Book Review for Margaret Coel, The Spider's Web

I am going to do a book review for "The Spider's Web" for Margaret Coel. 

If you have not read any of her books, then you must. They are great!!!!

Watch for the review to be posted on this site...

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

My upcoming book-Native Spirit

My book "Native Spirit" will be published by Desert Breeze Publishing Feb 2011

I just finished the edits and now I am waiting for the cover

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Native Spirit to be released in Feb 2011

Just got done doing my edits for Native Spirit

"Native Spirit" will be released in Feb 2011 by Desert Breeze Publishing.

Please check out my publisher, http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com They are so great!!!!!

Will get the cover on my site as soon as I get it.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Re-elect Tribal Chairman Nosie

Tribal Chairman Nosie is the most respected man I know. From the first time I met him, I knew he was a man that could be trusted. I encourage all Apache People to go out and vote on Tuesday but most importantly re-elect Tribal Chairman Nosie. He stood up for the Apache People and now it is time to stand up for him.

Chairman Nosie, his wife Theresa, and their family follow the traditional Apache way. He is a man of trust and honesty. He will lead the Apache People into the future and they will prosper. His heart is for all the people so I ask each and everyone of you to go vote and stand up for Chairman Nosie and re-elect him for his heart is traveling the right path for all the Apache People.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

New surroundings

I am in AZ now. I am so happy. I am currently working for the Arizona Silver Belt/Apache Moccasin. I plan on writing a mystery novel on the Apache People. I have meet with Tribal Chairman Wendsler Nosie of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. I wrote an article for the Apache Moccasin about the Mt. Graham Sacred Run, a sacred run that the Apache people do every year. Amazing!!! IF you would like to read it go to http://www.arizonasilverbelt.com click on Apache Moccasin.

Now, my son is working at the Apache Gold Casino as a security guard. My daughter loves the homeschool here. It is K12 and it is a remarkable tool.

My wonderful husband, is still taking great care of me and he always puts me first. I love him and my kids with all my heart.

Walk in harmony,
Melinda

Mexican Gray Wolf Video

I guested blog at Petticoats and Pistols on Saturday, April 17, 2010 about the Mexican Gray Wolf, (Lobo)

One of the comments were made about an episode that was on PBS titled, "The Wolf that Changed America" So I had to watch it and it moved me beyond words.

The tears streamed down my face. So, here is the link, Please watch it and spread the word

http://tinyurl.com/5jqszr

I hope the killings stop before it is too late

This post I dedicate to Lobo, his mate for their courage and to trapper Seton for dedicating his life to help the wolf.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Guest Blogging at Petticoats and Pistols

I will be a guest blogger at Petticoats and Pistols tomorrow, Saturday April 17th. I hope you stop by and leave a comment then your name will be entered to win a dreamcatcher keychain. I have two to give away. I will be talking about the Mexican Gray Wolf, aka Lobos.

Here is the link

http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Harlequin Love Inspired Historical Author, Linda Ford

I am honored today to have Harlequin Love Inspired Histroical Romance Author, Linda Ford visitng with me today here at Walk in Harmony. Here is an excerpt from her book, "The Cowboy's Baby"











Chapter One
Steveville, Dakota Territory
May 1876
The pounding on the door threatened to bring down the roof. Twenty-year-old Anna Caldwell resisted an urge to call for patience as she raced to answer the summons before the racket wakened the baby. Nothing made eighteen-month-old Dorrie crankier than having her afternoon nap cut short.
Anna paused long enough to take in a deep breath, lift her head and compose her expression to reveal none of her annoyance. After all, as the preacher's daughter and his housekeeper, she was expected to maintain a high standard of conduct. She pulled open the door and fell back half a step gasping as her lungs spasmed so tight her chest hurt. "You. What are you doing here?"
Colby Bloxham stood before her, as handsome as ever. No. Even more handsome if that were possible. His dark blond hair fell past his ears, the ends faded by the sun. His blue eyes shone as bright as the sky behind him.
The back of her eyes stung and her throat burned as she recognized similar features she saw every day in the sweet face of Dorrie—his daughter. He'd left her—abandoned her—to Anna's care. Surely, he didn't intend to upset the pleasant arrangement. He wouldn't dare.
He tipped the brim of his hat back with the barest flick of one finger. "Hello."
Anna stiffened her spine. "What do you want?" She kept her voice calm.
Colby's grin widened with self-assured confidence that she would welcome him again. His eyes smiled even more beguilingly than his mouth.
She didn't welcome him. She wouldn't. With a coolness she didn't feel, she ran her gaze up and down his length hoping to convey how unwelcome he was. His dun-colored trousers and tan shirt were faded in the areas that took more wear but surprisingly clean.
"I've come back."

