BJ Hoff's GRACE NOTES

A Wee Bit of Celtic ...

Though you'll find a number of suggestions on the sidebar here at Grace Notes for Celtic music--and from time to time I'll mention a book or two that might feature an Irish setting or Irish characters, there's always more to give a nod to. Here's just a brief Celtic collage for your sampling.

A couple of the the newer--but not really "new"--groups drawing attention lately in Irish music:  

The High Kings. Although their presentation and staging leave a bit to be desired, they have a fine sound, wonderful harmonies, and a lot of excitement in their performance. This isn't an attempt at a "Celtic Man" type-group. Unlike "Celtic Woman," who mix contemporary and New Age into their performances, the High Kings focus entirely on traditional Irish music. Their enthusiasm prompts a good connection with the audience, and their strong Celtic blend transports you, at least temporarily, to Ireland. They'll squeeze your heart with sweet melancholy and have you tapping your feet in the same program. Their only CD to date of which I'm aware is titled, appropriately enough--The High Kings. They've recently been seen on PBS, but whether the DVD of that Dublin performance has been released yet I'm not sure.   

I've been asked about Celtic Thunder. I confess I'm not excited about this group, the reason being that they seem to do a little of everything but traditional Irish. But they're talented singers, and you can't fault their showmanship. Just be aware if you lean toward the traditional Irish, this isn't your group. 

You already know about Celtic Woman, so I won't elaborate, at least not much. They're beautiful, talented, and creative with a lovely sound but just a little too much New Age stuff to keep my interest. After a while, the NA music all begins to sound alike. But then I cut my teeth on the old Clancy Brothers Irish and, though they're often irreverent and sometimes irritating, they're just so thoroughly traditional (even when they're doing contemporary, they're traditional) that I can't quite make the move to the "pretty" Irish music. I like mine with more grit.

Most of my CDs by Mary Black have been replaced a couple of times because they were played so often. My favorite? Mary Black Collected, one of her earlier albums. She's much more popular and more highly honored in Ireland than here in the U.S., though she does have a broad, devoted Irish-American following here. Mary Black has one of the most lovely, haunting, completely Irish voices I've ever heard. Listen to her sing for a few minutes, and you'll never forget that voice. I wonder if her popularity among Americans hasn't been quite so widespread  simply because her voice is so thoroughly Irish. My favorite Irish female vocalist. 

Books about or by the Irish:

Because it would take pages and pages to list some of the ones I recommend, both old and new, let me just mention a few of the older "classics" for those who truly want to know more about the Irish--and before anyone harangues me about not including his/her favorite--this is a blog, not a book. And I have deadlines ... 

The Great Hunger, by Cecil Woodham-Smith. This is the "Bible" about the potato famine of the 1840s. It's been called "scholarly," "distinguished," "meticulously written," etc. All that's very nice, but what it really is, is the finest, most thoroughly, accurately detailed book ever written about the famine. The tragedy of the Irish--their agony, their humiliation, their devastation, their suffering, their courage, and their hope--bleeds through the pages and takes you there. Over nine years of research went into this classic, and I guarantee that you can't read it without being moved ... and changed. This is one of the books--and probably the most significant book--that started me on my personal quest to understand the how and the why of Ireland's "great hunger." 

Paddy's Lament, by Thomas Gallagher. My second favorite book about the potato famine. This is a powerful, shocking book that reads like a novel--but unfortnately it's not a novel, it's all too true. Although no one can begin to explain the violence and turmoil of Ireland, this book provides an in-depth look at the roots of it.

The New York Irish, edited by Ronald H. Bayor and Timothy J. Meagher. An intimidating tome in appearance, this is actually a collection of writings. The title says it all. Because I love writing about the New York Irish, I suppose it's only natural that I love reading about them also. I struck gold with this one. 

May the Road Rise to Meet You, by Michael Padden and Robert Sullivan. There are hundreds of books about Irish-American history (and sometimes I feel as if I've read them all, though I know that's a huge stretch), but if you want just one that's fun to read and gives you a quick look at everything about the Irish in America from their arrival through their art, religion, and folklore, try this one. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wrote an interesting and inspiring foreword for this.

The Field Day Anthology of Irish Writing--Seamus Deane, General Editor. This is at the other end of the spectrum from the book above, but if you're truly obsessive about Irish literature, this belongs on your shelf. It's the most comprehensive anthology of Irish writing in print: three volumes of prose fiction, poetry, and song, including biographical information and annotated text. It covers 1500 years of Irish writing, is ridiculously expensive, and now hard to find. It's a heavy, three-volume set in a slipcase (at least that's how my edition was packaged). Takes up some room, but as I said, if you're truly obsessive ...

