RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 4

 Do you know how the Korean War began?

The inspiration for An Ozarks Homecoming began when I stood along side the road and watched the procession bringing CPL Donald Eugene Matney home to Seymour MO. I'd never seen support such as CPL Matney received on his journey. Even his Uncle commented in a presentation he gave at the Broomfield Veterans Museum in April of 2017 how the state of Missouri did his nephew (his wife's nephew) proud. 

From what I understand, nearly every overpass from St. Louis to Seymour had people lined up with flags and saluting as he passed below. I didn't realize at the time the importance of that motorcade, only that a serviceman was coming home. Here's a news clip from one of our local new stations KY3 (Springfield MO)

You only need to see the first 6 minutes or so.

By the time I'd driven the ninety minutes back home (I was on my way home from Springfield) I had a story idea in my head. My brain always goes to the 'What If... " when something catches my attention.

So, how did the Korean War begin?

Here's what I found from (historycrunch.com *) websight as well as (Wikipedia **)

The main reason the United States got involved in Korea was the purpose of doing everything possible to keep communism from spreading around world. *

United Nations Security Council Resolution 82 was a measure adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 25, 1950. The resolution demanded North Korea immediately end its invasion of South Korea **

The resolution called on the North to immediately halt its invasion and to move its troops back to the 38th parallel. Seen as a diplomatic victory for the United States, the resolution was completely ignored by North Korea. This brought the UN and the US to take further action, setting the state for massive international involvement and the expansion of the Korean War.

The Korean Conflict was not suppose to be an all-out war. We were to be a police action... at least that's what the government told our boys. 

In my research I learned so much about the Korean War and how our boys coming home failed to receive the welcome they should have. Very little is said about WW1. We hear about the economy boosts after WWII and what a political fiasco the Vietnam War was - the deplorable conditions for our soldiers, yet the Korean War truly has become 'the forgotten war'. After doing my research, I won't ever forget what our boys went through only to be treated as if their sacrifice didn't matter. 

The following video is actually in regards to a WWII veteran but I wanted to share - This Old Army Hat by Bill Anderson. 

We'll continue this next Wednesday...

All my best

~Angela

RETURN TO HISTORY - Part 3

Until I began researching how to portray the subject of bringing home Lt. Daniel Sterlings remains home from the Korean War in A OZARKS HOMECOMING I didn't know anything about Mortuary Affairs.

I knew our service men and women came home but I didn't know anything about the process - what steps were taken to honor our fallen heroes and bring them home with the dignity they deserve.

Today, we reconize Funeral Directors and Morticians around the globe. I dated a Mortuary Affairs officer, (though I did not know that at the time. I think he still serves in that capacity - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, Darrold)

Footnote: Darrold passed away in 2025. He was looking forward to reading this story.

Death is something we all have to deal with at some/ multiple points in our our life. Take time today to thank your local mortician. They do so much to preserve the precious memories we have of our loved ones.

Thank you, David Lenz, Joe Gross and Darrold Davies

All my best!

~ Angela

RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 2

 As readers we think (or at least I've heard) that writing a book is easy. For those authors who are pumping out 4-6 books a year I just can't imagine. Do they not do anything but write? No other interests?

I have always had some experience, feeling, something to draw from and to add a dimension to my stories. With An Ozarks Homecoming, I started with a clean slate. The closest I have to experience with this book is 1) my passion for all things Eureka Springs and 2) my desire to in some way, pay my respects to Corporal Donald Matney, the Korean War Veteran who inspired the secondary story line.

For those of you who are authors, you'll understand what I'm about to say next. The Hero, Marc, informed me last night that his last name can NOT be the same as the Veteran, because his mother (the daughter of the late Cpl. Sterling) married. Marc's name would be that of his parents... not his mother's maiden name. (As I repost this I realize I've still not addressed this in the story. Hmm)

My strongest desires for this book are to do justice to Cpl, Matney and his family, to pay honor our Veterans, and to put out the very best book I can.

So tell me, are you are writer? a reader? both?

All my best!

~ Angela

RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 1

 Good morning, friends. 

I'm going to be reposting older content. For one reason, I may have followers that have not seen them. The other reason is bring posts related to my current work in progress to the foreground. I'm getting closer to finishing An Ozarks Homecoming so it's time to bring some things back - refreshing both your memory (if you've been following me awhile) and my own. At almost sixty-five, this brain isn't always what it  used to be in some areas. 

Future posts will run on Wednesdays and the conference/ contest items will run on Thursdays, when available.

EDITED FROM JANUARY 2019 - How it all began.

