Skunked All Around

Well, I guess you could say the last three days have been a bust. I started off with good news about a possible new option for my Evelyn book.

That all ended when I got skunked at my Saturday book signing. It's been a while since that's happened. Not one sale. The store ordered a bunch, which I signed, so they will eventually sell, but still...

Then this morning I learned I did not win another award I entered my True West column in. There's still hope for one more, but that won't be decided until June or July. Fingers crossed...

An Update...

Yes, you've read it before...I've been meaning to update this blog, but I never seem to do it consistently.

Well, there is a lot about to happen at once, as usual. Let's see--I'm past due on my True West column deadline, but will finish this week. The topic is coffee in the Old West. Very cool pic to go with.

I just received notice that my Cary proofs will be arriving this week or next and they will need to be reviewed, edited, and returned in less than two weeks.

I agreed to be a judge in the Western Writers of America Spur awards again this year and the books are arriving almost daily. They all need to be read by March 1. That seems so far away and yet when I look up, it will be March and I'll be scrambling to finish.

I was just asked to write up some winners of the Best of the West for True West, which I love to do, but I just have to balance it all.

Oh yeah, did I mention that I'm trying to work on two books at once, look for a job, and eat and sleep?

Ah hell, I can stand to lose a few pounds anyway, who needs to eat?! LOL

I'm sure I've left something else out, but that's enough for now. Oh yeah, I have a chest cold and it's trying to kick my ass, but I'm trying to kick back!

Book Trailers

I've been getting some good compliments and feedback on my trailers.

I added a new: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyoG4RNBYKA

Since I have not been able to find a job yet, I have decided to launch a new website www.sherrymonahan.com to offer marketing and writing services. My rates are pretty reasonable since the economy is so tough. I am also adding video trailers as part of my service. My site should be up later today or tomorrow.

We'll see what happens...

I am sending my July column to True West today...it was tough making strawberry ice cream in February!

Headed to Tombstone

I just found out that I will be attending the Founder's Day celebration in Tombstone in April. They are having an event on Saturday called, Taste of Tombstone. They have asked me to sign books in the park where the local restaurants will be selling food.

I couldn't pass on this event with my book title being an exact match. Sounds like a great way to promo the book!

I've have some nice comments about my new Frontier Fare column, which has made me feel very good.

February 3, 2009

This is my first post in a while because, to be honest, I was just burned out from posting every day. I have decided to post only when I have news to share.

I have also decided to add some cool tidbit about writing or the Victorian west. Maybe some cool quotes from western people who lived there back in the day.

It snowed last night and there is a pretty white dusting all around.

I received my copies of the Feruary True West and my second Frontier Fare column is in it. It's pretty cool to see that!

The doc says I need to wear the boot for another three weeks, but I can walk with it or short periods. Ugh.

July 17, 2008

Yesterday was a great day at my regular job. You know, that one that actually pays the bills? I even get to be creative and write.

We are getting ready to launch our first company newsletter for our clients and I am in charge of it. It's been a ton of fun finding content for it. Yesterday I spent a good deal of time looking for funny, yet appropriate jokes that I could include.

Here's what I used: How do crazy people go through the forest? They take the psycho path. Okay, you at least chuckled, right?

Today is just as fun since I am scouring YouTube for some funny videos.

On my author front--I have made zero progress lately. I have so many little things, like website updates, WWA board prep, WWW board stuff, virtual updates, radio interview prep, and so much more. I need to make a list and get my a$$ in gear. Good Lord, it's already July 2008!

I did find an interesting notice in the paper--it's for a local writers guild calling for local authors. They have a meeting next week, which I will attend.

Tomorrow: Info about my Sunday radio interview and my new column in True West magazine. Bloggers beware...

May 20, 2008

I took the kick boxing class again and I still love it. I fell on my a$$ while doing one move, but I don't believe I did any damage. I also had a mammogram today - ouch! You would think in the 21st century they would have something less painful. I guess the alternative is worse.

Weird weather - today is sunny and 80 while yesterday was overcast, 65 and cool. We're supposed to have wicked t-storms later.

I am working on a new article for True West magazine with fellow author Johnny Boggs about saloons in the west. It should be tons of fun.

My new addiction, Hell's Kitchen, is on tonight...

January 16, 2008

I didn't make the gym yesterday and I feel bad about that. I did, however, make good progress on my list of things to do.

