From Dot Matrix to Wireless Ink Jet

Published March 6, 2012 by rochellewisoff

In the early 1980’s my husband decided we needed a computer. His face glowing with excitement, he tore open the box that contained our brand new Radio Shack TRS 80. Trash 80.
“You spent how much?”
Another big boy toy. Just what we needed. And it didn’t stop there. The next wave was the Commodore 64 complete with dot matrix printer and Koala pad. Or does anyone remember the Kaypro, or as I call it, the Commodore in a can.
By the end of the decade I wrote poetry and inherited my own computer, a used Leading Edge with a 5″ floppy drive. I found typing cathartic and Word Perfect with its built in thesaurus became my best friend.
At my brother’s urging we joined AOL so we could keep in touch online. Soon I joined the ranks of internet junkies. Ten years later we went from dial-up to broadband.
Just like our cars, Jan and I own separate computers. Oh, but not just desktops. He has a laptop for his music and another just because.
But who am I to criticize? In addition to my new HP Touchsmart I still retain my last desktop in another corner of my office. There are just certain things that wouldn’t transfer to the new one. And let us not forget my pink netbook. So portable. Great for taking to conferences or on trips to see my gorgeous grandbaby.
And floppy disks? Forget about it. I have four flash drives and an external hard drive so nothing’s lost. Well, nothing except, maybe, those 400 plus poems I saved on 5″ floppies.

Justifiable Homicide

Published March 3, 2012 by rochellewisoff

“Kill your darlings.” Although author William Faulkner said it first, he’s been quoted many times.
For the past couple of weeks I’ve agonized over three particular chapters in my novel. After reading and rereading them I realized that while they might entertain the author they did nothing to pulse the main story forward.
With all the research that went into writing and constructing the scenes it was akin to contemplating the murder of a cherished child. Nonetheless, convinced I’d made the right decision I heaved a self righteous sigh. Then I highlighted and sent the discarded paragraphs to another Word document. With a knowing smile I deleted them from the manuscript.
My darlings? The reader will never miss them.

So…What’s Next?

Published February 28, 2012 by rochellewisoff

Question: What can be more exhilarating than seeing my writing, artwork and name in print?
Answer 1: Selling them.
Answer 2: Feedback of the positive variety.
Answer 3: Selling more!

Thus far I’ve sold over a hundred copies of THIS, THAT AND SOMETIMES THE OTHER, with my husband’s help, to friends and coworkers. Of course I hope word of mouth will bring more book requests but sitting on my thumbs and waiting for this to happen isn’t the best marketing strategy.
After a book signing hosted by my mentor, friend and co-writer, Patricia Clothier, in January I’ve thought of sending out feelers to others who might do the same. It was a sweet, intimate setting. I read my shortest story, answered questions and sold seven copies.
I really would like to do more readings like that. Again no one’s knocking down my door. So now’s the time to get in touch with my inner PJB (Pushy Jewish Broad). At the same time my inner cringing chicken is curled up in a corner.

Morning Ponderings

Published January 17, 2012 by rochellewisoff

Sometimes…Most of the Time…Maybe even ALL of the time, I feel like I’m doing a juggling act. Five days, forty hours a week I’m a cake decorator, up to my elbows in sugar and shortening. Seven days a week I’m a wife and not so great a housekeeper (thankfully I have help in that department) and a laundress. We won’t talk about cooking, but I can give you the names of some great area restaurants.

All the while I’m somewhere inside my head telling myself stories. I’ve always done this but it wasn’t until about 6 years ago that someone pointed out that I just might be a writer.

Today is one of my two days off. There’s so much to pack into it I’m not sure where to begin. Since 4:00 a.m. I’ve been at this computer.

Soon my first novel will be ready to shop around again. I’m about halfway through the rewrite. Then it’s onto rewriting the sequel.

Marketing strategies buzz through my head…again I’m scared and excited at the same time. This weekend a friend is hosting a book signing. So far not many invitees have responded and I’m trying not to be discouraged.

Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

Published January 11, 2012 by rochellewisoff

“Shoppers! Head back to the bakery for a great deal! Come pick up a copy of the book, THIS, THAT AND SOMETIMES THE OTHER, written by our own Rochelle Fields for $15.95. When you do, you will receive $5.00 worth of bakery items absolutely free! Not only that, but if you ask Rocky, she’ll personalize your book for free!”

