Photo Friday: Independent Bookstores

I love independent bookstores. I know that chains also have their place and so does the internet, but there's just something about independents.

Whenever I travel, no matter how short the trip, I am always on the lookout for indie bookstores. Each has its own flavor and attitude. The one in the photo is in Tillimook, Oregon. Rainy Day Books has an eclectic, small town, earthy feel. It's just a few miles from the coast. Their store mascot is a cat who fetches balls. The floor is light wood and so are the shelves. The shelf closest to the door has things like books on nature and hiking trails. I buy something every time I go. Why not just buy it once I get home? Well, because...that's why. That book, no matter the title, will always be the book that brings back the wonderful aroma of Rainy Day Books. What's better than that?

Do you have a favorite independent bookstore? I'd love to hear about it and the memories it evokes for you.

Photo Friday: For Whom the Drum Tolls (part one)

Let's be honest, meeting more than a dozen new people, even if they are there to make your book shine, is a little nerve-wracking. Yes, it is! But I loved it. I did really and truly! After a while, I became aware of people coming in and out of the room, taking stacks of chairs. My brain was stuck on my book and I probably wouldn't have noticed if Ronald McDonald was doing jumping jacks in the hallway. But after seeing the stacks of chairs going out, I had one tiny thought, "I wonder what they have going on today?" And then the thought was gone. Back to the book.

Peter had asked if I'd be willing to read the first few chapters of the book to the group at the end of the day. He'd given me a few days notice. "Sure!" says I, enthusiastically. I knew it was coming and I really wasn't that nervous. Until. There always has to be an "until" doesn't there? But I bet you'll never guess what this "until" was!

Setting: inside meeting room after multiple meetings. Late afternoon. Only my editor, Peter and I remain in the room.

Peter: "Well, you ready to do the reading in a bit?"
Me: "Sure."
Peter: "OK. Let me go call everyone."
Me: "OK."

Peter leaves room as I look over papers I'll be reading from.

*BANG-BANG-BANG-BUH-BANG-BANG-BANG*

The deep, earthy sound is completely out of place here.

Me: (thinking) What the heck was that? Man, this place is so darned creative. Obviously, someone is practicing on their conga drum. I bet the artists who created my book cover do not appreciate this (it was veeery quiet in their space).

I peek out the conference room door to see Peter putting the drum down. People are trickling out of their cubicles and offices. They're making their way to...THE chairs. OMG! This is officially my, "I wasn't nervous UNTIL..." moment.

I wasn't nervous UNTIL I heard the drum!

Remember the thought I'd had earlier on the stacks of chairs that kept leaving the conference room? Remember, I was wondering what they had going on? Yeah. Turns out it was ME! Time to be nervous.

And that drum, the one in the lobby of Sourcebooks, surrounded by books and plants, and accompanied by an onlooking bull, was to call all employees to the event.

Peter strolled back into the conference room.

Me: THAT'S how you call people? (ie: ever heard of an intercom?)

Peter: (shrugs) Yeah.

Hmmm... I watch people begin to fill the rows of chairs.Obviously, I am the only one perplexed by the drum. And to tell you the truth, I like it. Who needs technology when you can bang on a drum? I wonder if Sourcebooks employees fight over who gets to do it? OK, maybe not.

Next Time: The Reading

Photo Friday: The Question That's Easy to Answer

One of the questions I was asked during my meetings at Sourcebooks was this, "What do you hope will be the result of your book?" It was easy to answer because I've thought of that a lot. My story is about a father-daughter relationship. It's about finding truth. It's loaded with information about WWII and includes the intrigue of naval intelligence and top-secret code breaking. That's the story. But there are lots of stories out there. What do I hope to accomplish with the telling of THIS one?

That's easy.

I want to start a story-telling revolution. Does that sound over-the-top? Too ambitious? I hope so. Our WWII veterans are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 every single day! And when they are gone, so are their stories. Each one has a story worth telling and a story worth listening to. Many are just waiting for someone to take the time to not only ask, but to listen. WWII veterans are just a microcosm of the rest of the population. Veteran or not, elderly or not, we all know someone who has a story.

