Jane Kirkpatrick, author of thirteen award-winning and bestselling historical novels and three non-fiction books has just signed with WaterBrook Press/Random House for a new project combining history, quilts and crafts. Her agency, Hartline Marketing and Literary Services announced the agreement today.
Stitching Stories: The Quilts and Crafts of the Aurora, Oregon Colony will be published in the fall of 2008. Both a gift book of inspiration and a tribute to the longest-surviving communal Christian colony in the western United States, Stitching Stories is set to coincide with renewed interest in the American craft movement as well as the 150th anniversary of Oregon's statehood in 2009. Kirkpatrick's Change and Cherish Historical Series is based on the life of the only woman sent west to help found the western colony in the 1850s. Book three in the fictional series, A Mending at the Edge will be released by WaterBrook/Random House in April, 2008. A Tendering in the Storm, book two, has received critical acclaim since its release in April. (www.faithfulreader.com).
Settled in 1856 as a German-American Christian community whose members traveled from Pennsylvania and Missouri to Aurora, Oregon, its artisans were known for their weaving of beauty, faith and function through their colorful quilts and fibers, unique basketry, fine music, hand-tooled furniture and the culinary arts that served their neighbors and each other. The colony disbanded in 1884 but the town it founded continues on the historic register as one of the oldest settlements in Oregon and its history is one of a faith community living with relevance to the outside world. A fine museum houses the artifacts including more than 80 original quilts many of which will be highlighted with photographs in this coffee table gift book. Read more about this and other works at www.jkbooks.com and www.janekirkpatrick.blogspot.com
Monday, May 28, 2007
Member Contract News
WWW friends, I have spent five years of my life making this following announcement happen.
I have been offered a contract for my biography of Nancy Harkness Love, the woman who founded and led the women pilots who ferried airplanes for the U.S. Army in World War II. I began researching and writing this book in the spring of 2002.
On April 30, I completed the lengthy peer review process with the University of North Texas Press in Denton, Texas. — The waiting and responding, always positively, to the critiques, and working to EVER improve on the manuscript, were grueling. Today — May 22, 2007 — the university’s editorial board endorsed my work and approved a contract.
We don’t have the title nailed down yet, but it will be something like Nancy Harkness Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II. The target publication is in time for the Women In Aviation Conference, to be held mid March 2008 in San Diego. The women and men who attend this conference are my “choir” so to speak — they buy my books about the women who flew in WWII.
This will be the first biography on Love, who died in 1976. It follows my history of Nancy’s group — THE ORIGINALS: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II, published in 2001 by Disc-Us Books Inc. Love recruited 28 women in the fall of 1942 to form the initial women’s ferrying squadron for the Air Transport Command, U.S. Army Air Forces.
Nancy’s “girls”— the group grew from the original 28 to a high of 303 in early 1944 — began ferrying trainers then moved up to twin-engine aircraft and a few, including Love, flew the big four-engine bombers like the B-17. But the biggest job these women did for the Army was to ferry the swift, capricious WWII fighters known as pursuits — the fastest planes the Army had in 1944. The women moved these airplanes from the factories to the docks on both coasts to be shipped abroad to combat.
The women who flew — as civilians — for the Army in World War II became known as the WASP in 1943.
Nancy Love was a true a pioneer — a woman with courage, spirit and vision. More to come on the Nancy Love book as we proceed toward publication.
Posted by Sarah Byrn Rickman
Also the author of THE ORIGINALS: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II — a history —
and FLIGHT FROM FEAR — a WASP WWII novel.
I have been offered a contract for my biography of Nancy Harkness Love, the woman who founded and led the women pilots who ferried airplanes for the U.S. Army in World War II. I began researching and writing this book in the spring of 2002.
On April 30, I completed the lengthy peer review process with the University of North Texas Press in Denton, Texas. — The waiting and responding, always positively, to the critiques, and working to EVER improve on the manuscript, were grueling. Today — May 22, 2007 — the university’s editorial board endorsed my work and approved a contract.
We don’t have the title nailed down yet, but it will be something like Nancy Harkness Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II. The target publication is in time for the Women In Aviation Conference, to be held mid March 2008 in San Diego. The women and men who attend this conference are my “choir” so to speak — they buy my books about the women who flew in WWII.
This will be the first biography on Love, who died in 1976. It follows my history of Nancy’s group — THE ORIGINALS: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II, published in 2001 by Disc-Us Books Inc. Love recruited 28 women in the fall of 1942 to form the initial women’s ferrying squadron for the Air Transport Command, U.S. Army Air Forces.
Nancy’s “girls”— the group grew from the original 28 to a high of 303 in early 1944 — began ferrying trainers then moved up to twin-engine aircraft and a few, including Love, flew the big four-engine bombers like the B-17. But the biggest job these women did for the Army was to ferry the swift, capricious WWII fighters known as pursuits — the fastest planes the Army had in 1944. The women moved these airplanes from the factories to the docks on both coasts to be shipped abroad to combat.
The women who flew — as civilians — for the Army in World War II became known as the WASP in 1943.
Nancy Love was a true a pioneer — a woman with courage, spirit and vision. More to come on the Nancy Love book as we proceed toward publication.
Posted by Sarah Byrn Rickman
Also the author of THE ORIGINALS: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II — a history —
and FLIGHT FROM FEAR — a WASP WWII novel.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Advice for a young writer (or any writer!)
I'm writing an article for a magazine aimed at young artists of all sorts - writers, dancers, actors, visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers. My assignment is to interview noted arts professionals and ask them what they'd say to emerging artists to help them make their work shine, shout out, be noticed.
When I interviewed poet David Lee - Lee was one of the top two candidates for the post of Poet Laureate of the United States the other year and has been called the Mark Twain of humorous poetry - he offered these four nuggets:
Susan J. Tweit
Check out my weekly podcasts on my web site or read more on my blog
When I interviewed poet David Lee - Lee was one of the top two candidates for the post of Poet Laureate of the United States the other year and has been called the Mark Twain of humorous poetry - he offered these four nuggets:
1. Believe in yourself. This above all else, to thine own self be true, Polonius from Shakespeare's Hamlet.May the words flow!
