Candace Salima BLOG
Tuesday ∙ 18 April, 2006
Back to work. I have to buckle down and finish Dreams Die Hard. However, before I do that I want to announce the launch of a great new artist's website, www.cashcase.us! He's fantastic and a must see and hire. Trust me, you won't regret it. Oh yeah, he's my big brother, but that doesn't negate his talent.
My blogs for the day:
Monday ∙ 17 April, 2006
I flew home from Texas today, after being rerouted to Grand Junction, Colorado. There was an experience.
I wish to express my gratitude to the Orem Public Library and Janet Low for all their hard work in putting together tonight's Author Extravaganza. Tonight, along with James Dashner, Tristi Pinkston, Tami Norton, Julie Wright, Josi Kilpack, Loralee Evans, H.B. Moore and Shirley Bahlmann, I signed copies of my books and donated part of the proceeds to the library.
We each spoke for three minutes on literacy and its influences and rewards, and then mingled with the library patrons. It was so much fun and the library did a great job of putting it together.
My blogs for the day! Interview with MormonMomcast.com Founders Whit, Amy and Julie
Sunday ∙ 16 April, 2006
Happy Easter everyone! It's been 1,973 years (give a take a few months) since our Lord and Savior was resurrected. What a marvelous gift to all of us that He broke the bands of death, satisfied the demands of justice and provided a much brighter future for us all. Have an absolutely beautiful day!
Saturday ∙ 15 April, 2006
Ugh, tax day. Fortunately we received a good news this year instead of the bad we've received for the last two years.
Here are my blogs for the day!
Life From an Eternal Perspective
Friday ∙ 14 April, 2006
Texas is sunny and warm. I'm really enjoying myself here. It's Good Friday which means, in Texas, everything shuts down for the day.
Here are my blogs for the day!
Thursday ∙ 13 April, 2006
Hallelujah! We're a good on my niece's baptism.
Here are my blogs for the day!
Joseph Smith - Prophet, Seer and Revelator
Wednesday ∙ 12 April, 2006
Man, who knew it would be so difficult to plan a baptism in Waxahachie, Texas. Wow, my brother has been on the phone for a week trying to get everything organized. It's a good thing we called the missionaries and got their help, they are always on top of things as far as baptisms go.
Here are my blogs for the day!
2nd Nephi - Stopping the Bullet A Review of Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers
Tuesday ∙ 11 April, 2006
I hit the airport early this morning for my trip to Dallas. So blogs of any sort today! The flight went fine and it was great to see my brother and his family again.
Monday ∙ 10 April, 2006
Here are my blogs for the day!
Saturday ∙ 8 April, 2006
I went to Fillmore and Delta today, in Southern Utah, to participate in two LDS Storymaker Author Extravaganzas. Both were held at the individual local libraries. What a complete blast we had. I can't remember everyone who was there but here's a spattering of who attended: Shirley Bahlmann, Loralee Evans, Stephanie Fowers, Me, Tristi Pinkston, Willard Boyd Gardner, Julie Coulter Bellon, BJ Rowley, H.B. Moore, Rachel Ann Nunes, James Dashner and Julie Wright. I can't swear I remembered everybody, but wow we had so much fun! Both cities are great and the librarians welcomed us with open arms. In Fillmore even the mayor and one of the city council came to visit us. We signed books, sold them at a discount and then gave a portion of the proceeds to the libraries.
We basically talk to everyone who comes in, visit, answer questions, offer writing advice and them sell them our books - if they so desire. To have us come to your local library, contact me at ces@candacesalima.com. It is just too much fun and a great way to support your local library!
Friday ∙ 7 April, 2006
My blogs for the day:
From www.families.com
Quality Family Time vs. the World Group Dating vs. Group Outings Helping Others See the Divine Nature Inside
From 6 LDS Writers and a Frog ∙ This is a group of six LDS writers that take one day of the week to blog about something that relates to, or remotely relates to, writing. Friday is my turn. The other writers are Robison Wells, Jeffrey S. Savage, Stephanie Black, Julie Coulter Bellon and Sariah Salisbury Wilson.
Thursday ∙ 6 April, 2006
There are those who say this is the day the Savior was born and resurrected. It is for certain the day The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally formed in that small farmhouse in New York State. All of these events were life (both spiritual and secular) altering events which have changed the course of mankind. The 6th of April marks such a special day and it went largely unnoticed by most. But I paused to reflect, early in my day, the important of the events that took place 2006 years ago, 1,973 years ago and 186 years ago. Thank you to all who sacrificed that my eternities could be spent in absolute joy.
Tonight I gave a fireside to the youth of my home ward. As I looked out upon their faces I knew they too would go out and change the world. It was a very humbling and exciting experience. I spoke to them about Dreams and Making Them a Reality Through Determination of Their Life Missions. It was spiritually fulfilling and an honor to be there. Thanks to the Orem 9th Ward for the invitation.
Todays blogs for www.families.com addressed issues brought to my attention by LDS families. Many are dealing with the mentally ill or struggling to understand the reasons a loved one might have committed suicide and where they are going in the long run. So a couple are pretty heavy and the other a little lighter. I hope they help.
