Hey there, been a busy summer.  Made a full-size, 500-pound lion for the sanctuary!  Here it is.  Don’t know about the House of Angels?  It’s an outdoor sanctuary for prayer and healing that has been the site of healings.  Yes, prayer does work.  Some times it’s the healing of the physical body, sometimes it’s spiritual or emotional healing.  We’re at 4738 Vermont Route 31, (that’s 4.7 miles south of Poultney, on the right, at a curve.  Our driveway extends into the woods.  Drive a few hundred feet right up to the site.)

Flowers are in full bloom. The sheep are waiting for completion of the lion and the lamb.

   So, the wicker chair that Yeow has claimed as his own is a recent find during the Poultney Town Wide Yard Sale.  His buddy is S. Crow, the latest addition to our garden.  The photo on the left is Don’s new strawberry patch featuring our log-on-a-stump. It’s an interesting piece we found recently at a tag sale.  So, now you know what I’m doing when I’m not writing.  Got the creative bug, even when gardening.  Love the new raised beds.  Check out my books at http://www.annrichduncan.com.  The latest?  A thriller entitled “Buried Alive” — it’s treasure hunter John Victor’s second adventure — filled with mahem and different aspects of how people deal with their faith. It also takes place in the Sonora Desert near Tuscon, Arizona where the Sonora Desert Museum is.   His first adventure? Entitled “The SEED” — it’s currently being edited for a second edition featuring new information about the GMO situation.  That being said, it’s educational (sort of) and exciting.

Looking for the House of Angels? Click onto the last entry; but before you do that, here is my latest artwork! Two examples of still life paintings on bark, mounted on bark. The bark was collected at the House of Angels.

The House of Angels is an outdoor sanctuary for prayer and healing, at 4738 Vermont Route 31, Poultney, VT  05764.  We’re two and a half miles north of Granville, NY, and 4.7 miles south of Poultney, VT.  Here are some photos! Scroll through them and watch for more in future posts.

Hey, I’m back. It’s only been . . . well, months.  Have been struggling with getting “Buried Alive!,” John Victor’s second adventure, edited and published. It’s available–right now!–online at Create Space’s Book Store.  Finally! But, before I get into that, there’s something exciting (at least for me and possibly for any of you who suffer with insomnia):  Over the counter medicine, prescriptions, and the usual suggestions have all failed me. But, there’s a cure that actually works for me!  Finally! My long-time friend, Erna D, told me about it on the telephone. You simply need a banana, a small saucepan and some water.  Cut both ends of the banana off. (I’m not sure why, but perhaps they’re bitter?).  Then place the banana–skin and all–into a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil.  Let it simmer for ten minutes.  Then, use the water like tea (I add lots of cream and a little sugar).  Tastes great that way if, like me, you like a little bit of tea with your cream and sugar.  Anyway, drink your tea that tastes slightly like banana, and eat what you can of the banana–skin and all according to Erna–but with my stomach troubles I don’t bother with the skin.  I even mash the banana and add a bit to my tea. Reminds me of the consistency of extra pulp in OJ.  I end up falling asleep within half an hour, instead of struggling for two or more hours.

Getting back to “Buried Alive!,” the scene is set near Tucson, Arizona.  Our intrepid hero is literally buried alive in a crude cedar coffin somewhere beneath the Sonora Desert. And to make it interesting, his “coffin” is digitally connected to a live radio show. The radio host invites a bevy of professionals to communicate with John Victor, in an effort to pull elusive clues from his memory. Professionals like detectives, profilers, scientists, etc.  So they can find him before it’s too late.  An endangered plant is the basis for his being found. There are bits of trivia about the Tucson region, and most importantly of all, there’s information about the Bible. Between John Victor and one other character, bits of Biblical information is revealed, including info about prophesies that have actually been fulfilled–the chance for them being fulfilled is astounding–and about faith in its various forms.  Like with “The SEED,” John’s first adventure, “Buried Alive!” has intrigue, humor, a touch of romance, and faith-based information.  Speaking of “The SEED,” have I mentioned at least a hundred times that it was nominated by a professor for inclusion on Green Mountain College’s required reading list? And that it placed as a top-ten finalist in a national contest?  Well, right now, you can find “Buried Alive” by Ann Rich Duncan by Googling Create Space Book Store.  It’ll be available thru Amazon.com after April 10.  By the way, the ISBN #s are:  13:978-1496055538 and 10: 1496055535.  Here’s a pix of the cover:

Here’s a stock photo that I don’t really want.

