by Nicole Seitz Some of the most unexpected blessings of my entire writing journey have been the people I've met and friendships formed along the way. Not something you'd expect to hear from a girl who, on her kindergarten report card, had "Cannot throw a ball" and "Does not play well with others."
I've come a long way, baby. My husband makes this puppet-moving-mouth movement with his hand when I talk too much...to strangers. I like strangers. They're strange, just like me. And over the past several years, strangers are becoming my fastest, bestest friends. Let me explain.
Ringmaster, Kathy Patrick
Last weekend, I ran away to the circus. Really. If having the time of your life, dressing up in costumes and laughing the nights away with a bunch of clowns and animal tamers is the circus, then I'm not lying. I am still riding high after an amazing trip to Jefferson, TX, where every year the Pulpwood Queens book clubs congregate to party down at Girlfriend's Weekend. Kathy Patrick, friend to all, is the mastermind and Energizer bunny behind all of this. She was probably the girl in kindergarten that everyone fought to sit next to. She is a magnet for good times and fellowship, and people flock to her and the the quaint historic town of Jefferson.
This was my third straight year of attendance, and for me, it just keeps getting better and better because of the PEOPLE! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed visiting with friend Shellie Rushing Tomlinson (author of SUE ELLEN AIN'T FAT, SHE JUST WEIGHS HEAVY). We met three years ago at the same Jefferson Convention center--I was dressed as a cicada Barbie with wings and she was a rainbow. We just hit it off. This time, we sat talking in Beje's Diner with Christian karaoke going on in the background dressed in pink prom attire. It was just what we needed.
Me, Shellie, Lisa Wingate, Carla Stewart, Marybeth Whalen
I also got to spend time with other amazing authors and friends, River Jordan, Michael Morris (I bought his wife's painting in the silent auction), Karen Harrington, Kathryn Casey, Marybeth Whalen, Lisa Wingate, Carla Stewart, Judy Christie, Marcia Fine...okay, I'll stop here, because the list is just too long, but you get the point! And I haven't even mentioned the Pulpwood Queens who have touched my heart year after year!
Jimmy Moomaw, author of
SOUTHERN FRIED CHILD, and me
In addition to some old friends I've made along my writing journey, I got to make some new ones. I cannot name them all, but let I'll give you some highlights: driving author Robert Hicks (THE WIDOW OF THE SOUTH) around and around between Shreveport and Jefferson, missing my turns because he's such an amazing storyteller. Being outfitted by the lovely Pulpwood Queens of Eureka (and Woodlands) in a pink prom dress, gloves and silver shoes. Staying at the Benefield House Bed and Breakfast and being spoiled by sweet owner Donna. Visiting last year's bed and breakfast, Steamboat Inn, just to visit with those sweet owners. Meeting Jimmy Moomaw, who turned 75 years old with us and told me to buy her book "Because it's really good. No crap." I liked her frank style and the way she boogied on the dance floor so I bought that book and cannot wait to read it. And how could I forget talking about how I missed my family back home with author William Torgenson (LOVE ON THE BIG SCREEN), and learning he turned sentimental on me and went to call his own family after our chat.
The point is, I never knew playing with others was so much fun. What was I afraid of before? What's amazing to me, is that when it comes to a love of books, people seem to be able to reach a deeper level of intimacy quicker, and therefore, the relationships seem more meaningful. I have become more open to others because of writing my books and I've learned to reach out and truly connect. Of course, I realize there is a divine hand at play because the connections seem so poignant and perfectly timed. All in all, I am blessed with many people I truly care about now, and that is a far cry from the girl who, not so long ago, liked to keep to herself behind a computer screen. I'm fairly sure when I'm too old to remember any of the titles of my books, I'll still have some of these friends around to haunt me with freakish photos from our weekends in Jefferson. Knowing me, I'll just invent my own past and convince myself I really did run away to the circus. And you know, that doesn't seem like such a bad way to go.
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Nicole Seitz's latest novel releases on January 31, BEYOND MOLASSES CREEK. She is the author of five other novels and often paints elements of her book covers. She lives in Charleston, SC, with her sweet family. Visit her web site at http://www.nicoleseitz.com/ or find her on Facebook and Twitter.
