Second Wind Blog
My next Blog Talk Radio show is on Monday, October 11th at 4:00 PM (EDT) Tune in for Dellani’s Tea Time when my guests will be R Jeffreys, Marta Moran-Bishop, Hazel Mitchell and Phillip Dana Yeh.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/10/11/dellanis-tea-time
Be sure to catch my next Blog Talk Radio show, What’s Write for Me! Join me Wednesday, Sept. 22nd @ 4:00 PM (Eastern). My guests are Jennie Helderman, Juliet Waldron & Rhys Bowen!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/09/22/whats-write-for-me
Be sure to catch my interview on Franny Armstrong’s show Tuesday night, September 21st at 9:00 PM (EDT)http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FrannyArmstrong
I’ve got a new article up at the Second Wind Publishing blog. It’s about character names. I know I’ve written on this subject before, but it’s worth repeating. Besides, I was determined to share. Read the article to find out why!
My third book, the long awaited “Water Lily”, is now available on Amazon.com! It should be available shortly from http://www.SecondWindPublishing,com as well. I should have copies soon, too. When you get to Amazon, search for Water Lily by Sherrie Hansen. Make sure you’ve read Stormy Weather first! While each book stands alone, Water Lily is the second in the Maple Valley trilogy, and may “spoil” Stormy Weather for you if you don’t read it first.
The next installment of my short story is up at:
On April 30, 2010, I am going to participate in Blogmania, a one day massive blog giveaway. Picture it as one of those 200 mile long garage sales that attract thousands of shopaholics because of its size. The people who go to those events love the pure adventure of seeing how many miles of garage sales they can personally cover in one or two days. On Blogmania, you don’t have to purchase anything. Nor do you have to wear out your shoes tramping from sale to sale. It’s all online. And every participating blog is giving away something special.
I will be giving away summer traveling companions. Sort of. Everyone who leaves a comment on my blog on April 30 will have a chance to win a print copy of Daughter Am I – the story of an incredible journey — along with a Burt’s Bees Travel Shower Kit and a journal to record your adventures. Hope to see you at the end of April!
For more information: http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/04/blogmania-early-bird-check-list.html
The next installment of “Take a Bite Outta Crime” is on the Second Wind blog site now!
http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/take-a-bite-outta-crime-part-9/
I finally got her on my show! Please listen inMonday afternoon at 4:00 PM Eastern, when I interview the amazingly talented author Michelle McGriff. I’ve been trying to get her on my show since I met her! This will be loads of fun, so be sure to tune in.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/04/12/dellanis-tea-time
I just finished reading this novel a week or so ago & wanted to share my review. S.A. Bailey will be one of my guests on “What’s Write for Me” April 28th at 1:00 PM (EDT) on Blog Talk Radio. Be sure to listen in!
Desperate for money, Army veteran, Jeb Shaw, is ready to take any job he can get. When rich man, Buddy Harrison, offers him $10,000 to find his younger sister & bring her home, Jeb jumps at the chance.
Unfortunately, no job is ever simple, a fact that Jeb realizes all too late. Trapped in a mire of drugs, deception & death, he must rely on his skills & cunning to survive.
Author S.A. Bailey weaves a riveting tale of mystery & intrigue in his novel, “And the Rain Came Down”. Readers move through the plot with Jeb, learning as he does, just how big a mess he’s gotten into. Bailey keeps us guessing until Jeb finally puts all the pieces together.
S.A. Bailey labels his genre, “Redneck Noir”, one he’s ideally suited for. As a self-proclaimed detective novel junkie, Bailey has found a unique voice, adding his distinctive East Texas twang to his gritty prose.
“And the Rain Came Down” is worthy to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.
~ Dellani Oakes
The next part of “There Shall Be Great Rejoicing” is up on my Facebook fan page. Part 14 – http://www.facebook.com/notes/dellani-oakes/there-shall-be-great-rejoicing-part-14/383187976178
Part 15 http://dellanioakes.wordpress.com/
Part 16 http://writersanctuary.blogspot.com/
Granddaughters
(I first thought of calling this “Let Me Tell You About My Grandchildren,” but figured everyone would simply turn and run like hell.)
I’ve just returned to cyberspace from a) a trip to the great sprawl of Atlanta where my kids and grandkids live and b) a major computer crash. Both experiences are somewhat out of the norm for this screen-and-home bound senior. I treasure my visits south, getting to see the changes that have occurred up close and personal. My oldest son is always engaged in his workshop/basement, tearing old computers apart, studying academic papers posted on arcane post doc websites and building new software. He’s the 45 year old version of the little boy I caught sticking a hair pin into an electrical socket, because “I knew there was electricity in there, and I HAD to get it out.” His one and only child is just finishing her second year in college, so there are no little feet pattering in this house. When our son was small, it was the days of “Mork from Ork” and we sometimes imagined our gifted boy was from another planet. (Would he start seeing through walls or something?) Neither of his parents are as intelligent as grounded or focused as he has grown to be.