Maybe in a future post I'll cover a few more. Call it a labor of love ...

BJ

A Visit with Katy

Sweet Katy McKenna Raymond invited me for a fun visit and interview over at Fallible.com .

For those of you who have read or who are reading Song of Erin, you can see the ancient Irish fort where Terese Sheridan managed to survive the hurricane that opens the book. And if you haven't yet seen the video trailer created for the book, Katy provides a link to it.

Drop by for a visit ...

BJ

Kudos for Harvest House

Congratulations to Harvest House Publishers. Nice to see confirmed in print what their employees ... and authors ... already knew.

BJ

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(Copied from ENews, CBA Online:)

Harvest House named one of Best Christian Places to Work. Harvest House Publishers has been named within the top three 2008 Best Christian Places to Work in the United States in the Publishing category by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) at the CMA Dallas Conference on April 24.

“This is our second year of participation in the survey because it serves as an excellent tool to gather valuable input from our employees,” says Bob Hawkins, Jr., Harvest House president. “We are once again humbled and grateful to be acknowledged in this award. Our placement in the top three is confirmation that we are reaching our goal to affirm and value each person employed at Harvest House.”

The BCWI survey involved more than 7,834 employees in 67 organizations across the U.S. to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values. For a complete list, go to http://www.bcwinstitute.com/2008US.aspx.

Triads

Among most collections of Irish proverbs, you'll find groups of three, each of which is similar to the other, called Triads. They're also found in the Bible. For example, Ch. 30 of Proverbs  presents some groups of three, (but sometimes four). In music, a chord of three tones, i.e., one consisting of a given tone with its major (or minor) third and its perfect, augmented, or diminished fifth is also a triad.

A few examples from Irish proverbs: "Three best to have in plenty: sunshine, wisdom,and generosity." "Three best friends and three worst enemies: fire, wind, and rain." "Three kinds of men who fail to understand women: young men, old men, and middle-aged men." "Three things that cannot be acquired: voice, generosity, and poetry." "Three kinds of poor people: the man poor by the will of God, the man poor by his own will, and the man poor even if he owned the world."

And from Proverbs of the Bible: "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden." "Under three things the earth trembles ... a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food, an unloved woman who is married ..."

Just as a little mind game, email  me some of your own triads--but only ones that apply to writers or writing. Let me know if you'd like them published here on Grace Notes, and I'll do so.

Here are a few of my own:

"Three plots a reader will spurn: a story with no hero to cheer for, a story with no conflict or challenge, a story with no sense of setting or place."

"Three writers whose gifts outlast time: the poet whose words reflect beauty and truth, the writer of stories for children, the hymnist who glorifies God."

"Three endings that spoil a good story: an ending that gives the lie to the book's promise, an ending that rambles to nowhere, an ending with no ray of hope."

BJ

Potpourri

I'm writing this while looking out on the largest snowfall we've seen here in Ohio for years--about 20 inches or so, with monster drifts. 

Don't groan--I happen to love it. You've heard from me before about my love of winter, especially snowy winters. One element I particularly love is the quiet. Our town has been virtually silent for two days now. Due to a Level 3 snow emergency, almost everything is closed. Traffic is nearly nonexistent, and other than the occasional sounds of the neighborhood children sledding down the hill and making snow angels--and those are welcome sounds--it's peaceful just about everywhere.

I don't know what accounts for the quirk in my nature that cheers at a snowstorm when most normal folks are grumbling about it, but there you have it. Perhaps it's because I'm a mountain gal--I grew up in the heights of the Appalachians, and to this day nothing tugs at my heart or brings healing to my soul quite so quickly as a return visit to the mountains. If I wanted to be fanciful, I suppose I'd say I left behind a part of myself there.

Whatever the reason, I can't think of anything I enjoy more than a snowy, snug winter's night by the fire. And this has been a weekend for just that. I was actually sad to think that this is probably the last grand hurrah of winter, that I likely won't see such white and pristine beauty again until next year, God willing. So I'm doing my best to enjoy every minute of it.

