The Pulpwood Queen's Book Club

The Pulpwood Queens' Guest Blog from Author, Carla Stewart!

2011-10-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers!

Today's Author Guest Blog is from Carla Stewart! Now a two time Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection Author, enjoy her message to all of you on our annual Pulpwood Queen Book Club Hosted Convention that we call, GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND!

For more information on our weekend go to http://www.beautyandthebook.com/ and click on GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND ont the left side photo menu bar!

Tiara wearing and Carla Stewart sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs

http://www.beautyandthebook.com/

http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/

http://www.booksalive.blogspot.com/

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/

http://www.southernauthors.blogspot.com/

Carla Stewart / Author of Broken Wings

A month or so ago, I ventured into the mall. I hate shopping more than anything. Hate it—but I was going to a conference and needed a couple of nice tops to wear with my normal black slacks. How I ventured into the evening wear at Dillard’s is anybody’s guess, but there I was, and it looked like one of those promos when they’d brought all the merchandise from the area stores for a big clearance. Racks and racks of party wear. Not at all what I’d come for.

Then I saw it—a prom dress! Layers of pale chiffon, a crinkly taffeta skirt that twirled around, a couple of inches of a nylon net petticoat peeking from the bottom. I looked around to see if anyone was looking, then feeling safe, I snatched it from the rack and ran into the dressing room. I felt silly even trying it on, but I knew exactly where I’d wear it – Girlfriend Weekend! Prom night!

The clearance price was unbelievable, and within minutes, I handed it to the sales associate and babbled away about the Pulpwood Queens and how it’s so much fun to spend a weekend with other authors and hundreds of readers, about this year’s Circus theme and that I’d be wearing my purchase to prom night. I handed her my debit card and a couple of bookmarks and told her about Broken Wings, my newest book that I’ll be sharing about at Girlfriend Weekend in January.

It’s apropos that the story is about a unique friendship between two women since that’s what girlfriend weekend is all about—making memories with old and new friends. And it’s sort of ironic that a special dress plays a role in the my latest book, Broken Wings.

This novel is a contemporary story, but as an author, I have a special affinity for nostalgia and managed to sneak a bit of the past into this tale of an unlikely friendship that forms between two women. Putting the story together was a fun challenge and actually had its roots in a short story I’d written several years ago about three children who were orphaned on Black Sunday (during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s). I knew the oldest of those kids had a story to tell. She became the main character, Mitzi. While I was trying to find her story, I read about a Tulsa jazz hall from the 1940s that was going to be renovated. I knew at once that she’d been a jazz singer who was now in the sunset of her life, so the story would have the past and present interwoven. I chose a young professional woman in need of a friend and let Mitzi be that friend. It turned out they needed each other in this tale of providence and grace. Sort of like we need each other in real life.

I can’t wait to see you all in Jefferson in January. We’ll be “clowning” around at the author dinner in honor of the Circus theme, then on to the main attractions—meeting all of you and having the time of our lives—prom dresses and all!

~~ Carla

The Pulpwood Queen and her Beauty and the Book Help Launch TWO NEW BOOKS ON JEFFERSON, TEXAS!

2011-10-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers!

Yesterday was a whirlwind of book activity for the Pulpwood Queen. First, The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club AND Beauty and the Book sponsored the Woodlands Competition along with Johnny and Myrna Bradley with cash prizes and other donations to give away over $1,000 worth of prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the Men's Chainsaw, Women's Crosscut Saw, and Men's Crosscut Saw Competitions. Our book club and I as a Rotarian were well represented as the original Timber Guy, my husband, Jay Patrick and Butch Phillips took 3rd place in the Men's Crosscut Saw and The Pulpwood Queen and Beje Foster placed 2nd in the Women's Crosscut Saw, (Do note Jay and I gave away our prizes) to the Bradley's who provided all the materials, logs, and cash for this endeavor! Congratulations to ALL the WINNERS, (in previous post), and is always the highlight of the Marion County Fair!

Next you will see photos of the Book Launch and Book Signing for "The House of the Seasons" with the co-creator/authors in attendance, Dick Collins, owner of The REAL House of the Seasons Tour Home and Bed and Breakfast, and Emmy Award winning animator, Dan Kuenster in attendance along with Shirley Reiman who runs and oversees the House of the Seasons home and restoration historic properties here in Jefferson, Texas.

We had a grand time and even during the booksigning were able to witness the Chicken and Cake Auction which is something to be seen at the Marion County Fair. Also as an added plus Dan Kuenster even brought his award winning EMMY for all to see and touch!

Next I hightailed it over to Joe and Vicki Lee's historic home for the Book Launch and Book Signing of "Historic Homes of Jefferson, Texas" by photographer/author, Cheryl McLennan. Lemonade, homemade cookies, and other goodies were provided for our refreshment for this porch party and for the first photography book ever of the historic homes of Jefferson, Texas!

Two NEW books on Jefferson, Texas are now for sale SIGNED and FIRST EDITIONS at my Beauty and the Book! To me these are the perfect presents for gift giving this holiday season on the stories and photographs of my beloved hometown of Jefferson, our BELLE of the Bayou!

Call Tuesday - Saturday, 903-665-7520 to purchase your copy. "The House of the Seasons" is $10.95 + tax and "Historic Homes of Jefferson, Texas" is $24.95 + tax and are two books every Jeffersonian should have in their libraries! I will gift wrap and ship for an additional $6.95 per book! Or you can reach me by email at kathy@beautyandthebook.com.

Enjoy the photos and a BIG THANKS to the Marion County Fair and Joe and Vicki Lee for helping make these events possible and to all who turned out for these events, your support on these fine authors and books is greatly appreciated in keeping my little ole bookstore, Beauty and the Book's doors open!

Tiara wearing and always, book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

http://www.beautyandthebook.com/

http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com/

http://www.booksalive.blogspot.com/

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/

http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/

http://www.southernauthors.blogspot.com/

The Pulpwood Queen Reports from Marion County Fair and Woodlands Competion Winner Announcements!

2011-10-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers:

The winners of The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club sponsored Woodland Competion at the Marion County Fair 2011 are as follows:

MEN'S CHAINSAW COMPETITION

1ST PLACE - Zack McVicar 12:87 seconds

2ND PLACE - Butch Phillips 14: 07 seconds

3RD PLACE - Jim Lohman 14:81 seconds

WOMEN'S CROSSCUT SAW COMPETITION

1ST PLACE - Kim Johnson and Tonesha Sears - 33:40 seconds

2ND PLACE - Beje Foster and Kathy L. Patrick 44 seconds

3RD PLACE - Taylor Foster and Amanda Durham 54:94 seconds

MEN'S CROSSCUT SAW COMPETITION

1ST PLACE - Josh Moore and Jeff Stuart 23:50 seconds

2ND PLACE - Kenneth Templin and James Price 23:94 seconds

3RD Place - Butch Phillips and Jay Patrick 28:28

A Big Thanks to Johnny and Myrna Bradley who always set up the logs and provide all materials for the Woodlands Competition and for the cash prizes that were included with The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys sponsored prizes and others for the Grand Total of over $1,000 dollars in prizes given to all the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners!

Congratulations to all the winners at the fair! I know that I look forward to this event every year and nothing is more fun than watching all our Marion County Community have these friendly competitions. I laughed my head off and even got my face painted, see mustache!

Come back to this site tomorrow to read about the two book signings but since I was up before the chickens, I am way past my bed time!

Adios amigos!

Kathy L. Patrick, el mustached amigo

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs

http://www.beautyandthebook.com/

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/

http://www.booksalive.blogspot.com/

The Pulpwood Queen Posts Guest Blog from Author, LISA WINGATE!

2011-10-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

The Pulpwood Queen Posts "The Coffins for Little Hope" by Timothy Schaffert Discussion Questions!

2011-10-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

"Sublime...Essie Myles, an 83-year-old widowed obituary writer for a small

Nebraska newspaper stumbles onto the story of her life. The paper's printing

press has been working double-time since a New York publisher contracted it

to print part of the print run for the final installment of a wildly popular

YA novel series--part of a plan to keep the book's contents under wraps--and

Essie kicks into high gear as well when she gets a tip from a local that her

daughter, Lenore, has been abducted by her photographer

boyfriend....Schaffert spins out the story and its offbeat characters with

compassion, spoofing the nation's voracious appetite for "news"...Piercing

observations and sharp, subtle wit make this a standout."—Publishers Weekly,

starred review

A note from Essie Myles, the narrator of The Coffins of Little Hope.

Dear Readers,

As many narrators do, I suppose, I’ve found myself with more to say, even

though the book has long since gone to press. So let me tell you a few

things about my approach to this story: I fancied myself a mix of both

Harper Lee and Truman Capote as they lurked about Kansas researching In Cold

Blood. Like them, I too sought the truth at the heart of a crime in a small

rural town, and I too embroidered a tale of absolute fact. No, I didn’t

witness everything described in my book, and no, I wasn’t privy to every

conversation I relay, and no, I don’t have 100 percent recall. But there is

no doubt in my mind that I got nothing wrong. I’ve been writing obituaries

for nearly seventy years, and you can’t spend all that time chronicling the

dead without developing great insights into the habits of the living. And

I’m a very reliable narrator. You can trust me on that one.

Sincerely, Essie “S” Myles.

Discussion Questions:

1. In this book, families are of varied structures and shapes. How do

you think the author defines family?

2. Pop culture and youth play a critical role in this novel. How do you

think age is treated?

3. What would you want said in your obituary?

4. For some characters in this book, performing magic tricks is a wonderful

diversion and shared activity. How does the theme of magic flow through this

book? What's the real magic this book depicts?

5. Truth is personal here, and relative. Or is it?

6. Part of this story is about another story. How do the two books and plots

work together?

7. Did the girl disappear?

8. What is this book saying about change, both personal and cultural?

9. How does this novel portray motherhood?

10. Memory and memories are important to this story. How?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Timothy Schaffert grew up on a farm in Nebraska and currently lives in

Omaha. He’s the author of three previous critically acclaimed novels, The

Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters, Devils in the Sugar Shop, and The

Singing and Dancing Daughters of God. His novels have been a Book Sense

Pick, Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, and a New York

Times Editor’s Choice. His writing has won numerous other awards and honors

awards, including the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award, the

Henfield/Transatlantic Review Award and the Nebraska Book Award. He

currently teaches creative writing and literature at the University of

Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Pulpwood Queen Initiates a NEW GUIDE TO LIFE!

2011-09-26T09:20:00.005-05:00

Dear Readers,

This past summer and couple of weeks have been doozies. I got pneumonia, not good my friends. I had straight line winds knock down a good part of two trees behind my shop and take out a fence. My father in law, Tommy Jack, died on my 55th birthday when we were out of state at a film festival. Then the wildfires of East Texas hit and burned over 100 structures, 50,000 acres of timberland, and destroyed peoples livelihoods. My family and many, many others have suffered but something wonderful has happened in all this chaos and tragedy. People have come together to help in so many ways. This gives me a renewed HOPE!

First, I would like to thank my pastor, Allison Byerley, who is always there for me, and all my church family and friends for taking good care of me when I had pneumonia. Wake up call folks, it made me slow down big time and realize that you do have to take care of yourself. Lucky for me, I had some pretty terrific friends and of course, my family who took good care of me. Allison called me every day and came by, brought me lunch, beyond the call for one of her church members and I thank God for Allison everyday.

Second, a big thank you to pastor, Mark Markel, who ran through the branches down behind my shop to make sure I was okay when the wind torn down the gigantic limbs. He happened to be leaving the dentist's office next door when it happened and saw the whole thing. With no fear for himself, he just ran over. I was fine but worried that there may have been electrical lines down. Once we reassured each other all was well. And a big thanks to my landlord, Jimmy Moore, who had all the damage fixed in a blink of an eye. I now have a big stack of firewood to boot. You are the best Jimmy.

My family had traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, as author, Michael Morris, had invited us to come in for the Sidewalk Film Festival for my birthday. We had just settled in our seats for the final film of the night when Jay got the call that his father had died. All is still really a blur as we left the theatre and readied for our trip to get back home. Mike is just like a brother to me and as he walked us to our car I am reminded of what great friends I have made through being a reader.

When we got back home the family came together and we said our goodbyes to Tommy Jack. Tough times as dealing with such a loss is never easy. I think his memorial service was one of most touching memorial services I have ever been too. I want mine someday to be exactly the same, family and friends coming together to celebrate a life through the sharing of stories. I know everyone left with a smile not a tear. But again family and friends enveloped us all, we will miss him dearly.

Now all of you who know me know I love books, real books not e-readers. I love to touch, hold, smell, a book before I read it. I like all my senses to be involved when it comes to reading. I have made it my life's mission to promote reading, literacy, and help undiscovered authors get discovered and now I know what started really small is catching on with others in a bigger way than I ever dreamed.

We no sooner had Tommy Jack to rest when wildfires threatened us right at home. The whole family fought to save Jay's grandmother's home, Jay's mother's home, and his Uncle Kyle's along with the amazing fire departments. I don't think anybody has any idea of the magnitude and fastness of a fire until it threatens you first hand. All the homes were saved but pasture lands, hay, storage buildings were lost, as well as, timber lands, not just for my family but others weren't so lucky. I have many friends who lost everything, everything. Can you just imagine? I think of all my books, what if they were all gone. Then I remember that books can be replaced, but not your family, friends, and pets. Those are what you should hold most dear.

I have to mention, author and artist, Nicole Seitz, all the way in South Carolina who upon reading my posts on facebook during the wildfires was so inspired to help, she created a work of art of my Beauty and the Book, see above photo. She asked me if it would be okay to have an auction on Facebook of her art to raise money for my charity of choice during the wildfires. "Yes, indeed", was my cry and I wanted all the money to go to the volunteer Jefferson Fire Department. Through the help of generosity of my Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club members we raised so far $800 which I presented to Pete Henderson our Fire Chief, see photo above with Nicole's wonderful rendition of my shop.

Big thanks to: Nicole Seitz, Pulpwood Queen Author, who also matched the final bid.
Kellie Coates Gilbert, Head Queen of one of my Pulpwood Queens of Dallas
Kimberley Cetron, Head Queen of one of my Pulpwood Queens of Virginia
Kay Huck, Head Queen of one of my Pulpwood Queens of Louisiana
Hugh Lewis and Darla McCorkle, members of The Pulpwood Queens of East
Texas
And because I had the winning bid, you now can come by my shop to see the art of Nicole Seitz and hopefully, check out and purchase her wonderful books too.There are angels amongst us everyday who make my life worth living and aspire me to be a better person.

Yesterday after church, the Methodist Women's group had a luncheon and FIRE POUNDING Shower for Ginny Alfia, one of our church members who lost her home and everything she owned. The table was overflowing with NEW housewarming gifts as she literally, starts over. Everyone helped her with either gifts, money, or gift certificates. The generosity of the gifts astounded me then again, I think people just put themselves in her position. What would they need?

This is now happening all over town with fundraising dinners and plans for more fundraising events. I am reminded of my first trip to New York City after 9/11. Everyone had a story of those helping others. So this inspires me that perhaps as we FALL BACK INTO READING that perhaps we could begin a NEW Guide to Life that would be as follows:

Thank God everyday for all your blessings and remember that life is about our relationships with others not things.

Every one has a story to tell so write everything down and put your story somewhere safe. Nobody can tell your story better than you and besides a story not told, is a library lost to your family and friends.

Be kind and shall we bring back good manners. Tragedy can bring out the worst in us or the best, it's your decision. Decide to focus on the good in others and forgive others. A smile and a hug can change everything.

Make a list of all that is truly important to you. Scan those keepsake photos and put them on a disc for safe keeping. I took photographs of everything in my house just in case. Mostly for the memories but also very helpful later for insurance purposes. Make a video and these along with your important documents put in a safety deposit box.

Have a game plan in case of emergency. We now have pet carriers for all our animals, flashlights, bottled water and provisions. Keep your cell phones, lap tops charged with car charger and car gas tank filled.

