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Andrew Wyeth fans are a legion. Many consider the artist to be the "People's Painter" and quite possibly America's most beloved visual craftsman in the mid-20th century, before the Modernist movement took hold of the art world and abstract subjects became in vogue.

However, did you know that the story of Andrew Wyeth's life, especially his relationship with his father and his son have been deemed dramatic enough to create a feature-length film? The Wyeth movie will cast the prolific painter in a completely fresh light and expose the influences, mechanisms, and tragedies that fueled and inspired one of America's favorite creative souls.

If you are not familiar with his work, Andrew Wyeth is best described as a regional naturalist and realist painter, replicating subjects in stark detail and with remarkable accuracy. He faithfully painted landscapes and human figures that existed within close proximity of his home in rural Pennsylvania. This artist created a long line of art work that emphasized the beauty of nature and the simplicity of its inhabitants.

The Andrew Wyeth Movie

Currently titled "Wyeth", the movie line was written in 2008 and personally approved by Andrew Wyeth himself, who cited a desire for the screenwriter "not to take it easy on him at all." The project not only has Andrew's personal blessing, but also the approval of the Wyeth family, who have confirmed that the events in the screenplay are based on facts and actual events. Unfortunately, ninety-five year-old Andrew passed away in late 2009, before the film could be completed.

Prestigious Backing

The Wyeth movie is being executively produced and funded by Snow Hill Productions. Mary Kemper Wolf, who directed '120 Wooster Street' on PBS, is expected to assist with the production. In addition, the screenplay was penned by film veteran Frank Barhydt, who has written many scripts for the venerable Robert Altman, including 'The Player', 'Short Cuts', and 'Kansas City'.

Other big names currently attached to the project are Eric Keith, the CEO of the Capstone Entertainment Group, and veteran film producer David Rosenfield. The budget for the film is now listed as $7.5 million. Although this figure is relatively low compared to average Hollywood productions, it is considered a decently large budget for an independent film. The Wyeth movie is expected to eventually make the rounds through film festivals.

Andrew's son Jamie, who is also an important character in the film, is listed as a consulting producer for the work, so fans can be assured that the material will be truthful.

Pre-Production Rumors

Wolf has been trying to shoot the Wyeth movie in Maine due to the family's association with the area and because of the lush, undiscovered beauty of the rural locations. She had intended to shoot in Massachusetts, but a friend and advocate of Maine convinced her otherwise.

Wolf is currently contacting collectors that hold expensive Wyeth originals in order to tempt them to participate in the project, which would help offset the fact that Maine presents a very limited incentive package (usually in the form of tax breaks) to film crews. The state of Maine offers a 9% tax incentive, compared to the 25% that is available in Massachusetts and in parts of Canada. The Maine Film Office has arranged a meeting between the governor of Maine, John Baldacci, and state agencies to see if an exception can be made due to not only the prestige of the Wyeth name, but also to the interesting history it has brought to Maine.

To attract a big-name director for the Wyeth movie is Wolf's intention. She has not yet divulged the identity of that director, but, if successful, it will most likely bring much attention to the project and possibly additional funding.

If everything goes according to plan, the Wyeth movie is slated to begin shooting early in 2011, and is looking at a 2012 release.

The film is aimed at capturing the complicated relationship between three generations of famous American artists, and will surely reveal interesting facts about Andrew Wyeth's personal life and family. Fans of Wyeth's work are advised to stay tuned as the production process continues. We will, without a doubt, be thrilled with the end result.

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It can only take a moment to change your life and that is what happened to two young children, Lou Cardinal and her younger brother, Oz.

While in the car with their parents one day, they were involved in a car accident. Their father was killed and the mother left in a catatonic state. Their mother did everything she possibly could during the accident to protect the children from being injured.

Now the children and the mother were going to live with their great-grandmother on her farm in Virginia. Compared to living in New York, this was a drastic change. The nurse who accompanied them on the trip started to mention her "demands" to the great-grandmother. It did not take long for the great-grandmother to tell the nurse that she was not needed. It would surely take the children some getting "used to" and little by little, that is what they did. The cows had to be milked and the food came from the farm - not the local store.

When a corporation wanted to buy the great-grandmother's land, she wanted no part of it. It soon turns into an exciting court battle.

What happens to the land and the children?

David Baldacci is known for writing many mystery books. This one is not a mystery and is quite different compared to any other books he has written. When an author can "cross over" and write a book completely different from anything he has done in the past, it goes to show that he has the skill and expertise to be a versatile writer, which is something that many authors cannot do.

Mr. Baldacci definitely shows his writing talent with this book. The one thing I became aware of while listening to this audio CD is how very descriptive his words come across. The listener really gets a good idea of how everything looked and could picture in their mind exactly what he was talking about. The reader, Nora Lana, does an excellent job in portraying all the emotion that is taking place throughout this audio CD. This is a captivating story and one that you will enjoy. Be prepared for a big surprise at the end!

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There is a big debate about whether Mountain Top Coal Mining should be allowed or not. Advocates for this type of mining remind us we need the coal for our coal-fired electrical generation plants, and that WV, KY, PA, and WV need the jobs. They also tell us that they can do it without adversely impacting the environment. So, let's discuss this briefly.

Interestingly enough, I just got done reading "Divine Justice" by David Baldacci - very interesting read, and I've been having long conversations about all this with Think Tank members. Some of the conditions in some of the smaller below ground minds simply is not suitable for humans. It's dangerous and debilitating on the body.

And yes, with just a little bit of knowledge of coal, above ground mining and such one might come to the conclusion that we ought to mine all our coal from above ground and not below ground, if nothing more than for safety reasons. Our company has had contracts working with companies in Gillette, WY and cleaned Coal Cars for Florida Light and Power (that had not been cleaned in 15-years). Over the years you learn a lot about the coal industry.

