Legacies and What We Leave

As I mentioned in previous blog post, this year I was Chair of the committee for the James River Writers Emyl Jenkins Award.    [And if I didn’t mention, I Meant to. Maybe.]     The awards were presented at the JRW June on the James fundraiser event last week.  [Get the James River Writers newsletter so you can put on calendar to some join us for all the fun next year!]  

I was requested along the way to write up my thoughts about Emyl, and it of course, brought up thoughts about Emyl.   That I’ve not thought of in a long time.  Or perhaps tried not to.

Her stepdaughter Erika and I were talking about Emyl.  And of course we were laughing.   That’s the legacy I think Emyl wanted to leave - as Emyl’s husband Bob said in his great remarks the other night, ‘Tinkerbell’ Emyl wanted everyone to smile and think happy thoughts.

Erika and I were laughing at our remembrances of Emyl, always bustling into places with her hair flying around her, and patting it into place when she stopped to take a breath to speak to someone.

And talking about how she always seemed to able to talk Anyone and Everyone into …well, into anything and everything.  [I have only met 1 exception to that]     I remember standing with a couple of people one time and we were talking about Emyl … probably, if I remember it right, at all the stuff we had going on, and what all Emyl had managed to talk us into doing, and one of them said, It is like an out of body experience.  Emyl is so charming and lovely and then you wake up next morning going ‘NO!  I agreed to do What!”      There wasn’t even any hangovers involved that I knew of, even though Emyl certainly believed in ‘spirited’ writers fluid.

Erika was laughing about what all Emyl had talked her into.  And yet there’s always a tinge of sadness in our eyes I know when we talk of Emyl.  Of a too abrupt parting.  And someone leaving our lives too soon.    To open up the memories, or emails, too much is still too painful. 

And yet, we still remember and talk of her.   And there is always laughter.  Even if the eyes are tearing up, there has to be laughter.   So Emyl is still getting her way. ;)

I’ve read somewhere that as long as we speak someone’s name and remember them that they will continue to live.

I know Emyl still does for a lot of people.

Beyond her writing, numerous fiction and nonfiction books, she lives on as a vibrant person that meant something to the people she met.    And more importantly, she make people feel they meant something.    And that they, and their writing, was important.

She had such a talent for reaching out to writers and pulling, or pushing, them out of their self-imposed aloneness, to encourage, support, and challenge.   For all her interests, and she had Many, from working with the Governors Mansion committee with their antiques, to gardening, to loving and working with the Library of Virginia, and to luckily, being a part of James River Writers, she always seemed to find the time somewhere to encourage another writer.

To make them feel that they had a voice.  And one that should be heard.

Thankfully there are others that, though they might not be Emyl, and not quite fill the gap she left, they are at least doing something to help writers.    To encourage.  To support.    To hear their voices.

James River Writers certainly tries to do all that, and recognizes such people, and organizations, each year that do such things for writers.  JRW does that with the Emyl Jenkins Award to honor the woman that did all that and more.

And is still missed and thought of.    And spoken of.

Not a bad legacy to leave, huh.

More than all her wonderful books, she leaves a part of her that will always be remembered.  And talked of.

You’ve got time to think of someone, or an organization, that you can nominate for the Emyl Jenkins Award for next year.

So start jotting notes now.

As Emyl’s husband said, she would be embarrassed by all this hoopla with her name on it, but she would also be pleased.

And I hope, very very proud, of all the legacies she’s left behind with and in all of us.

The Smile that was Emyl

I actually have two blogs that I don’t post much to, on LiveJournal I go by sgchris, on BlogSpot by Bemused Writer. I mention that because I am certainly bemused these days. Not amused, bemused. Now that we have that straight....

I have been silent here for quite awhile. A friend of mine got ill suddenly a few weeks ago, then seemingly just as suddenly passed away. Worse since she passed out of my life and all the other writers lives. I spent the weekend listening to the people she had touched, writer and non-writer alike. Emyl Jenkins was many things to many people, gardening enthusiast, writer, author, friend.