Living in a rural area, get to know your neighbors. Another great thing that came from this tragedy as is I now know my next door neighbors on a first name basis. We have each other's cell phone numbers and everyone up and down my road all are friends on Facebook.

Support your local fire department and police department. These men and women deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. They keep us safe and are only trying to uphold the law. I know all of our city and county departments went beyond the call these past couple of weeks.

Find a church home, we not only need to have a relationship with God, but a relationship with each other as a church. I don't know what our county would have done without our churches and church families. No matter your faith, we all need to know there is a higher power who is there for us always, unconditionally.

And for me there is no better way to understand how another person thinks than to walk in his shoes for a while. For me that is books, become a reader. Knowledge is power to make better decisions and to understand what may have been a mystery to you. Reading is enlightening, educational, and the best entertainment in the world.

And that brings me to, share your gifts. We all have talents and gifts but don't keep them hidden. You can help another. I learned the other day that an American soldier's mother was upset because her son wanted to receive mail from her, but she did not know who to read or write. Guess what my plan is to do, help her learn how to do exactly that, I mean it! I plan to practice what I preach.

And last if you read all of this THANK YOU! Everything I have ever learned has come through my mistakes, which I now change that word to "discoveries" and through the reading of books. Continue to be a life long learner and you too will have a wonderful life. I know my life though fraught with crisis and tragedy at times has had moments of absolute amazement, happiness, and pure joy! And I really only became to recognize that fact because I became a "real" reader.

Happy FALL BACK INTO READING and my hope and dream for you is that by reading this post, all good will come from reading it!
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs
Author of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life"
Beauty and the Book
608 North Polk Street
Jefferson, Texas 75657
903-665-7520
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com
P.S. Also friend me at Kathy Louise Patrick on Facebook and Pulpwoodqueen on Twitter!

P.P.S. A big THANK YOU too to Mickie Moore who created the NEW signage at my Beauty and the Book, see photo above!

The Pulpwood Queen Recaps PQ of East Texas Book Club Meeting with Special Guest, Author, Jenny Wingfield!

2011-09-14T07:39:00.032-05:00

Dear Readers!

While wildfires burned in East Texas and the Sheriff's department were out searching for arsonists in a white Dodge pick up truck last night, The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas carried on their mission of promoting literacy. They met at Beje's Diner, formerly Glory Dayz on Henderson Street in Jefferosn, Texas at 6:30 p.m. Beje has created a haven for those in need by providing her whole back outside seating area with drop off clothes donations for fire evacuation families in need of clothing who lost their homes besides some good home southern cooking. COMFORT FOOD my friends, and perfect for out meeting as we always leave our diets at the door, hahahha!

Thanks to Author/Artist, Nicole Seitz who donated a beautiful art work of my Beauty and the Book for auction on Facebook, we garnered $675 as a fundraiser for the Jefferson, Texas Fire Department. Waiting for all monies to arrive and stay tuned for that presentation.

Our featured author last night was Film and Television Writer/Author, Jenny Wingfield, of "The Man in the Moon" fame to speak of her first book, "The Homecoming of Samuel Lake". Jenny had us all enthralled with her story and many book club members in the audience had read her book. Attendees upon learning that the original title was "Moses Never Closes" voted unanimously that they liked that title much better. Andy Looney, Timber Guy in attendance, hollered out, that's what you need to title the play or film. All were in agreement.

Many other Pulpwood Queens were in attendance, including The Pulpwood Queens of South Houston led by Diane Blanco of www.lipstickdigest.com, as Timber Guy Paul Tidwell and my daughter, Madeleine Patrick made that Skype event happen. Dallas guests were independent bookseller, Teri Tanner and co-worker, other guests were from Marshall, Harleton and The Pulpwood Queens of Lake O; The Pines, Linden and Longview, Texas were in the house, as well as, The Pulpwood Queens of Shreveport, La.

The meal was just fantastic, see the menu board. Jenny was a delight and all Pulpwood Queens agreed her book was a winner. We can't wait to see yet another one of pics go to film. So enjoy the photo recap of the event and share with all your friends. The Pulpwood Queens have officially FELL BACK INTO READING this fall and cannot wait until our October Book Club meeting where we will be reading, "Dreams of Joy" by Lisa See!

Thank you Paul and Madeleiene for making the Skype happen and for all who came and braved driving through the smoke and fires of East Texas to come to my hometown of historic Jefferson, Texas!

We signed up more NEW book club members last night, welcome Tammy and Sherry and would love for you to join the hottest book club in the world, The Pulpwood Queens. Go to the Pulpwood Queen page at www.beautyandthebook.com. I have a few, a few remaining packages for our Girlfriend Weekend, click on that link to view working program. And then check out my NEW Book Club Talk Show at www.beautyandthebookshow.com.

And remember our motto, "where TIARAS are mandatory and READING GOOD BOOKS IS THE RULE!"

Truly,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of The Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com
P.S. Don't forget to friend Kathy Louise Patrick on Facebook and to follow Pulpwoodqueen on Twitter!

The Pulpwood Queen Press Release on Jenny Wingfield featured at Pupwood Queens of East Texas Book Club Meeting!

2011-09-09T10:57:00.007-05:00

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Kathy L. Patrick

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

903-445-2353 or 903-665-7520

September 9, 2011

Jefferson, Texas - The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas are kicking off their FALL BACK INTO READING by inviting the general public to attend their September 13th book club meeting with special guest, Film and Television Writer/Author, Jenny Wingfield of "The Man in the Moon" fame. The event will be at:

Beje's Diner formerly Glory Dayz

118 East Henderson Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

Time: 6:30 p.m. $15 for southern dinner that includes tea, meal, dessert, and gratuity but must r.s.v.p to kathy@beautyandthebook.com so she can let Beje at the dinner have a count for meals

7:30 Skype with Pulpwood Queens of South Houston, God willing we embrace this technology!

Every first Sunday in June, members of the Moses clan gather for an annual reunion at "the old home place", a sprawling hundred acre farm in Arkansas. And every year, Samuel Lake, a vibrant and committed young preacher, brings his beloved wife, Willadee Moses, and their three children back for the festivities. But just as the reunion is getting under way, a tragedy strikes, jolting the family to their core.

Jenny will speak on her book followed by question and answer and booksigning. "The Homecoming of Samuel Lake" is $25.00, hardback and will be available for purchase at the event. To ensure you get a copy, you may pre-pay for your book, which is an Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection at Beauty and the Book, www.beautyandthebook.com.

Come join the hottest and fastest growing book club in the world, The Pulpwood Queens, as we are dead serious about our books but love to make reading big time fun! Our motto is "where TIARAS are mandatory and reading good books is the RULE!" With over 500 chapters, we are the "largest meeting and discussing book club in the world!

For more info on joining click on Pulpwood Queens at www.beautyandthebook.com and bring a friend. Space is limited so do please r.s.v.p. to hear our own East Texas author speak on the film and television industry, as well as, her first book project!

Jenny Wingfield lives in East Texas with her rescued dogs, cats, and horses. "The Homecoming of Samuel Lake" is her first novel.

The Pulpwood Queen Cries EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE PULP!

2011-09-02T07:08:00.005-05:00

Dear Pulpwood Queens and Booklovers!

To read our lastest Pulpwood Queen Newsletter, the September issue of THE PULP go to:

http://scribd.com/doc/63779067/The-Pulp-September-2011

And do note that the few packages I have for Girlfriend Weekend went up September 1st to $300 per package for Pulpwood Queen Book Club Members and $400 for non-members. Purchase your Pulpwood Queen Book Club Membership for $25 and you are a MEMBER FOR LIFE and this entitles you to PQ discount. For more on joining our book club CLICK on Pulpwood Queens at www.beautyandthebook.com!

Tiara wearing and Book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

The Pulpwood Queen

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

www.beautyandthebookshow.com for more on our NEW Beauty and the Book Show!

The Pulpwood Queen's Photo Blog on Road Trip to Little Rock, to meet The Pulpwood Queens of Little Rock to view THE HELP and MORE!

2011-08-15T09:03:00.018-05:00

The Pulpwood Queen gets her PALM READ in Hot Springs, Arkansas and finds out she is an ADVENTURER! Actually, all the Pulpwood Queens got their palms read and they all found out they were ADVENTURERS, go figure!

I purchased an gigantic brass chandalier at Romancing the Stone in Hot Springs but The Pulpwood Queens wanted me to purchase this too!

The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas at Romancing the Stone and Gorilla in Hot Springs, so befitting!

A new friend that we met in one of the antique stores in Hot Springs! Check out that colorful plumage!

The Pulpwood Queens chat outside theater in Little Rock after going to view THE HELP!

Check out the cool chartered THE HELP or bust of The Pulpwood Queens of Little Rock Arkansas!

Here are The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas and The Pulpwood Queens of Little Rock all dressed in aprons after viewing THE HELP film inspired by Kathryn Stockett's book!

Blame Pulpwood Queen Wendy for this photo. I mean the Pulpwood Queens riding a rabbit, only in Arkansas!

Helaina Patrick, the next genereation Pulpwood Queen!

One of the many fine dining establishments in Little Rock, check on the motors on side of building, too cool!

Helaina Patrick in the William J. Clinton Museum Shop, fun times!

A band from Hope, Arkansas playing on William J. Clinton's Birthday Bash at his library in Little Rock!

Check out the very cool little scrumptious birthday cupcakes for Bill Clinton's birthday bash!

They were giving away HOPE WATERMELONS at the birthday bash for former President William J. Clinton at his library!

Helaina Patrick checking out the Elvis exhibit!

Pulpwood Queen Jo Anne Tidwell and Wendy Looney at Elvis exhibit at William J. Clinton Library in Little Rock!

The higher the hair the closer to God, could Priscella could have been a Pulpwood Queen or what?

Wendy discovered out Timber Guy Motto from an Elvis display, GOT WOOD?

The KING!

Does it get any better than this!

Oh, yes, Blue Hawaii!

Elvis READING a script!

Elvis Presley lives FOREVER!

The Pulpwood Queens and ELVIS!

The car Elvis drove in Blue Hawaii!

The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas at the William J. Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas!

The Pulpwood Queen's Presents PRESS RELEASE: Tour of England to include American Queen!

2011-08-08T19:20:00.004-05:00

Press Release
For Immediate Release, August 8, 2011

Contact: Diane Blanco
diane@LipstickDigest.com
281-380-7939

Tour of England to Include the American Queen

Since Prince William slipped that stunning ring of Diana’s on the delicate
left hand of darling Kate, America has paid rapt attention to their every
breath. Their royal fairy tale wedding only revved up our interest.
Headlines scream, “Kate wears same jeans three times on trip” or “Kate buys
her own groceries and cleans her own house!” We remain atwitter at their
every move. I suppose it is refreshing that this royal couple is displaying
the first signs of normalcy since…surely one of them was once normal. I just
can’t bring them to mind.

Isn’t it time that we showed the English our royalty? I am not referring to
Beyoncé and Usher, although they are a lovely couple. I am speaking of the
Queen, herself, the Pulpwood Queen, that is, the woman who brought her love
of books to the people in the strangest of places, a beauty shop. And that
is where the legend began.

Kathy L. Patrick was a born book lover who parlayed that love into a career
as a publisher’s representative in California. Hard economic times cost her
a career that she loved. Never without internal resources, Kathy embraced
her second love, turning limp, lifeless hair into a masterpiece, a “crowning
glory” for all she touched.

Unable to give up her love of books and her desire to spread that love, she
opened the world’s only Beauty Shop/Bookstore, Beauty and the Book, in the
tiny kingdom of Jefferson, Texas.

Build a better mousetrap or taller beehive and the world will beat a path to
your door. Not only did clients come to have their hair done, her friends
from the publishing industry soon took notice and Beauty and the Book became
a regular stop on author’s book tours.

Kathy found her love of books was contagious and what began as one book club
multiplied and divided until they numbered over 500 across the U.S. and 12
foreign countries

Kathy opened Beauty and the Book on January 18, 2000 , an event covered by
Oxford American Magazine. “That article, entitled, “Hairdresser to the
Authors”, literally put me on the map. Authors have been coming in droves
ever since and so has the media. To me it is just combining my two passions
in life, beauty and books. Since John Grisham was the magazine editor at the
time, I have a shrine to him in my shop.”

She is now undeniably the Pulpwood Queen of America and her subjects turn to
her every month for reading guidance and introductions to emerging new
authors. Once a year, in what is definitely the coldest month of the year in
Jefferson, Texas, she holds her Annual Girlfriend Weekend, where club
members and more than 50 well-known authors come for a love-fest of reading,
giddiness and more than just a few tiaras.

The weekend is filled with author panels, book signings and fun events where
authors serve meals or stage a humorous production, which may or may not
involve some cross-dressing. While it is all fun, the highlight of the
weekend must be the Great Big Ball of Hair Ball, where costumes and over the
top hair are de rigger. This year’s theme is The Circus—“The Greatest Book
Show on Earth”, as if it wasn’t already wild enough. Someone will most
likely arrive riding a pony. The pony may or may not be wearing a tiara.

Kathy has been seen on TV screens across the country on shows such as Oprah,
The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Now it is time to show England
what we’ve got. Kathy will travel across the pond to England on December 6
as the featured guest on the Stately English Homes at Christmas Tour,
sponsored by Kingwood Travel and LipstickDigest.com.

The tour departs Houston on Dec. 6 for London and includes visits to the
historic Peak District and Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth
House and Shugborough Hall, concluding with 2 additional days in London for
sightseeing and shopping. The cost of the tour, from Houston, is $2450, per
person, double occupancy, which includes roundtrip airfare on Continental, 6
breakfasts, 2 lunches a 3-course dinner, the services of a professional
Trafalgar guide, deluxe motor coach and all transfers. The tour returns
December 13.

This is the perfect opportunity for women who love books and, of course,
traveling with royalty to also experience the beauty of historic English
homes decked out for the holidays. It is also time for the English to take
notice that in America, a woman with a good book, a strong will and a tiara,
can be a queen.

For more information about joining the Stately English Homes at Christmas
Tour or discovering your own inner Pulpwood Queen, visit
www.LipstickDigest.com or email diane@LipstickDigest.com. Visit The Queen’s
website at www.BeautyandtheBook.com. Her best-selling book, The Pulpwood
Queen’s Guide to Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Life, is available in
bookstores and online.

Happy 55th Birthday to Me, The Pulpwood Queen is traveling to ENGLAND!

2011-08-04T16:57:00.006-05:00

Shugborough Hall

Chatsworth House

Blenheim Palace

Dear Readers!

I have had quite a year! And this past month was a doozy, been dealing with pneumonia, the nerve! But I told myself if I ever got through this pneumonia, I was starting a NEW Bucket List! And at the top, TRAVEL Big Time my friends!

Now my birthday, 55th to be exact, is the 27th of this month of August! Good Lord, I am now going to be the speed limit. I usually have a birthday party for myself. As a child, my birthday was always either the first day of school or thereafter! We weren't allowed to have a party at school and nobody ever wanted to send their children to a birthday party after the first day of school. Then on top of that I would always get school clothes for my birthday! I know, I know, mini violins, enough already.

So every year I do something special for my birthday and this year am I ever. I am going with my Pulpwood Queens of South Houston, Friendswood to be exact, on their Christmas Tour in England this coming December. And I already lined up a Pulpwood Queen roommate, Sally Rathbun, of my East Texas chapter to go with me. Then today as I gave my credit card for the deposit I found out author, Kathryn Casey might be on board. Oh, boy, oh boy, oh boy, authors on a trip, oh boy! Now I am really getting excited!

So who would like to go with me and The Pulpwood Queens back to Europe? See the incredible photos above of where we are going all decorated for Christmas in England and the full itinerary, contact info for Diane Blanco, our coordinator, and registration form below. Call your girlfriends, let's go!

Now you may say, I don't have the time or the money, but honey, if there is a will, there is a way. I plan on living for awhile on beanie weenies, ramen noodles, and macaroni and cheese and after the first weekend of Candlelight Tour in Jefferson, Texas at my shop, Beauty and the Book, it gets deader than a doorknob anyway until our Girlfriend Weekend in January!