One thing that has always fascinated me is that the older below ground coal mines could compete with the massive scale of an above ground coal mining effort like that which is running 24/7 in Wyoming. Maybe they can't and realize they have to do mountain top coal mining to compete or go out of business.

This whole concept of course has the environmentalists up in arms, they do not want the "Picturesque Appalachian Mountains to look like a war zone" stated a gentleman with American Indian heritage from the region. Please consider this.

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There are two main things to do while reading this book: one, use your EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) anywhere and anytime you feel uncomfortable.

And two, take careful note how the protagonists in the book use the internet, the press and other media to manipulate the public. Very slick, very media savvy.

In this age of such ease in communication, I believe that all of us need to be aware of hype delivered in such a way as to appeal to the heart, that winds our emotions up in favor or against some common cause. In this book, the 'bad guys' pretend to be 'good guys' by making a big deal of a Russian man who supposedly was beat up, lost his family and all the rest. In truth he was a well-paid actor in service to a group of men who wanted to set a world-domination thing.

In the book, people watched the video clip, were shocked and appalled, put it on facebook, talked about it in chat rooms, etc., and the word went around the world in hours.

The important point is that, down the line when the storm that brewed out of this one video clip gathered momentum and became a typhoon, only a couple people questioned the veracity of the whole thing.

I think it's so important to stay connected to the heart AND our reason-asking continually, is it true? Does it make sense? What motivation is behind all this? Who what where and why?

In the story, people who do ask about the truth are punished to the extreme in service to making a good story. Who knows if it would happen that way in the 'real' world? I don't. But it still doesn't stop me from asking my own questions, rather than straight-out belief in what I see and read and hear.

When I was living in New Zealand almost 8 years ago, I was turned on to EFT by one of my creative writing students. She'd taken about a 6-week hiatus, and came back a changed person. She'd been one of those people who, even if you glanced at her, would immediately start weeping. Her clothes were always rumpled and disheveled looking, and she never looked comfortable in her own skin.

When she came back, she was clean, well-dressed, hair attractively cut, a big smile on her face-wow! I asked her what she'd done, because I wanted some, too!

She told me about the site that had helped her learn EFT, and off I went. My life has never been the same since-thank goodness!

One of the things I discovered while I was first experimenting with EFT was how to use it during a movie when I felt upset or uncomfortable with the scenes or the script.

I'd always been one of those people who'd sit through something I didn't enjoy because I was embarrassed to get up in the middle and leave. I started practicing honoring myself by leaving when I felt uncomfortable or if the movie wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

That felt great! And then I took it another step-instead of getting up and leaving, I'd sit through the upsetting stuff and use my EFT to neutralize the upsetting emotions. What a revelation that was!

I started going to 'guy' flicks-war movies, shoot-em-ups and martial arts movies, just to see where I'd get triggered by all the blood, violence and murder

Why? Because in any situation, I want to retain my equanimity and ability to be sane enough to make correct, intelligent choices instead of losing my head, freaking out and being scared out of my wits. Not that I plan to get myself into any war zones or fight scenes! But I *have* done dangerous things that sent my heart up into my throat and made my knees weak, so I wanted to be able to handle that in case I needed to.

So I used these movies to neutralize the emotional triggers that made me cringe and cry and react. Every time the movie would show a scene that, in the past would make me want to hide my eyes or make me walk out of the movie, I tapped and mentally did the EFT process.

Soon I got to the point where I could take in the movie and its 'reality,' while simultaneously knowing it was just a movie, and watching how the script was written, the scenes set up, the effects, characters, make-up, etc. My perspective widened considerably. I got to be distanced and dispassionate rather than triggered and engaged. I am now responsive rather than reactive.

At one point as I was sitting through my third viewing of Apocalypse Now, one of the most disorienting and disturbing movies I've seen about war, I heard a voice in my head saying, 'you know, Angela, it's only a movie. You've done enough now!'

I laughed out loud and left the theater. I laughed because Martin Sheen, who starred in the film, had had a heart attack during the filming, and his wife, who saw him freaking out on the stretcher as he was being air-vac'd out, said to him, 'honey, it's only a movie!'

Whether she meant it's only a film they're making, don't get so heated up about it, or life is only a movie, we'll never know. But nonetheless, he had a major cognitive shift and 'got' it that he needed to relax and let the Flow take over. I thought it was pretty funny I should hear that same message in my head!

Now as I read books about war or conspiracy theories or other so-called 'real' things or events, I can maintain a real sense of me, my place in the world, and know that I have choices I can make out of a sane, fearless yet intelligent place. I no longer live my life through my fears and insecurities. I live it through my center, that place within that I had never really connected with enough to feel calm, relaxed and inspired all at once.

Of course it's an ongoing journey to retain that place. Using EFT has helped me tremendously to stop being so depressed, so afraid, so angry, so sad-and so reactive about the world and 'how it is!' Oh me, when I think of the rages I got myself into about 'how things are!' Now I use all that energy that I used to use for fear and reaction for creativity and joy.

In short, I recommended David Baldacci's book, a thriller, "The Whole Truth," as a fantastic tool with which to transform fears and anger and other stuck emotions, and as a great reflection of what's possible in today's fast-paced, interconnected world.

much aloha -
Angela

p.s. Take any scene from the book or any movie, and tap on it! "Even though all that blood makes me sick....even though I'm so afraid when I hear gunshots....even though life should be kinder....even though I'm afraid I'll have bad dreams now...."

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Has Oliver Stone met his match in Harry Finn? You will have to read "Stone Cold" to find the answer.

The Camel Club members, along with its leader Oliver Stone, are respected and feared in Washington, D.C. This club's purpose is to keep a watchful eye on what is going on and as a result they have gained both friends and enemies. There isn't anything the leaders would do to prevent The Camel Club from discovering things they do not want made public.

