tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.comments2022-12-11T16:57:12.788-08:00Jenni with an "i"Jenni Wiltzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-7153890634979159072022-04-30T13:46:20.458-07:002022-04-30T13:46:20.458-07:00Hi Jenni -
This is a VERY good post that tells a ...Hi Jenni - <br />This is a VERY good post that tells a great deal more than most people know or think they remember. The only thing I would add is to the first point - that time was NOT on their side. What never seems to be mentioned is that George Donner was from IL and they left IL LATE - almost a full month late. this threw everything else off even before they got rolled - (hustled) into the infamous Hastings Cutoff. While its fun and easy to blame Hastings for his "shortcut" it does take TWO to tango. One of James Reed's old IL town militia pals (from the Black Hawk War) was an accomplished mountain man and when they met at Ft. Bridger HE - the mountain man - told his pal Reed specifically NOT to take Hastings "cutoff". Otherwise again great post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-30112352711641499442020-12-23T00:28:09.293-08:002020-12-23T00:28:09.293-08:009 years late on this one, but spot on. First 1/3 ...9 years late on this one, but spot on. First 1/3 of movie i was totally riveted by the tight, spartan storytelling. But then... a bunch of nothing happened. Other than that one scene, which wasn't real. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-18207047003698690762020-03-13T10:28:10.364-07:002020-03-13T10:28:10.364-07:00Heart warming and profoundly inspiring
Heart warming and profoundly inspiring <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07156105440947588815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-84175714774810383812013-03-21T18:17:47.248-07:002013-03-21T18:17:47.248-07:00I found an article that mentions a website called ...I found an article that mentions a website called AuthorMarketingClub.com. It's supposed to help writers market their books and get reviews for them. Have you ever heard of it? I don't know if it's a great site or just a bunch of BS, but I may give it a try someday. <br /><br />If you're curious about the article I read, here's the link: http://writetodone.com/2012/03/17/how-market-ebooks/<br /><br />And the site it mentions: http://authormarketingclub.com/<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-5116907367295629162013-03-12T20:18:26.189-07:002013-03-12T20:18:26.189-07:00Thanks, Megan! I'm glad some of my freak-out ...Thanks, Megan! I'm glad some of my freak-out was helpful...and funny. I felt better getting all of this out on paper. Even if it takes months, at least now we have a checklist to work through, right?Jenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-87897677473676029112013-03-12T16:51:18.643-07:002013-03-12T16:51:18.643-07:00LOL, oh my gosh, Jenni. I just found your blog pos...LOL, oh my gosh, Jenni. I just found your blog post through Google+, and you have me cracking up. Well, cringing, and then cracking up, cringing, and then cracking up. It's a cycle, really. But seriously, this is a great post. I've gotten information here on various services (Little Bird? About.me?) that I hadn't heard of at all before, as well as a bit of comfort that I have at least considered some of these factors already. Thank you so much for this post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-41890822798377853912013-02-24T20:48:31.913-08:002013-02-24T20:48:31.913-08:00Sweet. She was woman who had a big heart. You...Sweet. She was woman who had a big heart. You're lucky you had a grandma like that. I've only had one grandparent, my maternal grandmother - and she was mentally unstable. A lot of bad memories because of it.<br /><br />By the way, you do look a lot like your grandma. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-431788449908384412013-02-20T06:21:18.847-08:002013-02-20T06:21:18.847-08:00Maybe the next "apocalyptic safehouse" w...Maybe the next "apocalyptic safehouse" will be your house, and you will be there for someone to make that sandwich. <br /><br />When my wife's grandmother passed, she inherited her famous noodle pans. They were just two, large pans, with nothing else significant about them, except that for decades, on holidays, her grandmother had used them to make the noodles and mashed potatoes in. The entire (older generation) family recognizes those pans, and there is warmth and comfort in seeing them. <br /><br />So, it has come to pass that we have her family's gatherings at our house now, and we always break out the noodle pans, and the worn index card with grandma's noodle recipe in it (even though we know it by heart). <br /><br />For those who remember her, there is comfort in the pans and the familiar smells. And for those who cannot remember, the next generation...ours is the safehouse, where new memories are made, the smell of noodles fills the air, and ancient, tattered pans are kept in the cupboard for almost no apparent good reason. Buzz Malonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17889654064679085418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-3870746843707722602013-02-12T15:02:15.461-08:002013-02-12T15:02:15.461-08:00Take care of yourself first. Come back when you&#...Take care of yourself first. Come back when you're ready. I say this because I did certain things at the wrong times when I didn't realize I was still grieving. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-58205763348016724682012-09-28T18:38:57.848-07:002012-09-28T18:38:57.848-07:00Hi, anonymous! I'm so glad you stopped by! I...Hi, anonymous! I'm so glad you stopped by! I love hearing from other writers about their struggles and what they want to do. It makes me feel like I'm not alone out there. I figure, if we talk about the parts that are hard as well as the parts that make us happy, we're giving a more honest picture of what it's like to be a writer to everyone out there.