Tag Archives: Emma Palova author

Uncategorized, writers retreats, writing

Notes from the beach

February 23, 2023 Author Emma Palova Leave a comment

Feb. 23, 2023 1:29 pm Thursday, Venice Beach

I am indulging in the sounds of the beach: Russian to the right, laughter to the right, kids straight up front and the crashing waves as far as I can see. The sun is warming my legs while my feet dig deep into the hot sand. It’s 82F and the sun is high above my head.

Lemonade Razzonade Bait Bucket Margarita

My backpack has everything I need: notepad and pens, suntan lotion, water, cash for a Blue Bait Margarita and magazines about living in Paradise.

I cannot omit the price this Paradise had to pay during hurricane Ian in September. Crews are still fixing the roofs and some signs have not been replaced. Otherwise you would not believe a hurricane blew through; just south of town.

We spent a great morning on the town starting with yoga with Elin on the beach to the sounds of Ukulele Thursdays. We took a walk on Miami Street in search of the Greek restaurant Bromdon. We browsed through the Island View Boutique with beautiful blings and resort wear. Hasta La Vista.

Mom Ella is doing much better today after her surgery. With strength she’s also getting back her attitude, just a tad.

I have to pick up on chapter Mara and the Revelation of the Great Singapore secret in the sequel to The Lost Town. More later.

I am meeting with Maple later today and mixing up some cocktail recipes.

Well, the meeting with Maple didn’t happen, but I met Pat, the board secretary instead. YAY!

To top off this incredible productive day, I managed to pop into Pages Promotions Winter Book Festival. I am still clueless as to who murdered author Andrew Allen Smith who stole the Sardonic Manuscript, but did he really or was he just framed?

To be continued…,

Daily Post prompt, daily writing, writing

Ash Wednesday on the Beach

February 22, 2023 Author Emma Palova Leave a comment

Venice Beach, Feb. 22, 2023 3:27 pm

I think this is the first time I’ve ever worked on a book on the beach. I’ve written on beaches before, but never a contiguous piece of an actual manuscript, the sequel to Shifting Sands: The Lost Town.

“What’s lost can be found even on a beach or underneath the singing sands.”

It’s very fitting to write the sequel on the beach amidst the little dunes with the wind blowing from the south. The life saving wind is cooling down the air temperature that reached 82 F. It’s 90F in Orlando. I am savoring the warmth of these moments as a major winter storm is whipping the Midwest.

It’s been quite an experiment that I started aboard the Allegiant two- hour flight to Punta Gorda, FL to see if can pick up writing whenever or wherever I leave off. So far it has been working out despite all the beach distractions.

Yes, there has been plenty of distractions from the posted Red Tide caused by red algae, private jets taking off behind my back, to the falling umbrella, cute divers with oxygen tanks, a screaming kid and the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Then yesterday I broke my eyeglasses, forgot my card and much more.

After mom’s surgery this morning, a cup of coffee and two cups of Earl Grey, I regained some composure still undecided whether I should go for the Ashes in the morning by myself, or wait the outcome of the surgery. Mom was recovering well so I went for the gold- that is what I call going to the beach.

The improvement since yesterday was remarkable; no more coughing caused by the Red Tide or smell from the dead fish washed ashore.

“It comes and goes,” mom said about the unwelcome visitor to the Florida beaches. Regardless, the Red Tide the beaches of Venice are busy with tourists and snowbirds. Yoga on the Beach with Elin in the mornings enjoys around 200 yogis of all ages.

But back to the manuscript. I am about five to six chapters away from the end. Do I know the ending? I don’t and I like it that way as it keeps me on the edge, and probably preventing me from sleeping too.

What are the major forces in the story now? Well, the secrets of Singapore remain covered with sand. How will they emerge? Who will help uncover them? That remains unknown.

To be continued…

daily writing, health, hiking

Valentine’s Day walk in West Michigan

February 14, 2023 Author Emma Palova Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day walk in West Michigan

Authors events, Uncategorized

Winter Virtual Festival February 2023

February 6, 2023 emmapalova 1 Comment

Join us for the Winter Virtual Festival by Pages Promotions on Zoom every night in February except for Valentine’s Day. Register by 6:45 p.m. for a chance to win a signed copy of a book on the fabulous Spinny Wheel of Happiness. Support your local authors.

The Case of the Missing Manuscript

Bring the entire family to listen to the authors’ readings at 7 p.m., followed by the Case of the Missing Manuscript. Help us solve the mystery with your witness.

Who did it? Was it the sly reporter? The snarky head librarian? The historic author with one last copy of his book? The foggy psychic? The traveling author at large? The vague library assistant? The suspicious researcher? or the mysterious Coffee Lady?