Dedicated to Sondra Ball, "Autumn Leaves"

My dear friend Sondra past away March 17th. She published my poems on "Autumn Leaves" She always encouraged me. I lost a dear friend and I will never forget her.

Here is the link to "Autumn Leaves" She wrote poetry and all of her poems were beautiful. Take a look for yourself

http://www.sondra.net/al/default.htm

Sondra has past on into the spirit world where she will not suffer any longer.

We all miss you and you will never be forgotten.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

***I am a member of Romance Writers of America***

I am a member of Romance Writers of America!!!! I am so proud because I am serious about my writing.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Member of AZ Author Association

I am a member of AZ Authors Association. Check them out, they are a wonderful group

www.azauthors.com

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Interview with Editor, Gail Delaney with Desert Breeze Publishing

I would like to introduce my wonderful editor, Gail Delaney, with Desert Breeze Publishing. I must say that Gail is the most wonderful editor I have ever had. I am honored to have her today on my blog. So, Gail let's get started

First, tell me something about yourself

Well, I've been a published author for about six years now, though it seems longer at times. I write in multiple genres, including contemporary, suspense and epic sci fi. I've been married for 18 years to the first boy I ever kissed and have two great kids - both who seem to have the writing bug. I lived in New England my entire life until 2008, when we moved to California on little more than a whim and a hatred for snow.

What inspired you to become an editor?

I hadn't actually ever thought about it until a few years ago. I'd been in critique groups, but after being published at a previous publishing house - now closed - the Editor-In-Chief approached me about editing. She said my writing was so clean when she got it, and I did my own editing, that she thought I'd do well. I was an editor for a few months, then promoted to Executive Editor.

After that company closed, I considered working as an editor for another established house, but then decided to open my own publishing company.

What line of books are you editor for?

I edit all books at Desert Breeze Publishing, so all lines come to me. In previous positions, I was the suspense and science fiction editor.

In your tenure of being an editor, what is most challenging?

On a personal level, finding a balance of time between editing others' works and writing my own. J On a professional level, authors who disregard our style sheets or house styles. It makes an edit more challenging when you're consistently reminding them what is and what isn't acceptable.

How long have you been an editor with Desert Breeze Publishing?

Since we opened. Just over a year now.

If a person is interested in becoming an editor, would they need a degree or any special training?

When the time comes to bring on editors, I am going to look for a few things. A degree in English isn't required, but I would like some level of secondary education. And I want an editor who is committed to editing at the same level as I am. I demand a great deal, so they would need to be ready for that. In this industry, I've been told by my authors and fellow peers that I'm not a typical editor. When it comes time to bring on staff, they'll be expected to be 'not typical' as well.

As an editor, what advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Never think you've learned all you need to know to be a successful and skilled author. Even as an editor, there is always something new I've learned to strengthen the work I'm editing. As an author, you never ever know enough to be good enough. That being said, grow a thick skin and hone your listening skills. If someone offers to help, listen. It doesn't mean everything they say will work for you - especially when it comes to voice - but craft... there's always something to learn.

When submitting a manuscript what are key things you look for?

First, an intriguing story. Second, that they fall without our guidelines - no erotica, no sex-oriented plot lines. Third, that they submit a manuscript to our house style.

