Local Government Presentation 2014

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Me, Kicking off the Presentation

Today was my second opportunity to speak to the government classes at the Upper Valley Career Center, where I work. My objective was to bring to life something that is only theoretical and seemingly distant to the 17 and 18 year olds. Sure, it's local government, but it's not something they tend to interact with, except possibly mayor's court after receiving a speeding or traffic violation ticket.

I can't say that every student was captivated by my discussion supplemented with a PowerPoint presentation. But most were interested, and filling out the question sheets provided by their teachers. Also, more than a few interesting and insightful questions were asked by the students.

The Social Studies Dept.
Left to Right: Mr. Smith (Student Teacher),
Mr. Ohler, Mrs. Roeth and Mrs. Flanagan

While talking about and relaying my experience as a member of the St. Paris Village Council kept me out of my classroom where I teach English, a fair number of those that attended my presentation were my students, and were afforded the opportunity to see me in a different light, wearing a different hat. Yes, I was still 'teaching' but the subject matter was a bit different.

I look forward to being invited to present to a whole new set of classes next year. We'll see what happens.
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Three Events: Art Affair on the Square, Piqua Farmer's Market, FandomFest 2013

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Over the next week or so, I'll post on the three book events I attended in close succession as July 2013 came to and end:

• July 20th (Art Affair on the Square)
• July 25th (Authors Day at the Piqua Farmer's Market)
• 26th-28th (FandomFest 2013)

As a minor teaser, I'll post three pictures, one from each event. Maybe you'll be able to guess which picture matches with which event.

 

Local Government Presentation

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Beginning the Presentation



Those who are acquainted with me know I wear a lot of hats. One of the more recent ones I've donned is as a local politician when I was elected to the St. Paris Village Council in 2011.

But in truth, I'm a teacher at heart, and when offered the chance to talk about local government to some of the students at the school where I teach, how could I pass up the opportunity?




Students filing in for the
day's final presentation

 

My goal was to make what they've been presented with in their Government class more clear and relevant, and to allow them to ask questions they might have.

As a side note, one of the most interesting and controversial questions was why I chose to ride in my wife's Camaro instead of my Colorado during the Pony Wagon Parade. Go figure :)

In any case I had a good afternoon speaking to groups during five class periods this past Friday--and I think they learned a thing or two.

Instructors who invited me to speak to their classes:
Mrs. Megan Flanagan & Mrs. Julie Roeth

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A Few Signing Events Pics

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I recently participated in events at Upper Valley Career Center's Holiday Fair and also at an author group signing at the Colony Center Mall in Zanesville, Ohio. I enjoyed both events, meeting people, talking about writing and reading, and signing copies of my novels for readers (and for Christmas gifts for a potential readers).

Below are a few random pics.



Author William Weldy selling his novel Outlaws

The Domestic Divas
Pam Weldy & Julie Roeth
Selling their Wares

Author Stephen Hines demonstrating his Sense of Humor

Author Summer Clark at her Table

My Table Setup at the Mall in Zanesville

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Domestic Divas at the Farmer's Market

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Even as a kid growing up in Toledo, on occasion my mother would visit the farmer's market. Back then, I mostly remember produce: tomatoes, melons, corn, cucumbers, etc. The farmer's markets I see now have more variety, although still some sort of produce or plant product remains the mainstay.

 The 'Domestic Divas'
Pam Weldy & Julie Roeth

I visited the Farmer's Market in Piqua, Ohio this past week to drop off a flash drive with pictures on it to a friend, Pam Weldy--one of the Domestic Divas. She and her cohort, Julie Roeth, were busy plying their wares of soap, herbs, daylilies, knitted household items--you name it (vegetables will come later in the season).

Are they dedicated, you ask? It was well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but there was an occasional breeze kicking up to take the heat off the parking lot's black top where the market is set up.

Herbs and other plants

It's interesting to look around, good prices and the selection is never 100% the same from week to week.










Some of the other wares the Domestic Divas sell:

Knitted Items
(They do take special orders)

Lotions and Balms

Flip Flops and more Scarves

Daylilies and Other Plants

Where and when this event takes place?