Stone and the other members of The Camel Club are now trying to protect Annabelle Conroy. Annabelle did something unthinkable to casino big wheel Jerry Bagger, who murdered her mother. Jerry is now out for revenge.

Harry Finn then enters the picture. Harry is just like any other normal family man but he really lives two lives. He has many skills and helps to keep us safe. Finn was hired for a job to prove that there were several flaws in the security system and was able to slip into an airport and place a bomb on a plane without anyone getting suspicious. The Department of Homeland Security got authorization for this job and hired Finn to carry it through. Finn's other job is that of an unstoppable killer and he is now out to get Oliver Stone. Men from Stone's past are turning up dead.

Now the big questions are who will win and will they both survive?

It is not a must to read these two prior books by David Baldacci - The Camel Club and the Collectors - but I think it would help you follow along with the story. The author has created some very interesting characters for this novel and the reader will learn to like them even though they might be someone you should have doubts about. The character I liked the best is Harry Finn because he reminds you of James Bond all over again. It is a difficult feat to top the other two books in this series but David Baldacci has accomplished this and more. Stone Cold is the best in the Camel Club series yet. This book has it all - spies, suspense, action, twists and turns. Be sure to add "Stone Cold" to your reading list.

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My initial reaction to "Wearing the Spider" by Susan Schaab is, "Wow." It's a wicked web we weave and this book will leave readers with the feeling of needing to brush off a few spiders.

This legal thriller is also a work of suspense and romance, offering a bit of something for everyone. Evie Sullivan is a hopeful lawyer up for partnership at her law firm. She works diligently and passionately, often staying in the office well into the night to get things done. What she doesn't know, could certainly hurt her. Overhearing part of a conversation in the conference room late one night sets Evie on edge and has her looking twice at things she'd brushed off as simple errors... things like her name appearing on work she hadn't done, strange hotel receipts in her name in her expense reports from places she'd never been, emails from clients she had no known contact with. Someone seemed to be trying to make her look bad in the eyes of legitimate clients and the partners. Could it all have something to do with a forced kiss she'd fended off months ago? Was someone trying to exact some sort of revenge? Or was this all just part of something even bigger than a suffering ego? The plot thickens to reveal the inclusion of a US Senator, a commission worth $25 million, and the murder of a woman set on giving Evie some important information. Time will tell if the spider is spotted before it is too late, through it all though, readers will feel the creepy crawly sensation of Evie dealing with something quite evil.

A nice counter to the sleazy feelings elicited by certain characters are the amorous moments Evie has with a man she meets on an airplane. Drawn together, by chance or by fate, the two have a connection. He wishes to be her knight in shining armor and she needs to feel his support and good intentions. He convinces her to take action and takes part in bringing the FBI into the mix.

Susan Schaab offers a high-tech thriller that cracks open the inner workings of a large law firm and leaves one wondering just how often sexual harassment and hostile work environments are tolerated in the corporate world. Her plot is complex and compelling, inspiring the continued turning of pages well into the night. Her characters are rich with human flaws and positive attributes that draw the reader into their world. If you've ever been manipulated by anyone, you surely will be rooting for Evie, and booing her adversary. The feel of the book is fast paced, well planned, and most interesting. I highly recommend "Wearing the Spider."

Wearing the Spider

By Susan Schaab

ISBN: 1-934291-05-6

Publication Date: June 2007

http://www.galavantpress.com

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I have been a fan of David Baldacci, since I read The Winner back in 1997. I so enjoyed his style of writing, I have read all his books to date and eagerly await his new books. The Camel Club is no exception to the rule. Another page-turner thriller.

Cast of Characters:

Members of the Camel Club

Oliver Stone - who camps outside the Whitehouse to protest the government and lives at a church where he tends to the commentary is the lead conspiracy theorist

Caleb Shaw - who loves to dress in period costume and works at the Library of Congress in the rare books department

Reuben Rhodes - ex government employee, turned to loading dock worker, drug burnout

Milton Farb - who suffers from OCD, has a perfect memory, mathematical prodigy and owns a website building business and won lots of money on Jeopardy

Other Characters:

Alex Ford - secret service agent who is a bit unclear where his loyalties lie, near retirement

Carter Grey - intelligence chief

Plot:  When the Camel Club gathers for a clandestine meeting to discuss the latest conspiracy theories they stumble upon a crime. The four witness the murder of an intelligence analyst and barely escape with their own lives intact.

The morning paper reveals the death as an a suicide, which the Camel Club knows to be false. When they begin to investigate they become targets of the same killers.

Meanwhile,  Alex Ford disagrees with the official verdict and is reassigned to Presidential protection detail.

Unbeknownst to Alex, a terrorist cell is waiting to kill the president in his hometown. Meanwhile the Camel Club is trying to find out the truth about the killing, while trying to stay alive.

There are several plots going on at the same time and the story can sometimes be a bit confusing, but there are lots of surprises including the attempted assassination of the president (what a twist) and the reason behind the murder.

This is a typically fantastic read for anyone who loves intrigue, spy technology, terrorists and conspiracies. You will be hard pressed to see how this turns out - as usual David Baldacci gives you a surprise ending. Loved this book! 688 pages of pure intrigue! 9 out of 10.

Only negative was the book was a bit long.

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In Elements of Style, E.B. White writes: "A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary part." If you agree with the premise of the early 20th century Ivy League scholar, you're at the gates of editor heaven.

The Elements of Style handbook by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White keeps me honest if not erudite. William Strunk was White's English professor at Cornel University long before anyone reading this was born. White went on to author Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little and numerous essays. Even though the older Strunk created the famous little book, it was White who first updated and published it. Revised many times since, the book lives on inside the pockets and on the desks of seasoned writers and journalists who want to write better.

