Angela is beating the heat in her pal Dennis’ backyard with some fresh produce. She is prepping a fresh, shrimp stew, which her adopted Ecuadorian family taught her how to make. It includes shrimp, cilantro, green plantains, yucca and choclo (giant corn).

by Angela Olsen
photo by Dennis Johnson

Phew Readers!  If ever there was a time to get in touch with one’s “natural beauty” it’s now.  My skin does not recall what it feels like to towel off completely, don makeup or moisturizer since the last installment of this column.  Although it makes following the rules of Patti Stanger’s book Become Your Own Matchmaker a bit more challenging, it certainly allows time to flirt with the “real me.”

I think of Chris Rock, my favorite comedian who says that women are “Masters of the lie, the visual lie… Look at you.  You got on heels, you ain’t that tall.  You got on makeup, your face don’t look like that.  You got a weave, your hair ain’t that long.”  Well, the secrets are out this month, and that’s no lie!

There is a freedom in “outing” the lies, not to say that they are crippling, but rather, because of what they reveal in other people, men to be specific.  This is what you’re going to see every day at the crack of dawn.  If it scares you, it’s best you know now and head for the hills!

The other day, a lovely woman, friend, and sailor, Diane McAllister reminded me that I declared to the world in the last Resident that I was contemplating taking a lover.  She ribbed me, as I found myself in a bit of a jam with some, perhaps, uninvited male attention; or at least overwhelming for the time and place.  Mama Mia!

So, people are asking me, did I take the plunge? I’ll never tell.

What I will share is that in the spirit of natural beauty and summer heat, I find that this notion of attraction to the opposite sex is by far more intuitive than I ever imagined.  I have my witch’s brew of the perfect man, but that does not mean if he exists, I’ll have that feeling.

I met someone who looks great on paper: educated, served our country, brought me out of my element and got me walking after midnight in downtown Mystic.

However, when the rubber met the road, those pheromones just didn’t spark.  The chemistry was lackluster.

Patti tells clients that the, well, male does the picking when it comes to attraction to the opposite sex.  I will be paying close attention to my dog, and hopefully learning a few tricks! Stay cool. Stay hydrated!

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Dr. Tracy Lewis’ latest book, The Truth About Angels: Hollywood Versus The Bible, is her response to the portrayal of angels by Hollywood.

by Maren Schober

Wouldn’t we all like to know the answer to that question? Many of us believe in angels but hear all kinds of conflicting ideas about who they are and what they do.  Some folks even have personal encounters with angels.  Author Dr. Tracy Lewis of Tulsa, OK is one of these people.

Tracy’s latest book entitled The Truth About Angels: Hollywood Versus The Bible, is in response to her belief that most of the information being presented today about angels by Hollywood in films, television and in music is far from the truth.

“I started writing this book in 2005,” Dr. Lewis declares.  “I believe that Holywood producers, actors and writers continuously misrepresent angels in their films. I wrote this book as a theological discourse and response to movies and television shows taking liberties with the Bible and with God.  I simply want the Truth about God and His magnificent angels to be made known. God is my source of inspiration. I have a genuine love for Him, His Word, and for people.  Whenever I write, the topics are always issues close to my heart.”

What can one learn about angels in this author’s book? Plenty!

“The story has three parts. In part one, I present short summaries of past movies and television shows that focus on angels.  I point out the fallacies in each film.”

“In part two, I tell the truth about angels from a theological perspective and provide scripture references for facts such as angels only assume human forms, angels fight for God’s people, angels are not omnipotent, and angels are too numerous to count. This section includes an Angel Quiz for my readers and provides in depth answers to the most asked questions about angels.”

“In part three of my book, I offer several outlines for readers that can be used in study groups , theology classes, youth groups and Sunday School classes.”

One night while driving home through a long dark tunnel, Tracy experienced something extraordinary.

“I was exhausted.  It was late at night and very dark. As I proceeded to drive across the bridge between Virginia Beach and Hampton, I could see the Hampton Tunnel approaching in the distance. When I entered the tunnel, I remember being in the left lane. The the next thing I remember was a stern voice saying, ‘Wake up!’ The sound of the voice startled me awake! I opened my eyes and gasped loudly as I sat up and quickly grabbed the wheel of my truck.  I realized that I had fallen asleep at the wheel, yet I was even more startled by the fact that I was now driving out of the tunnel exit into Hampton.  I was also in the right hand lane!  I kept replaying over and over what happened.  I began to cry as I thought of what could have happened, and then my tears turned to laughter and shouts of joy! Needless to say I remained awake for the rest of my drive.”

“An angel saved me that night.  He woke me up, and he even guided my truck through the tunnel. Many times since then God delivered me at the hands of His angels.”

