S A Slack, author and freelance writer

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-19T12:53:00.000-06:00

I, along with Stormy and Lance Winters, wish all you readers and our writer friends a very merry Christmas and wishes for a wonderful 2012! Never lose hope or give up, no matter how hard the road can be. It will be well worth it in the long run.

Colorado!

2011-12-10T15:10:00.000-06:00

I'm back from another trip to God's country....Colorado. My husband and I had a blast visiting family while there and also got a chance to do some hiking around the area. Even though it didn't snow down in the cities, either Denver or the Springs, it did beautifully cover Pike's Peak and the rest of the mountain ranges.

While there, we brainstormed and came up with an exciting new idea for the Stormy Winters novels. I think you adventures are going to love this. I know Stormy and Lance will. If it goes well in this novel, it will appear in the future ones as well. So stay tuned as you will have to read the novel to participate!

What happened to Stormy?

2011-11-09T21:41:00.002-06:00

What does happen to Stormy in the new upcoming novel? Why did she not call Lance if she was going to be late? Over two hours late? And where is her niece, Ann? Is she with Stormy, or did she go back to the Base?

What does the news reporter, Chris, think of Ann?

Sound like a soap opera? Not this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and up late at night!

I guess you'll just have to read the upcoming novel and find out!

Placed in National Contest!

2011-10-31T14:52:00.001-05:00

I received some exciting news recently. I placed in the top 100 manuscripts out of almost 12,000 entries in the 80th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. I had entered a children's manuscript several months ago, then went on to other writing projects. This month they notified the winners and I found myself one of them. In the December issue of Writer's Digest magazine they will have an article telling all about the competition, with the winners' names, etc.

It pays to keep on trying! As they say, "Write, write, write. Enter, enter, enter!"

Combining Mystery with History

2011-10-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

Colorado Springs, Colorado and Austin, TX are wonderful places to visit. And this time of year couldn’t be more fun, with all of the festivals and holidays coming up. In writing the Stormy Winters Mystery series, I have combined my love of history and mystery with that of the excitement of visiting and exploring the wonderful cities, both in the United States and around the world.

The first book in the series takes Stormy and her husband, Lance, to Austin amongst a tour group full of diverse people. (What else would you find in a tour group?) As they did, I loved touring the Texas State Capital building, the museums, the grand old hotels, and the beautiful gardens. Come enjoy the various flavors of music, or watch the bats come out at night down by the river. And if you’re a football fan, don’t miss a single Longhorn game.

The second book in the series takes places in Colorado Springs. Stormy and her husband visit their niece, Ann, who is soon to graduate from the prestigious Air Force Academy. You will find much to do in this lovely city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, only a little over an hour south of Denver. It was exhilarating to ride the COG railway to the top of the famed Pike’s Peak. What a view from up there! And don’t forget to visit Miramont Castle, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, and many more of the wonderful places there. And let’s not forget to mention horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods.

I have planned out several more books in the series, each with its own mystery to solve.

I hope you will enjoy each one of them.

Finally...Fall!

2011-10-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

Finally, fall has arrived! You can feel it in the air, see it in the stores, hear it in the sounds all around you. It's a breath of fresh air after such a sizzling hot summer. It's a wonderful time of year: Halloween, just around that spooky, treat-filled corner; Thanksgiving, bringing a feast for family and friends; and Christmas, filled with joy and delightful surprises. And don't forget New Years, a time to begin all over again.

And for a writer, it's a wonderful time to stop, listen, and create! So take a moment, get out that pencil, sit down at that keyboard, and let your imagination take you on a wonderful adventure!

Ann Johnson--Niece, Air Force Cadet

2011-09-20T14:12:00.002-05:00

You'll meet Ann in my upcoming novel, "Shadowed in the Springs."

Ann is the daughter of Stormy’s youngest brother, Jared. Following in the footsteps of a family tradition of military service, she joined the Air Force shortly after she’d graduated High School. Scoring exceptionally well on her entrance exam, Ann was accepted to the prestigious Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is proud to be serving her country in this way. Now in her 4^th year of study, she is ready to graduate the following spring and head overseas to her first assignment.

Ann wears her naturally curly, brown hair shoulder length, which she gathers up to the back of her head when in uniform, as per regulations. Her blue eyes light up at the prospect of a day out with friends, and her smile will melt the heart of even the coldest character. Though only 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Ann’s classes mates, both male and female, show her respect when she is put in charge.

When not in uniform, Ann prefers dark jeans and a nice, colorful t-shirt.

She is careful about her choices in both her conduct and the choosing of her friends. She loves horseback riding, hiking, and dancing.

News Reporter, Chris Jacobs

2011-09-13T14:11:00.007-05:00

You will find Chris Jacobs in my upcoming novel, "Shadowed in the Springs."

