I've moved my blog

Dear friends and followers,

I have moved my blog to http://www.patsyanntaylor.com

A Napa Writer's Open Door welcomes you.

I hope you will follow me to the new site where I have more topics and more content.

Thank you for your patience.

Patsy Ann Taylor

Fourth of July Remember 1776

Here it is again. Fourth of July, a holiday that for many of us means hot dogs and burgers on the grill, potato salad, maybe a watermelon sliced and cold. A parade and fireworks worked in sometime during the day, and hot weather. I wonder if our founding fathers imagined their efforts would bring about such traditions.

In his book 1776, David McCullough gives readers a stirring look at the events leading up to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, and the battles fought to win freedom for all of us.

Reading about the trials our troops endured and the leadership of George Washington during the conflict brought me a new understanding of the men and women of that time. And with it a new pride in our country and its people. 1776 gives some insight to the British point of view as well. Something I'd never really considered.

I've read a few of McCullough's books: The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, and The Path Between the Seas. Each of these books is filled with the characters and events of our country's history presented in a way that makes everything real and relevant. Still waiting on my night stand are: Mornings on Horseback, Brave Companions, Truman, and John Adams. McCullough received the Pulitzer Prize for Truman and for John Adams.

The Fourth of July is a perfect time to read any one of these bites of history AND wave a flag.

Read for Novel Structure

I just finished rereading Martin Cruz Smith's novel set in pre world war two Japan. "December Sixth" is a novel writing workshop in a few hundred pages. Aside from being an excellent read, this book is a how-to on just about every aspect of novel writing. From showing how all the sub-plots must connect to the main character, to making an unsympathetic protagonist endear himself to the reader, this author has done that and more. And though it was probably not his intent, he makes me want to rush to the computer for a go at my own writing.

You may have guessed I like this writer and you would be right. Gorky Park, Red Square, Rose, and Havana Bay are a few of his books. Havana Bay and Rose won the Hammett Award. The author writes characters to root for and plots to keep the pages turning.

Try one of Mr. Smith's books, you will learn something about writing.

Back to My Blog

Whew! So long since I posted, I am tired just looking for my place.

Writing takes my time, and working with my writer's group encourages me.

I read every night before sleep and journal before that.

All with the TV flickering its blessing, and husband resting beside me.

Upcoming plans:  A writer's retreat, conference, and another go at the NaNoWriMo in November.

Hope Y'all keep reading and writing too.

Patsy

Happy Fourth America!  Celebrate with flags flying, hot dogs and potato salad, and fireworks!

But take some time to read.  Resting on my night stand is David McCullough's 1776, the story of our nation's struggle for freedom.  McCullough is a Pulitzer prize winning author and knows how to make a reader turn the pages.  We know how it came out, but reading what came before is exciting stuff.  So, while you watch those rockets' red glare, remember the patriots who got us here.  Patsy

Book Addictions

From my first visit to the public library with my mother, I found a world that I did not know existed.  The children's section, separate from the rest of the library, contained shelf after shelf of books just for me.

My arms were heavy with books when we left that day, my mother and I.  And I had something else in my pocket as we walked to the sidewalk.  A library card!  That little piece of paper allowed me access to all the dreams and fairy tales I could carry.  Up to ten volumes.  

That was the beginning of a lifetime of exploration, adventure, romance, horror, mystery, and entertainment.  All in the comfort of my own room, or anywhere else I spent my time and could prop up a book.

As I grew, just borrowing the books was not enough.  Now I had to own them.  Birthdays, Christmas, nothing made me happier than a new book.  What could be more seductive than the perfume of fresh pages from the latest Nancy Drew?  That has not changed for me.  

My home library is still a source of pure joy.  Reference books, nonfiction on various subjects, mysteries, How-to books, Poetry, Novels set in exotic places are just within reach.

I confess.  I am a book addict.  And rehab is nowhere in sight.

Patsy Ann