Rhonda R. Dennis's Blog

The first thing I tell readers when they ask about my new book, "Magnolia Blossoms," is that it's NOTHING like Green Bayou.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Green Bayou and all of the characters that series encompasses, this new book has sparked an even deeper character connection with me.  I adore these people, and I would love to have them in my life.  So what's so great about them?  Here you go...

I'm going to start with the main character, Magnolia Picasso Berrybush.  The name alone should make readers do the equivalent of a double take.  Magnolia is a thirty-two year old train wreck.  Her parents have over the top personalities, but she prefers to live her life hiding in the shadows.  Her looks are atypical, (I suppose that's the nice way of saying that she's quite homely?) and she's pretty much scared of everything life has to offer.  She does anything and everything she can to avoid it, and by "it," I mean living a real, honest to goodness life.  Fantasies and scripted programs/publications (TV, movies, books, and smut) are her favorite places to hide until the day she finally craves something "real" so badly that she snaps.

She has such little confidence in herself that she figures the only way she can become noteworthy is by doing something infamous (serial killing).  Now before you groan, "I don't want to read a book about a socially inept murderess," know that Magnolia has never been successful at anything she's attempted.  Her thought processes, her feeble attempts to make a go of being The Red Daisy, they are what gently guide her (well, maybe not so gently) into socialization.

The first person to interact with Magnolia is Jace Taylor, a swoon-worthy paramedic who crosses paths with her on a fairly regular basis.  Jace, while his life may seem pretty straight forward and normal, readers will discover that there is something much more complex and meaningful happening with him.  Another male character who helps Magnolia along her journey, even though it begins with his arresting her, is Nick "The Dick" Ferrera.  He earns his nickname honestly, but after getting familiar with Magnolia's story, his icy demeanor begins to thaw.

Probably one of my favorite characters, though incredibly foul-mouthed and cynical, is Honey LeReaux, a hooker who was once highly demanded, but because the years have been unkind to her, she now slums the streets of one of the most depressing neighborhoods in Baton Rouge (real town, fictional neighborhood).  The odds of someone like Magnolia running into someone like Honey in most cases would be nil, but sometimes things just happen, thus putting the right person in your path at the time you need them most.  Magnolia doesn't  need coddling, she needs a harsh dose of reality, and Honey's there to give it to her in spades.  Despite Honey's candid and unconventional approach to being a "fairy godmother," readers learn that there is much more to her character, as well.

There is a supporting cast who bring much to the story.  Sunny and Murray "Big Daddy" Berrybush are seemingly polar opposites, yet they work as a couple.  Even though Murray is a high-priced, widely-mocked attorney, even he doesn't escape the book without learning a life lesson or two.  Smaller scenes don't equate to small impact:  Dan Wan, Porkchop, Mr. Gaines, Diablo, and a host of other characters dot the book with comic relief, cynicism, or cattiness at one point or another.

I sincerely hope that you'll give "Magnolia Blossoms" a read.  I truly love this story, and I hope that you will love it, as well.  It's available in ebook for Kindle and Nook, and as paperback through most retailer outlets such as Barnes and Noble stores.  For South Louisiana retailers, and for additional information on upcoming events, releases, etc, please visit my website, www.rhondadennis.net.

Kindle Ebook:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HRH18XW
Nook Ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magnolia-blossoms-rhonda-dennis/1118016200?ean=2940148200628

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing is meeting fans.  Beyond that, the rewards are multiplied when fans become friends.  This painting is a result of one of those friendships.  It depicts Green Bayou so unbelievably well--the whimsy of Connie and Emily's relationship, the beauty of Greenleaf, the sinister feel of the floating camp, the light-hearted feel of an afternoon gathering on the lawn.  Caroline far exceeded any preconceptions I had of what this painting should look like.  So, how did this painting come about? 

