Coming from Pagan Writers Press on March 8, 2013!
Follow Us
Posts
All Comments
Contributor's Blogs
Publisher
Monday, March 18, 2013
Lorraine Nelson Talks About Historical Fiction
I am thrilled to have a short story included in this
anthology. Celebrating women throughout history, even though it is fiction,
gives us a chance to glimpse how strong the women in our past really were.
The idea for Riverboat Queen came about one night when my
friend, DJ, and I were brainstorming ideas for historical fiction. Now, anyone
who knows me knows I hate history. No joke. But I do enjoy reading a good
historical romance from time to time. And DJ loves history. That evening she
was trying to convince me to try my hand at writing a historical romance. She
kept tossing ideas at me and one clicked. No, it wasn’t Riverboat Queen,
although I did file that one away for future use. J
Hawk’s Woman, a western historical short, ended up at 11,000
words and was included in an anthology released last spring. It garnered rave
reviews and to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I can’t see
me writing historicals on a regular basis, but to know that people read and
enjoyed my story gave me quite a boost.
When HerStory was announced, I knew I had to write something
for it, so I searched through those old files and stumbled upon Riverboat
Queen. Aurora Langston, sold into slavery at an early age by her uncle and
guardian shortly after the death of her parents, has vowed to work out her
indenture and return home to England. Things don’t go quite as she’s planned
and she ends up on quite an adventure. I hope you enjoy Aurora’s story.
I am a multi-published author living in NB on the east coast
of Canada. I love to hear from readers. Please contact me at one of the
following locations:
Twitter: @lornelca
Website: http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com
Friday, March 15, 2013
A Message from Michelle
Now, even though huge strides have been made, we are no longer strapped in an apron, chained to the stove, “barefoot and pregnant” the term I constantly heard while growing into womanhood, no, we as women are growing to the point of “choosing” careers, when to marry, many turning life events that previously, we quite possibly did not have full control over.
I actually ran across Mary Fields a few years ago, although not much was written on her. But that which was, had my mouth dropping; how could I not have known about this woman?! I had never heard of her in any of my African-American lessons for Black History month in school… She was perfect for this project. I wanted a historical figure that was little known, but inspiring, and I believe Mary Fields, a.k.a. Stagecoach Mary fits the bill. Through Internet research, I was able to uncover tidbits on this incredible woman, even actual documents penned by the Ursuline Nuns!
Also, being an African-American female had its own challenges. Yes, great strides had been taken, but still in a lot of the literature that I was reading- the stories that I loved—the great romances -Gothic tales of women fleeing across the moors with the grand old house in the back and the shadow in the windows, reflecting the sinister tone in the book. Yes, great books, but in most cases the heroines were always being “saved”….waiting for that handsome man of her dreams to save her…. That was shown in a lot of the books and movies…The women waiting on that great guy, to call, to come over, to save her, to whatever…
But what I love about the literature and the media today, that’s no longer the case. The female is shown to have a strength and individuality…meaning she is a complete and whole person. When the hot guy walks in the door, and will be a complete, and whole person if he was to leave…but hey, in our stories…still there are the happy endings, he rarely leaves…I mean who would with a catch like her! The heroines in today’s stories are saving shoot! Not only themselves, but the heroes, and sometimes whole towns!
The female is shown as fierce, capable and strong…not lagging behind or so far out in front (most of the times) but both heroine and hero are shown as equal… That is what I love now with the books and media that I see…So of course I loved the opportunity to become a part of a celebration of women who were strong and fierce! I wanted to find a subject of a woman who although a woman of history, had the mindset of today…a woman that would be an asset to showcase, not only for a Women’s History month example, but also representing a dynamic African-American woman, and yes, oh yes, I found Mary.
I actually ran across Mary Fields a few years ago, although not much was written on her. But that which was, had my mouth dropping; how could I not have known about this woman?! I had never heard of her in any of my African-American lessons for Black History month in school… She was perfect for this project. I wanted a historical figure that was little known, but inspiring, and I believe Mary Fields, a.k.a. Stagecoach Mary fits the bill. Through Internet research, I was able to uncover tidbits on this incredible woman, even actual documents penned by the Ursuline Nuns!
