Interview with local ABC affiliate Norma Holland

And then they were ...Sisters

It's time, isn't it.
Autumn. Gathering. Nesting.

There is much more for me to do here, at My Quirks and My Compass...
It's still new to me!

But it's also time for the sister book to begin taking shape.
So now the two shall extend, touch fingertips,
and learn one another...

Half Moons and Maiden Names

Happy "Going Into Labor" Day Weekend!

A funny holiday, oui? Rest for the workers.

I did some fiddling today.
By some, I mean delicious hours.
By fiddling, I mean connecting imagination with fingertips.

I know it's too soon!
My Quirks is still an infant! Boxes of books and black stones and new Sharpies! And I know it's a resting holiday.

But I miss the movies in my mind. And so...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When he returned, he had a plate of cold turkey, two buttermilk biscuits, and a tiny glass bowl of honey. He nodded, and the two men started eating off the same plate, without utensils, silently filling the emptiness. They dipped into the same honey, overlooking the sticky crumbs left by the other, the burden of words behind them, now.

Barnes & Noblest

Thanks to Norma Holland for arranging this!
And to Rebecca & Anja for hosting!

And the Winner is...

Marguerite, from Cajun Delights!
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s !
Hope you enjoy the myQ & myC shirt!

Thanks - everyone - for playing!
More games of skill and chance coming in September!

And remember - as August subtly backs out of the room,
it's a perfect time to curl up & dream
with a great book!

peace~ Chuck

Show your true (Quirk-y) colors!

Because one can never be too Quirky...
The semi-annual, once-in-a-lifetime myQ & myC t-Contest!

the Prize: a 100% cotton My Quirks & My Compass t-shirt!

the Rules: anyone who comments, here, by 8/26/09 is auto-entered! i'll draw a name from a salty, sailor hat (as featured in the book) on 8/27.

the Fine Print: the shirt goes soo well with a softcover or audio book... Ooo, la-la! (but owning is not a stipulation for the purposes of this contest.) offer void where prohibited. tax, title, dealer prep... bla bla bla.

Good luck!
Chuck

myQ & myC: now on your Kindle!

Rejoice! Rejoice!
'Cause now you have a choice!
Purchase, steal, or swindle
Audio, Softcover, and now Kindle!

And it all starts here.
(Or search "my quirks" on Amazon.)

Thank you...
for the lovely Amazon Reviews!
It's deeply gratifying to hear your thoughts.

Drop a note - anytime!
peace~
Chuck

Look Inside! feature is now on Amazon!

You know how to get there, right?

When you arrive Inside, sample the "Surprise Me" feature!
Wow... that renders some awesome peeks!
(Use with caution! Don't spoil your appetite!)

And remember: Do something crazy for the last moments of July!
peace~

This space is for doodling

By now, audio and softcover books are making their way into homes and hands. I am grateful - always - for your feedback!

The Amazon page allows book reviews, and I started a discussion at the bottom of that page for audio book reviews. If you like, you can copy/paste your comments to/from this blog. (That would be fabulous!)

Thank you, again.
It's a great honor to hear what you feel,
and to feel what you hear and read!

peace~ Chuck

Softcover book now Amazon-available!

Funny... this is the picture from my first post! What a ride!

Thank you!
Once again, to thee I extend my deepest gratitude. You have been my best, most supportive friends since February. And I would love to meet you on the road, in your local cafe, library, everywhere!

Please let me know what you think of the book!
You can also voice your feedback on Amazon!
More to come...

Available from Amazon!

Audio Books Now Available!

Walk this way... Talk this way...

You can place your Audio Book feedback here!
Would love to know your thoughts!
peace~ Chuck

Sample from the myQ & myC Audio Book

Here's a taste of what will be available by week's end!
Sample chapter.

Note: Best with headphones (and a really big glass of wine)!
It's the 2nd best 5:24 you could possibly blow tonight!

Enjoy!

closeted a bit too long...

Status: audio recording

i'm gonna go out on a revealing limb, here

ya know, as i recorded the first chapters
i was making some damn-funny bloopers!
swearin' & laughin' - all alone in this little studio!
(read: closet.)

but as the story unfolded,
i was getting into the heavier parts...
some lovely. and some very sad.

and i found myself - God! - wracked with tears
at the same passages as when i penned them!


i guess that's good, eh?
i guess that shows that at least i(!)
think it's emotionally worthy.

we shall see!
14 chapters down, 14 & an epilogue to go!

thank you
thank you for being out there, in here.
thank you for your beautiful energy. Chuck~

Minute hands & microphones

I bought a new microphone today.
I didn't buy it because it's
the Larry King desktop style, but that didn't hurt, either.
(Cue the suspenders & six wives.)

Will start recording the audio book on Wednesday.

*** Pop Quiz! ***
Circle True or False:
I was once the voice of the Kodak voice response unit.

"Welcome to InfoExpress... a Kodak system
that delivers information on Kodak products and services.
If this is your first visit, and you'd like an index, press 1.
If you know the document you desire, press 2."

If you circled True, 5 points!

I promise to save/include the outtakes!
"Julian pursed his... dang! HER..."
"Julian pressed up against the Washington monu... shoot!"
"Julian pressed up against the washing machine. The spin cycle always summoned..."

...and so it goes.



practicing my semaphore.jpg or swatting bees.tif

the printer says...

"Thank you for ordering a proof copy of "My Quirks and My Compass," Book #3391803. This is to notify you your order has been shipped and you will soon receive it."

If Copy #1 is 100%, then I get to throw the Big Giant Switch and make the thing appear on Amazon.

I'm hoping they can also help me find my...



Xo!

Snapshots & silhouettes

"Congratulations, the files for My Quirks and My Compass have been reviewed and meet the submission specifications. The next step in the publishing process is to order your book's proof copy."

Cover and content approved! Proof (an actual book) ordered!
I'm still teetering on the High Strung side of the equation (it's been a rugged few days), but if the book is 100%, then Amazon availability will follow.

I once promised to share the original version of the cover photo...
I never dreamed that this shot would have a 2nd chance at life,
but I'm hoping that the silhouette of this girl becomes world-famous!
(Something whispered to my shutter button finger: snap it!)

peace & best vibes to you all!
Chuck

Pensive Pony Media: new logo!

I threw open the barn door & found this:

One step closer to... p u b l i c a t i o n !
Thanks for keeping your eye on the clock.

peace & hoofbeats~
Chuck

Pensive Pony Media sets sail!

When i go to print later this month,
it will be under a brand-new publishing label...

Yesterday i took the first steps
toward the creation of
Pensive Pony Media.

1 employee: me
1 book title: myQ and myC
1 goal: to bring new writers and artists into the light (can i get a "Giddyap!")

The logistics are keeping me awake at night, but it's also a thrill! Keep your eye on the countdown clock at myquirksandmycompass.com

And thank YOU for providing the backdrop for this incredible dream!
With peace & affection~ Chuck

ps 100% of this post was written on an iPod... in Maine!

Dot Calm

It's curious...

I started writing last Thanksgiving.
And myQ & myC will be available in July. Not quite the full 9-moon gestation, but I'm ready! (This kid's gettin' heavy!)

So, while s/he assumes the birthing position, I took the opportunity to decorate the nursery. Let me know what you think!

www.myquirksandmycompass.com

My best to thee~
Chuck