Author Charity Maness

Article in the Stockton Record by Dana Nicols

2012-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

COPPEROPOLIS - In April, Charity L. Maness received a battered shoebox of 44-year-old love letters that changed the direction of her writing career.

Maness, who lives in Copperopolis, until then had specialized in romance novels such as "Prince Charming," published in 2010, and humor such as "From Positive Test to Empty Nest," published in 2009.

The letters in the shoebox had no happy ending.

James D. Piper wrote them to his wife, Michelle, during the final months of his life as he went through basic training and then served in the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He wrote the last letter on April 9, 1967.

Piper was killed during combat two days later. He was 19.

Michelle, now Micki Phillips, asked Maness to write a book based on the letters.

That plunged Maness into research on the Vietnam War. She was starting from scratch.

Maness said she'd never read works such as Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" or Michael Herr's "Dispatches," popular non-fiction works on the experience of U.S. soldiers in southeast Asia.

"Before starting writing this book, I knew nothing other than that I was a veterans' advocate," Maness said.

She had assisted the recent successful effort to form a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Copperopolis. Her son, Marine Corps Sgt. Chris Maness, had served overseas in Cuba, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Maness spent months transcribing Piper's letters and producing a book in which the letters alternate with accounts of the war gleaned from government records and media accounts. The result is "It's Lonely Here in Hell," Love Letters from Nam.

The book reproduces the letters in their entirety. Maness said the only thing she edited out were two appearances of the F-word, replaced with an F and dashed lines. She did that, she said, in the hope that eliminating it would mean adults would be more likely to encourage high school students to explore the book.

The book is painful to read. The letters make it clear that James D. Piper, a young man from San Lorenzo, was very much in love with Michelle, whom he married shortly before he got his draft notice.

Maness said she believes Piper did what he could to shield his wife from the horrors of what he was experiencing. Still, before the end, Piper does tell her of killing Vietnamese adversaries, and he uses a racist slur to refer to them.

One of the most heartbreaking incidents comes as Piper is ordered by an officer to beat an elderly woman during an interrogation.

"I had to slap an old woman across the face to make her talk yesterday," he wrote in a letter dated April 6, 1967. "I felt bad, just as if I had slapped Grandma Pacheco."

Between the letters, Maness provides context on the magnitude of military operations. More important, she shows the conflict between official pronouncements that the U.S. was winning and the secret reports that showed otherwise.

Piper, the 19-year-old foot soldier, apparently saw it too. Although he wanted to serve his country, he also noted several times that military operations were almost never as brief and easy as commanders predicted.

Once, he describes counting bodies of slain enemy soldiers, but can't understand why he "considered them as dead animals."

"It's hard to explain, but then again it's a hard war to explain," Piper wrote.

Reading his letters, and government records, was a journey for Maness as well.

"The research, it leads to more questions and more questions," Maness said. "It leads down this path to ... I can't believe my government was thinking this."

Maness said neither she nor her children had been taught about the contradictions between what the government said about the war in Vietnam and the reality portrayed in secret reports.

"I really feel if we had been taught about it, we might have made different decisions now," she said, referring to more recent engagements in the Middle East. "History is bound to repeat itself if you don't learn from it."

So far, about 500 people have purchased "It's Lonely Here in Hell."

To her surprise, some of those who liked her previous writing have shied away from the book of letters.

"The reporter wouldn't return my calls. The library wouldn't return my calls," she said of places in Kentucky that previously welcomed her when she came through for book signings.

Finally, a librarian told her why: "Because it had 'Hell' in the title."

The word came from a line in one of Piper's letters.

New audiences have found Maness, however. She said a number of Vietnam veterans have approached her at book signings and told her their stories.

Now, she's working with a number of those soldiers as well as a psychologist who specializes in post traumatic stress disorder to write a new volume with their accounts of war.

"I really feel these soldiers, these veterans' stories, need to be told."

Contact reporter Dana M. Nichols at (209) 607-1361 or dnichols@recordnet.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/calaverasblog.

Added a few new speaking engagements

2012-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Apparently, though I cannot recall, I faired well at my first speaking engagment at the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association luncheon.
Though incredibly nervous, the subject is near and dear to my heart which helped the words flow a bit better.
But as I said, I don't remember...I was petrified.
With this said, a few people in the crowd felt I presented myself and my story well and asked me to please speak at their organizations functions.
So here I am, signing on for speaking engagements.
I do feel it is important to clarify at this point... I write well I do not speak well.

At the left side of this site there is a section for speaking engagements. I will attempt to keep these updated.

Again, thank you all for your support.

Veteran interviews

2012-01-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

Interviews with Vietnam Veterans for my latest work - In Their Words, Vietnam - are coming along very well. I find myself drawn into their world as they relive their experiences...so much so that time flies by. I am honored that they are willing to share their lives so openly with me, and through me, with you.

Each time I leave an interview I feel I have left a friend, a lifelong friend.

New book in the works...

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

I feel I have found my niche. As those of you who know me will atest, I am an avid Veteran advocate and supporter. This and my love of the written word has lead me to yet another non-fiction work.

"In Their Words" Vietnam.

This book will be a collection of Vietnam Veterans stories, their thoughts, their emotions, their memories...in their words.

Working with a PTSD psychologist to form an interview outline and an informed consent I have begun in earnest the interview process. I am careful to honor their words and their memories.

As with the last book, I am adding historical content to help place the reader at that place and time in history.

This will be a page turner folks. A real history lesson, one we should never forget.

I will keep you posted as to my progress.

First Speaking engagement, quickly followed by more...

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association has asked me to make a small presentation at their monthly luncheon this upcoming week...I said yes.
I am nervous and excited. The up side? I will know a few people in the crowd....the down side...I really am not good at public speakin. I write well...I DO NOT speak well.
We shall see:)

This will be a good experience for me as I have also been asked to be guest speaker in Sonora in February. All this will lead up nicely to my book signing in Sacramento February 18 at the California State Military History Museum. (Featured February author.)

Thank you all for your support:)

Added new book signing

2012-01-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Calaveras County Taxpayers Asociation has invited me to attend ther January luncheon to make a short presentation and sign copies of "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam.

January 27, 2012 2-4 Murphys Hotel, Murphys CA

Upcoming book signing at the California State Military Museum, Sacramento

2011-12-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

I will be the featured author at the California State Military Museum on February 18, 2012.

Front and Center

The Monthly E-Newsletter of the California State Military Museums

Part of the United States Army Museum System
Issue 27, December 2011

February 18: 1:00 pm: Meet the Author: Charity Maness author of "It's Lonely Here in Hell": Love Letters from Nam.

"It's Lonely Here in Hell": Love Letters from Nam

by Charity L Maness by CreateSpace

Paperback

List Price: $14.99

Our Price: $12.55

Buy Now

Prices shown are for online sales only.. Prices at the event may vary.