About four were sold during the holiday promo at Independence Hy-Vee. So far, out of the twenty copies we ordered at the store, we’ve sold eight. Not exactly a barn buster, but respectable. Not to mention I’ve had some positive feedback from those who bought.

Another 75 copies are on their way and, so far, 5 are spoken for. Meanwhile, there are other marketing strategies to pursue. By turns I’m excited and terrified.

Sweet Reading

Published December 13, 2011 by rochellewisoff

So far, I’m overwhelmed with the response to my little short story collection. Friends are telling me how much they enjoy reading it.

A bakery isn’t the first place one would expect to find reading material. On the other hand, why not? It’s where you’ll find the author.

Announcing my New Arrival!

Published November 22, 2011 by rochellewisoff

Friday night I held my first book in my hands. I can only liken the feeling to the moments when I held each of my sons and granddaughter for the first time. Euphoria. Wonder. A whole thesaurus gallops through my head in one glorious moment and I’m rendered speechless. (Sort of.)

Many thanks to publisher Lou Turner of High Hill Press and editor Delois McGrew. They worked as hard on THIS, THAT AND SOMETIMES THE OTHER as I did.

Next step. Marketing. Oy. While I don’t expect to make the NY Times Best Seller list with my short story anthology I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from my workmates and friends. Also I’m blessed with a proud, doting husband who sold 11 copies at work yesterday.

In less than a week all 70 copies are spoken for and I’m preparing to order another 50. Hey Kids, act surprised when you open your present this holiday!

Winding Down

Published October 3, 2011 by rochellewisoff

After a year of intense work, writing stories and sketching illustrations we’re nearing the home stretch!

I’ve heard people talk about “the process” and how exciting it is, but I’ve come to experience it for myself. Harley riders have a similar expression. They say it’s not about the destination, it’s the ride. So it has been with writing.

Remember how frustrating it was to have to write a 500 word report in school? How do I come up with that many words about the Boston Tea Party? Now I see words as something pliable, like clay or paint on canvass.

In any case, the fourth galley is nearly complete and ready to send to Lou, my publisher. I have to admit to feeling a little sadness at being so close to the end. These short stories have been so much a part of me. Not that they’ll be any less a part. It just won’t be the same.

Whatever shall I do with myself now?

A Step Closer

Published September 28, 2011 by rochellewisoff

On the heels of completing edits on my short story anthology, This, That and Sometimes the Other, I received an email from Louella Turner, head of High Hill Press. She told me my cover art that seemed unique and cool in the beginning was no longer relevant to the stories in the book and urged me to make changes. At first I bristled and prepared myself with all the reasons why that picture was still perfect just the way it was.

When she called last Tuesday night to discuss it she knocked down all my defenses. In fact, within our forty minute chat, I realized that Lou was 100% spot on. By the time I hung up my head was spinning with the perfect replacement.

This week I emailed the scanned painting. She loved it and I’m much happier with it, too.

Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape. Semper Gumby!

Novel Ideas

Published August 18, 2011 by rochellewisoff

With the short story anthology put to bed for the moment and a little vacation time, I’m back to the novels I’ve been working on for the past six years. Each new bit of knowledge precipitates a journey back to the first one to incorporate what I’ve learned. Currently I’m doing rewrites on the second.

On the whole, Please Say Kaddish for Me, the first of the trilogy has been an immense learning experience. Because it has required tons of research to keep it as accurate as possible I’ve learned more history than I ever did in school. Of course, back then, I never saw the reason to pay attention.

The three novels with working titles, Please Say Kaddish for Me, From Silt and Ashes, and As One Must One Can chronicle a Jewish woman and her family’s survival of the pogroms (Czar-sanctioned, organized massacres of the Jews in Russia and surrounding areas of Eastern Europe known as the Pale of Settlement) and subsequent immigration to the United States. The stories take place at the turn of the twentieth century. I’ve referred to PSK as “The Dark Side of Fiddler on the Roof.”

The first novel has been turned down by four agents so far and accepted by one. Unfortunately, at the time the one accepted it, I was in the process of preparing it for a NY agent who’d shown an interest but said it was too short. In the end she turned it down. The next NY agent said it “was incredibly moving” and brought her to tears, however, it was too long and needed more editing than she was prepared to deal with.

I am in a heated debate with myself as to whether or not I should approach the one who accepted it two years ago to see if she still might be interested in the first one and, possibly, the series. I’ve made a lot of changes after expanding it and then shrinking it. I don’t want to sound desperate or groveling but, on the other hand, I could use an agent. Right? Of course right.