Life, love and the pursuit of writing are all about style and passion. Zadie Smith, (White Teeth, On Beauty) is one of today's brightest best selling authors. She says she owes her recent success to 19th century novelist, E.M. Forster (Howard's End, Wings of The Dove). Here's what Zadie says about Forster's influence. "He gave me a classy old frame, which I covered with new material as best I could."

Style and passion never go out of fashion. I try not to be in love with my own words, or use fancy phraseology. Windiness is boring. It may stroke the ego, but it sure tires the reader. Unless, like Zadie Smith, you have an excellent ear for dialect, it too becomes an annoying hindrance. The latest buzzwords (dude, hottie) make for great commercial copy. But in literature they soon become yesterday's newspaper. I haven't finished reading all of Charles Dickens, but I've yet to find a line, a phrase that doesn't ring true today.

Theoretically, a split infinitive is when one or more words separate the verb and to (to boldly go). Does anyone know where the person who wrote that copy line went? At this moment, he and the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of Captain Kirk, are probably lounging by the pool of their own private solar system, counting their lucky stars. But let's not confuse good commercial copy with literature.

A word about dialog. Here are two people talking, from David Baldacci's Best Seller, The Camel Club.

"I say you crazy," she responded testily.

"Perhaps you're right and I thank you for your concern," he said politely.

One of the most influential writers of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway probably would have said it this way:

"I say you crazy."

"Perhaps, and I thank you for your concern."

Of course, in the context of the story we have to know who said what. Sometimes the writer must include the he-said-she said. But why clutter the action with unnecessary modifiers when the words speak for themselves?

Coming Next: The writing world has entered the Web's information highway with reckless abandon. But watch out for back roads that lead to bastardizing the English language, and dead-ends where students confuse Jabberwocky with gibberish. My next article On Writing will include how lazy writing for the Web can spill over to the work place, and how to avoid unscrupulous agents that scam unsuspecting writers. They're out there in profusion.

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Have you always wanted to write and sell a novel but weren't sure where to start? The writing part is hard enough but how do you get your masterpiece published and sold?

A series of three articles will give you a basic blueprint for options you can pursue, like:

o Agents - How to find a reputable one and learn who to stay away from

o Publishers - The best route for you may not be a big publishing house in New York ... a smaller house may be just the right fit for you

o Marketing - Here are some steps you can take to set up appearances and what you need to interest local TV and radio stations

In this article, we'll look at writing in general and whether you need an agent to sell your book. There's lots to cover so let's go!

WRITING

The Great American Novel.

It's a catchphrase writers have heard -- and been saddled with -- for a long time.

Writing a novel is organic; it comes from deep inside. While there are some tried-and-true formulas, the best teacher comes in two forms: writing and reading.

Why? Because to be a good writer you must be a good reader.

If you're interested in a particular area -- or genre - of fiction like mysteries, romance or science fiction, read as many books by different authors in those genres as you can. You'll quickly sort out the good from the not-so-good and learn to develop an eye for what works in a novel.

Reading novels teaches you structure, pacing and tone. It helps you learn how to develop characters and experiment with point of view and tension.

In fact imagery, tension and release are the three big factors in successful novels. Imagery is word painting. Richness of detail is what helps you connect with your audience and find a common ground the two of you can share. Tension keeps you turning the pages. And release ties it altogether.

If you're into writing and want to learn the basics, there are several avenues to pursue. You can pick up some terrific how-to books like On Writing by Stephen King or Bird by Bird by Anne LaMott.

Magazines like "The Writer" and "Writers Digest" are chock-full of articles to help hone your style and voice. And there are a slew of online courses to choose from. Try searching the `Net using keywords like "online writing classes" or just "writing classes" and you'll get loads of choices. Investigate writing clubs in your area or find out how to join a critique group. And many writing ezines publish free newsletters each month with loads of information about writing how-to's and the business of being a successful novelist.

AGENTS

To Agent or Not to Agent, That's the Question

There are as many opinions on this topic as there are bagel varieties in Manhattan. Before the competition to sell a novel became fierce, agents weren't as necessary as they are today. And agent's commission these days runs anywhere from 15% - 20%

The Big Seven

If your heart's desire is to be published with one of the "big seven" houses in New York -- names like Random House, Little, Brown, or Doubleday -- you'll probably need an agent to get your little toe in the front door. Many large houses refuse to look at unsolicited (read that unasked for and, many times, unwanted) manuscripts.

For the big houses, a good agent is like having a backstage pass to the hottest show in town. And it's because of the relationship the agent has developed with the editors.

Now, there are big publishers that will accept unsolicited manuscripts but the chances of getting a book contract this way are less than winning Powerball.

Smaller Houses

Small to medium-sized publishing houses are easier to get into for an unknown writer and it's also a place where you can develop a personal relationship with the publisher.

And that's what you really want: a relationship.

It's true that advances are small to not-at-all in these houses but you'll have a greater chance of being published. And an agent isn't as critical -- in fact it's sometimes less desirable -- for small and medium-size houses.

Where to Find an Agent

If you decide that having an agent is the direction you'd like to go in, there are a few caveats to remember.

Anyone can call themselves a literary agent. There is no professional licensing that separates the good from the bad. There are, however, a few things you can do to protect yourself and your future reputation when selecting an agent:

o Talk to other writers -- Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find an agent. Ask lots of questions about whether the writer is happy with his or her agent, if the agent is courteous and professional, and if the agent does what they say they'll do and on time.

o Look for the AAR (Association of Authors Representatives) designation -- This isn't an ironclad guarantee that an agent is squeaky clean or will treat you the way you deserve to be treated. It does, however, add a layer of credibility to an agent's reputation because, by being members, agents must conduct themselves in a way that doesn't breach AAR's ethical code of conduct. AAR's website can be found at [http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do] and contains a searchable database of agents.

o Never pay a "reading fee" to an agent -- Reasonable fees for miscellaneous expenses like postage and copies are an expected part of working with an agent but paying someone hundreds -- or even thousands -- of dollars to read your manuscript is unconscionable. That's the kind of agent to avoid.

o Read other author's acknowledgments -- Frequently, writers will thank their agents in the acknowledgement section of their books. If you're interested in or have written a novel in the same genre, make a note of the agent's name, gather the contact information, and submit a query letter.