As an editor, where do you see yourself in 5 Years?

Hopefully, working a little less to be honest. I hope to have a nice size staff, and while I intend to look at all manuscripts before and after editing, I hope to not be editing every book. By then, I hope we're doing far more books a month as well.

What did you do before you became an editor?

I was a writer in my 'off' time. My day job was at an investment company in the Boston area.

You are also an author, so tell us about your books.

I write several genres, but my most recent release is a contemporary romance titled Something Better. I jokingly call this the book I said I'd never write. I thought I was 'done' writing contemporary romances... and this is contemporary. I said I'd 'never' write a Hollywood-based book, and I'd never write a main character who was 'famous' in some way, and I'd never write a heroine who was a writer. It was too Mary Sue. If you're not familiar with that term, it means when an author writes themselves into a book. This book as all those things... it's set in Hollywood, the hero is one of the hottest, most sought celebrities of his day, and the heroine is... you guessed it... a novelist. There are other things, too... like when and how a first kiss should happen. But, I don't want to get into that too much.

The blurb is as follows:

Andrea Parker made a career out of romance, except hers was the kind that happened between the pages of a book. Or, now, on the big screen when her best selling novels are adapted to film. Just because she writes romance doesn't mean she believes in happily ever after.

David Bishop's face---and okay, yeah, much of his body---is known world wide as the Hottest Bachelor in Hollywood. But just like the rest of the world, he is smitten with the brilliant and talented Andi Parker. Little did he know the easy part would be convincing her to give him a chance

Just like in the novels, enter the 'dastardly bastardly' villain to screw up their potential Happily Ever After.

Where can your books be found?

All my past and future books will be published at Desert Breeze as far as I can see. I've had my books at other houses - the last of which shut their doors unexpectedly, leaving its authors as orphans - and to be honest, I've come to accept that I'm a control freak when it comes to my books. I was tired of being told to sex them up, tired of awful cover art that would supposedly 'sell' the book because there was a bare male chest on it. When I decided to open DBP, my books were actually still with another company - but combine my new publishing house with the closing of the other - and I made the choice to publish them under DBP.

As an author, are there a certain writers software you would suggest to aspiring authors?

As a total pantser who couldn't use a plotting program to save her life... all I recommend is Microsoft Word. LOL I've tried using those programs when my sweet, supportive husband bought one for me... but they just don't work for me. I just 'go with the flow' when it comes to my writing.


My personal website (although pathetically behind in updating) is http://www.gaildelaney.com/

Okay everybody give Gail big thank you for giving us a wealth of information. Also, make sure you thank your editor, especially Gail, for the wonderful and hard work they do.

Thank you Gail, for giving my book, "Native Spirit" the chance if deserved. You are the best as far as editors go. I know "Native Spirit" comes out in Feb 2011 and I know that it will be a success.

Also, here is the link to Desert Breeze Publishing: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/StoreFront.bok

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Amazing Photographer, Marilyn Angel Wynn of Native Stock

Angel Wynn

Photo by Angel Wynn

Photo by Angel Wynn

Angel's book

I would like to say that I am honored to have Angel Wynn, owner of Native Stock.com If you are looking for great Native American photos, this is the place to visit. So, Angel lets get started

1. Tell us about yourself.

My passion is to photograph Native American culture. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and now am the leading supplier of American Indian pictures in the world

2. You have a book published titled, "Voice of the Spirit: Notes of Wisdom from Indian Country, USA. Tell us about it and where can we purchase it?

“Voice Of The Spirit” is a collection of photographs that showcase my photographic specialty and adventures throughout Native America. I actually started out just creating a portfolio to show clients. But everyone that looked at it wanted a copy when it was published. So then I chose some favorite inspirational quotes given by tribal members from the past and present to accompany the photographs, along with informative captions. It use to be available at many bookstores online but the first printing is nearly sold out. Today ‘Voice of the Spirit’ is only available for purchase through my website at http://www.nativestock.com/

3. Yout site, http://www.nativestock.com/, is very interesting. I see that you have alot of Native American Photos. Can they be purchased? If so, what can they be used for?