My blogs for the day:
The Mentally Ill and Their Responsibilities to the Lord
Wednesday ∙ 5 April, 2006
LDS Because of Belief or LDS Because of Social Reasons Unrighteous Dominion: Spouse to Spouse, Parent to Child, Child to Parent
Tuesday ∙ 4 April, 2006
No Success Can Compensate for Failure in the Home LDS Fiction vs. National Fiction vs. Classics
Monday ∙ 3 April, 2006
Enduring to the End . . . Just How Far Away is That? Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest! Help! Absalom, O Absalom - Children Who Go Astray An Interview with Top-Selling Author, Jennie Hansen
Saturday ∙ 1 April, 2006
Saturdays or Mondays will always have four to six blogs. In order to make the amount of money I want to, I have to do 75 blogs a month. That's two to three (mostly three) blogs a day. So because I don't work on Sunday, on Saturdays you will see almost always see four to six links.
Scripture Study - Candace E. Salima Style Exercise - The Bane of Life or Boon of Existence General Conference - The Words of Prophets & Apostles
Friday ∙ 31 March, 2006
I'm really having too much fun over at www.families.com. Who knew that blogging would be the greatest way to pontificate, draw response, respond to that response . . . how cool is that? Here are my blogs for today.
Interview with International Author, L.S. Keilbart
Thursday ∙ 30 March, 2006
You might be wondering why sometimes there are three blogs and sometimes only one or two. I taught at the conference and played a lot with my big brother, Cash until he went home. My husband Alvin is doing much, much better and I'm loving spending time with him. So while I was splitting time between my husband, brother and sleep, not much time for blogging.
My blogs for the day!
Prophetic Promises of Family Home Evening Surviving Frogs, Mud-covered Sons, Lipstick-enhanced daughters and Sweat-covered husbands A Review of the Infinite Atonement by Tad Callister
Tuesday ∙ 28 March, 2006
Interview with author, Julie Wright
Friday/Saturday ∙ 24-25 March, 2006
Over this weekend we held the LDS Storymakers conference which was a complete and total blast. I taught five different classes. I helped with the bootcamp both mornings (4 Hours on Friday and 2 Hours on Saturday) where I taught exposition, and then helped to teach dialogue, characterization, beginnings and more. I also taught classes, throughout the weekend, on screenwriting, using Dr. Taylor Hartman's Color Code to develop characters and Working and Writing Full-time. We had a great turnout and I learned stuff, taught stuff and had a blast! My brother, Cash, who is a working artist, came and taught a class on illustration. It was so awesome to have him here.
I was completely and utterly exhausted, sleeping like the dead both nights. Glad its over for another year and I'm already looking forward to next year's with great anticipation. We're getting great reviews, along the lines of, "this is the best writing conference I've ever been too." So apparently we're all that and a bag of chips. Can't ask for more than that, other than improvement.
Wednesday ∙ 22 March, 2006
Finding Those Ancestors Behind the Gravestones of History
Tuesday ∙ 21 March, 2006
The Political Process and the LDS Family
Monday ∙ 20 March, 2006
I'm still in the probationary phase for families.com, but I'm enjoying myself immensely. I am a person very intersted in a variety of things. Religion, literacy, politics, sports, movies, plays, concerts and on and on. First and foremost in my life is my family. I love them dearly and over the last few months have been privileged to have experiences which have drawn us closer together. It's given me reason to ponder why differences existed in the first place. Families are a funny business. We are an eternal unit working in a mortal sphere to accomplish a celestial purpose. I believe this will the topic of my next BLOG for families.com. In the meantime, family is the mortar which holds society together and we should definitely cherish them. Whether by blood or heart, family is where it's at.
Here are today's posts for www.families.com.
An Interview with author, H.B. Moore
I invite each of you to check out these BLOGs and comment freely. I look forward to reading your comments as well as responding.
Sunday ∙ 19 March, 2006
Wow, today was our first day back in church since Alvin became ill. It was wonderful to be back, seeing all our friends and family, feeling of the warmth of the spirit and being uplifted in every possible way. We teach Sunday School for the 16 and 17 year olds -- we love 'em what can we say? They are awesome kids and are really going to make a difference in this ol' world of ours. It's really, really good to be back.
Here are today's posts for www.families.com:
Literacy and the LDS Family: My Top Ten List - For Now Literacy and the LDS Family: The Protection of a Good Book Filling the Well Within When It's Been Sucked Dry: Chocolate, Pedicures and a Great Book
Friday ∙ 17 March, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Over the last several years I have delved deeply into my Irish ancestry and I have to say, I couldn't be prouder to be Irish. In fact, I'm about as Irish as they come, toss in some British, Scottish, Welsh and the tiniest bit of Cherokee and there you have me, what my mother calls a "British Isle special." I've learned that Irish genealogy in the southern counties is a nightmare. Lucky me, that's where my ancestors are. I fight a constant longing to visit the Emerald Isle (because I don't have the money right now and longing for it is simply a study in futility.) I study the island, it's history, culture and religions and can't wait for the day I can visit the places where my ancestors were born. But even with all us, I thank God every day that I was born in America.
