On The Road

I will be traveling to Woodward this July 15 for a noon program for adults at the local public library.  I will speak about writing, research, and share some of the stories in a lively and engaging manner!

Murderous Marriages

Whorl Books announces a new title of its 'Thumb Prints" line of short, high interest works.  Next in line is Murderous Marriages: When Love Goes Bad It Can Be Deadly by Marilyn A. Hudson. Publication is scheduled for May 2013.

"Rosebuds, lace, whispered promises to have and to hold....these are the romantic images of marriage in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  Sometimes, however, that pledge to remain true and faithful 'til death we do part' gave ideas of a darker sort to mis-matched couples.  Explore some of the cases which had people talking, gawking, and guessing.  Murderous Marriages  because when love goes wrong - it can be deadly".

With a love of story, intrigued by history, and always asking questions...Marilyn A. Hudson combines all of her skills to craft works rich in history, human emotion, and mystery.

Her professional experiences include being a Director of Library Services in a university and prior, she served as public services librarian for the Metropolitan Library System and as a library media specialist for Norman Public Schools. Listed in the 1997 Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, she was the 2002 recipient of the OLA Outstanding New Librarian Award, and member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Golden Key, and Phi Kappa Phi.

Her general research interests are in history, especially social, religious, and church history; women’s studies; mythology, folklore and storytelling.

Hudson was lead writer and editor of the book, One Night Club and A Mule Barn: The First 60 Years of Southwestern Christian University and authored, Those Pesky Verses of Paul: Examining Women in the New Testament, Elephant Hips are Expensive, The Bones of Summer, The Mound, When Death Rode the Rails, Noel Brooks, Halloween: Oklahoma Tricks and Treats, and others. She received a B.A. in History and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Oklahoma.

Her most recent work  was the launching of a series featuring a steam punk slueth named "Madame Delaine.

BLOG HOP WEDNESDAY

Blog Hop Wednesday with author Marilyn A. Hudson.  Directions: You are supposed to post on a Wednesday then whoever you tag posts theirs the following Wednesday.  Be sure and  share your link.

1: What is the working title of your book? 

The fiction book I am currently finishing is called THE SWORD OF ANATH .

2: Where did the idea come from for the book? 

The idea was birthed in the research and co-writing of the novel THE MOUND with author Cullan Hudson.  I kept it in the back of my mind and played with it awhile. It is set in an ancient time in the Fertile Crescent before the birth of Sumer or Babylon.

3: What genre does your book come under? Fantasy-Adventure.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?   In the role of Anath  a character of strength, dedication and a slightly exotic athletic beauty, I could see Alex Meneses or even Kirsten Williamson in that role, her sister Asheroth could be played by Ksenia Solo (of Lost Girl)  and the villan Mott would be played brilliantly by Greg Parker of "Spartacus" fame.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  A young woman fulfills her destiny as she learns the warrior ways amid violent storms of chaos and evil that threaten her people and her life.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? A surprisingly short time.  In about three months I had nearly 400 pages of manuscript completed in a first draft. I think the early musings about it made the work go faster when I set about crafting the text.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Perhaps, The Horse Goddess by Morgan Llewelyn comes closest.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?  I have always had an interest in mythology, women's history and the origins of ancient beliefs.  I was noting in research the extreme ways  a similar ancient goddess was viewed by people in several cultures.  It was obvious they were based on the same root story but why the differences?  It seemed to me that perhaps all ancient stories held a kernel of truth and changed as layers of many ages settled onto them.  I asked the classic writer question, what if?  What if those ancient stories had been based on real flesh and blood people?  What if...

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? A small sample ...

Anath knew the man creeping towards them had halted. If she knew er sister, she too had her blade out.   The men may have thought them easy prey but that idea would be quickly swept away. Quickly, her mind was reviewing every lesson and every tactic she had ever learned or heard the others discuss.

'You will pay for that!" He snarled. His eyes flicked quickly between the two. "You will both pay for that."