I was watching the clouds one rainy afternoon.  And as they sailed swiftly across the sky in an ever-changing variety of shapes and squiggles I remembered a quote from Thomas Browne.  In 1635 he wrote, “Nature is the art of God.”  I thought, I believe it because right now, the entire sky looks like His own personal Etch a Sketch.  I mean, first there was a hole in the clouds that morphed into a five-pointed star before it got sucked into a shrunken pinpoint that was suddenly the eye of an alligator that chased a hump-backed snake.  Highly entertaining.  Almost started singing, “I know an old lady who swallowed a fly . . .”

Can’t tell me that God doesn’t have a sense of humor. The alligator made me wonder briefly if animals ever marvel at God’s Etch a Sketch? After all, my two pooches are pretty smart and I do catch them scanning the sky every so often.  Speaking of pooches, who cannot see God’s hand in all of creation:  from the perfection of a playful puppy’s soft, furry paw to the swiftness of a hungry cat’s claw . . . to the flawless symmetry of a daisy or black-eyed Susan.  Happenstance?  Occurring by chance? I think not.  After all, according to Genesis 1:24, “. . . and God said, let the earth bring forth every kind of animal — livestock, small animals, and wildlife.  And so it was . . . and God said it was good.

Seen my books? “The SEED” a Novel of suspense that placed as a top ten finalist and was nominated to be put on a college required reading list.  And the Johnny Vic historical adventure series (mixing treasure hunting, adventure and American history!).   Go to http://www.annrichduncan.com.

House of Angels

Hey there . . . our trip to North Carolina was great.  We actually got to go after gem stones where “the real” John Victor goes for them.  It’s at Doc’s Rocks in Boone, NC.  Wow! Got several amethysts the size of large grapes and plums! Also netted some garnets and other gems.  So, we were interviewed by Joan Able, host of Healing Miracles, on Direct TV.  Don did two half-hour interviews, and I did one.  So, the three shows are scheduled to be aired on three consecutive Thursdays:  May 16, 23, and 30, on Direct TV at 12 Midnight.  The Healing Miracles shows are also broadcast on the internet, on Wednesdays at 8 pm and Thursdays at 7 am (EST).  To find the schedules for the internet (I’m not sure whether it’s the Wednesday before or after the TV broadcast) at:  www.TKMI.org.

I was thrilled when she decided to start with a focus on my Johnny Vic books!  After all, it’s a miracle that I was able to write and publish them — hahaha.  And, of course, I’ve written them as testiments to the legacy of our founding fathers and America’s Christian heritage.  Not familiar with Johnny Vic?  Check out my website at:  www.annrichduncan.com.

And, of course, the whole reason we were invited to the show?  It was to focus on the House of Angels, our outdoor sanctuary for prayer and healing.  You can see pictures of this beautiful place if you go to my website and hit the “about Don” button.

Oh!!!!  I shouldn’t forget my novel! The SEED, featuring a grown up John Victor.

ISBN 0-7414-3072-X

Have been invited to tape a series of shows (as the guest) for a DirectTV program in North Carolina!  Taping is on April 20.  They’ve got 40-million viewers!  More on this as the details come in!  Check out my books at:  www.annrichduncan.com.

Haven’t been here for a long time.  Lots of stuff going on.  But, we’re making progress with the conversion of my Johnny Vic’s BIG DIG trivia game!  Am thinking about calling it, “Dig it . . . with Johnny Vic”.  I think “dig it” is catchy.  My husband says it’s old fashioned.  Oh well.  In the meantime, the Castleton State College gamecrafters club is going full speed ahead with turning it into a digital game.  Might be ready by May!   Not familiar with Johnny Vic?  Check out the books at my website at http://www.annrichduncan.com.