2. Have a commitment to what you do. You were probably chosen to be an artist: the words choose the writer.
3. Have an audience in mind. I pick people and write my poems to them. When I think they would like it, it's probably well-written.
4. Be well-read: fifty percent of good writing is good reading.
Susan J. Tweit
Check out my weekly podcasts on my web site or read more on my blog
Sunday, April 29, 2007
entering the blog age
I finally have a blog in no small part because of the support of Women Writing the West. Why is it that new things tend to increase our anxiety -- or at least they do mine. I'm always wondering how women used to do it, take on new tasks without ever having the certainty of the outcome. Well, the reality is, we're all living in a wilderness at times looking for new information and trying very hard to discover how to take the next steps. In the writing life, blogging is "a step" I've taken and I'm grateful to the women and men who stepped before me who made it possible. Now we'll see what it does for reader connection. That's my hope for this blog, at least, to stay connected to readers as well as to other writers. Come visit my blog http://janekirkpatrick.blogspot.com It's called Harvests of Starvation Lane and my writing life has surely been a harvest for me. Jane Kirkpatrick, www.jkbooks.com
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Finding Clarice, by Jo-Brew exerpt
Chapter 1
Clarice opened the brief memo folded into the get-well card and read it again, her anger causing her hands to tremble.
Claire,
All of us hope your recovery is going better. It is difficult to explain your long absence to impatient clients. We will have to discuss making permanent changes if you aren't back soon. There may be other options so let us know when we can expect you.
Liz
No word at all from her mother for the last three months, and now this. She crumpled the memo and started to toss it in the wastebasket but changed her mind and stuck it in the pocket of her shorts. Still fuming, she forced herself to continue with her interrupted schedule. She opened the front door to step onto the little porch.
Whistles and cat calls from a crew of roofers working on the house across the street caused her to hesitate, but not for long. She turned and picked up the cane before beginning limping steps toward the street and bike path.
She started the three mile walk slowly but pushed herself to pick up the pace, passing in front of her father's house half a block past her own apartment. She was so frustrated she hoped he wasn't home from work yet, or wouldn't notice her going by. He'd want to talk if he saw her starting her third walk and whe didn't feel like chatting after the note. He could read her like a book. He'd know she was upset.
She heard her father's screen door slam. Dammit. Then she heard the thud of his footsteps as he came after her, nearly at a run. She didn't slow.
"Clarice, wait up. Why so fast?"
"I have to get in my three miles," she called back but still didn't slow.
"Knock this off, Clarice. I need to talk to you."
Hearing the anger in his voice, she slowed. This wasn't his fault. He was only trying to help.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I want to get this done. I need to get back to my own life."
www.Jo-Brew.com
Clarice opened the brief memo folded into the get-well card and read it again, her anger causing her hands to tremble.
Claire,
All of us hope your recovery is going better. It is difficult to explain your long absence to impatient clients. We will have to discuss making permanent changes if you aren't back soon. There may be other options so let us know when we can expect you.
Liz
No word at all from her mother for the last three months, and now this. She crumpled the memo and started to toss it in the wastebasket but changed her mind and stuck it in the pocket of her shorts. Still fuming, she forced herself to continue with her interrupted schedule. She opened the front door to step onto the little porch.
Whistles and cat calls from a crew of roofers working on the house across the street caused her to hesitate, but not for long. She turned and picked up the cane before beginning limping steps toward the street and bike path.
She started the three mile walk slowly but pushed herself to pick up the pace, passing in front of her father's house half a block past her own apartment. She was so frustrated she hoped he wasn't home from work yet, or wouldn't notice her going by. He'd want to talk if he saw her starting her third walk and whe didn't feel like chatting after the note. He could read her like a book. He'd know she was upset.
She heard her father's screen door slam. Dammit. Then she heard the thud of his footsteps as he came after her, nearly at a run. She didn't slow.
"Clarice, wait up. Why so fast?"
"I have to get in my three miles," she called back but still didn't slow.
"Knock this off, Clarice. I need to talk to you."
Hearing the anger in his voice, she slowed. This wasn't his fault. He was only trying to help.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I want to get this done. I need to get back to my own life."
www.Jo-Brew.com
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Western Women draw half the Town
WWW members Jane Kirkpatrick (I'm in the green) and Molly Gloss (tall and in the brown) were two of four Western Heritage presenters in little Moro, Oregon (pop 300) that attracted 123 people from around the region to celebrate Women in History month and the heritage of the west. The event was held in the 120 year old Presbyterian Church, the only church in the community and was funded in part from a grant given by the Oregon Historical Trust.
Jeanne Carver (in the leather skirt), co-owner of the Imperial Stock Ranch one of the oldest ranches in the country still in operation and Sherry Kaseberg, a Sherman county Commissioner, rounded out the event that included stories of women homesteaders, how women were portrayed in early western literature, the impact of place and art on stories of pioneers, women of color and the relationships of work and spirituality and landscape on women's stories. Even the chuckwagon lunch included an original 1880s chuckwagon and a story about the role of chuckwagons in settling the American west.
As they say in old Grange secretarial reports "A good time was had by all."
Jane Kirkpatrick, www.jkbooks.com, Award-winning author of 13 novels and two non-fiction books. Look for A Tendering in the Storm, April 17, Book Two in the Change and Cherish Series (WaterBrook Press/Random House).
Jeanne Carver (in the leather skirt), co-owner of the Imperial Stock Ranch one of the oldest ranches in the country still in operation and Sherry Kaseberg, a Sherman county Commissioner, rounded out the event that included stories of women homesteaders, how women were portrayed in early western literature, the impact of place and art on stories of pioneers, women of color and the relationships of work and spirituality and landscape on women's stories. Even the chuckwagon lunch included an original 1880s chuckwagon and a story about the role of chuckwagons in settling the American west.
