BALANCING A WRITER’S CONFERENCE AND FLASH FICTION

Posted on April 13, 2014 by peggylchambers

amazing-rocky-shore-of-kawaii--28482    The OWFI Conference (http://www.owfi.org ) is right around the corner.  If you’ve never been, you should give it a try.  The Keynote Speaker is  Eloisa James – New York Times Bestselling historical romance author. It will be a great 3 day weekend for writers and readers alike.  With that in mind, here’s a little flash fiction to get you in the mood. Enjoy.

 THE HELICOPTER

Through the thick mist on the window of the helicopter, she gazed into the extinct volcano.  It was timeless and magnificent.  The crater that once spewed so much violence, now created ferns nourished by tumbling waterfalls.  Lately, it seemed the sameness of her days ran together like those waterfalls, even as the primal landscape inspired her to accomplish something in life that would be remembered. She was mesmerized by the slow circling of the helicopter inside the crater, and began to see beauty in places she had never seen it before.

She was surprised that morning that he didn’t react to her the way she expected.  His typical anger when he didn’t get his way was not visible.  Maybe she finally got through to him this time when she said, “I want a divorce.”  His face was stoic, no emotion at all.  Maybe he felt   the same way. Could his life need more space too?

She recently felt the need for a hobby that would fill her soul with a useful purpose.  And finally she had found it.  But, since she couldn’t pilot a helicopter like Steve, she would need to be happy to write about it.  And if accomplished well, the hobby would give her back strength ten-fold.  The helicopter seemed to be trying to tell her that with the whop, whop, whop of its blades.

They had argued many times before.  The story was always the same.  He wanted her home when he arrived, not off on some journey of her own.  That attitude was acceptable to her when they were young.  The children always needed her.  However, as she grew older the same thoughts came back. Was this how she wanted to waste her life, tethered to an empty house?

As a young couple, he would take her and the children for rides in the helicopter.  He was an accomplished pilot.  He became one with the machine.  The beauty of the island was intensified when viewed from the air, he would say.  And he was right.  She could almost smell the orchids that hung from the trees as they passed and headed for the north end.  The geography was rougher there, more craggy rocks and less sandy beaches.

He swooped down and brushed the waves with the runners; her heart in her throat.  But she was never frightened when she was with him.  He always brought her back safe and sound after a thrilling ride.  She was almost as addicted to his flying as he was.  The adrenaline coursed through her veins as her chestnut hair swung from side to side with his maneuvers.  She glanced sideways and he was smiling as he always did when he flew.

Rounding the corner of the island close to the cliffs she gasped again at its rugged beauty, with an open smile – eyes wide.  She still wore the same smile as the chopper dove for the water, crashing onto the rocks below.

 

Can’t wait to see you at the conference!

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Balancing my Life at Full Circle Bookstore

Posted on April 7, 2014 by peggylchambers

Booksigning at Fullcircle    I love Full Circle Bookstore!  http://fullcirclebooks.com/  I had a great book signing there today and Julie and Mary were wonderful to help me get setup and ready to go.  The ladders that roll around from one tall built-in bookshelf to the next remind me of a library in a European castle.  Patrons played chess while others read books curled up by the fireplaces that have been extinguished for the spring.  The store is quaint and eclectic with small rooms dedicated to each type of book and the shelves are labeled with works of local Oklahoma authors.  The entire shop reminds me of happy childhood days spent in the local library.  A place to go and spend time in faraway places away from the hub bub of modern day life.  A place of relaxation.

Outside in the entrance to the mall at 50 Penn Place stands Pearl the matriarch of the store.  She is an albino American Bison covered in pearls. She stands stoic at her place of honor to guard her home and the art within.  She was created by three Oklahoma artists, Mishi Susan, Jenny Woodruff, and Claudia Wylie and symbolizes Full Circle’s collection of books about Oklahoma and by Oklahomans.  Their commitment to Oklahoma art gives them a special place in my heart.  GetAttachment

Spending time at Full Circle made me feel in balance again.