<br /><br />I've never written a non-fiction book before--I'd be interested to know how it goes for you! I might write non-fiction someday. A memoir, maybe? My memoir class in grad school was fun, even if it's a bit embarrassing to put all my stupidest moments on the page and then hand them out to near strangers. <br /><br />Good luck with your book! Stop by again and let me know how it's going!Jenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-91154261723395326092012-09-28T18:33:16.742-07:002012-09-28T18:33:16.742-07:00Thanks for the Heller suggestion! This is somethi...Thanks for the Heller suggestion! This is something I might not have come across on my own, but it sounds awesome. <br /><br />I put Egan's The Keep on my to-read list, too. In the back of my copy of Goon Squad, there's a page with blurbs for each of her other books. This one caught my attention right away. There is a library trip in my near future.<br /><br />So glad you stopped by...I'll let you know what I think of these two once I finish!Jenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-77183346887186533632012-09-25T18:48:32.261-07:002012-09-25T18:48:32.261-07:00I loved A Visit from the Good Squad - and pretty m...I loved A Visit from the Good Squad - and pretty much everything Egan has ever done. You might also enjoy her novel The Keep because much of it has to do with the teaching of writing - which seems like a subject you have an obvious interest in. <br /><br />Also, I read Ted Heller's book Pocket Kings over the summer and think you would like it as well. Ted Heller is Joseph Heller's son and he is an excellent writer though because the world has changed so much the past 50 years will never have the success or the impact his father had. Pocket Kings is about a published writer who is bitter about his lack of success and discovers a talent for playing online poker. And then everything goes to hell. Much of the book is about writing and publishing and Heller is vicious and funny. A black comedy. I hate online poker but still loved the book.Book Gluttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14569975755798562829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-61680476981727183192012-09-24T14:03:31.943-07:002012-09-24T14:03:31.943-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-68806086124288905702012-09-24T13:54:57.993-07:002012-09-24T13:54:57.993-07:00Hi, Jenni. Every once in a while I read your post...Hi, Jenni. Every once in a while I read your posts. I really appreciate the ones that can help me with my writing (like this one). <br /><br />Since I was little, I've always wanted to be a writer. However, when the time came to choose a "real" career, I veered off the road. Plus, I had to deal with warped family issues. I was raised in a dysfunctional family, and it really messed with my head. For years I dealt with anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-sabotaging behaviors (so much so that I even failed to find success outside the writing business).<br /><br />So, now, I'm slowly easing back into writing. My first publication will be a small nonfiction ebook about the emotional side of congenital heart disease. I was born with a very complicated heart condition, and I've notice that many books about it only focus on the physical aspect. (I think growing up knowing I had a deadly disease didn't help with being raised in a dysfunctional family. Maybe I'll delicately mention that in the ebook too.)<br /><br />After I write it (and possibly a few more nonfiction ebooks), I'll focus on writing fiction. I took a creative writing class a few years ago and bought some books about writing. I also look at websites dedicated to helping fiction writers. And like I've mention before, I really like some of your advice.<br /><br />I'm sorry if my comment is very long. I think it's a combination of appreciating your posts, respecting you as a struggling writer, being impressed by your achievements, and trying to get back into writing.<br /><br />Thank you and congrats on finishing that first draft so fast. I can't wait to finish one of my own someday. (I don't know if I'll actually be a good writer, but I'll at least be happy in doing something I love to do.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-19998611483818852642012-08-21T12:34:13.598-07:002012-08-21T12:34:13.598-07:00I had this affliction so bad, I didn't write a...I had this affliction so bad, I didn't write anything for 20 years. So you re doing well at this point.Sally Junenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-59012290034360923052012-06-22T21:25:04.424-07:002012-06-22T21:25:04.424-07:00I have been stockpiling Scandinavian crime novels ...I have been stockpiling Scandinavian crime novels for the past few years and have all of Lackberg's books. Haven't actually read them yet, though. But I want to - it is just a matter of having too much to read. <br /><br />Interesting that you posted a link to a review in the Washington Post (my local paper) - she's been in the paper a lot recently. The Travel section did a feature on Fjallbacka. There's been a profile of her. Maureen Corrigan (Fresh Air's book critic and one of my favorite book reviewers) wrote a glowing review of Lackberg's latest book in the Post. The Preacher is one of her earlier books so even if it is disappointing it sounds like her books keep getting better. I hope that's the case.<br /><br />I thought all of Henning Mankell's Wallander books were great. And all of Maj Sjowall's-Per Wahloo's Marin Beck novels, too. Aside from Lackberg, I am looking forward to reading Johan Theorin and Arnaldur Indridason. Theorin, especially. Critics/bloggers that I like keep saying great things about him. I didn't like Jo Nesbo.