As they say in old Grange secretarial reports "A good time was had by all."
Jane Kirkpatrick, www.jkbooks.com, Award-winning author of 13 novels and two non-fiction books. Look for A Tendering in the Storm, April 17, Book Two in the Change and Cherish Series (WaterBrook Press/Random House).
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Join me at a Denver garden book event!
If any of you Denver-area writers are in a gardening mood this Saturday (April 7th), come by Tattered Cover Bookstore in Highlands Ranch (9315 Dorchester Street, between Lucent Drive and Broadway in the Highlands Ranch Town Center) from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. I'm part of an "expert panel" of garden book writers including Angela Overy (Sex in the Garden) and Dave Wann (The Zen of Gardening in the High and Arid West) there to answer your questions about playing with plants in our challenging environment. The point is to sell books, of course, but I'd be happy to see any and all of you whether you buy books or not.
Speaking of gardening, the spinach and Mesclun lettuce mix I planted in my kitchen garden last fall survived the winter (under row covers and some serious snow) and are now happily producing early greens. And the tomatoes and basil I seeds I started inside three weeks ago are growing apace; they're nearly ready to transplant to larger pots. The daffodils are blooming and we saw the first mountain bluebird today, blue as a chip of sky fallen to earth. Spring is here!
Susan J. Tweit -- check out my blog at http://communityoftheland.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 30, 2007
Back To College
Last Friday, March 23, 2007, was my first experience at the Colorado Independent Publishers’ Association CIPA College. It was also the first time their awards annual banquet was scheduled to follow the sessions that day, a good and effective change.
I had a blast at CIPA College, and at the banquet that followed. It helped that my book, published by Filter Press, Unsinkable: The Molly Brown Story, was selected as a CIPA Award Finalist receiving 2nd place in the Juvenile division. Beyond that, I spent a most worthwhile day, soaking up information and networking with some great people in the book world.
I have been a serious author for more than a decade, a pre-press and graphics professional for a quarter of a century, and a writer all my cognitive life. Although I’m fairly road-tested by now, I don’t presume to know it all, nor even know a good portion of it all. From that standpoint, much of what I saw and heard was already familiar, but there were plenty of ideas and bits of wisdom I was pleased to learn and to add to my arsenal.
My biggest thrill was meeting John Kremer. This is THE marketing guru who wrote the book I picked up some 25 years ago entitled, 101 Ways To Market Your Books. The book and Kremer are still going strong, and his latest version is called 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. I am trying to catch up on my reading so I can study the other 900 ways to market my books. CIPA College’s rotating roundtable format allowed me to talk one-on-one with The Man himself. Wow. I hope my rock-star hero worship wasn’t too apparent.
At any rate, I consider my day at CIPA College a huge success and an injection of inspiration, especially in my weak areas of marketing. I appreciate the folks who brought together these professionals so that we could benefit from them. And thanks to them for the recognition of our work with a much appreciated CIPA EVVY finalist award! Check out the rest of my books at www.lohseworks.com .
My great experience at CIPA College made me anticipate the WWW Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Colorado Springs this fall, Oct. 19-21, 2007. It was a huge success last year and promises to be even better this year. Can't wait to see everybody again and to get that surge of inspiration, wisdom, and fun.
I had a blast at CIPA College, and at the banquet that followed. It helped that my book, published by Filter Press, Unsinkable: The Molly Brown Story, was selected as a CIPA Award Finalist receiving 2nd place in the Juvenile division. Beyond that, I spent a most worthwhile day, soaking up information and networking with some great people in the book world.
I have been a serious author for more than a decade, a pre-press and graphics professional for a quarter of a century, and a writer all my cognitive life. Although I’m fairly road-tested by now, I don’t presume to know it all, nor even know a good portion of it all. From that standpoint, much of what I saw and heard was already familiar, but there were plenty of ideas and bits of wisdom I was pleased to learn and to add to my arsenal.
My biggest thrill was meeting John Kremer. This is THE marketing guru who wrote the book I picked up some 25 years ago entitled, 101 Ways To Market Your Books. The book and Kremer are still going strong, and his latest version is called 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. I am trying to catch up on my reading so I can study the other 900 ways to market my books. CIPA College’s rotating roundtable format allowed me to talk one-on-one with The Man himself. Wow. I hope my rock-star hero worship wasn’t too apparent.
At any rate, I consider my day at CIPA College a huge success and an injection of inspiration, especially in my weak areas of marketing. I appreciate the folks who brought together these professionals so that we could benefit from them. And thanks to them for the recognition of our work with a much appreciated CIPA EVVY finalist award! Check out the rest of my books at www.lohseworks.com .
My great experience at CIPA College made me anticipate the WWW Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Colorado Springs this fall, Oct. 19-21, 2007. It was a huge success last year and promises to be even better this year. Can't wait to see everybody again and to get that surge of inspiration, wisdom, and fun.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
What Wildness Is This
When I got my copy of What Wildness Is This, an anthology of women writing about land and life in the Southwest co-edited by WWW member Susan Wittig Albert, my jaw dropped. It wasn't just the wide range of writers represented, including Barbara Kinsolver, Leslie Marmon Silko, Teresa Jordan, Naomi Shihab Nye, Luci Tapahanso, Denise Chavez, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer - nearly 100 in all. Nor was it the inspiring range of genres and cultures and languages; nor even the fact that it includes an essay of mine. It was the sheer beauty of the words and the design. Anthologies can be throw-away volumes, catchalls of unrelated writing hastily thrown together. Not this one: everything from the cover photo to the paper, ivory and a satisfying weight, with a lovely ragged outside edge, to the order of the voices and the writing itself, is beautifully done and inviting. Inviting readers to take it home and curl up in a favorite reading spot, and let the pages fall open to sample the voices of women speaking eloquently and passionately for land, culture, self, and place.
