"The Killer Show" book launch

The Killer Show is now available on Amazon. Check it out!

If you or someone you know loves mystery stories, or has the slightest curiosity about how a ventriloquist handles a murder mystery, download The Killer Show and enjoy. And after you read it, it would mean a lot to me if you wrote a review on Amazon about the book. Thank you all so much.

Judy

The Snowboarder

Sammy sprung out of the gate picking up momentum and shot over the first jump, spiraling and pitching, defying gravity, air-dogging with the sun. The board cut through the snow with a spray of crystals diffused over a blue sky. Spectators cheered. Their adrenalin kick made them gasp as they watched Sammy soar through the air above their heads, rotating in complete circles, his hand on the edge of his board. Their hands shading their eyes as he dropped on the slope like a beam of light. Easy.

His board barely touched down before adding momentum as Sammy scraped across one box and made a switch onto a rail, completing a perfect 350 degree spin before landing sweet. He regained lift and mounted the next jump, legs tireless, arms and body positioned for balance and speed. He moved effortlessly in spite of bulky clothing, appearing as one image with the board, flying like an object carelessly tossed into the air; an ill-fated UFO careening through the sky twisting end over end. With Sammy's back toward the spectators, defying gravity, he flipped 540 degrees before pivoting around for a total 720 degrees. Onlookers blew horns, whistled, and hooted in response. In the end, Sammy's board slapped against the slope as he skidded to the finish line, grinding to a stop, removing his helmet, and smiling broadly to acknowledge a pristine run.

Hope you enjoy this scene. I purposely used a number of -ing verbs, (present participles) even though they are considered weak as far as verbs go. I think it works because of the detail I can pull with it.

Make it a great week,

Judy

Fiction Writing and "The Big Audacious Lie"

VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXpbYmRIHsQ

Watch the video on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXpbYmRIHsQ

Make it a great week,

Judy

In Lieu of Resolutions

If you're not one to write out new year's resolutions, then maybe starting off with a smile is more your style. Here is a sweet poem by Archer Prince to kick off 2017 with a happy thought.

Try Smiling.....

When the weather suits you not,
Try smiling!
When the coffee isn't hot,
Try smiling!
When your neighbors don't do right,
Or your relatives all fight,
Sure 'tis hard, but then you might
Try smiling!

Doesn't change the things, of course,

Just smiling.
But it cannot make them worse,

Just smiling.
And it seems to help your case,
Brightens up a gloomy place,
Then, it sort o' rests your face,

Just smiling!

– Archer Prince

Happy New Year,
Judy

My Favorite Fictional Christmas Stories

My recommended story selections for Christmas:

1. The Snowman – Dianne Jackson, Raymond Briggs. (Animated without words with one song, “Walking in the Air,” you can purchase the DVD at Wal-Mart or B&N for less than ten dollars.) It's the story of a little boy who builds a snowman, and overnight the snowman comes to life magically. A relationship develops between the boy and the snowman who whisks the boy away to the north pole to meet Santa Claus. Even though the storyline is simple, it is so well constructed with music, animation, and the clear tones of an English boy's choir, it will touch your heart. A DVD story perfect to share with a youngster, or your inner child.

   This is a very special Christmas story for me. Maybe because it is one I watched with two of my granddaughters every year when they were little. Or maybe because while living in Connecticut, I had the distinct privilege of singing ventriloquially through my little girl puppet, “Walking in the Air” accompanied by the Meriden Symphony Orchestra.

2. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
   Is anyone not familiar with this story? Hard to imagine. A poor man – with a happy but struggling family that includes a small crippled boy – works for Scrooge, a bitter and parsimonious boss. Scrooge finally comes around to the meaning of Christmas through a dream, or nightmare that becomes the major part of the story. So stinginess, and selfishness give way to generosity and kindness. I like the story not just because of a stingy attitude that transforms into a generous one, it's the journey of how the main character arrives at that altruistic place that makes it so outstanding and such a classic.

3. The Gift of the Magi – O Henry

   Grab your tissue box. This story comes with tears, even with a good ending. Doesn't matter. I still get all soppy, because the gift of each person in this story is sacrificial. It's a level of giving that comes from deep love. A noble and selfless gift makes this a beautiful story.

4. The Other Wiseman – Henry Van Dyke

   Artaban is the fourth wiseman, who carries gifts to the newborn king. However, after he sets off on his journey he feels compelled to stop when he sees others in need, using his gifts for the Christ child to pay to help the needy. All of these good deed delays him. By the time he reaches the stable, the Holy Family have moved to Egypt. The story has a beautiful ending and reinforces the belief that spending time with those we care about, and showing kindness are our greatest gifts.

Enjoy your week,

Judy