Patience, patience ...

By Sandra Wilkins

            Um…have I ever mentioned that I’m not a very patient person?   I mean, I’ve tried over the years to not get bent out of shape when things don’t go the way I wish they would.  So, I would say—in general—that I do a much better job at just “chillin’” than I did ten or twenty years ago.  Certainly, having children has had an obvious connection to a more understanding attitude.  It doesn’t do a person any good to get upset, worried or angry at every little problem.  Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.    

            Waiting on other people can seem impossible sometimes.  It doesn’t matter what the relationship is between two people, we don’t have the same agenda.  No one does.  We may have similar ideas, but the execution of them can come about in altered ways and in different time periods.  Oh, and there is always the chance it won’t happen at all.

            The other day, I heard this quote on the radio, “It’s better to go slowly in the right direction than quickly in the wrong direction.”  How true is that?!  I’m trying to embrace that thought.  I’ve hoped to build a house out in the country for more than twenty years but it hadn’t worked out in the past.  Now, as we’re on the verge of hiring a builder I can see where it’s much better to take baby steps toward a goal instead of falling headlong into a pile of manure.  It’s not always comfortable standing around twiddling your thumbs hoping that something will happen someday, but there will be a reward in the end for patience.  It may not be exactly what we planned or

envisioned in the beginning, but that meandering path could lead to a beautiful thing. 

    Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances. 

 Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

Ah! Weddings.

By

Sandra Wilkins

            The bride is blushing underneath her long filmy veil.  A bouquet of fragrant roses and baby’s breath tremors in her hands as she takes her father’s arm, and tentatively steps down the aisle to the romantic melody of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”.  Lovingly, she gazes at the confident, handsome groom as he awaits her arrival to be at her side forever…

            Ah!   Weddings.  They evoke thoughts of beauty for some and maybe angst for others—depending on your point of view.  Some young women go to extremes to have the “perfect” day.  Even to the extent of becoming a “bridezilla” and spending a fortune on that “hallowed” occasion.  Being the extremely practical person I am, I didn’t particularly want all that fuss and fluff when I got married twenty-something years ago.  In the age of big hair and shoulder pads I was going to be a rebel.    

            Simplicity was the key for me.  It began with the gown.  No fancy, frilly concoctions for me.  I wanted a restrained Edwardian style frock.  My mom helped me find a pattern and the creamy off-white material and then my great aunt Dorothy graciously made the dress for me.  I’ll treasure it always. 

            Next were the flowers.  Not one for expensive things, I opted for silk flowers and made the bouquet and boutonnieres myself.  The bouquet is still as pretty today.  My dad’s cousin played the wedding march, my aunt took the photographs, a neighbor made the elegant three-tiered wedding cake (with the topper from my parent’s cake) and my mom made the chocolate grooms cake. 

            It was a personal ceremony in our small church.  All of my grandparents and one great grandmother were still alive to witness the occasion.  The most special part for me was visiting with the friends and family who attended the modest reception.  Simplicity isn’t for everyone, so I’m curious—what kind of wedding did you have? 

     Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

  

A New Day

by Sandra Wilkins

            The sparkling new year is upon us like a bright, shiny quarter ready to spend or save—depending on your sensibilities.  With resolutions already falling to the wayside, I was reassured when I came across this quote by L.M. Montgomery from Anne of Green Gables:  “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes yet?” 

            I think it’s a wonderful thing to imagine every day that way.  Each day is a pristine start.  There is a reason to wake up in the morning.  It’s fresh, with no mistakes or problems.  We can choose what to make of it.

            For some, the new year ahead seems to loom over them like a giant wave that’s about to crash onto them and sweep them away into the bottomless ocean.  I would hope that those people would see themselves swimming to the beach, trudging across the soft sand and scrambling up the cliffside.  From atop that glorious perch, the world seems brighter.  It seems possible to soar in the clouds with the birds again. 

            Whether your life seems like one big mistake or you just had a bad day today, I hope you can see tomorrow as a clean start with hope for the future—one day at a time.  

            Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

  

The Electric Fences of Life

By

Sandra Wilkins

          Since my last entry on Classic and Cozy, I have typed the final word on the second book in my new series.  Excuse me while I clap my hands with glee and squeal like a little girl on Christmas morning!  I’m sure my fellow authors know the exhilaration of such a feat.  I was able to pull it off again.  I’m not a charlatan after all.  Yippee!

          But, the high is short-lived when I sit down to work on the next story in the series.  I’m a few chapters in and still getting a feel for the new characters—especially the male protagonist.  In my mind, I know what he looks like, yet, I need to know more.  What’s he like?  Does he have a temper or is he mild-mannered?  Funny or serious?