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BOOK SIGNING APRIL 5, 2014 AT FULL CIRCLE BOOKS IN OKC

Posted on March 30, 2014 by peggylchambers

Pearl-Out-Front-650     

I’m at it again, trying to balance my life between being a writer, office worker, wife, and mother/grandmother.  A few weeks ago I had a book signing at my local Hastings attended mostly by people from my hometown.  Now I’m going out into the world to see if anyone else is interested in The Apocalypse Sucks.  I am aware that after your friends and family have purchased your book and supported you in your endeavor, no one else might ever be interested.  You might be the proud owner of a bunch of books with no owners.  Am I up for the challenge?  Maybe.

I set up another book signing this time at Full Circle Books in Oklahoma City located at 50 Penn Place.  In case you are interested, that is across the Northwest Expressway from Penn Square Mall, Saturday April 5, 2014 from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m.  You are cordially invited.  Come join me and the stars of the book, Sandra and Molly to find out what adventures they are up to now.

The Apocalypse Sucks is a dark comedy about life after a virus takes most everything and everyone you ever loved.  But it takes a twist and shows how resilient the human spirit can be especially if you are young and in need of a good bra and lip gloss.  Some women never get over the urge to shop.

The original short story, Bra Wars, took on a life of its own when five more stories were written to go with it.  Then published and marketed as pulp fiction by Airship 27 Production it was enhanced by the art of Andy Fish and Zach Brunner.

Try it; I think you will like it!  http://fullcirclebooks.com/

 

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THE BALANCED LIFE NO. 9

Posted on March 22, 2014 by peggylchambers

birthday cake    Today was my husband’s birthday.  We are like and old married couple (oh, maybe that’s because we are an old married couple) that have been together so long they don’t know how to live without each other.  We balance each other out.  We support each other and help each other through the good times and bad.  We look after each other during medical crises (and there have been a few lately) and sometimes we finish each other’s sentences.  However, he calls that interrupting – I don’t know why.

We married young (way too young), had our children while we were young, and then quit having children at a young age.  You can have enough of a good thing.  We’ve struggled financially together and worked hard all our lives until we are worn out and ready to retire.  But, no matter how mad we get at each other, and we do, we still want to be together.  I ran into an old friend today that said he and his wife will be married 20 years this summer.  Amateurs.  I said try 41 without killing each other.  I know we won’t kill each other though, because the one left standing would have to plan and pay for a funeral.

My husband came in the other day with a wonderful idea about going to Scotland to hunt red stag.  If you know my husband you know is he is a huge hunter.  He hunted Zimbabwe in 2000 and took me with him.  I would love to go to Scotland and see the sights while he hunts, but at the moment he is preparing for a hip replacement.  He was worn out quickly walking through Wal-Mart today, so I wonder about hunting Scotland. We’ll see how the new hip does.   He’s a tough old bird and would do it no matter how much it hurt.  He doesn’t quit easily. Maybe that is why he has stuck by me all these years.

Happy birthday to the balance in my life, and may there be many more!    Don and dogs

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Interview with Artist Andy Fish

Posted on March 16, 2014 by peggylchambers

Andy Fish    From the blog “Fish Wrap” by Andy Fish http://andyfishwrap.blogspot.com/:

“Andy Fish is a comic book artist, writer, painter, pop culture archaeologist and film historian.  He has written and drawn numerous How to Art Books, Graphic Novels, Screenplays and Comic Books.

He lectures on art related subjects and even has a painting in the collection of the National Gallery in Washington DC.

This blog will attempt to focus on all manner of art film and pop culture, but don’t hold much hope that it will stay focused.

He lives 40 miles outside of Boston, MA with his artist wife Veronica Lane Fish.”

I’m once again interviewing an artist that has made my book look wonderful. Andy Fish illustrated the cover of The Apocalypse Sucks and I had a few questions for him. He was kind enough to take the time from his busy schedule to answer.