I am extremely honored to be a part of the HerStory Anthology and celebrating Women’s History Month and I give a HUGE thank-you to the Editor, Tara Chevrestt and to Pagan Writers Press for this opportunity! I believe you will enjoy all the stories within the cover of this book, sneaking peeks at the lives of the wives, mothers, and daughters of yesteryear that worked, cried, and maintained a life for their loved ones. It’s their stories that are affecting the wives, mothers, and daughters of today… So join me in celebrating the warriors, thinkers, and leaders that were these women…
Let us tell you a story…
Thursday, March 14, 2013
HerStory Playlist, Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
I love music, I believe it a form of storytelling; it transmits passion, love,and also it encourages and inspires. I believe music transcends boundaries if Race, Gender and Age.
Music is fundamental, it seeps into your bones, tissue and blood, helps you to see the world clearer, well at least in my humble opinion.
So as it inspires, It can be inspired...there is separation the storyteller and his/her words and the musician, I believe need the other, feeds the others, aides the other.
So HerStory, which is a collection of stories that was inspired by the strength of women in history, has a theme that I have also viewed in music.
Below are songs and artist who also carry the theme in music of empowering and celebrating women...
I found this list on-line compiled by Yahoo contributor, Kathy Heydasch and felt it was perfect!
Strong is Beautiful
10) "Video" by India Arie
9) Billie Holiday T'aint nobody's business if I do
8) So Beautiful by Superchick
7) "Nothing in Between" by Meredith Brooks.
6) So What" by Pink.
5) Independent Woman" by Destiny's Child
4)"Survivor" by Destiny's Child.
3) Strong Enough" by Cher
2)"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor.
1)"I am Woman" by Helen Reddy.
She is also the producer/host of the online radio segment, IndieReview Behind the Scenes, where she and her co-host Jamie B Musings interview Indie authors and musicians.
Michelle has been married for seventeen years and has a fourteen-year-old daughter. A book lover, her favorite genre has always been paranormal adventures.
Her story within the HerStory pages is Musings of an African-American cowgirl.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Alexandra Chauran Talks About Sacred Dancing
.jpg)
Dance, for me, has always been a sacred expression of spirituality. Dance can define itself as movement without any purpose except beauty. In my religious practice of British Traditional Wicca, dance is an important way to raise energy. Yet, sacred dance is something that is historically difficult to follow. Since the ability to record dance performances is so new, the only way that we have been able to preserve or study historical dance is through depictions in paintings or other visual arts. Sacred movement has always been passed on person to person, in the intimacy of student teacher relationships, friendships or family. In HerStory, I imagined one link in the chain of what we call “bellydance” today. Today, even though the power of Internet and video brings an infinite expression of dance forms before our eyes, the line of sacred dance is growing weak. Even contemporary Wiccans often do little more than run around in a circle in vestigial tribute to dance when raising energy for worship or magic. Through my fiction, I hope to inspire other women to take up dance. Pass along the art of being present in your body to your sisters and your daughters. Tell secrets without saying a word and share the gift of dance with your world and yourself.
Alexandra's story is Z'irah
See her dance:
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Happy Birthday, Mina by Laura DeLuca
 |
| 1953 |
March 11, 1953 was a bittersweet day for my grandmother. She welcomed a child she adored, but she was told that her baby might not live. If she did survive, they said she would only be a burden. I am proud to say that my grandmother proved those people wrong. She never lost faith and she raised my Aunt Mena with all the love and respect she deserved. Mena has been a pivotal part of our family for four generations.
 |
| 1976 - Maryann, Tessie, Mena and Laura |
.jpg) |
| My cousin Jaimie, Mena -Sometime in the 80's. |
.jpg) |
| Laura, Mena & Gabby - 2012 |
 |
| March 2013 |
Today it has been exactly sixty years since Mena came into the world. Even though my grandmother left us long ago, her lessons stay with us. Not only is Mena no burden on our family, she is the glue that holds us together. In her innocence, she has taught us all the importance of unconditional love.
***
Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She is the author of six young adult novels and several short stories. Her story within the pages of HerStory is Tessie. It's about her grandmother and Mena and their unconditional love.
Friday, March 8, 2013
HerStory is Told! Release Day Giveaway Bash!
In ancient times, women were regarded as sacred. They were thought to hold the mystical power of creation—responsible for the continuation of our species. With the rise of Science and Religion, these myths were dispelled and their plight began.
HerStory: Fiction Honoring Women’s History Month is a collection of Flash Fiction and Short Stories from today's top authors featuring female characters that exemplify strong strength of mind, body, and character. Some of these tales are based on real people while others are purely fictional. However, all are standing up for themselves and what they believe in.
Grab yourself a glass of wine or favorite hot beverage and get comfortable as you read about the lives of women who will light the fire in your soul.
