my case it was Laura, the owner of Sleuth’s Mystery Books. She went WAY out of her way to make me feel welcome. There was advertising in several local newspaper's columns, she’d added a link to my website on hers, her store was beautifully decorated and several print outs talked about my novel 'Relocating Mia'. There was even a marquee announcing, in flashing red, my name and the date of the event.
One of Laura’s friends is a gourmet chef and she arrived with a huge bag of home made goodies to spoil my readers and me during the signing.The atmosphere was relaxed and more intimate as I knew from book signings at the bigger stores. The visitors mingled longer to enjoy the great food and fun conversations. I was asked much more into detail about my past and future work.

What can I say; the book signing at Sleuth's Mystery Books has been not just successful, but a very memorable one due to the owner’s kind efforts. I think I will concentrate future signings more into the direction of the independent book stores.
We all love browsing the little 'Mom and Pop' stores, don't we? And there is much talk out there about the big, cooperate companies elbowing the little stores out of business. My husband and I own a small bicycle retail store in Utah. Believe me; I know what it’s like to compete with Wal-Mart down the road.

Well, of course I wouldn’t want to find myself without Barnes & Nobles and the likes, not even to mention the online book retailers, where most of my novel sells through, and I shop a lot myself. But I don’t want to oversee the smaller, independent stores to share business with. The friendly atmosphere and unique story each and every one of these small stores have to tell are inspiring to me.
Besides the great book signing experience in Laura’s store, I also came across a few Agatha Christy Mysteries printed back in the early 1970’s, I’m not so sure if I would have found them in a chain store.

So, regardless if you are a reader or a writer; I would like to encourage you to get out there, browse, and support the independent book stores! I’m glad I did and I will continue to do so.

Best wishes and happy browsing!

Rebecca~

www.rebeccalerwill.com

Viva Las Vegas, Baby!

Hello friends,

we just found out... we're going back to the NFR !!!

My hubby Troy has been selected to work the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas again, as the funny man - the man in the can - the barrelman!

This is very exciting, though the selection is done by the top 20 bull riders of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association)

and Troy has been honored to work this prestigious event for the past two years. Thanks to all of the bull riders who put their trust in Troy and his bullfighting buddies, who put their lives on the line to keep the cowboys safe.

CONGRATULATIONS to:

Troy Lerwill ~ 2007 NFR Barrelman (picture right)

Darrel Diefenbach ~ 2007 NFR Bullfighter (picture middle)

Clay Collins ~ 2007 NFR Bullfighter

Cory Wall ~ 2007 NFR alternate Bullfighter (picture left)

Keith Isley ~ 2007 NFR alternate Barrelman

The NFR will be held from the 6th to the 15th of December at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas.
Hope to see y'all there!

For more info visit http://www.prorodeo.com/

Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Radio Interview

Hello friends,

just a quick note on what's going on this week:
I'm in Waco Texas with my hubby Troy. He is working the 'Heart o' Texas Fair and Rodeo' as the featured Rodeo entertainer and funny man.
As usual, I use our travels to set up book signings and other events.
We had a really nice signing last Saturday at the Barnes and Nobles on Waco Drive and this coming Saturday, October 13th I'll be visiting the Hastings Bookstore on Bosque Blvd. from 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. Hope to see y'all there.

Today, Wednesday the 10th, I'm very honored to be invited as a guest on Gloria Taylor Edward's radio book club 'Voices Of The Drum'. Tune in and listen live from 6:00p.m. - 6:30p.m. EST
visit http://www.wclmradio.com/pages/home.html and click on the 'listen live' button.

Enjoy!
Rebecca~

www.rebeccalerwill.com

Interview With Romance Designs

Hello friends,

By accident I found an amazing website. It's called http://www.romancedesigns.com/
Anyone who likes to read (and write) romance and romantic suspense should check it out. A few weeks back I received word about an interview they had planned to do on me and today, it showed up on my doorstep.
If you would like to find out more about my writing, my thinking and my doings, you can click on the link below and it will get you there.

Enjoy!
Rebecca~

http://romancedesigns.com/interviews/INTRebeccaLerwill.cfm

Meet The Characters Of 'Relocating Mia'

Hello friends,

I received a few e-mails asking for the same request: How one could learn more about the characters in my novel 'Relocating Mia'.
Since I'm working on a sequel, named 'The Acronym', which will feature many of the same cast members I thought it would only make sense to reveal a little bid more about the characteristics of Mia, Douglas, and the rest of the gang.