A radio news reporter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chris works for News Radio. He is a warm, kind, helpful person. He can handle himself in most any situation, and can get to the heart of the story where others have a harder time doing so. Chris can be tough when the situation calls for it, but is always fair. He is well liked and respected by his co-workers.

Chris prefers his brown hair cut short, while sporting a closely cropped goatee on his rugged chin. He stands about 6 feet 11 inches and weighs a solid 220 pounds. One can usually find him wearing a nice pair of durable slacks and button-down shirt, with his news jacket left unzipped, even in colder weather. On his days off, however, it's polo-type shirts and many-pocketed cargo pants. He is in good shape from all the exercise he gets from his job and enjoys geocaching and wildlife photography on his off time. No matter if it's sunny, pouring rain, or snowing outside, you can usually find Chris out there enjoying himself.

Lance Winters--Part Two

2011-09-07T18:04:00.001-05:00

Lance is a thoughtful, caring man. He usually likes to think through a problem before acting upon it and is strong in his convictions.

He served in the US Army for over 40 years, first in the medical corp, then on to communications and IT work before retiring. He was very good at his job and retired a few years ago at the rank of full colonel.

Lance was born on a military base near Anchorage in the beautiful state of Alaska where his father was stationed at the time. He enjoyed playing in the snow, riding on snow mobiles, and racing dog sleds with his friends until his father was transferred to the warmer climate of Hawaii.

His family lineage is traced back to England, with some Irish, German, and a bit of French thrown in for good measure. His wife, Stormy, jokingly claims his occasional flare up of temper must come from the Irish blood in him.

Lance loves football (he played it in High School, but hurt his knee and couldn’t play in college), computer gaming, gardening (grows the best roses in the north Phoenix area), hiking, skiing, bicycling, and barbequing with the family or friends.

Most of all, he loves his wife, Stormy. He would do anything for her and tends to worry about the way she seems to always walk in on danger.

Lance Winters--Part One

2011-08-29T13:25:00.002-05:00

Lance, at 67, looks more his age than his wife, Stormy, with his short graying hair, nicely groomed salt and pepper mustache, and the wisdom of the years reflecting forth from soft brown eyes. It is often said, much to his chagrin, that he ‘robbed the cradle’ when he married Stormy. He is usually seen wearing button-down shirts and well creased slacks, but will occasionally don a polo shirt and jeans to fit the occasion. His clothes always fit quite nicely on his tall frame, and his black loafers are almost never seen without a spit-polished shine, a product of his years in the military. One only has to look at Lance to notice the fine military bearing about him from his many years of service in the U S Army.

His tanned skin is the result of his many hours spent beneath the hot Arizona sun caring for his prized rose garden.

Meet Stormy Winters--Part Two

2011-08-16T12:41:00.002-05:00

Stormy is a native of Phoenix, Arizona where she lives with her husband, Lance, 67, along with a dog and two cats.

She and Lance have three grown, married children and three grandchildren. She is retired from a position in management, working in a government agency. Lance is retired Army and the two of them met years ago in a government setting.

Stormy and Lance have lived overseas for short periods of their married life, but haven’t had much time to check out the USA. That’s what retirement means for them. Stormy loves adding new charms to her bracelet and picks out a new one wherever they travel. She also loves reading mystery books, gardening, visiting family, and going to the movies. Lance says she is too nosey for her own good, but she says it is just her curious nature and concern for others.

Stormy comes from a rather humble background and beginnings. Her father and both grandfathers served their countries in the military. Her family was never rich in money, but rich in family and love for one another. She spent summers helping out on her grandfather’s farm and was taught the value of hard work.

Family lineage—Swedish, with a little German—born in USA.

Meet Stormy Winters--Part One

2011-08-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

Stormy recently celebrated her 65th birthday, but she doesn't look a day over 50. Smooth skin and lovely blue-gray eyes, framed by dark-blonde hair combed neatly into place, may attribute to this misconception. This delights her to no end to be thought of as a younger woman.

She wears lightly applied make-up, as she refuses to pile it on like "ladies of the evening." Her clothes usually consist of tailored shirts and pants, blues and browns being her favorite colors, accented by a pair of opened-toed sandals. Sometimes she’ll wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, but claims them to be ‘too hot and uncomfortable’ for every day use.

She usually will be seen using a walking stick as she goes about. due by an ever-so-slight limp from a hip operation she under went a few years before. Concerned with watching her weight, she is careful with what she eats, though has a hard time resisting sweet rolls, Mexican food, and ice cream. Over all she’s in fairly good health.

I'm back!

2011-08-03T15:03:00.000-05:00

After dealing with some family issues, I'm back and ready to roll.