I was scheduled for a book signing/meet and greet event at one of the local library branches and Caroline Simoneaux (owner of Studio C) happened to attend.  She was bubbly and enthusiastic--that's my attempt to sound humble when what I actually mean to say is that she was super excited to meet me--and we hit it off instantly.  I struggle with finding the appropriate words to say when strangers approach me as huge fans of the series.  Though it's incredibly flattering, it's awkward because I see myself as "just Rhonda", and I hardly see where visiting with me is worth getting excited about.  But, it happens, and I'm glad it does!!!  I LOVE meeting people.  Anyway, she gave me her business card, which had a sample of her artwork on it, and I was incredibly impressed with her talent.  I asked if she would do a Green Bayou painting for me, she agreed, and it went from there.

Over the course of it all, Caroline and I began to speak more and more often.  We realized that we had a lot in common and that we got along really well.  One of my favorite days came when she called me to tell me that I came up in conversation for something non-book related, and the person she was talking to asked her how she knew me.  She told me that she completely drew a blank.  I was no longer "Rhonda the author" in her mind; I was "just Rhonda."  That made me so incredibly happy! 

Long story short, even if you're the biggest Green Bayou fan the world has ever seen, I'm just Rhonda.  I'm the farthest a person can get from snooty, arrogant, or any of those other politically correct terms for "She's a total bitch."  I couldn't believe when someone messaged me to say that she saw me in a store, but was afraid to say hello.  I'm actually kind of shy by nature, so if you see me, PLEASE come say, "hi."  I love talking about the stories, I love meeting new people, and regardless of whether we meet just that one time or we become life-long friends, I'm the type of person who will treasure the interaction always. 

Sending you lots of Green Bayou love!

\ Shadowlawn Plantation       I'm a total history nerd who also loves hearing, researching, and checking out stories of the paranormal.  Many of the plantations that I've been fortunate enough to tour are reportedly haunted, and some carry stories that will make your goosebumps have goosebumps!  I toured one such house a while back, however the ghost who haunts the place decided to stay quiet during my visit, and that was fine with me!
     Recently, I was able to spend time at Shadowlawn Plantation (906 Main Street, Franklin, LA) two weekends in a row.  The first weekend was spent familiarizing myself with what the place had to offer.  I'm always looking for new locations for photo shoots/ cover shoots.  I met with the very lovely and knowledgeable caretaker, Julana Senette, who gave me some incredibly interesting facts about the place.  Of all the things she mentioned, the one that stood out the most was the story of a little boy named Charlie.  Poor Charlie drowned in the Bayou Teche when he was around ten years old, and he's rumored to have remained ever since.  I enjoyed hearing of Charlie's antics, especially of how he loved people in uniform--so much so that he routinely set off alarms to get them to come visit.  Well, Charlie didn't make his presence known that day, but I thoroughly enjoyed taking in all of the beautiful sights the plantation had to offer.
     The next weekend, I can't say for sure it was Charlie, but I did notice some oddities.  For example, as soon as I walked into the room pictured below, it was as if the atmosphere suddenly changed.  I thought it was just me, but my friend noticed it, as well.  I'd been in that room several times before and never felt a thing, so it was a little eerie to all of a sudden have the change.  Also, lights flickered quite a few times and the alarm chirped (a sign that we were welcome in the house).  Not anything huge, but still interesting, nonetheless.  Julana can't say the same.  She hears Charlie all of the time.  He runs up and down the stairs, jiggles doorknobs, moves things, etc.  Despite the mischief, I believe she enjoys his antics--most of the time.
     If you'd like to experience the majesty and mystery that is Shadowlawn, please be on the lookout for the multitude of events that will soon be taking place there.  There are so many wonderful things in the works!  One of which, I'll be leading--a writer's workshop in November!!!  Shadowlawn is also available for weddings and other events.  If you'd like more information, please call (337)828-2092 or write to St. Mary Chapter Louisiana Landmarks Society, P.O. Box 400, Franklin, LA 70538.
     Enjoy the pics!!!
 The Parlor   The Dining Room

 The Main Staircase
 Beautiful and majestic oak.
 The Green Bayou Novels nestled neatly on the third shelf from the top.  They are in a building called The Tavern, which is believed to be one of the first buildings ever erected in Franklin.  It wasn't just a tavern, but a boarding place, as well.  It now functions as a gift shop and gallery for visitors.