“Animal!” she spat out the word. She looked him in the face and moved in closer. She was glad of her height because now they were nearly eye to eye. “You are little more than an animal! Get back now, before I slit you from side to side.”

The other men were pressing forward but he impatiently waved them back.  He pointed at Asheroth with a smile that was all bravado. ”You little one,  I will see again and very soon.”

Holding his cut arm, he spun around toward Anath and leaned into her face, almost hissing the words, “And I will enjoy every moment of your payment for this!”

As the party moved away, Jamm leading the way with angry stride, Asheroh slumped down into the hot sand.             

“What were you thinking! He could have killed you…us.” She told her sister. “Without even trying he could have skinned us alive.”

Down Memory Lane

It is amazing sometimes the things you forget. Since writers are always told to use their experiences to bring their work to life it is important to revisit those episodes.  Some are pleasant and the journey through those memories are delightful, others are not and bring discomfort and pain. A few are so hazy that clear images, emotions, and tactile memories are harder to come by making imagination a needful tool. I found this photo among some images and realized it was the only proof of my horse riding!  Although my husband had been on a horse since he was about 8 years old, working as a 'cowboy' on ranches in Arizona and New Mexico, I was a small town girl whose horse riding mostly consisted of a fine pink horse on the carnival merry-go-round each spring.  In my early teen years, I sat an old mare led by a portly farmer some friends knew. The group I was with consisted mainly of a bevy of girls clutching at saddles in varying degrees of terror as the horses plodded on lead reins at a steady slow crawl.  Then on a visit to Douglas, Arizona to see my husband's  family, his sister-in-law took us to where her horses were kept and let us loose!  It was wonderful!  I enjoyed the experience, the horses, and even the 118 degree heat! It was dry heat, after all, and sooo much more comfortable! 

Books - A Small video

Corpus Marilyn

Author Marilyn A Hudson

More PowerPoint presentations from Marilyn

'Thumb Print' Line to Publish New Work

Whorl Books announces a new line of its 'Thumb Prints" line of short, high interest works.  Recently it released Halloween: Tricks and Treats in Oklahoma 1900 to 1980.  Next in line is Murderous Marriages: When Love Goes Bad It Can Be A Killer by Marilyn A. Hudson.

"Rosebuds, lace, whispered promises to have and to hold....these are the romantic images of marriage in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  Sometimes, however, that pledge to remain true and faithful 'til death we do part' gave ideas of a darker sort to mis-matched couples.  Explore some of the cases which had people talking, gawking, and guessing.  Murderous Marriages  because when love goes wrong - it can be a killer. "

In this work, I explore some historic cases of spousal slaughter.  

MADAME DELAINE SERIES LAUNCHES

I had fun writing this.  The other two are just as enjoyable, I think.  Strong female leads, strange contraptions, a touch of romance, and mysteries all around.

If nothing else, I now have an excuse to buy more Victorian and Edwardian clothes (as if I needed an excuse!!).

Early Photo of Bethany, OK Orphanage Highlights Isolation

1912 - the hillside, still covered by brush and trees, as far as the eye could see.  Bethany several miles to the east. the rail line close to a mile to the north.... what was it like riding a wagon to those doors? 

Family Photos Inspire Questions

1917, Reno County, Kansas my grandparents, my mother and her sister Elva.  Summers during harvest in Kansas start early and end late each day. The days are hot and when this photo was taken they were still using cutters in the field - the mechanical combine was still far in the future for most farmers.  My grandfather is dark with tan and he soil of the tasks related to the harvest. Huge tables would be spread out to feed the workers - family and hired help -  for the harvest work.  What was it like? What did the children do?

Author Reading

Here I am reading from the novel, The Mound.  The location was the lovely library room  at the Northern Oklahoma Literary Arts Book Festival in the Marland Grand Home in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

STEAMPUNK MYSTERIES SERIES PREPARES LAUNCH

The gaslight mystery - mystery with a touch of steam punk ethos - will launch soon.  This is a series of high interest and shorter read books featuring a world renowned "mentalist" with secrets.