In the home of my younger son, things are far less geek-monastic. There are two daughters, one eleven and one nine, and lots of colors, clothes, dolls and a Wii, and all the other trappings of modern childhood. The youngest girl in this house also lives on another planet, but her other-worldliness is a prison. She is autistic, and appears to be pretty firmly stuck there, although, when she was small, we were given the hope that she’d be one of the lucky ones and “come out of it” because sometimes girls on the spectrum do. So little is understood about this modern epidemic of disabled children. Like every autistic child, PJ is a unique world unto herself. It’s tough to have a grandchild who does not appear to know who you are, and who does not meet your eyes. In short, unless PJ needs you to perform a task for her–make supper or get milk from the locked fridge–you might as well be invisible. This apparent lack of empathy, of the warm social bond normal between people, makes life hard for both her parents and for her big sister.
If PJ appears to love anything, it’s the computer–her Daddy has set up one for her, with appropriate links, so she can obsess on whatever kid’s show she currently enjoys. While I was there, she was interested in running the television, because she’s deep in Ponyo, an entirely hand-drawn, fabulously beautiful piece of animation from the Japanese master, Miyazaki. PJ drives the remote like a champ, finding the scenes she likes best and repeating them without difficulty. She can replay for hours, so grandmother simply sat down and watched her watching. Ponyo is a mermaid story. The fish daughter of an undersea magician wants to become human because of her love for the little boy who rescued her. Sitting there, watching, I thought the appropriate age group for the film was probably rather young, as the protagonists are very young–perhaps about 5 or 6. PJ’s favorite scene concerns Ponyo’s accidental release of her father’s potent magic, which sets off a chain reaction of wild creation. Enormous schools of fish leap from the sea, almost drowning ships; a tsunami roars in upon the land. Ponyo, riding the leaping fish, grows feet, hands, a belly button, hair and teeth. Hurled upon the land by a great wave, she becomes a “real girl.” This climactic scene, with triumphant Wagnerian music–she’s a connoisseur of music–was PJ’s favorite. Sitting on the couch in the dim room, I experienced the rush of transformation in the visuals and in the grand and celebratory music.
It wasn’t until later, back home, that it occurred to me that this latest “obsession” was an expression of hope, a prayer from a child so locked inside herself, so unable to reach out to others, to belong to family or make friends. For a few minutes, PJ saw herself as Ponyo, riding the giant fish, leaping upward toward the sun, surfing a wave onto the land, growing the feet and hands–and the all important ability to speak–of a “real girl.”
Listen for me on Blog Talk Radio Thursday April 1st at 6:30 PM (EDT) when I’ll be interviewed by Barry Eva on A Book and a Chat.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/across-the-pond/2010/04/01/a-book-and-a-chat-with-dellani-oakes
Well, I signed up for Script Frenzy, who’s with me? I’m probably more out of my mind than usual, but it sounds like fun. And if I don’t make it, what have I lost but a little time? When some of the SW authors were on my show a few months ago, we talked about doing a radio show, so I think that’s what I’ll do – series of short vignettes – I’m open to suggestions!
Listen to Dellani LIVE on Wednesday, March 24th at 1:00 PM (EDT) on Blog Talk Radio. Guests will be inspirational author Lawrence D. Elliot, as well as Jennifer Arzt & Tavia Stewart of The Offices of Letters and Light. The subject of the day: Script Frenzy and The Young Writers Program, as well as NaNoWriMo. Tune in live or listen later to the podcast. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/03/24/whats-write-for-me
After a year of dreaming, planning, preparing and building, a group of authors is about to open a new independent bookstore in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. You can check them out on their website, http://www.onlyatbarnhills.com. As you’ll find, they have lots of popular books, wine, fine art, exquisite gifts, merchandise, coffee and chocolate. What they need more of are books by independent publishers. They are looking for publishers of quality titles who are willing to sell their books on a consignment basis. Correspond with mike@onlyatbarnhills.com and he will fill in the details.
I gave a shout for Second Wind, Mike, Claire, Suzette & Barnhill’s today when I was being interviewed! Have a listen! Mickey Hoffman was there with me giving me moral support & asking great questions!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/03/17/red-river-writers-live
Catch me live today at 1:00 PM (EDT) when I am the interviewee! We’ll be talking about my book, “Indian Summer” today on Blog Talk Radio! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2010/03/17/red-river-writers-live
I’m suffering from after book blues. I finished this phase of edits for “The Lone Wolf” (more to follow I’m sure) and although I’m pleased, I feel sort of let down. Not sure why that is exactly, but somehow I can’t seem to concentrate on anything else. Bummer. Maybe I’ll watch another movie.