We're busy. But are we too busy to learn the lessons life has put right in front of us? I don't think so. It's time to stop and listen. I hope my book will inspire people everywhere to hop off the merry-go-round for just one hour to listen to someone's story. And better yet - to write it down. If not now, when? If not you, who?

Photo Friday: The Meeting

Well, we are finally to the post about my all day meetings at Sourcebooks (my publisher). The photo is of the actual meeting room, where we were most of the day. And yes, I'm the total and complete dork who snapped the pic when I was reasonably sure that no one was looking! My editor, Peter and I stayed put in the room while teams of people came to the room to meet with us. The teams included such areas as marketing, publicity, and sales, and such sub-areas as non-bookstore sales, and museum sales.

I have to say...my mind was sufficiently blown! Each group was well-prepared. Some had power points to help with explanations, others had stacks of notes. It is surreal to hear people talking about your book, your baby, as if it's the most beautiful baby in the world too. I mean, you know it's beautiful. Of course it's beautiful -- it's a reflection of YOU. But to hear people talk about it that way, it's just an amazing experience that I hope all of you get to experience one day!

Unlike horror stories I'd heard, the team at Sourcebooks made a point of making me a part of the team. They asked questions. They were enthusiastic about my book. They offered ideas I hadn't thought of. And when I offered suggestions, they ran with it and made it bigger than I could have thought of. Just amazing!

The hardest question I was asked was, "Who are the first 5,000 people your book will sell to?" And then, "Who will it sell to after that?" Of course, I started with my mom, my sisters, my aunts. But apparently that wasn't the point. Can YOU, my fellow writers, answer those questions? Hard, isn't it?

Photo Friday:

I've just turned in another manuscript of edits. So now, what to do...what to do? The answer? To continue writing the story in another form. The plan? To write two or three articles that are based on the subject in my book. For example, Guideposts magazine is a monthly Christian magazine that features first person essays. I've read it off and on for years and in fact was a finalist in their annual youth writing contest years ago. The articles will make you smile or make you cry - or maybe both within one essay. Although my book is not an overtly Christian book, there is most definitely an element of prayer and faith in it. So, I can see my story within it's pages.

Another theme in my book, or as a result of it (I hope) is that of personal history writing. Everyone has a story. My father's story was hidden. Over the years, we were able to bring it to the surface. I believe that many of us have similar stories that are buried. A woman's magazine might be interested in a story like this. So that's another possibility.

So, you can see where I'm going with this. Writing smaller, more condensed versions of my book, for magazine articles will allow me not only to share my story with an audience that may or may not buy the book, but will also serve as a mini advertisement of the book. It's a sort of sneak peak into it, similar to what you'd do if you were standing in a bookstore with my book in your hands.

So, that's my next step on this vast journey. Always a joy! Karen

Photo Friday: My Hollywood Star

Hooray for Hollywood... lalalalala ...Hollywood! Or something like that anyway. I'm in Hollywood with my friend, who is a screenwriter and here on business. The first day we were here, we went on a little self-guided tour. Very fun! I looked and looked for an inspirational star for one of my favorite authors. But to no avail; apparently there isn't such a thing. Boohoo... What I did find is this poor little cracked star, right next to the gutter. I wonder who decides who gets what star. It seems that no one is lining up for this one.
Then we found where the stars leave their hand and foot prints. I was amazed to find the Abbott and Costello print (see photo). Notice the date! It was made the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Isn't that crazy? How could such a thing have taken place when our country was on the brink of war?

So, that's my Hollywood experience thus far. Exciting, isn't it?

Photo Friday: My Book's on Amazon!

The information below is copy and pasted directly from Amazon. How exciting is THAT!



Breaking the Code: A Daughter's Journey into Her Father's Secret War

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Breaking the Code: A Daughter's Journey into Her Father's Secret War [Paperback]
Karen Fisher-Alaniz (Author)
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Product Description

On his 81st birthday, without explanation, Karen Alaniz's father placed two weathered notebooks on her lap. Inside were more than 400 pages of letters he'd written to his parents during WWII. She began reading them, and the more she read, the more she discovered about the man she never knew and the secret role he played in WWII.