GREAT ACTION AND MYSTERY NOVEL!
Featuring the mystifying woman known as -
 Madame Delaine - The Steam Punk Sleuth
The most astounding adventures ever put to paper!
Madame Delaine: the Aerostat Invasion!
Madame Delaine: the Case of the Daring Girl Detective
Madame Delaine: The Clockwork Prairie Queen: Or Danger on the Rails!

BLURB

It is a different world where airships soar through crystalline skies, clockwork machinery run industry, and seemingly impossible strange inventions defy imagination -

A clever and mysterious woman who touts herself as a world-renowned "mentalist” -“Madame Delaine” - travels widely.  Although, looked on with suspicion by some she has an intriguing legal, social, and scientific circle of connections.  Her past is cloaked in mystery and her journey’s both astounding and covert.  Intelligent, unruffled, with obvious social breeding she also seems to know her way around the back alleys, dimly lit dens, and more questionable places in any town.  

Just who is this woman and why has she come to town?  One thing is clear, wherever Madame Delaine travels there are darLing exploits, strange adventures and mystery.

In the local newspaper her appearance often solicited articles such as this - - - 

LOCALS FLOCK TO MENTALIST
HAS ROOMS AT DOWNTOWN HOTEL
City Desk, -- The city is buzzing with  arrival of the elegant and somewhat mysterious woman who calls herself, "Madame Delaine."  So far, this reporter has been unable to arrange a private interview with the woman do to her calendar being so full of local men and women who have come to have her share her gift with them.  The local law officers have examined her credentials and state she officers no threat to citizens.  Watching the petite and elegant woman, whose dress is always the most up-to-date in fashion and modest of style, the sense of mystery is great and, one fears, unanswerable.   Madame Delaine has rooms at the city's finest hotel through the end of the week.

ELEPHANT HIPS ARE EXPENSIVE!

After being out of print for a few years this story for children will once more be available - along with other stories.  EHAE is based on the true tale of children in post WW2 Oklahoma City who banded together to raise money to bring an elephant to the local zoo. Also, included "The Adventures of a Sooner Space Monkey" and the original tall tale, "Annie Oklahoma."

Summer 2012

In July Marilyn A. Hudson will be presenting one afternoon a children's storytelling program and the next evening an adult and family spooky stories program at the McAlestor Public Library.  The children's program will feature exciting tales of adventure and kids who grew up to do phenomenol things! Lots of  fun and participation for all.

The spooky program, "Haunted Oklahoma" will deal with the stories and legends hidden in the shadowy corners of state history and uncovered by Hudson's research and first hand investigations. She will have copies of her books on hand and will autograph and sell copies.

OKLAHOMA CITY PRESENTATION

In May, author Marilyn A. Hudson will be doing a presentation to the Association of American Professional Business Women in their monthly meeting in Oklahoma City.  She will discuss her writing, her experiences doing research into local history and legends, and then share a story of two.  Copies of several of her works will be available, including her short story collection, The Bones of Summer, and copies of the novel she co-authored, The Mound.

Hudson is a frequent presenter, speaker, and panelist for events around the state.

INSPIRATIONAL SIDE

In addition to writing fiction and nonfiction historical works, I have also penned several books of a more religious and/or inspirational slant.  The newest is a biography of a British born Pentecostal clergy, author, and educator, Noel Brooks: A Life Shining and Burning.  I edited and compiled the collection of inspirational poetry, In Her Own Words, as a tribute to my late mother's memory and it is filled with the best of her inspirational poems.  Those Pesky Verses of Paul is a commentary on the role of women as shown in the New Testament and a re-examination of some Pauline proof-texts.   In 2006, I was lead writer and researcher for the first history of Southwestern Christian University and its tale is shared by many writers in One Nightclub and a Mule Barn.

