Category: fiction

Posted in fiction, Fiction & Nonfiction Writing, Literary Community, Memoir writing, Novel writing, Travel Writers, Travel Writing

Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, Sept. 22-25

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Want to take your writing to new dimensions? Want to learn from other writers to shorten your own learning curve? Want to rub shoulders with writers from the Washington Post or the New York Times? Want to generate a network of fellow writers interested in helping you grow as a writer?

If so, then the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, welcomes you to a whatever–conference, retreat and workshop experience–you’ve been looking for.

Where or what is “Okoboji?” It is a lake and a town, a location in northwest Iowa. Though not a typical conference site like Chicago or LA, natural beauty invades the retreat site. Speakers often take their sessions outside on the lawns of the recreation site.

Check it out for its unique format, bevy of faculty members (50+), and variety of learning options.

I’ll serve on the cadre of speakers, as a travel writer, memoirist, and fiction writer. I’ll be a participant and faculty member for the first time. I’ve gotten acquainted with the organizer, Julie Gammack. because of pre-retreat zoom calls with speakers to be sure we understand the culture of this retreat. In one of those calls she told us (I’m paraphrasing) that she believes we (all people around the globe) need writers to make the changes needed in our world. I’m on board with that. The list of speakers illustrates the diversity in writing experiences they bring.

Other faculty members who have participated before indicate that it is three full days of fun exchanges between writers of all levels. Speakers attend as participants, as well. They are available for one-on-one networking, discussing direction for a participant’s next book, or coaching. “The meetings between meetings” can be valuable networking. Relationships have continued past the retreat as long term friendships and/or writing groups emerged during their time at Okoboji.

I can’t wait! Will you join me at Okoboji Writers’ Retreat September 22-25? Let me know if you too are registered, so $100 in your registration will be deducted from your fee.

Posted in Anthology, Submission of writing, Submitting for Publication, Travel Writing, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction, Women's Nonfiction, Writing

What’s an Anthology?

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I pose the question, “What’s an anthology?” because I suspect some people may not know. For those who don’t , it is a book of stories, fiction or nonfiction, that have been compiled typically based on a theme, so that various writers can write to the theme.

I just have to share with you that two of my nonfiction writing pieces have been published in an anthology by the Story Circle Network this week. The Network is “by, for, and about women, where women become the authors of their lives. Women’s life stories matter. We’re committed to helping you tell yours.” For all women writers, I wholeheartedly recommend joining this talented and dedicated group of serious women writers.

Just published this week.

The book, Real Women Write: Seeing Through their Eyes, can be found on Amazon. My two stories are “Paying to Pee” and “A Letter to our Insolent Server.” I had fun writing these two stories from my time spent in Mexico. They are self-reflective pieces of trying to be a better world citizen, though I fail at it more often than I want to admit.

The book cover of Seeing Through their Eyes is lovely with soulful stories written by women who are members of the Story Circle Network. The stories are insightful, redemptive, and inspiring. They are also short, life-narrative stories (2-3 pages long) based on the theme of empathy. This book would make a lovely gift for your girlfriends, sisters, moms, and daughters for Christmas.

I am proud to share the pages of these books with the other women writers from the Story Circle Network.

 

 

Writer & Author Rhonda Wiley-Jones
Posted in adventure, Craft of writing, Debut Novel, fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel Writing, Women traveling, Women's Fiction

The Gold Standard of Book Reviews

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I’m thrilled to share with you the book review I received from Kirkus Reviews just last week. Kirkus Reviews are the gold standard for anonymous, fair, unbiased book reviews. Many librarians use their reviews to determine which books they will purchase and shelve. See a partial review of Song of Herself, my debut novel.

… Wiley-Jones packs her narrative with a plethora of captivating themes and images that expose Fiona and readers to India’s cultures, religions, and styles (Women “wrapped their silhouettes with sarees in every color from ruby red to sapphire blue, and marigold to lemon yellow”) as well as the building Indian resentment toward British imperialism. Then there is the chaos of Calcutta, which the author describes in vivid detail, capturing the city’s history, topography, sounds, smells, and foods. Fiona is a complex character who repeatedly turns to Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass for inspiration and guidance in her search for her own center. …

… An engaging period drama overflowing with historical tidbits.

Consider buying a copy for a Christmas gift of the book, Song of Herself !

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

Recently my friend Marge wrote me,

“I just finished your book and loved it. It was a page turner! I loved the character development and learned so much. All your hard work paid off! Thank you for the adventure. I loved the ending!!”

If you have read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon. 

