Deep Purple Pear

Today's post is about a simple piece of fruit, the Deep Purple Pear.

If you do a Google search , you won't find anything about this delicious fruit. However you will find there is a purple pear tomato on earth, it does have some

Not the Deep Purple Pear

purple coloring but it really isn't purple. It does taste pretty good for a tomato but it's not like you're going to have a bowl of them sitting next to you on your deck or patio eating one after another.

I also found Purple Pear Amethysts but they're not edible, although it would be nice to have a few pounds of them.

In my search I did find other references to Purple Pears (nothing related to fruit) but nowhere (except here) will you find information on Deep Purple Pears.

These pears are about the size of an average standard avocado. The smooth skin is of course purple as is the flesh of the fruit. Nestled inside the flesh of the fruit is one pea size edible seed.

The sweet nectar of the pear will make your mouth water in anticipation, it is so refreshing leaving a slight flowery (only word to best describe) after taste.

So where can you get this heavenly fruit? Well not at your corner grocery store or your local farmers market. This fruit is not found locally no matter where you live. Unless, you are an inhabitant of the Planet Ralam.

Not familiar with the Planet Ralam?

According to the book “Rebirth” which is Book 1 of the E.L.F. Saga the Deep Purple Pear is yet to be discovered anywhere outside the Planet Ralam. Surprisingly Rebirth does not go into much more detail then you have so far read, but there is more.

With intense care a Deep Purple Pear tree can be grown on the planet (Ralam). However it is difficult and takes many, many years to mature. The only place where the trees thrive on their own is the Valley of Gorth.

This extremely fertile valley is 23 miles long and 17 miles wide. At the north end of the valley are the Gorth Mountains. The Gorth range is constantly covered in snow at its

Not an actual photo of the Gorth Range

higher elevations. No one has ever remembered or heard of the mountains being snow free. There are two main rivers that run off the mountains, the largest is named Eltnes and disappears about halfway into the valley. The much smaller and slower moving river is named Noey and flows along the entire east side of the valley.

There are many ancient myths about the Valley of Gorth and like things that are ancient the truth has been lost centuries before. All anyone can agree on is that the Deep Purple Trees appeared to have been in the valley since the beginning (no one can agree when that was).

What is known; the trees can grow up to 25 feet, however they are kept trimmed to 17 feet to maximize yields. The trees bear fruit one hundred and thirty-two days a year, goes dormant for one hundred and seventy-three days before it starts to bud again.

The trunks of the trees are black and gnarled as it twists skyward, the branches from the trunk are black but the new growth is red, upon these branches the fruit grows.

Why would anyone want to know about the Deep Purple Pear? Most folks wouldn't care but what about those who really enjoy the story, who get caught up in the worlds they are taken to?

From time to time I will add more details found nowhere else but here about all things E.L.F.

The E.L.F. Saga is already three books in length, with the fourth about 40% complete. This is a story that follows different groups, each in their quest for power or freedom. Spoiler alert; There are no pointy ear people. E.L.F. Stands for extra terrestrial life forms.

For those who may have developed a craving for a Deep Purple Pear, I'm sorry, but be thankful I didn't talk about Spili … it's found in Book 2 “Reunion”

Social Media vs an Old Brain

My Social Media Brain

     It's raining, it's cold, my brain is numb from trying to work social media to promote my books, and there is a tiny rat of a dog across the way that keeps barking. Barks constantly at everything!
     However, I am not going to allow that irritating, distracting, mindless tuff of fur to ruin my day, nope not even a second longer. "Martha! Where did you put my GUN!"
     Ahh peace and quiet. (No I didn't dispatch the little bugger. I think a squirrel carried him off.)
     Now, where was I? Yes I remember I wanted to talk about Social Media.
I realize that I'm old and this new way to communicate is a far cry from when I was a lad, back then we waited for the Pony Express Riders, but that was a different time.

So I signed up for Twitter....  Then I signed up for Facebook....

Finally I started signing up for other sites, the one's writers and readers go too, such as BookBub, Goodreads, and KBoards. 

I have now spent so much time on theses five sites I no longer have as much time to write as I once did. The painful truth about being a writer, it's

On my way to Social Media slaughter

easier to create the book then it is to promote it.

Am I depressed? (Don't ask me that question) Will I be able to overcome the techie ball of tangled string called Social Media. (Of course. At one time about 5 years ago I knew all this stuff, but then I focused on my writing and was passed by.) 

The real kicker is when I read all that is being posted and tweeted, I have to wonder, does it really work? Have you seen what's out there?
Well, I'm going to keep trying and I will report back and if you want check out my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter (Those are the things you're supposed to ask.)
Have a great day, and if you have a rat of a dog driving you crazy ... don't hesitate to call.

IT HAS ARRIVED   Resolute: Book 3 of the E.L.F. Saga  On Sale at Amazon!

Remember Why!

