Eva Pasco's Blog - Posts Tagged "tribute"
In Deep!
For this Indie author, there’s no turning back! Once I officially released my second novel in the genre of Contemporary Women’s Fiction, ‘An Enlightening Quiche,’ (September 2016) –it’s been full steam ahead to put my book in the public eye.
It all started with a full-feature story about my novel and me appearing in the “East Bay Life” section of every East Bay area newspaper in Rhode Island (October 20, 2016). Due to this article, I received a librarian’s invitation to speak and sign at the Barrington Public Library on January 18th.
Henceforth, I had the confidence to procure several more library author events on local turf. I also appeared on ‘An Hour with Bob,’ a popular Rhode Island-based Cable TV program, where I spoke in earnest on behalf of my book.
https://youtu.be/4JoF7aWEBt4
Author interviews and takeovers on social media! And, lately--I’m in deep, sinking money into book contests in the hope of garnering more publicity and adding to my novel’s brag tag lines whenever I post my daily book ads. Thus far, I’m able to interchange these with my purchase links:
1st out of 77 Books Set in Rhode Island (Goodreads)
Midwest 5-Star Review
Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal
ATAI (Authors Talk About It) 5-Star Badge
2017 Top Female Author Nominee (The Authors Show)
I do not intend to enter every contest, preferring to focus efforts on selling my book. Nevertheless, here are three competitions I’ve recently submitted my novel:
2017 International Book Awards (Postmark Deadline: April 30th)
http://www.internationalbookawards.co...
Golden Quill Award Contest (Open from April 1 – June 30)
http://www.goldenboxbooks.com/golden-...
Readers’ Favorite Annual Book Award Contest (Deadline – May 1st)
https://readersfavorite.com/annual-bo...
My sincere thanks to all of those Indie authors helping other Indies by reaching out without asking for one red cent to do so!
*If you've made it to the bottom of this blog, feel free to pay it forward by giving a shout out to a fellow Indie who selflessly goes the distance by offering a service.
It all started with a full-feature story about my novel and me appearing in the “East Bay Life” section of every East Bay area newspaper in Rhode Island (October 20, 2016). Due to this article, I received a librarian’s invitation to speak and sign at the Barrington Public Library on January 18th.
Henceforth, I had the confidence to procure several more library author events on local turf. I also appeared on ‘An Hour with Bob,’ a popular Rhode Island-based Cable TV program, where I spoke in earnest on behalf of my book.
https://youtu.be/4JoF7aWEBt4
Author interviews and takeovers on social media! And, lately--I’m in deep, sinking money into book contests in the hope of garnering more publicity and adding to my novel’s brag tag lines whenever I post my daily book ads. Thus far, I’m able to interchange these with my purchase links:
1st out of 77 Books Set in Rhode Island (Goodreads)
Midwest 5-Star Review
Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Seal
ATAI (Authors Talk About It) 5-Star Badge
2017 Top Female Author Nominee (The Authors Show)
I do not intend to enter every contest, preferring to focus efforts on selling my book. Nevertheless, here are three competitions I’ve recently submitted my novel:
2017 International Book Awards (Postmark Deadline: April 30th)
http://www.internationalbookawards.co...
Golden Quill Award Contest (Open from April 1 – June 30)
http://www.goldenboxbooks.com/golden-...
Readers’ Favorite Annual Book Award Contest (Deadline – May 1st)
https://readersfavorite.com/annual-bo...
My sincere thanks to all of those Indie authors helping other Indies by reaching out without asking for one red cent to do so!
*If you've made it to the bottom of this blog, feel free to pay it forward by giving a shout out to a fellow Indie who selflessly goes the distance by offering a service.
Eva’s Byte #262 – Giving Credit Where Credit’s Due
Although, spinning in a different direction from Eva’s Byte #108 - My Mother: My Muse, published at Authors Den on May 12, 2017:
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they stay the same).
Staying the same: my mother, my muse, is a source of inspiration. She continues to convey her pride in my ability to write convincing stories.
These days, abiding by strict restrictions put in place at the assisted living facility where my mother resides—she’s even more of an inspiration. Although she occasionally bemoans not having her hair done, overall, my mother maintains a positive attitude and adheres to the healthy lifestyle credited for her longevity.
Giving credit where credit’s due:
Memoir #77 - My Mom’s True-Love Ways from 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017)
Back in the early Sixties when most moms were career housewives, my mom got up at five every morning to make my father’s lunch. This did not entail slapping a slice of baloney between two pieces of Wonder bread glued together with mustard. A true-love way to the nth degree, she’d either whip up a frittata or peppers and eggs, or a combo of sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. Then she’d generously stuff the contents inside two sandwiches made from thickly sliced Italian bread. Next, she’d dole whatever my dad was having into torpedo rolls for our school lunches while my sister and I set the table for breakfast.