They began to meet for lunch every week, for her to ask him questions, and him to provide the answers. And with painful memories now at the forefront of his thoughts, her father began to suffer, making their meetings as much about healing as discovery. Thus began an unintended journey—one taken by a father and daughter who thought they knew each other—as they became newly bound in ways that transcended age and time.
About the Author

Karen Alaniz is an author and writer, who began the journey of writing this memoir when her father handed her a collection of letters on his 81st birthday. She lives in Walla Walla, WA.
Product Details

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402261128
ISBN-13: 978-1402261121
Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #29,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Happy Birthday Dad!

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, DAD! A few things you might not know about my father;
He has owned three Segways. He rides it everywhere; in stores, at the park, and anywhere one might want to walk. The doorbell at his house has at least 20 tunes which can be changed for different events and seasons. And lastly, he is a compulsive reader (that's my diagnosis anyway).
When my book, BREAKING THE CODE, comes out, you'll learn even more, including just what kind of code he broke during the war. So, happy, happy birthday to my father. Dad, you're the best!

Photo Friday: Remembering Mal

April 1st is an anniversary long forgotten by most. This year marked the 66th anniversary of the initial landing (invasion) of Okinawa by the United States. This time of year is always difficult for my father. During WWII, it was close to this date that he lost his best friend. Mal died aboard a ship, off of a little known island. But he wasn't alone. My father held him as he died. Although we don't know the exact date of his death, April 1st marks it none-the-less.

The night before the anniversary, my father had a terrible, war-related nightmare. So, to remember Mal, I took him some flowers. He said it is the first time anybody's ever given HIM flowers. I chose white carnations because they are a symbol of remembrance. Before leaving, I took one from the bunch and stood it in the grass at the base of the flagpole in my parent's front yard. The next time I saw it, my father had made a makeshift vase for the flowers and duct-taped it to the pole. A fitting tribute, I think. Nothing is perfect in war and neither is it for those who return from war with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A duct-taped plastic cup was exactly right.

Even all these years later, Mal is not forgotten.

Photo Friday: Breakfast with Elvis

Dad and I started having breakfast together almost ten years ago. Hard to believe it's been that long. Once a week, every Wednesday, we meet at Mr. Ed's. It's a local diner with delicious diner-type food. It's a popular hang-out for locals. The wine crowd that come to Walla Walla for the 100+ wineries in our area don't seem to find Mr. Ed's (they don't serve wine - maybe that's why).

At some point, we had the waitress take our photo with Elvis. He was a permanent fixture there. I say "was" because there was a fire there a few years ago, and Elvis did not survive. He was severely smoke-damaged. And we are told, he is now black-Elvis. Sad, but true.

My advice: Carry your camera with you every now and then and have someone snap a picture of what seems routine to you. You never know when Elvis will be gone! And while you're at it, flip that photo over and write a little about it.

Write Now - Because it's Later than you Think!

Photo Friday: Podcasts

OK, I'm totally addicted to podcasts! I admit it! And it all started with the podcast that Togo is listening to in the photo - yes she really does that (but you can also transfer them to your Ipod or Zune for portability. Joanna Penn ("and that's pen with a double n")posts a new podcast every week. I practically OD'd on them when I first found her, which is very sad since now I have to actually wait for a new one to be posted. Joanna is a writer, speaker, blogger and business consultant. Her book, Pentecost just came out in February. But each week, she somehow finds the time to interview writers and those involved in the publishing industry. The interviews are lively and informative. Joanne is open to suggestions and responds in a timely manner to queries. I know, I had to ask for help transferring the podcasts to my Zune. She responded very nicely right away.

So, as I waited in the black hole for my editor to get back to me with his edits, this is what I did. It was time well-spent too. The great thing about podcasts is that you'll get things you wouldn't have in a regular interview. You can hear the person's personality and when they are slightly off center, their rabbit trails, which would no doubt be cut in a printed interview, are often the very thing I needed to hear.

