Writings of G.R. Revelle

Sad news...a mother passes

2011-03-31T14:27:00Z

I have just learned from my Swedish cousin that the mother cat, pictured on the cover of My Enemy's Child, has died of complications of giving birth yet again. The only surviving kitten is being nursed carefully by the children at the farm.

No one really knew the cat's age, but it was estimated at seventeen or eighteen years. She was well along when she lost her right eye, fending off an attacking Tom Cat which was trying to kill her latest litter. That was just days before I took the cover photo for the novel with "Cat" and Pauliina.

When I saw the mother cat last August (2010), she seemed quite strong and was expecting once again. She had earlier risen to the position of "Boss Cat" in the barn and defended her title vigorously, accepting no nonsense from the other cats.

See the photo of Paulina who was five years old on the book cover and "Cat", which I took in August:

http://www.smultron-pub.com/My_Enemy%27s_Child/Paulina_Page.html

Looking Forward

2011-01-06T00:59:00Z

Believe it or not the economy even affects authors. For instance, we've seen a consistent decline in book sales at the fantastic Nordic get-together in North Dakota, Höstfest (fall festival). This flies in the face of previous sales since my first invitation to attend Höstfest, when I only had one novel to my credit. In the last year I attended with seven novels.

Discouraging? Well, no. Not at my age and experience. I think it's to be expected. Of course, this might have been somewhat different if I was being offered by an international publisher. The pitfalls that come from that avenue are complicated by distribution and book returns which can be dangerously expensive to authors. Something I haven't yet been willing to risk. All in all, the publishing business is in a shambles right not and bookstores like Borders, with their recent bankruptcy, are paying the price.

Amazon or one of the major booksellers, you might say, would better serve you. Possibly, especially in numbers of books distributed, but the aforementioned pitfalls also lie waiting to claim my time (I have to write sometime) and profits. The share an author receives from these big distributors and resellers is quite small in comparison.

For all that I am willing to continue taking myself and books to the assorted festivals and occasional speaking engagements...just waiting and seeing. We expect Smultron will one day soon, be serving e-books from their office and not have to pay several middle-men for something they are capable of doing right now.

What sustains a writer, you might ask, or an actor or other artist is not the same as, for instance, a politician, or businessperson. For my part, I find that I must write, despite the reward, or not, of book sales. I'm certain other "artists" feel much the same.

I always say that every customer has a story and I usually hear many of them. The best ones often come from someone who has read one or more of my books. Often they are older and perhaps may have had some experience with the subject matter and/or the era. You can read some of them on our web-site's Readers Forum on www.smultron-pub.com.

Yet, I remember a young woman still in high school who stopped to chat at one of the Nordic Festivals. She told me that she had "watched" that book (My Enemy's Child) for a year and hesitated to spend her limited funds, but finally did. Returning to the festival the following year she related the story and told me that it was the very best book she had ever read.

Considering her age in comparison to some of my older customers, one might discount her praise. Well, what does a girl of that age know, afterall? On the other hand one can be extremely proud to have reached so deeply into the psyche of a teenager for her to share that with me...and I am.

Hostfest in Minot N.D.

2010-11-29T18:45:00Z

This year's annual Nordic Höstfest (Fall Festival) supposedly had record attendance. As usual, the four, twelve hour days of book signing and talking with people passed quickly. Here are some photos and appropriate comments.

These guys in Skålmusik (from Minnesota) really rocked the hall daily with genuine Nordic music that could be heard from end to end. I longed for a dance partner whenever I passed by. For the non-Nordic, Skål means bowl...not the kind you eat your porridge from, but the sort you drink from if you're a Viking.

Twice daily, this youthful troop marched, danced and sang their way throughout the halls, stopping the crowd wherever they performed. They were led and encouraged by a group of dedicated adults, including Art B., on the accordion, below.

Sometimes I think other people play my fiddle more than I do. It never fails that someone doesn't stop and want to show me a thing or two...and they usually do. This guy was not a Nordic fiddler but he managed to wrangle a Scandinavian waltz for us.

Here, for a change, the mesmerized seem to be mesmerized by the subject of intention. Usually it's the other way around. Careful, Mom: it looks like you have an up-and-comer, also for the stage. Notice, even little sister seems captivated by something
.

Western Wisconsin Genealogical

2010-11-29T18:44:00Z

This fall I was invited to discuss Swedish genealogy at Eau Claire's Ramada Inn, downtown. A genealogical researcher I definitely am not, but have encountered enough who are to having a passing knowledge of the process (frustration/reward). I showed a DVD quickly concocted from footage we (Norden Folk) have taped regarding the subject, for a later program of much greater size.