I don't think I've told any of you yet, but Book 2 is centered around a young couple brought back together (there's that 2nd chance thing) through the events surrounding bringing home the remains of a Korean War Vet. I got the idea two years ago as I stood by the side of the road in solemn respect of a procession carrying Crpl. Donald Matney home to Seymour MO. Something about this young man spoke to me. While I've never believed in visiting someone at a cemetery, I find myself stopping by his resting place almost every time I travel through on my way to Springfield.

They say 'write what you know'. Many of my stories are influenced by my own personal experiences. I'm struggling with Book 2 because I really don't have anything to pull from. The other challenge I have is making sure I get all of the military information correct. I do not want to dishonor our service men and women by misrepresenting something. 

All my best!

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Slip and Slide

Good morning, everyone!

I've had a busy week. Still laying out the studio re-do. I spent most of last week painting two ladder shelf units and the new foot stool crate. I like to sit on the sofa in my office, away from the loving animal assistants, but I need my feet up. On the up-side, the sofa is cleared, cleaned and put back into place so I can use it. 

Another big project was rearranging my Little Golden Book collection (all 272) to make room for my Doctor Dan Medical Kit. I'm still researching that item but as you'll see from one of the pictures below, the toy doesn't appear to have ever been played with. all the components are still within the rubber bands holding them in place. The only deterioration is in the plastic wrapping.

However, once I had the LGB shelf in order and put the sofa back in place, I wound up laying components for another project I need finished by the end of the week on the sofa.  LOL It's a process, I tell you.

The meeting with the retired Combat Training Officer was an amazing experience. Listening to him talk was an emotional experience. He answered all of my probability questions and I finally feel as if I have everything I need to finish An Ozarks Homecoming.  Now to just make the time. 

My problem is I can not work in chaos - I think I've mentioned this a time or two. With the studio remodel in progress and needing my 'office' off the dining room table by this Wednesday, my real focus has been on the studio project and things I can move out of my way once the one creative project is finished. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I need to locate a couple of organization items tomorrow and the rest should be here Wednesday. I'm so ready for this to be done and be able to write with a clear head.

I will only get three work days this week. Bob will be home on Wednesday after being gone a full month! The weekend belongs to him. 

*  Make the house presentable

*  Get blog posts for the next two weeks set up

*  Continue to get studio/ office in order. 

Keep in mind, while the studio and office are in the same room I do have specific areas for each. Right now I'm focusing on the studio part. With that, the 'office' work station will be on the large island in the middle of the room. Phase 2 - the 'office' is going to take a bit longer - probably during my holiday break. 

I have been using my HB90 planner. Right now my kanban plan is in the planner. I don't have space to put the physical board up in the office just yet.  Part of my board tickets are for the blog posts for the month of August as well as continuing progress on the studio. 

We have the final two Something Blue authors this week then we'll be moving on to new books and authors. Holiday stories should be coming out beginning this month. I'm ready for holiday reads! Who's with me?

All my best

~Angela

 

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Back On Track!!

Good morning, everyone!

Wow, after last week I'm ready for a fresh start.

I didn't get any writing done last week because I crunched to get things out of the way in preparation for a FREE on-line writer's conference I heard about from Sarra Cannon earlier in the week.

WEBSITE

I encourage everyone to check out the website and watch the videos. Just go to SCHEDULE 2022 then click on the YouTube icon next to the sessions that interest you.

This was an intense three days of great information on both Writing and Publishing. My brain is kind of on over-load as I took copious notes and screenshots from most of the sessions. I still have a few to go back and watch thanks to a migraine that hit on Friday. I made connections with some really great people and found some new sprinting groups I hope to take part in. 

One thing that was a REAL eye-opener is how much time this whole writing business thing is going to take. I mean, I KNEW but I just didn't absorb the enormity of the process. I know the over-all journey is an evolution and I'll get there. That's what Sarra Cannon's HB90 course is all about - avoiding the overwhelm while still moving the needle forward.   

The coordinators realized they probably could have timed this better, since this is Camp Nano month so they've scheduled the 2023 YouTube conference for June 23-25, 2023.  Mark your calendar for an amazing conference from the comfort of your own home!

Speaking of Sarra Cannon, She did an awesome presentation on Saturday talking about Planning To Thrive. She is a planner girl and pretty much everything she does involves a planner. She also just opened registration for the Publish & Thrive course that starts in a few weeks. Here's her video with all the details:

PUBLISH & THRIVE INFORMATION VIDEO

Note that she does offer payment options as well as a bundle savings when you purchase Publish and Thrive PLUS the HB90

I do have a busy week but one I'm SUPER excited about.