I’ve long said that Kathy L. Patrick, founder of the largest book club in the country --The Pulpwood Queens -- is the Dolly Parton of the book world. Like Dolly, Kathy loves all things flamboyant, has a sweet spirit and a passion to get people reading. During the weekend of January 13 -16, Kathy transformed Jefferson, Texas, into a book lover’s paradise and along the way raised $6,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Kathy, who is also the host of the new internet program Beauty and the Book Show, brought together 400 club members from across the country. Her annual Girlfriend Weekend, celebrating its eleventh year, headlined authors such as Pat Conroy, Fannie Flagg, Jeannette Walls and Mark Childress just to name a few.
The three day, sold-out event included panels featuring authors who have been knighted by the head queen as book club selections. Singer/songwriter Marshall Chapman wowed the audience with a performance on opening night while a screening and discussion of Mary Murphy’s powerful documentary, Hey, Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill A Mockingbird, rounded out the celebration.
Girlfriend Weekend lived up to the book club’s motto of living life to the fullest. A highlight was Saturday night’s “Hair Ball” where Pulpwood Queen chapters competed for best costume. Book club members and authors dressed as their favorite characters – everyone from Harry Potter, Anna Karenina and the head queen herself was represented. (Kathy just happens to be the author of The Pulpwood Queen’s Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide To Life.) The award went to the Pulpwood Queens of Houston – an amazing group of women who pulled off creative impersonations of the characters from Sex and the City. LeTricia Wilbanks from that chapter won the Big Hair Ball Award and here's the picture to prove it. Those Pulpwood Queens are a creative, fun bunch!
A former book rep who kept her cosmetology license, Kathy started the first Pulpwood Queen chapter in the beauty shop/book store she still operates in Jefferson. The group came to national attention when they launched Good Morning America’s book club series. Now their reach is expanding with an original book club show where Kathy interviews a different author each week. Just to give you an idea of the line-up, Fannie Flagg was the first guest. Check it out -- http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/
If the enthusiastic crowd gathered at Girlfriend Weekend is any indication, Kathy L. Patrick and the Pulpwood Queens might just one day find themselves with their OWN network.
Michael Morris is the author of two novels, A Place Called Wiregrass and Slow Way Home -- a Pulpwood Queen book club selection. He resides in Alabama. http://www.michaelmorrisbooks.com/
By Judy Christie, author of the Green series, including "Goodness Gracious Green" and the upcoming "Glory of Green"
A year or so ago a wonderful book club invited me to visit.
Eating snacks in a cozy living room, the conversation centered on two of my favorite topics – reading and writing.
“I couldn’t write a book in a million years,” one avid reader said.
“Oh, sure you could,” I proclaimed, placing my chips and dip aside, clearly indicating the seriousness of the topic. “Anyone can write a book.”
I got wound up, as I have been known to do, about putting words on paper. I told her about keeping a notebook with me at all times, writing in a journal since I was nine, and the story ideas floating through my mind most of the time.
She looked at me and shook her head, whether in pity or admiration I wasn’t sure. “Most people’s brains don’t work like that,” she said.
That was that.
I am a word nerd.
Apparently everyone doesn’t walk around dreaming up “what if” scenarios or imagining how an overheard conversation sounds as dialogue. Many don’t wake up eager to write in their journals while their brains are fresh or ready to get in a word quota for the day. Lots of people never scribble long letters to friends detailing, with hopeful humor, the intricacies of daily life.
Some of us do.
Either way, it seems to me, is just fine, as long as you are doing something you enjoy, something you feel called to do.
I have a hunch that most people have words within them. Words waiting to get out in some form or fashion, whether the person considers himself or herself a writer or not. We are, I believe, the stories we tell.
But, as that reader in the North Louisiana living room reminded me, writing books isn’t an assignment to be endured. It’s a gift.
Perhaps your brain works like that. Maybe not.
Whatever is there within you, don't squander it.
Roll it out, and see what happens.
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During the last week of 2010, I stumbled upon an excellent small book that I recommend as you consider who and what you want to be in the year ahead, whether writer or something altogether different.