Once my mother sent the three of us on our merry way, she washed and dried all the pots n’ pans and dishes before tackling housework and doing the laundry.
Since my mom didn’t drive at this juncture in her life, she had plenty of time before my father came home to lounge on the couch to suck up the soaps—Guiding Light, As the World Turns, or The Edge of Night—but, always found something to keep busy instead.
This could have run the gamut of raking the entire yard, mowing the lawn with our manual mower, or standing on a ladder to wash windows that required her to remove or reposition the storm windows.
Another one of my mom’s true-love ways was to surprise us by baking a cake from scratch, or out of a Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines box mix. One of my favorites was “coconut surprise”—not so much for the coconut, but the little bits of rainbow candies that melted in your mouth. I also liked when she surprised us with Pillsbury rolls fresh out of the oven to accompany our dinner.
On an off-day, my mother put the pedal to the metal on her Singer sewing machine where she designed clothes for our Barbie dolls without needing any patterns.
During the change of seasons I couldn’t wait to get home from school to see how she decorated my bedroom with its coordinating bedspread and curtains.
A Sixties mom’s “true-love ways” were unique to a decade where housewives ruled the roost while fathers were the sole providers who brought home the bacon. Oftentimes, these gals succumbed to the latest gizmos and gadgets peddled by door-to-door salesmen like the Fuller Brush man or Avon lady during an era when it was considered generally safe to allow doorbell ringers into your home.
Occasionally these moms visited neighbors and enjoyed conversation over a cup of coffee during the early afternoon. Mostly, a Sixties mom’s true-love ways lavished attention on her family.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose (The more things change, the more they stay the same).
Staying the same: my mother, my muse, is a source of inspiration. She continues to convey her pride in my ability to write convincing stories.
These days, abiding by strict restrictions put in place at the assisted living facility where my mother resides—she’s even more of an inspiration. Although she occasionally bemoans not having her hair done, overall, my mother maintains a positive attitude and adheres to the healthy lifestyle credited for her longevity.
Giving credit where credit’s due:
Memoir #77 - My Mom’s True-Love Ways from 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s (2017)
Back in the early Sixties when most moms were career housewives, my mom got up at five every morning to make my father’s lunch. This did not entail slapping a slice of baloney between two pieces of Wonder bread glued together with mustard. A true-love way to the nth degree, she’d either whip up a frittata or peppers and eggs, or a combo of sausage, peppers, and mushrooms. Then she’d generously stuff the contents inside two sandwiches made from thickly sliced Italian bread. Next, she’d dole whatever my dad was having into torpedo rolls for our school lunches while my sister and I set the table for breakfast.
Once my mother sent the three of us on our merry way, she washed and dried all the pots n’ pans and dishes before tackling housework and doing the laundry.
Since my mom didn’t drive at this juncture in her life, she had plenty of time before my father came home to lounge on the couch to suck up the soaps—Guiding Light, As the World Turns, or The Edge of Night—but, always found something to keep busy instead.
This could have run the gamut of raking the entire yard, mowing the lawn with our manual mower, or standing on a ladder to wash windows that required her to remove or reposition the storm windows.
Another one of my mom’s true-love ways was to surprise us by baking a cake from scratch, or out of a Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines box mix. One of my favorites was “coconut surprise”—not so much for the coconut, but the little bits of rainbow candies that melted in your mouth. I also liked when she surprised us with Pillsbury rolls fresh out of the oven to accompany our dinner.
On an off-day, my mother put the pedal to the metal on her Singer sewing machine where she designed clothes for our Barbie dolls without needing any patterns.
During the change of seasons I couldn’t wait to get home from school to see how she decorated my bedroom with its coordinating bedspread and curtains.
A Sixties mom’s “true-love ways” were unique to a decade where housewives ruled the roost while fathers were the sole providers who brought home the bacon. Oftentimes, these gals succumbed to the latest gizmos and gadgets peddled by door-to-door salesmen like the Fuller Brush man or Avon lady during an era when it was considered generally safe to allow doorbell ringers into your home.
Occasionally these moms visited neighbors and enjoyed conversation over a cup of coffee during the early afternoon. Mostly, a Sixties mom’s true-love ways lavished attention on her family.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #348 – Bridges
Whether traversing a bridge over troubled waters, or burning it behind us—we still have to get to the other side of 2021 onto the uncharted territory of 2022, hoping for the best. One of the best who crossed a bridge before Christmas into the parallel realm of Heaven, is my dear friend, Renee.