 The main entrance.
 This doll totally creeped me out!
 The back stairwell.
 A peek up the back stairwell.


 Beautiful sitting area.
 Massive oak tree dripping with Spanish moss.
 Beautiful front porch.

Note:  All photos are courtesy of Caroline Simoneaux.

So you've just read the most spectacular book EVER and you can't wait to tell the world about it. (Oh, just pulling a random example from mid-air, let's say it's one of The Green Bayou Novels.)  How do you go about doing this?  What if you do something wrong?  What if you don't know where to go to leave your review?  What if no one wants to read your opinion?  Relax!  Review writing can be incredibly simple and believe me, people will read it! 

Leaving a review is the best gift a reader can give an author. (Usually.  There are those pesky one and two stars that are bound to plague even the most talented author.  I'll discuss those later.)  Reviews don't need to be twenty well-versed paragraphs.  Plain and simple, it's just your opinion.  The good thing about opinions--there is no right or wrong.  It's yours and yours alone.  Loved a book that everyone else hated?  Let the world know and be proud of it.  Hate a book that everyone else loves?  Let that be known as well, but be gentle.  There's a human behind every written word and most are more fragile than you would think.  Regardless of whether your review is positive or negative, a good rule to follow is to write the review as if you were telling it to the author's face. (Remember that.  I'll be talking about it more in the negative review section.)

Here are some guidelines for positive reviews:  What initially drew you to the book?  Was the dialogue smooth and engaging?  Did you enjoy/establish a relationship with the characters?  Which character was your favorite?  Which character was your least favorite? Were there issues with editing/formatting/grammar/etc.?  Did you learn anything from the story?  Did the author pull any emotions from you?  What made this book unique?  Did anything in the work stand out to you?  Will you read future work of the author?  Are there other books similar to this work that you enjoyed? (Some readers will take your recommendations if they enjoyed it, as well.)  Some reviewers like to also include information such as the book blurb, a synopsis,  ISBN numbers, character profiles, etc.  Remember that these are just some general guidelines.  You do not have to answer all of the questions.  A very simple, "I really enjoyed this book." will often suffice.

Negative Reviews:  Bleck!  No author EVER enjoys them and in the age of anonymity and keyboard bullies, negative reviews run rampant.  Remember that part when I said to write your review as though you were saying it to the author's face.  This is where that part is most important.  There is nothing wrong with not enjoying a book.  It happens all of the time.  My sister and I often disagree about books.  We went to the same schools, were raised the same way, have similar lives; but very different tastes in movies, books, etc.  That's just life.  If you come across a book that just isn't your thing, here are some guidelines for writing your review.  Don't be that person who tries to get attention by writing the meanest comments.  Don't bash the author's personality, perceived IQ, family, looks, or assumed mental state.  Do clearly state why the said book didn't appeal to you, (i.e. I generally look for books with more action.  I prefer books with more romance.  I prefer more in-depth reads as opposed to quick, fun reads.  I prefer quick, fun reads as opposed to such in-depth reads.)  Do not say things like, I'd rather read the back of a cereal box.  (Yes, I got this as a review.  It's so funny.  Ha! Ha!  Now, how did that help me grow as an author?)  I sincerely doubt that person would have said that if we were face to face.  So why is it acceptable if he/she is hiding behind a computer screen?  Negative comments should be seen as a way to help the author with future projects.  Constructive criticism goes a long way and is much more helpful than a cruel comment.

Where to leave reviews:  Most places that you purchase your book from have the option for you to leave reviews.  Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Goodreads, and Shelfari are a few places you can leave them.  The reviews do not have to have your name, and in cases like Barnes and Noble, all you need is an account to leave a review.  You don't have to actually purchase the book from them to leave your review.  This is good and bad.  Good because let's say you borrowed the book from the library.  You're able to leave your review for people who are interested in purchasing the story.  It's bad because people who haven't even picked up the book get to leave false reviews.  You would think people would have better things to do than to torment authors, but unfortunately, some do not.

