Words by Webb

Memoirs are never at the top of my TBR pile but when a friend — Margo — suggested I read When Ties Break, I decided to plunge in. After all, she’s never steered me wrong before.

When Ties Break is an emotional book that makes you marvel that Margaret could ever escape what seemed like a predestined life of unhappiness. But indeed she not only escaped an unhappy life but she thrived! Margaret, that word will always be associated with you now.

If you enjoy memoirs about an average woman overcoming a life of obstacles this is the book for you. I enjoyed that this memoir offered two things: first, her life was so incredible I was cheering for her to conquer her problems but at the same time she was just an average woman, like me. With her story you could easily switch places with her and think, just a few changes, a few different decisions and that could have been me. It gives you powerful things to think about.

Margaret give me an e-book to read and shared her time by answering my 5W questions. The e-book was professionally formatted (you know how I’m a stickler for that) and even had some great photos, illustrations, and poetry as a surprise addition! To celebrate her 60th birthday — Happy Birthday Margaret! — you can purchase the e-book for just 99 cents. Then from Feb. 6 to Feb. 29 there will be a blog comment contest and Twitter hashtag contest (#Celebrate60) to win a print or e-book copy or a 30 minute life coaching session. I’ll give you more info about this closer to the date. For now, check out When Ties Break!

When Ties Break: a Memoir About How to Thrive After Loss

Author: Margaret Norton

Paperback: 260 pages (also available in e-books)

Publisher: Tate Publishing (August 3, 2010)

Synposis:

Divorce, abuse, abortion, excommunication, chronic illness, homelessness, death, bankruptcy, sibling rivalry, adultery, single parenthood, drug addiction, low self-esteem, depression—some people suffer from one or several of these in their life; others deal with them daily.

What makes North Carolina author Margaret Norton’s story exceptional and inspirational is that she has lived through each one of these challenging, sometimes terrifying problems. In her new book, “When Ties Break: A Memoir about How to Thrive After Loss,” Norton shares how, through God’s help and her own courage and perseverance, she not only thrived after loss but came out on top with a new energy, a renewed spirit, and a sense of worth.

5Ws with Margaret Norton

WHO
Who are some of your favorite memoir writers?

I am drawn to memoirs of women who have survived abusive situations or individuals I can personally relate to.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert perfectly portrays what it’s like for many women when a relationship ends.
Riding Grace by Alissa Lukara shows abusive situations in a profound way.
Kevin Jennings memoir, Mama’s Boy Preacher’s Son, I especially enjoyed because my father too was a Southern preacher.
I don’t usually like memoirs about famous people but I was pleasantly surprised last year at how much I enjoyed Warren Buffetts memoir Snowball.

WHY
Why did you decide to write your memoir?

My main reason for deciding to write was that I felt like many individuals struggled with the same problems I did. I wanted to let them know that if I could survive, so could they. I also wanted to encourage people to talk about their issues, to struggle with them, to work on them, to feel them – not become a martyr – but rather my belief is that only when you face your worst pain and most difficult issues do you find peace.

WHEN
When did you start writing your memories? When did decide it would be more than a personal work and you would like to publish it? How long did the writing/editing take you?

I started writing in 2005 as a way to deal with the death of 8 people in 2004. Initially, it was just therapy but I soon realized it was helping me to put my life back together.

I shared it with a few friends and they said “you should write a book.” That started what would be the most difficult journey of my life. It took less than one year to write it, one year to edit it, and then two years looking for a publisher.

WHAT
What is the most rewarding part of writing? The most difficult?

The most difficult thing about writing is finding and making the time. I have a paying job and others interests so it usually feels like I am squeezing writing in. The most rewarding part is having someone tell me how much they enjoyed my writing or how my stories inspired them to make a change in their lives.

WHERE
Where will your writing go from here? Another book? Another genre?

For the past few years I’ve focused on short stories and blogging. I don’t think I’ll ever write another memoir but I have thought about compiling short stories that readers have shared with me. To be honest, if I ever do I’ll probably utilize the internet more, maybe an ebook. Another genre probably not. There are so many talented writers out there. I think that personal, motivational stories are my strength so I’ll probably stick to that.