I have an interview later today with a retired combat training officer from Ft. Polk Army training grounds. This interview should clinch the research I need to finish An Ozarks Homecoming. I don't recall if I mentioned but a few months back I finally realized what my hero's internal struggle is - all stemming from an incident when he was stationed at Ft. Polk. However, I'm determined to not misrepresent the military in any way so I needed to find someone who could tell me if the incident that led to his struggle is plausible. Jason should be able to answer those questions. 

For this week:

1 - Continue work on studio

2 - Kanban board

3 - Write 500 words per day minimum - beginning today!

The 500 word per day challenge came as a result of meeting  Joe from SixCats Press during the AuthorTube Conference. I'll link his video down below. I'm a few days behind to be in sync with him but as Amber McCue would say - I'm right on time!

That pretty much brings you up to speed. I'll be back tomorrow and Wednesday with the next two Something Blue anthology authors - Robyn Neeley and Annie Rains.

All my best

~ Angela

 

AN OZARKS HOMECOMING - A Final Resting Place

 Good morning.

Today's post is the last in this series about Cpl. Donald Matney. In the previous video, Tom gave kudos for the respect and the coverage given to his nephew's homecoming. 

This video is the presentation from one of our news stations out of Springfield MO.

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 

Good morning, everyone!

Busy week in the office this week... and almost nothing having to do with writing. I have a visit with my in-laws coming up on the weekend. Mom said this will probably be the last trip they'll make up from S. Texas and going to visit them really isn't an option so we'll be making the most of our time with them.

So what do you do when your GOALS as an author are not about writing?

For me, I want to get the book finished for tomorrow's Spotlight Author - Jill Shalvis. I'll also be reviewing her newest Christmas book due out in September (?)

I'm also finishing the filming area of my studio. Until that is finished, my day job is going to continue to drag. 

I'm not even going to pretend I'll have any writing time during their visit. That just means I'll have to push harder - force myself to do more writing sprints once they've gone back to Texas. 

As to An Ozarks Homecoming - I found a MAJOR plot hole with my character last week. I've since fixed that but it's really mess with the whole background timeline. I think once that's fixed, things will move at a quicker pace. 

That's all I have for this week. LOL

I know I skipped the Christmas theme last week but that was due to the Writer's Nest guest. Christmas resumes tomorrow with Jill Shalvis and her upcoming release - Holiday Ever After.  I have two more Christmas stories from NetGalley to share in future spotlights. 

Remember to come back on Wednesday's as well as I take you through some of the history of the Korean War that I've discovered through my research. I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below - What have you found to be the most interesting about my info on the Korean War so far?

All my best!

~Angela

AN OZARKS HOMECOMING - Searching For A Loved One - Part 1

 Good morning, friends

In keeping with the 'An Ozarks....' theme in my titles, the Soldier's Homecoming has become finalized as An Ozarks Homecoming... since I have two military men coming home in the story.  

I first told you about how the germ of this story came about in THIS POST, introducing Cpl. Donald Matney.

I can't fathom the despair learning your son or daughter isn't coming home. Compound that heartache with not knowing where they even are! MIA - Missing In Action leaves a lot of questions unanswered for families. 

Did you know that the Korean War was the first war where they returned remains to the US? Yet, they still refer to Korea as 'the forgotten war'.

Donald Matney's family never gave up. His niece, Sandy, grew up seeing her uncle's picture on the wall and asking 'who is that?'  As she grew older and identifying remains in the Punch Bowl in Honolulu became a thing, she and her husband (Tom Gormley) began the long process of finding Donny and bringing him home. Tom has been invaluable in my research, both through his video presentation at the Broomfield Veteran's Museum in Broomfield Colorado and providing actual documents through email.

Beginning today, and for the subsequent four weeks, I'm going to share the video presentation from Tom. If you have someone you've been trying to find, perhaps the Gormley's story will give you direction. Along the way you'll get an inside look as to what those men and women in Korea endured on what was only to be a 'Police Action'. 

All my best

~Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Setting Goals

 

Image by pixabay contributor

Good morning, everyone!

I can not believe it's Monday again, already! Where does the time go?

Before I post what's going on this week, I do have to say I did not meet my writing goal last week. Trying to get too many things done around here and just flat wore out by the time I could sit and write. I am NOT a night person. I'd stop my day work around 4, eat supper, tidy up the kitchen. By then I didn't want to start writing because I knew the flow would get interrupted when Bob called around 6.  By 8, I am in bed to wind down for about an hour then hopefully, sleep the whole night through. I am usually up by 5 a.m. to start my day. Though, sleeping through the night is not something I do well anymore unless I take something. Zzquil is my friend about every other night.