I've been working harder than ever to finish the second novel in the Stormy Winters Mystery series. I almost gave up on it, but thanks to the ongoing encouragement from my editor, it's coming along at a much faster pace now. If you haven't read the first one yet, The Austin Fires, give it a read and let me know what you think. You'll find my e-mail address at the end of my bio page. And thanks to all of you that have been purchasing The Austin Fires electronically on Amazon!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T21:57:00.002-06:00

We've had a wonderful Christmas week blessed with calls and visits from our loving family and friends. Thank you for your friendship and love. I wish a great new year for all of you!

Helping out in Arizona!

2009-10-02T11:04:00.002-05:00

I've been out here in Arizona for a little over two weeks now. I have a new grandson and I came back here to Sierra Vista (a nice,smaller city not far from the US/Mexico border)to help out with the baby and his two-year old brother. It has been a nice visit, though a little hot when the A/C went down for a few days.

Tomorrow I fly back to my home in San Antonio, and back to more serious writing time, with plenty of work to get done. I've been able to seek in a few minutes here and there, however, of novel writing while holding the new baby and chasing around the two-year old. Wow, is he ever a ball of energy! It's been a real workout for me!

My new children's book, Bugs Before Bedtime, has been delayed for a while longer as the illustrator has had a problem with his computer and will need more time to redo his work. This has been some what disappointing, but things will work out in the end. Please check back with me and keep an eye out for it!

Sizzilin' Summer!

2009-08-07T11:03:00.003-05:00

It's a "hot time in the old town tonight" as they say, but not for the reasons that saying usually means. This whole summer has been one big heat wave followed by another, and another, and another, and....! If you've been following the news, or perhaps live in an area as we do plagued with this drought, you have seen the devastating results of its affects.

I love to garden! I always have. I love the connection I feel to nature and Mother Earth as I dig in the soil, plant new seeds or seedlings, or fresh from the nursery flowers or bushes. It makes my heart sing to watch them grow and bloom out as I tend to them.

But this year it has been difficult and disappointing to say the least. It has been a real struggle to keep anything alive in this terrible heat. We are on tight water restrictions here in San Antonio. We can still water our lawns once a week, but that may change soon as the drought worsens. We may soon be at stage 3 on restrictions.

But my problems are a drop in the bucket compared to what others are experiencing. Here in Texas many have lost their crops, their cattle ranches, their businesses. We are all praying for the much needed rain to come our way. I find it interesting that other areas of the country are having too much rain and are praying for it to lighten up. Please, send some of it our way, will you?

Star Trek Movie Pretty Good!

2009-05-20T17:23:00.005-05:00

Have you seen the new Star Trek movie? If you enjoyed the previous ones, you would most likely enjoy this one as well. My husband and I, just newly married at the time, enjoyed seeing the very first Star Trek movie when it hit the theaters. In fact, it was the first movie we saw together.

I accompanied my family and our son's friends to the local theater this past Friday evening. Being that the movie had only been out since the previous Friday, my husband bought our tickets online to prevent the disappointment of being sold out when we arrived.

With ticket printouts in hand, we hoped to get there early and get a good seat. But after a series of slowness, not on my part this time I can report, we arrived with only 15 minutes to spare. As we climbed the ramp and rounded the corner to the assigned theater, our lively conversation came to a standstill as we discovered that the only seats left for us to sit together were the first two rows down in front and the last row at the very top. Forgoing the top row where one practically needs binoculars and an oxygen mask, we opted instead to grab the second row from the front, hoping we wouldn't have to schedule a trip to the chiropractor the next day.

I enjoy watching movies like everyone else, but usually prefer to wait for them to come out on DVD so I can pop up my own, less costly, popcorn, or whatever else I wish to eat on my Weight Watchers list, (well, I must admit that some times the snack isn't always WW approved) and recline in my favorite chair. And, if one of us must leave the room for a short break, we can pause the movie and not miss a single moment of the action. Now what theater would allow you to do this? I can hear the crowd now, "Not again. Can't you hold it?"

After a time of trying to adjust my eyes to the closeness of the action and the turning of the head to see the small Enterprise ship in the far right corner of the huge screen as it stared down the mammoth evil ship, I found myself pulled into the action and enjoyed each of the familiar characters as they were introduced into the storyline. The actors did a good job of playing the roles of the Enterprise's "youthful" characters.

Over all, it turned out to be a fun adventure and well worth the journey.

I can't help but think that if that small group of boys, who stated rather loudly how bad the movie was as they walked out in the middle of it, would have changed their minds had they stayed to see the second half.

Check It Out!

2009-04-14T16:12:00.002-05:00

I'm back and beginning to feel better. I can now exercise a bit and hope to continue on my quest to losing more weight as I had before the accident. Going to the type of chiropractor I mentioned in a previous entry, really helped me a lot. I would reccomend it to anyone with a spinal problem.

I hope you found and read my latest article in Back Home magazine. This came out in their March/April 2009 issue and is entitled "Move Over, Rubber Duckies." It is an article about how in searching for the best way for us to raise our new baby chickens, I can upon the idea of putting them in our master bedroom's bath tub. Now what husband would be nice enough to let their wife do that? Mine. He's a wonderful guy!