Laura Ingalls Wylder Days, Pepin Wisconsin

2010-09-15T00:49:00Z

Two beautiful days on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Thanks to old friends and former readers who came by, the days went quickly. The Laura Look-alike contest pits little girls of all ages (by age categories) for the title of Little Laura, 2010.

If you mother didn't have the time or skill to sew your period costume, you could purchase one of several right off the rack.

Nordic Festival In Decorah

2010-07-25T15:30:00Z

Though it was iffy, the weather cooperated for both the opening festivities on Thursday evening and the race and parade the following morning. Fortunately, we were indoors (AC!) and didn't have to suffer the heat and humidity.

What is it about Iowan's...so free with their hugs? We reaped the affection and complements from previous year's readers, anxious to pick up a copy of Stolen Genes-Stolen Children. Along with the complements (thank you!) we heard the usual number of stories. A big thank you to the organizers who make this event happen every year.

In particular, Patricia, originally from England, related her own tragic childhood experience. The heavy bombing of London by the Luftwaffe forced her parents to farm her out, along with many other of London's youth, to an orphanage in the north. When it came time to pick her up when things became safer, the orphanage matron convinced her mother that she didn't want to go home and preferred the orphanage. Likewise, Patricia was told her mother didn't want her any more. She didn't find her (blood) mother until much later in life, just before her mother died. The same was true for her father. We encouraged Patricia to take this story public, both to American and British television and in her own book.

Alicia and Katrina, tried playing my fiddle. Alicia seemed a natural, but Katrina...a budding photographer, decided she still preferred her guitar.

Stockholm Arts Festival

2010-07-19T19:13:00Z

After nearly being rained out at Norway Days the weekend before, Stockholm's Arts Festival carried the same weather forecast. Luckily, however, there were only sprinkles late the the day as the event shut down. This is one of the best festivals on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi.

The buses bring the visitors down from the parking lots in droves:

And they're quickly met by a couple of strangely-dressed ladies handing out programs:

When she wasn't looking over my shoulder as I signed books, my energetic neighbor joined others in admiring this century old cottonwood tree:

Before we left I bought enough rhubarb from Martha for two pies:

Busy Summer Events

2010-07-19T18:09:00Z

All of these social networking devices/forums require a good deal of my time, sometimes more than I can dedicate.

That's why it has been a while since I've posted anything on the blogcast. Many readers are either going to the Readers Forum (http://www.smultron-pub.com/Forum/phpBB2/index.php) or FaceBook, although I can't acknowledge every "friend" who asks, there.

(Seems awfully intense, doesn't he...maybe it's stage fright)

Danish Days, Midsommar at ASI, Svenskarnas Dag and Norway Day, all in Minneapolis were, as usual, invigorating. I missed Scandia's Midsommar this year due to contracting Lymes and only learned about it the evening of that event. I did make the other festivals, however and want to say thanks for all your comments (and purchases). So good to see old friends and make some new ones, too.

Nisswastämma

2010-06-12T17:56:00Z

If you have never attended the weekend folk festival at Nisswa Minnesota, Nisswastämma, you're missing some pretty nice music and dance. Five state area and some internationals visit every year to perform over two days, beginning Friday evening with a great concert in a local church.

There is music, dance, children's events, food and just fun all day long in the village park, followed by a great smorgasbörd, followed by a dance until midnight.

I don't do the books here but will take you for a spin around the dance floor if you show up.

Here's my friend Valorie expressing one of her multiple talents.

Genealogy Research

2010-04-08T14:48:37Z

Earlier this week as a total surprise, I was invited to give a presentation about Swedish genealogy at the Eau Claire Public Library and offer guidelines to some members of the GRSEC, a local genealogy group.

I am first and foremost not a genealogy expert, or even close, but years ago through friendships in Sweden I happen to fall into the acquaintance of several persons who are.

Thus, my "roots" were handed to me in a thick brown envelope. The friendships that followed led to further interest in my Swedish ancestors and the (Swedish) customs, long-abandoned by my ancestors upon emigrating to Nord Amerika to excape oppression from the Swedish Lutheran Church and to find a better life.

Through the research that followed, my genealogy skills quickly developed. I hope I was able to offer some assistance in the couple of hours Ispent together with this group of Swedish Americans in Eau Claire.

Copies of old church book pages, emigrant lists and Swedish words presented the greatest obstacles to the researchers. What a fun group and somehave really excelled in their family research.

This eventled to another invitation to present to the entire genealogy group at theirmonthly meeting on 10 April. Held at the Chippewa Valley Museum(http://www.cvmuseum.com), this time I have the option to speak about my otherside, my father's links to Olde England.