Have you always been an artist and have you had any other jobs?

I worked for a lot of years in the grocery business where I worked my way up to a high level and well paid position and realized I needed to do something with art. As it was I was working ten hour days and doing art at night, I wanted to do art all the time.

What is the most exciting project you have ever worked on?

I’m always excited by the latest project I’m working on and looking forward to the next. The nice thing about this job is you never know what’s around the corner. I’m currently working on some really exciting things that I can’t talk about right now, confidentiality and all.

How long have you been affiliated with Airship 27 Productions?

I’ve been with the fine folks at Airship 27 since last Fall, I really love working with Ron and Rob and I think they’ve got some great titles in their bullpen. I’m a big fan of pulps so the idea of modern pulps is really right up my alley. I’m thrilled to be in the running for a Pulp Factory Award for my QUEEN OF ESCAPES cover.

Approximately how many book covers have you done?

Including comic book covers I’ve done hundreds. I’m primarily a graphic novelist so the idea of doing just a cover is very rewarding as opposed to a fully illustrated 120 page book. A cover is a breeze compared to that.

You illustrated the color cover for the outside of the book.  Zachary Brunner drew the black and white illustrations on the inside. Tell me the big difference in the two types of art.

Zachs illustrations were the visual inspirations and the first thing I saw before I even read the manuscript. I like his style a great deal, but I still approached this with my own take on what he had established. I thought it was important that my bat creatures at least were similar to what he had done. Working in full color vs black and white is an entirely different animal and one that creates a different approach.

Unlike the other covers I’ve done for Airship 27 I wanted this one to look more like a movie poster circa 1960s or 70s vs a vintage pulp cover from the 30s.


I love the way you drew Sandra and Molly for the cover of The Apocalypse Sucks.  If they were real, which would you choose for a relationship?

Ha! My wife is a stunning woman so the girls can’t hold a candle to her, although every brunette I draw owes something to Veronica so there’s that.

What’s next for Andy Fish and where do you want to go with your art?

I’m doing the interiors and cover for a new major Airship 27 book and as mentioned some amazing projects with some well-known people that should be out in 2014. 

Well, whatever he does I know he will do it well.  Many thanks go out to Andy and Airship 27 for their help in making The Apocalypse Sucks a great book.  Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Sucks-Peggy-Chambers-ebook/dp/B00IGMRH4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394939860&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Apocalypse+Sucks.

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THE BALANCED LIFE NO. 8

Posted on March 11, 2014 by peggylchambers

fountain pen    My palms sweat, my heart flutters and I try to remain outwardly calm. Inside I am a raging volcano.  I’m incredibly excited about my first ever book signing!  I’m practicing my signature so you can read it.  I keep trying different pens to see which one is best (I think I like the gel pens because I don’t have enough flair in my signature for a Flair pen).

I made an event on Facebook, sent a press release to the newspaper, and I am sure it will hit the front page of the Sunday edition, and I printed up posters for Hastings’ front door.   I’ve picked out my outfit. Now what?  I need to relax. I need to get on with my life and get back to writing the three books waiting patiently on my computer that are being neglected.

I’m a writer.  I am driven to write and put on paper things others don’t see.  Or they see them, but not with the artists eye.  I want to be the best of the best, so I practice my craft and strive to show how interesting life is – not just drift through it trudging to work each day for someone else. I want to hold a mirror up to the world and say, “look at what is happening around you – the world is beautiful, or the world is sad, or heartbreaking, or horrific,” but never mundane.  I want to leave a legacy – to be remembered.

No wonder I’m nervous about the book signing.  I set the bar a little high.

In my quest for balance in my life this year I am planning to do more writing for myself and less for contests.  I’ve learned a lot from contests but even more from my fellow writers, editors and publishers.   The support I get from the writers in the Enid Writers’ Club, Oklahoma Writers Federation  and Oklahoma Women Bloggers has shoved me over the edge into a new world of writing.