Renee Gauthier was a mentor to those in the Indie author community on Facebook. One of the co-founders of The Indie Writers’ Cooperative, she and Joanne Van Leerdam spearheaded a group “dedicated to the encouragement and support of our fellow Indie Authors.”
I’d first met Renee and the others who would form the Indie Fabs (Aliya DalRae, Jeannie JB Richards, Aryl Shanti, and Joanne Van Leerdam) in 2016. Newly published after a ten-year hiatus, and out of the social media loop, it was with fear and trepidation that I signed up for a holiday author event held at the Cooperative. I recall Renee privately messaging each author to cue us in and to offer words of encouragement at a time when such events were just coming into their own on social media.
The Indie Writers’ Cooperative was just one venture where Renee excelled for dispensing her vast knowledge of the industry on behalf of Indies.
Due to her creative endeavors and enterprises, she leaves behind an impressive legacy on this side through her amazing cover designs. She designed covers for my Nonfiction Memoir and Novella.
And, her memorable books. I have a special place in my heart for Renee’s Christmas Miracle series which evolved from her love of Christmas. She had so many more projects in the works.
R.M. Gauthier: https://www.amazon.com/R-M-Gauthier/e...?
Sebastian Winters: https://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Wint...?
Most importantly, Renee has made inroads in my heart and has left indelible impressions in my mind for her endearing friendship, encouraging words, sense of humor, and unwavering support.
Crossing the bridge into the New Year, I’m traveling light from my resolve to leave unwanted baggage behind. Coming with me in 2022, are the cherished memories retained of loved ones on earth and in the heavenly realm where Renee’s dreams now have wings to fly.
Best wishes to all for renewing faith and hope along the journey of 2022.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Renee Gauthier was a mentor to those in the Indie author community on Facebook. One of the co-founders of The Indie Writers’ Cooperative, she and Joanne Van Leerdam spearheaded a group “dedicated to the encouragement and support of our fellow Indie Authors.”
I’d first met Renee and the others who would form the Indie Fabs (Aliya DalRae, Jeannie JB Richards, Aryl Shanti, and Joanne Van Leerdam) in 2016. Newly published after a ten-year hiatus, and out of the social media loop, it was with fear and trepidation that I signed up for a holiday author event held at the Cooperative. I recall Renee privately messaging each author to cue us in and to offer words of encouragement at a time when such events were just coming into their own on social media.
The Indie Writers’ Cooperative was just one venture where Renee excelled for dispensing her vast knowledge of the industry on behalf of Indies.
Due to her creative endeavors and enterprises, she leaves behind an impressive legacy on this side through her amazing cover designs. She designed covers for my Nonfiction Memoir and Novella.
And, her memorable books. I have a special place in my heart for Renee’s Christmas Miracle series which evolved from her love of Christmas. She had so many more projects in the works.
R.M. Gauthier: https://www.amazon.com/R-M-Gauthier/e...?
Sebastian Winters: https://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Wint...?
Most importantly, Renee has made inroads in my heart and has left indelible impressions in my mind for her endearing friendship, encouraging words, sense of humor, and unwavering support.
Crossing the bridge into the New Year, I’m traveling light from my resolve to leave unwanted baggage behind. Coming with me in 2022, are the cherished memories retained of loved ones on earth and in the heavenly realm where Renee’s dreams now have wings to fly.
Best wishes to all for renewing faith and hope along the journey of 2022.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #366 – Bits and Pieces
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I’ve dedicated this blog to my 91-year-old mother who continues to wield a profound influence on me. In recent years, she survived a stroke, cardiovascular surgery, and COVID. To my delight and pride, she’s still independent, feisty, plainspoken, and stylish. We’ll celebrate the day having lunch with my cousins at one of our favorite restaurants.
The bits and pieces of tributes I’ve selected are tweaked from previous memoirs and blogs:
It is suggested that to become a good writer, one must first be a good reader. My mother whetted my lifelong appetite for reading. Ever since I was a toddler sitting on her lap while she read stories to me, I developed a fascination with words, delighted by the turn of phrase in the English fairy tale, “Teeny Tiny”: “Once upon a time there was a teeny-tiny woman who lived in a teeny-tiny house in a teeny-tiny village …”
Two pearls of wisdom she often dispensed which echo in my mind are: “Don’t follow the crowd—be a leader” and “Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes.”