And I can tell you the price is a deal as I took my Pulpwood Queens on a Literary Tour of France and Italy like six years ago and it was $2500. So for this girls reading and writing life, I plan on adding travel to my BUCKET LIST agenda!

I had just read The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin which is now our November 2011 Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection which is the story of a young woman who travels to England and ends up marrying royalty. Now I am just dying to see some of the places the author described. Oh, the places books will take you. I am even going to try and arrange to see if we can meet Daisy when we fly over the big pond. Now wouldn't that be cool.....

So Happy Birthday to me and Merry Christmas too! I'll be back ready for the holidays fully inspired for the New Year and our 12th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend! And as I always tell my Pulpwood Queen Book Club Members, "At this age, if it ain't big time fun, I ain't doing it!"

Singing, "Joy to the World",

Kathy L. Patrick

Founder of the Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs, the largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world!

www.beautyandthebook.com

www.beautyandthebookshow.com

www.pulpwoodqueen.com

www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com

Kingwood Travel & Lipstick Digest’s
Second Annual European Christmas Trip
Stately English Homes, December 6-13

$2450, per person (double occupancy), includes airfare (direct flight from Houston, in and out of London), hotels, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, one 3-course dinner, plus pre-trip party to meet, greet and swap packing ideas.

Call up your gal pals and experience a Christmas holiday like no other. Take a grand tour of English stately homes at Christmas. See the magnificent Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and Shugborough Hall in all their festive splendor. Your trip includes visits to historic Buxton and Bakewell in the Peak District, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and the impressive illuminations in London. Harrods’s, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, and more await, dressed for the season!

We will fly Continental to London and begin our adventure with the services of a full-time Trafalgar guide, traveling on a luxury coach with reclining seats. Diane Blanco, author of Lipstick Digest.com and frequent European travel host, will be our tour director.

We will possibly overdose on laughter and fun, but that is the price of traveling with friends. This tour will fill quickly so if you wish to join us, and believe me, you do, sign up ASAP. Our deadline for this amazing price is August 7, or until our trip is full. A $200 deposit will hold your seat until September 30, when the balance is due. To sign up, call Diane Blanco at 281-380-7939 or e-mail diane@lipstickdigest.com. Frequent flyer miles? Use them and save $$’s! Flight times, Dec. 6, IAH 3:41 p.m., return, 11:40 a.m. London, Heathrow, Dec. 13.

Travel insurance is required. This is a basic policy, but it insures if you became ill or suffered an accident, you will have your emergency medical expenses and evacuation covered as most medical insurance policies are not good outside the U.S. In the event that we do not have 36 ladies signed up by August 7, we may have to take a few congenial men, so please tell all your friends and e-mail everyone!!! Single supplement for a private room is $555.

Our Itinerary
DAY 1
DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London. On Continental

DAY 2
ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! Meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director before enjoying a Welcome Dinner in an historic London pub. See the city’s fantastic illuminations during your orientation tour. Admire the impressive lights and decorations in Oxford Street and Regent Street. View Harrods' Christmas windows, renowned for their festive displays, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is dramatically illuminated throughout the vacation season.

DAY 3
LONDON - BLENHEIM PALACE - BUXTON (2 nights)
Visit Blenheim Palace for a truly magical Christmas experience. Estate-grown Christmas trees sparkle in the Great Court and sumptuous decorations adorn the State Rooms and splendid halls. See the Palace and its courtyards turned into a winter wonderland, with glowing fires providing a warm welcome. Wreaths and miniature trees add to the traditional Christmas atmosphere in the Great Hall and Long Library. Dine tonight at your hotel in the scenic Peak District.

DAY 4
BUXTON SIGHTSEEING
Explore the scenic spa town of Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a guided tour of magnificent Chatsworth House, which is magically transformed for the festive season. Admire the grand halls and rooms bedecked with exquisite lights and decorations, and see a wonderful display inspired by classic Christmas carols. Enjoy a sumptuous two-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

DAY 5
BUXTON - SHUGBOROUGH - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Shugborough Estate comes alive at Christmas! Step inside this magnificent Mansion House and see splendid period rooms festooned with traditional decorations. Fires and candles light your way and the spirit of Christmas is all around. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sherry on your tour followed by a light lunch. This afternoon travel to Stratford-upon-Avon for free time.

DAY 6
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - LONDON
Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history and culture. Visit the house where William Shakespeare was born and raised. See Anne Hathaway’s cottage where she lived before marrying the Bard. Later return to your London hotel for the final night of your Christmas adventure.

DAY 7 & 8
LONDON - USA
Kingwood Travel
1308 Kingwood Drive, Suite 100
Kingwood, Texas 77339

Complete 1 form per traveler, email to Diane@LipstickDigest.com or fax (281-358-2311) or drop off with a copy of your passport to Kingwood Travel

Stately English Homes at Christmas—December 6-13, 2011

Name:_______________________________________________Birthdate:_________________

Street Address:_________________________________________________________________

City, State and Zip:______________________________________________________________

Home Phone:______________________________Cell:_________________________________

Email, please print:______________________________________________________________

Passport #:_____________________Date Issued:______________Date Expires;____________

Roommate’s name:______________________________________________________________
____No, I don’t have one, I prefer a single room (Single supplement $555)

Charge my trip to the following credit card—Please circle: AmExpress, MC, Visa, Discover

The deposit of $200 will be charged to your card & the balance on 9/30/2011, plus travel insurance, based on age: Up to 34 yrs--$98, 35-59 yrs--$121, 60-69 yrs--$169, 70-79 yrs--$246,

Credit Card No.:_____________________________Exp. Date:_______CV2 code:__________

Name on the credit card:_________________________________________________________

In case of an emergency, contact:_______________________________________________________________________

Home phone:________________________________Cell:_______________________________

List any food allergies or special dietary needs:________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Frequent Flyer Number/s &Airline to use for trip______________________________________

Announcing THE GREATEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH, Girlfriend Weekend 2012 Working Program!

2011-07-22T18:18:00.006-05:00

Contact: Kathy L. Patrick
kathy@beautyandthebook.com
903-665-7520
Cell 903-445-2353

Press Release for Immediate Release:

July 21, 2011
Jefferson, TX-

12th ANNIVERSARY GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND
AUTHOR EXTRAVAGANZA
The Greatest BOOK Show on EARTH!
January 12 – 15, 2012
Jefferson Tourism and Transportation Convention Center
305 E. Austin
Jefferson, Texas 75657

When I was a kid, I was fascinated with the circus. Carnivals would come to town and we kids would beg to go to the fairgrounds to ride the rides and watch the shows. A traveling theatre troupe once put on the play, TOBEY TYLER, for our entire school and I dreamed of running away with the circus! As an adult I finally got to take my daughters to see the BARNUM and BAILEY Circus which truly was “The Greatest Show on Earth”! Throw in the reading of Pulpwood Queen pics Rain Village by Carolyn Turgeon, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, Frank Delaney’s Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show and my wanderlust burst into full bleeding bloom!

So guess what? I have created a world, in which we can through our imagination and the help of my author friends, where we can indeed run away with the CIRCUS! That’s our theme this year as in The Greatest BOOK Show on EARTH! I do believe I have outdone myself on creating this year’s events to showcase our calvacade of author STARS!

Our Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs have grown to over 500 chapters of women and yes, a few good men who have become my nearest and dearest friends for a lifetime. After appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s OXYGEN NETWORK, ABC’s Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more newspapers, magazines than you can shake a stick at; we are now the largest meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD!

In celebration of our 12th Anniversary, since my life is like a three ring circus, the theme this year is: THE GREATEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!
Because you see, it really is. The Pulpwood Queens juggle our schedule to meet each month for book club. We fly with the greatest ease through the reading of our books! And we become mesmerized watching all our author speak of their amazing feats each year at our book club convention.

So, without further ado, no more clowning around!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CHILDREN OF ALL AGES! WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE PULPWOOD QUEENS BOOK CLUB!

“A book reviewer is usually a 'barker' before the door of a publisher's circus”

January 11, 2012 (requires separate ticket)
WEDNESDAY
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. HIGH SCHOOL HORSE - Circus term for a horse who has learned fancy steps as part of a performance.
ROBERT LELEUX, editor of LONNY Magazine, TEX IN THE CITY columnist for THE TEXAS OBSERVER, co-host of GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND, author of memoir of a beautiful boy and now The Living End will be conducting a MEMOIR Workshop. All day event and separate $150 ticket for Pulpwood Queen Book Club members, $250 for non-members that includes: All day workshop for beginners, a signed first edition copy of The Living End , and Luncheon.
Tickets are limited so purchase yours TODAY!

January 12th, 2012
THURSDAY GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND OFFICIALLY BEGINS!
The Pulpwood Queen V.I.P. Package includes the following:
V.I.P Band that when shown on your wrist gets you into ALLl events
Including: Thursday Night Author Dinner
Friday All Day Author Panels
Friday One Woman Show with TINA SLOAN!
Friday Night PRETTY IN PINK PROM PARTY!
Saturday All Day Panels
Saturday Author Luncheon and Fashion Show
Saturday Night GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR BALL!
Official Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekend 2011 t-shirt
Pulpwood Queen SWAG Bag full of publisher books, galleys, and giveaways!

6:00 P.M. REGISTRATION BEGINS.

7:00 p.m. CLOWN ALLEY AUTHOR DINNER Under THE BIG TOP!
We are definitely clowning around as our AUTHORS will be opening our show as your STAR performing WAITERS! Bring on the CLOWNS!!!!

January 13 – 14, 2012
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

All authors featured at their times will immediately go to AUTHOR AUTOGRAPH TABLES at our MIDWAY - VENDOR/BOOK STORE ROOM following their panel! You will need to pre-purchase books prior to having the books signed. As all authors are encouraged then to participate in all activities, feel free to ask for books to be signed throughout the weekend. But do note, some authors will not be able to stay. To ensure you get your books signed, go immediately to the AUTHOR AUTOGRAPH TABLES after they speak and have books already pre-purchased.
We will have a CONCESSION STAND in back of auditorium at BIG TOP/Convention Center to purchase popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, soft drinks. run by our CANDY BUTCHERS, the Junior and Senior High First United Methodist Youth Group with all the proceeds to go to the kids to help pay for their NEW Youth Building.

Barnes and Noble will provide the BOOK STORE for all the author books for the event unless self-published, in that case the author will provide the books themselves for sale. Barnes and Noble has also notified me CASH and CREDIT CARD SALES ONLY. They will not be able to accept checks. Also we will have a SIDE TENT -VENDOR ROOM, (open 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Friday and Saturday that will feature the best of the best SHOWCASED for our book loving attendees. We now are offering access to our MIDWAY -VENDOR ROOM and BOOK STORE too for the general public. Tickets are $5.00 per person and available at the outside MIDWAY entrance to VENDOR ROOM and BOOK STORE which will be marked GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY!

A SILENT AUCTION will be held with showcased items signed and donated by the authors in the BALLY - Circus term for a platform at the entrance to a circus or sideshow where a circus “talker” stands to deliver a prepared spiel, or ballyhoo, advertising the show, hoping to attract a crowd/ REGISTRATION BOOTH area. 50% of all proceeds from the SILENT AUCTION will go to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Literacy Project here in Marion County that is being spearheaded by the Jefferson Rotary Club which is a not for profit civic organization. The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas endorse this literacy project and are partnering with the Rotary Club to help pay for that endeavor. The other 50% will go to Pulpwood Queen Literacy Promoting endeavors.
Both night time events will be B.Y.O.B. but we will provide the setups.

FRIDAY MORNING
8:00 a.m. REGISTRATION

9:00 a.m. . SHE BREAKS IT, SHE SHAKES IT, SHE HANGS IT ON THE WALL! FOR ONE THIN DIME, STEP RIGHT UP….

Welcome to THE GREATEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!

RINGMASTERS: KATHY L. PATRICK, founder of The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs, Author of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life and ROBERT LELEUX, Author of The Living End, columnist for The Texas Observer, editor of LONNY Magazine are back to host yet again their version of BEAUTY AND THE BOOK, a television book club talk show!
Dubbed BOBKAT by their fans, Robert and Kathy welcome you to their show!

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. JACKPOTS -Circus term where Tall tales about life under the big top. To “cut up jackpots” is to tell these stories.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER and Author, ROBERT LELEUX, will speak of his latest book, The Living End: A Family Memoir of Forgetting and Forgiving!

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. EVERYONE HAS A STORY!
MARYBETH WHELAN of She Makes It Look Easy
SARAH JIO of The Bungalow and Violets of March
JUDY CHRISTIE of Rally Round Green and Wreath
LISA WINGATE of Dandelion Summer

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Our almost and FIRST of MAYS - Circus term for rookie circus performer who is trying to learn the ropes during his first season under the big top. The term originated years ago when many circuses began their traveling schedule in early May.

CARLA STEWART of Broken Wings: A Novel
DONNA M. JOHNSON of Holy Ghost Girl: A Memoir
ELEANOR BROWN of The Weird Sisters
REBECCA RASMUSSEN of The Bird Sisters

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

12:00 p.m. Noon LUNCH ON YOUR OWN (historic Jefferson, Texas has many fine eateries, many within walking distance)

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 a.m. TEN TIMES BETTER THAN CIRCUS POODLES!
Keynote Speaker, T.B.A.

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. For our little LOT LICE - Circus term for the children of circus performers and workers who grow up under the big top!.
CAROLYN TURGEON of Mermaid and The Next Full Moon
JILL S. ALEXANDER of Paradise
THERESE FOWLER of Exposure

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. CIRCUS OF THE STARS!
KAREN HARRINGTON of Janeology
KATHLEEN KASKA of Murder at the Luther
MEG WAITE CLAYTON of The Four Ms. Bradwells
SARAH BIRD of The Gap Years

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

4:30 p.m. SHE FLIES THROUGH THE AIR WITH THE GREATEST OF EASE! Author and STAR of Guiding Light, TINA SLOAN will perform her one-woman show, CHANGING SHOES, of which her NEW book has the same name!

Following the show TINA SLOAN will be in AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE ROOM with closing remarks by KATHY L. PATRICK and ROBERT LELEUX!

FRIDAY EVENING

8:00 p.m. HERE COMES THE CIRCUS, THE GREATEST SHOW IN TOWN!
Author, WILLIAM J. TORGERSON, will be our MASTER OF CEREMONIES, as he speaks of his book, Love on the Big Screen, to be followed by our PRETTY IN PINK PROM PARTY! Come dressed in prom PINK attire and perhaps you will be crowned our PULPWOOD QUEEN PROM QUEEN! A D.J. will be entertaining us with music to dance from the 1980’s! And remember girlfriends, 80’s BIG HAIR RULED!!! As in the CIRCUS, no costume can be over the TOP!

January 14, 2012
SATURDAY MORNING
8:00 a.m. REGISTRATION

9:00 a.m. THIS AIN”T NO DOG AND PONY SHOW!
BOBKAT is back to host their BEAUTY AND THE BOOK author/talk show featuring KATHY L. PATRICK and ROBERT LELEUX.

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. New York Times Bestselling Author, JOHN BERENDT will speak on is latest book My Baby Blue Jays and also is the author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and The City of Falling Angels!

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. STORIES THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART!
JAMIE FORD of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
MICHAEL MORRIS of A Place Called Wiregrass
NEIL WHITE of The Sanctuary of Outcasts
RIVER JORDAN of Praying for Strangers

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. PARADING THE BEST FROM MY HOMETOWN, THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS, AND THE U.S.A!
CHERYL MACLENNAN of Historic Homes of Jefferson, Texas
KATHRYN CASEY of The Killing Storm (Sarah Armstrong Texas Rangers Series)
LINDA BAUER of Capitol Hills Cooks: Recipes from The White House, Congress, and All Of the Past Presidents
MARILYN & MICHAEL J. GILHULY, M.D. J.D. of Gunfight at Apache Bent (Texas Ranger Series)

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

Noon Luncheon A JUMBO PRESENTATION!
Author, ROBERT HICKS will speak of his book, A Separate Country, and
the 150th Anniversary of the CIVIL WAR followed by an intimate look at a CIVIL WAR gown and all its accoutrements featuring Author, DEEANNE GIST who will arrive in her chemise and bloomers and get dressed layer-by-layer from the inside out.