Here are today's posts for www.families.com:
Literacy and the LDS Family: H.B. Moore's "Out of Jerusalem" Series
Wednesday ∙ 15 March, 2006
I cruised around the internet looking for some side work and found a marvelous site www.families.com. I'm very impressed with the community they have formed and am excited to become a part of it. I checked the site out, sent an application in and I am now blogging for www.families.com in their LDS section. I'm finding it to be an extremely interesting experience and will be posting the links to my blogs from here. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop blogging here, heavens no! But here are today's posts:
Literacy and the LDS Family: Literacy and it's Purpose in the LDS Family
Tuesday ∙ 14 March, 2006
Alvin began bleeding again today and refused to return to the hospital. A little bit frantic as I contemplated what to do, I popped him in the car and took him to our home teacher's house where Alvin was given a priesthood blessing. The bleeding stopped. Thank goodness for the power of the priesthood!
Monday ∙ 13 March, 2006
Alvin was released today and has vowed to never return to the hospital again. I can't really blame him. I am delighted to have him home. Despite the ongoing medical care he needs for another week I am so happy he's home.
Saturday ∙ 11 March, 2006
Alvin is back in the hospital. The center where he does dialysis gave him heparin, although it clearly stated on the chart that no heparin was allowed due to his recent surgeries. This is one very angry man. I do not blame him, for I am very angry myself. Due to negligence, Alvin began bleeding again and was rushed to the emergency room. He has been admitted to the hospital again, for observation.
Wednesday ∙ 8 March, 2006
Today Alvin was released from the hospital, weaker but with all the health problems resolved, except his kidneys. On February 1, 2006, my sweetheart was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia in his left lung and a strained rotator cuff. By morning, they were throwing around words like tuberculosis or cancer. By the next day, those two things were negated and we were told he had a systemic staph infection. The six week regimen of powerful antibiotics was explained to us and Dr. Igor Abolnik, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases, took over the care of my husband.
By that Friday, my husband started bleeding internally. It required 17 units of blood, four of plasma and two endoscopies (scope down the throat and to the stomach) where they cauterized the ulcer we didn't know he had. He spent five days in ICU, was transfered to a regular floor and within two days, begin bleeding internally, again, from an unknown source. They continued pumping anywhere from 2 to 4 units of blood into him a day while they looked a variety of places for the source of the bleeding. By Friday they agreed to do a colonoscopy and found two ulcers in the secum (where the large and small intestines connect). Those ulcers were shot full of epinephram to restrict the bleeding and allow the healing to begin. It worked. Everything began to heal and my sweetheart grew stronger every day. Until Monday. On Monday morning, he began to not feel well and massive internal hemorraghing began. They raced him to ICU and tried to repeat the procedures of the week before, but no luck. There was too much blood. The doctors said he was bleeding out faster than they could pump it in and he required surgery, fast.
On February 20, 2006 Alvin underwent an emergency surgery to safe his life. An ulcer at the top of his stomach was the culprit. A very fine surgeon, Dr. Cook, used every bit of skill he had to save my husband and I am so grateful. Alvin's stomach was stuffed with gauze and left open, as was his abdomen. The day after the first surgery, Alvin underwent another surgery which confirmed the ulcers had stop bleeding and the immediate danger was over. They stitched up his stomach, stapled his abdomen and allowed the healing to begin. There followed the most harrowing week of my life as my husband hovered very near death. I love him so dearly and the thought of continuing this mortal journey alone, without the companionship of my sweetheart, was terrifying.
I was told he was the sickest man in the hospital. They kept him sedated for four days, then he hovered between waking and sleeping for another two days -- when he awakened he was very disoriented, in pain and annoyed that he was restrained to keep from pulling the tubes out. He had two tubes in his nose, IVs on either side of his neck, his elbow and and arterial IV in his wrist as well as a breathing tube. Instead of the two to three weeks in ICU and another one to two in the hospital as had been explained to me the morning after his first surgery, my husband was moved from ICU to a regular floor after nine days.
On Tuesday, February 28th, Alvin had to have surgery on his bladder where they had poked a hole in the wall in their hurry to get the catheter in during that first major surgery. There was damage to both the bladder and the urethra. Yes, Alvin was a very annoyed man.
By the next day, March 8th, TODAY -- he was released. A miracle in every sense of the word. After pneumonia, strained rotator cuffs, staph infection, four ulcers, wounded bladder and urethra and so many tests it made our heads spin, my sweetheart is out of the hospital. Five weeks we spent in that place and at times wondered if he would ever be released.
I believe I have never prayed as fervently as I have during the last five weeks. Although this was certainly one of the most terrible experiences of my life, Alvin and I grew closer together, grew stronger spiritually and are very aware of how precious life is.
May I urge each of you to hug your spouses tonight? Please remember why you fell in love them, why you love them so much more now and what our purposes in life are. Never, never, never take for granted what you have . . . it can change in a single heartbeat.
Wednesday ∙ 1 February, 2006
Forged in the Refiner's Fire was released today! This book is something I am very proud of. I co-authored with my good friend, author Elizabeth Cheever. It is a collection of incredible stories about people from all walks of life who suffered through trial and tragedy and came out stronger in the end. It talks of how they drew closer to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. It explains what helped through these trying times and how they survived. I was so pleased to be a part of this book. It is the first in a series of we don't know how many. Enjoy my third book off the presses!