It’s Saturday March 15, 2014 from 6 -8 at Hastings in Enid.  Wish me luck!    1009952_10151834907161920_2018758238_n

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THE BALANCED LIFE NO. 7

Posted on March 3, 2014 by peggylchambers

workshop    Yesterday was a great example of a balancing act. The Enid Writers’ Club hosted their first (since I’ve been a member) writer’s workshop and it was a great success!  I know some of the long-standing members have done this before, but it was my maiden voyage.  Thanks go out to co-chairs Lucie Smoker and Chantell Tiatrakul, and all the other members who worked their fingers to the bone.  Everyone had a job, and everyone did them well.

Dusty    We had a great line up: New York Times Best Selling new adult author, Jamie McGuire, Harper Teen young adult author Tara Hudson, Spur Award winning western author Dusty Richards, NWOSU professor  Dr. Shawn Holliday, Christian romance author Darlene Shortridge, and Enid Writers’ Club poet Marsha Kay Oldham presenting throughout the day in their own unique way. There was lots of Q and A time available so you could get to know the author and their distinct brand of writing.  Tara

Lunch was provided, and the group of 50 plus was large enough to provide a variety of genres while remaining intimate enough to allow the participants to discuss writing with someone who actually does it for a living.  Books were sold, ideas exchanged, and friendships begun or rekindled.  hudson mcguire

I can’t wait to do it again!  Thanks to all who participated and if you would like to pursue your love of writing, please come to a meeting where you will find like minds.  The Enid Writing Club meets the first Thursday of each month at NWOSU in Enid.  Check out our website at   http://enidwriters.com/ .  We’d love to see you!

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INTERVIEW WTH ARTIST ZACHARY BRUNNER

Posted on February 23, 2014 by peggylchambers

Zach

I’ve talked before about the fantastic art work included in my book The Apocalypse Sucks.  Airship 27 Productions commissioned artist Zachary Brunner to illustrate the inside of the book.  Zach is a New York-based illustrator, working in concept art and comic books. He specializes in character design.

When he agreed to answer a few of my questions, I wanted to ask something new.  I’ve probably failed.  But he was gracious enough to answer my questions anyway.  I am in such awe of this kind of talent so I’ve provided a sneak peak at some of the illustrations he did for the book.

So, Zach:

PC:  How would you describe your art?   roof1

ZB:  It’s hard to describe my art because I think it is constantly changing.  I guess overall it’s bold, stylized, at times, a little cartoonish, other times dark and creepy.  

PC:  What drew you to your type of art originally?

ZB:  Well I first started drawing by tracing old X-men comic books.  I loved Joe Madureira’s art style and wanted to be just like him.  My own style evolved from that and also a strong love for Tim Burton’s dark and creepy design sense.

PC:  When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?

ZB:  I don’t think I ever had a moment of realization.  I’ve been drawing literally as long as I remember.  I have memories from when I was about three years old, sitting at my tiny, bright yellow and blue  drawing desk coloring Wizard of Oz characters with crayons. It was just always the most obvious path for me. 

PC:  How do you come up with the ideas for the characters you draw?    fish

ZB:  Well it depends on the projects.  If I’m creating a character for someone else, I research the character, the time period they live in, what they’ve gone through, and what their character needs in the story.  If it’s for myself, characters evolve from things that inspire me, such as shapes, textures, silhouettes, and poses.

PC:  What new project are you working on now?

ZB:  I am currently working on “The Green Ghost,” which is another Airship 27 Production, “The Ballad of Silver John,” a graphic novel written by Jim Beard, “Advent Saga,” a trading card game, and I am producing a short animated film titled “Essence,” directed by Sari Rodrig. 

PC:  What has been your most creative and fun project to date?

ZB:  It’s hard to pick just one, since different types of projects allow for different types of creativity and fun.  I think designing “Essence,” the short film by Sari Rodrig, and “Brother,” her previous short film, were some of the most interesting.  Since they are animated films, everything needs to be designed, from entire towns down to the tiniest of facial features and textures. 