So, long story short...  Please leave a review after each book you read because your opinion is important!  Be honest, yet kind.  A long review doesn't equal a good review.  Write your review as though you were standing right in front of the author. 

Remember these simple steps and you'll be well on your way to becoming a master reviewer and the highlight of many authors' day!  Mwah!!

I recently returned from Shreveport after a brief visit. The original intention was for me to be a student in a Medic First Aid class so my husband could audit the instructor. If actual students showed I’d be off the hook, but being that they didn’t, it was all on me. Yes, I used to be a medic, so I figured I could daydream my way through the four hour class. That didn’t happen! The instructor was engaging and many times during the course I found myself actually performing tasks. Great tactic! If you want students to stay awake, make them do things.

CPR Mannequin best known as Annie

Because it can potentially save a life, let me boil down those four hours for you. First and foremost, GET HELP! CPR is very labor intensive and tiring. You want backup as soon as possible, plus having the trained guys on the scene allows the victim to get the care he/she needs that much quicker.

Number Two: Make sure the scene is safe. It won’t help anyone if you become a victim, too.

Number Three: Compressions are key for effective CPR. Even if you never perform one rescue breath, compress like the wind! Okay, more like compress to the beat of “Staying Alive” or for those with gallow’s humor, “Another One Bites the Dust”– mid-chest, and you should push down hard enough for the chest to sink in about two inches. You will hear and feel strange things. These are typical and should not stop you from performing CPR. If you’re coordinated enough to give rescue breaths, give 2 breaths after 30 compressions. Make sure the chest rises and falls with each breath. P.S. Wear gloves and use a rescue shield if available. This equipment is considered PPE, Personal Protective Equipment–it helps to keeps the cooties a victim might have from getting on you.

The bandaging open wounds section of the course.

I’m not going to make this entire post about the first aid class. Shreveport/Bossier has become one of my favorite places to visit and it plays a part in a couple of my books, so let me show you around a little bit.

Crawfish anyone?

Crawfish are a Louisiana staple, so much so that ponds/empty rice fields are used to harvest enough to meet the demand. These ponds are generally quite shallow, so this boat has been modified to push them through the mud so they can empty their traps.

Fans know that this is why the Green Bayou gang took their trip to Shreveport.

A not so great pic of the Shreveport Convention Center shows where Holden and Bert attended a law enforcement convention. This place is monstrous and located in the historic downtown, not too far from the Red River.



The appropriately named Red River. Down in south Louisiana, our waterways are often a caramel brown. My personal joke is that if a gumbo is the color of Bayou Teche water, it’s good. Our water is filled with sediment so the water takes on the color of the dirt particles floating in it. In the delta region of Louisiana our dirt is dark brown/black. As you move north, the dirt becomes orangey-red. Thus, Shreveport’s Red River.

Featuring a trolley, lots of shopping possibilities, several restaurants, and beautiful views, the Louisiana Boardwalk is a must see.

The Louisiana Boardwalk has one of my favorite shops, Bath and Body Works, so after a nice lunch at Saltgrass Steakhouse my first stop was to restock my favorite fragrances. After perusing a few more shops we made our way to my husband’s favorite place, Bass Pro. He shopped and I played in the arcade.

One of my favorite spots in Bass Pro.

Another place that was mentioned in my books was Cross Lake. Jacob’s parents, Fred and Julia, owned a house on the spacious body of water. Here is a not so wonderful shot from the bridge as we crossed it.

A quick shot of Cross Lake.

And finally, a picture of my favorite place to be while writing in Shreveport. Quite a bit of “Deja Vu” and some of “Unforeseen” was written in this very spot. (That might be a trivia question one day, lol)

The Homewood Suites’ swimming pool at night.

Thanks for reading!!  Be sure to keep an eye out for “Connie’s Wild Night”, the next short story to be released in The Green Bayou Novels.  It’s coming in June!!