Where: The Southwest Corner of Spring Street and West Ash
     (Where U.S. Rt. 36 splits from SR 66 and 185)
When: Summer, Thursdays, 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm
      (although the Domestic Divas won't be there July 5th)

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Behind the Scenes: Readers (of Flank Hawk)

One thing that has really helped me improve my writing and led to publishing successes is having great readers--folks who will take the time to read my writing and provide solid input.
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From experience I can say that not everyone who shows interest and says they'd like to read and provide input on an unpublished work--sometimes they even ask to be a reader--actually follows through. There are a number of reasons they don't, but I firmly believe it's foolish to hold it against them. Oddly or, more accurately, sadly I've encountered some writers who do.
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I think it's also important to try to match a reader's interests with what you've written. This is somewhat easy for me as, at least with my short fiction, I write in a variety of genres. Beyond that, it's important to have a variety of readers with varying experiences, both life and reading. To be sure they have to be individuals who won't hesitate to tell you what isn't working, in addition to what is. Praise is great and motivating, but constructive criticism makes an even bigger difference.
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I do consider what each reader has to say. Often the readers provide written comments and feedback, but whenever possible I also like to sit down and talk with the reader. And while I do consider each reader's input, I don't always agree and their suggestions are not implemented. That's okay as the readers know my stand on this. However, if several come up with the same concern--it's definitely time to revisit that aspect of the novel or short story.
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Today I'm going to highlight on those readers who provided input for Flank Hawk before I began submitting it. Of those below, all have provided input for other works, published and as of yet unpublished.
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I count on each reader for their unique view and opinion, each having strengths in different aspects of a story's contents. All are well-read and provide in depth analysis in a number of areas, and I'm only highlighting a narrow scope of what they provide as readers. In any case, they deserve some recognition for their efforts in helping Flank Hawk make it into print.
In alphabetical order:



Dora Archer (above): Has a good eye for characters and characterization. Some of this comes, I believe, from being an author herself. Equilibrium is her debut novel. It also comes from her travels and experience.




Sandy Daily (above): Has a good sense for atmosphere, tone, and character consistency. She reminds me that sometimes my story might be getting too dark or grim. Sandy has read more books than can count, and that background is something I can count on when discussing my writing efforts.



Joanne Detter (above): Has a good eye for plot consistency, wording, and action sequences. She also gives some input on grammar ;) Joanne is one that I enjoy discussing authors and novels we've both read, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, which I am able to incorporate into my writing efforts.



Stephen Hines (above): A talented YA author who is an expert at suggesting what is lacking in plot, structure, dialogue, and where I fall short with description. And yes, he is a major Steelers fan, but I don't hold that against him.




Jeff Koleno (above): Has a good sense for internal logic of how 'things' work, including world and plot consistency. In addition, Jeff answers a lot of my scientific questions, especially in matters of physics and mathematics.


Julie Roeth (above): Has an eye for character interactions, symbols, foreshadowing and overall story arc. Julie is well-read and has a wide variety of knowledge and experiences that makes her a font of insight and advice.

Bill Weldy (above): Has an eye for what works in an action scene along with overall pace and story direction. Bill has written a few short novels himself. They're pretty darn good and I hope he finishes his revisions and submits them some day soon.

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Research, Fiction and Daylilies

Sometimes when researching for a novel or short story, little things like the life cycle of a certain type of plant becomes important. Where and under what conditions does the plant thrive? When does it flower and what is its root structure like?

Such information can be found on the internet, or at the local library, but usually folks in the field are the best source. It is much easier to ask an expert 'what if' questions and get answers as compared to struggling with what can be found in a textbook or on a website. Plus, one question's answer can lead to other and another--and with the expert on hand, the answers are right there.

For a fantasy short story I've been plotting out, I needed some sort of flowering plant to play a part. I recalled a co-worker (Julie Roeth) who raises daylilies on her farm. I knew a small amount about daylilies, and felt they may be just what I needed.

So a few initial questions resulted in an invitation to visit and see the daylilies in bloom. Happily it turned out to be a visit where my daughters got some hands-on experience and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon spent with my co-worker. (She knows who she is and I can't thank her enough)

People enjoy sharing their knowledge and insights, especially if asked. And the expert doesn't have to be a family member, friend, or co-worker. Have an insect question? There might be an entomologist at the local university who would know the answer, or could direct you to someone who does. What better way to insure depth and accuracy in one's stories?

Needless to say, common courtesy rules apply, especially in accommodating the expert's schedule.

Maybe I'll manage to finish that story in which the daylilies play a small part. And if it gets published, I'll let the readers here (and the expert in person) know.