Posted in Debut Novel, Growing Up, Historical Fiction, Hometown Travel

You Can Go Home Again! (A visit to my hometown, Piggott, Arkansas)

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Hometown of Piggott, Arkansas 

Thomas Wolfe claimed a truism that is the title of the book which many of us might agree with, “You can’t go home again.” I agree I could not go home to live there again, but I can go back for a visit. I’m always thrilled and happy to see my mom, Gaye Wiley in Piggott, Arkansas. It’s fall and it was a colorful time to travel through the Ozarks and then follow the road home to the delta cotton fields of my hometown. I grew up in Piggott, Arkansas, just like Pauline Pfeiffer, second wife of Ernest Hemingway.

Hometown Newspaper Announces my Debut Novel 

I was honored when my hometown newspaper announced my debut novel publication and therefore supported my artistic work by letting locals know of my new book.

The Clay County Times-Democrat announced my debut novel, Song of Herself (see the article by clicking here), and reminded viewers of my previously published coming-of-age travel memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away (found on Amazon by clicking here).

Thanks Clay County Times-Democrat!!!

Hemingway Made Piggott Famous

Turns out my small rural hometown because famous after I left when some people in high places determined to celebrate Hemingway having spent time writing in Piggott, Arkansas, at his in-laws’ house.

The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Educational Center, also known as the Pfeiffer House and Carriage House, is the historic home of Pauline Pfeiffer, wife to novelist Ernest Hemingway.

Carriage House where Hemingway wrote part of Farewell to Arms.

The house itself is well maintained and contains some of the original furniture and artifacts. The barn at the back of the house that was used as the Hemingway’s writing studio also has a lot of historic value.

The guided tours are informative and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. A sister to a classmate of mine gave me a tour this trip to Piggott. I recommend making a trip to Piggott when you can to tour the house and carriage house where Hemingway wrote part of Farewell to Arms.

Covid-delayed Class Reunion

During my Covid-delayed class reunion, classmates and I had a good time reminiscing and telling stories on each other. But it was a joyous night together again with those who knew us in our raw (young, unedited) forms, before we became who we would be.

RW-J

We were saddened to learn about classmates who had died since the last time we were together and that some could not join us due to health problems.

If you haven’t already ordered my book, Song of Herself, see below

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

Recently my friend Marge wrote me,

“I just finished your book and loved it. It was a page turner! I loved the character development and learned so much. All your hard work paid off! Thank you for the adventure. I loved the ending!!”

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon. Tell potential readers what you liked, found intriguing, learned about another culture, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book.

Thanks, so much!!!

Posted in adventure, Craft of writing, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horses, Research for Fiction Writers, Women's Fiction

Research Enhances the Story

Posted on by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Do you ever wonder if research is done before the writing starts? Or if it’s done as the author is writing? And how does the research change or enhance the story?

For me, I found I needed to conduct more research than first realized. I discovered along the way, how many details were required to satisfy my reading audience. So I had to stop and dig for info, dates, and details. In the process, I learned that history was often on the side of the story.

The First Example: British Indian Military’s use of Polo for Cavalry Training

As I researched the game of polo, I came to know that the British Indian military utilized the game of polo to train and prepare their cavalrymen. The agility of horse and rider working in tandem and moves atop a horse were just the right skills for warfare. In addition, building a strong relationship between horse and rider was equally important.

The Second Example: The Garment, Salwar Kameez, Worn by both Men and Women

The combined garment consists of the trousers as the “salwar” and the overshirt as the “kameez.” I thought it was worn only by men, but research illustrated the outfit as fitting both men and women. This made it an androgynous attire that fit Fiona’s work life and her preference for comfortable clothes.

In addition, a salwar kameez is made of cotton or linen fabric that both shades and therefore cools one, while simultaneously allowing the breeze through the open weave of the fabric. It serves as a symbol of a paradox, a “both/and” of allowing air in while keeping the sun out. (Yes, today, we know better, but in 1906 they did not.)

Third Example: The 1905 partition of West Bengal

As I did a history dive, the 1905 partition of West Bengal reared its head. The fallout that continued into 1906, the date in which my story happened, created much unrest and many factions that each wanted to respond differently.

In the midst of this civil unrest I anticipated that the Society of Religious Friends or Quakers would be involved. In this accompanying research I learned that indeed Quakers were split on the issue of how much they should get involved.

Fun Writing & Fun Reading

With those three examples of research that served my story, I let my imagination loose to fill in some unknown details. All the more fun in writing fiction.

I hope you will find Song of Herself as much fun to read as I had writing it.

If you haven’t read the book, please choose your reading preference and order the book in one of two ways.

Order Here

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon, what you liked, what you found intriguing, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book. Thanks, so much!!!