Sometimes, when you’re writing . . . especially when it’s a novel . . . you need to stop and listen.  To whom? Your characters! I was stuck the other night.  Couldn’t figure what to do for the next scene, (I’m on page 127), when I stopped to think about one of the characters.   Who would he talk to?  Who did he care about?  What would he be thinking about?  And bam, it was crystal clear.  It really isn’t that hard.  If you’re having trouble with one of your characters, just stop and try to figure out who they resemble in your real life.  Then imagine a day in that person’s life.  Where would they go?  Who are their friends?  What kind of trouble would they get into — or help someone else out of?  If you do that . . . you’ll have a “bam” moment too!   Wondering about my characters?  Go to http://www.annrichduncan.com.  You’ll find The SEED, my novel of suspense, and the first three Johnny Vic historical adventures.

Was watching an old episode of NCIS the other night — one of my favorites, where Special Agent Timothy McGee (a novelist on the side)  is being razzed by his co-workers for basing his characters on them.  It’s what writers do.  Especially novelists. We transform our experiences, and the people we know, into workable scenes.  It’s so tempting right now because  I work with a Savannah and a Cheyanne.  I mean really! What great names!  Two beautiful young girls who would make great characters at that!  I don’t know Cheyanne’s boy friend, but Savannah’s guy–also at our workplace–is great. One of the characters I’ve been working on is so much like him already, it’s scary.  Actually, everybody I work with is a character. It’s like having almost two dozen new little brothers.  And there are four Chris’s there, too.  Maybe I should put them all in John Victor’s second adventure.  Chris could throttle Chrissy while Christy and Chris race to save the day.  Not familiar with John Victor?  He’s a treasure hunter based on my brother (John Victor) from Alaska.   His first adventure, entitled  ”The SEED”  was nominated by a college professor to be on a required reading list for incoming freshmen, (yes, really!)  and it was a top-ten finalist in a national contest (as a work in progress long before it was published).  Check it out at http://www.annrichduncan.com.

Scatter, route, dispel, disband.     (my brain is fried)

The word I need is not at hand.     (it doesn’t come up, tho I’ve tried and tried)

It’s not convene, call in, recall.      (I can’t remember the word at all)

The word is gone, like leaves in the Fall.   (I’ll keep trying, but my effort’s amiss)

It comes from Latin.  Something like  ”dis” . . .    (a bummer to try and fail like this)

Without it I can’t say what I want to say.    (Hmmm.  Perhaps I should stop. And shop. Or play?)

So, instead of my pen, I’ll pick up my purse.  And I’ll shop, instead of struggling with verse.

Aha!  I remember!   (the rhyme’s the thing)

The word’s “disperse!”   (now if I could just remember why  I needed . . . . . . . . . it.)

Now you see why I write suspense and adventure stories!   I’m looking at the letter’s and notes I’ve received, from Mary Higgins Clark, First Lady Laura Bush, and Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Powers.  So what if I stink at poetry . . . we all have our strengths and weaknesses!   annrichduncan.com

So the other day I was looking at a VanGogh.  Well, not the real thing . . . some of his most famous works were in a how-to book about painting.  I’ve never really been a fan, until I was told I should study the master’s brush strokes.  And pit them against the subject matter. Huh? Well, after a lot of coaxing and coaching, I began to realize his paintings are like the human condition.  The subjects? Usually quaint, harmless, peaceful things.  The brush strokes? Almost violent—like so many people who seem easy going on the outside, but are quivering with so much on the inside, be it anger, love, excitement, or disappointment.  Makes you want to look really close.  But, when I look at my work — the writing I mean — I seem to have it in the opposite.  Take John Victor’s adventures.  Based on murder, greed and devious plots; but, as my hero muddles through the puzzles, you see humor, love, and faith . . . and even some enlightening facts (after all, I love to research the flora, fauna and history of the sites).  Mostly typical (but fun) suspense stuff, though.  Anyhow, I’m puzzling right now about my nephew Scotty’s trip to Alaska to visit the “real” John Victor.  Beautiful scenery.  Exciting gold hunting.  Fun stuff.  But Alaska? It’s quivering with extremes . . . and danger.  Hmmm.  I wonder what I can do to Scotty’s tales?  Not familiar with John Victor?  Check him out at my website:  www.annrichduncan.com.  Check out Johnny Vic while you’re at it! And stay tuned for Scotty’s Alaskan Adventures!