What Wildness Is This was just released by University of Texas Press. "Land Full of Stories," a writing conference inspired by the book will take place in San Marcos, Texas, June 7-9, 2007.
Monday, March 12, 2007
WHAT NEXT, MS. ELLIOTT? by Jo-Brew excerpt
Prologue
Late March--
In Seattle, Rachel sat across the desk from Carolyn Page, her counselor. She was nervous as she watched the woman sign off on the final paperwork. Rachel had completed the eighteen-month rehabilitation program the judge had sentenced her to after he'd studied the records from the hospital. He'd asked her if she knew how close to dying she'd come. When she answered she did, he'd told her he was going to give her this one last chance instead of sending her to jail again.
She'd gone through the six month locked down program determined to win this time. Now she'd served the required year of supervised probation in a half way house. She was free to build a new life, as long as she stayed out of trouble and reported in for her urine test every month.
In southern Oregon, Dr. Keith Roberts, M.D., a prominent oncologist, sat facing his patient across his file-covered desk. He hated this part of his job. Especially when it was a patient he respected. This woman had courage and strength. She wouldn't cry. Never had. He'd been treating her for more than ten years, since she'd found the lump in her breast and had the mastectomy. The cancer had come back and he'd told her she was terminal two years ago. She'd put her chin up and let him know she wouldn't accept it, she'd fight tooth and nail.
"Madeline, I'm sorry but you have to know the reports from the new MRI show it's spreading faster. We have things we need to finish. You have to appoint someone to make your health care decisions when you can't. It's way past time." He reached to hand her the form but she didn't take it.
In Eugene, Ruth wondered how she could survive the emptiness of retirement. The only place she counted was in the school. She'd been a good teacher and she knew she'd given the children a strong base. If she let herself think about the unknowns ahead, the feelings of panic almost made her ill. The big question was still unanswered. What Next, Ms. Elliott?
While she walked down the ramp from the administration office, she let herself think about how strange it would be never to come back after all the official visits. This old building was just another part of her past.
www.Jo-Brew.com
Prologue
Late March--
In Seattle, Rachel sat across the desk from Carolyn Page, her counselor. She was nervous as she watched the woman sign off on the final paperwork. Rachel had completed the eighteen-month rehabilitation program the judge had sentenced her to after he'd studied the records from the hospital. He'd asked her if she knew how close to dying she'd come. When she answered she did, he'd told her he was going to give her this one last chance instead of sending her to jail again.
She'd gone through the six month locked down program determined to win this time. Now she'd served the required year of supervised probation in a half way house. She was free to build a new life, as long as she stayed out of trouble and reported in for her urine test every month.
In southern Oregon, Dr. Keith Roberts, M.D., a prominent oncologist, sat facing his patient across his file-covered desk. He hated this part of his job. Especially when it was a patient he respected. This woman had courage and strength. She wouldn't cry. Never had. He'd been treating her for more than ten years, since she'd found the lump in her breast and had the mastectomy. The cancer had come back and he'd told her she was terminal two years ago. She'd put her chin up and let him know she wouldn't accept it, she'd fight tooth and nail.
"Madeline, I'm sorry but you have to know the reports from the new MRI show it's spreading faster. We have things we need to finish. You have to appoint someone to make your health care decisions when you can't. It's way past time." He reached to hand her the form but she didn't take it.
In Eugene, Ruth wondered how she could survive the emptiness of retirement. The only place she counted was in the school. She'd been a good teacher and she knew she'd given the children a strong base. If she let herself think about the unknowns ahead, the feelings of panic almost made her ill. The big question was still unanswered. What Next, Ms. Elliott?
While she walked down the ramp from the administration office, she let herself think about how strange it would be never to come back after all the official visits. This old building was just another part of her past.
www.Jo-Brew.com
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Talk about world-class experiences!
Two weeks ago, I attended the 18th annual Women in Aviation International conference, held this year at one of the Disney conference centers in Orlando. WWW’s president Jacque Boyd and I roomed together.
Jacque is part of the volunteer staff for WIA. I went to sell my books. I write about the WASPs – the women pilots of World War II. Nine of those ladies were there – all old friends of mine – and after conference attendees meet them at their booth, they come buy my books. I always sell well at WIA. This year, I sold every copy I took.
I also went to help staff the International Women’s Air and Space Museum booth. I got my start writing about the WASP while doing freelance work for IWASM and take every opportunity to give back by working their booth at WIA.
But my finest reason for being there was to help honor an outstanding lady. Her name is Iris Cummings Critchell. She is one of the WASPs and I am proud to call her my friend. Let me tell you a little about her.
Iris was a member of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team in Berlin in 1936 and reigned as U.S. women’s 200-meter breaststroke champion from 1936 to 1939. She majored in science and math at the University of Southern California and graduated from the first Civilian Pilot Training class there. She then flight instructed CPT classes and Navy Cadets until December 1942 when she became a member of the second WASP class. That makes her a member of an exclusive community of 1102 WWII-era women, of whom about 400 survive.
She flew the hot Army planes known then as pursuits and today as fighters — the P-47, P-51, A-20, P-38 and P-61, and many other single and twin-engine aircraft as well.
Using her education and aviation acumen, she wrote several special aviation curricula that use the airplane as an educational tool to broaden and enhance the education of three age groups of young people: junior high, high school and college level.
She and her WWII pilot husband, Howard, established the Bates Foundation’s college age program at Harvey Mudd College of Science and Engineering at the Claremont Colleges in 1962. Iris served as director of the Bates Aeronautics Program and for 28 years served as Lecturer in Aeronautics on the college faculty.
A 53-year member of the Ninety-Nines (international organization for women pilots), she competed in 15 All Woman Transcontinental Air Races (better known as the Powder Puff Derby). She retains all of her flight ratings, including that of flight instructor, and still flies her own Cessna 172.
On February 16, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame. I had the privilege of sitting next to her at the banquet. I also had the privilege of nominating her for this honor.