Widowed at thirty-five, she blazed trails during a time when no parental support groups or pop network psychologists existed. Having just gotten her driver’s license, she got behind the wheel of her blue 1966 Chevy Nova and gunned it out of the driveway. On a mission, she was intent on giving my junior high school principal a piece of her mind after I told her he’d been paying visits to the girls’ gym locker room. Needless to say, we didn’t see him “no more!”
Before the start of my sophomore year in college, I wanted to quit because the classes I needed to register had filled up and closed, making me frantic in my attempt to drop/add, drop/add. Exhausted and blistered, I blurted my intention to her. Although my mother sympathized, she extended no pity, telling me I wasn’t the only one to face a challenge. However, she made a call to the Dean telling him in no uncertain terms that for the price of my tuition, she expected me to get the classes I needed to graduate. The following day the Dean opened up more sections for those in a similar plight.
I have folded a printed copy of this blog inside her Mother’s Day card which was mailed.
*Regardless of gender or caregiving role, may the spirit of Mother’s Day be with you.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
The bits and pieces of tributes I’ve selected are tweaked from previous memoirs and blogs:
It is suggested that to become a good writer, one must first be a good reader. My mother whetted my lifelong appetite for reading. Ever since I was a toddler sitting on her lap while she read stories to me, I developed a fascination with words, delighted by the turn of phrase in the English fairy tale, “Teeny Tiny”: “Once upon a time there was a teeny-tiny woman who lived in a teeny-tiny house in a teeny-tiny village …”
Two pearls of wisdom she often dispensed which echo in my mind are: “Don’t follow the crowd—be a leader” and “Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes.”
Widowed at thirty-five, she blazed trails during a time when no parental support groups or pop network psychologists existed. Having just gotten her driver’s license, she got behind the wheel of her blue 1966 Chevy Nova and gunned it out of the driveway. On a mission, she was intent on giving my junior high school principal a piece of her mind after I told her he’d been paying visits to the girls’ gym locker room. Needless to say, we didn’t see him “no more!”
Before the start of my sophomore year in college, I wanted to quit because the classes I needed to register had filled up and closed, making me frantic in my attempt to drop/add, drop/add. Exhausted and blistered, I blurted my intention to her. Although my mother sympathized, she extended no pity, telling me I wasn’t the only one to face a challenge. However, she made a call to the Dean telling him in no uncertain terms that for the price of my tuition, she expected me to get the classes I needed to graduate. The following day the Dean opened up more sections for those in a similar plight.
I have folded a printed copy of this blog inside her Mother’s Day card which was mailed.
*Regardless of gender or caregiving role, may the spirit of Mother’s Day be with you.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte # 396 – Love, Joy, and Hope
Suffice it to say without preaching to the choir, the Christmas season wraps itself around the renewable gifts of love, hope, and joy. Not one to wear my heart on my sleeve, I’d be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to my sister at this point in time.
Love:
Oh, we had our share of sibling squabbles growing up—she, the adventurous daredevil; me, the demur bookworm. To this day, I recall how she preyed upon my squeamishness for all things that jostled by rocking the Ferris wheel car we occupied while stopped at the tippity-top.
An active outdoor enthusiast, she continues to live on the cutting edge: whitewater rafting – Class V, strenuous hiking, and boxing.
Joy:
When I discovered she will make a full recovery after undergoing ten hours of emergency, open-heart surgery to reconstruct her heart after sustaining a three-fold aortic rupture. It’s a miracle, really!
Hope:
While she has a long road ahead of her, my sister’s strength, resilience, and self-discipline will overcome this temporary setback, one day at a time surrounded by the comforts of home.
In my capacity as a writer, I completed drafting chapter 23 (1651 words) of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting chapter 24 (216 words thus far).
*May each of us value the spiritual gifts of love, joy, and hope to better ourselves and humankind.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Love:
Oh, we had our share of sibling squabbles growing up—she, the adventurous daredevil; me, the demur bookworm. To this day, I recall how she preyed upon my squeamishness for all things that jostled by rocking the Ferris wheel car we occupied while stopped at the tippity-top.
An active outdoor enthusiast, she continues to live on the cutting edge: whitewater rafting – Class V, strenuous hiking, and boxing.
Joy:
When I discovered she will make a full recovery after undergoing ten hours of emergency, open-heart surgery to reconstruct her heart after sustaining a three-fold aortic rupture. It’s a miracle, really!
Hope:
While she has a long road ahead of her, my sister’s strength, resilience, and self-discipline will overcome this temporary setback, one day at a time surrounded by the comforts of home.
In my capacity as a writer, I completed drafting chapter 23 (1651 words) of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting chapter 24 (216 words thus far).
*May each of us value the spiritual gifts of love, joy, and hope to better ourselves and humankind.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