“The Echo Within,” by Robert Benson, subtitled “Finding Your True Calling,” is beautifully written and discusses how each of us is called to do and be certain things.
For me, writing is part of my call, of trying to be more of the person I was created to be.
How about you?
About the author:
Judy Christie is a writer, which still thrills her. At the moment, she is jumping up and down with excitement about spending time with readers and writers at the upcoming Pulpwood Queens Girlfriends Weekend in Jefferson, Texas. Judy is the author of the Green series, with "The Glory of Green" coming March 1, and the nonfiction “Hurry Less Worry Less” series, including “Hurry Less Worry Less at Work.” For more info, take a look at www.judychristie.com.
As reader and writer, I’m astounded at how many treats there are in the world of books. You don’t have to knock on your neighbor’s door to savor these, and costumes aren’t usually required. A few ways to experience the best book treats:
** For a jolt of delight, make a quick list of books that have been treats for you, stories that surprised, delighted, moved you to action, changed the way you think. For most readers, this list is long and diverse. For example, I’d put the Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warren here because as a child, the series helped hook me on books. I’d add “The Secret Life of Bees,” by Sue Monk Kidd, a terrific book that made me commit to write a Southern novel of my own. What books do you have in your bag of treats?
** Read different kinds of books. When I started my consulting business eight years ago, a friend gave me “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber. I learned much from that book and recommend it. Great ideas are great ideas, and they pop up in all sorts of books.
** Attend events where you can meet authors. No matter where you live, I can almost guarantee there’s an author headed to your neck of the woods. A great example: the Pulpwood Queens Girlfriends Weekend in Jefferson, Texas, each January. Last year I met Pat Conroy, Mary Kay Andrews, Elizabeth Berg and a long list of other fantastic authors. They were accessible, entertaining and enlightening. I heard Kathryn Stockett talk about “The Help” at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. I met Charlaine Harris at Author! Author! and Rick Bragg and Clyde Edgerton at Authors in April, all in Shreveport, La. With a little research and not a lot of money, you can hear lots of great authors in many venues.
** Visit sites that have literary significance. This past week I went to the John Steinbeck Museum in Monterey, Calif., a phenomenal museum that made me want to run out and read every Steinbeck novel and sit down and write more novels myself. Find special spots in your area or on your travels.
** Attend a book club. I recently spoke to a group in Minden, La., about my novels, “Gone to Green,” and “Goodness Gracious Green.” This club started in 1919, and I wonder how many lives have been changed by what the group has read and the ensuing conversations. As a member of the Red River chapter of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club, I participated two weeks ago in a Skype visit with Helen Simonson, author of ”Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand,” a charming and bestselling author chatting and answering questions.
** Invite an author to an event or for a conference call. Years ago, when I was a newspaper editor on the Space Coast, a staff member asked Pat Conroy, aforementioned famous and busy author, to participate in a call with our writing group. He said yes, and the discussion was a literary treat. Most published authors are happy to connect with readers. I know I am!
So, on this Halloween weekend, what are your literary treats? Would love to see your comments below.What books delighted you? Have you had a treat of an encounter with an author?
About the author of this blog: Judy Christie loves to sit in the porch swing and think about books. Her second novel, “Goodness Gracious Green,” part of The Green Series, came out in August, and she’s the author of the Hurry Less Worry Less nonfiction series. For more information about Judy or to receive her e-newsletter, see www.judychristie.com. Judy also welcomes Facebook friends.
As I pull up a stark white canvas to take my humble turn at Karin’s wonderful blog, fresh off the road from Kathy Patrick's delightfully wild Pulpwood Festival in Jefferson, Texas, it occurs to me that there’s no topic I’d like to address more right now than the future of publishing. (Note to reader, I’m not so sure I’ve taken my writing to the next level, so we may not go there. Only the muse knows. And may I add in a shameless attempt to hold your attention, that Pulpwood Pics of this most unique festival shall be forthcoming later in this post. )
Ironically, this very question concerning our industry’s future was put to an author panel I shared this past weekend with River Jordan and Deeanne Gist. My fellow panelists took turns speaking eloquently to the topic and then it was my bat. Because I somehow doubt the audience was riveted by my contribution, I’m choosing to consider this my do-over opportunity.
