Rubino Ruminations: Library
Pyres, Pests, and Pandemic
Hello Friend,
In Colorado, things are far from idyllic. Smoke from the wildfires has painted the sky a brown blue color. The dry heat of August is driving mice indoors, including my house. And, we are still in the grips of a pandemic.
The first line of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities has played through my head off and on over the last few months. When I looked it up, I found there is far more to the passage then just "the best and worst of times".
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
This seems almost prescient, except it is written about the 1780s. Humanity has been in this boat before (maybe without the huge concern of mice). There have been wars which devastated our world, disease which ravaged our population, and disasters which razed the places we call home.
Yesterday, I found an article highlighting the large toll recent events are taking on individuals ("Your 'Surge Capacity' is Depleted" by Tara Haelle). The description of what is happening to our national and global community reminded me of the chronic stress endured by those in poverty or war zones. There is no end in sight, and we may not know it—or like it—when we finally return to a baseline.
When faced with dire circumstances before, we continued to hope, continued to create, and continued to help ourselves and the world around us. The world will be different when the dust and ash settles. We will too. As the days continue to unfold, I hope you are all being compassionate to yourself and others.
On the lighter side...
Since book signings have been put on hold, I miss meeting readers and chatting with them. Please take a moment to fill out a survey which allows me to hear from you about Ddraig Chronicles.
Anyone a Wonder Woman fan? The second long trailer dropped today. Director Patty Jenkins indicated Wonder Woman 1984 was made to be seen in a large format. I am keeping my fingers crossed the theaters will be safe in October.
New house rule: Don't pet Abigail if she is between you and the fan.
Regards,
Carmen
Next Matter
Ddraig Chronicles: Return is being read by the second round of readers; I call them "Beta Readers". After their input is folded into the text, the book is off to formatting. Release date is February 18, 2021. More details as we get closer.
With Nadia's second book almost finished, I am beginning the third. Creating sequels is a more difficult task than I imagined. Mostly, I fear I will let you, my reader, down with the next phase of the story. On the other hand, it's a joy to be with the same characters, almost like reconnecting with friends.
Events
At this time, there are no plans for book signings.
It has been a tough time for independent bookstores. There is a website which allows you to purchase books from an extensive list, and it will give a portion of the profits to an independent bookstore. They have currently raised over $6 million. Many local bookstores have an "affiliate" on bookshop.org. You can find the store on the website or use the store's website to activate their bookshop link.
If you buy Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim using my bookshop.org link, a portion of the profits will head back to me.
End Quote
Human connections are deeply nurtured in the field of shared story.
A Changed World + Cover Reveal
Hello Friend,
As is true of so many things, COVID has changed what I planned to do. With a declaration of schools being closed, I suddenly found my writing space taken over by textbooks, checklists, and my school computer (for video classes, answering an avalanche of emails, and uploading more documents than I knew I could). Teaching from home this Spring was about the hardest thing I have ever done. It challenged every idea I had about education and helping students learned. In the end, I am not sure we were all better for the effort I poured into the virtual classes. But, we made it through the last eight weeks of "school".
The events of early summer caused me to do some soul searching on how I can contribute to the solutions of the problems in our world. I believe the most important action we can take is to remember. The news cycle will force "Black Lives Matter" and the conversations around equality off the top of the newsfeed. We can still remember — to speak up when we see systemic racism, to treat others with compassion, to work for a world where those who have been ignored are not only seen, but celebrated.
I believe what has not changed is the need for stories which celebrate the good in and around us. I am even more committed to producing novels where characters are welcomed for who they are. It is an honor to be able to write characters who bring hope to their world.