Nashville....what an amazing adventure

2011-12-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

I can't thank my hosts, Janet and Gary Piper, enough for all they did for Micki and me on our visit to Nashville. The booksignings, flights, parties, dinners, touristing, and all around fun time was beyond my expectations!
The following is a link to the excessive amount of photos I took while on this trip:)

Nashville 12-11

One more day...Tennessee Here I Come!

2011-11-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be heading to Tennessee tomorrow to meet Jim's younger brother Gary and his wife Janet.
Venderbilt Barnes and Noble will be hosting a book signing for me!
I hope to see amazing sites, meet interesting people, and share my written work...Jim's story.

Amazing words for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

2011-11-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

I am so impressed with your treatment of this so very dear to me subject but over and above my feelings I applaud you for finally bringing the human aspect of an actual soldier to life and showing the world that there truly were real live members of our military that gave their lives, not in vain but to protect us at all cost. Jimmy was only 4 years younger than me when he first came into my life but I was a married woman at 19 and he was not yet driving. I remember how I so loved who he was at the moment I first met him and how special his relationship was with his family. I have such fond memories of swimming in the pool with the boys and playing games with them. Mostly I remember the special depth and spirit of this young man. He, as you know was always, from a very young age a very very special person. This family was so blessed to have had the Blessing of knowing him. My children grew up hearing of Jimmy and he has always been a special treasure to us. Thank you for this precious gift and your understanding of the need of your respecting Michelle's need to find a special tribute to this very special human being who put his life on the line and knew more at his age about love and commitment than most any other human being I have ever known.

Thank you and God Bless You!

Toni Rhodes Glover

Book signing at Bristol's Cafe in Arnold!

2011-11-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Photo at radio interview

2011-11-17T19:59:00.000-08:00

So, as you can see, an interview on the radio is not conducive to eye contact communication...thats me back there behind the mic and other assorted radio station stuff:)

James Piper - remembered 11-11-11

2011-11-13T20:00:00.001-08:00

Radio interveiw to air Sunday 11-13-11 9 am

2011-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed this week by Linda Fields from KVGC 1340 am about my book. The interview is set to air on 11-13-11 at 9 am.
I must confess, I write so much better than I speak....I hope I didn't say too many "um"s.
If you miss it, soon it will be archived and I will post a link.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement:)

More good words for my latest release....

2011-11-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Charity,
I would like to thank you for giving Ken a copy of your book. I started to read it and could not put it down. Filled with true feeling and passion. I feel as if I know Jim from this reading. . . touching! He shared such beautiful emotion in his letters to his young wife Micki. Thank you for the rendering for us to share. I know when Ken was in the Army in 1964 to 1966 (we were engaged) and we always lived with the fear that he would have to serve in Vietnam. Fortunately, he did not have to. I feel blessed that here we are 45 married years later and still together - many were not so fortunate. It makes your heart ache for those young soldiers and their loved ones that were then and even today are going through these same feelings. Thank you for the energy and time you put into this book. A true love story.
Sincerely,
Jeanette Recio

Flight is booked!

2011-11-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Heading to Tennessee early in December for two book signings and hopefully a quick tour of Nashville...I hear the Grand Ol' Opry is not to be missed.
Micki will be joining me on this trip, her first in many years without Larry by her side, but I think she will have a good time. She is so proud and excited to have Jim's story told, reiterating every chance she gets that she feels its not only Jim's story, but everyl soldiers story...the lonely reality.

Tennessee, I hear you calling me

2011-10-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to hold a book signing in Tennessee.
Jim's brother Gary, younger by 14 months, and his wife Janet have invited me to their home for a short stay, and hopefully a whirlwind tour of Nashville, so that they can host a book signing event for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam.
I am so looking forward to meeting the two of them and having my creation read by more. Hopefully with this work, the generations that were not taught of Vietnam will have the opportunity to learn, absorb, and never forget.

Booksigning at Micki & Larrys an AMAZING event!

2011-10-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Book sales reaching over 60 was not the highlight of the evening, it was the outpouring of love and support from family and friends.
Two of Jim's brothers, Tom and Dennis, with their wives and families attended along with cousins and lifelong friends.
A heartmelting event occurred early in the evening when Swanee and Abel, high school friends of Jim's and Vietnam veterans arrived surprising Micki and bringing her to joyful tears. Quietly speaking to Micki, Abel slowly pulled a torn dollar bill from his billfold and explained that when he and Jim had deployed to Vietnam, Jim in the Army, Abel in the Air Force, Jim had torn a dollar in half and said "when we get home we'll have a beer." 44 years later Abel still carried the torn bill....on October 23, 2011 he gifted the torn bill to Micki.
Micki said she will frame it and place on the wall at her business, Micki & Larry's Sports Pub, beneath Jim's rubbing from the Vietnam Wall in D.C. a gift from Marine Vietnam Veteran Ric Ryan.

Wonderful words from Jim's brother Gary

2011-10-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Charity,

First, let me say that you have done a wonderful job putting this book together. I truly appreciate your compassion for Micki and my family as well as the research you did to put the chronological references of events in place. Thank you so very much. I regret that I was unable to attend this celebration of my brother's life and the completion of this project. While the spoken word is strong in its own right, the written word immortalizes. Jim's brief life and his love for Micki, his family and his country has been thrusted far beyond the granite etching on the wall in DC to the entire world because of you. I wish you much success with this book and thank you again for immortalizing Jim's life and love.

Gary

Wonderful feedback!

2011-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Charity, your book is an absolute masterpiece! Excellent organization, great presentation that builds drama even though we all know the outcome. I can envision this being a movie script. There's more to come in your future! Keep writing. You handled this just right. Warm regards, Kyran

Barnes & Noble.com has just listed my book!!!

2011-10-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Not only have they picked up my book they have a discount offer! Gee whiz!!

Heres the link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-lonely-here-in-hell-charity-maness/1034207085?ean=9781463572365&itm=1&usri=charity%2bmaness

Interesting observation

2011-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

I found that when visiting a state within the 'bible belt' of the US...a title that has the word 'hell' in it is not readily accepted.

Reporters, book stores, and libraries alike so far have shied away from my book, all stating basically the same thought, the word is not acceptable.

Feedback on new book from a Vietnam Vet

2011-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

I finished the book this morning. I couldn't put it down. I feel so bad for Micki and all her family and James family. Those weren't the best of days for anyone, whether you were there or back home and had been there. I think the public would have "tolerated" the war a little better if it wasn't in your home every day on TV. It brought the death and destruction into your house, you couldn't avoid it. It's just like the present, when the fighting in Afghanistan is intense and you know there are service men dying and your natural instinct is to want it to stop, for the death and injuries to stop, why can't we stay out of it. I know some of the reasons, but it's still hard.

I really, really, loved the book, it helps.

al

Received an amazing note from Jim Piper's youngest brother Tom

2011-10-03T23:15:00.001-07:00

I was only 12 years old when Jim died. Although I remember my big brother because of our age difference I never really had the chance get to know him. This has haunted me all these years. Thanks to Mickey for shareing these very personal letters and to you for putting them together. I now know my brother. I can now tell people what he was like. This book has healed a huge hole in my heart. I will be forever grateful. TOM

The great feedback keeps coming in...