Her husband Bob was showing us a slide show of pictures of Emyl he had put together in her honor on her Mac computer. As pictures of a smiling Emyl flowed by we were all reminded of the loss to our lives. And especially to Bob’s. In all the pictures he had rotating there only one that was Emyl not smiling, looking almost contemplative. I realized I don’t know that I ever remember seeing her not smiling. And how that picture of Emyl didn’t even quite look like her.

Emyl’s family said Emyl wanted everyone to think happy thoughts. Well, as I told her daughter, Emyl wasn’t going to get her way today. And her daughter and I knew how much Emyl was used to, and liked getting her way. ;) Sorry Emyl, we know it’s true. ;) But Emyl’s not going to get her way today because the happy thoughts have eluded me just as the smile that was Emyl has gone from my life.

Yes Emyl’s legacy lives on in every writer she encouraged and prodded. But it’s not quite the same as having her smile lighting our way. Is it?

Shoot I can’t even say R.I.P. since as long as I’ve known her I never saw her rest let alone Rest In Peace, So I Certainly can’t imagine her doing that now!

I miss you Emyl. And your smile.

Books make Excellent Gifts!

Just sayin’ – there’s some Great books out that would look Great in someone’s hands this season. And this winter season curled up and cozy-like. [and No worries about sizes!]

From cozy mysteries such as Emyl Jenkins latest “The Big Steal” - Where you can also impress your friends with your sudden knowledge of antiques. http://sterlingglassmysteries.com/

To Maggie Stiefvater’s several books, her run-away hit “Shiver” with the different take on werewolves and love, to her latest book with her homicidal faeries, “Ballad” [companion to her debut book last year “Lament”] - http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/

And look at fung shui and your love corner with Joni Davis’ fun book – “Feng Shui Love” [can check it out on Wednesday Dec. 16^th at Fountain Books. http://www.fountainbookstore.com/event/meet-joni-davis-author-feng-shui-love ]

And if you love, or even like horses, or for those that do, be sure to pick up Gigi Amateau’s “Chancey of the Maury River” for them http://www.gigiamateau.com/

These are all local – local-ish writers around Richmond, Virginia. To check out their signings and other great Richmond writers such as Dean King, David Robbins, and many Many others, check out James River Writers calendar. http://www.jamesriverwriters.org/river_city_lit/calendar.htm

And while you’re there join up and join us at one of the many events JRW has around. We’re a pretty friendly crew – even when our writing is going snarly as Christmas ribbon.

And DO Support your local independent bookstore this season. Richmond, Virginia has several still left in town, although this year has seen some give up and go out of business so do consider helping out your local indie. They have cool gifts and cool people – as witnessed by Fountain Bookstore owner Kelly Justice and her cool helpful staff.

Tis the season to buy Books!

Works as a great gift for all the writers and readers you know! Especially if you give them more than one. ;-D

Just sayin’

Writing Show Thrills

Or as somebody said ‘penguin porn?’

For the last Writing Show this year, JRW pulled out an autumnal homage to the celebration of Poe. (No, I don’t think he had anything to do with penguins or penguin porn.) Okay, so not really about Poe, more of a sort-of-nod to the thought that some think Poe created the beginnings of modern mysteries. But it was about writing modern mysteries. So close enough. (yeah, you’re just waiting for that first part now aren’t you?)

JRWs own Board Member and Secretary Emyl Jenkins moderated. She of antique sleuthing mystery fame, with two great books under her belt now, had spent the early part of the day speaking in Williamsburg to an appreciative crowd and then another two hours signing her latest book, The Big Steal, for them! Luckily she has stamina and was able to hold the microphone and bring out a fun informative ending to this last Writing show of 2009. [Be sure to keep an eye on the JRW site, www.jamesriverwriters.org/ for the new Writing Shows in 2010.]

The night of mystery included some new faces to JRW, or at least to me and some. Meredith Cole and Andy Straka were both fun and funny. As well as Donna Andrews, not a new face to JRW, having just been at the recent JRW Conference, as well as the first one, but she’s certainly smart and willing to share her knowledge to other writers.