A woman of the west – born and bred in southern California – an athlete, an aviator, a teacher, a scholar, and an absolutely incredible human being. Iris is 86 years young.
Sarah Rickman, author of THE ORIGINALS — the story of the first women to fly for the U.S. Army in WWII — and — WILLA Literary Award Finalist, FLIGHT FROM FEAR, a WASP WWII novel.
Jacque is part of the volunteer staff for WIA. I went to sell my books. I write about the WASPs – the women pilots of World War II. Nine of those ladies were there – all old friends of mine – and after conference attendees meet them at their booth, they come buy my books. I always sell well at WIA. This year, I sold every copy I took.
I also went to help staff the International Women’s Air and Space Museum booth. I got my start writing about the WASP while doing freelance work for IWASM and take every opportunity to give back by working their booth at WIA.
But my finest reason for being there was to help honor an outstanding lady. Her name is Iris Cummings Critchell. She is one of the WASPs and I am proud to call her my friend. Let me tell you a little about her.
Iris was a member of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team in Berlin in 1936 and reigned as U.S. women’s 200-meter breaststroke champion from 1936 to 1939. She majored in science and math at the University of Southern California and graduated from the first Civilian Pilot Training class there. She then flight instructed CPT classes and Navy Cadets until December 1942 when she became a member of the second WASP class. That makes her a member of an exclusive community of 1102 WWII-era women, of whom about 400 survive.
She flew the hot Army planes known then as pursuits and today as fighters — the P-47, P-51, A-20, P-38 and P-61, and many other single and twin-engine aircraft as well.
Using her education and aviation acumen, she wrote several special aviation curricula that use the airplane as an educational tool to broaden and enhance the education of three age groups of young people: junior high, high school and college level.
She and her WWII pilot husband, Howard, established the Bates Foundation’s college age program at Harvey Mudd College of Science and Engineering at the Claremont Colleges in 1962. Iris served as director of the Bates Aeronautics Program and for 28 years served as Lecturer in Aeronautics on the college faculty.
A 53-year member of the Ninety-Nines (international organization for women pilots), she competed in 15 All Woman Transcontinental Air Races (better known as the Powder Puff Derby). She retains all of her flight ratings, including that of flight instructor, and still flies her own Cessna 172.
On February 16, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame. I had the privilege of sitting next to her at the banquet. I also had the privilege of nominating her for this honor.
A woman of the west – born and bred in southern California – an athlete, an aviator, a teacher, a scholar, and an absolutely incredible human being. Iris is 86 years young.
Sarah Rickman, author of THE ORIGINALS — the story of the first women to fly for the U.S. Army in WWII — and — WILLA Literary Award Finalist, FLIGHT FROM FEAR, a WASP WWII novel.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Writers By The Sea Workshop
Toward the end of January, I participtated in the Writers By The Sea workshop on the Oregon coast. The workshop was put on by John Reed, well known instructor, editor and novelist. He included an excellent review of the elements that should be in every scene. I know them but realized I've let myself get careless as I grew more involved in telling the story. Now I'm doing an extra revision of the novel currently underway, Marge, Back On Track, to strengthen every scene.
Jo-Brew www.Jo@Jo-Brew.com
Jo-Brew www.Jo@Jo-Brew.com
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Women In History
March happens to be women in history month. As fortune would have it, our local community requested a grant from the Oregon Cultural Trust for a Western Heritage Gathering in our little town of Moro, population, 300, to celebrate women in history and our local heritage.
National Book Award nominee (and WWW member) Molly Gloss will present a program about the characterization of women through history in literature. A woman who helps run the Imperial Stock Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in the Northwest, will talk about how they've diversified through the years and gone "green" and how she designs sheepskin clothing for high end markets, among other things, as ways to stay on the land. Another woman will talk about researching historical sites and I think she's coming in character; and another, a county commissioner, wrote a book about the place names of our region and why that has fascinated her so. I'm going to talk about the four versions of a Woman's West that WWW had a glimpse of in Denver in 2001. That presentation of four women of color and their artwork presenting their view of the west affected me a great deal and I've gotten permission from the curator of that collection (now housed in the Autry Museum in LA) to show the slides and talk about them. We'll tour the local (and award-winning museum) and have a genuine B-B-Que lunch and it's all for $20. We aren't planning to make money but will be able to cover costs for travel and small honoraria for the women presenters which I always think is great.
I share this because it isn't too late to think about a little presentation in your own town, maybe at the library or at a civic club. Every one of us has something we could offer about women in history and the various roles women have played and continue to play. Gather up another WWW member (or go it alone!) but it would be a gift you could give to your community and yourself.
And if you happen to be in Moro, Or on March 24th, you all come! Jane
Jane Kirkpatrick, www.jkbooks.com
Award-winning author of 12 novels and two non-fiction books. A Clearing in the Wild, Book One of the Change and Cherish Series (WaterBrook Press/Random House) is available now!
Stories are the sparks that light our ancestors' lives, the embers we blow on to illuminate our own.
National Book Award nominee (and WWW member) Molly Gloss will present a program about the characterization of women through history in literature. A woman who helps run the Imperial Stock Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in the Northwest, will talk about how they've diversified through the years and gone "green" and how she designs sheepskin clothing for high end markets, among other things, as ways to stay on the land. Another woman will talk about researching historical sites and I think she's coming in character; and another, a county commissioner, wrote a book about the place names of our region and why that has fascinated her so. I'm going to talk about the four versions of a Woman's West that WWW had a glimpse of in Denver in 2001. That presentation of four women of color and their artwork presenting their view of the west affected me a great deal and I've gotten permission from the curator of that collection (now housed in the Autry Museum in LA) to show the slides and talk about them. We'll tour the local (and award-winning museum) and have a genuine B-B-Que lunch and it's all for $20. We aren't planning to make money but will be able to cover costs for travel and small honoraria for the women presenters which I always think is great.
I share this because it isn't too late to think about a little presentation in your own town, maybe at the library or at a civic club. Every one of us has something we could offer about women in history and the various roles women have played and continue to play. Gather up another WWW member (or go it alone!) but it would be a gift you could give to your community and yourself.