I'll be sharing more along the way about my ventures into learning about marketing and publicity. And I'll happily share links to what I find. Happy Writing! ~Karen

Photo Friday: The Professional Photo

As promised, here are just a few of the "after" photos. A wonderful local photographer by the name of Kimberly Miner spent just 30 minutes taking pictures of yours truly. I have a whole new appreciation for the art of photography. Until now, when I thought of having a professional photo taken, I thought of someone who was talented and skilled with a camera. But the truth is, there's much more to it.

Kimberly had a way about her; a relaxed confidence. It was easy to reflect that relaxed attitude and I believe that made for some great photos. She also gave me simple advice like to forget perfect posture and slouch a little. Throw a hip out here - relax your shoulders there.

She listened. She wanted to know about the book and she put the information to use. We met at the Walla Walla Public Library. There she found the memoir section (in biography), the military section and the stacks of newspapers to use as back drops. The books, the sign showing where the military books were and so forth, would be blurred in the background but the feeling is still there. It seeped into the photos and into me. Next, Kimberly wanted me to walk a few blocks to the downtown area where our town has erected a large flag in the equivalent of our town square. She also got my favorite coffee shop where I write in the background, then a church. And finally, she suggested we finish up back at the library, but not the new library. She took my photo in front of the old library - that beautiful old building.

When I first looked at the photos I couldn't believe how great they were. Just amazing! Somehow, Kimberly had made me look, well - great.
What do you think?

Photo Friday: Photo Op

OK, so one of the more difficult parts of having a book published is knowing that whatever photo is used, just may be out there for 50-years. Seriously! Have you ever gone to a book signing and looked at the photo on the back of the person's 25th book and looked up at them and thought, "Is this her evil twin sister?" I won't mention any names but I had this happen not so long ago. I swear she must have gone to one of those glamour shot places for her photo. But in person, she didn't look anything like that. Or maybe she just had it taken like 25-years ago. I don't know. But whatever the case, the photo used for publicity has me worried.

I had a few people try taking a photo of me; friends and family. And I either looked stiff, or distorted, or any number of other adjectives. It seemed that when someone says, "smile" I lose all ability to be myself. Geesh! So, I decided to bite the bullet and hire a photographer.

So, here's the before picture:
Obviously, I took this one myself. I thought that if friends and family couldn't get a good shot of me, there was obviously something wrong with them! Ha! Turns out it's ME who is the problem.

Hopefully, by next Friday, I'll be able to show you and "after" shot. And I'll share more about the experience too. One thing I can say is that during the shoot, I felt totally relaxed - hopefully it will show in the photo.

Photo Friday: You need glasses

Who wants to see a photo of me? Not me. But as you can see, there's something different about the photo and no, it's not the crazy grin! It's the glasses! I finally joined my family of glasses-wearers. (boy, was that bad grammar!)

Was I sad that my eyes were "aging" as my eye doctor so eloquently put it? Absolutely not. Especially when I saw the selection of frames I had to choose from.I just wish I could afford to buy about 10 pairs! I only need them for reading...bummer. But what fun! And the best part? I can read a book without stretching my arm out so far that I nearly dislocate my shoulder.

Yay for reading!
Yay for writing!
Yay for eye doctors!
Yay for seeing!

And so, my dear amigos, if you see me signing books at a bookstore near you, sometime in the future, rest assured that I will indeed be able to actually see my name as I sign it. You might even see the crazy smile...OK...maybe not.

Happy reading, and don't forget to WRITE NOW-it's later than you think!

Photo Friday: Where it all began

When my dad and I had that first Wednesday meal together almost 10-years ago, I would never have dreamed where it would lead. Dad was experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), more than 50 years after WWII. I wanted to help him, if I could. Soon, having breakfast at Mr. Eds was a regular part of our weekly routine. Over time, he would begin telling me his story, sporadically giving me pieces of his past; photos, letters he'd written to his folks, and other memorabelia. But the whole story, took years to unfold.

Photo Friday: Like a Steal Trap

I have news for you. It's a revelation, really - one that was revealed to me and soon will be to you too. Your mind is not like a steal trap. I know you think it is. And I did too. But surprise! It's not. It's more like a sieve, a pasta strainer. Hopefully, the important stuff will stay in, but every now and then, it just slips through and down the drain, never to be seen again.