The discussion ranged from the different sub-genres that comprise the mystery writing field today to the latest fads and how to avoid following them. And to not consider self-publishing with a mystery genre book unless you are willing to spend quite the amount of money to make it a success. And even then to reconsider.

The ooh factor of the evening came from Andy bringing out his wonderful hawk. Yep, real live, and gorgeous. Nope I am not even going to tell you the hawk’s name. I will tell you it’s a Harrier Hawk. And let you conjecture from there. (and yes, I know you’re still waiting. No, I don’t think the hawk had anything to do with the penguins. Although Andy did joke that he and Donna had both taken P.I. courses and had discussed opening an agency called Flamingos and Hawk. Get their books and you'll get it.)

The gross of the evening was the question from audience member about said hawk’s diet when Andy couldn’t take it out hunting. Yes, he takes it out to do its own hunting for food. Normally. Luckily he’d already fed it. At least it didn’t seem to be all that interested in a room full of staring oohing writers. And we didn’t have to have the rest of the gory details. Blechhhh. I’ll just say Emyl mentioned to Andy she had an old microwave in her basement if he wanted to truck it back with him.

There was quite a bit of laughter during the evening, quite a funny panel for it to be so filled with the dastardly thoughts of mystery writing and doing away with people and the ways and means of making that all plausible. Does any other writing genre – other than horror maybe? – have people looking at them a bit strangely and then begin edging slowly away?

Although the most laughter came when Donna gave a requested reading – of a penguin sex scene. Donna Andrews is noted for her humorous mysteries. She has actually written two different mystery series but has the most books [10? 11, now?] in her very popular Meg Langslow mysteries. For those that haven’t read them, you should. They are funny. And when Emyl turned to Donna and asked her to read the penguin sex scene she had written (and said she’d actually witnessed!) in one of her books, well, let’s just say things must have gotten really quiet because Emyl turned back around and said, “you all’s eyes are just bugging” …and of course it was said as only Southern-lady Emyl would say it. [yeah, see what all you missed by not coming!]

You can read it yourself in Donna’s book, The Penguin Who Knew Too Much

And it is one of my favorite books of Donna’s. So far anyway. Certainly has one of my favorite first paragraphs! You’ll just have to go buy it and see for yourself.

Won’t be the same as having Donna read it, with Emyl prodding, but that’s what you get for not getting out and joining the rest of us for the great evening.

Makes you remember favorite writers like Emyl Jenkins and Donna Andrews, and meet new ones you want to read now like Meredith Cole and Andy Straka.

And maybe have your own harrier hawk someday or write a penguin sex scene of your own, and make it as funny as Donna’s. Oh, come on, I Know you want to! And NaNoWriMo is just around the corner you know! So you can!

But if you aren’t interested in writing one at least pick up the great books by the above mentioned authors from your local independent bookstore, in this case, from cool Kelly Justice of Fountain Bookstore fame. Then come and tell us all what you got from her.

Storytellers weave life as a story

Tell me a story.

That’s what people really want to hear. Something beyond their own day to day existence that clicks by without even an audible sound. Would it be easier if the days clicked off like the pieces on a game board with a resounding snap? Even if not a loud sound, would that feel more real somehow than the mind numbing sameness of days flowing by without end? Quicker than what we can grasp and hold in our hands, flowing through our fingers faster than liquid thinner than tears.

I think people want to be transported some way. Out of the humdrum sameness of what they know and live and into someone else’s life, universe, or mind. Not that we actually want to be there, or can even be there. But that’s okay, we can stay safe in our own homes, curled up, comfortable and secure. Or be in a place where we want to escape, need to escape, and the only way is through our dreams, and other people’s dreams, and stories.

Yes, people want to hear stories. Whether told by master storytellers by writing on a page or whispered directly to the ear, the words they use should end up somewhere near the heart. A true storyteller transcends the form and goes directly to the heart, soul, and mind.

Tell me a story. It doesn’t have to be yours. It could be a character that’s shown up and won’t leave. I certainly have plenty of experience of those kind myself, peeking out at me from inner recesses of my brain, they brush their teeth and glare at me because I am taking so long to get to them and the story they want to tell me so I can tell it out. They reluctantly shuffle off muttering balefully at my slowness in getting to them and their reluctance to believe I will eventually get to them, and their marvelously compelling story they began to tell me.