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. THE PULPWOOD QUEEN PRESENTS!
ECHO GARRETT of My Orange Duffel Bag
JENNIE HELDERMAN of as the sycamore grows
M. L. MALCOLM of Heart of Deception
MARCIA FINE of Paper Children

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. BOOKS TO SHARE (LIKE POPCORN) WITH YOUR BOOK CLUBS
CAROLINE LEAVITT of Pictures of You
DONNA M. JOHNSON of Holy Ghost Girl
SHEILA WELLER of Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon --- and the Journey of a Generation
VICTORIA ZACKHEIM of He Said What? Women Write About Moments When Everything Changed

3:30 p.m. Break, as we know it gets crazy towards the end to rush out and get ready for the ball. It’s almost your last chance to buy books if you want to get them signed before the closing panel and Awards Presentation! Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase the authors books while they are still at the convention center. Barnes and Noble Book Store will be open too after Awards Ceremony!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

3:45 p.m. – 4:15 P.M. STORIES THAT WILL LIFT YOUR SPIRIT LIKE A MARCHING BAND!
AD HUDLER of Man of the House and Southern Living
MAN MARTIN of Paradise Dogs
SHELLIE RUSHING TOMLINSON of Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy
WADE ROUSE of It’s All Relative and I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in this Relationship!

LAST BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING/VENDOR/BOOK STORE

4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. THE BEST OF THE BIG TOP!
Awards Presentation as follows:
Pulpwood Queen Children’s Book of the Year
Pulpwood Queen Bonus Book of the Year
Pulpwood Queen Book of the Year
KATHY L. PATRICK to present The KAT Award
Special Presentation: THE DOUG MARLETTE AWARD presented to an individual for the Lifetime Achievement of Promoting Literacy.
Silent Auction winners announced. Each author will be present to present each winner of the highest bid their signed personal item. Please if you are a winner be prepared to pick up and pay at this time with cash or check, payable to: The Pulpwood Queens Book Club, BEFORE you pick up your winning bid item!

5:15 p.m. Final remarks from your RINGMASTERS: KATHY L PATRICK AND ROBERT LELEUX as we conclude our weekend’s THREE RING CIRCUS with the AUTHORS!

MIDWAY- VENDOR/BOOK STORE ROOM Closes at 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY EVENING

8:00 p.m. All CIRCUS Party Attendees and Authors will be formally introduced this year as they enter our GRAND FINALE, our GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR (Circus themed) BALL! Come dressed as your favorite circus performer to compete for BEST CIRCUS THEMED GIRL GROUP, BEST CIRCUS THEMED TABLE DECORATING CONTEST, BEST INDIVIDUAL GIRL/BOY CIRCUS THEMED COSTUME FOR TIMBER GUY OF THE YEAR AND HAIR BALL QUEEN! HAVE YOUR CAMERAS READY!

9:00 p.m.
GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR BALL featuring the WINDJAMMERS - Circus term for musicians in the circus band/ DESTINY DUKE AND THE HAZZARDS, back by popular demand.

A smorgasbord of circus inspired feast of appetizers will be served and set ups provided for B.Y.O.B.!

January 15, 2012
SUNDAY MORNING

11:00 a.m. The Pulpwood Queens version of a TENT REVIVAL!
Worship Services at the First United Methodist Church!
Featured Speaker,, T.B.A.
Wear your Sunday CROWNS, that means hats!

THANK YOU LADIES and GENTLEMEN, we hope you enjoyed the Pulpwood Queens’ GREATEST BOOK SHOW ON EARTH!

THE END

For more information on any of the above information, please email kathy@beautyandthebook.com or call Beauty and the Book at 903-665-7520. We accept all major credit cards. Pulpwood Queen Packages can be picked up at Registration booth when you arrive!

All information above could be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. For the latest updated version of the program, please email kathy@beautyandthebook.com to send you latest revised program or go to www.pulpwoodqueen.com where updates will be posted.

No refunds will be able to be given packages purchased but we will be more than happy to roll over to the next year if for any reason you have to cancel. Please contact us immediately if you do so.

Circus Lingo Glossary
Annie Oakley
A complimentary ticket or free pass. Oakley performed as a sharpshooter in a 19th century wild west-themed show, and she would shoot a hole through a playing card that had been tossed up in the air. Tickets that were punched with holes resembled Oakley’s playing cards and earned her name.
Ballyhoo
Literally, the prepared speech delivered from the bally. Also any form of hype used to advertise the show.
Banner
An advertisement painted on canvas that highlights a particular circus attraction or act.
Big Top
The main tent in a circus where the performances take place.
Bulls
Male or female elephants.
Calliope
An old-fashioned musical instrument similar to an organ and constructed of steam whistles. Years ago, the Calliope was used to signal the end of a circus street parade.
Candy Butchers
A vendor who sells candy, soda, popcorn and other food items.
Clown Alley
The area just outside of the big top where the clowns wait to perform or relax after working the ring.
Charivari
A humorous, energetic acrobatic exhibition performed by clowns or acrobats.
Cherry pie
Work performed for extra money.
Dog and Pony Show
literally, an old-timey circus act featuring dogs and horses. Today, the term is used for any event, often political, that has lots of hype but little substance.
Donikers
Bathroom facilities for circus patrons.
Fireball
A traveling circus that earns a reputation for swindling patrons or having overall dishonest policies. These shows often ruin venues for other, more reputable circus shows and can be referred to as a “fireball outfit.”
Flea Bag
A ragged, downtrodden traveling show in need of physical repair.
First of May
A rookie circus performer who is trying to learn the ropes during his first season under the big top. The term originated years ago when many circuses began their traveling schedule in early May.
Funambulist
High wire-walker.
Grinder
A showman who entices the crowd before the show or during intermissions with a verbal pitch. Often ticketsellers have a “grind” or pitch that they deliver as they interact with the public.
Guys
Hefty ropes and cables that help support the big top rigging.
Haul
The move the crew makes from the circus train or trailer to a new empty lot to set up the big top and rigging.
Iron Jaw
An aerial act in which an acrobat swings and does tricks while hanging from a suspended mouth piece.
Itchy Feet
A performer or crew member’s desire to return to circus life and the road after they’ve been away from the big top for a while.
Joey
A nickname for a clown. The term “Joey” originally referenced the famous English clown, Joseph Grimaldi, who lived and worked during the 18th century.
Jumbo
The name of P.T. Barnum’s famous elephant, which the showman billed as the largest elephant on earth. Today, Jumbo’s name is used as an adjective to reference something luxuriously large.
Liberty act
Horses who perform circus acts without human riders.
Lot lice
The children of circus performers and workers who grow up under the big top.
Midway
An amusement area located mid-way between the entrance to the lot on one end and the big top on the other. It’s an area filled with concessions, games and extra shows.
Mud circuses
Traveling shows that move from one to town to another every few days.
Ringmaster
The person in charge of welcoming the audience, introducing the acts, and holding the show together.
Rosinback
A Horse used for bareback riding. Traditionally, rosin is sprinkled on the backs of the horses to prevent riders from slipping.
Roustabout
A circus laborer.
Screamers
the up-tempo marches adapted as circus music and used to rouse the crowds.
Web
Canvas-covered ropes that are suspended from the top of the tent and used by aerial performers to ascend and descend the performance rigging. Occasionally, the ropes are also used a props in other acts.
Windjammer
A musician in the circus band.

Press Release: NEW FALL SELECTIONS ADDED TO 2011 OFFICIAL PULPWOOD QUEEN BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS!

2011-07-20T11:45:00.003-05:00

Press Release For Immediate Release:

July 20, 2012

Contact: Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
Beauty and the Book
608 North Polk Street
Jefferson, Texas 75657
903-665-7520
Kathy@beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com
www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com

Jefferson, Texas - The Pulpwood Queens Book Club that started at Beauty and the Book in Jefferson, Texas, March 2000 with six complete strangers has now reached the 500+ chapter mark making us the largest “meeting and discussing” book club in the world. With chapters running coast to coast and everywhere in between we even now have members and chapters in ten foreign countries. As we approach our 12 year, I pleased to announce my Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club additional Fall Book Club Selections printed in BOLD with my 2011 entire Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selections.
As a teaser I have also included my 2012 January Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selections in the list. Now without further ado, our book club reading list as follows:

January Main Selection – My Reading Life by Pat Conroy
Bonus Selections - Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit Edited by Sonny Brewer
They Came to Nashville by Marshall Chapman
Splinters (Teen/adult crossover) – If Holden Caulfield Were in My Classroom: Inspiring Love, Creativity, and Intelligence in Middle School Kids
Pinecones (Children's) – Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird by Mary McDonagh Murphy

February Main Selection – I Still Dream About You: A Novel by Fannie Flagg
Bonus Selections - The Miracle of Mercy Land: A Novel by River Jordan
The Perfect Love Song by Patti Callahan Henry
Cheap Cabernet by Cathie Beck
Splinters (Teen/adult crossover) - Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
Pinecones (Children's/adult crossover) - It's a Book by Lane Smith

March Main Selection - Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland
Bonus Selections - Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
The Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White
As the sycamore grows by Jennie Helderman
Splinters (Teen/Adult crossover) - A Little House Traveler: Writings from Laura Ingalls
Wilder's Journeys Across America by Laura Ingalls
Pinecones - Art & Max by David Wiesner

April Main Selection - Shanghai Girls: A Novel by Lisa See
Bonus Selections - The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz
Goodness Gracious Green by Judy Christie
Redefining Beauty by Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton
Mothers & Other Liars by Amy Bourret
Splinters (Teen/adult crossover) Mermaid - A Twist on a Classic Tale by Carolyn Turgeon
Pinecones - Madeline Goes to the White House by John Bemelmans Marciano

May Main Selection - Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney
Bonus Selections - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Royal Blood (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen
Mink River: A Novel by Brian Doyle
Larkspur's Cove by Lisa Wingate
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover) - Janis Joplin; Rising Up and Singing by Ann Angel
Pinecones – The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon

June Main Selection - Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress
Bonus Selections - Nation Laid Bare: The Autobiography of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott
Gone with a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West
Woof: Women Only Over Fifty by Diana Black and Mary Cunningham
Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd
Splinters (Teen/Crossover) - The Rhinestone Sisterhood: A Journey Through Small Town America, One Tiara At A Time by David Valdes Greenwood
Pinecones – Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

July Main Selection - The Killing Storm by Kathryn Casey
Bonus Selections - Heart of Deception: A Novel by M.L. Malcolm
Murder at the Luther by Kathleen Kaska
Thunder Beach by Michael Lister
29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami Walker
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover) - Pinecones – A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead

August Main Selection - The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
Bonus Selections - Paper Children by Marcia Fine
A Cup of Friendship: A Novel by Debbie Rodriguez
Sue Ellen's Daughter Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy: The Belle of All Things Southern Dishes on Men, Money, and Not Losing Your Midlife Mind by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Splinters (Teen/ Adult Crossover) - Matched by Allie Condie
Pinecones – Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

September Main Selection: Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
Bonus Selections - Snow Flower and Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Dry Grass of August by Annajean Mayhew
Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover) - Wrecker by Summer Wood
Pinecones - Madlinka’s Music by Peter Sis

October Main Selection - The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
Bonus Selections - The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen
Storm by Christopher Cook (note e-reader only)
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover) A House of Pomegranates by Oscar Wilde
Pinecones - Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

November Main Selection - The American Heiress: A Novel by Daisy Goodwin
Bonus Selection - The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton
The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton
Bent Road by Lori Roy
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover)Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Pinecones Westlandia by Paul Fleishman

December Main Selection: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: My Year of Magical Reading by Nina Sankovitch
Bonus Selection - So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading by Sara Nelson
Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
Splinters - The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai
Pinecones - Man in the Moon by William Joyce

2012

January Main Book Selection NEW: The Living End by Robert Leleux
January Featured Backlist Selection: A Place Called Wiregrass by Michael Morris
Bonus Selection: Changing Shoes by Tina Sloan
Auntie Mame: an irreverent escape by Patrick Dennis
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
Splinters (Teen/Adult Crossover) Exposure by Therese Fowler
Pinecones - My Baby Blue Jays by John Berendt

The Pulpwood Queen Posts TEASER for GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND 2012!

2011-07-13T07:48:00.004-05:00

Dear Readers:

We are about to embark on our 12th Pulpwood Queen Book Club hosted convention which we call GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND! Each year I select a theme and since my life is like a three ring circus, wa la, the theme is CIRCUS as in "The Greatest BOOK Show on EARTH!

Here is the basic itinerary and I cannot stress enough, if you have NOT bought your package or booked your rooms please do so immediately. With now over 500 chapters in our Pulpwood Queen Book Club reading nation, the demand is high to attend what I believe is the best book club convention on the planet!

Girlfriend Weekend, 11th Anniversary
The Greatest BOOK Show on Earth featuring over 50 authors!
January 12 - 15, 2011
Jefferson Tourism and Transportation Convention Center
(downtown historic Jefferson, Texas)
Beauty and the Book Show
Purchase your Pulpwood Queen Package TODAY while packages last! For Pulpwood Queen Book Club members, $250 per member and includes V.I.P wrist band to all weekend events including: Official GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND 2012 t-shirt and publisher galley and book giveaways!

Thursday Night Author Dinner where Authors wait your tables! All day Friday Author panels and Friday night "PRETTY IN PINK" Prom Party. Come in costume and you could be crowned PROM QUEEN! All day Saturday Author Panels plus Author Luncheon and our Grand Finale, our "GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR" BALL with the theme of CIRCUS, as in The Greatest BOOK Show on Earth! More to be announced as authors confirm, so be checking this website often.

Non-members $350 or pay $25 for a lifetime membership and receive the $100 PQ member discount.

Call 903-665-7520 or email kathy@beautyandthebook.com for more information and details. Beauty and the Book accepts all major credit cards.

All purchased packages are non-refundable but we can roll over to the next year if you have to cancel or you can find a replacement for your package.

Now friend me on Facebook at Kathy Louise Patrick and go to my Profile Page, click on photos and you will find all the photos of authors and their book covers that have confirmed to attend so far. It's one of the finest group of authors I have ever gathered and I know you will be delighted by their presentations!

Also, check out my NEW Beauty and the Book Show at www.beautyandthebookshow.com. I now have the 12 pilots up here on my website, www.beautyandthebook.com, on Random House Publishers websites as they were my sponsor, up on Facebook under Beauty and the Book Show and up on www.youtube.com. Each show features an author in a unique way including: Paula McLain, Karen Abbott, Susan Vreeland, Melanie Benjamin, Janelle Brown, Fannie Flagg, Debbie Rodriguez, Yann Martell, Frank Delaney, Anna Quindlin, Lisa See, Helen Simonson, and Pat Conroy! Quite an outstanding line up of authors and if this show get picked up by a television or cable network, ALL my Pulpwood Queen Authors will be featured. Fingers crossed so please comment on any of the sites and Share, Share, SHARE!

Also the Pulpwood Queens and I with four of my author friends: M. L. Malcolm, Jennie Helderman, Echo Garrett, and Deeanne Gist just got back from our first ever Pulpwood Queen CRUISE with the Authors on Royal Carribean's Majesty of the Seas out of Miami, Florida. Our literary adventure was such a success, we are planning another one next summer out of NEW YORK CITY! Email me at kathy@beautyandthebook.com if you are interested and I will be getting you that information!

Thanks to all of you for joining the fastest growing book club in the world, The Pulpwood Queens, and if you haven't, click on Pulpwood Queens at www.beautyandthebook.com to read all about it! There is a good reason we are getting to be so big and it's because we make reading BIG TIME FUN!