As most of you know, I was nominated in the novella category (among others, yay!!) to win Best Indie Novella.  For quite some time now, I’ve been running neck and neck with another author.  There have been pushes all over social media (namely, Facebook) to remind fans to vote in that category.  I’ve had quite a few people tell me that they have been trying to vote and have not had success, some are able to vote more than once, etc.  Basically, I’m making myself aggravated with the constant reminders, so I KNOW that you guys must be getting sick of it, too–and there are TEN more days of voting!!  So…

I won’t be clogging your social media with calls to vote.  In my opinion, I’ve already won.  The Green Bayou family is more amazing than I could ever hope for.  When I first started writing, I remember telling myself that if I happened to entertain even one friend or family member, I would consider myself a success.  Five and a half books and lots of fans later, I have far exceeded my goal.  Though recognition via an award would be sweet, it’s not the true measure of my worth as a writer.  Whenever someone tells me that they couldn’t put a book down, or that they jumped immediately from one book to another, or they gush about how realistic the characters are to them–that’s my award.  I’m not sure if you guys know how much every kind word, and even the constructive criticism I’m occasionally given, means to me.

So what it all boils down to is that I already know you enjoyed the novella, I already know that Green Bayou fans are the best, and I already know that writing this series has been the best chance I’ve ever taken in my life.  It brought all of you into my world!!  I’ll still go through with the giveaway and I’ll still post Chapter One of “Connie’s Wild Night”!!!  If you would like to enter the contest for the giveaway at the Sparring Stepsisters, feel free to do so!  I’ll let the contest continue until the end of the month, but here is the new deal.   The prizes from me were a signed paperback to one person and a poster to another.  I’ll double that, so there will now be four winners.  One set of winners will be chosen from those who left the voting numbers and the second set will be chosen from those who comment who your favorite character is in the series.  Now, go enjoy the lack of voting reminders in your newsfeed!!

Much Love!!

Rhonda

As I sit watching the videos over and over of the horrendous blasts in Boston today, my heart is heavy for the victims, the responders, and for the families of these people.  I could elaborate on the injuries, the chaos, and the terror that people felt/saw.  It would fit in pretty well with the theme of The Green Bayou Novels.  Those who have read the series know that Emily is a paramedic, and she most assuredly meets with chaos, drama, and uncertainty quite frequently.  What I choose to talk about instead is something that still has my skin prickled with goosebumps.  The actions of the first responders on the scene of the Boston Marathon bombings were absolutely breathtaking and amazing.

Technically, a responder isn’t supposed to immediately rush to patients in cases such as these because of the high probability of secondary devices going off.  If this happens, then you not only potentially lose patients, but you lose your responders, as well.  Sometimes, despite all of the training you are given, human nature and instinct override what you know you’re supposed to do.  I watched in awe as almost immediately after the blast, a man tore down the shredded advertising banners and kicked down a fence to get to the victims.  Right behind him were men in military uniforms, police officers, and other people who willingly put their own lives on the line to provide help, assistance, and support to the victims.  They worked together as a team to do whatever they could to save lives.

Watching further video, it becomes apparent that Boston got it right.  Redundant drills, intensive training, and interagency collaboration paid off on in a massive way.  As I listened to the doctor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital speak about the victims treated at his hospital, I was amazed to find out that even though they saw so many victims, they still had the potential to treat five more critical patients.  With minimal notice, the hospital staff was ready and waiting for the victims that flooded their emergency room.  Other hospitals have reported the same.  People were transported quickly and efficiently, and it shows in the numbers.  The casualties could have been so much higher.  Within a matter of hours, all victims were triaged, transported, and treated.  Boston got it right.

This post is my salute to those responders.  Thank you for your selflessness; for listening to your call to duty without a second thought, and for the things you do as major as saving a life, and minor as offering a hug or holding a hand to ease fear.  You’ve done America proud and you have our thanks.  This event could have happened anywhere.  Maybe this is why we who are sitting at home watching this tragedy unfurl feel such a connection with those who were affected personally?  Whatever the reason, I think the one thing we can agree on is that America has once again pulled together in the face of adversity.  We will overcome, we will heal, but we will never forget.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you Boston, and thank you for getting it right.