2011-10-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Charity Maness's book "It's Lonely Here in Hell" (a quote from James Piper in one of his letters). It is incredibly poignant, incredibly intimate and incredibly heart-rending. Charity has created a remarkable medium for revealing the emotions of a soldier in the field. If you are a contemporary of that time it will definitely expose feelings you may not have dealt with in years. I've never experienced anything like it in any book (and I've read a lot of military history). Hooray for Charity!

Randy B.

Receiving positive feedback for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

2011-10-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

Jim's Pipers niece, who he never had the opportunity to meet send me a very nice facebook message after reading "It's Lonley Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam:

We received our copy of the book "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam. This book was written about my uncle Jim, and the love letters he sent home from Vietnam to his new, young bride, Micki (Michelle). I'm only 50 pages in so far and I am amazed. I never got to meet ...my uncle so reading his handwritten letters helps me see the kind of man he was. I cannot thank the author, Charity L. M...aness enough for doing this for our family. She is an amazing person with a huge heart who would stop at nothing to make sure this book was the best it could be, full of history, pictures and memories. I cannot wait to finish the whole book and cherish it forever!
P.S. The book is available on Amazon.com if anyone is interested :)

Jim Piper's sister-in-law commented:
just finished reading the book, still wiping away tears. WOW

And a heartfelt note from Jim's cousin:
You don't know me but I want to thank you very much for putting together such a wonderful book about my cousin Jim Piper's life in Viet Nam. I will cherish this book. I was very close to my cousin and felt so close again reading this book. I received it in the mail this afternoon and already finished it tonight. Thank you and Micki for putting it together..Billie

..

Latest release available on Amazon.com TODAY!

2011-09-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam is now available on Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Lonely-Here-Hell-Letters/dp/1463572360/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317225695&sr=1-3

Upcoming book signings for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

2011-09-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Book signings by local author Charity Maness for

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

will be held:

October 23, 2011 4:00 pm at the Micki & Larry's Sports Pub

Jim Piper's family will be at this event as will his widow Michelle, now known as Micki Phillips.

209-785-4646

November 11, 2011 11:00 am at Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar in Copperopolis Town Square.

209-785-1616

There will be a limited number of books on hand for sale at each event, but if you would like to purchase yours before the event please visit https://www.createspace.com/3627313

It's Lonely Here in Hell, Love Letters from Nam, is NOW available!!!

2011-09-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam is NOW Available!!

Due to an expedited publishing and editing, my latest book is now available...no need to wait until November.

To purchase immediately visit my e-store click https://www.createspace.com/3627313

It will also be available on Amazon.com within 7-10 days and will be coming out on Kindle before Christmas.

Sample Query for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

2011-09-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

“It’s Lonely Here in Hell” Love Letters from Nam, By, Charity Maness

April 9, 1967, in a letter from Jim Piper to his young bride Michelle, he wrote, "I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy each breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up too. It means another day gone, another day I'm alive and another day closer to being home with my wife forever."

PFC James Dennis Piper was in killed in action two days later on April 11, 1967 in the jungles of Vietnam.

Each handwritten letter from Jim to Michelle has been carefully transcribed and historical documentation has been added. Cross referencing and correlating data from sources such as declassified CIA documents, Pentagon Papers and unrestricted use of Weider History Group archives has created a historically correct and profound journey through eight months of the Vietnam War. Chronologically juxtaposing Jim's personal and tender letters written to his young bride with public facts and documents of the war on each of those same dates allows the reader an intimate and compelling snapshot of that time in history.

The book is complete at 245 pages in a 5 x 8 binding, containing all letters written to Michelle from August 30, 1966 to April 9, 1967, snapshots of Piper, his awards, the Vietnam wall, copies of documents, and interviews with his brothers and his widow.

Charity is the proud mother of a United States Marine and active in Veteran programs throughout her community and beyond. This work is just the beginning of her journey into the hearts, the minds and the souls of Veterans who have seemingly been forgotten.

Copyright!!!!

2011-09-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Received my copyright today...the book is MINE ... ALL MINE!!!
Whew!

Now just to get it printed up and out there:)

Thank you all for your support. I guarantee that this creation is well worth the wait.

Perusing my site

2011-09-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I just finished perusing my site and found it to be an adventure.

For those of you that have traveled about within the pages of this blog you will no doubt notice the variety of genres my writing encompasses. While some are wonderful romances of second chances at love, others are simply the musings of a city girl involuntarily turned country girl. But none has stretched my emotional fabric and mental strength as much as "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters form Nam.

As I unfolded each musty letter, some stained from jungle mud, Jim Piper quickly became my friend and my brother, and hauntingly the voice of my own son as he lived through the same experiences 44 years later in a different country, a different war, with parallels undeniable.

Jim's voice is the voice of so many young men that have gone before him and will fall long after his story is told, boys that became men serving our country, in the face of grave danger and unforgiving lands, boys that need to be remembered for not only their service, but for their irreplaceable existence in someones life.

I hope as this story is read and shared, people will begin to see each Veteran that proudly wears the Vietnam Veteran hat, pin, patch, or scars- seen and unseen- as someone's son, friend, brother, father, someone that fought when their country called upon them, someone that deserves our respect and honor.

Book release coming soon

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

An e-store has been set up for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam.
As soon as the title is released, (anticipated release date 11-11-11) this e-store will have copies on hand, amazon.com may be a few days behind, as will Barnes and Noble.com.
Here is the link to get your copy as soon as it is released.
https://www.createspace.com/3627313

If you live in Copperopolis, Once Upon a Time on the Square will be carrying copies as soon as they become available.

If you think your local bookstore would like to carry my title please have them contact me at charitymaness@live.com.

Again I thank you all for your support.

Comment from Editor

2011-08-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

In “It’s Lonely Here in Hell” Love Letters from Nam, Charity Maness has masterfully met the challenge of presenting PFC James Piper's letters from Vietnam and his all-too-early death into a book resonant with his character and truthful to all time.

Chronologically juxtaposing the personal and tender letters nineteen-year-old Jim wrote to his young bride, Micki, with the public facts of the war on each of those same dates, Maness artfully lets the materials speak for themselves. And they do--powerfully. You won't be able to put it down.

Michelle Piper's courageous move to entrust these letters to Charity Maness' care is abundantly rewarded. The author has created a heartfelt and insightful tribute to Jim Piper, the hopeful and loving young husband, and the resolute soldier he must become. What an achievement!

Judy Hewett, MFA, Professor of English

Received my first edited proof back!

2011-08-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Recently I send out five proofs to editors and critiquers. I have been on pins and needles since. SO nervous.
I received my first edited copy back the other day and suprisingly very few corrections!! Yipee!!!
But the best news? The proof received rave reveiws and kudos. This from a person I respect and admire greatly, oh, and an English Professor:)

As soon as the rest of the edited versions come back I will be able to pin down a pre-release book signing date.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement!!!