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Here's a book I've been wanting to mention to you: Suite Francaise, by Irene Nemirovsky. It's an incredible novel, one of the most gripping I've read in years. The story is remarkable, the writing brilliant--as close to perfect as writing can be. The story is set on the eve of the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1940. The author was Jewish and died at Auschwitz, leaving the novel unknown for sixty-four years. As you can probably imagine, it's a story of sadness and pathos. And yet it's not all angst. It's more a bittersweet novel, with one moving scene after another, even touches of humor. In truth, it's beyond description.

If you read it, don't miss the supplementary notes in the back. They're fascinating. Thanks to my editor for recommending this one to me--somehow I'd missed it.

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A reader asked me recently what the Book of Kells is. It's actually a collection of over three hundred "folios" (housed at Trinity College, Dublin), all of which date from the early 9th century. Its exact origin is unknown, but several hands supposedly had a part in its creation. The illustrations are stunning and elaborate, including treatments of the Crucifixion and the Ascension. The four Gospels are woven together as a single life of Christ. All kinds of characters and words are represented in rich colors, including animals--some of which appear charming, others strange and almost grotesque.

It's bound in four volumes, and it's rightfully considered one of the most "wonderful books of the world."

BJ

Break Time

It will be quiet here for a few days as I take a break to do some research and general "catch-up." 

BJ

Potpourri

You may have noticed that I keep politics well away from Grace Notes. That's because I don't like opening a can of worms, don't like bickering, don't like contention--and also because politics just happen to bore me. Rest assured you'll never know who "my candidate" is or whom I plan to vote for. (With the current crop in the running, I'm not so sure "my candidate" won't remain a mystery, even to me.) 

But I am getting a chuckle out of a statement I've been hearing just in the past few days that comes directly from the campaign trail. I've heard this three or four times now from different candidates, so I can only assume it's a trend: "I've found my voice ... " Or "In Iowa, I've found my voice." Or "In New Hampshire, I've found my voice." You get the picture.

What exactly does this this mean--"I've found my voice?" Are you telling me that none of these folks knew their "platform" until they stormed Iowa and New Hampshire? Or is it more that when they realized the polls weren't quite on target, they had to clear their throats and find a new tack? Or--this more likely--with all the glib lines and blather they actually did lose their voices and are just now regaining them for more speechifying. (Heaven help us.)

I'm thinking that what it really means (coming from a politician) is that he's (she's) confused no more, so look out: more pompous speeches and attack ads to come.

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I am so happy (almost giddy) to have completed the very hefty set of galleys for my upcoming April release, Song of Erin. I'm sure I've told you about this one: it's a re-release of my novel, Cloth of Heaven and its sequel, Ashes and Lace. You can see the cover on the sidebar (a particularly lovely cover, I happen to think). It's a peculiar feeling, in a way, to re-read a book you wrote a few years ago. You actually find places you've almost forgotten about--you get this feeling of "I wrote that?"

With this particular galley, I was reassured to find that what I thought was a favorite among some of my own books still is. You know, authors are often asked who our favorite characters are, and we just as often reply--"the ones I'm working with right now." That's almost always a true statement, and yet I think we also have a few characters in the past who will forever hold a special place in our hearts. That's so true of Jack Kane, Gabriel Vaughan, Samantha Harte, and some of the others from Song of Erin.

I'll be interested in hearing from you when you read this one to see if you can figure out why these folks are so special to me. If you nail the right answer, you'll win a free copy of your choice of any of my books. (Yes--there is a "right" answer.)

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Oh--for the two of you who asked: yes, we finally took the decorations down. "Back to normal" again.

Humbug.

BJ

November Notes

I'm looking out the window on a cold, wind-driven rain that's stripping the trees of their final colors and reminding me that, yes, the holidays are coming, but so is winter and the end of the year. In addition to the weather, there's an extra layer of grayness over Ohio today, a mourning going on. The promise of a championship season ended in the OSU 'shoe Saturday at the hands of a team that delivered an exceedingly painful surprise. If you know anything about Ohio and football, you know I'm not exaggerating when I use the word "mourning." Wisdom says that in any game there has to be a loser, right? But it's supposed to be the other team.

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As it happens, it's also November in the manuscript I'm working on: Rachel's Secret. It's the first book in a new series (The Riverhaven Years). With winter approaching in both real time and in story time, I'll have to be careful not to give in to the "bleak midwinter syndrome." Fortunately, I'm not one who, like my husband as well as my closest friend, harbors a need for light that can turn desperate about the middle of November, surely Ohio's grayest, gloomiest month. Along about January, I threaten to imprison both of these dear ones in a brightly lit Florida room somewhere and throw away the key until May. Actually, I'm one of those weird types who seems wired to enjoy winter days, even the cold, gray ones. I know a number of other writers who share the same madness. It might be something about the snugness of being cloistered against the elements, tucked away from whatever wildness is taking place outside, that draws us more easily into the other worlds we're bent on creating. Whatever the cause of this peculiarity (or sickness), some of us thrive on these days when it seems perfectly reasonable to shut ourselves inside and work.