So, what in the world does this have to do with writing a book and the picture above? Well, a lot! If you're like me, you have a box, a folder, a drawer, a trunk load of photos somewhere. You looke at them every now and then and think, "I should really do somethng with these." Maybe you swear you'll scrapbook them someday. Maybe you don't know what the heck you want to do with them, but you know something should be done. But if you look closely at those photos, you may find something disturbing. I did!

Those people from your past, especially the ones that are no longer in your present life, have faded. Their names are slipping away. Even some relatives confuse you. Is that Uncle Bob or Aunt Mabel? Maybe you can't even tell your own kids apart. They do look alike even years apart when they reach the same ages.

Recently, my father and I went on a photo hung. We were looking for photos of his buddies during boot camp and WWII. Now, I have to tell you that my father is the exception to the rule. But I think that's because he has one of those one-in-a-million brains. He can look at a photo and tell you the person's name, and every single detail surrounding them. That's just the way he is. But I suspect that most people don't work that way. He named off all those people from a photo from almost 70-years ago and then told me every detail. When we flipped the photo over, there were the names; written on the back along with the date.

So, here's my challenge to you. Even though your mind is a steal trap and you too are the exception to the rules of brainy-ness, purpose yourself to do something. This year, whenever you see a photo lying around, just take a second and jot down the place date and names on the back. Even if you don't do that to every single photo you own, you or your great, great, great grandchildren, will be able to use it to compare others to years from now. Do it. I will too!

Are you the photographer in your family? That is NOT a good thing! Well, it's good for everyone else, but not for you, even if you like not being in front of the camera. Recently, I was looking for a photo of my father and me. I wanted one taken when I was a little girl. Do you know what I discovered? Apparently, my father never let anyone else touch the camera! Or at least not after I was born. I couldn't find a single picture of us. Lots of my sisters and I or my mom and I. But Dad and I? Nope. Bummer. We went through all of my parents old photo albums. I even asked my sister, who is 12-years older than me, as well as other relatives, just in case. Nothing. Maybe I was an unusually ugly child.

The funny thing is that in my own nuclear family, I am the photographer too. I've had piles of pictures processed only to find that it appeared I never went on vacation with my kids. (I was behind the camera, of course) So, my suggestion to you, if you're the family photographer, is to get an easy to use camera and tell your spouse, or even your kids to take a photo of you every now and then. ~K

Photo Friday - Stress Mix

Some call it trail mix. Some call it Chex mix. In my family, we call it Stress Mix. When I was working on my master's thesis, my sister's friend, a caterer, made a batch of Stress Mix and gave it to me in two big Ziplock bags. And I was hooked. I nibbled on it as I worked, and I give sole credit to the Stress Mix for getting me through my master's work despite having a full-time teaching job, a husband, two children, and one on the way, and of course-many domestic responsibilities.

So, with my book now under contract and editing in full-swing, why would I abandon my beloved Stress Mix now? I have tweaked the recipe over the years and now have it down to a six-minute process (minus baking time). So, if you see me looking like I am far too relaxed to be working very hard -- you'll know. I've just eaten a bowl of Stress Mix.

Do you have a vise? Do share!

Photo Friday: A Veiw From Where I Write

I write in a few different places. I have a writing room at home, thanks to college-age children who moved out. But I have found that often, it just doesn't work for me to write there. Being at home, I am always tempted to clean or cook or just plain waste time. 4:00pm will roll around and I'll wonder where in the heck the day went. But if I go somewhere, just like everyone else out there - employed outside the home, I get far more done. So, I write at coffee shops, libraries, and diners. And for me, it works.

Most recently, I wrote at a fun delicatesen. See photos.

No matter where you write or what lengths you must go to to do it, please don't put it off another day. Instead of thinking of all the reasons you can't do it, come up with a plan to make it work. And remember - Write Now, because it's later than you think!

Photo Friday: Signing Contract with my Dog

I love my dog, Togo. Seriously, I love her. She's been with me in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. She's sat at my feet as I typed away, pursuing my dream of writing a book. So, why should I be surprised that she wanted her photo taken with me and OUR book contract?