Look what I found in my archives...interview with Citizen Voice & Times, Estill County Kentucky circa '09

2011-08-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Amazing feedback for "It's Lonely Here in Hell"

2011-08-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

"Powerful, important, and very well conceived."

Proof four off to editors

2011-08-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

My fourth proof, yes I make that many changes, of "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam, is off in the mail to the selected editors and critiquers:)
I am so nervous, I can't wait for their feedback.

Back cover of "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

2011-08-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

April 9 , 1967, in a letter from Jim Piper to his young bride Michelle, he writes, "I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy every breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up too. It means another day gone, another day I'm alive, and another day closer to being home with my wife forever."

PFC James Dennis Piper was killed in action two days later, on April 11, 1967 in the jungles of Vietnam.

"It's Lonely Here In Hell" ...progress report

2011-08-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Jim Piper's family the other weekend and hear their memories and stories. They brought amazing memorabilia such as ; Jim's flag, his medals, letters of condolences from his commanding officer and others as well as the original "we regret to inform you" telegram.
An amazing day with some incredibly strong and resilient people.
The book is in its final stages now, hitting , hopefully, my last proof before it goes off to be critiqued by a few special individuals.
After that..it will go to final printing!!!
WOOHOO!!

Proofs ... proofs...and more proofs!

2011-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have submitted my second proof for editing...

There are still interviews to add, yet the main body; letters and historical content, are complete!

What a journey!!!

Release date

2011-07-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

The tentative release date for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam is November 11, 2011...Veterans Day.

Soon there will be an opportunity to sign up for a pre-release copy at a discounted price.

The books price will be $14.99. There will be a limited amount available and the pre-release date has yet to be set...so stay tuned.

Interview with the Calaveras Enterprise

2011-07-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

In the spring of 1967, James Piper told his wife he loved her for the last time.

“I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy every breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up ...” the Army private wrote from Vietnam on April 9, 1967. “It means another day gone, another day I’m alive, and another day closer to being home with my wife forever.”

Piper never made it home to his young wife, Micki. He died from small-arms fire just two days after writing that letter. The couple, who married June 18, 1966, planned to vacation in Hawaii and try to start a family when he was scheduled to return home to San Lorenzo later that summer.

On April 4, 2011, Copperopolis resident Micki Phillips took the letters out of storage, deciding it was time to share her late husband’s story and the stories of other Vietnam veterans.

“I picked that letter up – first two words into it and I already knew which one it was,” she said, even though she hadn’t seen it in nearly half a century.

Phillips, who co-owns Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub in Copperopolis, decided friend and author Charity Maness was the perfect person to pen the story.

Without reading any more, Phillips handed the letters over to her friend.

“They were so musty and old, I felt like I was holding history,” Maness said.

READ MORE

Pentagon Papers - hmmm

2011-06-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

So interesting ...

Its official, I really enjoy the research aspect of writing.
History unfolding right before my eyes.

Clearance to use CIA Docs!!!

2011-06-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

I just received clearance and authorization to use declassified CIA docs pertaining to the Vietnam war for my book!!!
Let the swimming through political mud begin!

Interview with the Calaveras Enterprise

2011-06-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

This week, reporter Kate Gonzales from the Calaveras Enterprise made the trek to Copperopolis to interview Micki and me regarding the collection of love letters and the book in progress. She was so thorough! 1 1/2 hours later I think she received more information than she planned on:)

The memories for Micki were as crystal clear as if it was yesterday. The first time she saw Jim; their wedding; his Christmas leave; the feeling of utter despair when the freshly pressed uniformed soldier stood on her doorstep informing her of her loss; the overpowering fragrance from the flowers at the memorial; the numbness; then the emptiness.

Again I need to thank Micki for allowing me the honor of writing this book. The particular trip down memory lane will be a long and difficult one for Micki but as she says, "This is not about me, its about telling the true story of our boys, young men, not the Hollywood version." These letters show how the men dealt with what was going on around them, their intense need for contact from home, living just one more day on the fuel that letter from home gave them...the hope.

April 9, 1967

2011-06-07T14:14:00.001-07:00

I thank God each night for my wife and my life and also enjoy every breath that I take and praise every morning I wake up too. It means another day gone, another day I’m alive, and another day closer to being home with my wife forever.

Every ounce of love to you sweetie,

Jim

Preliminary Book Cover for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" love letters from Nam

2011-06-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Final Letter from Nam

2011-06-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

I just finished entering the final letter from PFC James Piper to his wife Micki, written on April 9, 1967.
Now to complete my research.

Thoughts of love and homecoming pervade each letter

2011-05-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

On March 5, 1967 Jim wrote:

“I think of you and dream of you constantly through my limited days in hell on earth.

Please expect me for dinner on Feb 18, 1968 because I will be there alive and well."

Loving your enormously,

Jim

(Excerpt from book titled "It's lonely here in hell" love letters from Nam)

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" love letters from Nam

2011-05-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Introduction

In 2010 Michelle (Micki) Phillips (previously Micki Piper) approached me and asked if I would be interested in writing a story based on love letters from the Vietnam War era. While my writing at the time leaned toward romance novels and cub reporting my interest was piqued. When she informed me the letters she was referring to were letters written to her from her husband who died from small arms fire in the Vietnam War leaving her a young widow, my heart broke.
To be allowed the intimate glimpse into her life, the life she so briefly shared with her young husband, and to then share his letters with the world was without a doubt an honor I would not take lightly.
How better to honor, not only her husband’s memory, but the memory of all the servicemen that never made it home to hold their wives, their daughters, their sisters, their mothers.
Read more »

Interview by the Stockton Record

2011-01-19T18:26:00.000-08:00

By Dana M. Nichols

Record Staff Writer

January 19, 2012 12:00 AMCOPPEROPOLIS - In April, Charity L. Maness received a battered shoebox of 44-year-old love letters that changed the direction of her writing career.

Maness, who lives in Copperopolis, until then had specialized in romance novels such as "Prince Charming," published in 2010, and humor such as "From Positive Test to Empty Nest," published in 2009.

The letters in the shoebox had no happy ending.

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120119/A_LIFE/201190307/-1/a_life

Welcome to the Country - Kentucky Style

2011-01-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Country- Kentucky Style
So normally, my little humor column would start something like this….
So you’ve decided to move to the country where cows aren’t what they seem….or something as silly as that, but today I’m simply going to tell you of my Christmas vacation…Kentucky style.