Photo by Jose Silva from Burst

     I am a writer. I am a writer. I am a writer.
     Yes I get it! I am a writer. So why do I have to repeat it so often? Why do any of us question what we do? It's not like there are those around us who question our decisions (said tongue in cheek).
     Perhaps it is just ourselves comparing what we are able to do to others who we believe do it better?
     Ever wonder if, those others, sit in their rooms late at night and question themselves? Of course people do, it's human nature. You are human right?  (with all this talk of A.I., you never know). However if you're a writer then there will always be a question about your humanity (again said tongue in cheek). After all who is crazy enough to put the long hours and effort into creating something that most folks may never see and if they do, will they enjoy it?
     So why do writers write? Can't speak for others, just myself. My answer may not satisfy those who wish to know, however other writers will probably understand...here goes.
     Last night I finished the final, final, rewrite of my third book in the series of the E.L.F. Saga, called Resolute. Was I glad, sorta of. Was I happy, kinda of. Was I stoked out of my flipping mind that a huge weight had just lifted off my shoulders, that a book I have been working on almost a year was ready to be published, yup! It felt like a real ahh moment.
      So as a writer what did I do? Took a moment to bask in the light of accomplishment before I continued to work on the fourth book of the series, Rebellion.
      Do I remember why I started to be a writer...No I don't. I just know why I continue, and that is all I need!
   

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.

How many words are enough?

Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst

     Let's say that you woke this morning and decided that you are a writer and that you are going to write a book, First, listen carefully as countless future readers have stood in unison and are now clapping! You my friend are on the road to creativity with which no words can describe the ultimate feeling of accomplishment when you have published your work.
     However be forewarned the road you have set off on is littered with broken dreams, shattered egos, and of course bucket loads of stress. Fear not! It is all worth it.
     For today we will assume that you have decided the genre and the storyline of your novel. As we speak you are sitting down at your desk, ink quill in hand with a stack of prestine parchment. To be sure that you are not disturbed you have locked the study door and have an ample supply of refreshments at your disposal.
                              OR ... you have your lap top open and are typing already.
     Question! How many words should your book be? Again we will assume you are writing a novel that any age could read, provided they can, read.
                         Let us just see hat the experts have to say.
                                Expert 1 : 80,000 to 100K
                                Expert 2 : 50,000 to 110K
                                Expert 3 : 90,000 period
                                Expert 4 : 50,000 to short
                                Expert 5 : 60,000 to short
                                Expert 6 : Over 150K to long
     If we were to continue we would find other experts with other numbers all dancing in the same area. The answer then must be somewhere in the middle, at least you would think so, until you add traditional publishing vs indie publishing.
     The pro's and con's of each of these publishing methods is fodder for another blog post. However it is important to note for this discussion the importance of word count.
     In a nut shell traditional publishing wants the novel to be in the area of 100k, less is better but not too much less and more now such a good idea.
     Indie publishing doesn't care about word count, but your readers will.
     Fact, you are the writer. You will determine the correct amount of words that are needed to tell the story. Perhaps it will take more then on book, as an example I am finishing the third book in the E.L.F. Saga and have plans for more.
     What you need to do is write your story, then rewrite it and when you're finished.....baba boom .... it's magic! Then you can worry about all the other things you need to be concerned about regarding your book... but that is a discussion for another post.
     Good luck with your writing!

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.

A Rabbit in tall wild grass.

 Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst

    
     In a Freshman English Class back in College, way back when everyone was worrying about the coming Ice Age, (not joking), the world was cooling and folks were wondering what was coming first, Ice or Russian ICBM's. But I digress.
     The College was small, nestled in the mountains between two small towns in Southern California. On the day in mention our in class assignment was to go outside and write about what we saw, we had 20 minutes.The purpose of the assignment was to determine who would be forced to attend "Dumbbell English"
     It was a warm fall day, after all it was Southern California, and I decided to lay on my stomach in the tall wild grass that surrounded the college and write about my world view, as a rabbit. Twenty minutes passed quickly, however back in class we were given fifteen more minutes to finish the assignment. Really? How much of a world view did he think a rabbit had?
     The following week the instructor made an announcement, "If I call out your name you will have passed the assignment and will be moving forward. If not, you will be reporting to another class on Wednesday.
     Was I surprised when he didn't call my name? Of course I was. Man oh man how I didn't want to go to "THAT" other English class. I hated English. I could care less about it. Guess my paper showed that.
     The Instructor continued, "You are all dismissed except for Mr Garrow."
     I thought "What! How bad was my paper. Is there a place that is below Dumbbell?" Well I was about to find out.
     Walking up to his desk as everyone else piled out of the class, a few students even gave me, that poor you look. You know the one. They try to look sympathetic but in reality they are smiling inside because it's not them. I smiled at the Instructor, to appear like I was cool and collected. He didn't smile back.
     "Mr Garrow, he began, in all my years of teaching (he was really old looking so I figured it was a lot) I have never, ever had a Freshman turn in a paper such as yours. There is no doubt you have no clue on how to spell. (yup I know) Do you even know what punctuation is? (Still not sure). You would be hard pressed to convince anyone that English is your native tongue."
     OK I said to myself, there is a place below Dumbbell, I wonder what it is?
     Of course he wasn't finished, "Like I said Mr Garrow, (do they still address you as mister in school?) I have never read anything like this in all my years. Despite yourself it is brilliant!"
     Yup below Dumbbell is brilliant. Wait did he just say brilliant? My smile returned.
      He added, "I am assigning you to my advanced English class." He was smiling, "Where you had better learn to spell, punctuate and prove to me and the world that you understand English. I will push you. That I can promise you." (and he did)
       Well the ice never came, nor the Russian ICBM's, and I never did master the language. But you know the greatest thing that happened. Someone believed in my abilities, that's huge for anyone. Of course the next year a different instructor in a writing class ... wait I digress.
        So what is the point of this post? Well even if your world view is that of a rabbit, if you look beyond the tall wild grass, you should be able to see the horizon, run towards it, never look back. Finally never listen to those who say to you can't ... find the ones and listen to those who say can!