Monday ∙ 23 January, 2006
Last night I spoke at the LDS Institute at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. What an absolutely marvelous experience! It was a packed room and the Spirit was strong. When I was contacted two weeks ago (thanks to the recommendation from Shirley Bahlmann) and asked to speak about Emma Smith I instantly agreed, although I'd never spoken about her before. From that request evolved a fireside called "Emma Smith: Elect Lady So Misunderstood." What a privilege it has been over the last two weeks to research her life, (adding to the extensive research done on her and Joseph I'd completed six years ago) ponder her circumstances and wonder why so many lies and myths have circulated about her. But even as Brother Joseph's name has been had for good and evil in the world, so too has that of his helpmeet, Emma. A dear friend, Debbie Tuttle, recorded the fireside for me and my husband, Alvin, is having it converted to MP3 format this week. When it is available, I shall post a link at the end of this paragraph which allow anyone who so desires to listen to the fireside. I met many wonderful young people who have the world at their feet and their entire lives ahead of them. It was nice to be surrounded in the college community once again. I loved my years at Ricks and BYU and wouldn't trade them for anything.
Another marvelous event has occurred. I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking in length with Merrill Osmond. As have so many others, I have been an Osmond fan from a very young age. As I matured it grew to a deep appreciation of their music (it flat just makes me smile) and a gratefulness for steadfast adherence to gospel principles as they performed, and still perform, in the very volatile industry they have been a part of for over 40 years. Emerging from this conversation came a partnership. Merrill and I are going to write a book, which we hope to have published before year's end. In this book we will write that which comes from Merrill's heart and I feel privileged to be the vehicle in which this can come forth. So watch for the book, tentatively entitled "Standing on the Fifth." Man! I love that title. So incredibly rich, textured and multi-faceted. Isn't it great!
Friday ∙ 30 December, 2005
Wow! What a wild ride the last few months have been. The last seven weeks I've been fighting that California import, oh yeah, the California flu! Oh my word! This sucker is strong!
But other than that, I had many great events in Elsinore, in Orem, in Midvale, in Brigham City, and in Logan. Promoting, promoting, promoting. It is truly one of my favorite things to do. To get out there and meet all my readers. So thank you to each of you for showing up at the events. The Litke's of Monroe, Utah who shower love, gifts and food on me everytime I'm in Elsinore. I'm thinking of adopting them as my grandparents. The sweet lady who works at the Logan temple and has one son, home from a mission, in college and two more out on missions. She touched my heart deeply as she raised those boys on her own after the death of her husband. The hard work of Dan and Josh at Liken the Scriptures at the Orem Media Play event. The equally diligent efforts of Aaron Edson and Steve Wallace, also of Liken, at the Midvale Media Play event. Many thanks to all the authors who braved the weather to attend the Media Play events and sign books for their fans. Hey! I was able to sit between Willard Boyd Gardner (Race Against Time and Pursuit of Justice) and Mario Facione (From Mafia to Mormon). When the blizzard hit Mivdvale I picked their brains until I had the necessary information in order to finish Dreams Die Hard.
Side Note: I AM SO SAD THAT MEDIA PLAY IS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! I will miss them tremendously. They have been a huge supporter of local authors. Boo hoo!
The Book Table's Midnight Madness event was a blast! I enjoyed myself immensely. I was quite impressed with what Candace (not me) pulled off there. If they'll have me, I plan on being back there every year. They did a great job.
I was on Wakin' Up With Rebecca and Kurt twice in November, promoting 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions and then for the Media Play events. I'm really loving that station. Tune in to 820 AM or www.utaham820.com and listen online. You'll be glad you did. Kurt and Rebecca are the morning show and a complete blast.
The holidays were a wonderful time spent with family and friends. My absolutely favorite time of the year, no question! I hope each of you had equally wonderful holidays in your homes. Happy New Year folks. I wish for each of you the fulfillment of at least one dream in 2006. God Bless You.
Friday ∙ 14-15 September, 2005
Idaho was AWESOME! First off, I got the recipe for Pizza Bombs from the owner of Craigos. Now, if you never went to Ricks, you don't know what I'm talking about, but believe me! It rocks! And to get the recipe? Please . . . never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that would happen. So that made the whole trip worthwhile right there, hands down -- no questions asked!
Friday Morning ∙ Fort Hall Elementary on Friday
Alvin and I arrived at Fort Hall Elementary on the Shoshone/Bannock Reservation at 9:10 a.m. on Friday morning. We were late and a little mortified. We'd left Utah Valley very early in the morning believing we had plenty of time to get there. Oh well, Brenda Wolfe, the woman responsible for the reading program in that school, had scheduled us for twenty minutes in each class (K-5). So she bumped the first class to last and we got started. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant as my usual audiences are teenagers and adults, but I'm definitely including elementary schools from now on.
I fell in love! Those children are so dadgum adorable I could hardly stand it. We spoke to each class and got them fired up about reading and writing. Alvin drew correlations between reading and football and he was great at it. I spoke about the worlds that await exploring within the written word. The kids fired question after question at us. When they found out we were going to be eating lunch with them.We walked into the lunchroom and a clamor went up across the gym. Every child wanted us to sit with them. So we sat in the middle and the kids crowded around us. It was interesting. Had a major flashback to cafeteria lunches, yup, they still stink.