It's finally here. HerStory. Available to the masses. And to honor release day, we're having a party. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win some terrific prizes. *U.S. residents only*
Here's what's up for grabs.
GRAND PRIZE
 |
| First Grand Prize |
 |
| First Grand Prize |
And that's not all, the grand prize winner also gets a pair of earrings from Cathy from Etsy, who runs Yesware. The earrings sparkle one side and have a message on the other side: the greatest story never told.
Only, we're telling it, the authors of HerStory. We are telling it.
SECOND GRAND PRIZE
Author Laura DeLuca has donated an incense diffuser to go along with some handmade soap from Greenchild Creations.And we're throwing an e-book into this mix. Why soap and diffusers? What does that have to do with women's history?
In HerStory, Mathilda of Ringelheim runs a bath house. It seems appropriate to honor herstory this way.
AND as Mathilda seems to know, every woman needs soap and every woman needs time to relax. So one lucky winner will take a nice long shower with her fantastic handmade soap, set her diffuser on a table, and curl up with HerStory on her kindle. Who says you can't be relaxed and empowered at the same time? (and smell good)
THIRD GRAND PRIZE
In Please Stay, Asuka, a Japanese wife of the 1600s, is preparing the evening meal while awkwardly trying to discuss a matter--somewhat delicate--but of great importance with her husband.
As you get lost in your ebook, in Asuka's story (penned by Becca Diane), you can pretend you are there. Perhaps you feel your husband's penetrating stare. But you serve him his tea, straighten your spine, and say what needs to be said...then wait, breath held, for his reply, incense lightening the tension in the air...
FOURTH GRAND PRIZE
One lucky winner will have a chance to make their voice heard on the radio...with a $25 Amazon gift card burning a hole in their pocket!HerStory goes behind the scenes to locate the stories of women who lived, laughed, and touched the lives of generations...
Now, here is your chance to have your story told to the world....or your mother's...it's your chance to talk about the most inspiring woman or women in YOUR life. Shout it out! Tell listeners everywhere about this amazing person. Honor her!
This prize is being donated by Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes.
PRIZE 5, FOUR WINNERS, FOUR TINS OF EMPOWERMINTS
Four of these tins of mints are being donated by the Unemployed Philosophers Guild. That means four lucky winners are going to win a tin of mints to carry around in their pockets and every time they look at the tin, they'll be empowered!The tin is also the perfect size to serve as a pillbox once the mints are gone. This is something you can keep for a LONG time.
PRIZE 6, TWO WINNERS, CROSS STITCH WALL HANGINGS
Author and editor Tara Chevrestt has a secret addiction and hobby. It makes her feel like an old lady, so she keeps it under wraps, but now the truth is out...
She likes to cross stitch!!!
She likes to cross stitch!!!
And with the suffragette tales (Sister Suffragettes by Dahlia DeWinters and Chevrestt's own From You No and Silent Suffragette) in the back of her mind, she found a pattern on Etsy by Patternbird and set to stitching.
Two lucky winners will walk away with these. They are 3.25" by 6" and have a hard backing so they may be placed on a wall.
PRIZE 7, ONE WINNER, FLAPPER-STYLE HAT
Donated from Rakestraw Book Design.
PRIZE 7, ONE WINNER, FLAPPER-STYLE HAT
Donated from Rakestraw Book Design.
Toni Rakestraw, one of the HerStory contributors, is stitching this hat so one lucky reader can--in her mind--march in a suffragette parade as she reads HerStory. Or perhaps this is something Margaret Sanger would have worn as she leaves the workhouse in The Woman Rebel.
PRIZE 8, ONE WINNER, ONE PAINTING
You've heard the term multi-published and many of HerStory's authors can place that before their name, but how about multi-talented?Author Morgan Summerfield can not only write as she shoes us in Adella, but she can paint too! She is kindly donating a painting 27" wide by 11" high, titled Morning Poppies. The frame is handmade with real wood and she stretches all her own canvases. It is hand-painted-by her!-in multi media.
Prize 9: ONE WINNER, ONE PENDANTAnd last, but certainly not least, we have a lovely Coco Chanel quote pendant donated by the lovely Jewelry Designs by Lula. One winner will win this delightful pendant that says A girl should be two things: WHO and WHAT she wants.
We could not have said it better.
Enter for all prizes using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is for three weeks. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with their snail mail addresses. After 48 hours, new winners will be chosen.
Thank you and enjoy HerStory! Be empowered! Learn something. Believe in yourself and womankind.
Buy links:
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Amazon
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