So onward and upward my reading friends and stay tuned for the next blog with more details on our big book club convention! Happy Summer Reading and next up, our Fall Book Club Selections will be announced!

Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com

The Pulpwood Queen IN THE PINK MONDAY Author Guest Blog with Daleen Berry!

2011-03-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

Never let go of your dreams

Who would have thought that an unknown author could self-publish a book that was rejected by countless publishing houses—and still end up being the focus of a broadcast heard by 20 million people after being interviewed by the iconic newscaster Bob Edwards?

I certainly didn’t. And yet here I am, same as always. Only now, my book, Sister of Silence, seems to be taking off for places unknown. With or without me. Lately, even though I’m trying to hold the helm steady, I just seem to be along for the ride.

Okay, so I had some modest journalism awards to my name, a name that many people in at least my regional area know. And so Sister of Silence, when I entered it in the 2006 annual West Virginia Writer’s Competition, took first-place in the Appalachian Category. That’s after being judged from among 72 other entries, and by another West Virginia author: Richard Currey, who is famous, and whose own book, Fatal Light, is still being used in colleges around the country.

We—my book and I—have had a lot of people pulling for us. Perhaps that’s because of my story, which goes something like this: Girl has something bad happen to her, girl becomes suicidal and even homicidal, girl sucks it up, gets a job and lands on her feet, all the while keeping her sense of humor and her sanity intact. Girl survives and decides to help other girls like her.

That’s the short version of my story. Of my life, really. For Sister of Silence is a memoir, which means it’s nonfiction that reads like fiction. Isn’t that what makes for the best reading, anyway—life that really is stranger than fiction?

Apparently it is, because people I’ve never met are telling me they are reading it in one or two sittings. There are many adjectives people are using to describe it, and my favorite is “riveting,” because that’s what I want to say about books I read, too. But also because that’s what Bob Edwards told me our Sirius XM radio interview would be.

Now here’s the thing: if not for the Internet, I’d still be at my desk, pounding out those letters to publishing houses. Hoping for a taker. But in 2006, I realized that I could start to advertise my book myself. So I hired someone to design my Web site (http://daleenberry.com), and began posting there. Writing about current news events or something else that struck my fancy, I more or less kept it going. Sometimes less than more.

But the Internet is the great equalizer: you don’t need money (Since I have none, that’s a necessary prerequisite.), you don’t need fame, and you don’t need a business plan. (Although, having a business degree, I’d recommend it.) Since I love research, I began surfing the Web for topics similar to the ones in my life, and ended up interviewing some pretty heavy names in these fields. That led to an op-ed piece I wrote about domestic violence and unemployment that appeared in The Charleston Gazette. I wasn’t paid a penny—but it was good exposure for my book.

Having worked as a journalist for the better part of 20 years, I know how valuable contacts are. But sometimes—especially when you’ve lived my life—you lose touch, phone numbers, scraps of paper with information you will someday need. Enter the Internet, where, with just a few clicks of the keyboard, you can find just about anyone—and suddenly the people who said they wanted to read your memoir when it was finished are now writing a blurb for the cover. Or emailing to ask if you’d consider speaking for a group you’ve never heard of, in a city several states away, all because I’ve written a book that’s resonating with people everywhere.

I began writing Sister of Silence in 1988, the same year I became a journalist, so that means it’s taken more than two decades to achieve publication. If you’ve ever had a goal or a dream that you’ve almost given up on, I have one word of advice for you: DON’T! It’s well worth it, living your dream—even if it is 23 years later.

One final word: all the information I could find said Sirius XM has 20 million subscribers. That was as close as I could get to a number. Naturally, there were fewer listeners, since my interview aired for subscribers who purchased the “Best of Sirius” package. If you weren’t one of them, the podcast is available on iTunes. Copies of Sister of Silence can be purchased here: http://nellieblybooks.com/sister-of-silence.html.

For more on The Pulpwood Queen and her book club go to:
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com
www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com
www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

The Pulpwood Queen IN THE PINK MONDAY Author Guest Blog with Caroline Leavitt!

2011-03-07T09:44:00.006-06:00

The Tao of Touring

Right now, I'm in the middle of a 22-city tour for my newly minted NYT bestseller Pictures of You and I have to admit that it's a. totally a blast and b. nothing like what I expected. Although I yearn for my husband and son, I love talking to readers, love meeting booksellers and going to new cities. So what have I learned on the road?

1. Escorts do much more than escort and they can be a psychological necessity. The first time I saw an escort waiting at the gate with my name on a sign was one of those "it'll never happen to me" movie moments. I was afraid I'd feel funny having someone escorting me because after all, I'm a big girl, but instead I loved it. I arrived in Chicago during a blizzard, and I was really worried about the event being just me, the escort, and the people arranging it, but my escort immediately regaled me with stories about how he once took John Grisham to a reading of four people, and brought J. K. Rowling to an audience of six, and that was right after Harry Potter made her famous. "It doesn't matter," he told me. "Plus, it's snowing." Instantly, I felt much better. If Grisham could read to four, well, so could I. In the end, I had a full house, but I'm tucking away that tale for the future!

2. You'll never be room and bored. Every hotel I've stayed at has been different. While some hotels can be delicious, like the Wit in Chicago which put funny postcards around the room and had 24 hr. room service, others could be scary. I barricaded myself into a hotel room in Cincinnati after I saw the LEAVE YOUR GUNS AT THE DOOR SIGN at the front door, which was just as cheerful as the hole in the elevator floor, the fungus in the bathroom, and the fact that no one was manning the front desk or the door. It was late at night but I emailed my publicist, who immediately wanted to book me into another hotel, but I was afraid to unbolt my door, so I made it until morning, with the ironing board propped up against the door. Hey, while I wouldn't want to ever stay there again, it was an adventure, and it made a great story.

3. Less is more. I'm used to packing two large suitcases for three day trips (I'm a girl who likes to have a choice), but I've discovered that lighter is better. After a few times of having to charm burly looking men to hoist my carry-on up in the plane compartment (and then having to snag them at the end of the flight to get it down again for me), I've decided that less is definitely more. I jettisoned the pajamas taking up so much room and began to sleep in my skivvies (and a few times, I even slept in my dress). I learned that if you have three bookstores in three days, no one is going to notice that you are wearing the exact same thing except for you, and since I was never going to tell, it didn't matter.

4. Airports can be delicious! I was starving but the airport McDonald's and Sbarros wasn't exactly whetting my whistle. I was about to give up when I found this tiny little wine and pasta place tucked away in a corner and had pasta with truffle oil and smoked gouda and a fresh green salad, all for under ten bucks!

5. No matter what you do, you will lose something. For me, it was a folder of my new novel synopsis and a speech, along with a little sanity that day.

6. You can't keep worrying about bedbugs. I live in the NYC area where bedbugs are rampant, and I religiously have been checking bedbugregistry.com for complains. First thing I do in a hotel is a bedbug check. But since bedbugs have now been found in planes AND in the mail, I'm about to try things like carrying my own lavender oil (supposedly, they hate it) which might make me smell delicious and keep me safe.

And finally, name your tour, just for fun. Mine is the Vintage Beaded Cardigan Sweater and Red Cowboy boots tour and I found fans showing up in their own cowboy boots! When I had an event with Chris Bohjalian (his tour is called the Snow-Pocalypse) he wore bright yellow sneakers for the event in my honor.

And a special note from The Pulpwood Queen: Caroline Leavitt's new book "Pictures of You" debuted on the New York Time's Bestseller list and is still running, congratulations. More on Caroline at www.carolineleavitt.com. AND THE BIG NEWS!!!!, Caroline will be one of our featured authors at our GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND II: The Fred McKenzie Storytelling Book Festival, May 13 - 15, 2011. Go to www.beautyandthebook.com and click on left BLUE BUTTON to purchase your Pulpwood Queen Package for that event. Pulpwood Queen Book Club Members, email me at kathy@beautyandthebook.com to get your COUPON CODE for $100 off the package. Yes, members have privileges!

Another Author Guest Blog NEXT MONDAY, in the meantime check out all our Author Interviews on my NEW Beauty and the Book Show at www.beautyandthebookshow.com, on our Beauty and the Book Facebook page, and on the www.randomhousepublishing, com website!!!

Tiara wearing, Pulpwood Queen IN THE PINK MONDAY Author sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com
www.girlfriendweekendblogspot.com
www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

The Pulpwood Queen Announces NEW Monday Blog Program that Will have you in the PINK!

2011-02-28T10:50:00.006-06:00

All my Pulpwood Queen Authors who were the WAITERS at my Girlfriend Weekend 2011 Author Dinner Theatre, great sports, don't you think!!!!

Dear Readers,

As we now move out of the Valentine month this got me thinking, who are my favorite Valentines? Who do I love and who give their hearts to me each day in their words and stories, my Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection AUTHORS! (See Book Club page at http://www.beautyandthebook.com/).

These are dire times, the publishing industry is up in the air! It's really hard, I mean really hard to own a bookstore in these times, especially when your bookstore is in a really small town like mine, Jefferson, Texas. But when ever times get tough, whenever what is being paid out is not as much as what is being paid in, when nothing is left, who lifts me up, my Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection AUTHORS!

So here is what I am going to do about it, I am now going to, every Monday of the week, feature a guest author blog! I put the question out, who is with me on this literacy promoting endeavor, here come ALL my author friends, wildly waving their hands, me, me, me, I'm in.

So starting next Monday, I will have my first Monday Author Guest Blog. Do mark your calendar as this is what I do best, sharing my love authors, books, of reading with others.

This life wealth is not in the amount of these you accrue, it's in your relationships with others and for me and for YOU, let books make those relationship connections. I don't run the largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world for nothing, The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys and do check out our NEW Book Club Talk Show with a NEW show Tuesday at http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/!

So no more BLUE Mondays, let's make them Pulpwood Queen HOT PINK!

Tiara wearing and book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

P.S. Check out too the other blog site I moderate, A Good Blog Is Hard To Find at www.southernauthors.blogspot.com. This winter to spring authors are talking about tips for marketing and publicity, really great tips you all!

2011-02-24T08:03:00.005-06:00

Dear Readers,

Last Spring Break I was flew to New York to have a conversation with Random House Publishing. They wanted to thank me for all I had done to promote their authors at my annual book club convention, Girlfriend Weekend. From that conversation came my NEW partnership with Random House Publishing to host my own book club talk show, Beauty and the Book, see banner above!

This past fall a film crew arrived at my shop, Beauty and the Book, and we embarked on a truly unique book adventure. 12 pilots were filmed with authors: Karen Abbott, Paula McLain, Susan Vreeland, Melanie Benjamin, Janelle Brown, Fannie Flagg, Anna Quinlin, Helen Simonson, Yann Martel, Debbie Rodriguez, Lisa See, Frank Delaney, and Pat Conroy. This was the greatest gift somebody could ever give me as I am a book lover. I can never thank Random House enough for this wonderful life changing experience.

The Beauty and the Book Show debuted January 18, 2011, exactly 11 years to the day when I had the Grand Opening of my Hair Salon/Book Store, Beauty and the Book! Time does fly when you are having "book" fun! Each Tuesday a new show airs at http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/ as right now it's just an online book club talk show. The response has been tremendous and I cannot thank you enough for sharing, commenting, posting, and spreading the word. I am very well aware of those who lift me up to places I never dreamed. I owe you all a great gratitude for joining me in this reading life.

We have five more shows to air then that is the question? Most of the shows were filmed in my shop, Beauty and the Book, some were Skyped from my shop, several were filmed in Los Angeles due to authors schedules. But truly, most of this was filmed in the unlikely location of East Texas. I think that is newsworthy and I also think that sends a really big message. That real readers are everywhere in this country, not just in the big cities like New York and Los Angeles but in Eureka, Kansas, Marietta, Georgia, Anchorage, Alaska, Tempe, Arizona, Woodland, California and yes, Jefferson, Texas!

Now they way I figure it I have five more weeks to really send this message home and I need ALL OF YOUR HELP! I need you all to comment on the show site, http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/, to comment on the Facebook site, Beauty and the Book Show page, and to share, share, share! We did not come this far to not see this show through as if this show gets picked up by a television or cable network, everybody comes with me! I will feature ALL our Pulpwood Queen authors, ALL our book festivals, ALL our book clubs, and ALL the wonderful independent bookstores across the country! My hope and dream is to travel to author's homes, the settings for their books, let's make these books come ALIVE!

If any of you know anybody in the television business, if you could just share the show, I think it speaks volumes for itself. We have truly created a fun NEW way to experience authors and their books.

Who wants to join me on this wonderful reading life and all our book club adventures? You can join our book club and start a chapter by going to http://www.beautyandthebook.com/, click on Pulpwood Queens and READ ALL ABOUT IT! It's easy and I will help you all the way. I had five different girlfriends email me this week they wanted to start a chapter and my goal is to reach 500 chapters by the end of the year.

Books have taken me some amazing places and here's my author quote for the day from the wonderful, imaginative, and inspiring Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
And with our Pulpwood Queen Cruise with Authors coming up, our Girlfriend Weekend II coming up, I want you ALL to go there with ME!

For information on any of the above, email me at kathy@beautyandthebook.com! Let us create a lifetime of "reading" memories. It's ALL about the STORY to me and so I looking forward to each day we can spend time together sharing a good read!

Tiara wearing, Beauty and the Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Host of www.beautyandthebookshow.com
Author of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life" at www.beautyandthebook.com

The Pulpwood Queen Crowns NEW QUEENS!

2011-02-23T11:12:00.005-06:00

SuZan Brakehill Cole, New Head Queen of The Pulpwood Queens of Southeast Oklahoma and her message to me printed with her permission below:

I just finished your book the other night. I couldn't put it down and stayed up until 4am to finish it. I've gone years reading nothing but non-fiction books, either self-help or media related and I've only recently begun to read books merely for pleasure again. Your book reminded me how vital to our well being it is to nourish our minds.

I've been wanting to start a new chapter here for over four years but never seemed to find the time. This could not have come at a better time for me than right now. You said that books were your salvation. I couldn't agree more. They are mine too...so much more than you know Kathy.

Here is the beautiful smiling face of one my newest Pulpwood Queens! Each girlfriend I meet that starts a chapter adds even more meaning and purpose to my life. What a joy it is to share my love of books and these new Pulpwood Queens with you each day.

This past week it has been slow at my Beauty and the Book. The book world is changing so fast and I'm trying so hard to keep up but book sales are slow. With Borders chain store closings, The Dallas Morning News stopping their Texas Pages blog, Random House Publishers just announced that they were offering early retirement to their employees, The Atlanta Journal Constitution stopped their book reviews and now The Boston Globe. And now I just read authors are selling their books for 99 cents as e-readers and outselling well known and established authors. What is the book world coming to?

So in the midst of this publishing downward spiral, what do I up and go do? I partnered with Random House to be the host of a NEW Book Club Talk Show. This 54 year old mother, hairdresser, youth group leader, Methodist, Rotarian, broke out of her comfort zone to talk beauty and books. WHY? Because I am not going to sit here in my little ole hair salon/book store and watch people's stories disappear.

You remember the cartoon character UNDERDOG! Well, you all, with cape flairing, introducing TOPKAT, fighting against illiteracy and champaigning authors, books, reading, and on a mission to get us ALL on the same page that reading, no matter how you do it, can change the world for the better!

You can watch now SEVEN of the shows where I interview authors all the while doing makeovers, having book related adventures at http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/. But that's not enough, I need ALL of you to SPEAK OUT, join our Pulpwood Queen reading nation and help us initiate more chapters and more literacy endeavors. We can do it or my name isn't Kathy Louise Patrick, The Pulpwood Queen!

