Where did Wednesday go? I think all these dogs I’m dog sitting along with the two that are mine have my thoughts scattered. Then a storm came and knocked down trees in my son’s neighborhood to mess up their fenced backyard. No longer dog friendly. Instead dog escape time.
I can blame the dogs and the storm, but my lapse of memory about what day it is might be because I’ve got my head in several stories. I’m doing my best to let readers know about my packhorse librarian book, Along a Storied Trail. It is great to see the reviews coming in from some of those who have read the story. Especially when they are complimentary. And reviewers have seemed to like my book woman, Tansy, and all her mountain friends and family. Here’s one from Urban Book Reviews that showed up this week.
Ann H. Gabhart has a way of luring me into her world of fiction and keeping me there. I did not want to leave…Love, family, friends, and plenty of adventure inside this incredible read.
Those nice words are always good to read about one of your books, but every review is appreciated. If you’ve posted reviews for any of my books, please know I’m very grateful.
But back to the busyness of writing life or perhaps I should just say life. It is very easy to get busy with so many things whatever the season of the year or life. The same as most, I have so many things I want to get done or should get done or have to get done. There are differences in each of those “get dones.” I used to keep this quote on my desk calendar to remind me of those differences.
It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? ~Henry David Thoreau
One of the things I want to be busy about is narrating my books that didn’t get an audio contract through the publishers. I’ve done my Heart of Hollyhill books. A freelance narrator read Scent of Lilacs, but then I gave narration a try with Orchard of Hope and Summer of Joy. If you like audio books, I hope you’ll give them a listen. Now in a little break after sending off my next year’s book to my editor for her thoughts, I am narrating the last Rosey Corner book, Love Comes Home. Angel Sister and Small Town Girl were narrated by professional readers who did a great job or so I’ve heard. I listened to Angel Sister but haven’t Small Town Girl. I thought the narrator did a super job on Angel Sister, but a reader/listener said Small Town Girl was even better.
I don’t think Love Comes Home will be better since I’m not a professional reader or actress, but I do okay and I enjoy the reading. Not the editing, however. At any rate, I’m giving it a try. I’ve got my little soundproof recording place set up with blankets and wanted to get it done before I had to disassemble it, but it takes a while to read a book out loud and then proof it to be sure I read it right out loud. Sometimes the tongue just says something that wasn’t written down on the page.
I’m about halfway through the narration but I am going to have to put a pause on it and hope I don’t forget the voices I’ve decided on for each of my characters. I have a new deadline on the next year’s book with edits my editor has suggested to make the story better. Now I just have to get my head around how to make those changes.
Then I’m ready to start researching for my next book. I have some books lined up to read for that. Plus I have a stack of books I want to read for fun. A writer needs to read. It’s like weight lifting for an athlete. But way more fun and without strain. Still, it builds up those imagination muscles.
That was a lot of words to explain why I let Wednesday slip by. I hope I don’t let Sunday slip by. I have come up with three mystery pictures for a new mystery picture game. I have high hopes of starting the new game Sunday. I hope you’ll want to play along. Of course, I’ll be giving away a few books to those who play.
So what are you busy about this summer? And what is a book you hope to read before summer slides past?
Comments 6
My summer is busy busy busy this year! I’m a nanny for a family with 4 kids every weekday. I also put in several hours a week as a tour guide at a local history museum/visitor center. And I’m preparing for craft fairs in early August and September. But I still find time to read a bit each day. Reading relaxes me so I can sleep better. I usually have two books going at the same time….one real book and one ebook on my kindle that goes everywhere with me. I’ve been reading some Appalachian mystery books by Rita Herron on my kindle. And as my nighttime books, I’m re-reading my Sue Grafton books. I’ve never been able to concentrate on audio books much, but I might give it another try sometime. I’m sure your reading them makes them sound great.
Next week I’ll be on vacation with 4 grandsons, so I doubt if I’ll get much reading in. Building sandcastles and swimming will be even more fun.
Author
I never got much reading done when my grandkids were visiting for sure, Lavon. Sounds as if you are busy, busy. I used to never read more than one book at a time but now I will often be reading several. Maybe a nonfiction one, a fiction one on kindle and a paper copy and I do love listening to audio books too although I don’t do that as often. One thing I haven’t tried is listening to an audio book and reading the written copy at the same time, but my agent says she loves to do that and it adds to her enjoyment of a book.
Hope you have a great time on your vacation with the grands.
I love audio books, Ann! I do a lot of driving and it makes the long trips so much more pleasurable. I have never listened to yours, but would love to revisit some of those books you mentioned that I have read in the past.
Yes, I’m very happy today because I finished Volume 1 of Treasury of David. 2 to go, and it’s very small print, so it takes some time, but oh, the blessing that comes with it!
I’m also enjoying reading Hannah Whitall Smith and have 2 of those going. Time flies doesn’t it?
Author
I love listening to audio books when I’m on a trip, Amy. It keeps me awake and as you say, makes the trip go by faster. Sometimes you’re almost wanting to drive around the block a few times when you get wherever you’re going to see what happens next in the books you’re listening to.
Sounds as though you’re doing some good reading.
I just finished listening to all the Hollyhill books,even though I had already read them.I loved you doing the reading. You knew the characters, you made the characters , so you presented them better than anyone else ever could! ( I left positive reviews!)
I have read Along a Storied Trail already this Summer and recently read a Danielle Steel book .I am now reading a ” Love Inspired” paperback while waiting for my green beans to come in.I am determined to learn how to can produce this year.I am kinda scared of the whole process.
I am also spending time with my kids and grandkids, but that isn’t just a Summer thing .I miss my kids and grands if I don’t see them regular.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed my audio books, Lisa. I was nervous about whether I would be able to read them well enough for people to want to listen. I’m trying to narrate Love Comes Home now. I guess I said that already in my post. But I’m enjoying the story again. It’s been a while since I wrote it and while I do know what’s going to happen, I have forgotten a lot of the story on the way. Oh, and if you didn’t leave me a positive review, I’d just hang up my keyboard. 🙂
Hope you have a great summer with your kids.