Then the children took us out to their playground to see their new Big Toy. I had no idea what they were talking about until they showed me their brand new jungle gym. Alvin played football with the boys (I thought those kids were going to pass out from excitement) and I was surrounded for the entire lunch hour signing autographs on hands. Brenda then came and got us to go speak to the final class. But when she came, some of the children started to cry because they hadn't been able to get close enough to get an autograph. So we promised each one we'd stop at their classrooms and sign any autographs they wanted. We were there for another 2 1/2 hours for a total of five hours. The school bought 1 copy of each book and put it in their library, one of the teachers bought 13 and 0, another bought both. Alvin and I didn't attempt to sell any of our books there because we don't write for children. But I was pleasantly surprised the school and teachers bought books.
Those children just broke my heart. We got them so excited about reading and writing -- knowing the value placed on reading in the homes of America today, I hope it was not crushed the instant they walked through the doors of their homes so excited about their day. I can't tell you how much I hope that I am wrong. Brenda Wolfe is doing a fantastic job with fanning that flame within the children, I hope that school is enough to keep it burning until the children are adults and can do the same.
Friday afternoon ∙ BYU-Idaho
After we left Fort Hall we jetted up to Rexburg to hit the church bookstores and sign any and all books they had of mine. But first we stopped for a pizza bomb. It's been 20 plus years. Oh my word, it was manna from heaven. I have my priorities you know. Anyway, that aside, we finished and walked up on campus. Wow, it has really changed, buildings where roads used to be -- really changed but beautiful. We crossed the street and were hailed by a gentleman. Turns out he was the equivalent of their athletic director, Trent Shippen (former BYU womens basketball coach, former basketball player). He asked if he could help us, but I told him that I was an alum (in other words, knew where I was headed) and was headed up to the bookstore to sign any copies of my books they had in, one of which was 13 and 0. My word he got excited. He got on the phone and had his assistant, Troy, there to meet us as we walked out of the store. Within the hour, he had us speaking to one of their intramural football teams. (They follow Notre Dame's model with full-contact, (they hold a draft and play with full uniforms, pads and helmets, playing in the stadium, cheerleaders, band, students it was amazing!) Then they invited us back the following evening for the games. We could only make the last one. We spoke to the two teams in the locker room before the game. They got energized! They made Alvin their honorary coach for that game. The team he was the honorary coach of hadn't won a game all year. They won! A gentleman by the name of Cody Haws (the student athletic director) was so excited and said it had to be because of us. I don't know if that's true, but we were happy. Trent is getting us cleared to come speak at a morningside for every athlete at BYU-Idaho in the near future. Oh yeah, then we went and got another pizza bomb. Took Cody and his fiancږth us and had a blast.
Our hearts were deeply touched by the response of these people to us. We had so much fun. The excitement of having us there was palpable. We were a little startled, but we rolled with it and had a blast. In the locker room, the coach of the home team gave us a BYU-Idaho t-shirt (for Alvin), sweatshirt (for me) and hat for both of us. It was great to be back. My alma-mater looks great! Alvin was amazed at how really nice, friendly and outgoing everyone was . . . me, it reminded of my days at Ricks and I was quite nostalgic for that time. I really loved my time there and they were the happiest of my college years. Sadly, it was only a Junior College and I had to move on to BYU, which of course, worked out great for me too. But Ricks has something about it I have not found anywhere else. Big sigh.
Saturday ∙ Blackfoot Octoberfest
On Saturday, we went to the Author event for October Fest. Hmmm, not terribly successful as not many people showed up at their own city celebration. While the attendance wasn't what we had hoped, there was an excitement in the year that will grow. Mary Morrison did a fabulous job of pulling it all together (Go Mary! Mary Morrison for Mayor!) and was very supportive throughout the event. We met some wonderful people as they came through to speak to the authors, look at their books and so on. In addition, they was a wonderful Native American artist there with his work, absolutely breathtaking. I was sad I was so broke. I would have loved to buy a few of his paintings.
Alvin loved Idaho. It was his first time really being there and spending time in the haunts of my college days. We've agreed we are not going to wait another twenty years to return to Ricks (BYU Idaho). Trent Shippen is arranging for Alvin and me to go do a morningside for all the athletes at BYU Idaho, so we'll definitely be back for that. I miss that place! It's like no other place in the world.
Anyway, that's the report from our weekend. Oh wait, there's more. Sunday morning I went down to see my nephews and nieces Primary program. It rocked! I stayed for all the meetings and ended up teaching Relief Society. (That's a completely different story.) It was very cool. I love the gospel and any opportunity to share it or teach just makes me a happy woman. I was kept after church for a very long time. I was so tired my eyes were burning and all but rolling up in my head, but I had fun. We didn't get back from Idaho until 2:00 a.m. and Alvin had to be to work at 6:00 a.m. Of course, I had to drive him as we only have one car. Yeah, I went to sleep at 8:00 Sunday night and didn't wake up until 6:30 the next morning.
So, that's it. All in all, as stressful as it was getting there, it turned out to be well worth it.
Friday ∙ 23 September, 2005
I did a book signing at Waldenbooks (Provo Towne Center) last night. I had so much fun. I met people here from Germany, Canada, Idaho and, of course, many Utah County people. Sterling, Peter and Xavier were a lot of fun to work with. Sterling is the manager of the store and loves hosting book signings. In fact, check on my News page often, Sterling is scheduling me for a Reading/Q&A party at his store sometime in October or November. This is one of my favorite things to do! I love interacting with those who enjoy my work. Answering questions about my books, the writing process, etc. is something I very much enjoy. So I hope to see many of you there.