And if you happen to be in Moro, Or on March 24th, you all come! Jane
Jane Kirkpatrick, www.jkbooks.com
Award-winning author of 12 novels and two non-fiction books. A Clearing in the Wild, Book One of the Change and Cherish Series (WaterBrook Press/Random House) is available now!
Stories are the sparks that light our ancestors' lives, the embers we blow on to illuminate our own.
Friday, January 19, 2007
True West Train Story
This is my virgin blog. I've never done this before so I hope it turns out okay.
I guess some of the WWW members might think I have fallen off the face of the earth. But alas, I have not. I've just fallen into a sea of publishing deadlines, the holidays, and a 4-day a week job. Not to mention a husband, family, and two cats, one of which is new, and the Senior kitty is not so happy.
Okay, on to writing. I am happy to report that an article I wrote for True West's March 2007 issue was published! This issue (available now) is dedicated to the Iron Horse of the old West - the train. My story tells about life on the rails in the 19th century. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a large ad placed by the University of New Mexico for my new book: Tombstone's Treasure, to be released in April 2007. This Wednesday was a good day!
Happy writing,
Sherry
Women Writing the West
I guess some of the WWW members might think I have fallen off the face of the earth. But alas, I have not. I've just fallen into a sea of publishing deadlines, the holidays, and a 4-day a week job. Not to mention a husband, family, and two cats, one of which is new, and the Senior kitty is not so happy.
Okay, on to writing. I am happy to report that an article I wrote for True West's March 2007 issue was published! This issue (available now) is dedicated to the Iron Horse of the old West - the train. My story tells about life on the rails in the 19th century. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a large ad placed by the University of New Mexico for my new book: Tombstone's Treasure, to be released in April 2007. This Wednesday was a good day!
Happy writing,
Sherry
Women Writing the West
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Creative Non-Fiction
Creative Non-Fiction is a new genre that has the attention of authors who have traditionally stayed in the safe confines of their own genre, whether it is fiction or non-fiction. Many consider this new genre a hybrid of literature and non-fiction. One might also see reference to Creative Non-Fiction under the labels of Literary Non-Fiction, New Journalism and Literary Journalism.
It is indeed a bold step for non-fiction writers to loosen up their prose and write their tome as if they were writing fiction. And, it is equally challenging for authors of fiction to accomplish serious research and turn this research into an engaging story based on facts. Either way, it is evident that authors are excited about trying their hand at a new genre in which to write their stories. Members of Women Writing the West are exploring the possibilities, and in their discussions they have identified some of the authors who are leading the way in the Creative Non-Fiction field.
Two important books recommended by WWW members are:
In Fact, The Best of Creative Non-Fiction
Lee Gutkind
Gutkind is also editor of the journal, Creative Non-Fiction.
Also insturctive:
The Art of Fact, A Historical Anthology of Literary Journalism.
Creative Non-Fiction Books recommended by Women Writing the West members as good studies of the genre are:
Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Greene
Young Men and Fire by Norman McClean
In cold Blood by Turman Capote
The Innocent Man by John Grisham
The Following Members of Women Writing the West write Creative Non-Fiction books.
Velda Brotherton,
Wandering In The Shadows of Time: An Ozarks Odyssey
A view of the Ozarks seen through the eyes of those who lived the hardships told by the author who returned to her home after years of wandering elsewhere.
Velda Brotherton is a native of Arkansas. She was raised in Wichita and lived in New York for a while but returned to Arkansas. Velda and her husband live on acreage in the Ozark National Forest. Velda is current working on a new book entitled, "Fly With The Mourning Dove."
Susan J. Tweit
The San Luis Valley: Sand Dunes and Sandhill Cranes, University of Arizona Press, 2005
Barren, Wild, and Worthless: Living in the Chihuahuan Desert, University of Arizona Press, 2003
Susan Tweit lives in the awe-inspiring San Louis Valley of Central Colorado. Susan’s books reflect her love for nature and the environment.
Sue Schrems
It is indeed a bold step for non-fiction writers to loosen up their prose and write their tome as if they were writing fiction. And, it is equally challenging for authors of fiction to accomplish serious research and turn this research into an engaging story based on facts. Either way, it is evident that authors are excited about trying their hand at a new genre in which to write their stories. Members of Women Writing the West are exploring the possibilities, and in their discussions they have identified some of the authors who are leading the way in the Creative Non-Fiction field.
Two important books recommended by WWW members are:
In Fact, The Best of Creative Non-Fiction
Lee Gutkind
Gutkind is also editor of the journal, Creative Non-Fiction.
Also insturctive:
The Art of Fact, A Historical Anthology of Literary Journalism.
Creative Non-Fiction Books recommended by Women Writing the West members as good studies of the genre are:
Young Men and Fire by Norman McClean The Innocent Man by John GrishamThe Following Members of Women Writing the West write Creative Non-Fiction books.
Velda Brotherton,
Wandering In The Shadows of Time: An Ozarks Odyssey
A view of the Ozarks seen through the eyes of those who lived the hardships told by the author who returned to her home after years of wandering elsewhere.
Velda Brotherton is a native of Arkansas. She was raised in Wichita and lived in New York for a while but returned to Arkansas. Velda and her husband live on acreage in the Ozark National Forest. Velda is current working on a new book entitled, "Fly With The Mourning Dove."
Susan J. Tweit
The San Luis Valley: Sand Dunes and Sandhill Cranes, University of Arizona Press, 2005
Barren, Wild, and Worthless: Living in the Chihuahuan Desert, University of Arizona Press, 2003
Susan Tweit lives in the awe-inspiring San Louis Valley of Central Colorado. Susan’s books reflect her love for nature and the environment.
Sue Schrems
Telling the Stories of Women Aviators
My article, “Born to Fly: A WAFS Pilot in WWII” — the story of Betsy Ferguson’s service to her country — is featured in Kansas Heritage, Winter 2006, Volume 14, Number 4, published quarterly by the Kansas State Historical Society.