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.

Why Readers are like AIR to Writers.

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst

     Writers live in a bubble, not one you can see, feel or smell and you certainly wouldn't want to taste it. But that bubble is there alright. We wake in the morning, some perhaps a little past morning, and we are engulfed by it. You see that bubble is the latest story that needs to come out from our massive, albeit sometimes congested brains, to be written down so you the reader can...well read and hopefully enjoy.
     The role of a writer then is to provide great stories for readers and our fans to enjoy, not always an easy task. However you the reader has a much greater role to play, in the life of the great writer bubble.
     Everyone likes to be recognized for something they have done well, you know like when you jumped roped 500 times without a miss. As a side note I still think 487 times is still remarkable for a seven year old, even though the rest of the kids on my block didn't think so. Anyway back to the point.
     Folks buy the books which is very nice, however it is rare to ever get a review (good or bad although good ones are preferred) so you can see why I say readers are like air to writers. We need those reviews to fill our bubbles so we can know if we are good story tellers or just ho hum you'll do in a pinch as I'm waiting for my root canal. Alright maybe I am going too far but hey writers are paranoid.
     A good review is a shot of adrenaline, a high five, a spotlight, an Atta Boy or Girl, a warm fuzzy feeling or..... yeah you get the point. So on behalf of all writers everywhere I'm asking that when possible leave a book review, send a comment and fill that bubble with fresh inspiring air, we'd appreciate it.

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.

Judge a Book by It's Cover

                                      
KelsyKinderDesigns@gmail.com

      The old saying "You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover" is alright if you're perhaps comparing people or cars etc. However when it comes to a real book (those things you see laying around on your Grandma's coffee table) that saying doesn't really hold water.

     Take for example the above covers. I like them both, for different reasons, however when folks look at them for the first time without knowing what they are about, which one tells the most? Which one has the most action? Which one grabs your eye?

     All of these are valid questions. Now don't misunderstand me. I really like both covers and I have chosen to stay with the one on the right for reasons that won't be apparent until much later on in the series.

     The reason for this short post is to inform those writers who are looking for a cover for their books ... please consider KelsyKinderDesigns@gmail.com not only is she talented but is such a great person to have on your team.

     So no matter which cover you liked, please take a moment to click  on this link take a peek 

and see what's inside the cover.

     

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.

Another Day? Really!

Photos by Matthew Henry from Burst







The life of a writer is always about work and seldom (Sigh) the coconut on the beach. So yes I, N. F. Garrow Jr, am a writer and despite waking up in the morning and saying "Really". Despite the long lonely hours of sitting at my desk (although to be fair my desk is in our RV), the writers block that sometimes occurs when the weather outside is fantastic and the paranoid feeling that no matter how well I write the stories.... no one will read them! I Love It!

     I know not every writer has the same work ethic or experiences and that many folks who dream about making a living as an author, believe that the experience would be somehow like the coconut on the beach.... simply fantastic. To perhaps dispel that myth I have put together a routine of a normal day of my life.

1. Wake up no later then 9am, no matter what time I hit the sack the night before
2. Turn on lap top, and start the water for herbal tea.
3. Check out the news of the day, taking notes of stories that might somehow work into a book
4. Fix a quick breakfast, or nuke a Hot Pocket, time is usually 9:30am
5. By 9:45 I check certain writer friendly websites such as KBoards, spend a half hour reading
6. Check my manuscript notes on the latest project, update them
7. By 10:20 I am staring at the last paragraph I wrote the day before and hopefully words start to flow.
8. 1pm I stop for lunch, a good time to speak with my wife about the day. If no honey-do's lunch ends at 1:45 and its back to writing.
9. 3pm it's major break time. I shut everything down unless the words are flying.
10. 8pm "I'm Back!" trying to write more. If too tired, IE the words feel like cement blocks I move on to other sites looking for ways to promote my work.... like this blog.

     In all fairness there are those days when Life or even cool fun things get in the way of writing. OH the guilt that ensues later .... not so nice.

     The Great News for anyone who wants to write....once you're published....it's a natural high and well worth all the moaning I sometimes do in the morning. To all of you I simply say WRITE!

    

                                           Click on Books to Order! Kindle or Paperback

      Rebirth and Reunion are the first two books of the E.L.F. series that immerses you in the struggle between power, desire and hate that reaches well beyond this world.