The Writing Life: It's All in A Name

Creating names for characters can be tricky, confusing, and challenging.  Trendy name?  Meaningful name? Trite name? Exotic name? Stereotypical name?  

In my stranger moments I have threatened to write a story featuring characters named "Dubious Disdain," "Hasty Departure", "Constantly Nagging", "and "Random Guy."

In frustrated moments, I have even caught myself using a limited palette of possible names for characters.  In others a rare moment of startling, and sometimes surprising, clarity of subtext evokes a particular name adding a layer of subtle signification to the character.

I have read some novels where the male author always named the female interest of his hero something like "Susan" or "Kitty."  Since they were two dimensional characters with the depth of a flat surface the name served to provide a mental image for the reader: "Susan" was always a character with girl next door qualities while "Kitty" was always the sexy siren who competed for the hero's attention. 

Another writer I know uses a code, changed from time to time, where he priorities characters based on their names.  "A" list names are always hero/heroine; "B" list enemies or bad guys; "C" list names always filler characters of a secondary and supportive nature.   Another author, one who writes romances, finds and creates the most exotic names she can develop: "Teavenly",  "Zary", "Meborah", and the like.  We will not explore the male versions as they tend to be names one might expect to see in a safety manual: "Bolt", "Hammer", "Argon", " Amp", and "Blade."

Consider the audience, the nature of the story, and the sub-texts of meaning when naming characters.  For a taste of the top names for babies in 2011 click here.   Be cautious, however, because somewhere out there will be a susceptible pregnant woman who will be reading your book in days or years to come and will find that name in a weak moment and shout, "that's it!"    For years afterwards a small child laboring over spelling a strange, odd, exotic name or tired of fighting off hordes of playground mockers will burn those same books in your stead.  Save little Agamemnon the agony.   

A Swish of Skirts: New Works Focus on Edwardian Era

The dashing adventures of a mysterious lady with a penchant for finding and solving puzzles and unraveling strange situations  - and her assortment of unique associates - will launch Spring 2012.

The adventures of  Dirigibles and Diamonds and Madame Delaine and the Gutsey Girl Detective will be sure to please young readers and old alike!

New Work is A Biography of a Pentecostal Scholar

Now available on Amazon is the analyzed biography of Noel Brooks an author, pastor, and educator in both British and North American Pentecostalism.

FULL CIRCLE BOOKSTORE EVENT: NEW INK EVENT

Author Marilyn A. Hudson was on hand to sign copies of the novel The Mound at Full Circle Bookstore, 50 Penn Place, Oklahoma City for their New Ink event on Dec. 17, 2011.

Dec. 17, Book Signing Event at Full Circle, OKC

Author Marilyn A. Hudson will be a book signing event on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Full Circle Book Store, Oklahoma City.  She will be there with copies of The Mound and with information about other works.  

A Collection of Chilling Tales

Over twenty tales suitable for young adult to adult readers.

When Death Rode the Rails.

Did a serial killer stalk early Oklahoma? Explore the early days of the rough and tumble rails in Oklahoma and uncover some interesting deaths.

Works for Sale in the Overholser Mansion Gift Shop

Wonderful Time at the Book Signing

It was a wonderful mix of a historic and lovely site, wonderful people and books: The book signing held at the Overholser Mansion Carriage House Oct. 7, 2011.

BOOK SIGNING, WRITE-UPS AND WOO-HOO!

This Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:00 will be a book signing at the historic Carriage House at the Overholser Mansion, NW 15 & Hudson in OKC.

Today a write up appeared in the NewsOK.com pages of an interview last week about the book, the authors, etc. Check it out at this link.

CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOK FESTIVAL

Marilyn A.Hudson
at the Chisholm Trail Book Festival

Enjoyed the trip to Duncan, Oklahoma for the Chisholm Trail Book Festival. As always, the community was marvelous and very supportive of the effort.   Authors and publishers are appreciative!  It is also so interesting how unique the various areas or regions can be in their reading interests.  In Duncan, readers were looking for works of true history and have on every visit made to that region. They are very interested in biographies and thrilling accounts of history.  There is also a keen interest in religious and inspirational writings.   In Shawnee for the last Red Dirt Book Festival, for comparison, the interest was in fiction, romance and children's works.  For those academically inclined, or just perpetually curious, it might make an interesting study to see if regions really do have unique reading interests or if they merely respond to current marketing trends.  Good time, good people, and some great books. Thanks Duncan for supporting your local (and state) authors!

Catch Author Marilyn A. Hudson in a 'Mini-Author Talk' at th Chisholm Trail Book Festival

The Chisholm Trail Book Festival, Duncan, Oklahoma convenes Sat., Sept. 17 in the Simmons Center.  At 1:30 to 1:45 catch author Marilyn A. Hudson as she shares an engaging and dramatic account from one of her books and speaks about the procss of writing.  Hudson is the author of The Bones of Summer, Those Pesky Verses of Paul, When Death Rode the Rails, Tales of Hell's Half Acre and the co-author of the new novel of suspense, The Mound.  All of her works are available on Amazon.   Read more about them at Whorl Books.

Marilyn A. Hudson To Visit Enid Public Library

Author Marilyn A. Hudson, along with co-author Cullan Hudson, will present a program at the Enid and Garfield County Public Library on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10 a.m.

Hear dramatic readings of selected portions of their new works,  The Mound, The Bones of Summer, and When Death Rode the Rails, hear a spine-tingling tale from Oklahoma history from Marilyn , who is also a professional storyteller and who specializes in shivery offerings as "The Ghost Teller".

There will also be opportunity to get autographs and photos with the authors.

NOVEL IS FINALLY OUT

The novel is finally available on Amazon and from Whorl Books.

Matt Wolf busies himself with the renovation of the abandoned Montford Arms Hotel in the small Eastern Oklahoma settlement of Corvus Mound, unaware of his ancient legacy and strange destiny.

Dr. Karen Houston is perplexed by the incongruous find she discovers while excavating the ancient native mounds nearby. She does not yet know that it is inextricably linked to her strange and frightening dreams.

Psychic Shade Hoffmeyer will need every reserve of insight and intuition to fathom meaning from the bizarre visions leading her to a terror that will challenge her spirit as much as her mind.

These three must understand the forces that have drawn them together in order to fight back the ancient evil awakening within THE MOUND.

When a group of strangers converges on an old hotel in a sleepy eastern Oklahoma town to investigate its haunted reputation, no one is prepared for the terror they are about to face.

REFLECTIONS

In the last two years, I have seen several life long dreams come to reality. The journey began in earnest in 2005 at the Red Dirt Book Festival in Oklahoma.  I was there as a storyteller but it re-awakened a desire I had hidden for many years.   I am sometimes amazed at having reached so many benchmarks.  I am also amazed at how each goal reached brings a new one.  A new dream...excuse me I have to go write now.

OKLAHOMA FEATURED IN UPCOMING NOVEL

Author Marilyn A. Hudson

Oklahoma rooted authors, Cullan Hudson (Strange State: Mysteries and Legends of Oklahoma) and Marilyn A. Hudson (The Bones of Summer:A Chilling Collection of Tales; When Death Rode The Rails) announce the publication of their paranormal suspense novel, The Mound.

Due for official release August 1, 2011, the approximately 300 page, softbound book, will be available via Amazon or by contacting the publisher, WHORL BOOKS via CreateSpace.

Playing With Character

Who says dress up is just for kids?  I have been playing with a character and decided to be her for awhile.  In near 100 degree temps it was an adventure and provided some insight into movement, problems, and bearing required by a woman from the time.  It brought history to life for certain. I can write her with more authentic tone  now because of this. I may also use it in my storytelling programs in the future and even the "Ghost Teller".