You can find listings of agents both online at sites like AAR and Writers Market (http://www.writersmarket.com/) as well as in books updated annually like Jeff Herman's Guide To Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents: Who they are! What they want! How to win them over! and Writer's Digest's Guide to Literary Agents. The online version Writers Market has a database of over 6,000 listings, updated daily, and contains a section where you can store information you've submitted to agents and publishers. There is an annual membership fee to join Writer's Market online.

There's also a terrific web site you can use as an agent and publisher research tool called "Preditors and Editors" at http://www.invirtuo.cc/prededitors/peala.htm. It has hundreds of listings and also gives warnings about shady agents as well as kudos for agents who are terrific. You can even find bulleted lists of do's and don'ts for spotting scam publishers and literary agents.

Above all, when you find someone who is interested in representing you, don't jump into a contract with them just yet. Interview them. Yes, you heard that right. Interview them.

Remember, your relationship with an agent is a partnership and the right one could last a lifetime. If your questions are answered to your satisfaction and you feel a rapport with this person, ask for the names and phone numbers of three other clients. If the agent is reluctant to give out this information because of privacy concerns, ask if they would contact the writers and have them call you. You're looking for references here -- just like ones you've provided when you've gone on job interviews.

Because that's what this is -- you're interviewing for the position of your agent.

At a writer's conference a few years ago, best-selling author David Baldacci told the story of how he found his agent. He had just finished writing Absolute Power and had sent it, unsolicited and in full to five agents (usually you only send 1-3 chapters for first go round). All five contacted him. He flew to New York and interviewed them all. He chose Aaron Priest of the Priest Agency because of the rapport he felt with him.

Next time we'll delve into the world of publishers -- big and small -- and whether you want to brave one of the big seven houses in New York or find a smaller publisher for your novel.

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The author brings back The Camel Club, a group of four men who together fight corruption within our government. Each member has or has had a connection with the government through one job or another and becomes very irritated when things go wrong that shouldn't. The club's unofficial leader is called by the name Oliver Stone. Caleb Shaw, Milton Farb, and Rueben Rhodes join Oliver in this secretive group that live and meet in the strangest places.

When several important government officials were found murdered, The Camel Club jumped into action, if you want to call their movement "jumping" since some are up in years but mostly in good physical shape. The club had a great liaison in the FBI who would help them when called, but the club stayed out of the way and didn't want to be known by others because of the secretive work they do.

Roger Seagraves is a go-between between some government officials and those that would hurt our nation by selling secrets to other foreign powers. Seagraves was a powerful man who thought he could do anything he wished from hurting someone's chance at a job to killing without conscience.

Add to this mix a super-con artist, Annabelle Conroy, with the looks and brains to pull off almost any con even to the best con men and to those that considered themselves con-proof! Oh but she was good. She worked with three others, one of whom was new and not quite up to par with Annabelle and Leo, her key co-conspirator. But he had to learn-and FAST before Annabelle pulled off any more big jobs. While the four of them were learning to pull off cons together, they did rip off a few that felt they couldn't be conned. All this while practicing for the big one with the notorious Jerry Bagger, the owner of a huge organization and one of the best con men around. Annabelle had some big ideas to really get Jerry where it hurt the worst, his wallet, and his pride.

When one con after another was successful, Annabelle felt they were ready for Bagger. Annabelle got very chummy with him and gained his confidence, as no one had ever been able to do. Meanwhile, Annabelle's ex-husband was killed in Washington and was a murder that The Camel Club was investigating. Annabelle was hiding from Bagger knowing if he ever caught her she would be good fertilizer when he was finished with her. But when she heard of her ex's demise she had to try to find out the how's and why's since she still had deep feelings for him. She eventually got to Washington and discovered The Camel Club quite by accident. They made a formidable team as they joined all their talent to delve into the killing of the ex and the other key murders.

I enjoyed the book but felt it bogged down a bit in places. I have always enjoyed Baldacci's books and while I would recommend The Collectors to you, I felt it was stretched out a bit but still contained a lot of action. It just was not the non-stop action I expect from David Baldacci.

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David Baldacci was born on August 5, 1960 in Richmond, Virginia. He hails from a working-class background. His father, Rudolph, was a tucking foreman who had lost most of his hearing in World War ll. He earned his BA in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree in 1988 from the University of Virginia. David has two older siblings, a brother, Rudy, and artist, and sister, Sharon, a writer.

David Baldacci practiced criminal law and then later corporate law for nine years. He says he always loved to read and telling stories, and while growing up, often got into trouble with his tall tales. He says he always wanted to write and started writing fiction as a young child and continued throughout his law practice. He likes to quip that, as a lawyer, he learned a lot about writing fiction.

David met Michelle A. Collins, a paralegal, at a barbecue and they dated and then married in 1990. They have two children, a daughter, Spencer, and a son, Collin. The family still resides in Virginia. David's first novel, "Absolute Power", was made into a blockbuster movie starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. David writes on diverse subjects, but is well known for his political thrillers. He is also a humorous, passionate and inspirational keynote speaker. He often speaks at worthy fundraising events. It has been said that he is as prolific a talker as he is a writer.