Jerry

An Astonishing Story Told to Me at Höstfest Nordic Festival--Minot ND

2009-10-06T19:41:00Z

I recently received one of those "forwards" which can sometimes be annoying. But today (5 October, 2009), it was different. A friend sent me a forward about a woman, Irena Sendler, a true WWII heroine. Someone also mentioned her name while I was book signing at Höstfest. Read about her heroism (http://www.snopes.com/politics/war/sendler.asp) after you read about the lady who stopped by to buy another book (below).

I thought it rather coincidental that someone should come by with another story; It is not unlike many of the stories people tell me about their families' wartime past. This weekend at the Nordic festival (80,000+attendance), an elderly woman stopped by the bookstore where I was signing books. She waited patiently for another elderly couple to leave before she approached the table. She looked familiar...short,stooped...older.... I see and talk to so many people and though she had a very strong accent, I didn't remember her stopping the previous year.

She had purchased My Enemy's Child last year and now wanted to look at the new novel, she said. As I handed itto her, she mentioned she'd enjoyed the earlier book, then opened the cover and stepped aside to let another couple come forward. I noticed as I chatted with them about their son, who is in Afghanistan, that she was reading the prologue. After a bit she came forward and asked me to sign her book before taking to the cashier. I did, while the other couple waited. She mention to them that she wished them luck with their son's duty and as I handed her back the book, she hesitated and then said:

I'm am a Polish Jew. In 1939 my family was living in what is now part of Northern Germany. When the Russians and Nazis still had a non-aggression pact and were consuming Poland from the eastern and western fronts, the Russians beat the Nazis to our little town. They were some sort of forward infantry group without any discipline, nor were there officers accompanying them. The men of our village,including my father, were all shot immediately. That was so they could safely begin raping all the women, including my mother and me.

I was thirteen, and I began counting as they took their turns. After sixty-two there were only two men remaining, standing in line beside me. When sixty three was taking his turn, I suddenly heard a shot, very close to my head, so that it made my ears ring. The man slumped on me spilling brains and bleeding. I quickly pushed him off and then watched as two Russian officers dragged the remaining soldier over to a tree and hanged him right there, as an example for the soldiers.

She nodded to me and then the astounded couple before hobbling away with her book. Now, I don't even remember her name when I signed, but I'll never forget her story.

I was also told this weekend, though I haven't verified it, that the currently mandatory Holocaust Studies Programs in the English (UK) schools is being considered for removal asit has been found offensive to some in the immigrant community.According to some current immigrant's beliefs, the Holocaust never happened.

I have made a habit of writing my State Schools Superintendent, at least twice a year asking that mandatory Holocaust Studies be added to the state curriculum. Minnesota has it in theirs as do several other states:http://www.holocausttaskforce.org/education.html

Like the often secret retention of infant DNA by some state's social service programs, perhaps we must also urge our legislators to consider this question seriously.

Höstfest Nordic Festival---Minot North Dakota

2009-10-06T19:08:00Z

It is nearly eleven hours drive to Minot for us and half a ton of books. Couple that with four eleven hour days and it still adds up to a very good time.

    There was nearly non-stop signing, unpacking books, stacking and talking to folks in the lulls in between. I received a couple of free coffees as I was their best customer by far.

    Having great authors around me to snatch a quick word with made the time in between pass quickly. On the last day of the festival, Saturday, Lauraine Snelling brought in a couple of young musicians. She asked me if I would jamb with them, but there just wasn't time, though I did manage an occasional tune in between visitors.

    As usual, returning customers stopped to purchase the newest book (Stolen Genes-Stolen Children) or to discuss their feelings and appreciation for the other novels, My Enemy's Child and the Vallkulla Books.

    One woman in particular related a confession of her unfortunate childhood in Poland, during WW-II. Read it about elsewhere in the blog and on the Smultron Publications Readers Forum (http://www.smultron-pub.com/Forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=203).

Here are some photos of friends and participants at Höstfest. I hope you enjoy them.

Midwest Indapendent Booksellers Convention

2009-09-25T20:57:00Z

This even was much closer to home for us, being in St. Paul MN. Small bookstore owners and employees attend to meet publishers and authors. We learned a good deal about these type of bookstore and their owners.

Scandia - Gammelgården Museum

2009-08-23T14:24:00Z

What a beautiful day for another outdoor Spelmansstämma in Scandia's old Nordic farmstead.
One of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy this event is that I get to perform AND talk to new and old acquaintances over the book table.

While I was playing fiddle with the ASI Spelmanslag, Cousin Ray was minding the table (blue tent-yellow sign).

We were so busy that Lynne and I didn't get our customary dance. Well, there's always next year.
Scandia's Gammelgården Museum is truly a worthy institution and well worth supporting. They bring so many opportunities to visitors and members, like the upcoming "Traditions in the Trunk" a Swedish Folk Dress, Quilts and Art Exhibit, Style Show and Luncheon.