I have submitted more articles for possible publication to other magazines, and I'll keep you posted on where they land.

Thank you for your comments and e-mails.
Have a great week!
S. A. Slack

As They Say "One Day At A Time"

2009-02-07T15:55:00.004-06:00

I am still having pain from the accident, thus slowing down my weight loss and writing, but this new method that my chiropractor does is really helping me. It is known as Advanced BioStructural Correction. Even though it can be painful at times during the adjustments, I can feel it working to bring my spine back to where it was before the accident. (The car accident caused my spine to be pushed forward and to one side, causing all kinds of problems.) It has taken the pressure off of my lungs and I can move around a bit better now. You can check this out by going to this website: http://www.abcmiracles.com/

As for Weight Watchers, I am still doing fairly well on this program. I still love it! However, I have had a lot of swelling and inflammation with my injuries, so it has been hard to lose more weight. But this won't stop me from keeping at it. I will win this battle yet!

I want to thank my husband and my 17-year old son, Erik, for all of the help they have been to me during this time. They are wonderful!

It Could Have Been Worse...

2009-01-17T13:33:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, we woke up to a cold morning and a threat of rain in the skies. One of our sons works for Wendy's several days a week, and even though he is off Fridays, he was asked to come in for a few hours to fill in for another employee. Many days he walks to work, but I was concerned about the weather and offered to drive him.

On the way back home after dropping him off, I entered the main street to our neighborhood and proceeded along until I came to one of the many speed bumps in the area. This one is located just a short distance before the first cross street along the road on which I was traveling. I slowed down to about 10 miles an hour going over the bump, then started picking up speed as I entered the intersection. I noticed to my left, speeding down the adjoining cross street, came a light-colored car. To my horror I realized that the car was not going to stop at the stop sign. The only thing I could do was to step on the gas and try to get out of the intersection and the other cars way.

Being in a van, my father's bright blue one, it ended up that I needed more time than I had and the other car, a four-door model, ran through the stop sign, crossed the two lanes, and plowed into the back section of the van, right behind the driver's side rear tire. The impact spun the van around and I found myself sitting in the same lane I had been driving in, but now facing the opposite direction than I had been going. The woman driving the other car came to a stop on the opposite side of the intersection.

Needless to say, I was shook up and some what dizzy from the spinning ride. Fortunatly, the woman admitted that she was in a hurry and had run the stop sign, and that it was all her fault. I did find it odd, however, that she was moving the bumper of her car out of the street as another woman from a corner house swept the street of the glass and parts all BEFORE the police arrived. The woman from the corner house said that she had seen several accidents on that corner before.

I was blessed that I escaped with only a neck and back ache and some bruises along my left arm and leg. I limped my Dad's car back to our house (both of my parents now live with us), and my husband came home from work and took me to the local hospital to be checked out. That, in itself, is another story. What is it with hospitals and emergency rooms? They sure aren't very quick about anything!

My newest magazine article is out!

2009-01-01T23:29:00.002-06:00

Hi,

Just wanted to let you all know that my newest article is out in the Jan/Feb issue of Back Home magazine. It is called "Bacon, With a Little Sausage" and tells of our adventures in raising pigs. You will find it in the magazine starting on page 48. They have the magazine on sale now in bookstores and where other magazines are sold.

Check it out and let me know what you think.
Susan

Merry Christmas and a Great New Year to You All!

2008-12-25T20:43:00.002-06:00

Hi All,

I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a great New Year ahead of you! We have had a most wonderful Christmas this year with having three of our six children here with us, including their families. It has been noisier than usual, but I've loved every minute of it. What better thing than to be with one's family at this time of year. We have been truly blessed!

To update you:
I finished and was one of the winners in the NaNoWriMo event this year. I really had fun and would recommend it to anyone who loves to write, even a little bit.
Also, I have lost a few more pounds on the Weight Watcher's program, so much so that many of my friends and family have noticed the difference in me and have commented on it. Though the last few days I may have eaten more than I had planned to. Any way, I really love the program and the new extra things they have added to the plan. It is a great way of eating for anyone.

I wish you all success in everything you set out to do. Keep on trying and don't give up. It's well worth it!
SS

NaNoWriMo 2008

2008-11-12T19:19:00.004-06:00

Hi All,

This month of November is the National Novel Writing Month. This is the second week of the month long contest and the third year I've participated in it. The idea is to write at least a 50,000 word novel in one months time.

When I first started participating in this novel writing contest/challenge three years ago, I wasn't sure I could keep up the pace that it requires and write that fast. Now, after my third year I find I have no trouble keeping up with it. In fact, I try to get in at least 2000 words a day amongst the many other things I have to get done. It is a lot of fun to participate and well worth the time.