On a lighter note, the summer has given ample opportunity to read and eat ice cream. If you have not revisited your knowledge of the solar system in a while, I recommend "The Planets" (DK/Smithsonian). It is a table book with beautiful pictures, many from missions in the last twenty years. For brain candy reading, I enjoyed the third book of the Beryl and Edwina series (Jessica Ellicott). Set shortly after World War 1, an English woman who has stayed in the same village her entire adult life and an American who has traveled the world renew a friendship from their school years. As attempts are made on lives and people die, the two turn the curious minds toward solving the mysteries which surround the events.
Take care of yourselves and those you love. I wish you safety and health.
Regards,
Carmen
Nadia's Adventure Continues
Ddraig Chronicles: Return has been completed, read by the alpha readers, and is being revised. A bit of work after that (plus the formatting fracas), and it will be ready!
Ddraig Chronicles: Return begins a short time after the events of Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim.
Not sure you will remember the different titles? Here is the cover to help.
Events
At this time, there are no plans for book signings.
It has been a tough time for independent bookstores. There is a website which allows you to purchase books from an extensive list, and it will give a portion of the profits to an independent bookstore. Many of the local bookstores have an "affiliate" on bookshop.org. You can find the store on the website or use the store's website to activate their bookshop link.
If you buy Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim using my bookshop.org link, a portion of the profits will head back to me.
End Quote
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
Spring
Hello Friend,
As the weather warms and the days lengthen, so do our to-do lists. It is easy to get caught up with the list and have busy days. This trend is not reserved just for our time at home. A recent article* describes how owners and managers in companies, from Amazon to hotels, are using AI to push people to work faster and harder. Indeed, it seems we are in a great race to get more done in the same or less time during our entire waking lives.
While browsing through a used book shop, a squatty book with the title "Quiet Mind" caught my attention. As I have meandered through the short meditations on doing nothing with purpose and meaning, it has helped me realize how busyness not only keeps us from recognizing the wonderful things in and around us, but it also keeps us from acting in thoughtful ways.
I believe much of the lack of courtesy and kindness comes from the constant influx of information engendered by screens, the push to do more, and the directive to act or work with the cool efficiency of robots. Combined with an increase in authoritarian practices modeled at the highest level and allowed to trickle down to all elements of society, kindness is in short supply.
Today, I hope you take the time to create a time of doing nothing. While doing nothing, ponder if there is a way to do something which will positively impact another. It may be a smile. It may be buying a colleague a cup of coffee. It may be including another in your world by remarking on the budding of the tulips or the warmth of the weather.
Wishing you a peaceful day,
Carmen
*How Hard Will The Robots Make Us Work? (Josh Dzieza, Feb 27, 2020)
A New Way To Buy Books
Want to support your local bookstore and buy online? There is now a way. Bookshop (bookshop.org), is a website which gives 10% of proceeds to local bookstores. Additionally, if you buy from a specific bookstore, they will receive 25% of the sale.
Next Matter
Alpha readers are hard at work on Ddraig Chronicles: Return, the second installment of Nadia's story. Then, the book will go through another round of revision.
The mock up of the cover art is finished. After it is fine-tuned, I will send it to you. I love the concept.
Balancing 2020
Hello Friend,
Hello, and I hope this email finds you well. It has been a while since my last electronic missive. I have been pondering the frequency of these emails. Some authors send out communication once a month, some send them only when they have news, and some send something every other day. If this were my only gig, I could sustain every day and probably irritate many of my readers who have worthwhile things to do. What do you think? Send me an email and tell me how often you would like to hear from me.
For the first time, someone introduced me at a party as an author. After twenty plus years teaching high school mathematics, I have grown accustomed to talking to the houseplants at get togethers once people realize I do math for a living. My new introduction tag created a small knot of people asking about the process and telling their own stories. The evening reinforced my belief that we all have a story to tell. It may not take the form of a book or even anything with words, but each person has something to add to the narrative humans create as they travel through life. I hope you will find your "story" and share it with others.