The Snowman’s Revenge

Author: Mark Smythe

Illustrator: Mike Motz

Paperback: 44 pages

Genre: Picture Book

Publisher: Mark Smythe (May 2, 2009)

Synposis:

If you were left out in the cold by yourself, would you be mad? Of course you would! Well, this snowman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate!

Review:

What happens to snowmen after everyone goes inside? This story turns the idea of a friendly snowman on its head with a snowman who is MAD after he gets left outside when the kids are done playing. He finally gets inside but things don’t go as planned!

My son loved this book, especially the way the words “followed” the illustrations–instead on marching neatly across the page words slid down hills, marched up steps, and got BIG and BOLD when the snowman was mad. This is a fun book all your kids will enjoy. Perfect to save for a special reading on school snow days after they finally declare the snow too wet and too cold!

I searched and searched for a photo of the mysterious Mr. Smythe but couldn’t find one anywhere! I finally asked him and he reluctantly sent me three that he pronounced “terrible” since he just isn’t photogenic. I know the feeling. I have an editor bugging me for a bio pic too…the absolute worst part of writing in my opinion. But don’t worry Mark. Took a survey and my family thinks you’re “OK in a dad way”. What more could you ask for? Next up is a children’s outdoor series which we’re anxiously awaiting. Then we want a picture book about being a volunteer fire fighter! Mark sent us a great photo of him in his fire uniform that would look great on the back of a book!

WHO
Who are your favorite authors: children’s and adult?

Favorite children’s book (vintage) is:
How Joe the Bear and Sam the Mouse Got Together
Beatrice Schenk De Regniers ~ Brinton Turkle
Of course, classic “Curious George” and “Dr. Suess” books are always good!

Adult authors vary, depending on content. I tend towards outdoor and spiritual content. I read Theodore Roosevelt outdoor historical non-fiction; I like John Eldredge non-fiction; and I enjoy Richard Bach fiction, as well as classic Tolkien.

WHAT
What do you do when you aren’t writing children’s book?

I work in the field of bio-tech/ bio-oncology diagnostics. I am a Volunteer Fire Fighter. Also, the father of two teenagers. (No fear; they are wonderful children!)

WHY
Why did you write about an angry snowman? Did someone lock you out in the snow as a child?

Ha! Very funny! No; actually, I used to tell this story to my children, as a bedtime story, when they were little. I just made it up. They always liked it.

The rhyme is fun and, depending on how you read it (the tone you use, the meter, voice ranges), it can be altered for various age ranges. It can be a very humorous interpretation, you can make it a bit spooky, or you can just let the flow of the rhyme and the nice illustrations encapture.

WHEN
When did you begin writing and how long did it take you to write The Snowman’s Revenge?

Always had an affinity for writing. Well, at least an interest in it. So, always writing, really. It didn’t take long at all to write it, because the story was already there (as per above) and the rhyming comes easy, ‘cuz it’s fun to do.

Now, actually putting the whole thing together, what with the illustrations and all, well – that’s another story! That did take quite some time. (Years, I’d say)

WHERE
Where do you write? Do you have a special spot?

My home is quite cozy, A charming, quaint, old, turn-of-the-century farm house; so, it is quite conducive to writing.

I interviewed Amy Lewis Faircloth and Joanne Lewis ages ago when I heard they had co-written a novel at Words by Webb. But they’re back on their WOW Blog Tour! Check out their launch to learn about all the great blogs they’ll be visiting — and often giving away copied of Wicked Good! They found time to answer five more questions for me — in stereo!

WHO
Who is your favorite author–besides your sister!

Amy: Anne Tyler, Wally Lamb, Jonathan Kozol. I like stories, fiction and non-fiction, about families and personal relationships.

Jo: John Steinbeck, Pat Conroy, anyone who writes about the Italian Renaissance. I like character-driven novels and historical fiction. I like to learn about different periods of history while I am reading. I also like to read non-fiction books about the lives of artists.

WHAT
What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Amy: After the chapter is written and the plot is established, I like to re-write it! I like discussing plot lines with Joanne.

Jo: I love all of it. Even when I feel frustrated or think this is the worst writing I’ve ever done when I have the completed book and I look back, I loved every minute of the writing process.