Being a wise and thrifty traveler I always look for the cheapest tickets to my destination. That being said, apparently the cheapest tickets for travel over the Christmas break are on Christmas day. That’s right, when everyone else was ripping open their presents, plundering their stockings and hugging their loved ones, I was waiting in a security line at an airport full of people that were not jolly. Hohoho, was not uttered, not once. I had made sure to double check my carry-on prior to arrival for fear of the public humiliation at being pulled aside into that secret room made of four glass walls for possession of a deadly fingernail file. However, my diligence seemed to have gone unnoticed by mini Wyatt, for he had the felonious plan of sneaking a Gatorade onto the plane. Not just any Gatorade, one of those 24 oz Gatorades. I guess he figured if he was going to enter a life of crime he better start out big.
Read more »

Received new shipment of books

2010-12-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

I just love when I receive a new shipment of books in the mail...especially when they are mine!!!
I just received 20 copies of my latest collection of 2010 humor columns titled Welcome to the Country.
If you haven't read any, check out my website at www.charitymaness.com...and prepare to be amused!
The columns are an off the cuff light hearted look at country living, from eco art to cow pie bingo. No country odditiy goes un-noticed and no opportunity to poke fun at my cityfied family turned country is missed.
All in all, a hoot.
If you can't wait to get your hands on one, visit amazon.com or if you want to make sure I get a higher royalty you can go right to the publisher at https://www.createspace.com/3498373

As always....
Happy reading:)

Upcoming book signings

2010-11-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

Great news!
I have two upcoming book signings celebrating the release of my new romance 'Prince Charming'.
December 10 at Umpqua Bank in Copperopolis, CA 4 pm to 6 pm (209-785-7007)
and
December 11 at Highland Books in Arnold, CA 12 to 2 pm (209-795-9423)

Stop on by and visit if you are in the area!

Happy reading:)

My son Chris is married!

2010-11-22T21:53:00.001-08:00

Nicholas, Me, Chris, Avonlea, John, Amanda & Marshall.
Missing is Nick's wife, my amazing daughter-in-law, Kendra and my grandbaby Kadence.

Prince Charming now available!

2010-11-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

A childhood where imagination replaced reality to hide from the violence, followed by a failed marraige, left Charlie wondering if any such thing as a 'Prince Charming' really existed.
When one day Prince Charming himself, all 80 pounds of furry, slobbering, barking joy, slammed into her dragging with him a two legged creature that set Charlie's nerves on fire and turned her world upside down.

A refreshingly realistic look at love after 45! As one loyal reader stated, "I was so happy to read about a woman my age finding love."

Available at amazon.com.

Writing at the speed of light!

2010-10-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

I wish!
So here I find myself writing for work ( I work for an awesome newspaper thepinetree.net covering local events, news, and human interest stories), writing for school (yes back in college at 47 sigh, taking American Literature and Art History), and writing for the shear love of it!!
Thank goodness writing is a passion or I would most definately face burn out.
The only problem is the ideas in my head far exceed the amount of time I have to actually put my fingers to the keyboard. Though I don't necessarily wish for more time for I would fill it for sure, I would love to be more organized with the time I have.
Case in point:
I was sick this weekend, laying about on the couch like a bum. But do ya think I used that time to get all these characters and plots out of my head? Noooo, I watched tv! Ugh!
Oh well, I did learn how to make a better chili, at least I think so, I didn't write the recipe down and being as how my brain was a little fuzzy from the meds I'm thinking that my recollection of two tablespoons of cinnamon that the recipe called for may not be correct.
Check out amazon.com for my books...they make GREAT Christmas gifts..hint, hint:)
As always,
Happy reading!

Welcome to the Country

2010-09-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Country
So you’ve decided to move to the country where creativity is the name of the game.
The word ‘creative’ encompasses so many different aspects of our daily country lives that it’s hard to put it all in a nutshell. So to start with the basics:

There is creative writing. Most of us have managed to endure some form of creative writing in our lives, be it a high school portfolio autobiography or the general education requirement of creative writing. While this broadens our mind it doesn’t necessarily apply to today’s line of thinking.

Then there is creative as in knitting, sewing, welding, painting, artsy type creativity. Luckily for us in the foothills artists abound!
Add creative financing, like that of purchasing a car, a third with a credit card, a third with cash, and a third with beef cattle. Oh, and the ever creative apple pie for an auto tow. (Yes that did happen…thanks Mike.)

We can’t forget, though we would like to, around April 15th we all have a creative flair when it comes to finances, creating an elaborate web of profit and loss statements adding in home office expenses like DVR and surround sound, and we can’t forget to add all the vets visits and dog food for your security Chihuahua.

But again, that is not the creative street I’m heading down today.

Today I am going to touch on creative parking…country style.
Back when we were a pretty small county, just about 10 years ago, our government offices were not necessarily prepared for the speedy population growth. When I say government I really mean post offices. I’ve seen it in Copper, Arnold, and other areas, where it takes some seriously creative parking for us all to get our dualies properly wedged between the painted white lines evidently designed for a motorcycle. But we are resourceful here. Don’t ever underestimate the talent of those that drive quad cabs and 4x4’s when it comes to parking. Add in a cattle trailer, a boat, and the requisite tow hitch (aka the knee knocker) on almost every vehicle and the parking lot becomes an odd recreation of musical chairs for cars. Only, the one left when the music stops is blocked in for who knows how long.

But we adapt and conquer, and come back the next day to do it all over again.
Until next time…welcome to the country.
www.charitymaness.com

P.S. This particular Welcome to the Country was hatched from a story told to me by ‘Joe.’ If you have a similar story you think would be funny and interesting to tell, drop me a line and I may just, with a little “creative” literary freedom be able to turn it into a ‘Welcome to the Country.’
charity@thepinetree.net Please put ‘wttc idea’ in the subject line.

Home

2010-08-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Back in California where I am fluent in the local dialect.

Back to the grindstone of my everyday life...which is anything but ordinary.

Thank you for following my blog.

Check in from time to time as I may feel the urge to update with odd musings or anecdotes to life's most puzzling questions:)

Happy reading:)

Day six – itchy

2010-08-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am figuring that I am a pretty tasty Californian, well at least for the critters in these parts. I have bug bites on top of bug bites. Luckily the shade of pink that the calamine lotion tints my skin is very much my color. Please say you heard the sarcasm there. I look like a lumpy pink marshmallow.
*****

Did you know that if you catch a jar full of lightening bugs, you can actually have a small nightlight by your bed? Just gently catch a bug that has lit itself up in hopes of gaining a mate, carefully place it in one of the plentiful mason jars to be found in any home, and cover with foil. Don’t forget to put a couple of holes in the foil, not so big you have bugs flying about your room, and you will have a soft haze reminiscent of the sixties. Not that I remember…
*****

My last day in Kentucky leaves me short on humor.
I will surely miss the kind people and the raw beauty of the land. I hope to visit again soon.

Happy reading:)

P.S. My travel blog is not over until my flight lands if SFO. One never knows what interesting things might happen between now and then.