Saturday ∙ 17 September, 2005
Good fun at the Orem, Utah Media Play today! Alvin and I joined Rachel Ann Nunes, Anne Bradshaw, Christine Kersey and Jewel Adams for mini Author Extravaganza. We each had our new books there. We were able to many wonderful Utah County people and even talked to several unpublished writers, offering encouragement and support. There will be many more of these type of events at Media Play, so check back often on the News page to make sure you can attend when your favorite author appears.
We spoke about "The Writer Within" Writer's Conference, sponsored by LDS Storymakers, coming up March 24-25, 2006 at the Courtyard Marriot in Provo, Utah and encouraged these writers to attend. This event is open to one and all. I am quite pleased to be teaching three different classes during that time. First, Jeffrey Savage and I will be conducting a Writers Bootcamp on March 24th. Later that same day, I will be teaching a class on developing your fictional characters through use of the Color Code. Then on March 25th, I will be teaching a class with Willard Boyd Gardner (just Bill) on writing while working fulltime. Bill was a S.W.A.T. guy in Washington before he took up writing full time. And me, oh, you name it I've worked at it in one way or another until I settled on writing for a living. (Okay, okay . . . backup -- anything legal, moral or ethical.
Thursday ∙ 15 September, 2005
Dick Harmon of the Deseret News interviewed me, read 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions and posted a review of it the Thursday after BYU beat Eastern Illinois. Read the article here. Go Cougars!!!
Friday ∙ 9 September, 2005
Alvin and I signed books at the Reflections of Utah (47 South Main) bookstore in Brigham City. It was in the middle of their Peach Days and it was a complete and total blast! What a marvelous store they have! Ehren, Amy and Natalie were awesome. For my Northern Utah fans, you absolutely must check this store out. Alvin and I left with a beautiful Christus created by a Hawaiian artist. We fell in love with it on site and now sits in a place of honor on our entertainment center. Darn, at a time like this I really miss the fireplaces I grew up with and the mantles that came with them. You better believe that when we build our house those little problems will be quickly rectified.
The people who came into the store were hysterical! I worked very hard to sell a copy of 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions to a diehard Ute fan. Finally managed it after about twenty minutes. He bought one for his sister (a BYU fan) but made his son carry the book out. Johnny Hepworth . . . you rock! Ute fans, Aggie fans . . . and my favorite of all . . . Cougar fans -- you make my day!
Really, we had so much fun! I'll be back there on Ladies Night, October 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., it should be a blast! I'm looking forward to it. Brigham City is a charming city that made me long for the small cities and towns I grew up in around the West. If it weren't so far from my sister's kids we'd move there in a heartbeat!
| ||||
|
Thursday ∙ 18 August, 2005
Today was our booksigning at the BYU Bookstore. Having had a book signing with Out of the Shadows . . . Into the Light over Women's Conference weekend, I anticipated triple the madhouse. When Alex Smith's biography was released in the U of U bookstore, they sold 500 copies of the book in their allotted time. So, I thought to myself, that BYU fans would easily outsell the Utes. Hmmm.
Robbie Bosco, Shirley Johnson and I settled in at 2:00 p.m. on that Education Week afternoon. The bookstore was all but empty, which I was exceedingly startled about. In the first hour, we signed exactly ten copies of 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions. I was flabbergasted. Not only had Cougar fans not come through, but there appeared to be little to no traffic from the expected 65,000 attendees of Education Week. Shirley got on Robbie's cellphone and got to work.
By 2:15 p.m. Coach LaVell Edwards walked into the bookstore and sat down at our table. He is a charming man and a beloved icon . . it was like bees to honey. People emerged from thin air, cellphones glued to their ears as they frantically whispered, "LaVell Edwards is here! LaVell Edwards is here!" In the next 50 minutes, we signed 110 copies of the book. To be honest, I could have walked away and nothing would have slowed down. Chad was bringing in case after case . . . it completely rocked!
I've spent the last couple of weeks trying to convince my publisher to pay Coach to come with me to all my booksignings. That was my best book signing ever! Yes, I know. Coach has better things to do, but a girl can dream.
Wednesday ∙ 17 August, 2005
I was interviewed by Brandon Judd of the Daily Universe today. Here's the article.
Tuesday ∙ 16 August, 2005
I was interviewed by Alema Harrington of the Blue & Red Show and Lunchtime with Alema on 1280 the Zone! Oh yeah, that's Utah's premier sports radio station. It was a lot of fun because Alvin and I listen to them all the time. I enjoyed the interview and couldn't have been more pleased by the way Alema treated me with such respect. It was fun. Listen to the interview.
Wednesday thru Friday ∙ 10-12 August, 2005
The LDS Booksellers Convention was a blast! Alvin and I had so much fun meeting all the booksellers across the nation, Canada and England. I have been sufficiently harassed by one and all to hurry and complete Dreams Die Hard, Book 2 in the Lost Canyon Springs Series. You can read the first chapter by Clicking Here. It looks like it'll be hitting the shelves in February 2006.