          As I’ve been pondering these details, I came across this quote from humorist and fellow Okie, Will Rogers:  “There are three kinds of men.  The ones that learn by reading.  The few who learn by observation.  The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.”  I’ll even be so bold to add there is another type of man.  One who doesn’t even care to acquire more knowledge than he already thinks he possesses. 

          Now, I imagine Mr. Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” gleaned all his wisdom from thick tomes.  Josh Flynn, the quick-witted carpenter in my last published book, “Gwen’s Honor”, would certainly have studied others around him.  I realize some people learn by doing, but, you know, I sure would hope a person would be smart enough not to get hurt in the process.  And, for those who don’t care to learn…Well, that’s more like villain material to me. 

          So, I’m curious as I stare at the blank pages before me.  What kind of male characters do you like to read about?

             Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books. 

 

A Man Without Mirth

By

Sandra Wilkins

 I’ve been thinking about a quote from Henry Ward Beecher, “A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs.  He is jolted disagreeably by every pebble in the road.”  Isn’t that the truth?  Do you have those kinds of people in your life?  I certainly do.  Nothing is good enough for them.  It’s either too hot or too cold, too soft or too hard.  Nothing can be just right.  Happiness seems to elude them. 

            To me, a life of mirth is more than cracking jokes or poking fun of yourself or others all the time.  After all, who wants to be around a person that can’t be taken seriously?  Life isn’t a laugh-fest.  People have to work, bills need to be paid and tragedies occur. 

            Personally, I don’t think either extreme of humanity is healthy or fun to be around.  But, seeing the bright side of things, giving others the benefit of the doubt, not assuming everyone else is out to get you and helping those who are less fortunate make the road of life more comfortable for everyone involved. 

            So, who’s with me?  Who wants to travel life’s bumpy byways with a smile on your face and a song in your heart?  To get us started, let me tell you a joke about two cannibals and a clown—naw, never mind, that one is liable to make you groan instead…I hope you can find some merriment in today.

 Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.  

Getting to Know Us--an Interview with Sandra Wilkins

Interviewed by Jayne Ormerod

 

   Yes, we all have bios on this website, but there is so much MORE to know about our Classic and Cozy bloggers.  So the 2nd Friday of each month is dedicated to getting to know us better.  This month I'd like to introduce you to Sandra Wilkins.  I think she and I are kindred spirits.  And might try to sing a duet on American Idol...read on to see what song that would be...

Okay, inquiring minds want to know…why a writer? Certainly not for the fame and fortune…or maybe it is?

            It definitely wasn’t for the fame and fortune!  Being a writer or an artist was top on my list all through school.  As an extremely shy kid, creativity was a way for me to escape and to cope with all the anxieties of my little world.  Writing won out after college because I loved creating worlds where there could always be happy endings.  It energizes me when the words flow freely and I know I made the right decision—even if fame and fortune never follow.       

When did you first put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to create the your classic and cozy characters?

            I began my Heartland Series in the late 90’s.  My first book, “Ada’s Heart”, was published in 2008.  Writing and getting books published takes perseverance and patience—to say the least.  In the end, it’s all worth it to have your dreams come true.

Do you have a set writing schedule?

            No!  This is why it took so long to get to the published stage.  I’ve never written by schedules—only when I’m “in the mood” or have time.  It works for me, but then I don’t have a new book coming out very often either.  

Is there a certain routine, food/drink, or location that summons forth the muses for you?

            Ah.  Those ever-elusive muses!  They can be pesky when they don’t show up on a regular basis.  I enjoy sitting outside on my back porch when I write.  Nature is a huge inspiration for me.  All genres of music have been an important part of my life as well and songs can instigate moods or even scenes in my stories. 

What do you do when not writing?

            I draw occasionally, do crafts, photograph all sorts of things and I listen to music a lot.  Home educating my two daughters takes up the majority of my time.  We have all sorts of fun delving into this wide world together. 

I imagine you’ve been reading all of your life (all great writers have.)  What was your favorite book as a child?

            I loved to read!  I don’t do it as much for fun now, but it has always been important to me.  One of my favorite books as a youngster was “Little Women”.  Jo was a kindred spirit.  We loved to romp around with the boys, write plays (and make family members act in them) and pen stories.  Such fun!

Do you re-read books?  If so, which one have you re-read the most?

            Yes, I do re-read books.  I like to re-visit old friends and spend time with them again.  I’ve probably read Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series the most often.  The books aren’t for the faint of heart, but there are so many amazing characters and historical details that it’s nice to read them just one more time… 

But there is more to life than reading, writing (and arithmetic)…what is your most memorable adventure in your life?

            My most memorable adventure?  Hmm.  Except for going through childbirth, I’ve lived a pretty tame existence.  Recently, my family began taking a historical dance class.  Since I write historical fiction, it is SO cool to see how the dances actually work!  