David and Michelle started a family foundation in 2002 called Wish You Well Foundation which works to eliminate illiteracy nationally. Recently they teamed up with Feeding Americans, Feeding Body and Minds utilizing food and book donations at food banks since poverty stems from illiteracy. David does fund-raising book signings where he asks people to bring in new and used books. They are also involved in fundraising for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society and The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. David is a national ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

David's books have been published in over 45 languages and in 80 countries with more than 70 million copies in print. Besides his books, he has authored seven screen plays.

Books by David Baldacci:

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell Series:
Split Second (2003)
Hour Game (2003)
Simple Genius (2007)
First Family (2009)

Childrens Books:
Freddie and the French Fries:
Fries Alive (2005)
The Legend of Silas Finklebean (2006)

Camel Club:
The Camel Club (2005)
The Collectors (2006)
Stone Cold (2007)
Divine Justice (2008)
Stand Alone Novels:
Absolute Power (1996)
Total Control (1997)
The Winner (1997)
The Simple Truth (1998)
Saving Faith (1999)
Wish You Well (2000)
Last Man Standing (2001)
The Christmas Train (2002)
The Whole Truth (2008)
True Blue (2009)

Non Fiction:
Origins of Wish You Well (2000)

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In Roadside Crosses - A Kathryn Dance Novel by Jeffery Deaver, this famous author of The Bone Collector weaves another spine-tingling tale that will leave you wanting more. He reintroduces California Bureau of Investigation's Kinesics and Body Language Expert, Kathryn Dance, who now finds herself in the middle of a unique case involving the internet's most famous invention-the blog.

These roadside crosses have become unique because unlike its usual memorial symbolical meaning, the killer-Dance's new enemy-has left it as  warning that he will strike. Dance's investigation leads her to Travis Bringham, a teenager who finds himself in the middle of cruel attacks against him on The Chilton Report-a popular blog run by James Chilton. Travis is street-smart and he uses his tricks as a gamer to elude his detractors. This skill also proves essential to the case as he he helps track the potential victims for Dance. But there is more to this case than meets the eye. Dance finds herself head on with Sacramento officials, concerned parents, Chilton-all of whom are threatening the case and her career as well. But Dance has never been the one to give up and she's not going to start now.

Deaver writes this with his signature twisted plot lines and cliffhangers-characteristics that make Deaver's fans coming back for more. As always, he's bound to leave you glued to your seat and breathless with each turn. Though Deaver has used this style of writing in all his books, no two books have ever looked the same. Pulling this off has been quite a feat, especially when some writers have become slaves to style. Deaver, however, is an engaging storyteller that will keep you guessing until the very end. I'm sure fans and new readers alike will find that Roadside Crosses - A Kathryn Dance Novel by Jeffery Deaver is a book they can never put down.

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In an exciting historical adventure, Devil's Pocket, Fred B. McKinley brings us sex and secrets during the times when black gold was the lure for men striving to make their fame and fortune. More, he gives us three family stories that twine and intertwine so fully that murder had to result--secrets always come out! McKinley uses his knowledge and research for his earlier book, Black Gold to Bluegrass, a nonfiction account of the second Spindletop oil boom that occurred in 1925 in Beaumont, Texas. With this background, he has created a thrilling first novel that pulls readers into the time and feelings of those who lived and searched for the rich oil lands in early America.

The main thrust of the book follows the life of Morgan, a young ambitious man who moved quickly and easily from one job to another as he sought to secure his financial future. While ambitious, he was also a man who loved and respected his family, working diligently to provide support and a home for his mother and sister.

Rachael fell in love with Morgan upon first sight. She was the daughter of a rich man and the granddaughter of an even richer man! Morgan had come to Rachael's father to seek financial support in one of his ventures. Thoughts of Rachael or any other woman were far from his plans, as he became friends with her father. Many years went by as Rachael waited and longed for Morgan to notice and come to love her.

A simple love story? Not!

While waiting for Morgan, Rachael foolishly flirts with the wrong man, and because he doesn't listen to her when she tells him to "stop," she later finds herself pregnant. Rachael wants both to keep her child and to not have to admit that she is hers. Her lies later leave her daughter in the same situation and with the same man-her father!

As Morgan is busily making an honorable name for himself and working continuously to move forward toward his goals, oil is struck at Spindletop and he gets a touch of the "fever" that many men followed and for which many men failed. Morgan had his sights set on leasing land that he felt would be rich with oil. The only problem was that Rachael's grandfather owned it! Morgan went to his friend, Rachael's father, hoping to work through him to gain support to lease his father-in-law's land, but they had been enemies since the birth of Rachael since his daughter had died giving birth. However, there was one thing that the two men had in common¾a love for Rachael so strong that they could put aside their estrangement and secretly work toward making Rachael happy; i.e., married to Morgan!

Devil's Pocket was the bait...

Oil was struck there-richer even than Spindletop! But at what cost? For in the end, Morgan and his sister were dead and so was Rachael, her father, and her grandfather.

Susannah Fletcher, a granddaughter, was one of the few left. She wore a tarnished cross from a grandmother she had never known. And she was given her grandmother's diary to haunt her until she found the true story of what had happened to the family members, now all gone.

The early 1900's were hard times. Women were often left to carry the burden of children from lost loves. Men left to try to find the fortunes that they knew they were due. Some found them; most did not. Devil's Pocket presents the drama behind those lustful times. McKinley may have written the fiction; but readers will easily and quickly believe that all of the events could easily have been real. He has created characters you will hate immediately. Some are crafty and selfish and want their own way. Others love and work hard to provide for their families. They were killed due to greed, love, pride, but most of all, fear.

Readers interested in historical fiction will find this a well-written, well-researched story of the time when black gold fever touched our lands. Devil's Pocket, hopefully, will not be the last story about this time period. This reader is already looking for a McKinley sequel!