Visit my website for a proper introduction of my cast:
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/relocating.html

Enjoy!
Rebecca~

How Numb Are We???

Hello friends,

I have posted parts of this blog on the authorsden website,

so you might have already read it. Certain issues, however, are so dear to me that I post them twice. I hope you readers can appreciate my urgency.
(Please forgive my strong language, but even as a writer I'm limited with words)

Today, I'm wondering how numb we are in this great country!! Today, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visits and speaks at Columbus University in New York. I don't have many words which would properly explain my outrage about this but here is what I came up with:

God help us! The enemy is within!

Frankly, I CAN NOT believe he is allowed into the country. You people in New York like to have him 'speak' to our already with liberal ideas infested students?
I don't think I need to get into detail WHY he shouldn't even be here. Well, for you completely ignorant ones out there, I'm happy to skim the surface: He critics our administration to say the very least. Okay, two thirds of the American population do the same, but without wanting to terminate it's leaders AND citizens.
He's in bed with Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Syria and those other peaceful countries one looks forward to spending one's honeymoon. He supports Iran's nuclear program, which of course, is completely peaceful... and he doesn't give a rat's ass about the UN security counsel or anyone else with a somewhat healthy idea of rules and regulations, not even to mention democracy!

On top of that I have a very personal issue here: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has openly stated that Israel ought to be wiped off the map and that Hitler's Holocaust didn't happen. "A myth", he says. It just so happened that I was born and raised in Germany and I actually saw and experienced the 'aftermath' of Hitler's doings. My own Mother fled from the Russians with her family and watched how the Jews got destroyed under Hitler's order. So don't YOU Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dare telling ME that the Holocaust is a freaking myth!!

I know it's not that easy, but I so wished I'd be the border patrol officer who'd have the power of denying him access to this Country! No matter what the consequences.
Well; my question for you, sleeping America, would be: If this evil mind is able to convince people that the Holocaust didn't happen, maybe if you let him talk long enough, MAYBE he can convince you that 9/11 didn't happen neither!
Sleep tight on that one!
Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

September Book Drawing

Hello friends,

it is a beautiful Sunday here in Utah. The leafs are changing quickly now that the temperatures have dropped. It's just in the 50's at night, my horses are getting woollier, and my husband is growing a winter coat, too. (Just kidding)

I thought today would be a good day to remind everyone to enter the drawing to win a free copy of 'Relocating Mia'. This is only the second month we're doing this, but I had so much fun in August that I will make this a regular event.

There is more information on my website, including the winner of last month's drawing.

So go ahead and participate, you never know, 'Relocating Mia' might just be on your front step first week of October.

Go here to enter: http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/funstuff.html

Best wishes,

Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

A Thought For The Weekend

Okay, it's only Wednesday, but I'm off to an early weekend and this thought hovered in my mind since late last night:

We all have been reading the OJ buzz. There was another report on TV which doesn't seem to be leaving me. You all heard about this older lady who got 'roughed up' by a cop as she was resisting arrest here in Utah.

The whole dispute was over her not watering her lawn, she'd been warned several times and finally they came to take her in.
Now, whether or not this is a city ordinance, a fire hazard, the officer being in the right or wrong, is not mine to judge. I don't know the whole story, and neither do you, but what I do know is that the press always seem to make the cop look like the bad guy when something like this happens.

Apparently the elderly woman has a cut on her nose from where she fell on the side walk. I am truly sorry for her pain but after all; she DID resist as an officer of the law had seemingly any reason to arrest her.

I watched a press conference last night, where an attorney ( I don't know her name) who was involved in 'high profile cases' held a speech holding up some iron shackles found back in the midevil times. She claimed that we don't need our elderly citizens arrested in 'one of these'. She forgot to mention, however, that we don't need to have our elderly citizen (or anyone) braking the law, either.
I'm going to leave the rest in the open with one more thing in mind: I strongly believe that there are more 'good cops' out there, than 'bad cops'. I take my chances and give the police in question the benefit of the doubt.

In the society we live today, I can only salute men and women who pursue the difficult and unthankful job of being an officer of the law.