THE MENTALIST WEARS SKIRTS

I started this novella awhile back.  It is a fun mystery series set  in Oklahoma City, Dallas, New York, and New Orleans and featuring a mysterious woman mentalist.  A sort of fun Sherlock in skirts....

MADAME DELAINE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE GUTSEY GIRL DETECTIVE

MADEME DELAINE AND DIAMONDS AND DIRIGIBLES

Aiming for them- to be available in 2012.

NORMAN AUTHOR RELEASES NEW BOOK

Whorl Books

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2011

NORMAN AUTHOR’S NEW WORK IS CHILLING

Description: (optional) Norman author announces release of new book.

Norman, Oklahoma, January 26, 2011 – From Norman author Marilyn A. Hudson comes a collection of twenty short tales. The Bones of Summer: A Collection of Chilling Tales is designed to chill you to the bone on even the hottest day. Find out what monsters fear in Erebus. Flee sinister silhouettes in When Shadows Move. And witness revenge slip from death's grip in When I'm Stronger.

"Marilyn uses a darkly poetic writing style to create atmospheric character-driven stories,” notes Keith Pyeatt, award winning author of Struck and Dark Knowledge. “The result: chills and a need to read the next." Terri French White, author of Tulsa's Haunted Memories has written, "[She] has a way of captivating your senses and making you feel the emotions of her characters. The Bones of Summer demands your attention and leaves you wanting more."

Suitable for older teens and adults, the 192 page, softbound book, is available on Amazon.

Hudson is an educator and author with degrees in history and information studies from the University of Oklahoma. Her previous works include One Night Club and a Mule Barn, Elephant Hips Are Expensive, and In Her Own Words. She lives in Norman with her husband and two dogs.

Contact Information:

Marilyn A. Hudson /Whorl Books

405-701-3996 / marilynahudson@yahoo.com

www.whorlbooks.blogspot.com

whorlbooks@gmail.com

###

NOW AVAILABLE!

'They lay scattered between the vernal flourish and winter's icy grasp. These are the Bones of Summer... "


A collection of twenty short tales to chill you to the bone on even the hottest day. Find out what monsters fear in Erebus. Flee sinister silhouettes in When Shadows Move. And witness revenge slip from death's grip in When I'm Stronger.'


"Marilyn uses a darkly poetic writing style to create atmospheric character-driven stories. The result: chills and a need to read the next." -- Keith Pyeatt, award winning author of Struck and Dark Knowledge.


"[She] has a way of captivating your senses and making you feel the emotions of her characters. The Bones of Summer demands your attention and leave you wanting more." --Terri French White, author of Tulsa's Haunted Memories.


Available on AMAZON.

So Many Projects - So Little Time!

I have been busy finishing up several projects. I hope to see them out this spring or summer. It is has been a hard journey but that is life sometimes.

Geary, Ok Public Library

Had a great visit sharing stories in this cozy west central Oklahoma community. It emerges from some unexpected rolling hills north between El Reno and Weatherford. Kay Perkins is the "Wonder Woman" of the library! I met some great kids and teens...some toting out huge stacks of books too! Kudos to the staff, citizens, and kids of Geary, Oklahoma.

Summer Fun

What a time this summer! On the road storytelling, researching locations, finishing a couple of manuscripts, and taking photos for an upcoming book. Lots of rain and sun. Will escape to camp in the great outdoors as permitted.

Books Soon to Be Available

I have been working like crazy - short trip some would say - and hope to have several books available by the end of this next month.

I am also looking at re-issuing some that had gone out of print as well.

THE MOUND - Blog Interview

1: What is the  title of your book?     

The Mound.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?  A love of ghost stories - real and fictional- led to the evolution of the novel. We - my co-author Cullan Hudson -  wanted a smart book and one we would like to read ourselves and this was the result.

3: What genre does your book come under? Horror.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? For the main characters, psychic Shade, Dakota Fanning or Alexis Bledel ; Dr. Karen Houston,  Malesse Jow or Joy Laurn; architect Matt Wolf , Taylor Lautner.   