Why don't you check it out for yourself and see what you think?
Go to www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node

An update on my success with the Weight Watchers program:

Over all I have lost about 12 pounds so far and counting. I have to admit that I've done a bit of yo-yoing at times with my weight during birthday celebrations, but I just keep at it each day. And even though it has been a little tough at times, I think the journey is well worth it!

Here's to a slimmer me, and you as well!
S A Slack

Back on the Ranch!

2008-10-22T16:21:00.002-05:00

A friend from Weight Watchers was talking about her experience with a goat and it got me to thinking about the ranch we used to live on a few years back. Actually, I think about it and write about it a lot. We had a lot of things happen to us while on that ranch and with our animals.

Our kids were always volunteering us to bring this animal or that one to school. I usually didn't mind though. We took in geese, chickens, goats, an old rooster, fish, rats, a few puppies we were raising for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, and several other things, and there was always something that happened in the process. And many of our animals were chosen for science fair projects, all humane ones I can assure you.

But one event comes to mind most vividly today. It was the auction.

We decided to take an assortment of fowl to an auction that was over an hour’s drive away. We loaded the birds into their cages and put them into the back of our old jeep and headed out. The crowing and clucking and honking, we did okay with, but the ammonia smell got so strong that by the time we arrived at the auction we had all the windows as far down as possible and my dear husband was driving with his body slammed up against the driver’s door, his head part way out his window trying to see where he was going and I was hanging my head out the passenger’s side window in hopes for a breath of fresh air. Good thing we were only around other animal people at the auction and not going to some social event. We didn’t try it that way again and when it came time for the pigs, well they got to ride in a trailer.

I am still doing good on Weight Watchers and have lost another couple of pounds. Yeah! I've finally found a plan I can stick with and see results. It's great!

Wishing you all a wonderful month. Don't forget to get out and vote!

S A Slack

Fall & Loosing Weight!

2008-10-11T13:57:00.002-05:00

Fall is definitely on its way. I love change and I love the change of the seasons. Not only the weather, but the difference in colors as well. Nature holds such beauty any time of the year, and I really enjoy being outside to garden and enjoy it all! And as each season comes along, I look forward to it in earnest.

The hot weather is beginning to cool off and is most welcome to many of us, me included. Oh, to have a little snow here in San Antonio would be nice, but alas, it is not to be. Maybe we'll get a little rain this weekend. That would be good for the area and fun to play in its first sprinkles.

I'm serious to shed these extra pounds! So I began not only an exercise program every day, but 3 1/2 weeks ago I started with the Weight Watchers online program. I have heard much over the years about the many success stories and decided to give it a try myself. I am very impressed with it so far and have lost over 5lbs. I intend to continue with this and make it a life long way of living along with the exercising. I've tried other things before, but nothing has worked for me as well as Weight Watchers has. I'll keep you informed on my progress from time to time.

Have a great week end all!

Hurricane Ike

2008-09-12T13:09:00.004-05:00

Once again we are awaiting the land fall of yet another hurricane to hit the coasts of Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This one, Hurricane Ike, is expected to do a large amount of damage not only to the coast, but to many places of the U.S. inland from its initial landing, all the way up to the state of Maine.

It's Friday afternoon here in San Antonio, Texas as I write this and the clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up. Most all of the bottled water, flashlights, and larger-size batteries are gone from the store's shelves, along with various other items, as residents stock up on things to weather the storms' impact. The news and weather channels are full of pictures and images of the wind and flooding damage the hurricane has caused so far, even before it has hit the coast in full force. And many people have decided to stay put who live in the hurricane's path, even though they have been told to leave those areas. But I think the nuttiest ones are those you see that are having what looks like parties down on the beaches of the coast as the hurricane comes in. What are they thinking with the 30 foot waves! One can only hope that the damage won't be as bad as predicted and the loss of life will be minimal if at all.

On a happier note, I received a message that another one of the articles I wrote and submitted has been accepted for publication by a quality magazine. And with the weather like it is outside today and will be through out the weekend, I'll be staying in and working on some more.

Wow, is it ever hot!

2008-09-03T11:26:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's very hot outside here this week! Hurricane Fay had sent a few rain storms our way to water and cool things off here in San Antonio a few weeks ago, but Hurricane Gustav was a bit short in sending our way any of its moisture. Just a lot of sticky heat! Yesterday, in returning home from a few necessary errands, I burned my hand on our front door's scorching knob, then headed for the kitchen in search of a tall glass of ice cold water.

My heart goes out to all those who felt the wrath of Gustav, and I hope they get the help they need as quickly as possible, but at the same time...I can't wait for the fall and winter months to arrive!

Even though I have a great love for nature and the outdoors, I think I'll enjoy the time I spend inside writing a bit more.