Balancing the day-to-day of being an educator with writing has been hard. After a day of balancing equations, determining probabilities, and orchestrating a learning environment, I am tired. I attend to the actual writing, but have a hard time finding the time or energy for the other parts of being an independent author. You can help by spreading the word about Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim. For me, my favorite books were nudged in my direction by a friend, student, or colleague.
Thank you for reading, for giving feedback, and for all the wonderful conversations around Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim, a story which highlights what people can do when they commit and hope. I have been encouraged to continue this endeavor because of you.
Cheers,
Carmen
Next Matter
The second installment of Nadia's story of Ddraig Chronicles is finished and off to the alpha readers. The cover art is being developed. The mock up of the cover is exciting. As soon as it is finalized, I will post it here for you all to see.
November Already?
Hello Friend,
September happened but I am not sure exactly when. October went by in a blur. Things have been hopping between holding down the day job, tending a pup who chased a rabbit which ping-ponged across a yard with lawn edging, and attending book signings.
Thank you to every person who came to the author events at Next Page Books and Nosh in Frisco, CO and Turn A Page Book Shop in Aurora, CO (near Stapleton). These stores are helping so many people find stories for their lives and creating a positive impact on their communities.
After walking out of the store in Frisco, a text on my phone informed me the pup was in the emergency room. She had sliced her paw on some lawn edging while trying to pin down a crazed rabbit which ran back and forth through the yard. A few stitches and one cone later, she was ready to start mending. Since she can get a cone off in less than an hour, she needed to have a dog sitter until the stitches came out. After many failed attempts at creating a plan, I became the dog sitter.
The time away from work gave me a chance to slow down. It reinforced how busy I had let my life become, to the point I wasn't enjoying it as much, except for writing. So, my resolution is to do those things which I must and make sure I also do those things which are good for me.
Hearing from you about how you enjoy the first book has increased my resolve to get the second one done in a timely manner. I am almost finished with the first draft and will begin the initial edit soon.
Thank you all for continuing to spread the word about Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim. It is because of your recommendations others are finding a story of strength and hope.
Regards,
Carmen
The Next Word(s)
Between technology issues, dog sitting, and the business of shutting down a garden in the Fall, the work on the second installment has been a bit slower. However, the first draft is nearing completion. After editing, it will go to the alpha readers. The goal is to have it to you by next August.
The Book Is Loose
Hello Friend,
The launch of Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim was a fabulous success thanks to all of you! It was such a wonderful experience to have people come out (in the pouring rain) to make this an event. Boulder Book Store was surprised at the strength of the community for a new author publishing a first novel. Hats off to all of you!
The trick is to maintain interest in this novel while the next one is going through its stages. Reviews help tremendously. Please leave your review on Goodreads, Amazon, or other social media book platforms.
To help other people discover a good read, I am asking readers to submit a picture of reading or sharing Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim. Send your picture to me at info@carmenrubinoauthor.com. Selected pictures will be posted in this newsletter or on one of my social media accounts. Unfortunately, no compensation will be given for your wonderful pictures. I am a teacher and an author — neither of which is synonymous with 'wealthy'.
Time is tight with being back to the day job of teaching. The other day, I realized I write a book much like I read one. After I reach a critical place in the book, I don't want to stop. The other night, I practically drug myself to bed.
Cheers,
Carmen
Next Matter
Work has been progression on the second book, the one everyone says they want to read next. I have enjoyed reacquainting myself with Nadia, Jannet, Joe, Wizard, and Iolani. One often hears how the "sophomore" novel of a writer disappoints. I am trying to keep that angst on the back burner and stay true to the story.
One Week Countdown
Hello Friend,
One week until Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim becomes available for all. Thank you all for your support and encouragement during this process. It has been exhilarating and frustrating. For instance, the last set of books I ordered are somewhere in the State of Colorado but nobody knows exactly where. On the positive side, one of the advance readers described how the book was hard to put down — music to an author's ears.
Boulder Bookstore is hosting the launch of Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim on Thursday, August 1 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The voucher turns into a $5 coupon for Ddraig or anything else in the store which catches your fancy.