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  A disparate group meets at a historic hotel as an ancient evil stirs to life and they must work together to survive a storm bearing down on them from outside and inside the old building.

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?  About seven years!  It evolved and changed as we learned what we were doing.  The original manuscript had the core of two sequels in it so nothing was wasted when we leaned the story and tightened the pace. 

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?  The work was an homage to many of the books and movies the authors had enjoyed. As a result it was influenced by authors as diverse as Poe, Michaels, Koontz, King and many others. 

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?  For me personally, a very stressful experience in my work life.  It was therapy and mental diversion to the reality of my world to construct my own universe and people it with characters.  Soon, however, they seemed to gain their own life and the story took off. 

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Reader response has been very positive and they have particularly enjoyed the fast pace of the work.  We focusd on a good story, some surprises, and a strong 'ticking clock' driving the action.  From what readers tell us, we succeeded in that goal. 

11. Where can people find your book? It is available via Amazon in print and Kindle formats, Barnes and Noble and many libraries have it as well. Of course, I can always connect people to the books and do presentations, especially in Oklahoma.

GETTING SPRING FEVER, THE WRITING TIME

Spring break week is usually a time for relaxation, but this one has been about getting some manuscripts finished and working out the plans for some others. In addition, editing a couple of academic articles and working on some research.

It is amazing, though, how easily life can spin so far out of control that all you have left are loose strands the density of maritime rope.

The air is too chill, but the sun is warming the earth, and if I look closely, I see the small struggling buds on winter brittle branches. They are there in spite of the chill, the uncertainity, and the long road to mellow days of summer. A lot like writing.

So, must mentally shake off the cobwebs, dust off the spring creative cape, I will turn back to the task, focus on the words, and be one with the emerging buds of a creative summer yet to come.

RESEARCH BUZZ

Deeply involved in historical research right now, preparing a manuscript on an old murder case that caught my eye. It is amazing how a story you first thought was pretty cut and dried can expand to reveal links and nuances that can be so interesting.

Will be touring some 'sites' for publicity photos and illustrations for another book, have just one word: 'makeup!'.

WOW! What a Fall!

It has been a mad rush lately with finishing up the semester of teaching, managing the library, and serving on various administrative committees; expanding the mystorical novella of "Madame" has been fun; writing a couple of guest columns, working on a centennial book, expanding a website of genealogical photographs, and performing in a story theater. Then working on a couple of academic papers to boot. And all before Christmas!

Over the break began the final finishing touches to the railroad mystorical book, planned a storytelling event, and enjoyed warm wassail and hot chocolate.

My plan for 2010 is to get several works on Amazon; clear up the projects derailed when the computer committed suicide (with mss and images on it!).

They say spring is a time of renewal and rebirth - I have always found it one were the creative spirit is warmed and stirred, much as the rich soil is prepared to bring forth glorious green grass and buds. The very air seems to play like gentle fingers on the harp of my creative spirit, picking out a tune of enchantment that lures me to imagine and to write.

I look forward to - no, I long with all my heart - for spring and the resurrection of the dormant and hibernating self.

Met Noted Scientist and Researcher Jeff Meldrum

A very kind and gracious individual bringing a high level of solid science to one of the mysteries of the world. Dr. Jeff Meldrum was there presenting at the Honobia Bigfoot Conference and Festival in southeast Oklahoma.

Checkout his "Evaluation of Alleged Bigfoot Prints".

He also has a book out "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science." He has been instrumental in the renewing interest in using science to evaluate the evidence to date and it is providing much new information.

Honobia Bigfoot Festival 2009

Accompanied another author there and did some research and story collection. Wonderful and diverse event.

NEW BOOKS SOON TO BE AVAILABLE

Those Pesky Verses of Paul

Marilyn A. Hudson addresses the apparently limited role of women in the church by stripping away centuries of assumptions and "copycat" commentary to re-examine the Gospels in a historic context and compare them to the actions of Jesus Christ.