Other than that, the new friendships found, the old friendships renewed and the education I received for the LDS market was invaluable. Thanks to one and all for attending. I'm looking forward to next year.
In the next few weeks, products that I picked up at the convention will become available for sale in Renewal, my online bookstore. Great LDS Artifacts, paintings, pottery, etc. all coming up. Great art, books and music available for fantastic prices.
Tuesday ∙ 9 August, 2005
We held the 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions launch party tonight! Wow! What a blast! Robbie Bosco, Brian Hazelgren, Korey Rasmussen, Mark Bellini, Cary Whittingham and Shirley Johnson all joined Alvin and me to sign books and talk with Cougar fans. Our most profound thanks to Chad Daybell of Spring Creek Book Co. for bringing the books and taking care of the business side of things. Also, we extend our gratitude to Terry Brown of Bleachers Sports Grill for providing such marvelous staff, food and place to throw our party. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures:
Karen Bosco, Robbie Bosco, Shirley Johnson, Brian Hazelgren and Alvin Salima. 9 August, 2005 Mark Bellini, Korey Rasmussen, Shirley Johnson and Robbie Bosco signing copies of 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions. Alvin is taking the picture. Brian Hazelgren, Korey Rasmussen and me -- all signing copies of 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions for a fan who did his Christmas shopping early. Mark Bellini talking to a fan . . . and me -- not sure what I was talking about or to whom! There's a drink somewhere under that table! I swear! Fans chatting with members of the 1984 BYU Cougars Football Team. Robbie Bosco and Shirley Johnson signing, not only copies of 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions, but a host of paraphernalia brought in by a devout Cougar Fan. Signing, Signing, Signing! Hey! Alvin is actually sitting at the table with us signing books. A rare picture, trust me! That's my sweetheart! In order . . . Alvin, me, Brian Hazelgren, Shirley Johnson, Robbie Bosco and his wife, Karen. Alvin talking to a fan about 13 and 0: Reflections of Champions. So that's it for now. We had a hard time keeping Alvin and some of the other players in their seats. But I have to express my gratitude to each of them for making an effort to be there to help launch the book. GO COUGARS! Dear, dear friends, the Smiths and my sweet little sister, Heather -- supporting us as always! Tuesday ∙ 2 August, 2005
I had surgery this morning. Glad that's finally over! All went well and although I didn't recover as quickly as I'd hoped (I thought I'd be better in a few hours), I still was able to go to my ward's Enrichment Night tonight and speak on literacy. For those of you who doubt that the Spirit of the Lord pulls through for you when you need it . . . I'm here to testify when serving the Lord, He will put the words in your mouth. Through the drugs, through the pain, through the fogginess . . . the words came through loud and clear. I was able to convey my love of reading, writing and the importance of it in our lives. Did you know that: Nonliterate: No written language and illiterate. Illiterate: Little to no education and unable to read or write. Now, here are the shocking numbers for America! These are terrifying statistics and clearly show a large portion of why the world is in the state it is. President Gordon B. Hinckley gives the best advice in turning the world around, and in a prophetic promise, says it can be done in as little two generations if we are willing to do four things: "What can be done? We cannot effect a turnaround in a day or a month or a year. But I am satisfied that with enough effort we can begin a turnaround within a generation and accomplish wonders within two generations. That is not very long in the history of man. There is nothing any of us can do that will have greater longtime benefits than to rekindle wherever possible the spirit of the kind of homes in which goodness can flourish . . . What, may you ask, can be done? The observance of four simple things on the part of parents would, in a generation or two, turn our societies around in terms of their moral values. "They are simply these: Let parents and children What this all boils down to is that we as Latter-day Saints are expected to accomplish much during this mortal probation. The Ye Shall Have My Words literacy manual states: "The scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given to us by the power of God. They were written to help perfect His children. Many of His children, however are unable to read the scriptures that God promised to bring forth. Without this ability, they struggle to fulfill their responsibilities to preach the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead." If one cannot read, one cannot study the scriptures and the writings of modern day prophets and apostles. If one cannot do that, then one cannot progress as we have been commanded to do. If one cannot read, one cannot do genealogy -- a commandment given to us to be saviors in Zion in the redeeming of our dead. Our eternal salvation is tied up in that . . . in finding our ancestors and getting their work done. If one cannot read or write family histories cannot be written. But if we can't read . . . need I go on?