I notice my old friend Margaretha Hedblom, former director of culture for Malungs Kommun (Dalarna) will be on the program. The event starts Friday, October 2.

Braham Pie Day

2009-08-22T17:36:00Z

I've never seen so many pies in one place as at this event. The coffee, however, would cause any self-respecting Scandinavian to make a wry face (I know I did).

Here's a photo of some of the youngsters who were working hard to cut pies for serving.

And here's a photo of a couple of uncrowned queens of pie day. They weren't sitting together for the photo but we did some magic to save space. The lady on the left just resigned from being a really high roller...perhaps we should say upper crust, at Pie Day. I guess you know why I never write comedy (Kip P., where are you when I need you?).

Book Signing/Selling...yes! Very good and lots of stories from the many Scandinavians in this part of Minnesota.

Newest Novel -- Stolen Genes-Stolen Children

2009-07-23T00:52:00Z

Four manuscript copies are out with the editors, with a meeting scheduled in a week to go over the criticisms. Early indications are it's the best novel yet, which surprised me.

We're struggling for a title at this point and have temporarily tagged it "Stolen Genes-Stolen Children."
We've completed the cover design, acquiring photos and finishing the layout. Looks pretty nice, too. You'll see a preview within a week or two.

We received permission from the US Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., to use a couple of their photos inside the novel. We may also use some for the United Nations' photo archives, depending upon space limitations.

We expect to turn in a polished manuscript to the printers in mid-August, beating our deadline of books for sale at Hostfest, by over a month. This novel took about eight months to write, including four edits (so far).

We're already being told about prospective attendees at the Minot ND event. Should be a bigger deal than ever. I look forward to seeing all of you there, some for the first time.

Music CD For Sale

2009-07-23T00:40:00Z

I read about a new CD that was recorded at Dalhalla, in Dalarna Sweden. It's titled "Vallmusik i Dalhalla" and is basically the music of the Nordic fäbod...kulning (singing) and cow/goat horn communication/music. Classified as "herding music" it was the cell phones of the previous centuries when communicating to other women (Vallkulla, Saeter Jente, Fäbod Stinta...whatever your particular Swedish/Norwegian dialect termed them. There is a Finnish equivallent, but I've forgotten the name. There are many artists represented on the nearly forth CD track. Learn more at: http://sites.google.com/site/vallmusik.

I contacted the producer and with help, first from Björn Ståbi and then from a Swedish cousin, we managed to bring over a number of the CDs which we'll sell at the book signings; perfect compliment to the "Vallkulla" series. The sounds remind me of my mother older sisters, calling the cows.

Catch-up From the Last Book Signings

2009-07-23T00:31:00Z

I'm playing catch-up with the rapidity of the occurring events.
I wish to reiterate belated thanks to everyone for their kind words about the novels. I'm doing my job when I'm giving you pleasure.
Stockholm (Wisconsin) Arts Festival was a first and we met so many nice folks, many who drove down from the Twin Cities and inland. Thank you for sharing your family stories and experiences, not to mention the many budding writers I met, too.

Of Course There's A New Novel-Swedish Kings, Princes and American Indians, then and now.

2009-07-07T00:26:00Z

I've never been without at least two novels in the works,simultaneously and today is no exception.

With the recent completion (I hope) of the second novel about the WW-II years,I've had another cooking in the wings most of the winter. This is an idea I had some years ago.

If I were a Monarch in England, Scandinavia...any European country, actually,wouldn't I be concerned about why all my subjects were fleeing their homeland(where I live) for that new land across the Atlantic?

Imagine the concern of the then (benevolent?) king of Sweden and Norway whenhis subjects begin to flee for Nord Amerika. He sends one of his sons, incognito,as an immigrant to learn the truth about his new land which holds so muchpromise, perhaps so much, from the richness of the land and the beauty of an Indian maiden, whom even a prince will have second thoughts about going home.

Lets hope I can pull off this change-of-pace story to make it believable and entertaining.

With the recent visit of the black bear to our Smultron Office, I've been getting in the mood for the wild west portion of the novel.

Danish Days and Svenskarnas Dag

2009-07-07T00:21:00Z

Danish Days was my first ever endeavor. Those Danes really know how to have fun; the rest of us Nordics could take some lessons. Of course, I know many folks who stopped, either from my fiddling or Nordic dance endeavors. It was a day in between the rain, but very rewarding. I met some new friends, too.

Svenskarnas Dag in M'Haha Park (Minneapolis) couldn't have been a more perfect day. For the first time at this event, "Vallkulla" sales outstripped the sales of "My Enemy's Child." Many old friends and readers stopped to make very nice comments and good luck to all of you who were brave enough to purchase all those four-book sets of "Vallkulla."