Good grief. Woke up. Stiff. Eyes burning. What’s going on?

It’s my birthday. Another one.

Good grief. Stumbled to the kitchen. Took a pill. What’s going on?

It’s my birthday. Another one added to ALL the other ones.

Good grief. Telephone’s ringing. Do I answer or not?

“Happy birthday, Mom”.

Hey, it’s my birthday!

(Next best B-day present for me? Lots of hits on my website and this blog!!!  www.annrichduncan.com.)

So, I’ve come to realize . . . what I used to hate in school? It’s actually the most fun part of writing a novel.  What is it? Research! For instance, the other night, I needed to have John Victor and his friend drive away from the friend’s home. Could have made it a “nothing” scene, but turned it into a humorous situation — with details.  I don’t know much about cars, so I looked up a 1954 vintage Chevy Bel Air.  And had the guys “discussing” the “female reaction” to cars.  And, of course, my treasure hunting hero loves hiking and rock specimens — so I looked up some interesting minerals known to be situated in the local of the story. Found Wulfenite. Neat!  ”Research” is even more fun if it takes you somewhere. Like, with my Johnny Vic adventure featuring Lake Champlain, I went to a museum in the Vergennes area.  Got the, “Wow, you’re a writer doing research?” reaction from the staff. Not familiar with John Victor? Look for his first adventure, entitled, “The SEED” at my website:  www.annrichduncan.com.  You can find the Johnny Vic historical adventure series there too.

So, I’ve cleaned up Melvin. Got him a girlfriend. And John Victor’s been buried alive.  Now, I’ve gotta dig him up and connect him to the REAL bad guys. In the meantime, am still working out the details of the drawing that’ll include prizes from the “real” John Victor, including a pair of gold pieces, perfect for a set of earrings!  Hey, that’s it! Gotta go and connect those dots.  Seen my books? If not, go to my website:  www.annrichduncan.com.  And don’t fail to scroll down on the home page so you can view the You-tube video, entitled, “Seed Baby”. !!!!!.

Where did the year go? Everyone’s asking this question as Christmas zooms near.  With a near-70-hour work week, up into the wee hours most days, I’ve spent most of it working or sleeping.  Not much writing. Ouch.  But, with the book-inspired digital Johnny Vic game coming closer to a reality, I’m gearing up for a great 2013.  In the meantime, co-workers and friends are shaking their heads.  Feeling an ever increasing anger.  Things are crazy.   The real America seems to be forgotten:  in its place, an ill-conceived evil fantasy.  Our children are being taught that there is no real, concrete, black and white, right vs wrong.  No wonder they’re confused.   I grew up watching and playing violence.  Cops and robbers.  Cowboys and Indians.  War heroes.  And I don’t have a thirst for blood.   But the key word is:  HEROES!!!  Today’s so-called heroes are those “grey” creations.  Not totally good.  Got some bad in them.  Kids are encouraged to sympathize with killers and rapists now.  I can just hear the thought process in those undeveloped little brains. (Heck, they had it tough. No wonder they did such bad things.  Hey–I’ve had it tough, too!  Maybe I should go out and . . . . . ).  People laugh at Mayberry RFD and Father Knows Best.  I mourn them.  Maybe that’s why I’m so excited about Johnny Vic’s BIG DIG turning into a digital game.  He’s a good hero that kids can and SHOULD relate to.  Not familiar with Johnny Vic?  Go to http://www.annrichduncan.com.  My YA series is historical fantasy at its best.  (Hey! it was endorsed by the Teaching American History Program Director at Castleton State College! And, by the way, a professor at ANOTHER college nominated my novel, The SEED, for inclusion on their required reading list for incoming freshmen.  Not too bad for an unknown like me.  Thanks, Castleton State College and Green Mountain College, for making 2012 a good year, with hopes of a better one in 2013!

So, on Friday I met with two college students who are working to convert my Johnny Vic’s BIG DIG action game into a digital computer game. They have great ideas!!!  Exciting stuff.  They want to organize an open house at their campus (Castleton State College) in the spring to show it off along with other games their group is working on.  Neat, huh?  The game was inspired by my Johnny Vic historical adventure series, and my John Victor (treasure hunter turned sleuth) novel entitled, The SEED.  See them all, plus my Youtube video entitled SEED BABY, at http://www.annrichduncan.com.