Devil's Pocket
By Fred B. McKinley
Publish America
ISBN 1-4241-7751-0
262 Pages

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Crystal Dreams Publishing (2007)

ISBN 9781591460879

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/07)

Three women with different backgrounds cross paths and become intertwined. Each looks back at their lives and what made them what they are today. Isabella runs the restaurant that she inherited from her parents. Once it was a thriving business but
now she struggles to keep it open. Isabella is a strong woman with great compassion. At closing time one evening she finds a homeless woman and offers her food and shelter.

Over tea the two share memories. Ruth's father died in a car accident when she was only 5, her mother was an alcoholic and abusive. Ruth grew up knowing she wasn't wanted. "Pa didn't want you, and neither did I. You were a mistake, Ruth," Life had never been easy for Ruth and it continued in a downward spiral until she met Isabella.

Isabella's parents were Italian immigrants; they were close knit and loving. The family was devastated when Anna, Isabella's mother died of cancer. Isabella took over the role of lady of the house. A boy by the name of Julius delivered linens to the family restaurant. Julius and Isabella became friends and slowly came to care strongly for each other. It was difficult for the two to find time for their relationship. Much of Isabella's time is spent between restaurant and family responsibilities. Julius wanted so much more from her. He wanted her heart.

Ruth and Isabella, strangers that meet by accident, are friends by God's will. Could the Bridget they each know be the same Bridget? Bridget is an Irish woman forced to relinquish her children for their own good. She still mourns their loss years later.
This Irish quote speaks to the soul of every mother. "The soil of a mother's heart is made for suffering so that the children may bury their pain there; every hurt, every tear, every disappointment. Tis the only way they can grow."

This is a beautifully written fiction. The characters are real and come to life on the pages. The women are strong and have suffered much. While each comes from different walks of life, each has suffered tragedy in their lives. Through that tragedy they form a bond. I like this book and highly recommend it to those who enjoy fiction. Most women will enjoy the strong female characters and will shed a few tears while reading this marvelous book.

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Piera Press (2007)
ISBN 9780977956142

Catherine Harlow has a sexual appetite, and she also is ambitious in other ways, but sometimes sex gets in her way from making rational decisions. Catherine is intelligent and she has a great job, but what has come to control her life is her frustration that she has never been able to have an orgasm. In her quest for this pleasure, she loses control over her sexual appetites and her reason, making her unable to have a normal relationship with a man.

Catherine soon becomes involved with several different men, including her much older, multi-millionaire boss, Harrison Foote III, Tom, a Welshman who is the most decent of her lovers but unable to give her an orgasm, and Homer Zudd, who lives in the basement and has strange sado-masochistic passions. All of these men want Catherine and she is apparently willing to give herself to all of them in her quest for sexual gratification.

While the novel is named for Homer Zudd, Catherine is really the main character. What I found compelling and fascinating was that Catherine could rationally find reasons to be with all men. Her indecisiveness and her sexual hunger provided an interesting portrayal into someone who seemed sexually addicted and unable always to control herself. While the men in the novel were all smitten with Catherine, only Zudd ever seemed really out of control-and even he did not lose control in his passion since he had his own reasons to want Catherine that went beyond sex.

In some ways, Zudd seemed a bit stereotypical-the crazy person who lived in the basement-but Zudd's craziness I found to be fascinating. He believes he can use Catherine to help him breed a superhuman race. It was almost like a madman scheme from a comic book, yet I found him convincing as a character.

Without giving away the plot, I will say the novel culminates in some violence, which when the book was first written in 1976 was perhaps more shocking than it is today. The novel is set in New York, and destruction of the city is threatened in the novel, and the city is also violent and immoral. What may have been unthinkable back in 1976 is today too likely after the events of 9/11. I think Alan Grossberg will probably hit a real chord with this novel.

While some women may find Catherine's character belittling to women, the truth of the matter is that there are sexual addicts out there who make bad decisions because they cannot handle their cravings. I read the book and Catherine's relationship with Zudd especially as an example of what can happen when a person does not control her or his desires. The borderline into insanity or an inability from stopping oneself from what is wrong or just not healthy is not that hard to cross.

I think anyone who enjoys a lot of action and erotic love scenes, with a little sado-masochism on the side-in other words, a mature and not easily offended reader-will enjoy "Zudd" by Alan Grossberg. I personally found the character portrayals well-developed, which for me was the strong point of the novel. Female readers may find Catherine offensive, but I think male readers will simply find the novel entertaining.

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Ask a writer to define him or her self and you'll often get a wordy exposition on the meaning of life, referred to as plot dump. There's always been a great deal of hubris among "serious" writers. They consider themselves among the most interesting people on the planet. If you happen to meet one or two celebs they'll even have you believing them. As with the dizzying displays of cereal boxes, popular authors occupy all the shelf room while unknowns are lucky to make it to the bargain pile where I find many a good read.

Dead Writers Society
In the olden days (not that old), a newly anointed would stake out a corner at a writers' cocktail party comfortable in his frayed tweed jacket puffing his vanilla scented pipe, while admirers drifted like lemmings to the scintillating monologue on his early life as an impoverished boy from a small mining town in the west. Up and coming women authors preferred the security offered by the armrest of an overstuffed club chair, where Arthur Miller, James Michener, Ayn Rand, Truman Capote, Lillian Hellman, Saul Bellow gathered to share juicy gossip. They're gone, but we have their writings.

The Money Pot of Popular Culture
J.K. Rowling notwithstanding, the volumes lining today's book shelves resemble more the disappointing motion pictures lining up at the box office. With Wall Street owning Hollywood, we rarely see a winning novel successfully translate to the screen, even one as visually gorgeous as "Evening." The reason? The writing. Take for example the following narrative passage direct from the novel "Evening" by Susan Minot:

"A new lens passed over everything she saw, the shadows moved on the wall like skeletons handing things to each other. Her body was flung back over a thousand beds in a thousand other rooms. ... In her mattress there beat the feathers of a wild bird. -Susan Minot"

In my view even the skills of Michael Cunningham ("The Hours") who wrote the screenplay for "Evening" were insufficient to bring Minot's written word to the screen. Somehow her prose was lost in translation. Again it's the writing.