Schedule of Authors

https://www.pagespromotions.com/2023-event-schedule.html#/

Authors events, book podcast, book signing, Uncategorized

Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo Feb. 10 – Feb. 12

February 5, 2023 Author Emma Palova 1 Comment

Join us for the 23rd annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. next weekend including Friday.

Michigan Authors representing most genres will be among the 300 exhibitors. They are Jean Davis, Emma Palova, Loraine J. Hudson, Kristine Brickey, Sylvia Hubbard, Norma Lewis, Mikel Classen, Melanie Hooyenga, Rod Sadler, Julie Nelson, Rhonda Accardo, and Andrew Smith.

This is a fun day out geared toward ladies and their families or friends. There are lots of demonstrations, samples, activities, and opportunities to support local businesses and artists. There’s even a bar so you can enjoy a beverage or two while you shop. Michigan Authors has been a feature of the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo for several years.

” We enjoy meeting new and returning readers and sharing our stories with them,” said author Jean Davis.

With this year’s array of twelve authors, we will have a wide selection of books, including books for children and young adults as well as romance, non-fiction, Michigan-related, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, true crime, science fiction, and more.

Stay tuned for a special podcast episode about the Expo experience on @For the Love of Books Podcast with host author Emma Palova and guest author organizer Jean Davis next week on your favorite podcasting app.

https://emmapalova123.podbean.com/

We will be located in booth 652-656. Show hours are Friday & Sat. 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.

Parking is available under and behind the expo center for a fee. Recommended vendor parking is North Grand Parking Ramp (public parking) 3rd level which is connected to the expo center by an enclosed pedestrian walkway.

Saluting Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue –
FREE admission all weekend to Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo!
Your Health, Your Home, Your Style, Shopping and Fun!
Lansing, Michigan, January 10, 2023 –The Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo announced its 2023 date, a full weekend
that will inspire personal health, home, and style, giving women something to feel good about.
The 23
rd annual event will be held the weekend of February 10-12 at the Lansing Center.
The three-day expo is the largest single consumer event for women in Mid-Michigan and will feature hundreds of
women-focused businesses with products, services and demonstrations that aim to provide a weekend of
enjoyment, education, and entertainment for women of all ages.
First 1000 attendees on Saturday will receive a tote bag compliments of Capital Area District Libraries. Receive
your bag directly inside the door at their booth!
This year’s event will offer FREE admission to Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue that show
valid ID at the Box Office. Visit the Lansing Center Box Office during show hours and show ID card to receive one
free admission.
“We wanted to take a moment to salute and thank those that help others in our community. We are so grateful for
the work they do and appreciate their service,” says Pam Glass, President of Kohler Expos, Inc.
EXPO HIGHLIGHTS this year include Interactive Areas spread throughout the expo, which are designed to entertain
and enhance the patron experience. A few of the Interactive Areas include:

Fashion Boutiques – try on and give yourself a new look
Make-n-Take Painting Workshops – live step-by-step painting on a Canvas, Mason Jar,
Planter Stake, Puzzle Kits, and Wine Glasses
Hair Styling and Hair Tricks
Michigan Authors – meet and greet and book signings
Interactive Rowing Demonstrations
Food Sampling! Dips, Soup, Cookies, Bread, Pickles, Jerky, Sausage, Honey, Tea and more
Community Blood Drive – all hours of the expo
IV Hydration and Vitamin Infusions onsite
Bra Fittings and Consultation
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls for relaxation
T-Mobile Photo Booth – strike a pose!
Skincare and Beauty – try the latest lotion, bath products, and oils
Shop and explore hundreds of pop-up shops!
NEW! DOOR PRIZES – patrons will sign up at the entrance for a chance to win daily door prizes. Winners will be
announced onsite to take home their prize.
MID-MICHIGAN WOMEN’S EXPO
February 10-12, 2023
Hours: Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Lansing Center – Lansing MI
http://www.KohlerExpo.com
WLNS-TV continues to be a media sponsor for the upcoming expo, providing exclusive coverage of the event
throughout the weekend. Visit them onsite to take selfies with on-air talent at the event.

Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo, Lansing on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/829424705148057/830824401674754?active_tab=about

author events, book podcasts, book signing, Uncategorized

February authors and events

January 27, 2023 emmapalova Leave a comment

I am really excited about the month of February as I am scheduling my podcast author guests, and the snow is drifting outside. They represent different genres, but romance will definitely be in the lead.

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS PODCAST with host EMMA PALOVA

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy in the podcast book giveaway.

http://emmapalova123.podbean.com and on https://anchor.fm/emma-palova, major podcasting apps

February Schedule

Donna Neumann, I Want a Birthday Party, Feb. 3

Jean Davis, Lansing Women’s Expo, Feb. 8

Lisa Jacovski, Let’s Talk, Learning to Bowl, Feb. 9

Janet Glaser, Feb. 10

Tana Jenkins, Love Rescued, Feb. 14

Diana Kathryn Plopa, A Tryst of Fate, Feb. 17

Sponsored by Doc Chavent, The Lowell Ledger, Modern History Press

Pages Promotions Virtual Book Festival

Several things will be happening all at once: Pages Promotions Virtual Book Festival will kick off the month with the Mystery of the Missing Manuscript. You really don’t want to miss out on any of the evenings with authors, suspects, and detectives. Register on Zoom by 6:30 p.m.