As to talking with Bob, he is my real life hero. After 36 years of marriage, we still talk every day (signal allowing) when he's gone and we talk for an hour. I wait anxiously for him to retire when we can set a regular daily routine. Sadly, that isn't for another 20 months so must figure out how to make this work in the mean time.

He'll be home Wednesday night and there are several things I need to get done before he arrives. 

This week, I'll be finishing up the posting Author Spotlight/ Reviews for the 7 Brides for 7 Soldier's series. Those will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. From there we can get back to the regular schedule postings.  If you've not read this series and love a quick read, this 7 Brides for 7 Soldier's is for you. 

While my word count is way off where I need to be, I'm okay with that. I finally made the final pass-through of Chapter 1. On to Chapter 2 tonight... part of which is roughly written so will be all about fine-tuning Katie's point of view and adding Marc's. 

I pretty much dumped last week's goals. I did do the interview with Jennifer Connor of Sugar Lily Bakery & Floral. Learned a ton of stuff helpful for bringing a realism to my story. The official title by the way - AN OZARKS HOMECOMING

I reverted back to a previous working title because I want to keep AN OZARKS in each of the four titles. Book 3 - AN OZARKS REUNION and Book 4 - AN OZARKS PROMISE (tentatively)

So here we go for this week:

GOALS

* Complete Chapter 2 and have direction for Chapter 3

*Rethink the blogging/ social media book for conference

*Contact future authors for Writer's Nest posts

*Continue office clean out

I will be bakc tomorrow wiht Book 5 of the 7- Brides for 7 Soldier's series where I will introduce you to Jack. I hope you'll come back and meet Julia London. 

All my best

~ Angela

MONDAY MOTIVATION - Setting Goals

 

Image By Pixabay Designer

Good morning, everyone!

Wow, this is going to be a really busy week.  This is my last full week before Bob comes home for the next twenty-one days. As most of you know, I don't do a lot of work when he's home so this is cram week.

I know I dropped the ball on some book reviews. I'm going to run those this week and next with link-backs to the coordinating Author Spotlights, then next week we'll be back on track, so be prepared for back-to-back reviews.

Just a reminder that Jodi Thomas' Book 2 in the Honey Creek series, Picnic In Someday Valley releases April 27th. My review for that will run on a special SUNDAY REVIEW. In the meantime, the book is up for PRE-ORDER so go grab your copy and let's compare notes. By the way, Pre-order price is at a 26% discount! 

I'm way behind on Camp Nano but at least I'm finally in the story. I found my wings, so to speak, in setting the scene with Marc receiving the news they've found his grandfather's remains from the Korean War. As I type this I realize what is missing from that chapter so I'll have to work that in this evening.

My heroine, Katie, has a dream of opening her own bakery in Eureka Springs. That is her driving force since fate seems to have people walking away from her. She feels the bakery will be her one constant in her life. Today, I'm meeting with Jennifer Connor of Sugar Lily Bakery and Floral to get an inside look at what goes in to opening a bakery. 

For the past two years I've done a lot of research on military transfer and handling of remains. One thing I hadn't thought about was the way they get from Point A to Point B then to their final resting place. I've found some helpful videos (what did we do before YouTube University?!) on the inside look of a Boeing C-17 transport. Times like this is when I could fly to WA state to see my daughter and her family. She has an inside track with Boeing that I'm sure could get me an actual walk-on. Oh well, YouTube will have to do. 

GOALS:

* hit 20k on An Ozarks Homecoming

* continue to tweak a workbook on blogging/ social media that I want to sell at OCW

       (coordinates with the two sessions I'm presenting at the conference)

* get more stuff put away in the office so I can stop working 

at the dining room table when Bob is gone.

I don't have a Writer's Nest post for this month. Hopefully, I can get some authors in here for the rest of the year. I will admit I've not worked on that much the past few weeks but I do have some lining up - an entire series from a really strong critique group. Mid-South Writers Group of Cassville now have a more of a social media presence than just Facebook so I want to give them a boost.

I did look into putting a word count meter on my sidebar. I did not find one that wanted to play nice with blogger. If you have you that you like, please let me know in the comments below. I know there used to be one.. I used it when I first started the blog. My next step is to look up the one I used (should be in my password book) to see if that one is still available.

In the mean time, I'm off to discover things and get back to my characters.

All my best

~Angela