Meet SuZan Brakehill Cole! Her photo above and on Facebook who is joining me as a crowned and caped crusader for literacy justice! Along with other literacy champions across the country like Queen Mary Grove in Anchorage, Alaska, Queen Carol O'Dell in Amelia Island, Florida, Queen Marsha Toy Engstrom in Woodland, California, Queen Kay Huck in Southwest Louisiana, Queen Kimberly Cetron Lisa Hodgson up in Virginia, King Robert Leleux in New York, Queen Echo Garrett, Jennie Helderman, Oliva Wright, and Anita Buice in Georgia, Queen Carey Weeks in Shreveport, Louisiana, Queen Jonni Webb in Jackson, Mississippi, Queen Elizabeth Stokes in Palestine, Texas, and Queen Heidi Teichgraeber in Eureka, Kansas. These are just a few of the now 410 chapters that are spreading coast to coast and everywhere in between so fast I can hardly keep up! Just this week alone I have received six inquiries on starting NEW chapters!

And why, it's simple really. The Pulpwood Queens make reading fun and at our age folks, if it ain't fun, we aren't doing it! Go to our website, www.beautyandthebook.com , click on Pulpwood Queens to learn about joinin the hottest and largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world!

So QUEENS keep those messages and photos coming. Friend me on Facebook under Kathy L. Patrick, Beauty and the Book, Beauty and the Book Show, and PUT THE PULPWOOD QUEEN ON OWN!

I get down just like everybody else when I hear all this dire news then one of you will send me the message like above and INSTANTLY, my literacy promoting batteries are recharged. Thank you Queen SuZan.

Do note that our Girlfriend Weekend II is fast approaching. Email me at

kathy@beautyandthebook.com for the $100 off COUPON CODE when you sign up to register at www.beautyandthebook.com , click on Blue Button: The Fred McKenzie Storytelling Book Festival. Also if you have interest in our PUlpwood Queen Cruise with the Authors, email me too and I'll send you that info.

Lots are happening at Beauty and the Book and it's like my favorite saying that I have hanging in my shop, "I couldn't wait for SUCCESS, so I started with out it!"

Onward Book Soldiers!

Kathy L. Patrick

The Pulpwood Queen goes BIRD BANDING with her Pulpwood Queens!

2011-02-20T07:28:00.022-06:00

Dear Readers,

Most people don't realize that I love being outdoors, I know, southern hairdresser, who would have thunk it! But as a kid I lived outdoors from dawn to dusk, my sisters and I ran the neighborhood then explored beyond when we were bike riding age. I also get bored really easy and I have always been a life long learner. So when fellow Jeffersonian Tom Walker reminded me another bird banding day was coming up at Caddo Lake, I after a year of never being able to get away, decided to seize the day. I sent a message out to all my Pulpwood Queen Book Club members, "Who wants to go bird banding?"
Pulpwood Queen Jo Ann Tidwell, Wendy Looney, and her daughter, Dominque, followed Paul Tidwell out to Tom Walker's farm at Caddo Lake area.
When we go there Tom introduced us to Dr. James Ingold who was from LSU in Shreveport, a professor who teaches many classes including orintholgoy, biology, human anatomy and more. We walked around the 100 acre property and 12 nets were set up by Dr. Ingoll. My guess they were twenty or so feet long, six to seven feet high, with the nets about like a black hair net but very strong.
Then we went back and he set up his table for all the documentation and banding. Below you will see photos of our day. I believe I took at least six cardinals, many smaller birds, various sparrows, goldfinches, chickadees, and then even a yellow bellied sapsucker woodpecker out of the nets.
As an animal and bird lover, I will tell you the birds were handled with the utmost care. Once they were banded, weighed, measured, examined and photographed, they were set free.
One of the most incredible experiences of my life and makes you realize what a wonderful world we live in too. People came from all over to experience this from Michigan to a group of E.T.B.U. students. How they found the place, beats me as we were out in the boondocks.

Enjoy the photos and now getting out my birding books to study up for the next bird banding. Did you know there is even a APP for Texas bird calls that you can download on your iPhones, amazing? I learned a lot thanks to Tom Walker, Dr. Ingold and all the good folks that are involved in this bird banding study.

So the KAT has gone to the birds until next time!
Kathy L. Patrick
Host of http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/
Founder of The Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs at http://www.beautyandthebook.com/
Moderator of www.southernauthors.blogspot.com Dominque Looney

Dominque Looney

Kathy L. Patrick

Tom Walker and Kathy L. Patrick

Ron Munden, Tom Walker, Kathy L. Patrick, James Ingold!

Kathy L. Patrick taking a cardinal from the net

Kathy L. Patrick taking a cardinal from the net with able assistants!

Paul Tidwell helps Dominque Looney take a bird from the net!

Kathy L. Patrick carefully puts a bird in a sock to transport to bird banding station.

Kathy L. Patrick with her favorite, a female cardinal!

Ron Holloman's grandson, Caden with one of the birds!

Even the little ones have a wonderful time helping with the bird banding, Ron Holloman and grandson, Caden.

Jo Ann Tidwell, Wendy Looney, Paul Tidwell, Ron Munden, Richard Pruitt and Dominque Looney!

The spring daffodil helps give you an idea of size of bird

E.T.B.U. Students with James Ingold!

I swear the male cardinal calmed down when I held him, perhaps similar plumage?

Don't let this sweet photo full you, cardinals are agressive and peck like heck. I kind of have a thing for these feisty birds!

All birds captured are weighed. First the container is weighed, then the bird is put in the prescription bottle upside down with tail feathers sticking out. Quite a funny sight to see!

Here Dr. Ingold is documenting all the information of the banding of this male cardinal.

A female cardinal that is really beautiful close up, not as flashy as the male but beautiful nevertheless.

Here I'm going, "Isn't she so cute!"

The bird banding station at Tom Walker's farm!

Dominque with a goldfinch!

Ron Holloman goes after a male cardinal captured in the net! He gets the bird to grab a stick so it won't grab his fingers! He made note that getting bit by a cardinal is kind of like getting pinched from needlenose pliers! He is not kidding!

Here is a female cardinal captured in the net!

Banding the bird.

Cameras flashed all day. Ron Munden will have professional photos up at http://www.easttexastowns.com/ and Richard Pruitt of the Dallas Morning News was filming for a documentary.

The tube socks is where the birds are placed until they can be examined.

I think we captured over 35 birds total!

There is good reason why you get them to bite down on a stick, better that than your finger!

Tom Walker's Farm out by Caddo Lake near Jefferson, Texas

The Pulpwood Queen Posts Photos from Book Club Meeting at ENOCH'S STOMP!

2011-02-17T17:30:00.008-06:00

The Pulpwood Queen Recaps OUR TOWN Here in Historic Jefferson, Texas!

2011-02-13T10:08:00.006-06:00

Dear Readers,

Pulpwood Queen Sara Whitaker debuted her NEW theater company's Sanctuary Players OUR TOWN production this past weekend. Jay and I went last night and I have to tell you it was a spiritual experience. First of the all, the play was performed in my church, The First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, Texas, the perfect setting for the story of a town from birth, love to marriage, to dying. I knew the play had won the Pulitzer but honestly could not really remember the story.

Now I love theater and love to go but this experience was very personal. All the members of the cast were my friends and the children of our community. The audience was filled with more of my friends, church members, and fellow Jeffersonians. The evening was ALL about community.

I became lost in the story of the small town in New Hampshire, very much like Jefferson, and the story of the town and it's history and people. All the members of the cast were perfectly cast and for one night in Jefferson I and all the other attendees were in Grover's Corner.

As the entire audience stood and began clapping at the end of the play my eyes smarted with tears of pure joy. Sara Whitaker did an outstanding job as the director and I can hardly wait to go back again next weekend to see OUR TOWN again and bring more of my family members and friends. This is exactly why I live in Jefferson, Texas. No other place I have ever lived has had five theater groups who regularly are putting on plays and musical productions. We may not be Broadway in New York City but we have created our own little version right here in my hometown of Jefferson.

Won't you come join us for a wonderful theater experience and see exactly why Jefferson, Texas is the best kept secret in the world. I have always said that life is not about the amount of money you accrue, all the things you buy, or the things you own, but life is about our experiences and relationships with others. There is nothing like the theater to really send that message home. What a beautiful visual experience and basically for me, all goes back to the power of the written and spoken word.

Read my previous post for all the details on dates and show times for the Sanctuary Player's production of OUR TOWN! And I'll see you at the theater!!!

Tiara wearing, Beauty and the Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebookshow.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com
www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

The Pulpwood Queen Showcases Pulpwood Queen Sara Whittaker's NEW Sanctuary Players Production of "OUR TOWN"!

2011-02-12T13:20:00.006-06:00

Dear Readers,

I love the arts; books, music, film, theatre, you name it! And nothing in the world thrills me more than to share one young woman's dream to start her own theater group here in my hometown, Jefferson, Texas.

Meet Sara Whitaker who is not only my friend, fellow youth group leader, and Pulpwood Queen Book Club member, but a fine actress who has now taking a leap of faith to start her own theater group, The Sanctuary Players. The press release is below and do yourself a big favor, take your friends and family to this production. You will get create a wonderful family memory, help support the arts, and more importantly, applaud someone who has gone after her passion and dream! To me that is what makes life worth living, God first, then your family and friends, and all of our relationships together in this life we live.

I'm so proud of Sara I could burst and will do everything I can to help lift those up like Sara to reach for the stars. Be a mentor, share your gifts, and support the passion of others dreams. Yes, in my town, go see OUR TOWN! We don't call in "Mayberry on the Bayou" for nothing!

Tiara wearing, paying it forward!
Kathy L. Patrick
http://www.beautyandthebook.com/
http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/
http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com/
http://www.southernauthors.blogspot.com/

An American Theatre Classic in Jefferson, TX

Jefferson, TX, Feb. 4, 2011 - Jefferson’s newest theatre company’s first production, Our Town, the American classic play by Thornton Wilder, is presented by Sanctuary Players February 11-12 and 18-19 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. Henderson St.

Set in a small American town, Our Town is perhaps the strongest “message” play in American theatre. Drama and tragedy are balanced against the joy of life and beauty in the world. A young woman’s life is laid open. Death takes the stage with an uplifting message for all of us. Andrew R. Looney, a favorite of East Texas audiences and an Our Town cast member states, “This play is truly a microcosm of the human family. Its success around the world attests to its being something greater than an American play. It captures the universal experience of being alive.”

Artistic Director Sara Whitaker holds a BFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. This is her inaugural independent production in Jefferson, Texas. Sara has proven her talent and skill in numerous productions in California, Oregon, Chicago and Texas.

Friday and Saturday, February 11-12 & 18-19
7:30 PM (house opens at 7 PM)
First United Methodist Church
305 W. Henderson St., Jefferson, Texas
General admission $15; Students $12
Advance tickets available online at http://sanctuaryplayers.org/events/
or at:
Fashion & Art Revival, 116 N. Polk St., Jefferson
Roy’s Toys & Trains, 114 N. Walnut St., Jefferson
For info call 847-722-8798

Contact information:
Sanctuary Players
P.O. Box 1021
Jefferson, TX 75657
847-722-8798
http://sanctuaryplayers.org/events/

The Pulpwood Queen Top Twenty Bestsellers January 2011 List!

2011-02-10T09:18:00.005-06:00

TOP TWENTY COUNTDOWN FOR JANUARY 2011

PULPWOOD QUEENS' BESTSELLER LIST OF HITS!!!!

1) My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

2) I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

3) The Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White

4) Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

5) Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

6) The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy L. Patrick

7) My Orange Duffel Bag by Sam Bracken and Echo Garrett

8) They Came to Nashville by Marshall Chapman

9) as the sycamore grows by Jennie Helderman

10) Don’t Quit Your Day Job Edited by Sonny Brewer

11) The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

12) My Night with Saddam by Dr. Mark Green

13) Miss Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia DeBelle Byrd

14) Write That Book Already by Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark

15) Walking in the Deep End by Susan Parker

16) If Holden Caufield Where in my Classroom by Bernie Schein

17) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford

18) Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Mary Murphy

19) The Mailbox by Mary Beth Whelan

20) Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart

For more information, contact Kathy L. Patrick below!

Tiara wearing and Book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs the largest “meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD”!

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

http://www.beautyandthebook.com

http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com

http://www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

http://www.readinggroupguides.com

The Pulpwood Queen Posts THE PULP Special Edition

2011-02-09T14:18:00.002-06:00

The Pulp Special Edition

The Pulpwood Queen Announces Future Pulpwood Queen Book Festivals and CRUISE!

2011-01-24T07:47:00.007-06:00

Dear Head Pulpwood Queens, (please pass this on to your members)!

Due to the fact that Girlfriend Weekend 2011 SOLD OUT and I had a waiting list of over 250 who wanted to attend, I am now doing THREE Book Festivals plus a CRUISE! I know that you can't come to all, perhaps just one, but I have had to add yet another festival as we are at capacity for Girlfriend Weekend. Here is our NEW Schedule of Events as follows:

MAY 13 - 15, 2011

The Fred McKenzie Storytelling Book Festival!

Author, Robert Leleux of "the memoir of a beautiful boy" will be back to help me co-host this event and Keynotes are: Frank Delaney, Rhys Bowen, and back by popular demand NEIL WHITE plus many more authors including Caroline Leavitt, Rebecca Rasmussen, Deeanne Gist, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson and William Torgeson, whose book "Love on the Big Screen" has prompted an 80's PROM PARTY! No hold barred on this event and all in the memory of the late, great author, bookseller, and my dear friend Fred McKenzie! Early Bird Special for my book club members only is $250 and includes Friday night author dinner, Saturday Day Panels, Saturday Night 80's Prom Party and concludes with Sunday Morning Worship Service at The First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, Texas.

JUNE 24 - 27, 2011

Pulpwood Queen Cruise with the Authors will depart from Miami, Florida on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to go to the Bahamas. Contact Brooke Buice Ivey now as filling up fast at brookei@meitravel.com. Authors confirmed to go are Deeanne Gist, Denise Hildreth, M.L. Malcolm, Echo Garrett and me! Pulpwood Queen authors, please come on this cruise! If we get 100 to go we get our own private party but we have a lot planned for the cruise so stay tuned for those updates!

NOVEMBER 11 - 13, 2011

Books Alive, a Christian and Inspirational Book Festivalwhich will be it's 6th year. We plan on turning this into a women's devotional retreat and working on the featured authors now. In the past we have featured Matt Roloff, Denise Hildreth, Charles Martin, Echo Garrett, Sam Bracken, Joseph Marshall III! Stay tuned for more updates as authors are confirmed. Early Bird Special for Pulpwood Queen members only for this weekend is $200 and includes Friday author dinner, Saturday panels, Saturday Night Entertainment and will conclude with Worship Service at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, Texas

JANUARY 12 - 16, 2012

12th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend as we hold this event the same weekend as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day so we have a three day holiday to attend, come early to check out Jefferson and stay an extra day too. This event will SELL OUT FAST as have a waiting list of girls who could not get into Girlfriend Weekend that asked to be the first to sign up for next year. Early Bird Tickets NOW for ALL Events ares $250 which includes Author Dinner, Friday Day panels and Friday Night Entertainment, Saturday Day Panels, Saturday Author Luncheon, Saturday Night "Great Big Ball of Hair" Ball, Sunday Film Festival. Packages will be SOLD FIRST and then if we have any other space at the festival, individual tickets will be sold at the door.

The THEME this year for the "Great Big Ball of Hair" Ball is "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE GREATEST "BOOK" SHOW ON THE EARTH!"
I'm thinking with all these great books to inspire us, Sara Gruen's WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Frank Delaney's VENETIA KELLY'S TRAVELING SHOW, after all, running Girlfriend Weekend is like a three ring circus, as ever on with the show!

ALL EVENTS will be held at the Jefferson Tourism and Transportation Convention Center in historic Jefferson, Texas. We have 350 packages that we can sell for each event except CRUISE so plan to book early for your package and book your rooms in Jefferson, Texas too! Go to my website to view our sponsoring bed and breakfasts and businesses first, www.beautyandthebook.com. I have already been informed that many bed and breakfasts are already booked for these events next year so please book your reservations NOW!