Many people cannot believe that one person could be so anal as to have photographed all 150,000 images that are in this collection. I’m guilty! It was such a passion and a drive that there was nothing else I wanted to do.

4. I see from your website that you are a photographer and filmmaker. Tell us about that.

Back in the mid 70’s, I studied filmmaking and Television production in Vancouver Canada. For about 20 years I produced documentaries and product videos. It was high stress and long hours with no spiritual satisfaction.

5.In what magazines, books,etc. has your photos appeared in?
Some of my earlier successes was National Geographic Travel magazine who used one of my photos and then Time Life books used several of my photos, including a cover shot for “Way of the Spirit”. This is before I even knew the difference between an aperature and a shutter speed. Of course I understand the technical aspects of a camera these days. Other magazines who have used my images are Cowboys & Indians, AAA and Sunset. Other well known book publishers who frequently use my images are Encyclopedia Britannica, Simon & Schuster, Reader’s Digest and of course many, many more.

6. Where do you get your models for the photos?

Generally through friends on the reservations I find many of my models, especially on the Shoshone-Bannock rez in Idaho. I have a couple of favorite families throughout Indian Country that I’ll call up with ages, gender and what they need to be doing. Then I’ll come on the scene and shoot grandchildren, brothers, aunts and grandma’s. Anyone who is willing to participate. Sometimes I’ll meet people at a pow wow or even in a grocery store and ask. Recently, I’ve been finding some very talented models through my Facebook page. I split any fees earned 50/50 with my models. Sometimes I will pay them an hourly fee up front, especially when I want to shoot something specific in a special location. All of the expenses are out of my own pocket, until I can get the image processed and out to the market place.

7. If somebody was interested in being a model for one of your photos, how would they go about doing that?
No experience necessary, that’s the motto. On occasion I’ve worked with professionals and they are awesome and have all their own outfits. However, to capture all the many faces and emotions that I have, you have to go out of the box and take on the challenges of working with those not use to being in front of a camera. That’s when I photograph from my heart. Anyone interested should first email me their interests, hobbies, age and a photo of them within the last year. I shoot both traditional and contemporary. So I’m always open for suggestions from the people who want to be a part of making some great pictures of their tribe and community.

8. What is your overall goal in your photography?

To leave a legacy that documents America’s First Nations today. Kind of like what Edward Curtis did a century ago. He called his project “The Vanishing Race”. I’m here to show other cultures that Native Americans are still here, stronger than ever, and still practicing their heritage. I show both traditional and contemporary lifestyles. That tribal members live in houses, wear modern clothes and shop at Walmart.

9. What types of photos do you take?
Sensitive portrayals that touch on a historic way of life, handed down traditions today and where today’s Native Americans are focused on the future of tomorrow’s generations. I use to shoot slide film but have been using the preferred digital format for the past 6 years.

10. What have you learned about the different tribes you have photographed?

I’ve learned so much about each individual tribe. Each tribe has their own creation story and fascinating history. Every tribe has their own unique culture such as the way they built dwellings, the food they ate, beadwork, baskets and clothing. It’s all so very different from tribe to tribe.

11. What tribes have you photographed the most?
This I don’t like to admit but I will. There are just some tribes that I’m asked for images over and over. Such as the Cherokee, Navajo, Iroquois and Lakota Sioux. Because the Shoshone are so close to me and I have many friends in Fort Hall, I tend to go over there and photograph lots. Everywhere I travel, there are either large Nations or remnants of indigeneous culture. But Native American tribes are everywhere.