2008-08-19T12:00:00.003-05:00

Freedom and the Flag

2008-07-07T10:40:00.005-05:00

We have just gone through the 4th of July weekend, Independence Day, here in the USA. There were fireworks, music, barbeque, and some rain. We recently moved into a new house, well, previously occupied by others, and I noticed that there was no place to hang up a flag, no holder of any kind. We have always put out our flag for the 4th and other patriotic holidays and I wanted to do so this time as well. So down to Home Depot my husband and I went. We bought the necessary items, including a new flag since ours looked a bit worn out, and went to work installing the mount and flag to the bricks out front. My dear husband worked hard drilling into those bricks, the sweat pouring down his forehead, that we might show our love for this country and to those who fought, and fight, and died that we might live free.

Emotion flooded me from head to toes as I watched the flag flapping in the breeze outside our home. Ever since I was a small child, I have felt a deep emotion when seeing our countries flag flying near me.

We may get stepped on and belittled by the world, even Europe where many of us originated from, for trying to help other countries gain their freedom. This is a sad situation indeed. The world should pull together in this. I love this country and what it tries to do for others.

As I looked around our new neighborhood, and others around our area, it sadden me to see but only a few flags flying from the areas' homes. What has become of patriotism these days? When I was young, almost every house flew the flag proudly from their homes and flag poles, but as the years have gone by this practice has become less and less.

Wake up, America! We enjoy many freedoms others do not. Don't take this freedom for granted as it may not always be this way. Remember those who have fought, and those who do now, to keep not only us, but others throughout the world free from terrorists and the like. Put out those flags and fly them with the honor and respect they deserve.

My New Children's Book

2008-05-28T14:59:00.003-05:00

I await the decision of the publisher on whether or not they will publish my new children's book or if I will have to look else where. When one is waiting, time does not march along, it crawls. But I am hopeful that you will all see it out one day soon.

The wonderful ongoing mystery on here has come to an end. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

I am moving to a new house, so will not be able to write on here much over this next few weeks, but I will return.

Take care,
S. A. Slack

Comment Here About Ongoing Mystery

2008-05-07T18:57:00.002-05:00

Following the mystery on my site? Have any comments or advice?

We'd love to hear from you!

Spring And Its Interesting Weather!

2008-05-02T11:58:00.003-05:00

May has brought with it an array of interesting weather.

Across the country you can find places where one day you are roasting to death from the heat and the next, you are bundling up due to the cold and snow outside. In other areas the flowers are in full bloom with plenty of sunshine, while in some parts they are just starting to bud out as spring rains fall from the skies.

Where ever you live in this wonderful world of ours, be it spring or fall, hot or cold, take the time to enjoy life. Be happy with what we have here and now.

By the way, if you haven't yet, check out the latest developements of our ongoing mystery here on my site. It appears to be coming to a climax soon!

A New Development

2008-03-27T22:40:00.002-05:00

Have you checked out the new clues on the Mystery page yet? What do you think about them? Any ideas as to the place where I should go to look for clues? Let me know as the clock is running and any clues may be gone!

New Mystery Page Ready

2008-03-15T21:05:00.002-05:00

Take a look at my new mystery pages and help me solve the mystery. It it up and running now and is filled with several clues for readers to look over. If you think you know the answer to a particular clue, or have a comment about the mystery, just e-mail me and I'll post it to the pages.

I'll look forward to your help.

Help Solve A Mystery

2008-03-10T22:11:00.002-05:00

I hope many of you have been enjoying the previous entry concerning the mystery in which Natalie has asked me to help her solve. Besides the blog entries, I have also received several postcards from various places around the country concerning this mystery and even a few text messages on my cell phone. Hmmm?

Coming soon will be a new set of pages added to this website inviting readers to help me solve this mystery. The postcards and their messages will be included as well for you to examine.

I hope many of you will join in the fun. If you do, maybe other mysteries may come our way.

The Game Is Afoot!

2008-02-26T13:54:00.002-06:00

I love a good mystery! I love to write them and I love to solve them.

Recently I received a postcard in the mail from a reader with a mystery picture on the front and a message written to me on the back. It says that they love my mystery books and wondered if I would like a "little mystery of my own to solve."

I agreed, and now as Sherlock Holmes would say "the game is afoot." I am to expect my first clue shortly.

I will keep you all informed on here and who knows, maybe one of you can help me solve it.

Back from Colorado

2008-01-28T18:35:00.001-06:00

I just returned this past weekend from Colorado. I was both in Denver and Colorado Springs where Stormy Winters and I traipsed throughout the many interesting sites in search of more story for our second novel in the Stormy Winters Mystery series, Shadowed in the Springs.

I had fun and met many nice and helpful people along the way. The weather was pretty good, though the snow and ice did get in the way a few times, such as when my sister slipped and fell on a patch of ice bruising her knees (sorry, sis) as we bravely made our way along a mountain path as a cold wind whipped at our face threatening to freeze us solid before we completed our quest.

