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Marsha Ward
- Female
- Arizona
- United States
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Writer in the Pines
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- Are you an Author, Reader, Publisher, Editor, Agent or Other?
- Author
- Do You Have A Website?
- http://marshaward.com
- About Me:
- I am the author of three Western novels: THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH, RIDE TO RATON, and TRAIL OF STORMS; and co-author of two books on writing and publishing: WRITING SECRETS and PUBLISHING SECRETS. I also have over 900 published articles, columns, poems, and short stories to my credit. My essay, "Perfect in Salt, Perfect in Soda," a tribute to my mother, was published in MOTHER'S WISDOM in May, 2008.
I was born in the sleepy little town of Phoenix, Arizona, and grew up with chickens, citrus trees, and lots of room to roam. I began telling stories at a very early age, regaling my neighborhood chums with my tales over homemade sugar cookies. Visits to my cousins on their ranch and listening to my father's stories of homesteading in Old Mexico and in the Tucson area reinforced my love of 19th Century Western history.
Before my marriage, I lived in South America for two years, and I still love traveling to exotic, unusual, and interesting places.
I married Rob in 1972, and we had five children and a happy life. As my children grew, I began to study writing in earnest, and wrote with a view toward publication. I fell into journalism and started to get pieces published in newspapers. In the meantime, I hauled out my opus magnum and worked on it for several years, tweaking and rewriting. Then I began the long process of submitting, and wrote another novel to tell more about my characters.
Adversity came along and suddenly we only had four children. My creativity dried up for several years. Three of our four children were grown and poised to be on their own when my husband was diagnosed with a quick-acting cancer, and inside of a year, he was gone. One son married and two of his siblings also moved out. In six months' time, I went from a household of six to one with only two people in it. It was a severe downsizing.
I had a health crisis, and not knowing the final outcome, decided to self-publish my two finished novels. Fortunately, I recovered, and the books were well received by readers and critics, alike.
The last child married and moved out, and after many years in the big city, I now make my home in a tiny hamlet in Central Arizona. When I'm not writing, I love to spoil my grandchildren, travel, blog, give talks, meet readers, and sign books. I welcome readers' comments addressed to me at PO Box 53, Payson AZ 85547 or by email at marshaw@marshaward.com
- Do you have a blog site?
- http://marshaward.blogspot.com
- Favorite Books:
- Mysteries, Westerns, Historicals, and Sweet Romances. Favorite authors include Robert Crais and Bernard Cornwell.
- Favorite Bookstores on land or cyberspace
- The Book Rack and Bookman's in Mesa, AZ; Barnes and Noble in Scottsdale, AZ; Powell's and Abe Books on the Internet.
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Trail of Storms is the third novel in a series about the adventures of members of the Owen family and their neighbors in post-Civil War America. Follow Jessie Bingham and her family as they flee Mount Jackson, Virginia, and its horrors during that...
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MORGAN'S OWN BLOGSPOT
Did you eat any of these foods at Thanksgiving dinner?
Since it's a busy time and an eating time, here's an easy poll to take in the left column. It's okay to pick multiple answers as long as they don't conflict. You can also leave a comment about a particularly favorite dish, if you wish.Morgan
Still Time Plus Giving Thanks
Still time to let us know below when you read.Today, at http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/ I'm giving thanks for the gift of writing. What about you?
When Do You Read?
When I stopped to catch my breath after publishing Killer Career, it dawned on me I'd neglected the enjoyment of reading for too long. During my ten minute breakfast, I'd read the newspaper or a writing magazine, but couldn't get into fiction because I'd have to tear myself away too soon to leave for work.I'd spent most of my commuting time on the train either writing or promoting my books, and at lunch the same.
On vacation, I'd had time to read and wanted to spend more time on the other side of the book, so to speak.
To remedy the situation, I tuck a paperback into my tote bag each morning. I read it sometimes on the commuter train, most of the time during lunch or my breaks.
At home in the evening, I very rarely read. There's too much noise and too many interruptions from the TV, the dog and the DH. Right now for example, Rascal is whining for no reason except to get my attention, while a commercial is playing in the living room.
Anyway, I'm glad to have found a way to fit reading back into my schedule and look forward to my time away from the real world each day, even though it's for a short while.
What about you? When do you read?
Harlequin at War with RWA and MWA
With the announcement of the new Horizons line by Harlequin, the battle has begun. RWA's denounced Harlequin for opening this vanity line, going so far as to take away recommended publisher status and free attendance privileges at the RWA National Conference. MWA has issued a warning and is awaiting Harlequin's response.
On the surface, it seems that Harlequin is trying to take advantage of writers who, unable to get traditional publishing contracts, will gladly pay to get their books published. It doesn't appear they'll make much of a profit by doing so.
Although Harlequin says that the HH line, as it will be dubbed, will be kept separate from the traditional Harlequin books as far as distribution and advertising goes, many traditional Harlequin authors are still uneasy, wondering if Harlequin's strength and reputation could be diluted by this latest move.
As with other industries, the book industry is struggling to keep afloat in these troubling financial times. Maybe this is just one more way for Harlequin to ensure a cash flow by offering an avenue for authors who may have fallen through the cracks or who would just like a book published as a keepsake. Whether or not the books are up to par in quality may or may not be relevant to such individuals seeking such a service. The trickle down effect still has serious authors worried.
What's your take on Harlequin's move? Is Harlequin cheapening its brand, or hedging its bets to cover all bases in a competitive market? Will this be good or bad for Harlequin, and/or for authors in general?
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Rascal is sleeping right now. When she gets up, you'll know about it.
When RASCAL wakes up, you'll hear from her and/or her Mom - that would be me, Morgan Mandel.
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I don't review for Midwest anymore, sadly...I just don't have time. Sometimes I do miss doing book reviews, though!
So glad to hear from you! Thank you so much for your note. As always, I'm wishing you the best success!
laurie
I go by Jay. Thanks for asking!
I'm just knocked out by your bio. I don't think writer's block is a problem, but peanut butter, while you certainly don't need it, is always good. I'm very happy to have you as a friend. Camille
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