A world without books, could it really be? I can’t remember a day when the feel of a new book between my hands didn’t make my heart skip. I do remember being perched in a treetop scanning a long country road for the parish bookmobile. I can’t remember what life was like before letters made words and words made sentences. I do remember pushing open the bookmobile door and stepping my bare-footed self into my version of Disneyland. Book Land, books high, books low, darn that limit, anyway! How was a girl to choose from the treasures?
No, I can’t imagine a world without books. Many very smart people say I don’t have to, that books will always be with us. Other very smart people say they’ll survive, that nothing will really change. Still other wise souls say they’ll exist, but only as antiques; we won’t tote them around. Seriously, does anyone really know?
As I told the audience this past weekend, in the interest of full disclosure, I have a new Kindle myself. We’re still getting to know one another, but already we have a love/hate relationship. I love its immediacy. I hate its immediacy. The darn thing speaks loudly of what I don’t want said.
I would not have been able to imagine a world without books back when I was skinning my legs shimmying down that mimosa tree before the bookmobile could stop rolling, but I refuse to be scared of the future. For neither could I have imagined the type of access my children and grandchildren would have to the world’s written wealth.
What I wish I would have said to that book-loving audience is that they were seeing the future of publishing, that we were, at that very moment, living it in full color. It’s a brave new world where those who write the words are egged on, pushed, encouraged, and supported in mid-project by those looking forward to reading the words. Talk about throwing gas on a word fire! For those who love to tell stories, the stage seems set like no other time in history. I see the glass half-full.
P.S. If you're still with me, please don't throw things at the screen. About those pics I promised you-- I was just a loading when I was suddenly overcome with the fear that I'd leave someone out! Hence, I offer you one solitary pic of the lady who is doing more for readers and writers than anyone it has been my privilege to know. I give you the inimitable Kathy Patrick posing as Tippi Hedren from the Birds on "Barbie Night". Please note her matching collector Tippi Barbie and the book-- it is signed by Tippi herself!
As I pondered what I would write about this first posting of the new year, what first came to my mind was my losing one of my best friends in the whole wide world on all of days, New Year's Day, 90- year old author, bookseller, historian, and genealogist Fred McKenzie.
I thought Fred would make the Guinness Book of World Records for living to be the oldest man alive. He never walked, he ran. He rode his bicycle fast, his little red truck even faster, and Lord knows what all he did when he flew his plane.Each minute of his life was filled with pure joy and abandonment in the moment. He was my inspiration and my hero. There was nothing we could not discuss and we shared pretty much the same philosophy of most of life's important issues. If ever there was someone who loved talking more than I do, and talking about books as much as me, it was Fred.
As the funeral approached, I got to thinking about how Fred died, fast and well-loved. Fred was not the type of guy who would have ever wanted to spend a day laid up in bed. He once told me, "When you stop, you drop," and he was right. I was not ready to let Fred go and I reluctantly and with great apprehension went to the funeral. I think everybody in town was crowded into the First United Methodist Church where Fred and I attended Sunday School. He arriving on his trusty bike, me in my Inferno Red Pacific. We often arrived at the same time and as we parked, I would smile with unfettered abandon. Fred was such a joy!
Then when one of the ministers spoke at the funeral, I changed my whole outlook on Fred's death. He told us that none of us thought we would ever be here for this occasion. In fact, we probably all thought Fred would live forever. He told us that none of us wanted to be there. I nodded in agreement. He also said that Fred had gone to heaven and we were quite selfishly the ones who did not want Fred to go.
It was true. All I could think about with Fred dying was me, me, me, when I should of been thinking about him, him, him. I could not imagine my life without my book buddy but Fred had gone on to his heavenly home. I suddenly was filled with pure joy. Joy for a life lived well, a life lived for the power of the written word.