PC:  Where do you see yourself in five years? What would you like to be doing?

ZB:  Hopefully I’ll still be doing what I’m doing now, but with some bigger clients and a few more published books.

Well, I’ll bet he will be much bigger in five years than he is now and I am happy to have been one of his first clients.  Thanks Zach and best of luck!

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THE BALANCED LIFE NO. 6

Posted on February 17, 2014 by peggylchambers

1009952_10151834907161920_2018758238_n    I’m still working on balance.  Balance in my personal life, my physical life, and my artistic life.  Last week I had a wonderful experience; the publishing of The Apocalypse Sucks.  Publishing a book is almost like the birth of a child.  I have two kids and don’t think the labor for either one of them was a hard as writing is sometimes.  No, I don’t love my books more than my kids (you know I had to say that), but becoming a published author is still a dream come true.

I originally wrote the short story Bra Wars and it was e-published by Buzz Books USA.  Five more stories were then written to go with the first.  They were never published.  When I met Ron Fortier and Rob Davis of Airship 27 Productions at the OWFI conference last year, I thought maybe the six stories combined into a novel would lend themselves to a different market and I was off and running into the pulp fiction/graphic novel world.

I write other genres.  I have a mainstream suspense novel coming out this year with The Wild Rose Press called Secrets of Sandhill Island and a middle reader self-published for the Kindle titled Glome’s Valley, but I think I had more fun writing the pulp fiction than anything I have written so far.  If you know me, you already know my sense of humor is a little skewed.  I write children’s books all the while I am a BIG Steven King fan.  Sorry kids.  Hopefully, I can keep these ideas compartmentalized.

There are at least three novels sitting unfinished on my computer at all times and I hope to be able to write long past the time I end up in a nursing home.  It gives me great pleasure to share my crazy ideas with the world and I think my kids would approve of that.

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READY FOR SOMETHING NEW?

Posted on February 12, 2014 by peggylchambers

cover     Airship 27 Productions is thrilled to be announcing the release of their latest New Pulp title, THE APOCALYPSE SUCKS by Peggy Chambers.

Sandra and Molly were two typical office workers enjoying their lives which consisted primarily of going to work, shopping and looking for cute guys.  Then their world came to a disastrous end brought about by a fast acting, airborne virus that decimated the majority of the world’s population.

Now the girls live in the abandoned office building in which they once worked surrounded by a new and dangerous landscape; one where mutated animals roam the streets and giant birds soar through the empty skies; where frightening humanoid bat creatures have appeared to challenge humans for supremacy of the earth.

What are two attractive, intelligent, single girls suppose to do now…other than merely hunt for food and try to stay alive?  Well, there are still malls, albeit much less crowded, and though rare, a few cute guys still out there.  So even if the apocalypse sucks, Sandra and Molly are not about to let it cramp their style.

“We are always looking for the new and innovative in pulp fiction,” says Airship 27 Productions Managing Editor, Ron Fortier.  “When Peggy sent me a letter of inquiry detailing the plot outline, I knew I had to read it to see if it was as much fun as her description led me to believe.”  Fortier was delighted with the finished manuscript and immediately accepted it for publication as something truly original in New Pulp today.

Writer Peggy Chambers offers up a truly unique, twisty adventure with two of the most likeable heroines you’ll ever meet.  With a stunning cover by Pulp Factory Award Nominated artist Andy Fish and superb interior illustrations by Zachary Brunner,  “The Apocalypse Sucks,” is a pulp mash-up readers are sure to enjoy from cover to cover.

Now Available at Amazon in hard copy and soon on Kindle

(http://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Sucks-Peggy-Chambers/dp/0615969410/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392160464&sr=1-1&keywords=THE+APOCALYPSE+SUCKS+Peggy+Chambers)

And as a $3 PDF Download at our Website.

(http://robmdavis.com/Airship27Hangar/index.airshipHangar.html)

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