I know.  People are wondering about the contest.  Actually it’ll be a drawing.  I’m running at a snail’s pace these days.  But, to be sure, there will be a pair of nuggets that “the real Johnny Vic” sent — “perfect for a pair of earrings,” he says.  And a couple of coins.  And more.  The names of those who comment on the “Scotty Loves Alaska” posts will be added to a “ticket” and placed in the box for the drawing.   Each comment renders you an entry!  The holdup?  Besides my snail-pace at writing about Scotty’s adventures, I’ve got some technical glitches with the photo ops.  If you ever listen to Bob Bascom on Lakes Region Radio when he talks about me, you’ll hear that technical gadgits and I  . . . well . . . we just don’t seem to get along.  If you stumbled on this blog and are wondering who I am . . . I’m the author of The SEED, a novel of suspense that was nominated to be placed on the required reading list for incoming Freshmen at Green Mountain College; and the YA Johnny Vic adventures.  Find them at www.annrichduncan.com.

It’s coming soon.  The “real” John Victor sent two gold nuggets–and more–to be given away to readers.  It’ll start with a few stories about Scottie’s adventure in Alaska with our intrepid hero.  Like his visits to Tok, Chicken, and John’s gold mine.  Just view the photos of the beautiful Alaskan countryside and read the stories, then send a comment.  One entry per comment.  Multiple comments allowed.  There will be one winning entry per story.  (watch for the announcements of the winners — if your name was drawn, send us your address and we’ll ship the prize to you!)  Nuggets!  Coins!  Gems!  All found by John!  Who is John?  He’s the inspiration for the heroes in my books, including:  The SEED, Travel With Johnny Vic, Johnny Vic’s Nautical Adventures, and Johnny Vic’s Plymouth Adventures.  Find them at www.annrichduncan.com.   Check back to see when the contest will begin.

When I asked my agent how to create a contest, she said to use Facebook and my other social media. Okay.  And the prizes from the “real” Johnny Vic have arrived.  Neat!  For instance there are two matching gold nuggets that he says would be perfect for a pair of earrings.  And coins that he found on his treasure hunts.  And a couple of stones, one with gold in it (real gold, not that fake stuff).  So now I’m looking at author web sites.  Looking at their contests.  And their offerings.  Gotta decide how to run the contest.  My agent also said I should offer my services to writers who want constructive criticism.  Maybe read 50 pages or so and comment on the strengths and weaknesses.  Maybe I will.  But first . . . I’ve gotta set up my contest.

Hey, what a kick!  My brother (the inspiration and namesake for Johnny Vic) called the other day to say he was sending some gold nuggets and old coins for me to offer in some sort of contest or game online.  Now, all I have to do is figure out how to do it.  I’ll be researching other author sites to see how they’ve done it.  Til then, see ya!

So, as August 11 passed I found myself thinking about 9/11.  I don’t for one minute think my troubles surpass those of the families who lost loved ones that terrible day.  But, it DID impact me. As a writer.  About nine days prior to 9/11/01, I lucked out on the telephone.  Got to speak to one of the senior editors of a major publishing company.  He said he NEVER answers the phone, but something told him to that day as he walked past the receptionist’s desk.  So, I asked a number of questions, telling him I was preparing for a radio interview.  After I thanked him, he said, “Okay, so what have you written?”  I said, I’d promised not to push my work . . . the interview was legit.  He said, “It’s okay. I’ve enjoyed our talk, so whatcha got?”  I explained the premise of The SEED, my novel of suspense and the message about GMO’s. Then I read one paragraph of “The SEED” which, at that time was just a work in progress.  He LOVED IT!!  Asked me to send fifty pages. Said if it all was as good as what he just heard, he’d “get something going with it.  I’ll call you in about 15 days,” he said.  WOW.  I sent it.  September 11 happened.  His office was demolished.  He left for the midWest.  Needless to say no one else was interested or even believed me, months later, when they re-opened.  Do you have a September 11 story?  I’d love to hear it.