Day 5 – hmmm

2010-08-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

This days blog will include some musings about Kentucky. Just a few things I noticed while out and about.
****

Interestingly enough I spotted a drive thru funeral home. Logistically how this is done I haven’t got a clue, nor was I willing to investigate further.
*****

Happy cows come from California right? I might beg to differ. See this here state of Kentucky is the largest producer of fine bourbons…and their largest export is beef…just follow along I will get to the point in a minute. The main ingredients in bourbon are corn, rye, wheat and barley, but the most important is the iron free limestone water found in Kentucky. The ingredients, though essential, are also the residual by-product of the completed Bourbon. Now, guess what the distilleries do with the left over by-product? Why they feed it to their beef cattle. Now in my book, that would make for happy cows.
*****

Have a craving for a perfectly chilled glass of wine of a Sunday in Kentucky? Too bad. No alcohol sales allowed on Sundays. My friend’s motto: be prepared.
*****

Seeing as how the majority of the lakes abut cattle land, and the cattle know how to swim here, I have to admit, catfish has moved to the bottom of my list of items to eat when visiting.
*****

A copperhead’s head is not always necessarily copper colored. Any form of brown will do. So when I see a snake here, I scream and run, no questions asked.
*****

Based on the size of the squirrels ‘round these parts, I must say, it would take about two and a half to feed me. The conclusion I draw from this? I think these folks are pulling my leg, they don’t eat squirrel…maybe possum, but not squirrel. Either way, I don’t care if it tastes just like chicken, I’ll stick to salads thank you.

Happy reading:)

Day four - the rest

2010-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

The plan of running to the dirt track turned into running to the drag races. Ever been? Loud, exhilarating, loud, exciting, and did I mention loud? If you get the chance give it a shot, but one note from a seasoned drag strip attendee…don’t take a deep breath around the time of the green light. Not good, not good at all. I’m pretty sure I inhaled enough carcinogenic air to make my lungs look like a pack a day smokers lungs.

After massive inhalation of fumes and many ohs and ahs later, my cell phone…oops in Kentucky, I meant my cellular phone, went nuts. Texts, voicemails, etc. Evidently the back yard of my home in Copper was on fire, CalFire was on the way, aircraft were involved and I was helpless. I sat in my rental car fielding multiple messages while trying to get real time information when the car radio blared an emergency broadcast. You know the kind, the annoying beep, beep, beep, then the “this is a test of the emergency broadcast system.” Well at least that’s what we hear in California, here in Kentucky it’s the real thing followed by the ever helpful where to run and hide information.

Bring it on.

After clicking my heels together three times wishing for home didn’t work, I tried plan ‘B’, drive like the dickens in front of the storm and beat it home. It was worth a shot. An hour later, safe and sound, I am towel dried and wishing I had some of that special Kentucky lemonade.

Happy reading:)

P.S. Thanks to all of you for your calls and your support. And thank you Copperopolis Fire District and CalFire for your awesome response time and your expertise!

Day four – losing count…vacation does that to you

2010-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well last night I joined a couple for dinner and was serenaded by their 18 year old son playing Johnny Cash so well, Johnny himself would have been proud. If that was not enough he picked up his banjo and picked some dueling banjos. He then added in some of his own repertoire and the evening was complete.

There was one down side. I woke at 10:00 am again. Must have been that chilled apple butter cider. Is nothing sacred in these here parts?
*****

That tidbit leads up to today’s interesting look into small town politics.

Okay, so the county that I am staying in boasts among other things, the largest still ever confiscated within the state of Kentucky. So impressive, it was reassembled and sits today in a place of honor in the Kentucky State museum. With that said, this is a dry county. No booze allowed…at all. Hmmmm..

Recently the folks of the town decided they were tired of driving over the county line to pick up a beer or two and started a petition to revoke the ‘dry county’ standing. It was the first time in the history of this county that the bootleggers and the preachers united for a single cause. The preachers wanted no booze, the bootleggers wanted to keep their livelihood, albeit illegal, but still a livelihood. The petition failed, and the bootleggers found a new audience…women. What was once a concoction so foul a mere sniff of it would burn the sensitive hairs from inside your nose now comes in a variety of flavors; watermelon, strawberry, lemonade, and apple butter cider. I think I will stick to bottled water for the remainder of my trip.
*****

I did always find it strange that the stores in this area carry a large stock of quart mason jars…year round.
*****

Oh another addition to my ever growing Kentucky dictionary, just in case you haven’t heard this one..

Saying: Doesn’t that beat all the cats eatin’ the gravy?
Definition: Wow.

Happy readin’:)

P.S. Off to dirt track racing, the beginning of Nascar so I’m told…sacred around these parts, I cannot poke fun at that for fear of retaliation.

Day three - continued

2010-08-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

After about a gallon of non-Starbucks coffee, I am vertical and mobile. My friend is taking me to lunch and on a tour of the countryside today. I can only hope no winding roads are involved.
*****

Off to get some shots of Unca Dan’s swimmin’ cows up on Trottin’ Ridge. Then headed o’er to Possum Run to see a hillside covered in cudd su. See…I AM bilingual. I actually knew what I was saying.
*****

Passing sign after sign advertising fried catfish, fried okra, fried chicken , and fried squirrel (just joking on the squirrel) I was pleasantly surprised when my friend pulled into the parking lot of a Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Whew…something I am somewhat familiar with. Ever heard a hibachi chef with a southern accent? Blame it on the residual moonshine pumping through my system, but I found it pretty darn cute.
*****

So here I sit…on the top of a knoll…stuffed…awaiting a tornado. It’s not happening. At 94 degrees with 84% humidity this California girl only lasted 25 minutes waiting for said mysterious tornado. Saw some cool cloud formations though and heard the rumbling of thunder, but thankfully no twister. I can now safely check tornado chasing off my bucket list.
*******

Oh did I mention the ac in the house I am staying is out? Yup. Not working. On the fritz. Kaput. Did I also mention its 94 flippin’ degrees out with 84% humidity? I know I did, I was simply repeating it for added impact. So this wonderful new avon moisturizer that I carefully repacked into a less than three ounce container so that I could carry it on the flight saving a luggage fee is now slowly sliding off of my face.
*****

Added a new word to my Kentucky dictionary today.
Buckeye:
Us- a tree
Kentucky- a worthless nut
Therefore it is an insult to be called a Buckeye. Whereas an Ohioan may disagree. ( They are, I believe, known as the buckeye state.)

Happy reading:)

Day three - slow start

2010-08-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Unwittingly served lemonade last night at a gathering.
I woke up at ten am!
It was lemonade flavored moonshine!
I knew it tasted a bit off:)

Posts might be slow in the coming today, LOL

Off to see the other side of town through a holler up on a rise to "tornado watch."
Not sure if that is supposed to be fun or simply stupid.
(Thinking stupid in my sluggish state.)

Happy reading:)

Day two - no mullet

2010-08-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

No mullet! I’m not sure about you, but that’s extremely good news for me!
*****

Back to the ‘kin to mother nature’ thing…. Each stop I made; hair salon, market, gas station, besides hearing the usual “Y’all ain’t from around ‘ere are ya?” (Geez, like I have a sticker on my head ‘made in California’) there was the added talk of an impending tornado. Eyes looking skyward while whistling and shuffling my feet innocently, I was hoping people were not making the connection between the impending twister and my visit. I am starting to get a complex here.
*****

So, what to do while waiting for a possible twister? Soak in a friends pool of course. That would be a friend with a basement; friends with benefits takes on a whole new meaning round these parts. Pools and basements rank way up there in the benefit department. Just FYI, teeth are pretty low on that list.
*****

No tornado…yet. But a thunder storm that shook the house hard to enough to remind me of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Thank goodness for good old Kentucky construction.
*****

As an added note: after talking with a few folks in town it quickly became evident that nicknames were quite prevalent in these here parts. Not unlike truck drivers, many people have call signs such as: slim, hee haw, bumblebee, macy, mo, and boner.
*****

I will leave you with that.