My husband prays daily for my recovery.

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At the same time that I'm working my way through this new story, I'm continuing the research on the current series and also the one waiting in the wings. And in the process I've discovered something I've missed that I intend to remedy. I've never taken a riverboat ride--and I know now that I must. You know those lists that float around with the "ten things to do before you die," etc.? Well, I'm adding a steamboat ride to mine, right near the top.

But not in November.

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Congratulations to Jill Eileen Smith on her first publishing contract. For over twenty years, Jill has worked and studied and waited and prayed, always persevering, never giving up, all the while trusting God for His will, even if it meant never seeing a contract. But Jill now has a contract, a well-deserved one. You would have to know Jill's story to better understand her journey, why I've so admired her perseverance and her resolve, and why it's such a pleasure to congratulate her.   

You did it, Jill. Godspeed.

BJ

Potpourri

I've been working back and forth with my editor on titles for the new series, and I've been reminded again (as has he, I'm sure!) how important the rhythm of a title is to me. If a title simply doesn't "sound right" to my ear, I can't live with it. There's a certain flow to the beat of the words that has to be just so for me.

I've also noticed that books with titles that appeal to both my eye and ear get a much quicker and stronger response from me when I'm shopping than those without a definite rhythm or flow.

This quirk, if that's what it is, even extends to the endings of my books and some chapters: the rhythm of the words is as important as the words themselves.

I can't think of anything that would account for this except the musician in me. I'm sure this particular idiosyncrasy is a frustration to some I work with, but I honestly can't help it. Fortunately, I'm blessed with an unfailingly patient editor and publishing house ... though they probably sigh a lot, especially when we're working on titles.

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So, it's ordered. The flashy and fun new Mac OS X--Leopard.

It's not that I enjoy upgrading operating systems, though I have to give Apple an A+ for making it easy--at least that's been the case in the past. No, what draws me in would be one too many sneak peeks at what's supposed to be the most exciting new operating system since--well, since ever. The countdown has already begun, and although I could never be one of those folks who camp out overnight at the local Apple store, I admit to being an early adopter, at least this time around. My pre-order is in. I'll let you know if the Leopard lives up to its hype.

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This is the time of year (my favorite time, as it happens) when I daily dial to the fall and winter Windham Hill albums on my iPod--not just the Christmas collections, though those, too (I play Christmas music, especially Celtic and Windham Hill most of the year, not only during the season), but to some of WH's  other themed and more general CDs as well. Some of my favorites include Communion with God, Thanksgiving, Celtic Christmas II and III, and almost any of the Winter Solstice collections. You'll find a few listed under the music category on the sidebar here.

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BJ

A Different Kind of Party

Thanks to the Columbus Dispatch, I came across what I think is a terrific idea and one worth all the "press" it can get.

Seems a nine-year old girl in Columbus recently enjoyed a very special birthday party--albeit a really different one. This is a child who loves toys and games as much as any other birthday girl, but she's also an animal lover and this year she requested, instead of presents for herself--items for a local cat shelter. So instead of showing up with more toys to be soon discarded, her birthday guests arrived with such gifts as cat litter, paper towels, and the like.

Don't you love it? But wait--it gets better. Apparently this sort of party is catching on. A young brother and sister, also in the Columbus area, have a "charity" birthday party at least every other year, collecting toys for the Children's Hospital. An eleven year old boy recently threw a "cash bash" to collect money to help build a basketball court for an area church. Another boy and his older brother hosted a similar party to raise money for the downtown center of the Salesian Boys &  Girls Club of Columbus, where tutoring and after-school activities are offered.

Too often only the kids in trouble make the news. It's refreshing to read a feature article about young people helping others.

Let's hope this is an idea that catches on. If anyone's interested, it's suggested that the party invitations include not only information about the charity, but some specifics as to what kind of items to bring, or, in the event of a "cash bash," a suggested amount and some detail as to what the money will be used for.

And for anyone writing children's books, maybe there's a way to plant the idea in a scene?   

BJ