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In his third novel, Estevan Vega says he wanted to write a novel, “really relatable to kids close to my own age.”

by Roger Zotti

When Estevan Vega was 15, he wrote his first book. Now, in his third work, Arson (Tate Publishing), he says he hoped to accomplish “something that was really personal. I was writing it during my parents’ divorce – which had a huge impact on me. And I wanted to write a story really relatable to kids close to my age – I was 17 when I started writing it. I wanted to capture that teen spirit and the pain I was going through.”

As for its theme, Estevan says, “It’s becoming who you are and taking off your mask. I feel a lot of people wear masks every day. The story tries to expose people for who they are.” The main character, Arson Gable, possesses a strange and terrible power. The mask he wears is that he wants to become like everyone else. “But he can’t do that,” Estevan says. “Then there’s Emery, who actually wears a mask. So you have the figurative and the literal.”

Because he tried to make his characters believable – which he did – Estevan hopes readers take away from the book, “The same experience that I or maybe they felt about something that happened to them in their past. I wanted a certain ‘relatability’ with this book that I don’t think I captured in my previous books.”

Originally, the book was Arson’s and his tormented grandmother’s story. But, Estevan explains, “I wrestled with the idea of making it more personal. Obviously, I didn’t want it to be like, ‘Oh, this is my sob story.’ Eventually, Emery moves in and she and her family add a whole new dynamic. Yes, it was unexpected, adding Emery and her family and seeing where they would go.”

Though Arson is an intense book, there’s a change of pace with the entrance of the dying Abraham Finch, whom we meet at Middlesex Hospital where Emery and Arson volunteer. Estevan splendidly describes the old man as having “coffee-colored skin … loosely draped around sagging muscles and brittle bones.”

The dialogue between Abraham and the teens is humorous, sagacious and believable.  In fact, some of Estevan’s best writing – and my favorite scenes – involve Abraham. It’s during their conversations with him that – for a few moments – Emery and Arson step away from the terror of their own lives and learn about the suffering of someone who has lived long and observed and experienced much. To the  teens Abraham says, “…I’ve seen some things in my day … Spent too much time being modest and not enough time saying it like it is.” Later, when Arson says, “I’m sorry, Mr. Finch. This world can be pretty cruel,” Abraham replies, But … this messed-up place got a soul. It ain’t perfect, but it needs saving, just like I did, just like you do.”

Estevan Vega is a young, gifted writer who gets better with every book.  Aimed at both young and adult readers, Arson is a well-crafted fast-paced, highly enthralling page-turner … Learn more by visiting www.estevanvega.com.

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Battling insurmountable obstacles is one theme of Frank McKinney’s novel.

by Roger Zotti

Frank McKinney has written an enthralling action-filled novel for young readers titled Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle (HCI).  “It’s a deep fantasy set in south Florida,” Frank said. “The primary character, an eighth grader, is named Ppeekk [pronounced Peekie]. She’s very insecure and shy.”  As the story progresses, “she makes the most important friendship of her life with a  little character she calls Dead Fred – whose real name is King Frederick the Ninth, ruler of the underwater kingdom known as High Voltage. He has been dethroned by a 50 foot Megalodon shark.”

The shark – which existed 50 million years ago – “comes back to life and is the evil villain,” Frank said.  A superb descriptive writer, Frank depicts the gigantic Megalodon like this: “[His] thick gray hide was shriveled and puckered with scars. Dozens of remora fish clung to him, absorbing his evil essence … he bared rows of razor-sharp teeth …” Soon Ppeekk and her new friends – Quarto and his younger sister, Mini Romey – “have to find the courage to overthrow this seemingly insurmountable obstacle and restore King Frederick as High Voltage’s rightful ruler.”  The theme of bravery abounds. But are the youngsters successful in restoring King Frederick and conquering the malevolent Megalodon? I’ll put it this way: the last paragraph is a stunner.

To write Dead Fred, Frank “leaped into the fantasy genre.” (His previous books dealt with business, real estate, and inspirational-spiritual matters.) He learned to write dialogue because his other books contained little conversation. And “writing action scenes, many of which take place underwater,” wasn’t easy because, Frank, “How do you create the true belief that these characters are breathing and fighting for their lives underwater?”

Frank believes a good fantasy opens up “the cinema in the reader’s mind. You become so engrossed you feel as if you are sitting in a movie theater watching a film.” He added, “The real bonding with the characters my readers have – who they like and dislike – is [key] in a fantasy novel.”  And first-rate fantasy – which Dead Fred is -reminds the reader “never to lose the little boy or girl inside.” Lastly, consider what Ppeekk says in Chapter 13. They’re an ideal definition of fantasy. When she and her friends see some clown fish that, she says, “are not supposed to be here and yet are … doesn’t that tell you that maybe, just maybe, things you thought weren’t possible, are.”