Over all it was lovely to be back in the Rockies once more. I have lived in both Denver and the Springs in the past and love them both! After many pages of notes and quite a few photos, I think the pages of Shadowed in the Springs should prove quite intriguing.

Happy New Year To All!

2008-01-08T11:12:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is 2008 -- another new year just peaking over the horizon. A new opportunity to begin anything we set our mind to. A time to start out on our journey, set challenges, and bring about improvements in our lives.

I will be working on two main things this year, plus a few side ones. The first is to bring more order to my life and that of my family. Life can get so very hectic and spin out of control at times. I plan to work on this the best I can and bring more order to things around us. Of course, life always throws in its little surprises now and then, but one must learn to roll with those punches. The second thing is to get out and get more exercise. This is a must for me and will definitely help me to think clearer to continue on with my writing.

We had a lot going on in December, so I didn't get to write in this blog as I had planned. I want to wish you all a belated Merry Christmas any way. I hope you all had the chance to be with family and friends at this special time of year. I did and loved every minute of it!

Let me know a few of the things you will be working on this year. I would love to hear from you.

Greetings Sweden!

2007-12-13T09:06:00.000-06:00

Hello to all my family and friends there in Sweden!

I hope you are having a wonderful Advent with all of the cookies, Saffron rolls, and grog you are making. I miss being there in Sweden with you this time of year. Though the days are much shorter now, I love the magic of the land, the warm friendly people, and the songs and beautiful snow flakes falling as everyone attends the St. Lucia celebrations. I miss the giant moose that stop to look back at you as you stop the car to look at them, and the majestic reindeer prancing across the roads in search of food sources on the other side.

I'm in the middle of writing another article about the stories and folklore of Sweden. Thanks to my cousin, Monica, I have more wonderful incite to these treasures of my wonderful ancestors.

I believe in the gnomes and the little people. How about you?

Weekend Signings a Success

2007-12-10T13:47:00.000-06:00

We had a great weekend doing book signings in Austin! I ended up with three store signings in two days instead of the two signings I'd originally went there to do and both my promotionalist and I were very pleased with the results. A big thanks to the friendly, helpful store managers and their staff!

I have to admit though that even while I had a lot of fun with the signings and met some very nice people, I was very tired by the end of the second day. I'll have to rest up for a few days before I hit the trail again.

For any of you that haven't bought your copy of The Austin Fires, a Stormy Winters Mystery, there is still time to order it before Christmas for yourself or that mystery lover on your Christmas list. You can order it through my website or just go to Amazon.com or Borders.com directly and buy it there. And don't forget, if you have one of the great new Kindles from Amazon, you can buy and download it from them in a matter of minutes.

Have a great week!

Birthdays and Family

2007-12-03T09:09:00.000-06:00

I just celebrated a birthday this last Saturday and thanks to my wonderful family, it was a great day! When I woke up I was a little down about turning another year older, but by the end of the day I felt much better about it thanks to my family. My husband made a delicious breakfast of pancakes with blueberry syrup, bacon, two kinds of fruit, and juice. What a nice treat! My mother had been cooking the night before, and then again that afternoon, and made a wonderful mexican dinner filled with enchilads, tamales, green chile roast burritos, beans, and rice. It was quite a feast and oh so heavenly! I was stuffed. My oldest son, Joshua and his wife and two children came from Austin to decorate and help me celebrate my day. My youngest son, Erik helped them fill the house with balloons. They did a very good job. I heard from all of my other children by phone as well, making it a very special day for me. Was I spoiled---You bet!

Hello to my friends in Brazil!

2007-11-29T17:54:00.000-06:00

Hello Brazil fans! Thank you for all of your support in my writing and for coming to my website. Let me hear more from you. I love your country and hope to visit there some day.

New York Times Book Section

2007-11-25T22:43:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to say that my book, The Austin Fires, appeared in the New York Times Book Section today! It is exciting to see it in there. If you get the Times, take a look and let me know what you think. My oldest son had to track me down a copy of it in Austin as we don't have a subscription of it. Thanks, son!

My husband and I had a nice drive today through the Texas back roads as we went to pick up our youngest son from our oldest son's house in Austin. It always amazes me how our GPS unit (actually my husband's toy) try's to take us places. We never know where the thing will take us when we use it to travel a ways from our home. Today we ended up on a very narrow CR (county road) that was pretty much a one lane road. We had assumed (not always a good thing to do) that it would be a paved, two lane road, so were surprised to find it a hard-packed dirt road. When we came to an open gate in the middle of the road with a ranch name posted by it, my husband stopped the car. We were too far from where we had entered on this road, and the Australian lady on the GPS unit continued to urge us onward, so gingerly we proceeded forward. After splashing through several large mud puddles, and wondering what we had gotten ourselves into, we finally arrived at the highway we were hoping we would find.