WHY
Why did you decide to co-author a book? Is it easier/more difficult than individual writing?

Amy: Joanne asked me to. I could not write a novel without her.

Jo: It just came out of my mouth. I had finished writing a novel and was looking to write another one. I was on the phone with Amy and without thought I said, why don’t we write a book together. The best things seem to happen spontaneously! Amy and I don’t actually write together, meaning we don’t sit at our computers together and type the novel so in that regard we are writing individually. We re-write together and discuss plot lines and characters together. In that sense, it’s easier since we get along so well. Two heads are better than one in this case.

WHEN
You’re both very busy ladies. When do you find time to write?

Amy: Evenings after supper; Sunday afternoons; before I go to bed.

Jo: Whenever I am not working. I don’t have a set schedule because I find I resent that. I write mornings, afternoons, evenings and into the night if I don’t have to get up too early.

WHERE
Where do you get the ideas for your novels?

Amy: I live it.

Jo: Different places. Mostly it starts with a topic that intrigues me and then it morphs to some unexpected place.

Wicked Good

Authors: Amy Lewis Faircloth and Joanne Lewis

Paperback: 262 pages (also available in Kindle format)

Publisher: Telemachus Press (August 7, 2011)

Synposis:

Archer Falcon manages to maintain a successful law practice but in her private life she feels inept, especially when it comes to her adopted son, Rory who has been diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and Asperger’s syndrome.

Rory is a teenage boy struggling in a world that doesn’t understand him. He is as intelligent, witty and creative as he is destructive. Like all teenagers he seeks a sense of belonging and decides that his birth parents might just understand him better.

Wicked Good is part drama, part mystery…with a dose of humor. The authors take us on an emotional rollercoaster as we journey with their flawed-but-loveable characters, weaving in social issues and bits of New England’s history to make an entertaining read. Along the way we find ourselves gaining a better understanding of Rory’s world and the love shared between mother and son.

Review:

Like most moms I know, Archer Falcon isn’t quite sure she’s measuring up. If she was a better mother her son would be dealing better with his bipolar disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome, she would be dealing better with being a mom, there would be no late night trips to the police station, or resounding shouts of “I hate you!” from Rory, the person she loves more than anything in the world. Right?

Although Rory, one of the main characters of Wicked Good, is dealing with several problems this book is less about kids with challenges and more about every kid, and their attempt to carve out a relationship with their parents. Rory is searching for his birth parents, and the co-authors manage to weave just enough mystery into the plot to keep you reading, wondering about the who, what and why.

This novel is brave enough to voice all the things we so often leave unsaid in our families: the resentment, the frustration, even the hate that so often clouds the love. I applaud the realism of the relationship between a teenager and a parent that they portray with Rory and Archer, and the additional facets of the parent-child relationship shown through Archer and her mother, Rory and his father, and Rory and his birth aunt. Thanks for showing us that the only “perfect” relationship exists in our overtired brains!

These characters are so real they jump off the page and have readers wondering, “What would I do in their place?”

Recently, I received an email asking if I wanted to review a novel. When I heard this novel was just one of several by a 92 year old flourishing author I knew I wanted to do more than just read her books. I wanted a peek at what makes Valentine Dmitriev tick!

WHY
Why did you move from nonfiction to novel writing? Do you find you enjoy one type of writing more than another or find one more challenging?

Since I was eight I had wanted to become an author. But first, I had to get an education. I was nineteen when I graduated from the University of Washington. A few months after graduation I married an alum who had earned his degree in electrical engineering four years ahead of me. Sporadically I wrote and sold children’s stories and little articles. But as a wife, a mother of a daughter and two sons, as well as a part time preschool teacher and a Family Life instructor, sponsored by the Seattle Public School District, I was too busy to think about writing. Instead I decided to pursue a career in special education and returned to the University to work toward a Ph.D. By then Cathy was married, Mike was in college and Alex was a high school senior.

In 1982 my first nonfiction book, Time to Begin, was published. Over the past years my career as a specialist in early intervention for infants with Down syndrome was well established. My book, based upon my work with these babies brought national and global recognition to the book and to me. Time to Begin roused such interest in our program for children with Down syndrome, that my colleague and I quickly wrote a second book about our work with older children with Down syndrome.