Rebecca~

http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Catch the Oprah - O.J. Simpson Buzz

Hi friends,

instead of composing my own blog about the controversial O.J. Simpson book If I did it being featured on Oprah, I invite everyone to read the following link:
I had my opinion whether Oprah would support this book, and I was surprised to see her not reading it but still hosting a show about it. But read for yourself:
http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1184

Rebacca~
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Sensitive Subjects

Hello friends,

Browsing through discussion forums is my way of scooping up news and opinions on many themes.
An author friend of mine ask the following question and it got heavily discussed:
"Are events like 9/11 suitable as 'backdrop' for a book or movie?"
Some people argued that 9/11 hit too close to home to be used as material in the entertainment business. Others thought that it was too early, that people need more time to heal from such horrible attacks and aren't ready to watch a movie/ read a book of this theme.
On the other hand, somebody claimed that it shouldn't matter due to the fact that it's impossible to please everyone in the audience.
I disagree; with all of the above.

War and terror, the viciousness of serial killers, and other 'unfortunate events' have been used in many books and movies ever since they've been written.
Granted, pieces which have stories using WW1, WW2, Vietnam, Korea, and so on, as a backdrop 'outlived' by now many people but I don't believe we authors have the obligation of a 'waiting period' until we can work with real life events.
What we are obligated to do however, is to keep the integrity of the victims and tact in how we tell the story.
In 'Relocating Mia' I used the Gulf War and the War of the Bosnians to explain my character's combat experience. Even though I just skimmed the subject in my novel, I still did my research to make sure I've got my facts straight.

To be evil is human nature. Luckily most of us are able to suppress our 'evil spirit' and have a handle on what's right and wrong. Bad things happen every day and some of it will be used for documentaries or to entertain through a 'fiction' as in movie or novel.
I find, that as long authors and movie makers are respectful toward the people who fell victim, we ought to be able to work any real life event into our work, without having to wait a certain amount of time until we can touch a 'Sensitive Subject'.

Comments on this issue are welcome!
Rebecca~
www.rebeccalerwill.com

Why I Write

Dear friends,

If you are a writer, you have probably found yourself being asked “Why do you write?”
If you are a reader, you probably have asked someone before “Why do you write?”
I have been asked that question and usually could just raise my shoulders and say “I don’t know; pleasure, compulsiveness, wanting to entertain, because I always have a story to tell…” Things of that nature.Well, that has changed since I experienced the following situation:

I had been invited to be part of a local author’s reception. Four other Utah writers and me met at the beautiful Barnes and Nobles in Sugarhouse/ Salt Lake City to read, speak and sign our work. The staff at B&N really outdid themselves to make us feel welcome. In the café area a curtain was draped to offer a stage like feel. There was plenty of room for the audience who enjoyed the very large selection of hot or iced beverages while reading or being wrapped up in conversation with friends.
Right from the start, the atmosphere was very relaxing and fun. For the signing, five tables had been set up for us authors, with plenty of distance between them so we wouldn’t have to talk over each other while visiting. For every one of us was a 30 minute time window scheduled to go ‘on stage’ and speak, read and answer questions. I was fourth in line and when it was time for me to speak, I gathered a copy of my novel, a few notes I made previously and a little booklet of my composed poems. I was greeted by a few friends and of course, strangers as well. The previous author had had a great time, so everyone looked at me with anticipation. I took a seat, introduced myself and talked for a little while about my life and my book.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a young man being deeply involved reading. He sat at the outside of the café area and didn’t pay any attention to anyone around him, including myself. Everyone else seemed to be interested in my story, the poems I cited or when I began reading ‘Relocating Mia.’
When I read to an audience I like to look up after every few lines and have a quick eye contact, especially when something more dramatic happens in the plot. I was about half way through my first chapter, when I noticed that the young man was not reading anymore. He sat back, relaxed and after a few moments was focused on me.
By the time my 30 minutes were coming to an end I had read three chapters and ended my time with a synopsis in my own words and a few quick questions from the audience. As I was gathering my papers, to make place for the next author, I noticed that the young man had left. I wondered to myself, if he went on to find a quiet spot to read his book but as I went back to my table, he was already waiting for me there.
He had picked up a copy of ‘Mia’ and was reading a random page. “So you are intrigued,” I greeted him. He nodded and said that he very rarely reads fiction, and if he does it was certainly nothing with romance. ‘Girl stuff’ he called it to my amusement. “But when you mentioned the ex- KGB agents and a hunt through Russia, you had my attention,” he went on.
So we talked for a little while, I signed my book to him and offered a copy of my poems which he greatly appreciated. When it was time for him to leave he said that he was really excited to get home and start reading my book where I had left off.

His exact words were: “It’s gonna be a long night.”