Tell me a story. No, it doesn’t have to be yours. It just has to seem real enough to transport us from where we are, and entertain, amuse, or move us in some way.

A true storyteller does all these things. And there are some Great storytellers in the Richmond area, including a lot that volunteer and keep James River Writers going, such as, to mention just a few, Emyl Jenkins, Gigi Amateau, etc…. And they have new books out so be sure to take a look and immerse yourself – place yourself in their very capable storytelling hands. And then come to the James River Writers Conference this fall and meet them, and other wonderful storytellers, such as area hit, Maggie Stiefvater.

Maggie Stiefvater started her storytelling skills with her first book “Lament” – after honing her well developed art and music skills - and continues in her latest book “Shiver” about Grace and Sam and cold and heat. Of all kinds. Join me this week as I dish my review of her book “Shiver” and post an interview of Questions and Answers and all things Maggie. Okay, so she’s just Way too talented to be confined by that sentence even, so let me just say I’ll be posting a review of her new book ‘Shiver, posting some Maggie Answers, and …well, we’ll have to see what else Maggie shows up, won’t we. Stay tuned.

Learn All Kinds of Things at Writers Wednesday

For those of you that haven’t made it out to JRWs Writers Wednesday, you’ve been missing a Lot of things!

Interesting atmosphere, snacks, interesting people, so naturally interesting talk and chat going on.

Like I first heard of the hot young graphic novelist Dash Shaw from someone that happened to come to a Writers Wednesday. Thank you Mary! I relayed the info’ on to the Conference organizers and now we’re having talented Dash at the James River Writers Conference in October.

Altho’ Maggie Stiefvater wasn’t at a Writers Wed. she was at a Writing Show the end of last year and was Soo Terrific, and is growing even More Terrific, that I’m So glad we’ve got her booked already for the Conference in October!

And as I mentioned in last entry, Maggie has a book launch right after the Conference at Fountain Books here in Richmond, for her new book, “Ballad” which will take more adventures from her great first book “Lament” that came out last year.

This is not to be confused with the Newest book she has coming out in couple weeks, “Shiver” that is getting all the buzz now!!! And if this is all new to you just read a few entries of my blog and then go over to Maggie’s blog – I’ve got more than enough links sprinkled throughout, for heaven’s sake. Altho’ why I’m sending people over to look at her great blog….when mine is…well, mine. :::shakes head::: I just don’t know. I j-d-k.

Anyway, you meet wonderfully great and interesting people at JRW functions and events! Even just casual get togethers like Writers Wednesday.

Like one such person there Wednesday was the local NANO ‘cheerer-on’ coordinator, Jean Anderson. Who is also trying to round up host families for exchange students – so if you know of anyone that might be interested, contact Jean! Okay?

Please consider hosting a student from another country, to learn about a new culture, learn about a new language, and best of all, make a new friend. And pass on this information to your friends and family!

Have a great day!

Jean Anderson

CIEE Local Coordinator

804-245-4023

luckyjean@gmail.com

www.ciee.org

And come to the next Writers Wednesday or JRW event and function and meet all the wonderful people we get to meet and talk to.

Including all the wonderful writers around Richmond, including ones with books out now that you can meet at a book signing event near you – so check their websites too.

Like JRW Board Member Gigi Amateau has a new book out.

And her book, “Chancey of the Maury River” I’ve mentioned here as a not to be missed book! So that means, like, Don't miss it!

We met Erica Orloff at a Writing Show – with her new book that shouldn’t be missed “The Magickeepers”

And JRW Board Member, antique appraiser, lovely lady, with Many books published! – Emyl Jenkins. With her newest book of fiction, “The Big Steal” –

And who’s going to be at Barboursville Vineyards, in Barboursville, this coming Saturday, July 11, 1:00 pm

And will also be at the Library of Virginia here in Richmond, Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 pm

So come meet and chat with great interesting writers, published, and those of us still struggling to get published, and at all points in between.

Hope to see you around!