Summer has passed its midpoint. Harvest is beginning to come in from my garden. Now, I am understanding when I was told eight tomato plants seemed like a lot of tomato plants. I hope you all have a type of surplus in your lives also.
Regards,
Carmen
How To Support Independent Authors
There are over 600,000 books published in America each year. This fact is enough to give publishing companies pause and independent authors nightmares.
However, you can help independent authors, who are much more limited in their resources, get readership. It is a short three step process.
Read - Tired of reading essentially the same story? Independent authors have often been rejected because their stories don't fit the mold. Check out a less streamlined book selling website to find authors who are not being selected by an algorithm. Or, go to your independent bookstore and ask them who they recommend for your favorite genres.
Review - This is gold to independent authors. Tell others what you thought about the book, verbally and in writing. Book selling websites and reading communities are wonderful places to leave a review. Some city newspapers have a special section for their local authors. Since there are so many books, and so little time, they would benefit hearing from you.
Recommend - This is part of review but takes it a step further. If you have an independent bookstore in your area, why not recommend a good book for them to stock? You may also wish to tell your local library about the books you have discovered. And, it never hurts an independent author to encourage your friends to buy the book.
Next Matter
I continue to work on the sequel. It is still in rough draft stage. Things will move a little more slowly on it once school starts back up. There are just not enough hours in the day. I have yet to find a way to bend the universe to give us more. Then again, maybe the universe knows best.
Countdown — 3 Weeks
Hello Friend,
It seems impossible it is less than a month until Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim is released! The number one question I receive is, "How do you pronounce Ddraig?" The word is Welsh and the sounds of their language are not familiar to most Americans. The closest I can get is to say "dry" with a small roll of the "r" and then put a hard "g" sound at the end. For those who know Welsh, are Welsh, or are amazing linguists, my sincere apologies for any mispronunciation.
Boulder Bookstore is hosting the launch of Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim on Thursday, August 1 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. They have ordered a limited quantity of the book. So, please, if you are planning on attending, please RSVP using this link or the button on my website and/or purchase your $5 voucher ahead of time (did I say please?). The voucher turns into a $5 coupon for Ddraig or anything else in the store which catches your fancy. It would be heart-rending if there were not enough books. This is the only way I know how to make sure we have enough. Since books take time to ship, the sooner we know, the better.
I look forward to celebrating this event with each of you. Enjoy the long days of summer — stay cool, relax, and be happy.
Regards,
Carmen
Next Matter
The second question I get is, "What are you working on now?" In the hopper is the sequel to Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim. The first draft was put on hold as the details of publication and distribution descended a couple of months ago. Getting my mind wrapped around the story and reacquainting myself with Nadia, Jannet, Joe, Wizard, and Iolani has been rewarding.
On the horizon is a sci-fi book for more of the YA, but mature, reader. But, don't worry, there is more to come for Ddraig Chronicles.
The Beginning of the Adventure
Hello Friend,
Welcome to the first installment of Rubino Ruminations. Yes, there is a Twitter account with the same name, but I contend this is grander. First, I have a plethora of characters at my disposal, not just 160. Second, have you seen the cool typewriter?
This is the beginning of something new for me — being a published book author. I have written almost my whole life. Numerous scraps of paper adorn my files with poetry, pithy sayings, and ideas, half-baked and otherwise, for stories and books. This is the first time the creative energy has culminated in a complete book.
I recently read a blog from one of my favorite authors, Gail Carriger, who was launching her 25th book. She indicated it was as nerve-wracking as the first. The revelation was both comforting and disheartening — comforting to know the see-saw I have been on is typical; disheartening because I hoped this would be the worst of it.
The story of Ddraig Chronicles: Reclaim was so compelling, it kept me awake and writing even when I was in the throes of a second semester. I published it because the story, one among a multitude of stories and unique, is worth telling. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Regards,
Carmen