The weekend after the funeral was my annual Pulpwood Queen hosted author, book, music, and theatrical convention which we call our Girlfriend Weekend Author Extravaganza. Fred was to have received the Doug Marlette Award, an award giving in memory of our dear author friend, Doug Marlette, to an individual devoted to a lifetime of promoting literacy. I had rushed to Fred's house the night before he was to go to surgery after hearing about it at church. I told Fred and his family that I hated coming to their house so late before the scheduled surgery date but I had to see Fred. I had to tell him how much I loved him and how I wanted him to have a speedy recovery because he was being honored at our Girlfriend Weekend. He just kidded and joked with me, "Oh Kathy, I'll be there. You know this surgery is going to be a breeze. I wouldn't miss your big ta do for the world." I was reassured but hugged and hugged him anyway. My last memory was him ever chipper in his red Christmas sweater, I had given him, hurrying to fill out his Christmas cards to get mailed before he went to the hospital. I found out later he rode his bike earlier that day to the post office to send off a batch.
God Bless Fred McKenzie! Can you imagine hand written Christmas cards and this wasn't just a note, but letters with photos too!
As the time approached for me to present the Doug Marlette Award during Girlfriend Weekend to Fred McKenzie's daughter, Dr. Carol Harrell, his granddaughter, Paula Phy, and great-granddaughter Stephanie Phy, I thought how am I going to keep my act together. But Fred was right, he was there with me, big time. Not that I did not cry, I did, tears of joy for knowing one of the most amazing men I have ever met.
And Fred did leave me, yes, indeed. But he left me with this year a true gift, that it is now time for me to stop talking and start listening. I really have been listening this year. Listening to the authors speak at Girlfriend Weekend. What a joy! As author, Jane Porter poured out her heart and soul to us, I listened. As author, Mary Corrigan spoke of her father, I listened. I listened so much I have never felt such tremendous joy and happiness. So for all of you out there that are big talkers like me, remember this year to be big listeners too. When I heard Jennifer Hudson sing the Star Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl last night I was moved so much, that my voice caught and tears flowed.
Yes, life is filled with deep sadness and sorrow but life is also filled with other great joys. Fred would be happy to know he has inspired me to do great things, great works. Won't you join me? For me, all the answers are found right between the pages of good books. I don't know about all of you but it is really hard to talk when you are reading. So if you see me silent, don't think anything is wrong. Everything is finally falling into place in my life and everything couldn't be more right.
We are starting the Fred McKenzie Bicycle Brigade for Literacy in all of Jefferson's many parades this Mardi Gras. Fred always rode his two-seater bike in the parade and you can read all about my adventures with Fred in my book, "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life", Chapter 13, I Live for Adventure. Fred was also the author of two books, Avinger, Texas, U.S.A" and "Hickory Hill" which covered pretty much all the families and genealogy of everybody in this area. His used book store is still open, Fred McKenzie's Books on the Bayou for now so stop by for a visit. The Pulpwood Queens and I are also going to start a Fred McKenzie Storytelling Festival here in Jefferson in the next coming year as nobody loved telling a good story better than Fred.
For more on Fred McKenzie check out this feature in the Longview News Journal:
Business owner, pilot, author, McKenzie dies. By Jamaal E. O'Neal ...McKenzie owned Fred McKenzie's Books on the Bayou in Jefferson from 2000 until his ... www.news-journal.com/news/content/news/stories/2009/01/09/01092009_McKenzie_Obit_.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc...7 - 49k - Cached - Similar pages
And now as we begin this new year, let's be inspired by Fred to do good works. I know that he is smiling down on all of us as nothing would please him more than promoting literacy and the power of the written word.
Kathy L. Patrick owns and operates Beauty and the Book, the ONLY Hair Salon/Book Store in the country, is the founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs, the largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world, and the author of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life", Grand Central Publishing. Her book was awarded the Top Ten Books in Texas for 2008. She is the founder of Girlfriend Weekend, Books Alive, and the up-and-coming Fred McKenzie's Storytelling Festival all held in her hometown of historic Jefferson, Texas. She is hard at work on writing her next book, "The Pulpwood Queens' Guide to Reading for a Higher Purpose" and currently teaching a lifewriting class to the homeless at Newgate Mission in Longview, Texas.
For photos and her daily literary blogs, go to www.pulpwoodqueen.com. For more on her book club, festivals, and her shop, go to www.beautyandthebook.com. Now that she is listening please comment on this blog or email kathy@beautyandthebook.com as she would love to hear your inspiring comments too!