Tuesday ∙ 7 June, 2005
I arrived home from my three week book tour. I traveled through bookstores, festivals and churches across the midwest beginning in Chicago, IL then on to St. Paul, MN and down to Independence, MO over to Dallas, TX and then Home Sweet Home. It was a wonderful experience. First, in Chicago, I did a book signing at the New Words of Wisdom Bookstore located at 1722 Milwaukee Avenue in Glenview. When I walked into that absolutely delightful store, I was greeted by Julie K. and Rachel. Julie, the manager, wasn't there that day, although she was wonderful to work with in arranging the event. Julie K. turned out to be married to a cousin of my husband's and so my stay in Chicago was filled with family, friends and lots of love. The people of Chicago who came into that store that day were very congenial, friendly and I sold out the stock of my books in a little over an hour. I spent the rest of my allotted time walking through store, talking to customers and recommending books I'd read which were on the shelves. I had a great time and I look forward to returning to New Words of Wisdom soon. Chicago rocked! I really need to start taking pictures of these events to post. On to Minneapolis where friends, Jack and Linda Scanlan, met me at the airport and drove me to St. Paul. We had a blast, if a very brief time. My booksigning at Best Books & Gifts was fun. Katie Parker, the author of Just the Way You Are joined me on that rainy Minnesota evening. We had so much fun. LaMon Thompson was chagrined because of the lack of customers. Katie and I didn't care. We had so much fun! The people who did come in were wonderful, and of the 4 who came in the that night, 3 bought our books. Good ratio, if small numbers. I'm looking forward to returning to Best Books & Gifts when the time allows. LaMon, I still want that book. I'll contact you soon! The next day I was winging over the skies of Minnesota, and after a brief stay in New Orleans, was met by my husband's family in Kansas City, MO. I was there to sign books at the Samoan Heritage Festival, as well as being the keynote speaker at their Fireside on Sunday night. Wow! Missouri is hot and muggy! But, I met so many of my husband's family and friends and I had a lot of fun. Nive, Eta, Ifo, Sa, President Medina, and sweet, sweet Sekeli. Sekeli Salima, the founder of the Samoan Heritage Festival. All in all, it was wonderful experience. I made many new lifelong friends and hope to return there soon. The Samoan Heritage Festival is thrown in celebration of the . . . yeah, you guessed it, the Samoan culture and their rich heritage. They raise money for scholarships, introduce the thousands who attend to the food, entertainment and humor of the Samoans. You can't go wrong! Memorial Day Weekend every year in Independence, MO. You must go! From Missouri I flew to Dallas and the home of my brother, a fantastic artist by the name of Cash Case. There in Dallas, I did a book signing at Moon's LDS Bookstore located at 1482 Preston Forest Square. Always fun. The staff of Moon's are always friendly, efficient and marvelous to work with. This was my second signing with them and I look forward to returning there many more times. We did a brisk business that day, moved quite a few books, and of course, as always, I recommended many of my favorite religious authors as well, such as Matthew B. Brown, Hugh Nibley, Andrew Skinner, Beverly Campell, Tad Callister (now the president of the Boston Mission) and many, many more. I did a fireside that Sunday, June 5th, for the young women of my sister-in-law's, Tara, sisters' wards. My favorite part of these trips is being able to share the gospel. Speaking the words of of Christ, teaching the hope of the eternities, is something that fills my soul completely. So, to end my journey with this spiritual experience was the perfect cap to a long trip. By the time I flew home I was missing husband, alot! I have vowed to never leave on a trip that long again, but will be making short trips here and there in the future. Saturday ∙ 30 April, 2005
Today was the LDS Storymakers Writers Conference "The Write Time". It was a fantastic event with wonderful classes to aid the writer or aspiring writer in his or her search for the golden fleece, a well-written published book. Although the day was long and tiring it was great to renew old friendships, make new ones and make valuable contacts in the writing industry. Definitely worth the price of the ticket and more.
Monday ∙ 7 March, 2005 Just a Thought: This morning, as my husband and I were preparing to leave town, I squeezed in an interview with Brooke from Utah Valley Magazine. As we spoke, the topic arose regarding a NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) study which emerged last year. A girlfriend of mine called me about it and we spoke briefly about this report on her radio show. But as the topic arose again I felt such a surge of sorrow that this thought is even circling the nation. It is simply this: By the year, I believe it was 2040 (I could be wrong on the year), there would be no more bookstores like MediaPlay, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks or anything like them left in the nation because no one would be reading anymore. This was my friend's input on the NEA report. I cannot imagine a greater travesty to this generation. Reading opens a world of imagination, even flights of fancy broadening and stretching creativity beyond its limits. Through the written word a young mind can see the castles of Scotland, the brilliantly green fields of Ireland, the towering spires of the Taj Mahal, even climb the icy slopes of Mount Everest. Exotic animals become common place. Trips through time introduce those who long ago sacrificed their all for our personal and religious freedoms. The dangers of America's wild west forever imprinted in a young mind also imprint freedom, perserverance, strength and patriotism. The castles of Europe bring to mind the chivalrous acts of King Arthur and his round table of faithful knights. The plains and jungles of Africa introduce roaring lions, chattering monkeys and deadly snakes unlike anything we have indigenous to America. If the written word is abolished due to lack of interest then our nation will crumble from within. There will be no terrorist causing America's destruction, but young minds will shut down, living solely within the box drawn for them by someone who does not have their best interest at heart. Creativity will die and with it the spirit of America. It has been said so many times, but I will say it once again. Read to your children! If only fifteen minutes a day and you will see monumental growth in those young minds. Find the genre each child likes and provide those books, either through your public library or local bookstore. Once a child finds the genre they like, be it mystery,fantasy, western, science fiction, non-fiction, magical, or romance, they will devour books, page after page. For my sweet seven-year-old nephew, it was the Magic Treehouse series. He can't put them down. When he is not reading the scriptures out loud to us or playing outside, he has his nose in a book. Nothing could bring greater joy to my heart.
| ||||
|
Home ∙ About Candace ∙ Signings & News ∙ Books ∙ Bookstore ∙ Films ∙ Podcast Designed by Salima Enterprises, LLC ∙ Hosted by Bravenet.com - Click graphic for more information.
|