Marilyn Hudson earned degrees in History and Library Science from the University of Oklahoma and spent many years researching the historic, literary, and evangelical components of the New Testament, especially as it relates to women.I

n addition to a storied career as a freelance writer for several national publications, Hudson has also penned a number of books, including "One Night Club and a Mule Barn," a history of Southwestern Christian University where she now serves as Director of Libraries.

Book Details (Click on image to order)

•Genre: Bible & Other Sacred Texts
•Paperback: 84 pages
•Binding: Perfect
•Publisher: Whorl Books ( August 2009 )
•ISBN: 0977885062

NEW BOOK IS HIGH-INTEREST

Synopsis

In a time rife with clairvoyant charlatans, unscrupulous private detectives, and corrupt police forces, one woman uses her formidible skills of observation to crack cases and corral crooks.This time around, she's going to get the help of a young girl in solving a mystery in territorial Oklahoma City - whether she wants it or not. Madeleine Madame Delaine is no ordinary psychic - in fact, she's no psychic at all. But she will play one if it helps her get the information she needs to solve the many mysteries she finds herself wrapped up in. No, Madame Delaine is just an ordinary woman with a good eye, a great memory, and a clever mind for putting the subtle pieces of any puzzle together. Clues are no match for this extraordinary mentalist.

Book Details

A WHORL BOOKS 'THUMBPRINT' - High Interest - Fast Read

These are usually under 60 pages and are designed for the person in a hurry who needs a story break.

Genre: Fiction Age : 10 and above ;Paperback: 31 pages ;Binding: Saddle Cost: $ ; Publisher: Whorl Books / Marilyn Hudson ( June 2009 )

About the Author:
Hudson is an award winning writer who is also a professional librarian, educator, storyteller, and pubilshed author. Her published works include "One NightClub and a Mule Barn" (Tate, 2006) ; "Off the Page! Basic tips for conducting a storytime" (HHP, 2005) ; "Elephant Hips are Expensive" (HHP 2005), "Those Pesky Verses of Paul" (Whorl Books, 2009) and others. Her short fiction has been included in the Red Dirt Book Anthology (all three volumes) and numerous newspapers and magazines (print and online).

Now Booking for Oct. 23, 2009 in Duncan, OK area

MARILYN A. HUDSON – AUTHOR & STORYTELLER
A special opportunity for area schools in honor of the CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOK FESTIVAL, Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 (http://www.duncanarea.com/). I am now scheduling special programs for Friday, Oct. 23m 2009.

PROGRAM(S):

“Before There Were Books There Were Stories!” – A fun story program featuring ancient legends, early Oklahoma stories, and an original tale.

Ties in well with social studies and language arts curriculum and goals.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:
20 min., 30 min., or 40 min. time slots available depending on age of audience.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Large enough space so that there is not too much crowding, but not so large as to loose intimacy. The library, a large hallway, a corner of the gym (if not being used), a classroom – all can serve well as performance space.

COST: Special Chisholm Trail Book Festival price is $95 per performance; can do multiple schools in one day if arranged far enough in advance.


WEBPAGE:
www.marilynahudson.blogspot.com and www.freewebs.com/marilynahudson

EMAIL:
marilynahudson@yahoo.com and marilynahudson@gmail.com

RED DIRT BOOK ANTHOLOGY, VOLUME 3

With the release of the new "RED DIRT ANTHOLOGY, VOLUME 3", four writers are noted for appearing in all three volumes. Mildred Dennis, Hannibel B. Johnson, Carolyn Ahern, and Marilyn A. Hudson have had material selected for inclusion in all three of the book festival anthologies.

STORIES FOR CHILDREN

A combo work of "Elephant Hips Are Expensive" and "The Adventures of a Sooner Space Monkey". "Elephant Hips..." originally appeared as a single title, illustrated by Haley Fulco in 2005.