Go to:

https://www.pagespromotions.com/2023-winter-virtual-festival.html#/

Michigan Reads

Michigan Reads, a new platform for Indie authors, will open its doors to most authors in mid-February, only limited criteria will apply.

https://michiganreads.com/

In-person authors’ events

February also kicks off in-person authors’ events with Women’s Expos in Lansing and in Grand Rapids in March.

https://www.kohlerexpo.com/mm-womens-expo

I will write separate stories about Michigan Reads and the Women’s Expo in Lansing set for Feb. 10-12.

author events, book signing, Uncategorized

40K Mark in NaNoWriMo

November 22, 2022 emmapalova 1 Comment

I crossed the 40,000-word mark today in the NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge. It always amazes me how I got here?

The answer is simple, writing every day, and making it my number one priority of the day. My hope is to carry this beyond the challenge into the upcoming months which is easier said than done.

With the holidays upon us, it seems impossible, until it isn’t. NaNoWriMo organizers enabled everyday writing tracking even after the challenge ends on Nov. 30.

https://nanowrimo.org/stats

I will be at West Catholic Central on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To be continued

Authors events, National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo Days 20 & 21, total of 39,585 words

November 21, 2022 emmapalova Leave a comment

I had to combine the totals for the two NaNoWriMo writing days, since Day 20 on Sunday, Nov. 20 wasn’t a writing day at all. More like research and staying in touch with my writing project, a sequel to The Lost Town based in Singapore, MI during a major selling event, Christmas through Lowell.

For the third day in a row, I was stationed inside the Lowell Area Historical Museum, Industry & Retail Room with the Cutter Factory sleigh, selling books with six other vendors. Although we had a ball and enjoyed good sales it was exhausting.

I had a clear view of the Strand Theater’s playbill from who knows when that actually inspired me. Check out the feature photo.

By now, we know each other’s sales pitches by heart.

“Are you readers?” I ask. “Do you like to read?”

“No, I don’t have the time,” was the overwhelming response.

“My earrings are two for 10,” Ashley Thompson said.

And so on.

“I have postcards from Lowell,” Bruce Doll said.

“Would you like to buy a candle?” the candle kid said.

NaNoWriMo Day 21

I logged in a total of 1,600 words trying to get back into the swing of things. You would not believe what a two-day break from writing does. It puts you out of touch with your own story, and with the characters, you have created. It takes forever to get back into the zone of the book.

To be continued..

author events, holidays, National Novel Writing Month

Christmas through Lowell this weekend, NaNo Day 17

November 17, 2022 emmapalova Leave a comment

Christmas through Lowell this weekend, NaNo Day 17

I logged in 2009 words today in the NaNoWriMo 50k word challenge.

author events, book marketing, book signing, Christmas through Lowell

NaNoWriMo 2022 Day 13 & 14

November 14, 2022 emmapalova Leave a comment

Rough Seas

Total words logged in 31, 165 on Monday, Nov. 14.

No, smooth sailing through these two days filled with focused writing. After I got over the halfway hump on Friday and Saturday, the ride on the NaNo 50k word roller coaster got bumpier.

It must have coincided with the drop in temperatures in West Michigan as we chilled down, and the skies got cloudy. Our driveways are now lined with stakes with snow in the forecast.

So I introduced the Tower of Breese into the story about the search for a lost town. That helped to further establish the enemy. However, I got stuck again on Monday morning and added another layer to one of the protagonists deepening the conflict.

What’s the next step? The protagonist has several options and doesn’t know which road to take. I should map it out for him on the beat sheet plotting method.

Christmas through Lowell 2022

Setting records this year the tour has 61 locations and I am on one of them, station k on the CTL tour map aka Lowell Area Historical Museum in downtown Lowell located at 325 W. Main Street.

In my other role as a reporter for The Lowell Ledger, I wrote like crazy on a Sunday afternoon about the upcoming Christmas through Lowell tour this weekend, Nov. 18 through Nov. 20.

Christmas through Lowell, Nov. 18 through Nov. 20

In my role as the Director of Operations for Moravian Sons Distillery, I am going to our first meeting of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association at DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. I am psyched. There will be a bunch of other distillery newcomers.

Home

In another role yet as the producer and host of For the Love of Books Podcast, we will bring you insights in the special episode “Breaking Point” about getting halfway through NaNoWriMo.

I can’t wait for authors Jean Davis and Vera West to share their insights because you can still jump on the NaNo ride.