Blog an Author Encounter

A few months back, when my manuscript was in the hands of a professional editor and I was again waiting, I indulged my writer’s soul by participating in an invitation to read an excerpt as a member of the writer’s guild. A small group of us met at the local Starbuck’s to discuss this opportunity and how best to organize our participants. We sipped coffee and tea and mulled over the reading selections, the order, and the length of each. About mid-way through I looked up to see a man walking past our table, he looked up at the same time. I recognized him and he me.

I sat awkwardly on a chair against the wall so I rose and stepped forward. We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries and laughed. The young man was Howard Roughan, bestselling author, New York Times top ten, both solo and as a co-author. The latter pairing with one of the most well known crime writer’s on the A-list. Howard and I had met briefly some five years before after I had boldly sent him a request to read and review my novel, Belly of the Whale. I needed a New York Times bestselling author to blurb on my cover and he and I lived in the same town. He graciously agreed and a short time later sent a wonderful review to my publisher.

So there we were in Starbucks, half a decade later, and he remembered my name, and the name of my book. This from a man, who would in the next week, once again be on the New York Times best seller list. I was flattered, to say the least, and if that were not enough to keep this writer’s heart beating, as we parted he added that he still remembered the story, and that he found the book to be one of the best he had read (or something to that effect), because by then I was dizzy.

Thanks so much Mr. Roughan, you made my day.

Blog what you hear, feel, say and think.

Live each day well…or write a book.

Linda

Dan Fogelberg Review

Songs are souvenirs…so said Dan Fogelberg in a radio interview back in 1997. Through the efforts of people like Fred Migliore, Jean Fogelberg and FM Odyssey Radio the fans of Dan Fogelberg can hear him speak about his passion for music in the CD: Dan Fogelberg – A Retrospective Interview. This is a collection of thirteen Fogelberg songs which allows listeners to go past his lyrics into his wonderful insights about life, writing music and performing as an artist.

In the tunes “Don’t Lose Heart” and “Part of the Plan” we are encouraged by the beauty of Dan’s lyrics to always remain hopeful and that all of us are living out our parts on the stage of life. Dan Fogelberg: A Retrospective Interview invites fans to be guests of an unusually intimate conversation and to hear in Dan’s own voice the inner workings of his inspirations. It was chilling to realize that the essence of the music remained but that the personal meanings had changed since his death, much in the way Dan unknowingly explained in the interview.

“Same Old Lang Syne” is one of my favorite Fogelberg tunes. We are privy to how the lyrics unfolded, how they were spun out of a real encounter that was greatly romanticized by the artist. And the final song about Dan's father, a tribute to his family and to “The Leader of the Band” touches our reality with the simple truth that the living legacy is gone; and because of this odd twist of fate we are grateful to be left with his musical genius.

There is a message from Dan Fogelberg on the inside of the CD cover. He encourages every man to get PSA and DRE tests every year. To hear the words "you have cancer" is never easy, but to hear these words about a loved one is even more difficult. Early detection and medical intervention can make the difference. I know because I am blessed to love a wonderful man who is a prostate cancer survivor. Please remember that your purchase of this 2 CD Collector’s Edition will aid in the research for prostate cancer, and for anyone who reads this post and makes a special comment you can win a lost segment edition of a one-of-a-kind CD with forty-five additional minutes of Dan’s interview with Fred Migliore. So post here today or come back in a few days…I would love to hear from you.

Have the best day everyday.
Linda

Good Middle of the Week

The Sun moves into Aries and Spring begins, at least on the West Coast. Here in New England look for the Vernal Equinox to arrive on Thursday. The Leo Moon flipped off the radar and Virgo took over about 3am (Wednesday). This moon requires detail and attention. Nothing will slip under the radar. Cross those T's and dot those I's if you want to succeed. Earth signs require the physical plane to navigate the planet. Virgo is tactile and grounded, she needs the senses to perform at her best. Watch diet and health over the next 24 hours. This moon has a short stay. She'll be off by 3:30pm on Thursday.

There is a 3-day walk for breast cancer coming this Fall. Participants may be looking for sponsors. Please be generous when asked. Fight-the-fight.

Have the best day every day.

Talk later...
www.kunati.com/linda-merlino
preorder Belly of the Whale at: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601640188