When I was approached by Melinda McGuire to contribute to the Rich Fabric anthology, I didn’t hesitate to accept!  Though my knowledge of quilting was fairly limited, I opted to view my contribution as a personal challenge.  Would I be capable of writing a heartfelt, entertaining, and informative piece about quilting?  Well, I was going to give it my best shot!  I interviewed some wonderful quilters and learned how closely tied their quilts were to some very real and powerful emotions.

After realizing that quilting was much more than a skill, I remembered that my friend just so happened to quilt.  Even though she didn’t belong to the quilting guild I visited, I went ahead and sent her the same questionnaire I gave to the rest of them.  As I read through her answers, I knew that she had more to contribute than a random quote here or there.  She offered a glimpse inside her soul when she detailed how quilting had literally changed her life.  Her story deserved to be heard, so I talked to Melinda, and she graciously agreed to allow Crystal to contribute, as well.

Working with Crystal was a great experience.  At first, she was very shy and reserved with her writing.  She tended to write about the technical and avoided talking about emotions.  I had known Crystal for many, many years, so I knew of the emotional struggles she’d faced her entire life.  So many others put in her shoes would’ve been bitter and angry at the seemingly never ending cycle of hardships that she endured—Crystal only grew stronger and more concerned for the well-being of others.  I wanted her to relay how quilting helped her to overcome her issues with loss, depression, low self-esteem, worry— whatever she was feeling.  She took my advice and offered a story that didn’t say, “Hey, I had some issues; feel sorry for me.”  She did it in a way that said, “Hey, I had some issues and I overcame!”

After Crystal turned in her contribution, I thought it would be the end of our working relationship.  One day I received a message that she was writing a story, so naturally, I asked her if I could read it.  My friend, who was already a gifted quilter, painter, scholar, historian, chef, etc., was also one heck of a storyteller!  At first, she was embarrassed and shy to show me her work, but after some encouragement, she was sending me things to read on a daily basis!  She became more and more confident, so much to the point that she published her work online for others to read.  I really enjoyed our talks about writing and publishing.

I sure do miss those messages.  I still find myself checking Facebook or my email hoping to find a note or a section of story from her.  I know they aren’t going to come, but I still wish for them.  I miss my friend.  She tragically and unexpectedly left this world at the young age of thirty-five on September 4th of this year.  Though she often experienced tragedy and difficulties, I know that if I were able to ask Crystal for one word to describe her life, she’d likely say “rich”.  She was rich in the love she gave, in the love she received, in the trueness of her friendships, in her compassion for others and the compassion she received.  She was rich with copious amounts of knowledge and pride in her heritage.  She was rich because she had a job that she loved and hobbies that she not only enjoyed, but excelled at.  The title of the anthology, “Rich Fabric” seems fitting when it comes to Crystal’s life.  She was the fabric that held so many people together and our lives were made so much richer through knowing her.   Even though she has passed on, you as a reader will have the opportunity to get to know this special woman through her contribution.  I hope you will embrace and enjoy this gift from Crystal!

To order your copy of “Rich Fabric”, please click on the following link:  http://www.amazon.com/Rich-Fabric-Anthology-Symbolism-Tradition/dp/1479278378/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349023783&sr=8-1&keywords=rich+fabric+anthology

All proceeds will go to the Twilight Wish Foundation!!!!    For more information about this worthy cause, please visit:  www.twilightwish.org

*** My poor, pitiful, neglected blog.  I know I’ve done you wrong.*** 

Most Wonderful Readers,

Please forgive the lack of recent entries–it’s been a madly wild and crazy few months.  Summer travels, back to school for the little one, a recent hurricane!   Keep in mind that book 4 of The Green Bayou Novels, Unforeseen, will be released October 6th!! 

Best Wishes!!

Rhonda

Southern Creatives – News from the Road – Humble, TX.