I also make this available FIRST to my book club members for special savings, if we have any extra packages they will be available to the general public later but always $100 higher for the package. The ONLY tables and seats RESERVED are for my volunteers who are the first to arrive work the event and last to leave as they tear down the event, The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas. So first come, first serve on seats period.

So let's see, working on my NEW anthology of stories from my Pulpwood Queen authors including: Jamie Ford, Kathryn Casey, Michael Morris, Robert Leleux, PAT CONROY and more, I call "The Pulpwood Queen Presents STORIES FIT FOR A QUEEN!' Our NEW partnership with Random House for my NEW Online Book Club Talk Show at www.beautyandthebookshow.com or Beauty and the Book Show on Facebook! Commercials are now airing on HGTV, STYLE, LIFETIME, OPRAH"S OWN NETWORK! Hoping a network or cable station will pick up the Beauty and the Book Show, please watch and comment often as THAT IS WHAT will get us the show, numbers of those who love what I am doing!

We have THREE book festivals and a cruise and you all can be a part of our evergrowing Pulpwood Queen Nation of readers! We are most definitely on our way so what are you waiting for, everybody goes with me! This is as much your success as mine and I bow to the feet of my Pulpwood Queens!

If you are not a member and want to be a part of the biggest book party and journey ever, go to http://www.beautyandthebook.com/ and read all about joining on our Pulpwood Queen webpage. Contact me to join at kathy@beautyandthebook.com or you can call my shop at 903-665-7520.

Registration will be online this year at http://www.beautyandthebook.com/. If you have any questions call me at 903-665-7529 or email me at kathy@beautyandthebook.com with your number, and I will call you back.

All packages are non-refundable, we will roll over to the next year if you have to cancel, but would rather you find someone to take your place with us being informed well in advance. Even though we had a 250 waiting list, most have a hard time trying to come at the last minute when contacted due to cancellations.

Now get ready for the wildest ride of your life, I never thought it could get any bigger or better but our events always do and it's all because of each and everyone of YOU!

God Bless YOU All on this reading journey together, who knew? But one thing I know for sure, these times we are together with the authors are the most joyous events of my life, other than birthing my babies! Welcome 2012 to the Wonderful World of The Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs!

Tiara wearing, Beauty and the Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick

Kathy L. Patrick
Author of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life", Grand Central Publishing
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs
Beauty and the Book
608 North Polk Street
Jefferson, Texas 75657
903-665-7520
kathy@beautyandthebook.com
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com
www.twitter.com/Pulpwoodqueen
www.facebook.com/Pulpwoodqueen

Girlfriend Weekend

2011-01-23T09:04:00.000-06:00

The Pulpwood Queen Announces Pulpwood Queen Book Club BOOKS OF THE YEAR and other Awards!

2011-01-19T15:35:00.006-06:00

Author and Editor, Sonny Brewer, winner of The Doug Marlette Award 2010!

Author, Helen Simonson, winner of The Pulpwood Queen Book of the Year 2010!

Author, Jeannette Walls, winner of The Pulpwood Queen BONUS Book of the Year 2010!

Author, Kimberly Willis Holt, winner of The Pulpwood Queen Children's Book of the Year 2010!
Press Release for Immediate Release:

Contact: Kathy L. Patrick

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

January 18, 2011

Jefferson, TX - Kathy L. Patrick would like to announce The OFFICIAL Pulpwood Queen Book Club Awards for 2010:

Book of the Year: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson presented to the recepient by author, Jeannette Walls.

Bonus Book of the Year: Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls presented to the recepient by the 2009 winner, author, Jamie Ford.

Children's Book of the Year: The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt presented to the recepient by the 2009 winner, author, Melissa Conroy.

The winner of The Doug Marlette Award given annually to an individual for a lifetime of promoting literacy was Sonny Brewer presented to the recepient by the 2009 winner, Mary Gay Shipley of That Bookstore in Blytheville, Arkansas.

The KAT Award given to the media who helped spread the word the best on The Pulpwood Queens' mission to promote literacy was The Dallas Morning News presented by Kathy L. Patrick on their behalf.

All the awards were presented at this past weekend's Pulpwood Queen Book Club hosted convention, Girlfriend Weekend Award ceremony held at the Jefferson Tourism and Transportation Convention Center in historic Jefferson, Texas.

The following awards were presented at "The Great Big Ball of Hair" Ball during Girlfriend Weekend, January 13 - 16, 2011:

Girl Group of the Year was The BB Pulpwood Queens of Jackson, Mississippi.

"Great Big Ball of Hair" Ball Queen was Letricia Wilbanks, Head Queen of The Pulpwood Queens of Northwest Houston!

Timber Guy of the Year was awarded to Jay Patrick!

The Best Decorated Table Winner was awarded to The Pulpwood Queens of Carrolton, Georgia!

For more information on any of the above awards, please contact Kathy L. Patrick, founder of the now 405 Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs, the largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world.

www.beautyandthebook.com

www.pulpwoodqueen.com

www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com

The Pulpwood Queen Declares "Let the festivities begin!"

2011-01-13T05:47:00.005-06:00

Dear Readers,

Today begins my 11th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend Author Extravaganza! Wowzer, 11 years and we SOLD OUT for the first time ever clear back at the end of October thanks to a big feature in Texas Highways magazine! I am always amazing that I can get, this year nearly 70 authors, musicians, and actors, to drive, fly, whatever to Jefferson, Texas along with all these book club members and girlfriends from all across the United States! Why, you may ask? I think the answer is very simple, we make reading the best entertainment in the world.

Because to me, reading iS!!!! My imagination is better than anything someone could ever put on film but at the same time, I spend all year working on this program to tweak, change up, to really make the program a delight for my reading audience.

The line up of authors is outstanding! I woke up at way before daylight as I cannot hardly stand to wait for the beginning author dinner theater that happens this evening, see full program below.

A big thanks to Texas Highways, Minute Magazine, County Line Magazine, all my authors blogs and my own hometown paper, The Jefferson Jimplecute for the great front page feature in this weeks paper! Today, The Longview Journal will have a feature so get your two copies of those papers pronto!

And if this don't beat all, I just found out in County Line Magazine that my bookstore, Beauty and the Book won BEST BOOKSTORE IN EAST TEXAS with runners up Books-A-Million in Longview then Barnes and Noble in Tyler, Texas! Well, I hope to shout!

The Pulpwood Queens are IN THE NEWS and back at my Hair Salon/Book Store, Beauty and the Book, Pulpwood Queen Headquarters, READING IS ALWAYS IN STYLE! And check out my NEW Beauty and the Book Show website at http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/ with a billboard going up on Hwy 59 as you come in to Jefferson, Texas from Marshall where you will be able to READ ALL ABOUT IT!

So grabbing my tiara and see you all at the big ta do! And just remember Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys who are making this event possible, this is YOUR PARTY so LET'S CELEBRATE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF READING BIG TIME!

Tiara wearing, and Beauty and the Book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

Author of "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life"

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs

http://www.beautyandthebook.com/

http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com/

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/

http://www.beautyandthebookshow.com/

11th ANNIVERSARY GIRLFRIEND WEEKEND
AUTHOR EXTRAVAGANZA
BEAUTY AND THE BOOK
January 13 – 16, 2011
Jefferson Tourism and Transportation Convention Center
305 E. Austin
Jefferson, Texas 75657

On January 18, 2000, I opened the first ever Hair Salon/Book Store in the country, Beauty and the Book! Did I have any idea of what I was creating, I think not. Oxford American Magazine covered that event and the feature that ran dubbed me “Hairdresser to the Authors” written by Texas author, Carol Dawson. Shortly thereafter, I started The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas Book Club. What began with six, really complete strangers, has now grown to nearly 400 chapters of women and yes, a few good men who have become my nearest and dearest friends for a lifetime. After appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s OXYGEN NETWORK, ABC’s Good Morning American, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more newspapers, magazines than you can shake a stick at; we are now the largest meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD!

In celebration of our 11th Anniversary, the theme this year is
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY!”
Because you see, it really is. It’s all about the story and our relationships sharing and telling the story.

So shall we begin at the beginning, our story,
BEAUTY AND THE BOOK!

Once upon a time there was a young girl who always had her nose stuck in a book. Libraries passed through her fingertips as she read and read and read mentored by her wonderful teachers and librarians. A shy child, she grew tall and brave with those words being as nourishing and comforting to her body as food, water, and shelter. That woman was Kathy L. Patrick who became a woman with a mission, a mission to get everybody on the same page that reading was not only important, but leads to an authentic and purposeful life. She had big dreams,
really big dreams!
What if you created a world where all your favorite authors and readers gathered to share their stories!
Her dream became true!

You now may begin to read this story of a book festival like no other.
What is this story about?
Why don’t you read it yourself and see!

January 13th, 2010
THURSDAY
INTRODUCTION OF CHARACTERS OF BEAUTY AND THE BOOK
AUTHOR DINNER THEATRE!
7:00 p.m. Featuring all our cavalcade of author stars: Authors and Queens will be helping in the kitchen, other authors will be waiting the tables, and the play will have all roles portrayed by authors and Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy Book Club members.
Author chefs are:
JANIS OWENS of The Cracker Kitchen
KATHY L. PATRICK of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life
And The Pulpwood Queens KAY BROOKSHIRE and JEANNE FULCO!!!
Pulpwood Queen SARAH WHITAKER will be the director of our play, PANIC AT PRETTY PULPWWOD QUEEN PRINCESS PAGEANT, AGAIN! Starring Pulpwood Queens, Timber Guys, and our Authors!
EVENT SOLD OUT!

January 14 – 15, 2011
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Jefferson Convention and Tourism Building
Austin Street
EVENT SOLD OUT!
The Pulpwood Queen Package includes all events on Friday and Saturday EXCEPT Pat Conroy/Bernie Schein Luncheon, it’s ticket to was to be purchased separately. Official 11th Anniversary T-shirt, and publisher give a ways will be included for those who purchased Pulpwood Queen Packages ONLY. 11th Anniversary T-shirts with original art by Children’s Author/Illustrator, MELISSA CONROY will be for sale at Pulpwood Queen Booth in VENDOR ROOM as long as supplies last!

All authors featured at their times will immediately go to AUTHOR AUTOGRAPH TABLES in VENDOR/BOOK STORE ROOM following their panel! You will need to pre-purchase books prior to having the books signed. As all authors are encouraged then to participate in all activities, feel free to ask for books to be signed throughout the weekend. But do note, some authors will not be able to stay. To ensure you get your books signed, go immediately to the AUTHOR AUTOGRAPH TABLES after they speak and have books already pre-purchased.
We will have a CONCESSION STAND in back of auditorium at convention center to purchase drinks and snacks run by the Junior and Senior High First United Methodist Youth Group with all the proceeds to go to the kids to help pay for their NEW Youth Building.

Barnes and Noble will provide the BOOK STORE for all the author books for the event unless self-published, in that case the author will provide the books themselves for sale. Barnes and Noble has also notified me CASH and CREDIT CARD SALES ONLY. They will not be able to accept checks. Also we will have a VENDOR ROOM, (open 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Friday and Saturday that will feature the best of the best SHOWCASED for our book loving attendees. For the first time ever we now are offering access to just VENDOR ROOM and BOOK STORE. Tickets are $5.00 per person and available at the outside entrance to VENDOR ROOM and BOOK STORE.

A SILENT AUCTION will be held with showcased items signed and donated by the authors in the REGISTRATION BOOTH area. All proceeds from the SILENT AUCTION will go to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Literacy Project here in Marion County that is being spearheaded by the Jefferson Rotary Club which is a not for profit civic organization. The Pulpwood Queens of East Texas endorse this literacy project and are partnering with the Rotary Club to help
All night events will be B.Y.O.B. but we will provide the setups.

FRIDAY MORNING
8:00 a.m. Registration and Ticket Sales

CHAPTER ONE
9:00 a.m. BEAUTY AND THE BOOK, THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
KATHY L. PATRICK, founder of The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs, Author of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life
ROBERT LELEUX, Author of memoirs of a beautiful boy
Columnist for The Texas Observer, Editor of LONNY Magazine are back to host yet again their version of BEAUTY AND THE BOOK, a television talk show!
Dubbed BOBKAT by their fans, Robert and Kathy will welcome you to their show!

CHAPTER TWO
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. CRAZY IN ALABAMA to GEORGIA BOTTOMS!
Keynote Author and Speaker, MARK CHILDRESS of Georgia Bottoms with a Special presentation from Mark and his publisher, Little, Brown and Company!

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER THREE
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. EVERYONE HAS A STORY
Author Panel featuring:
MARCIA FINE of Stressed in Scottsdale and Paper Children
HELEN SIMONSON of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
KARLA K. MORTON of Redefining Beauty
MARY BETH WHALEN of The Mailbox

Special presentation by The Pulpwood Queens of Southwest Louisiana!
BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER FOUR
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. STORIES THAT YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS
Author Panel featuring:
JUDY CHRISTIE of Goodness Gracious Green
DEEANNE GIST of Maid to Match
DENISE HILDRETH JONES of Hurricane in Paradise
LISA WINGATE of Beyond Summer

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

12:00 p.m. Noon LUNCH ON YOUR OWN (historic Jefferson, Texas has many fine eateries, many within walking distance)

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 a.m. DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB: ACCLAIMED AUTHORS AND THE DAY JOBS THEY QUIT!
Keynote Speaker, Author, and Editor SONNY BREWER with PAT CONROY, AND JANIS OWENS.

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER SIX
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. STORIES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Author Panel featuring:
KATHI APPELT of Keeper
MELISSA CONROY of Poppy’s Pants
KIMBERLY WILLIS HOLT of The Water Seeker
KERRY MADDEN OF Harper Lee: UpClose

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER SEVEN
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. MANLY MAN STORIES THAT WOMEN WILL LOVE
Author Panel featuring:
SAM MCLEOD of Big Appetite: My Southern Fried Search for the Meaning of Life
NEIL WHITE of The Sanctuary of Outcasts
DAVID MARION WILKINSON of Not Between Brothers
ALLEN WHITLEY of Where Southern Cross the Dog

4:15 p.m. 12 year old blues guitarist, MATTHEW DAVIDSON will perform.

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

4:30 p.m.
Special Preview of Coming Attraction of 50th Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird Film Festival: Author/Documentary Film Maker, MARY MCDONAGH MURPHY speaks of her book, Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of To Kill a Mockingbird and her film Hey, Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill a Mockingbird

5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks by KATHY L. PATRICK and ROBERT LELEUX followed by MARY MCDONAUGH MURPHY book signing in Author Vendor Bookstore Room.

FRIDAY EVENING

CHAPTER EIGHT
8:00 p.m. Author, DEEANNE GIST, will be our Mistress of Ceremonies for the PULPWOOD QUEEN, TIMBER GUYS, AND AUTHOR TALENT SHOW!

CHAPTER 9
8:45 P.M. Opening our musical portion of the show, 12 year old blues guitarist, MATTHEW DAVIDSON.
9:00 P.M. GOODBYE LITTLE ROCK AND ROLLER to THEY CAME TO NASHVILLE
Author, Actor, Singer, Songwriter, MARSHALL CHAPMAN will speak of her book They Came to Nashville and perform of her latest CD, Big Lonesome!
B.Y.O.B, Set ups and soft drinks provided.
EVENT SOLD OUT!

January 15, 2011
SATURDAY MORNING
8:00 a.m. Registration and Ticket Sales

CHAPTER TEN
9:00 a.m.
BOBKAT is back to host their BEAUTY AND THE BOOK author/talk show featuring KATHY L. PATRICK and ROBERT LELEUX.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. FRIED GREEN TOMATOES to I STILL DREAM ABOUT YOU!
Keynote Speaker and Special Author Guest, FANNIE FLAGG of I Still Dream About You!