Betsy, from Coffeyville, Kansas, was one of The Originals — the subject of my first published book, THE ORIGINALS. The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) were the first 28 women to fly Army airplanes in WWII. In the 1950s, Betsy also served as a Reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force. Hers was a non-flying commission, as women were not allowed in the cockpits of Army airplanes between 1945 and the mid-1970s. She also worked for Civil Defense through which she witnessed one of the atomic bomb tests in the Nevada desert in 1955.
Betsy’s story is the third biographical article on one of the WAFS that I have had published. The first was “Nancy Batson, Pursuit Pilot Extraordinaire” in Alabama Heritage, published by the University of Alabama (Summer 2002) and the second was “Barbara Erickson: From Rosie the Riveter to B-17 Pilot,” published Summer 2005 in Air Power History magazine. A fourth article, on WAFS Helen Richards, currently is awaiting publication in Aviation History magazine.
My goal is to write individual biographical articles on all 28 of these women, publish as many as possible, and then compile them into a book. To date, I have actually written ten of the articles, though only four have been placed, and I continue my research at every opportunity.
Sarah Byrn Rickman
Betsy, from Coffeyville, Kansas, was one of The Originals — the subject of my first published book, THE ORIGINALS. The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) were the first 28 women to fly Army airplanes in WWII. In the 1950s, Betsy also served as a Reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force. Hers was a non-flying commission, as women were not allowed in the cockpits of Army airplanes between 1945 and the mid-1970s. She also worked for Civil Defense through which she witnessed one of the atomic bomb tests in the Nevada desert in 1955.Betsy’s story is the third biographical article on one of the WAFS that I have had published. The first was “Nancy Batson, Pursuit Pilot Extraordinaire” in Alabama Heritage, published by the University of Alabama (Summer 2002) and the second was “Barbara Erickson: From Rosie the Riveter to B-17 Pilot,” published Summer 2005 in Air Power History magazine. A fourth article, on WAFS Helen Richards, currently is awaiting publication in Aviation History magazine.
My goal is to write individual biographical articles on all 28 of these women, publish as many as possible, and then compile them into a book. To date, I have actually written ten of the articles, though only four have been placed, and I continue my research at every opportunity.
Sarah Byrn Rickman
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
John Grisham, an author to study
JOHN Grisham’s book, The Innocent Man, is the latest in a series of books that have delighted readers for many years. Grisham is one of my favorite authors with whom I feel I have a “relationship"--always waiting to fall into his words and follow the twists and turns of his narrative.
John Grisham
WHEN I finish a Grisham book, I anxiously wait for the next book to be released, and lament the day when Grisham takes his fingers off the keyboard for the last time. I was particularly interested in his latest book because I had heard it was non-fiction and based on a homicide in Oklahoma. Little did I realize until I started reading the book that the murder took place in a town close to where I live, and many of the sights and sounds described in the book were familiar to me. Even the names of the characters involved had a familiar ring. But, my point here is not to review The Innocent Man, but to comment on Grisham’s style of writing.
IN analyzing Grisham’s particular writing style, it made me realize that even though writers may have mastered the mechanics or nuts and bolts of writing, the style or the flow of words is a gift inherent to the author. As much as I would like to emulate Grisham’s style, I don’t think it would be possible. What I like about the author’s prose is his relaxed way of inserting in his narrative a relevant point, often guised in subtle sarcasm, which boarders on humor. The reader gives a knowing little chuckle and then continues on reading. Grisham also is an observer of human nature and uses his observations to build his characters. And, in The Innocent Man real life characters are described in much the same way as fictional characters, which makes this book read like fiction with a carefully crafted plot and gently unfolding story. Grisham’s stories usually center on crime and the law; something he knows about because he is a lawyer. But he is also a talented writer and can move out of his genre and still create a successful story. Skipping Christmas (2004) is a great example and a must read before the holidays.
GRISHAM makes writing look easy; but as a writer I know that writing is a talent and it is one that has to be practiced every day. The more we write the better we are and the easier it is to accomplish our writing goals.
Sue Schrems
John Grisham
WHEN I finish a Grisham book, I anxiously wait for the next book to be released, and lament the day when Grisham takes his fingers off the keyboard for the last time. I was particularly interested in his latest book because I had heard it was non-fiction and based on a homicide in Oklahoma. Little did I realize until I started reading the book that the murder took place in a town close to where I live, and many of the sights and sounds described in the book were familiar to me. Even the names of the characters involved had a familiar ring. But, my point here is not to review The Innocent Man, but to comment on Grisham’s style of writing.
IN analyzing Grisham’s particular writing style, it made me realize that even though writers may have mastered the mechanics or nuts and bolts of writing, the style or the flow of words is a gift inherent to the author. As much as I would like to emulate Grisham’s style, I don’t think it would be possible. What I like about the author’s prose is his relaxed way of inserting in his narrative a relevant point, often guised in subtle sarcasm, which boarders on humor. The reader gives a knowing little chuckle and then continues on reading. Grisham also is an observer of human nature and uses his observations to build his characters. And, in The Innocent Man real life characters are described in much the same way as fictional characters, which makes this book read like fiction with a carefully crafted plot and gently unfolding story. Grisham’s stories usually center on crime and the law; something he knows about because he is a lawyer. But he is also a talented writer and can move out of his genre and still create a successful story. Skipping Christmas (2004) is a great example and a must read before the holidays.
GRISHAM makes writing look easy; but as a writer I know that writing is a talent and it is one that has to be practiced every day. The more we write the better we are and the easier it is to accomplish our writing goals.
Sue Schrems
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2007 Writer's Goal
Since I spent half the day wearing my sweatpants backwards, I figured I ought to pay more attention as a writer's goal (not so much a new year's resolution).