12. If somebody was interested in doing photography for a living, what would you suggest for them to do?

There are so many opportunities in the photography industry. You can be a wedding photographer, shoot fashion for catalogues, work on commercial photo shoots or like me become a stock photographer. Stock photography is when you give yourself self-assignments and go out and shoot. Then you get your images out into the marketplace and hope that they can be used for education, business or government projects. Today there just isn’t the print publications that buy stock photos, there is the web, DVD’s, television, blogs. All I can say is specialize in photographing what you are most interested in and that will fill a need. There are so many travel and nature photographers all competing together. But there are some new photographers who are breaking the rules and creating amazing work. It won’t be easy to break into this business these days but the awards will be there if you really, really try.

Well, everybody doesn't this post make you want to become a photographer like Angel.

Angel thank you for being on my blog today. I am so honored to have you here and I hope to have you visit again real soon.

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Your Help is needed on Pine Ridge Reservation

I am not sure who knows about the dire needs of the people on the reservation in South and North Dakota. They had a severe snow and ice storm weeks ago. Please if you can assist, please do so and also spread the word.

Below are addresses where you can mail donations to each communitiesemergency relief fund.

Pine Ridge Emergency Relief
PO Box 2070
Pine Ridge, SD 57770

Cheyenne River Sioux/Emergency Relief
PO Box 590
Eagle Butte, SD 57625

Rosebud Relief
11 Legion Avenue
Rosebud, SD 57570

Crow Creek Relief
PO Box 50
Fort Thompson, SD 57339

Hundreds upon thousands practically are freezing to death on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

You may have heard the Dakotas had terrible ice storms this past weekend. The ice has brought down over 2,000-3,000 utility poles down on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Electricity has been out for five days.

Crews are working feverishly, but it may be out for up to 30 days in some areas. With no electricity, no heat, no running water, and a wind chill below zero the situation is growing more difficult.

Please help!!!!!!!!

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Creator protect our Troops

I worked for the Gila County Sheriff's Office in Payson AZ as a 911 dispatcher. I worked with alot of good people. They are considered to be part of my family. Now as I say this one person comes to mind: Rodney Cronk. He is a deputy for Gila County in Payson and he is in currently serving in the National Guard as a Platoon Sergeant and is stationed in Kuwait/Iraq.

Photos: Rodney in Kuwait/Iraq training for 50 Mile Race

Rodney is a dear friend and I wanted him, along with the other troops, to know that I deeply appreciate everything they are doing to protect us. It is truly appreciated.

Here is a poem I wrote for all the troops:

Title: Protect Our Soldiers

Great Spirit
Our soldiers leave one by one

Hearts broken
Hurt done

They show courage
They show faith

The ultimate sacrifice
That they face

The war continues
It never ends

The tragedy of losing a friend
Mothers torn all apart
A fathers grief from the heart

Great Spirit above
Protect our soldiers
From the blasts

Return our soldiers
So, our hearts will last

I hope that everybody will take the time to say "thank you" to our troops and let them know we think about them all the time

Thanks Rodney, you are a dear friend, and this post is for you and all the troops!

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

Native Hoop Radio

I am going to be a guest on Native Hoop this Saturday, January 9th, 2010

Here is the link:


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nativehoopproduction/2010/01/10/voices-of-the-hoop-on-the-phone-with-melinda-elmoresandcreekmassacrenet


If you would like to call in here is the number: (347) 857-4597

I hope you listen in

Walk in harmony,

Melinda

My friend and fellow author, Cheryl St. John

It has been a great joy to become friends with one of my favorite fellow authors. Anytime that I have had a problem or just needed somebody to talk to, Cheryl was there to listen and lend a helping hand. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever known.

I have read most of her books and loved them all. One of my favorites was 'Badlands Bride" Her latest release, Her Colorado Man, I do not have but I am searching for it and hope to have it soon.

Cheryl, this is to you my friend, I know the Great Spirit walks with you every day. You are one of my dearest friends. I hope in the future we will come even more closer and maybe become critique partners.

Thanks Cheryl for your guidance and wisdom.
You can visit Cheryl at her website or blog:
http://www.cherylstjohn.net
http://www.cherylstjohn.blogspot.com

Walk in harmony,
Melinda