In 1997, seven years after my husband’s death and a marriage of fifty-one y ears, I published what I expected would be my last nonfiction book. Based upon case histories it is an account of my life as a wife, mother and educator of children with special needs. I had written these three books because I had something important to share with parents, teachers and the general public. With Tears and Triumphs successfully launched, I was free at last to follow my long-delayed dream and write a novel. In a writing frenzy, I wrote the book in about eight months. I sent it to an agent. She accepted my first novel and sold it to Five Star.

Before I could begin my second novel, Lori, Runaway Wife, my agent came up with contracts for three additional nonfiction books. The project took almost two years to complete. Now at last, after 78 years I’m finally doing what I had always wanted to do: writing fiction.

WHAT
What advice would you give to writers working on their first novel?

Select a genre . What kind of books do you like to read, Romance, Mystery, Science Fiction, and so on? Humans and animals have skeletons to support their bodies. Books also have a framework to support its body. Select your genre and study how contents of the novel were put together on the basic framework. Apply what you learned to your own work as you write your novel in your own style.

Location:
Set you novel in a place that is familiar to you. If you live in Alaska, don’t set it in Florida, if you’ve never lived there.

Names:
Names are important. You want the name to fit the personality of your character. Lucy would never fit Scarlett. Avoid using names that start with the same letter. The first and last names of a person should not have the same number of syllables.

Notebook:
I use a notebook where I keep all the information, in great detail, about the characters. It helps when I forget something.

WHO
Who inspires you?

My greatest inspiration comes from the writing process. Creating interesting characters and situations is both challenging and enjoyable.

WHERE
Where do you get ideas for your novels?

Ideas come to me spontaneously. Most often a woman’s name comes to mind. For some reason the name intrigues me and I decide to tell her story. For some time, now, the name Amanda has been rattling in my brain, and in my mind I have already outlined her story.

WHEN
When did you begin writing? Now that you’re 92, do you see yourself hanging up your writing hat anytime soon? Or do you have too many ideas still demanding a book?

I think that I began writing mentally when I was about three. Without speaking I would describe whatever I was doing, referring to myself in the third person. For example, my mind might say ( She went outside and called the dog. “Let’s go for a walk,” she said.) These words would be forming in my mind as I leave the house to call my dog. Despite my advanced age, I’m not ready to give up writing. Although I’m taking a temporary hiatus, the first twenty-one chapters of a new novel are waiting for me to write the following twenty-one chapters.

1″>Lori, Runaway Wife

Author: Valentine Dmitriev

Paperback: 229 pages (also available in Kindle format)

Publisher: PublishAmerica (September 15, 2011)

Synposis:

Pretty, young Lori Becker is a nursing intern at a Queens hospital and is a bettered wife. Professionally skilled, she is socially naive. Intimidated by her brutal husband, Lori lives in the fantasy world of romance mysteries, idolizing their handsome author Ian Damion.

A car accident sends Francine Ross, an unmarried, pregnant woman to the maternity ward where Lori works. The distraught man accompanying Francine is Ian Damion. Francine’s full-term infant is delivered. Her casual liason with Ian is over, and she grants him custody of his newborn son. Ian must return to Washington State, He needs a baby’s nanny. Concealing her identity, Lori volunteers. This is very chance to escape from her husband. Lori matures, develops self-esteem and falls in love with Ian, but when he returns her love and proposes, Lori must confess that she’s a married woman.

Stolen Bride

Author: Valentine Dmitriev

Paperback: 276 pages (also available in Kindle format)

Publisher: CreateSpace (July 28, 2011)

Synposis:

Naomi Knapp, a beautiful nineteen year old Amish girl, is chosen against her will by the domineering, old widowed Bishop of her Order for his new bride. To prevent this marriage, the Bishop’s son, Jacob, who has left the community and is a successful model and actor in New York abducts Naomi. Having been physically abused by his father and wanting to prevent Naomi from having the kind of life his mother endured, his abduction takes Naomi into a world she could not even have imagined.