To be able to get a response like this from someone who usually doesn’t read my genre and knowing he will be entertained, my friends, is the reason why I write.
Rebecca Lerwill
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

Talking more about reviews...

Hello friends,


Just yesterday I asked the question "How important are book reviews?". Today, I'd like to follow up on it: As discussed before, reviews have the purpose to educate readers about a certain book. Often a review can make up a reader's mind whether or not to purchase it. As I mentioned in the past, before I published my first book, I never paid much attention to reviews, but it is certainly different today. On a morning like this, when I get an e-mail with a link attached to a new and very nice review of my book, my day is made. I don't know if this review is helpful in the decision for anyone to buy and read my novel (of course, I do hope so) but it certainly strokes my ego and caresses my soul. So; the view on reviews lies in the eyes of the beholder and since I'm brutally honest: I LIKE 'EM! Here is what they have to say:


"Relocating Mia is a romantic story full of dramatic and suspenseful twists. Focusing on Mia Trentino, a top relocating specialist at Worldmove Inc., we follow her to the cold and harsh Siberian terrain for her latest assignment. Surprising to her, the company has paired her with a new partner, the handsome Douglas Farland. As they work together to relocate a Russian oil company and to successfully close the case, their relationship slowly but surely becomes more than just professional. When a sudden turn of events leads to kidnapping and the ultimate betrayal, Mia is left fighting for her life. Unsure of where to turn, she realizes that she must take a chance and trust Farland, whether or not she wants to. I really enjoyed how the drama kept progressing from page to page. The characters were quite interesting and coupled with the descriptiveness of the scenery and plot, made for entertaining reading. Definitely a book to read when you need an extra boost of escapism from the daily grind!"

To view the intire page visit: http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1956.html

I wish everyone a pleasant day!
Rebecca~
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

How important are book reviews?

Hello friends,

A very good question popped up the other day as I was reading through an article: How important is a review on a book and does it make up your mind for you to purchase the read?
I used to not read any reviews. Honestly, I was often sold by the cover. Whenever I browsed for a new book, online or in a store, and a great book cover caught my eye I read the synopsis and bought the book - or not - depending if I was sold.
Lately, I'm reading lots of book reviews, mainly because I'm always searching for reviews on my own novel 'Relocating Mia'. Of course, I jump through the roof when I receive another positive comment on how one liked my book. (I post the reviews on my site. You can read them here: www.rebeccalerwill.com/pressroom.html )

I was listening to an mp3 online, where a well known author talked about book reviews. He argued on how much influence a reviewer can have over a reader. He didn't agree with reviews. He said he'd rather have one giant website, where every book is available by genre and synopsis to be searched for. It was a very interesting view and I had to agree, a review can influence a reader into the purchase of a book. And even though I didn't read reviews and let them influence me in the past, today I wouldn't want to miss the reviews on my own work.

Rebecca Lerwill
www.rebeccalerwill.com

Author's reception

Dear Lovers of good books.


Are you in the Salt Lake City, Utah area?
On September 14th, 2007 from 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. visit the Barnes & Nobles bookstore in Shugarhouse for an exciting evening.
Four local Utah writers will attend this author's evening .
At this writer's reception you'll get a chance to hear us speak, read and answer questions about our books, our writing and so on. We will sign our books as well.I will cite a few poems, read an article I recently published and will also read a few chapters of my romantic suspense 'Relocating Mia'. All the while you indulge in the fine treats the Barnes & Nobles' cafe has to offer.
Barnes and Nobles
1104 East 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Phone: 801-463-2610

I hope to see you there!
Rebecca~
http://www.rebeccalerwill.com/

9/11 - On a fateful day

Good morning friends,



I look out my window and the morning is quiet. Early fall mist settles from the high peaks of the Wasatch mountains down to the green pastures of this beautiful land. Utah! My petunias are still purple, my geraniums still red and blooming strong. It is cool outside, but no need yet to worry about first frost. Not yet, but soon. As I write this blog on this fateful day, I have no words to describe my appreciation for every single soul out there who was and still is involved in the aftermath of the attacks six years ago.
All I can do is savor every day, every breath I take, and every moment given to me.
Thank you, whoever came up with the concept of blogging for us to share our work and our pain, so we can mourn and heal together!


Best, Rebecca Lerwill~my prayers to the victim's families!
www.rebeccalerwill.com

To read my poems visit:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewPoetry.asp?id=200747&AuthorID=65501