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER TWELVE
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. AWARD WINNING STORIES
Author Panel featuring:
CATHIE BECK of Cheap Cabernet
JAMIE FORD of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
RIVER JORDAN of The Miracle of Mercy Land: A Novel
NICOLE SEITZ of The Inheritance of Beauty
SUSAN PARKER of Walking in the Deep End: A Memoir
MICHAEL MORRIS of A Place Called Wiregrass, Slow Way Home, Live Like You Were Dying, King of Florabama and Man in the Blue Moon

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. STORIES THAT ARE KILLER
Author Panel featuring:
KATHRYN CASEY of The Killing Storm (Sarah Armstrong Texas Rangers Series
KIT FRAZIER of Morgue File: A Cauley MacKinnon Novel
MARK E. GREEN, MD of My Night with Saddam
KATHLEEN KASKA of Murder at the Luther

M.L. MALCOLM of Silent Lies and Heart of Lies

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Noon Luncheon
MY READING LIFE to IF HOLDEN CAULFIELD WERE IN MY CLASSROOM
PAT CONROY/BERNIE SCHEIN LUNCHEON MODERATED BY JANIS OWENS!
New York Times’s Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller, and Southern Independent Bestseller PAT CONROY of My Reading Life and his best friend and author, BERNIE SCHEIN of If Holden Caulfield Were in my Classroom: Inspiring Love, Creativity, and Intelligence in Middle School Kids!
Luncheon catered by STAGEDOOR DELI of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and serving Chicken Salad on a roll, Pasta Salad, Maple Roasted Pecan Salad, Cookies, Peach Tea!
Pat Conroy’s latest book, a signed My Reading Life will be handed out as all depart the luncheon.
EVENT SOLD OUT!

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. THE PULPWOOD QUEEN PRESENTS STORIES I WISH TO SHARE BIG TIME
Author Panel Featuring:
SAM BRACKEN and ECHO GARRETT of My Orange Duffel Bag
JEANNETTE WALLS of The Glass Castle and Half-Broke Horses
KAREN HARRINGTON of Janeology
JENNIE HELDERMAN of as the sycamore grows

BREAK FOR AUTOGRAPHING AND VENDOR/BOOK STORE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. STORIES TO SHARE WITH BOOK CLUBS
Author Panel featuring:
AMY BOURRET of Mothers and Other Liars
JEANINE CUMMINS of The Outside Boy
CAROLYN TURGEON of Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale
KAREN WHITE of Falling Home and On Folly’s Beach
PATTI CALLAHAN HENRY of The Perfect Love Song
SASHA VUKELJA, MD of Seeds: A Memoir

Special Presentation from The W.O.W. Pulpwood Queens of North Richland Hills, Dallas, Texas!

3:30 p.m. Break, as we know it gets crazy towards the end to rush out and get ready for the ball. It’s almost your last chance to buy books if you want to get them signed before the closing panel and Awards Presentation! Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase the authors books while they are still at the convention center. Barnes and Noble Book Store will be open too after Awards Ceremony!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

3:45 p.m. – 4:15 P.M. STORIES FIT FOR A QUEEN
Authors featured:
DIANA BLACK and MARY CUNNINGHAM of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty
DAVID VALDES GREENWOOD of The Rhinestone Sisterhood: A Journey Through Small Town America, One Tiara At A Time
OLIVIA DeBELLE BYRD of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle
CARLA STEWART of Chasing Lilacs
SHELLIE RUSHING TOMLINSON of Suck in Your Stomach and Put Some Color On: What Southern Mamas Tell Their Southern Daughters That The Rest of Y’all Should Know Too

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. AUTHORS AND BOOKLOVERS WHO ARE AWARD WINNERS FOR SHARING THEIR STORIES OR THE STORIES
Awards Presentation as follows:
MELISSA CONROY to present Pulpwood Queen Children’s Book of the Year
JAMIE FORD to present Pulpwood Queen Bonus Book of the Year
PAT CONROY to present Pulpwood Queen Book of the Year
KATHY L. PATRICK to present The KAT Award
Special Presentation: MARY GAY SHIPLEY to present THE DOUG MARLETTE AWARD presented to an individual for the Lifetime Achievement of Promoting Literacy.
Silent Auction winners announced, please if you are winner be prepared to pay at this time with cash or check payable to: The Jefferson Rotary Club with note: Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project before you pick up your winning bid item!

CHAPTER NINETEEN

5:15 p.m. RED CARPET PREMIERE OF BEAUTY AND THE BOOK SHOW, www.beautyandthebookshow.com with a Special Gift from Random House Publishing!

SATURDAY EVENING

CHAPTER TWENTY

8:00 p.m. Special Presentation from The READERS ON THE HOOD Pulpwood Queens of Woodland, California followed by IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY PARADE OF BOOK CHARACTERS!
Special guest, SUSAN VREELAND of Clara and Mr. Tiffany will speak of her book!

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

8:30 p.m. AUTHOR ENABLERS to WRITE THAT BOOK ALREADY!
Authors/Musicians, KATHI KAMEN GOLDMARK and SAM BARRY of WRITE THAT BOOK ALREADY!

9:00 p.m. GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR BALL featuring the band,
DESTINY DUKE AND THE HAZZARDS, back by popular demand.
In celebration of the 11TH Anniversary of Girlfriend Weekend the theme is
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY!
Come dressed for the occasion in costume as your favorite book character or book characters for contests as follows:
BEST GIRL GROUP AS BOOK CHARACTERS
BEST BOOK THEMED DECORATED TABLE
MS GREAT BIG BALL OF HAIR BALL QUEEN, best overall book themed character and
TIMBER GUY OF THE YEAR, the man who is the sexiest reader, books will be provided for reading!
Special Guest and Author, SUSAN VREELAND of Clara and Mr. Tiffany will be featured at the Ball.
A royal feast of appetizers will be served and set ups provided for B.Y.O.B.!
EVENT SOLD OUT!

January 16, 2011
SUNDAY MORNING

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

11:00 a.m. TELL ME THE OLD, OLD STORY
Worship Services at the First United Methodist Church
DR. MARK E. GREEN will be our Special Guest Speaker on his book, A Night with Saddam as Mark was assigned to be with Saddam Hussein on the night he was captured.
Wear your Sunday crown, that’s your favorite hat!

Noon lunch on your own in Jefferson!

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

2:00 p.m. 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD FILM FESTIVAL
Featuring: Author, Kerry Madden of Harper Lee UpClose
Author and Independent Film and Television Writer/Producer, MARY MCDONAGH MURPHY of the book, Scott, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird and previewing her film Hey, Boo: Harper Lee & To Kill a Mockingbird.
In a documentary and accompanying book, Mary McDonagh Murphy explores the novel’s power, influence and popularity. With reflections from Anna Quindlen, Tom Brokaw, James McBride, James Patterson, Wally Lamb, Oprah Winfrey and more, the documentary and the book chronicle the many ways the novel has shaped lives and careers.

BREAK FOR AUTHOR BOOKSIGNING – Important notice: Must purchase books by Saturday as Book Store will not be here Sunday.

$25 for Pulpwood Queen Book Club members, $75 for non-members for the film festival. Tickets are limited so please purchase your tickets while supply lasts.

4:00 p.m. FREE showing of the Academy Award Winning To Kill a Mockingbird sponsored by The First United Methodist Church of Jefferson, Texas and other SPECIAL FILM Features.

The First United Methodist Church will have a Chili Supper and the Youth Group will man the Concession Stand at the event as fundraisers for their mission and outreach programs.

I am here to tell you we make memories to last a lifetime at our Girlfriend Weekend in historic Jefferson, Texas. Jefferson, Texas was the beginning of our story and will continue to the end of our story.
We could write a book on all the adventures and shared stories from our weekends together! My hope and dream is that all of you too will become lifetime readers and writers. Only you can tell and share your story, so let us begin to write, as well as read. And remember, a story not written is a library lost to all your family and friends.
It’s like our official motto, “where tiaras are mandatory and reading good books is the RULE!” Won’t you join us on as our royal story continues to unfold. Life can be a book loving journey because folks, life is not only about the destination, it’s about the ride! And oh what a ride! Thank you for joining me on our weekend IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY! I do believe I will be able to report, a very happy ending!

THE END

For more information on any of the above information, please email kathy@beautyandthebook.com or call Beauty and the Book at 903-665-7520. We accept all major credit cards. Pulpwood Queen Packets and Tickets can be picked up at Registration booth when you arrive!

All information above could be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. For the latest updated version of the program, please email kathy@beautyandthebook.com to send you latest revised program or go to www.pulpwoodqueen.com where updates are reported daily.

No refunds will be able to be given on tickets or packages purchased but we will be more than happy to roll over to the next year the tickets and packages you may have purchased if for any reason you have to cancel. Please contact us immediately if you have to cancel on any events as we do have a waiting list of those wishing to attend.

The Pulpwood Queens Showcases 12 year old Blues Artist, Matthew Davidson at Girlfriend Weekend 2011!

2011-01-10T19:42:00.004-06:00

Dear Readers,

We are literally putting Jefferson, Texas on the literary map with our 11th Anniversary Girlfriend Weekend Author Extravaganza at http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/. But besides , we are certainly known for our music, music roots, and artists. So it with great pleasure that I announce we will also be showcasing, besides the almost 70 authors, 12 year old Blues artist, Matthew Davidson!

The Pulpwood Queen Features 12-year-old Musician Matthew Davidson

Twelve-year-old Matthew Davidson is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist from Shreveport, LA. Matthew has been playing the guitar for six years. He won his first electric guitar in the 2007 James Burton Guitar Showdown. Matthew has played at the B.B. King Museum, Cat Head Delta Blues Store, The Delta Blues Fest, Ground Zero Blues Club, The Red River Revel, The State Fair of Louisiana, and many other venues.

Matthew has had the honor of sharing the stage with Honeyboy Edwards, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bugs Henderson, Buddy and Bruce Flett, Jerry Beach, and Joe Osborn. His three-piece band plays classic rock and blues. Matthew’s musical influences include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix.

Two of the Pulpwood Queen featured authors have heard Matthew perform.
Matthew met author Allen Whitley in Clarksdale, MS at Cathead Delta Blues Store, where Allen was having a book-signing. Matthew shares the same hometown with Shreveport author Judy Christie. Judy has been to Matthew’s gigs, and Matthew has been to Judy’s book-signings!

"At the risk of sounding like his grandmother, Matthew Davidson is a great combination of talented guitarist, fun performer, and nice young man! My husband and I love to hear him play and are amazed at the talent that pours out of his guitar. Plus, his audiences are a delight -- a mix of older folks and young fans. He's developed quite a following -- and has quite a gift for music.” Judy Christie, author

“I saw Matthew perform at Ground Zero and Cat Head in Clarksdale, MS
during the Sunflower Blues Festival, and he was great. Good guitar
licks, and he covers a wide range of artists including Austin, Texas
favorite, Stevie Ray Vaughan. His exceptional skills and tireless work
ethic mean he'll be entertaining and jamming for years to come. It's good to know that young people like Matthew are choosing to play
and carry on the tradition of America's greatest art form - the blues.”

Allen Whitley, Author of “Where Southern Cross the Dog”

Find out more about Matthew at www.matthewdavidson.net and www.facebook.com/gomatthew.

Just another on of the many reasons to come to our Girlfriend Weekend 2011! Just three days counting down until our big ta do! See you there with TIARA ON, it's mandatory my friends!

Tiara wearing, Beauty and the Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs
www.beautyandthebook.com
www.pulpwoodqueen.com

The Pulpwood Queen Reports More on Those that Got Caught Reading!

2010-12-30T07:39:00.004-06:00

Dear Readers,

Amy Talley just sent me photos of her neice that GOT CAUGHT READING, precious! Keep those photos coming and I am now creating an album of all those caught reading!

Headed back to work for one of the busiest days of my life. Hey, it's almost New Year's and everybody is wanting to refresh their color or get that cut....

Running with scissors....

kat

Kathy L. Patrick

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

www.beautyandthebook.com

www.pulpwoodqueen.com

www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com

www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

www.readinggroupguides.com

The Pulpwood Queens TOP TWENTY COUNTDOWN OF BESTSELLERS DECEMBER 2010!

2010-12-29T08:48:00.004-06:00

Dear Readers!

I have stacked the deck on my Pulpwood Queen TOP TWENTY COUNTDOWN OF BESTSELLERS LIST! You see, I have now made it mandatory that the first read of starting a chapter of my Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs is to read my book, "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life" published by Grand Central Publishing. That means when you join my book club, you NOW get a copy of my book, a Pulpwood Queen Official Membership Certificate and Card. Why you ask?
First, we were having a very hard time keeping up with Pulpwood Queen Official t-shirt demands. Books were in hand, thus the switch. Second, since this does explain my whole Pulpwood Queen reading life and program, ta da, and afterall, I am the Queen, Pulpwood Queen that is!

But to be only fair to those wondering how I come up with this bestsellers list. These are the books that I sell in my shop that I handsell big time. The line up has to do with the ones I sell the most. Mystery solved!

Now I tried to play by the rules, it just did not work for me! I cannot compete with the big store chains on pricing, on depth of title, or amount of titles. So in The Pulpwood Queen Game of Reading, I decided I would hone in on the books that speak the most to me and my book club. And guess what, this was the FIRST YEAR I ever had people shopping for books in my shop for Christmas! How could that be?

They way I figure it is that people are starting to pay attention to the books that I select for Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selections. I will be announcing my OFFICIAL 2011 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selections right after the first of the year! Hint! Hint! For those who want to get a head start on their reading Pat Conroy's MY READING LIFE will be our January 2011 selection and Fannie Flagg's I STILL DREAM ABOUT YOU will be our February 2011 selection. I do hope you will purchase your book club selections from my bookstore, Beauty and the Book, http://www.beautyandthebook.com/ but I can't make you. Just like I can't make you read the books I select, but if you do one thing this year! Support an independent bookstore! Because of all of the Christmas shoppers in my shop, I can go into this shiny brand new year with hope of a better year!

My life is all about reading. Nothing makes me happier than enveloping myself in authors, books, reading and promoting literacy. To make my living doing what I love is a dream come true. I may not ever be rich, but I have accomplished so far everything I have ever dreamed because of being a reader and a writer. Take note dear friends, a life in which you become a real reader, is a life that has greater meaning and purpose, knowledge and enlightenment.

Sharing my December list and hope you will print this out and take to your nearest independent bookstore!

Tiara wearing, Beauty and the Book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of The Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs
P.S. Go to http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com/ to read all about our big book club convention which is right around the corner! We are SOLD OUT but do note I will be doing another book festival, The Fred McKenzie Storytelling Book Festival, May 13 - 15th, 2011 featuring Keynote Speakers, Frank Delaney and Rhys Bowen! More on that event to come selling now an Early Bird Special to the event for $150 for all events for members. The price will go up February 2011 so get your package today by emailing me at kathy@beautyandthebook.com or calling 903-665-7520.

TOP TWENTY COUNTDOWN FOR DECEMBER 2010

PULPWOOD QUEENS' BESTSELLER LIST OF HITS!!!!

1) The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy L. Patrick

2) My Orange Duffel Bag by Sam Bracken and Echo Garrett

3) Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters by Barak Obama

4) I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

5) The Improper Life of Bezelia Grove by Susan Gregg Gilmore

6) My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

7) Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

8) Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

9) Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

10) Don’t Quit Your Day Job Edited by Sonny Brewer

11) The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

12) Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

13) They Came To Nashville by Marshall Chapman

14) Write That Book Already by Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark

15) South of Broad by Pat Conroy

16) Talking with God in Old Age by Missy Buchanan

17) Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

18) Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Mary Murphy

19) Queen of Broken Hearts by Cassandra King

20) Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan

For more information, contact Kathy L. Patrick below!

Tiara wearing and Book sharing,

Kathy L. Patrick

Founder of the Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Clubs the largest “meeting and discussing book club in the WORLD”!

Beauty and the Book

608 North Polk Street

Jefferson, Texas 75657

903-665-7520

kathy@beautyandthebook.com

http://www.beautyandthebook.com

http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com

http://www.girlfriendweekend.blogspot.com

http://www.southernauthors.blogspot.com

http://www.readinggroupguides.com