<br /><br />And after I am done with Scandinavia, I'm thinking Italy comes next. Or Canada.Book Gluttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14569975755798562829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-38422884094903850192012-06-11T20:45:14.236-07:002012-06-11T20:45:14.236-07:00I was totally going to bring up The Hunger Games, ...I was totally going to bring up The Hunger Games, but you beat me to it! Ignore the fact that I am turning into a creepy adult Hunger Games fangirl who has lost all objectivity. Perhaps I'll let you make the literary decisions around here...Sister Saranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-34463673309453307762012-06-05T09:42:44.496-07:002012-06-05T09:42:44.496-07:00Thank you so much for your comment! I'm alway...Thank you so much for your comment! I'm always happy to hear from a fellow writer. <br /><br />I like your suggestion about becoming a tutor. I'd considered it before, but with the new budget problems making teaching jobs ever more unlikely, I'm definitely going to look into this. Like you said, it's still a teaching-related job that can go on the resume. <br /><br />Good luck with your own writing--and thanks again for the suggestion!Jenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-60366640787178226212012-06-02T19:04:41.335-07:002012-06-02T19:04:41.335-07:00Hi, Jenni. I read your posts every so often and no...Hi, Jenni. I read your posts every so often and notice you're very talented. <br /><br />I'm an aspiring writer and have yet to have anything published, so I'm not sure if I can really give you any solid advice about your writing issues. (I hope you will receive advice from accomplished writers. Or at least be able to find answers through helpful websites.)<br /><br />As for teaching at a community college: I wish you luck. I live in California too, so I'm very familiar with how the community colleges are struggling right now. (And if you wanted to find a job at a high school, that would be a difficult task as well. So many teachers get laid off.) <br /><br />Hve you ever thought of becoming an English tutor? It may not be the same as a college instuctor, but it can help pay the bills if you are unable to get the job you want. Plus, tutoring can be listed under job experience on your resume. It will fill a gap in your work history. And maybe it'll help you land a job at a community college someday when the economy is better. <br /><br />Anyway, good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-64516700303517881502012-04-01T15:31:19.570-07:002012-04-01T15:31:19.570-07:00Hi Barb! Thanks for your message. Yep, we're...Hi Barb! Thanks for your message. Yep, we're definitely talking about the same Smith Valley. I haven't been up there yet, but I'm planning on visiting in late spring.<br /><br />I haven't come across the Triplett name in any of my research yet, but I've been pretty focused on good old Frank Rivers. If I come across anything that might be useful to you, I'll definitely let you know.<br /><br />I did find this blog extremely interesting. It's by Rich Moreno, who writes about historic places in Nevada. In this post, he writes about the Lyon County Museum. The museum apparently has an artifact or two that belonged to Margaret Smith, whose family was one of the first to arrive in Smith Valley:<br /><br />http://backyardtraveler.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-to-find-out-about-lyon-countys.htmlJenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-49787460163061591972012-03-28T13:11:02.904-07:002012-03-28T13:11:02.904-07:00It doesn't really keep me up at night but I to...It doesn't really keep me up at night but I too have ancestors who lived in Smith Valley. Hopefully you are referring to the Smith Valley about 25 miles from Austin, Nevada. His name was Thomas Triplett and in some sites he is given credit for being the founder of Triplett Springs in Smith Valley. He was also a miner and there are some mines named after him in the area. He had a brother who had a saloon there in Austin and Thomas was Supt. of the School there. He and his wife died the same day in Triplett Springs. I have the newspaper article telling about it. We've visited the Valley and have no idea where to look for Triplett Springs. I just saw your site and thought I'd chime in. Thomas and his wife are buried there in the IOOF Cemetery in Austin. We know where they are, we don't know where Triplett Springs is and with no help from the folks in Austin.Barb Triplett-Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13133895420071381631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-2620367634206303742012-01-04T10:18:43.675-08:002012-01-04T10:18:43.675-08:00Glad I could help! I'm coming to realize the ...Glad I could help! I'm coming to realize the value of putting things in writing--silly for a writer not to understand this sooner, right? <br /><br />Still, when it comes to the little life things we all know we should be doing but aren't, putting it in writing has a way of making me work toward it that I just won't do if I'm using a list in my head as motivation. <br /><br />First submission date is a week from Friday...so this Friday, I need to schedule time to research markets. Rotating researching markets with submitting can help take some of the pressure off of finding a huge block of time to handle it all. Plus, on Friday, I'm generally in a better mood than, say, a Tuesday. <br /><br />I hope we can both get organized this year!Jenni Wiltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02661050256535845651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-18073695392025236542012-01-03T14:28:46.272-08:002012-01-03T14:28:46.272-08:00I like this idea! Scheduling time for submissions—...I like this idea! Scheduling time for submissions—I could get used to it. I'm working on becoming better organized. I lost my phone twice within the same week, and decided that enough was enough. Glad to have some ideas to incorporate my life goals with my writing goals.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00961332983813359209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-36808671325411199112011-09-14T03:39:20.324-07:002011-09-14T03:39:20.324-07:00awesome...I am one of your students at ashford. Go...awesome...I am one of your students at ashford. Good Job..Amish Cowboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16790342772329078196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6016736003379634401.post-66262652634352394462011-08-16T05:33:52.531-07:002011-08-16T05:33:52.531-07:00I can't wait to hear all about the story. I al...I can't wait to hear all about the story. I also can't believe that this is still going on. It feels like Ivory poaching was the issue of the day when I was a kid in the early 90s. Hard to believe we haven't fixed this yet.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00961332983813359209noreply@blogger.com