That all said, it was actually a fun adventure and we saw several "hidden" ranches and lovely scenery along the trek. I wonder where we may end up next time?

I've Been Kindleized!

2007-11-22T10:49:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to announce that my novel, The Austin Fires, is now available on the new reading device from Amazon, The Kindle. Please check it out!

And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Guitar Hero II

2007-11-20T10:52:00.001-06:00

My teenage son is off from High School this week for the Thanksgiving Holiday and he asked me if I would play with him on Guitar Hero II. I had seen he and his friends playing this a few times before, but it looked hard to me. I told my son that I just couldn't right now, but he insisted that I give it a try. You know, "Oh, come on, Mom. Just give it a try." So I did.

Only one song, I said, as I picked up the other guitar and placed the strap over my shoulder.

And I was right---it was hard. But with his encouragement, I kept going and before I knew it we had done several songs before my left hand finally gave out.

And I discovered something----it was fun!

I am thankful for my son and all of my children, husband, family, and friends.
Family----take time out with them. You'll be glad you did.

Wonderful visit!

2007-11-15T15:19:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful time visiting friends and family on our trip to Arizona! And we had some delicious food while there. I was able to do a lot of research for a novel I am working on for the Stormy Winters Mysteries there in Sierra Vista. I think it's going to be an exciting one full of hidden secrets and ghosts. Too bad it is not the next one that is coming out, but that one holds some interesting scenes and plots as well.

Please feel free to comment on here as I promise I will reply to each one.

NaNoWriMo-Novel

2007-11-04T16:21:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again for the NaNoWriMo contest. Every November 1st writers, new and experienced, the world over are invited to join in and get their novels started. It is the beginning of a great race to see how many can reach at least 50,000 words before the end of the month. And a race it is! I joined in last year and had such a good time, I decided to do it again this November. I'm going strong this year, and once again pumped by it all.

I will be on travel to Sierra Vista, Arizona for this week for some book researching, but will have my laptop with me, of course, and will continue the event each opportunity I get.

Happy writing!

Book Signings Scheduled

2007-10-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce that the book signings for The Austin Fires are being scheduled for Dec. in Austin, TX and will soon be for San Antonio, TX.

Signings scheduled so far:

Borders Express--Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Austin, TX--Friday, Dec. 7th, from
7 to 9PM.

B. Dalton--Highland Mall, Airport Blvd., Austin, TX--Saturday, Dec, 8th, from 12 (noon) to 2PM.

If you are in the area, please stop by and visit with me.

(Signings in San Antonio will be forthcoming.)

Plans have changed...

2007-10-18T14:19:00.000-05:00

There has been a change in plans concerning which novel will be book two in my Stormy Winters Mystery series. It was to be set in Oahu, but by request I have put that one aside for book three. Book two in the series will now take place in Colorado Springs and I'm busily writing that one. It will be ready next year for publication. It has a lot of twists and turns in it and finds Stormy and Lance involved in things that are better left alone!

Making its way around!

2007-10-06T21:51:00.000-05:00

I have been both pleased and excited to see how quickly my new novel has been making its way around the internet and being carried by book stores. Thanks to all of you who have purchased my books so far. I hope you are enjoying it.

My next book is coming along well and has been quite fun to write. I loved our trip to Oahu that my husband and I took this past May, and from what we saw, it just had to be the place for Stormy Winter's next adventure!

Have a great week!

It's Out!

2007-09-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

I am excited to anounce that my new book, The Austin Fires, A Stormy Winters Mystery, is out in print now. I received the first copy by UPS today, with several more to follow next week. I think Author House did a wonderful job with it, and they really have been very helpful and a pleasure to work with through out the whole process. The Austin Fires seems to already be making its way, rather quickly, around to the internet's book sites, besides Amazon.com. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Hi Everyone

2007-07-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hi and welcome to my world!

My son suggested that I start a blog on my website, so here it goes. This is my first blog, so come along with me and we'll see where it leads to.

Books have always been a part of my life. I attribute this to my dear Mother who spent many hours reading to my siblings and me when we were small children, besides being an avid reader herself. I followed her example and enjoyed reading to my own children when they were young as well. I love to read about most anything, though stories of adventure, mystery, animals, and miracles are at the top of my list. I also love history and art. I love to learn and will continue to do so the rest of my life.

I have written stories and poems for all age groups for as long as I can remember. Writing is in my blood, a part of my very being, and I suspect it always will be.

I enjoy entertaining children with "on the spot" stories whenever I'm watching them for awhile. It is even more enjoyable when I can get them to participate in helping me create the story by adding their own imagination to it. I use to do this at night with my children as they were growing up instead of always reading a storybook, and we came up with many fun adventures!

I have enjoyed having my work published and I have much more to write in the years to come. I hope you will enjoy my works as much as I love writing them!

See you at the library some time!