ROSEMARIE PERRY, AUTHOR - Blog

ROSEMARIE PERRY, AUTHOR

The Lost Egg - a novel idea?

9/8/2019

Nicholas II of Russia commissioned Faberge to create cloisonne eggs as gifts to his wife and mother for special occasions. There were only fifty created. Here are two of them. Every egg contained a surprise inside.

The golden egg contains an exact replica of the royal carriage with wheels that turn and doors that open.

The pink egg has seed pearls from the Neva River with photos of Nicholas II and two daughters. The picture frames pop up when the crown at the top is pushed down.

Forty three of the eggs are accounted for in museums or private collections. Seven were missing until one turned up in a pawn shop in the midwest. Hmm, there's a story here. Think I'll write it. Yeah, more research. (more vodka?)

Researching for Ruby

9/8/2019

This is a photo of the Czars' Winter Palace on the banks of the Neva River which flows through St. Petersburg, Russia. Recently, I spent two days there researching the setting for A Reindear Tale. St. Petersburg is comprised of small islands surrounded by canals. The Winter Palace is a stone's throw from the water. Who knew?

It became a writer's challenge to figure a way for Ruby, my reindeer, to "get lost in the woods," as I indicated in the initial manuscript since there is no forest in St. Petersburg! I had to figure a way to get Ruby across the canals to flatland to begin her journey north. At that time there was only one bridge that was raised at night to allow passage of ships in and out of the main port. So, my Ruby cannot cross a bridge.

But then, Eureka! An Aha moment... It's so cold in the winter that the Neva River freezes. So, Ruby manages to slip and slide across the Neva on her search for adventure. Writers do more than write. It's called, research, research, research. There simply is no way around it. And way better to go in person whenever possible. Lots more fun, too. "Zazadarovje" - a Russian toast - "To your health." (Sounds better while drinking vodka...) Then edit, edit, edit... the day after, of course.

2019 Decatur Book Festival

9/3/2019

Thanks to everyone who stopped by The Atlanta Writers Club booth at the Decatur Book Festival over Labor Day weekend. It is the second largest book festival in the country with 75,000 people in attendance. I had such fun chatting with visitors there!

Happy Reading!

6/13/2019

I love to hear from my readers! Here's a picture of one of them with her book and plush toy gift set, a surprise from her grandmother. Isn't she adorable? I can't wait to hear her thoughts on the adventures of Tyler and Dundee!

Mother's Day Musings

5/10/2019

On this day, I salute all women:

Women who are privileged to be mothers
Women who grieve the loss of a child or children or their own
Women who have no children of their own, but mother other people's children
Who who how mother their own mothers
Women, who through their friendship, mother their friends

Most of all, I honor my own mother and my daughter, who loved me dearly, my daughter-in-law who loves my grandchild, and all those women, wherever they may be, who have mothered me all these years.

I llove you all and thank you with all my heart, forever and ever.

Dear Reindeer

3/16/2019

A few days ago, i did more research on reindeer for my latest book: A Reindear Tale, about the year Santa’s team were all female. Thanks to “reindeer whisperer,” Scott Allen, I had the opportunity to meet some reindeer up close, both males and females. Who knew research could be such fun?

Reindeer are shy, but curious. They will respond to the calling of a familiar person, especially when that person is holding hay. Although March is probably not the best time to observe the gender differences, it's a great time to see them shedding their winter coats. Below the dense coat is a body that is completely black. Scott says their natural black hairs get bleached by the sun – kind of like a reverse sun tan!

From the pictures it’s hard to discern the males from the females since the males have already shed their antlers and are in the process of growing new ones. This stage of antler development is called “velvet” because the antlers have a dark brown soft covering that eventually become hard bony protrusions on their heads. The females are in the process of shedding their antlers. Several still had their full antlers. Scott says at this stage the only way to tell males from females is to “look underneath.” Yup, an easy way to spot the difference. Well, duh!

If you love reindeer, you may want to check out these websites for some interesting facts about the most famous carriers in the world, (except maybe for the stork).
www.earthtouchnews.com
www.mnn.com

PS - George, the giraffe, a big guy, so sweet. I would have taken him home with me, but he wouldn’t fit in my car. He stole my heart AND my cracker! :)

Project Mail Call

2/28/2019

Kudos to Mary and Ed Ettel of Mt. Bethel Church in Marietta! They've already sent over 8,000 packages to our servicemen and women in overseas remote outposts for many years. I am privileged to be a part of East Cobb Civitans who routinely pack boxes with their specific needs of each outpost in mind. We have granted requests for food stuffs, personal care items, blankets, socks, and pretty much anything they might need. The troops really like chocolate candy, although we can only send during certain times of the year due to climate. Fulfilling their requests is something that is taken seriously. I remember one time when a serviceman from Texas wanted a particular type of hot sauce, and the Ettels made sure that his request was in the box--made me cry! At this packing, we sent Girl Scout cookies as a little "taste of home"! It is one of the most rewarding experiences I am privileged to be a part of.

It's Easy to Become an Author, Right?

2/15/2019

Asked the students at McClesky Middle School Career Day -
I had the opportunity to speak to a group of seventh grade students today at a local middle school during their Career Day on what it's like to develop a story from an idea. Their counselor, an intern with me many years ago, saw an article about My Dog, Me in a local magazine and invited me to share my literary journey. The students had many questions about what it takes to be a successful author, so I did my best not to scare them! I had the students work in groups to develop a storyline. They learned about protagonists, antagonists, and the cauldron of the craft. Some of them impressed me with their plots and creativity. It was great fun! My take-away -- participate when the opportunity arises! Kids are smarter than we think!

My Dog, Me Travels to Jamaica

10/12/2018

Through Marsha Rosner of Rosner Travel, I had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and visit a local elementary public school that was sponsored by Sandals Resort. The children were darling; it was so much fun to read to them and share My Dog, Me with them. Of course, I left copies for some of the other classes.

PS - The students wear uniforms, and there's NO AC! Dundee wasn't the only one panting from the heat...

What's in YOUR library?

6/25/2018

Have you seen The Great American Read on PBS? Meredith Viera hosts this series of specials to uncover America’s 100 best loved books. The objective is to find the #1 most beloved book of the American people. Viewers vote for their favorites - everything from Don Quixote to Harry Potter to The Great Gatsby. And yes, Fifty Shades of Gray. Perusing the list, I came across Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Being retired (hooray), I decided to read this classic.

OMG- talk about a braided narrative – this could be an entire Persian rug! It’s 1425 pages of so many characters with French names, first and surnames, along with titles that change throughout the story and filled with twists and turns. Would this manuscript get published today? Probably not – at least not in this version.

But, it gives me confidence that my Bitter Sugar (braided narrative Baton Rouge sugar plantation circa 1860) at 354 pages, at least has a chance. Not that I am comparing myself to Dumas – no, never. He’s in a class of his own. Rather, I am honored to be in his company – in my own mind, at least, if not on the NY Times Best Seller List...yet.