<< I think this is the point where Barbara Walters would ask you if you were a tree, what kind would you be, but I’ll skip that and throw a softball…>>

If you were on American Idol, what song would you sing to WOW! the judges?

            I know for a fact I wouldn’t WOW anyone, but I’d wholeheartedly sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads”.  I grew up in the country and would like to raise my girls where they can explore like I did.  I hope to get back out there soon! 

Last question…movie rights…who will play your two main characters when Hollywood comes knocking on your door?

            I didn’t even have to think about this one!  In my last book, “Gwen’s Honor”, the singer/actor Josh Groban was the inspiration for the male character, Josh Flynn.  I know, I know, I had the gall to use his first name, but I couldn’t help it.  For the female lead, I don’t really care… as long as Groban is in it.  So, if you need a new project, Josh, I’d be happy to help!  

More about Sandra Wilkins:

Native Oklahoman, Sandra Wilkins is an author whose passion for historical fiction led her to write the kind of romance novels that reflect the wholesome values found at the turn of the last century.  The Heartland Romance Series is set in the years just before statehood came to Oklahoma Territory.  The first installment, Ada’s Heart, follows an actress, Ada Marsh, who quits her old way of life and befriends two other young women, Rose Dennis and Gwen Sanders.  Rose’s Hope continues with their friendship while Rose must decide whether to turn her hopes toward a grieving widower with an infant or to another more persistent suitor.  Gwen’s Honor ends the journey with Gwen forced to choose between society’s expectations and her true feelings. 

While home educating her daughters is taking priority right now, Wilkins is currently working on a new series in her spare time.  Music, love, intrigue and trust will be highlighted in the series that takes place in Chandler, Oklahoma, during the year following statehood. 

Still need to know more about Sandra?  Check out her website at http://www.sandrawilkins.com/  and of course watch for her Classic and Cozy blog post the second Tuesday of every month! 

May All Your Blockages Run Free

  

by Sandra Wilkins

          Blockage.  That’s a nasty word just about any way you look at it.  Whether it’s the pipe from your house to your septic tank; cows, cars or construction in the road or anything in your body, it’s not usually something you want to happen. 

         

Normally, I don’t claim to have writer’s block.  I’ve always been one who writes when it strikes my fancy.  Well, the mood hasn’t come over me for a while now, and I’m beginning to get a tad nervous.  I’m well into my second series.  The first book is complete.  I’ve made it to the end of the second one and have begun the third.  The problem is with the second book.  By most publisher’s standards, it isn’t long enough.  Some writers have to cull and edit out extra content, but I have the opposite problem.  I want to tell the story as quickly and painlessly as possible without any unnecessary bits. 

          I’ve added a few chapters, and I just can’t pick it back up.  Those negative thoughts begin to creep in.  I wonder if what I’m writing is important.  Is what I’m adding moving the story along?  Will anyone care about these characters and what I’m doing to their lives?  Then I remember it’s my favorite book so far.  These characters are definitely real to me.  Maybe, I’m afraid to mess with their lives much more.  Everything happened as planned.  There’s that satisfying ending and they’re all happy.  What more can a person do?

          Even though I get frustrated from time to time, I trust my writing process.  It’s gotten me this far.  I know I’ll be inspired again.  I’ll be able to climb that hump and take the fun ride down the other side someday soon.  I have to have faith and know it will happen in its own time.  Everything will flow freely again.  If something is blocking you, I hope you hang in there as I am.  In the meantime if anyone has a tip or two, I’d love to read it. 

          May all your blockages run free as a faucet on a hot summer’s day.  If that’s not an Irish saying—it should be!

      Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.  

Determination and Gemstones

By

Sandra Wilkins

          Recently, a friend complimented me on having three published books.  I tried to blow it off—after all I’m only a home schooling mom without a college degree to my name—but she stopped me.  She was fascinated and even slightly daunted by the fact that I had actually begun a story and completed it.  That made me wonder what makes a published author different from a wanna-be author.  The only thing I could come up with is that I wasn’t afraid to try.  I wasn’t scared to write it.  And, I wasn’t put off by the rejections that came my way when I first tried to find a publisher. 

          The empty, white, first page of a book isn’t unnerving for me.  Instead, it’s a blank canvas on which I can create a new world.  I’m not one who has the entire story plotted out when I begin, but I know my characters and I have thought of scenes here and there.  As I try to connect the dots, more and more ideas surface.  I won’t say that every day these beautiful scenes unfold effortlessly.  There are times when I have to take a break from the story to regroup and get more ideas.  It does take determination and dedication to keep plugging along.  

          I want to encourage anyone who wants to be an author, to just get started.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It won’t be.  Get your ideas written down.  Edit later.  Add content and take away what doesn’t work.  You might be able to use it another time.  All you have to do is begin…and polish your little gem until it shines.

Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.