I do the same thing when I’m done with a book or at a stopping point in the process, Then, about the time I am ready to start writing again – want to start writing, my real life schedule gets so busy that I can’t. If someone knows how to get past the blues, please tell me, but I think you just have to wait it out.
Join me today on Blog Talk Radio for Dellani’s Tea Time! I’ve got a multitude of great guests & we’ll be discussing on-line marketing techniques for authors! So come listen in at 4:00 (EST). http://www.blogtalkradio.com/robinfalls/2010/02/08/dellanis-tea-time
I’ve got another excerpt up on my fan page on Facebook. Check it out! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dellani-Oakes/98897574794?ref=ts
I’ve got some new excerpts up on my web sites. The first is on Word Press: http://dellanioakes.wordpress.com/
The second is on Blogspot: http://writersanctuary.blogspot.com/
The third is on My Space: http://www.myspace.com/dellanioakes
And the last is on my Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dellani-Oakes/98897574794?ref=ts
Computer trouble? Recently, to avoid torture by phone robot, I used the online chat option. Come with me and relive my most recent experience, which went like this:
YOU ARE NOW CONNECTED TO OUR ONLINE CUSTOMER HELPLINE.
Agent: Hello. My name is Bob. How can I help you?
Me: My computer has been crashing ever since I installed your software. The error message directly relates to your software!
Bob: I am sorry to hear about your problem and understand the frustration this would cause. I apologize for any inconvenience. Please be assured that I will do my best to help you. When did your problem start?
Me: Two weeks ago. Like I just said, after I installed your software.
Bob: I do apologize and understand that this matter has been ongoing for some time. Can you please tell me what is the error message?
I type in the information.
Bob: What you are doing when the error message comes up?
Me: At first, when I tried to run your software it crashed with that error message. I finally just uninstalled the whole package. But even after uninstalling your product, my computer still crashes with the same error message!
I list the multitude of instances when the computer has crashed.
Bob: Am I right in saying that you had the problem with the software and you have uninstalled it and now you are still having the problem?
I groan and type affirmative.
Bob: All right. I will be very pleased to help you in any way I can. Which version of our software are you using?
I give Bob information about the product. He asks me to wait. I wait.
Bob: I do thank you for your patience. You are having the problem because one of your programs crashes. That error comes up when a program stops working.
My fingers try to strangle the keyboard at this supremely idiotic statement of the obvious. Bob is so lucky he’s not in the room. Maybe if I ask about something specific in the the error message itself I’ll find out something helpful.
Me: What is a debugger? I looked up that error message on the internet. I’m not the only one with this problem relating to your software but none of the fixes that were suggested online have worked for me.
Bob: May I ask you some information about your computer?
He has me go into SYSCONFIG, DXDiag etc., meanwhile giving me his deepest sympathies. I’m beginning to wonder if his day job is at a funeral home.
Bob: Based on my research and experience, your problem can be caused by incompatible third party programs or corrupted driver.
Me: In other words, you’re saying it has nothing to do with your software?
Bob: Did you try uninstalling the software and installing it again?
Me: I told you, I already uninstalled it. Then, I did install it again. Twice.
Bob: You are saying you tried reinstalling the software. Did you use the Microsoft uninstaller?
Me: Yes.
Bob: Okay, Miss. I am sending you some links. I want you to first download RegistryNuke.exe and run it. After that, download BitsofCrapExterminator.exe from their website and run that. Then…
Bob sends me two more links for other utilities that sound equally nefarious.
Me: Are you sure these things are safe to use?
Bob: I am sorry, but I can’t guarantee software made by any other company. I appreciate your cooperation in doing this. After you finish, go ahead and install our product again.
Me: Can’t you help? I’m never sure which files are safe to get rid of.
Bob: I do apologize, but we do not support products that are not made by us. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: No, thanks.
I cut the connection.
To this day, I still have the same error message and my computer is still crashing. However, I got a full refund when I returned the software.
Mickey Hoffman is the author of the mystery novel, School of Lies, published by Second Wind Publishing.
I’ve had problems like that too, it drives me INSANE! Norton is particularly bad about that sort of thing.
Help Us Celebrate Three New Releases with fun, quizzes, and a contest!
http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/help-us-celebrate-three-new-releas\
es/
Win Free Romance Ebooks This Weekend Only!
http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/win-free-romance-ebooks-this-weeke\
nd-only/
Launch blog party for Second Wind new rbook eleases this weekend! Please stop by our blog for fun and games. http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com
dellanioakes is discussing. 
Sherrie Hansen is discussing. 
dellanioakes 7:08 pm on April 4, 2010 Permalink |
What a beautiful, tender look at your granddaughter. My friend has a son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Although he is able to speak & interact with others, sometimes his interaction isn’t the most appropriate to the situation. It’s a hard road for everyone.