Happy reading:)

Day One - travel

2010-08-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well, Phyllis Diller hair was a non issue the minute I stepped outside into the wonderful coastal foggy air in San Francisco. My hair resembled, much to my dismay, a horrible imitation of the ‘60’s greasy, hanging in the eyes, hippy look. Classy, real classy.
***
Being one of those annoying ‘morning people,’ I chatted it up with an innocent victim next to me on the shuttle, waking him up against his will and causing me to miss my airline stop. I quickly found myself alone on the shuttle. I got a nice tour of the parking terminal routes.
***
Tucked into my seat at the airport, the one with the best people watching view I began to ponder the livelihoods, and dreams of some of the people around me. The exhausted parents dealing with screaming children, Mickey Mouse paraphernalia surrounding them, looking heavenward wondering if their whole vacation was going to involve screaming children. Yup…been there, done that. A vacation with children should come under a totally different heading…like maybe fakation. After all it’s not really a vacation in the true sense of the word. My definition always involves some sort of serenity and a beach, have to have a beach. Oh, and don’t forget the wine.
***
Landed in another dimension, better known as Kentucky. Louisville to be exact. But don't for heaven's sake make the same mistake I did by pronouncing it correctly, nooo the proper pronunciation of Louisville is louvul. Got that? its tough...i know.
***
People enjoy life SLOWLY here in this neck of the woods. This Californian needs to put on the brakes. When was the last time you heard someone say, or had the time to say, the full name for cell phone or car? Can’t think of the full name? Its “cellular phone” and “automobile.”
***
Called a friend here to let her know I was in town. She said “I figured. A storm was a brewin’.” A small town joke for those that know me here. Seems the last three times I have visited the storms that have hit the area have gotten progressively worse, from thunder, lightning and a deluge of rain, to a tornado whipping through town. I’m beginning to wonder if they think I’m kin to mother nature herself.
***
Getting my hair cut tomorrow in town. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will not come out of the salon with a mullet.

Happy reading:)

Morning UGH

2010-08-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

Seriously rethinking my brilliant plan of hotel vs early travel departure from home. First off who can really sleep in a hotel when an exciting trip is looming in their thoughts? Second, I forgot to pack a hairbrush. Have you ever tried to style your hair without a hair brush? Can you say Phyllis Diller?

Happy reading:)

Travel 101

2010-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I may not be a seasoned traveler but I travel enough to know to check the weather of our destination prior to travel. Well what do you think I forgot to do this time?
Thats right folks, this trip I will be treated to the beauty of Mother Nature with predicted thunder, lightening and rain! For the next five days....and me with a bathing suit.
Guess I'll have to dance in the rain.

Happy reading:)

Hotel wins

2010-08-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a pretty easy decision actually, cocktails at a nice hotel the evening prior to an early morning flight or attempt to go to bed early, wake up at 2 am and drive two and a half hours to SFO.

With that life altering decision made I went about cleaning. I am suffering some odd nesting complex, the kind a women feels right before delivery? Yeah, that one. I have vacumed, mopped, and dusted every non movable object in my home, and some moveable...have you ever vacummed your dog? So now I have a clean home that I am not going to be able to enjoy, my house guests will, but me? No.

Packing is always its own form of travel torture. What started as an entire wardrobe packed into a 50 pound bag has miraculously dwindled down to a 10 pound backpack. I'm that good. Hey, its vacation...I need my ticket, my ID and my swimsuit....right?

Happy reading:)

Time to travel

2010-08-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

So here it is...one day prior to travel and I am left wondering... hotel or hit the road at 2:00 am?
If you live in the foothills you get this, if not, just keep reading, you'll catch on.
With a minimum two hour drive to get to the nearest airport not including parking, shuttle and check in, its necessary to leave the beautiful Northern California foothills at approximately zero dark thirty to arrive at SFO for a 6:00 am flight.
What idiot booked a 6:00 am flight you ask?
Well, that would be me.
In an effort to get to an area that has some semblance of green I managed to not only book a 6:00 am flight, but one with a two hour layover in Dallas! Can you say "Yeehaw?"
Fortunatly for me I am now tethered. Yes, my i phone and my computer now have an intimate relationship. It works for me:)
To follow me on my journey to another land (Kentucky)and live vicariously through my adventure keep checking in.
As always...happy reading:)

Publishing contract

2010-05-13T21:01:00.001-07:00

I have just signed a publishing contract for "From Positive Test to Empty Nest."
So happy!

Sneak peak

2010-04-24T13:01:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in a sneak peak of my latest books or articles, you can always log on to my website at charitymaness.com.
Happy reading:)

Just when I thought I was done...

2010-04-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

I picked up my very first romance the other day to have a look, just a quick peek really, only to find spelling and grammar errors on the very first page! ARGH! What was I thinking when I edited the darn thing? Well, needless to say, two weeks later and many diet cokes, I have almost edited the book. I say almost because I am only on page 112 out of 168. Keep in mind that is single spaced and on 8x11 paper. Sigh.
It does have an up side. I have added a few little quirky exchanges and some more background adding approx 4k words to the original.
Still editing away though.
As always,
happy reading:)

My son deployed to Afganistan today. USMC Sgt Chris Maness

2010-03-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

New romance done!!! Well sort of...

2010-03-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Finished writing my new romance today. On to my murder mystery, and the bodies are piling up:)
Happy reading!

Education, an ongoing event

2010-03-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to educate my children of the importance of attaining a degree at each and every step of your education, I went back to my old college and attempted to petition for a degree based on my education from, gulp, 1986. Imagine my surprise when I find out that I am not qualified to receive the degree for which I am applying. Why? You ask. Well, evidently I did not have the all important computer class that is now required. Now I ask you...who the heck owned a computer in 1986?!?!? And I'm not talking a comodore here folks. In 1986 computers took up whole buildings! I don't know about you, but I didn't have a whole bulding to spare back then, my diet consisted of ramen and water and I considered my self lucky to have a roof over my head let alone a whole room. So here I am, children in tow, having to sign up for a computer class. Who knows, maybe I'll learn something...like research before I lecture my children, yeah that would be a good lesson to learn:)

Wow! Time flies!!!