In his Acknowledgements, Frank tells us that “the primary inspiration [for the book] came from his daughter, Laura, and [her friends] who walked the nearly one mile journey from our house to school every school day of Laura’s life … Right now that’s over 1200 walks. She’s never been driven – not once – and she’s ready to graduate sixth grade. We walked through a tropical forest, a jungle-like nature preserve, and over a drawbridge. So you can imagine the adventures we had in real life – which I fictionalized for the novel.” He also acknowledged Kate Mason (among others) who “taught me to love writing young reader fiction.” … Visit http://frank-mckinney.com/Dead-Fred.aspx for more information.

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“Experience is not essential,” says festival Director Scott Kegler. “But talent is.” The right candidate will receive tuition-free training in period dialect, improvisation, audience interaction, stage combat, voice, dance or other areas as required by their role.

The producers and creative team of the Faire hope to cast both actors and stage hands for an Arthurian Legend themed event in the fall. If you think you have what it takes to perform for over 40,000 adoring fans as part of one of New England’s largest theatre companies, visit www.ctfaire.com/act for more information or phone Scott at 860.942.2645. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire runs for five straight weekends in Hebron: September 25 to October 24.

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(l-r) Wayne English was invited to be guest speaker at the home of Dara Karas and Tom Santos, where self-published authors gathered for a SE CAPA meeting on Monday, June 21st.

story & photo
by Angela Olsen

Have you ever thought you have what it takes to write an interesting book, but don’t know where to begin, or feel intimidated by the entire publishing process?  Do you have a unique life experience, or a passion that would make for an interesting read?  Look no further; there is help on the third Monday of every month in various locations around Southeastern CT.  A not-for-profit organization, called “SE CAPA,” the (Southeast Chapter of Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association) wants you to know that they are here to help!

I had the great privilege to sit-in on a meeting on Monday, June 21st, invited by Tom Santos, who is the Chairman of SE CAPA, held on the new deck of his, and his beautiful partner Dara Karas’, at their lovely home in Pawcatuck.  There were roughly 30 people in attendance, all bringing tasty-treats for a pot-luck style buffet held in their gazebo.  The majority of the members in attendance are self-published authors.

Says Tom, “Self publishing is an easier way to get your book published, while avoiding the exorbitant cost of large publishing houses & literary agents; and not getting lost in the shuffle.  Often when a person goes to great extents to write a book, the books sometimes wind up collecting dust in the giant publishing houses.  SE CAPA is a great networking organization for those who have published books, or trying to get published.”

A guest speaker is invited to every meeting, this time it was Wayne English, Coventry, who gave an informational talk about promoting one’s book in the online community.  Several members already have their books available for sale on Amazon.com, but he also suggests setting up an account on www.linkedin.com, and starting a website to promote one’s book, so that it may easily be located using search engines like Google.
Tom joined SE CAPA five years ago, and is the proud author of two books, My Son Todd and My Guardian Angels:  How I Learned To Cope With the Death of my Only Child and Mystic in the 1950’s:  Growing up in a Small Village. He was quickly appointed to be the chairman.  The home-base in CT is Avon, but the commute was difficult for many people. After chatting with John Sciarra, Groton, who is the founder of SE CAPA, a Southern location was established and the rest is history.

Tom invites members to bring their spouses, or interested friends.  I brought a pal along to the meeting, and he wound up pitching his book to Richard LaPorta, East Lyme, who owns Husky Trail Press, LLC.  Most importantly, says Tom, “We are here to help people-helping people in the community”

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I’m sporting the lovely Native American gift given to me by a handsome mystery man. Patti Stanger says, “Don’t wear too much bling around men, or they won’t see the empty space to adorn.”

by Angela Olsen
photo by Eric Allard

How many times have you heard people babble that old cliché, which says, “You can’t love anyone unless you love yourself?”  Although this makes perfect intellectual sense, it is not always what a person wants to hear when they are down in the dumps.

My past struggle with debilitating clinical depression is no secret to you loyal readers.  In fact, all Patti Stanger did, at the Mohegan Sun Casino, was take one look at my body language, and listen to a question I ‘threw out there,’ at Singles’ Boot Camp, and she could tell immediately that I was bummed and that my self-esteem was shot!

At that point in time, on Valentine’s Weekend, I was feeling quite well. I thought I was doing just fine!  Traveling alone to the casino, and subsequently to an event by myself was a huge step for me!

Once I was approached following Singles’ Boot Camp by our publisher, Alexis Ann, my life started to turn around immediately!  She asked me to write this column. It was such a privilege, such an honor to finally be validated by someone and for someone to have faith in me.  I truly owe the deepest gratitude to her for that!