As with so many good writers, Robert Ludlum scored greatly with "The Bourne Identity." But the melody (yawn) lingers on as long as the movie franchise continues to make him rich. At least Ian Fleming did his Bond best to make the sex, fun and villains more innovative each time. One cannot argue with the goose that lays the golden egg, ergo the runaway successes of James Paterson, Nelson DeMille, Jeffery Deaver, Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Tom Clancy. The list, of course, is longer and includes all the ladies as well: Danielle Steel, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Sue Grafton, Patricia Cornwell, etc. They are masters of their craft. The public loves them, their publishers love them and everyone is happy...everyone except all the worthy writers who cannot get past publishers' or agents' gatekeepers, or they have neither the money nor the confidence to self-publish successfully.

Swimming With Writers
The world is literally swimming with writers, multitudes of writers-everywhere. And the World Wide Web is one of many places where you find them. What? You say you want to be a "serious" writer and you don't think the Web is the place for your talents? Admittedly there is some bad writing on the Web. There's also bad writing and misspellings and bad grammar in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and other venerable publications. Maybe some of today's tech graduates didn't bother to learn how to spell or put a sentence together.

But look at those thousands of websites. Everyone is selling something. Everyone is competing for someone's business. The ones that last are making money. They must know something. One of the things they know is how to write. Or, maybe they can't write and they hired a writer like you. Maybe you can be one of those for hire while you write your great American novel or work your other enterprise on the side. Here's a quote from one of successful author Terry McMillan's websites:"Too many of us are hung up on what we don't have, can't have, or won't ever have. We spend too much energy being down, when we could use that same energy-if not less of it-doing, or at least trying to do, some of the things we really want to do. -Terry"
The Writer's Secret
Terry's advice is so simple so positive. We live in a sad complicated world. But when we focus on sadness, like fear and terrorism, it drags us down to that level. Writers with vision have an enormous advantage over people who see only the darkness. The writer's secret lies in the unique vibrations they have, vibrations that become thoughts then words that translate into actions that can change attitudes. Writers can do what swimmers do-dive deep, enjoy the liberating depths of their quietude, surface, splash around and whoop out their joy to the sky. Out on the water, only God can hear. In this sizzling summer of global turmoil take the plunge. You surface as the writer you're meant to be and the world is your oyster.

I will share with you what I found when last I pried open my oyster of secrets: The swimmer says, though I cannot leave my footsteps in the ocean, it is the corporal intimate solitude of swimming that sets me free. Agreeing, the solitary writer adds, it is the ocean of my mind that frees me-the waters of pure consciousness wherein reside the footsteps of lifetimes. Unencumbered by conversation, both swimmer and writer dive deep; roam unexplored islands in the stream to be one with the distant shore.

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One thing in the United States that citizens feel is of the utmost importance is the ideal that; All Men Are Created Equally. This meaning that under the eyes of the law justice must be carried out equally. Most of us know that it is not, and that those of wealth and privilege often feel above the law and use money and influence to keep it that way. And too that point, I read an interesting book last weekend that I would indeed, like to recommend to you:

"The Winner" By David Balddacci 1997.

This novel is about an offspring of a very wealthy family who stood to inherit 100s of millions of dollars, but the money was siphoned and lost by relatives, he was determined to get what he deserved and so he devised a scheme to do just that. It involved scamming the lottery and his plan worked perfectly, until one day an award winning reporter studying how lottery winners won and then became broke in very short amount of time, and this was repeated over and over again for a decade or more. Except for one year, were all the people who won, had increased their winnings and were living a life of leisure?

The entire scheme becomes unraveled and it is one of the most intriguing novels you will read. Perhaps you may have read David Baldacci's other New York Times Best Seller; "Absolute Power and Total Control" also a great book. Interestingly enough, after reading this book, I understand the mindset of the main characters and I think it will also be a fun read for you as well, go get yourself a copy today!

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Has Oliver Stone met his match in Harry Finn? You will have to read "Stone Cold" to find the answer.

The Camel Club members, along with its leader Oliver Stone, are respected and feared in Washington, D.C. This club's purpose is to keep a watchful eye on what is going on and as a result they have gained both friends and enemies. There isn't anything the leaders would do to prevent The Camel Club from discovering things they do not want made public.

Stone and the other members of The Camel Club are now trying to protect Annabelle Conroy. Annabelle did something unthinkable to casino big wheel Jerry Bagger, who murdered her mother. Jerry is now out for revenge.

Harry Finn then enters the picture. Harry is just like any other normal family man but he really lives two lives. He has many skills and helps to keep us safe. Finn was hired for a job to prove that there were several flaws in the security system and was able to slip into an airport and place a bomb on a plane without anyone getting suspicious. The Department of Homeland Security got authorization for this job and hired Finn to carry it through. Finn's other job is that of an unstoppable killer and he is now out to get Oliver Stone. Men from Stone's past are turning up dead.

Now the big questions are who will win and will they both survive?

It is not a must to read these two prior books by David Baldacci - The Camel Club and the Collectors - but I think it would help you follow along with the story. The author has created some very interesting characters for this novel and the reader will learn to like them even though they might be someone you should have doubts about. The character I liked the best is Harry Finn because he reminds you of James Bond all over again. It is a difficult feat to top the other two books in this series but David Baldacci has accomplished this and more. Stone Cold is the best in the Camel Club series yet. This book has it all - spies, suspense, action, twists and turns. Be sure to add "Stone Cold" to your reading list.

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