I finished the galley edits for my 13th novel that will be out in April. It's called A Tendering in the Storm and is the second book in the Change and Cherish series about the life of a woman who came west as the only woman of 9 men sent to find a new site for their Missouri religious colony. I'm working on the third and final book in the series with a current working title of A Mending at the Edge. I've got a few events scheduled that will take me to the Mid-West (Wisconsin) in March and around Oregon before then. Join me if you can!
My schedule and my "monthly memo" is posted at www.jkbooks.com. Stay well!
Jane Kirkpatrick
I finished the galley edits for my 13th novel that will be out in April. It's called A Tendering in the Storm and is the second book in the Change and Cherish series about the life of a woman who came west as the only woman of 9 men sent to find a new site for their Missouri religious colony. I'm working on the third and final book in the series with a current working title of A Mending at the Edge. I've got a few events scheduled that will take me to the Mid-West (Wisconsin) in March and around Oregon before then. Join me if you can!
My schedule and my "monthly memo" is posted at www.jkbooks.com. Stay well!
Jane Kirkpatrick
Monday, January 01, 2007
In the Spirit
In the spirit of the new year, my web page has been updated with a new essay and a partial listing of upcoming events. A couple are bookclub readings of What Next, Ms. Elliott? and another pair are workshops, Wade Into Writing, geared toward beginning writers of any age. A new project I'd like to move forward with this year. Jo-Brew www.Jo-Brew.com
Sunday, December 31, 2006
No New Year's Resolutions for This Writer!
I don't make New Year's Resolutions any more. I think they set people up for failure. I used to work with a woman who would make this huge list of resolutions every January, so ambitious that she'd be feeling like a failure on the 15th of the month! Around that time, I decided not to even make resolutions any more. Instead, from Thanksgiving to New Years I try to have a light work load so I can spend time reflecting on the past year and rejuvinating my creativity. I try to have a lot of time to sit around a do nothing but think, so I can discover my focus for the coming year. I usually read a book about creativity or writing during this period, as well. This year I read A Writer's San Francisco, the second book in a series of "guided journeys for the creative soul" by Eric Maisel. Last year I read A Writer's Paris, the first in the series.
Both books are wonderful, inspirational texts that will help any writer find creative energy and meaning through their work. The first book made me want to get out and travel the world, using the opportunity to hone my senses and gather new experiences for my writing. It was wonderful, as far as that goes, but I don't generally have the money to fly off to Paris for a month, or even a week, to feed my creative soul. You can tell Maisel lives in San Francisco, while he himself has been only a tourist in Paris, because the second book brings writing home. It makes you appreciate your own home town, even if it's not as artist-friendly as San Francisco, and it offers an illuminating look inside a successful writer's daily life with out the rules and regulations so often laid out in "a writer's life" type of book. I highly recommend this book for all aspiring, struggling, and successful writers.
So, back to New Year's Resolutions (you thought I forgot, didn't you?). This year I've decided that my focus for 2007 will be to improve my writing. So far, I'm planning to take a couple of workshops throughout the year, work on some exercises in books I bought years ago that I read but never "did", go on a writing retreat in May, and attend the Women Writing the West conference in October.
The point is not to check these specific things off my list, but rather to focus throughout the year on one goal: to improve my writing. This to do list is merely a way to nail down what that means, but there are other ways to improve my writing as well. The most important being to write every day. (Every weekday, anyway.) This year I started going to a cafe every morning for 2 hours to write. It has been an amazing experinece. I didn't keep it up this month because of the holidays and the blizzards, but starting on Tuesday I'll be right back at my regular table with my latte and my notebook or laptop every morning.
Yes, I'd like to lose 20 pounds, join the gym, clean out my closets, make jam, paint my kitchen, learn Lithuanian, eat more veggies, stop eating so much ice cream, sew my own clothes, and more... but who am I kidding if I "resolve" to do all of these things in 2007? No-one but myself, probably. So, along with Curly from City Slickers, I'm going to focus on my ONE THING in 2007: to improve my writing.
Wish me luck!
Donna Druchunas
Women Writing the West website manager
www.sheeptoshawl.com
Both books are wonderful, inspirational texts that will help any writer find creative energy and meaning through their work. The first book made me want to get out and travel the world, using the opportunity to hone my senses and gather new experiences for my writing. It was wonderful, as far as that goes, but I don't generally have the money to fly off to Paris for a month, or even a week, to feed my creative soul. You can tell Maisel lives in San Francisco, while he himself has been only a tourist in Paris, because the second book brings writing home. It makes you appreciate your own home town, even if it's not as artist-friendly as San Francisco, and it offers an illuminating look inside a successful writer's daily life with out the rules and regulations so often laid out in "a writer's life" type of book. I highly recommend this book for all aspiring, struggling, and successful writers.
So, back to New Year's Resolutions (you thought I forgot, didn't you?). This year I've decided that my focus for 2007 will be to improve my writing. So far, I'm planning to take a couple of workshops throughout the year, work on some exercises in books I bought years ago that I read but never "did", go on a writing retreat in May, and attend the Women Writing the West conference in October.
The point is not to check these specific things off my list, but rather to focus throughout the year on one goal: to improve my writing. This to do list is merely a way to nail down what that means, but there are other ways to improve my writing as well. The most important being to write every day. (Every weekday, anyway.) This year I started going to a cafe every morning for 2 hours to write. It has been an amazing experinece. I didn't keep it up this month because of the holidays and the blizzards, but starting on Tuesday I'll be right back at my regular table with my latte and my notebook or laptop every morning.
Yes, I'd like to lose 20 pounds, join the gym, clean out my closets, make jam, paint my kitchen, learn Lithuanian, eat more veggies, stop eating so much ice cream, sew my own clothes, and more... but who am I kidding if I "resolve" to do all of these things in 2007? No-one but myself, probably. So, along with Curly from City Slickers, I'm going to focus on my ONE THING in 2007: to improve my writing.
Wish me luck!
Donna Druchunas
Women Writing the West website manager
www.sheeptoshawl.com
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