Now, I notice that the “vibes,” which I am giving off are much happier, much brighter!  Every day is now an adventure and I bounce off the walls with a zest for life!  This new happiness feels so good!  I attribute these feelings to this wonderful outlet, writing!  Having said that, I must suggest to anyone struggling to find happiness – choose something you love, and dive into it immediately!

What I find fascinating, is the amount of attention I am now receiving from members of the opposite sex!  Let me be clear; I’m at a plateau, but down by 45 lbs.  I feel slightly sexier, but I am still a work in process, as far as I am concerned.  I meet drop-dead gorgeous women every day, who wear exquisite clothes and accessories.

I was completely single for over two years, and wasn’t asked out to as much as a car-wash!  Now, all of a sudden, men are finding me interesting again!  What gives?  I’m a little older now, a bit round, and extremely quirky!  I can only explain this in terms of the happy energy I am now beaming out into the Universe.  After all, Patti preaches that “your SMILE is your calling card!”  Perhaps I am finally ‘getting back-that which I am sending out!’

I found myself on an accidental date last week.  I thought I was going fishing with a handsome man as a platonic friend, but he told me that I “shot an arrow through his heart!”

The following night, he showed up at a local restaurant and gave me some fabulous Native American jewelry!

That same day, an artist brought me an uncanny painting of myself, and last night, another painting of my last photo, from The Resident!  It is so sweet. I haven’t been showered with thoughtful gifts since my early twenties!

I must admit, I miss the touch of a man. I am considering taking a lover. As Patti says, “No sex until you’re in a committed relationship,” but it’s alright to be intimate with “Mr. Right Now.”  After all, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!

I am finding such exhilaration in being kind to people and making them smile.  Giving a compliment is a marvelous way to make someone’s day, and it feels good!  We are all connected, all sharing this planet, and if I can finally achieve happiness after years of darkness – so can you!

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“I’m fascinated by the power of the written word…” says Janet Squires.

by Roger Zotti

When upcoming writers are ready to revise their manuscript, children’s author Janet Squires has some advice for them. “I read everything out loud,” she says. “Picture book, chapter book – it doesn’t make a difference. If I find myself stumbling through a passage, or subconsciously rephrasing a portion of the text, I know that’s an area that needs more work.”

Janet also suggests putting your manuscript aside for “a couple of weeks. Taking a break gives you a new perspective and a little distance will help you be more objective when it comes to revising your work.”

Janet wrote her latest book, The Gingerbread Cowboy (Laura Geringer Books), because “I’m a writer bursting with ideas.  I’m fascinated by the power of the written word and constantly amazed by the possibilities of expression… The book is the classic Gingerbread Man story set in the American Southwest – home of roadrunners, javelinas, coyotes and, of course, cattle and cowboys.”  And Janet hopes readers take away from her book “enjoyment certainly” and also a sense of accuracy: “I was factually accurate about the animals, using their correct names – horned lizards rather than horny toad, which is what we called them as children.”

In the book the Gingerbread cowboy has numerous adventures – such as dodging  javelinas, long-horned cattle, cowboys, and a roadrunner.  Then he meets up with the coyote! I’m not going to spoil what happens by saying anymore but, as Janet points out, life goes on: “If you look at the last page, you’ll note that [the family] is making more cookies. I always tell the children that’s because one cookie is never enough!”

Splendidly illustrated by Holly Berry, the book has received acclaim from various sources. It was “the Governor’s 2007 First Grade Book and a special edition of 100,000 copies was printed for distribution to every first grade student in Arizona,” Janet explains.

Scholastic included it in “its second school catalog. Pearson Education, the global leader in education publishing, was granted rights to use the book in its Open the World of Learning program.” Dr. Peggy Sharpe selected the book for her “What’s New and Best in Children’s Literature” list.

Mark Twain, Janet says, is one of her influences “for his body of work and for her perspective on the craft of writing that you’ll find perfectly relevant for today.”

Ernest Hemingway is another influence. She singles two quotes: “‘All good books have one thing in common – they are truer than if they had really happened’ and ‘when writing a novel a writer should create living people … not characters. A character is a caricature.’ That says a lot about being honest in your writing and really knowing who these people is that you create.”

Written for children between ages 3-6, sentence by delicious sentence Janet’s picture book exquisitely retells a traditional story with zest, skill, and artistry. Kids will find The Gingerbread Cowboy irresistible.

Follow Janet on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JanetSquires. She enjoys hearing from people and has created a blog (http://janetsquires.blogspot.com) “to discuss the reading, writing, and sharing of children’s books.

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