I forgot to mention yesterday who my friend with the blog advice is. It's none other than the esteemed author and editor of True West magazine. Bob Boze Bell has been a friend since I first started my writing career. You really should read his blog sometime if you want to be entertained - http://blog.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/blogger1.htm.

It's been really cold here for a change - 40s during the day and mid-20s at night. They are calling for a tiny bit of snow tomorrow morning, but then it's supposed to change over to rain...we'll see. All I know is that tonight the grocery stores will be packed and there will be no bread or milk left. I live in NC, so I know snow is a novelty, but why bread and milk? My husband says, never mind bread and milk, get beer and toilet paper!

I've been watching the Comanche Moon series on CBS this week. Tonight is the last part. Is it completely and historically accurate? Does it matter? Not really to most viewers. Am I enjoying it? Yes. I love Val Kilmer in just about anything!

It ticks me off when I read comments from fellow writers or western fans who are also watching this series. Many of them gripe about how this was wrong, or that person wasn't a good cast and trash the entire movie because of a few inaccuracies. Just enjoy the series as something entertaining.

I say we should be glad that a major TV station like CBS is even willing to play a western! If they didn't, I suppose the complainers would be griping that TV stations don't play westerns.

Yes, we need quality westerns so viewers will watch and the TV execs will want to play more, but let's be thankful that they are even taking a chance on them!

I learned that lesson from a friend, Dr. Paul Hutton, who said something like that in a speech a few years ago. It really hit home with me, because I used to be one of the gripers.

Let's support the westerns that do make it and not rip them apart. If we don't support them, why should the TV stations and viewers?

Admittedly, I find historical inaccuracies in many movies, but I still enjoy them. It's okay to talk about them, just don't condemn the whole movie, unless it's really awful.

Off the pulpit and on to work...

October 12, 2007

Well, I finally did it - I started every day this week with a 3-mile power walk. This morning it was 45 degrees. It was brisk to say the least. Next week I will attempt to get back to the gym.

Tomorrow night we are going to see 3:10 To Yuma, so I can discuss it with my colleagues in Colorado Springs next week.

My blog on Monday better say that I have finished my edits to Taste of Tombstone or I am in big trouble. I also have four entries for True West Magazine's Best of the West that are due on Monday as well. Ah, the life of a writer...

Happy TSJG? :)

Back to work, True West magazine and more Deadwood

Well, it seems I haven't gotten any better at posting regularly here, so I guess sometimes is better than not at all. Please bear with me.

This photo was taken right after we wrapped up my closing comments about Deadwood. Filming was over, and we were ready to celebrate. In the photo, L to R., Peter, Tom, Me, Oli (in back), Rick, and Chris.

The August issue of True West magazine (on sale now) has featured me in their "Author Profile" section. If you can get a copy, check it out. I am also in there with my favorite reads.

I am finally back to a routine of working and writing. I just sent the manuscript to the Univ. New Mexico Press (Taste of Tombstone), which is a huge relief. I am a week past my deadline - I hate that. I still have to send them the visuals to use in the book, and will finish that this weekend. I am waiting to hear from the Univ. North TX Press about the pioneer women book - should be this month.

I said I would talk more about the Deadwood filming, so here goes. The more I think back on that (hard to believe it's been a month since I did it), the more I realize just how much I enjoyed doing it. I mean, I love history and I got to share that love with so many! It's every authors dream, well even if it's not; it's this author's dream.

On location: As I said, Oli, Tom, and Peter were awesome. A girl couldn't have asked for a better "crew." Here's what our schedule was like each day - Get up at 6:00 a.m., leave for the first location at 7:30 a.m., start filming around 8:00 a.m., break for lunch anywhere between noon and 2:00 p.m. for about 40 minutes. We changed locations often and didn't quit until between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. each night. We packed up, unloaded the equipment (ok, the guys wouldn't let me help), and then headed back to town for dinner. Had ice cream at the cabin, then to bed around midnight. Yeah, I know, ice cream before bed is baadd. It's all Oli's fault with his addiction to Ben and Jerry's! We girls all know where it ends up, right Oli?!

The first two days I did pretty darn good. However, the third day at Ft. Meade, I fell apart. I don't know what happened, other than I was standing on sacred Indian ground with a guest who had a very soothing, soft voice, and I felt very calm and relaxed. I think Oli wanted to strangle me (not literally, well maybe) because I had no "zip" and was very different from the previous days. We finally get it filmed, but it was painful for all. After lunch, I was fine. The following day went well, too.


Later I will post more about one day of the filming. Just to tease you, it was June 7 in Deadwood, SD and it was 33 degrees...