2010-03-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy this last month and a half, what with loving on my son home on leave, basking in the glow of finding out I'm going to be a grandma, and homeschooling my 12 year old, I have had little time to update my blog. I apologize.
So yes, I have indeed been working on a new romance (no title yet) and polishing up the combined novella's Hopefully and Faithfully. I have also taken a huge leap and enrolled in college and will be switching from my previous major, BC...before kids, of Biology to Criminal Justice. If you think that being married to retired policeman and currently a Private Investigator had anything to do with my decision...you are 100% right! With him as the proverbial ace up the sleeve I can't help but succeed in this particular vein of education! I am so excited!
One embarrassing point, some of my college transcripts were on micro fiche. Now that's OLD!!!
As always,
Happy reading:)

New romance in the works

2010-02-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

A tidbit of chapter one.

Charlie knew there was no such thing as a Prince Charming by the time she was ten years old.
After all, Charlie had just turned ten when her mother’s prince charming Rowland had thrown his glass of wine at her mom and in his anger at apparently missing he put his fist through the decorative glass pane of their front door, effectively slicing his wrist open from palm to elbow causing her mom to have to rush him to the hospital while Charlie and her brother and sister were left behind to clean up the broken glass and the spattering of blood. If this was a prince charming, Charlie knew she never wanted one.
As luck would have it Charlie’s mom brought Rowland back from the hospital that same day alive and well. For a few weeks it seemed as though her parents had taken a hiatus on quarreling, but before long the palpable tension that seemed to have existed in her home for as long as she could remember was back in full force. Laughter was only heard in the home if Rowland was laughing the rest of the time was spent tip toeing about the house so as not to disturb him while his game was on tv or he was doing something else as earth shatteringly important. Happy times were but a foggy distant memory.
It was only a matter of time before Rowland found something new that angered him and though Charlie spent hours practicing the art of invisibility, at times like that she could only hope she would not be the next target of his anger.

Welcome to the Country 2-23-10

2010-02-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Country
So you’ve decided to move to the country where the advice of old timers is almost always the best advice you can get.
We have all heard the good old advice of ‘don’t squat with your spurs on’ and ‘if it rattles don’t investigate’ but here’s an old timer’s advice that really needs to be heeded in the foothills…if it itches don’t scratch it.
Now that may seem to be extremely simple advice to most of you and should go without saying but wait… I’ve added a bit of mommy advice to that one…
‘If you really must scratch remember to wash your hands before you use the restroom.’
I’m sure you have figured out where this particular story is headed, but for those of you that just love a good chuckle please continue with this quick read.
Hiking Table Top Mountain is pretty much every kid’s dream when they first move to Copper or the surrounding area. As parents we are usually able to dissuade our youngsters from this somewhat treacherous trek until they become teens or pre teens with manly hormones a pumpin’ through their little systems.
My oldest son home for leave, being the adventurous sort, snagged his citified high heeled girlfriend my other two sons, his sister in law and my daughter and headed off for a romantic Valentine’s Day trek to the top of table top. At this point in my life you can safely assume that I have lost an awful lot of my powers of persuasion over my two older boys towering over me at a whopping 6’2” and 6’3” so I gave in and let them go on this adventure convincing myself that at least they were not attempting this hike at the peak of rattlesnake season, which as we all know seems to be most any day that the sun shines, but I digress.
Off they went equipped with water bottles, first aid kits, and smiles. 3 hours later home they came, muddy, wet and exhausted. The next morning was when we discovered that poison oak is a plant that gives all year long because all hiking participants were sporting a plethora of bumpy red splotches on various parts of their bodies. My older sons had poison oak on their arms and neck, my daughter in law on her face and my youngest son just on one arm…until he scratched...and went potty. Not good. Not good at all.
The moral of the story is…if it itches…don’t scratch and go potty.
Until next time…welcome to the country.
www.charitymaness.com

Waste is just that...waste

2010-02-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

I realize that the 3 or so books I have started that are on the back burner will never grow up to contain the amount of words required to interest an agent, so they will simply have to stay young, or small.
So with my desire not to be wasteful with my words, thoughts or creations I have decided to go with the proverbial literary flow and allow these ideas to come to life through a collection of short stories.
The plan is to have these stories on paper and published in 2012. Seems like a long way away, but there are an awful lot of thoughts running about in this head of mine that need organizing.
With that said, happy reading:)

P.S. No worries, the murder mystery is still in full swing.

New Fan Page on Facebook

2010-01-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

If following a blog is just too much trouble, or you want more of a scoop, check out my new fan page on Facebook.
Oh, and now that Hopefully and Faithfully have been combined and are off to be edited..I will be concentrating on murder. I know this what all of you are waiting for with baited breath.
Until next time...happy reading:)

The time has come

2010-01-25T04:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you that already own the first printing of Hopefully and the sequel, Faithfully, you may just want to keep them in a special place. Of course everytime I attempt to save something in a 'special' place I manage to forget where I put it, but who knows, maybe you have a better memory than I, or better yet, a designated 'special' place. Hmmm, now why didn't I think of that?
On February 13, 2010 Hopefully and Faithfully will no longer be available for purchase.
For the last few months, along with formulating sinister thoughts for my new book, I have been combining the two light hearted romances. Adding chapters and tweeking the characters. The second edition Hopefully is approximately 80K words and most definately a feel good read.
Who knows, maybe someday I will be famous and those books you have been using to weight down the papers on your desk may be worth something.
Keep your fingers crossed and keep the good thoughts coming!
Happy reading:)

Welcome to the Country humor column for 1-24-10

2010-01-24T13:02:00.001-08:00

My January 24, 2010 humor column is available at
www.charitymaness.com/wttc.html

Life in the country is most certainly an adventure. Throw in a couple of kids, add some mud, a snake here or there, and humor becomes your best survival skill.

Happy reading:)

Rainy day madness

2010-01-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't help myself.. the dark clouds, the eerie scream of the wind whipping through the trees and my mind wanders to ...murder. Doesn't yours?
Have you ever asked you husband to help you with your job? Maybe a little research? A hand with heavy lifting?
I'm no different. But I tell you, my husband is becoming quite exasperated with the multiple attempts at moving 150 pounds of dead, no pun intended, weight to the other side of the room, to show drag patterns. As if thats not bad enough I have him researching decomposition for me, human decomposition. Yes, I am at it again. But I really didn't want to overload my brain with too much information, just enough to be dangerous, so I gave him the task. Hey at least its not blood spatter evidence...now wait just a minute, hmmm, I think I can work that in!
I ask you, am I so different than any other spouse? Just a little supportive help, thats all:)
And besides, I never heard him complain when I was attempting to get a love scene just right for one of my romances. He had to try again, and again, and again...well you get the picture. Oh the suffering he went through in the name of literary research:)
As always,
Happy reading!

Humor is everywhere

2010-01-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I couldn't "buckle down" to serious writing when I was bubbling with country type New Year's resolution humor. So here it is, my little New Year's contribution to the funny side of country life.

http://www.charitymaness.com/wttc.html

If you're from the country you'll get it..if you're from the city, it may leave you scratching your head.

I hope you enjoy.
As always....happy reading.

Charity

The Holidays are over...time to buckle down

2010-01-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

Like most of us I use the holidays as an excuse to over indulge. But seeing as how I was recovering from a hysterectomy my over indulgence turned to ebay and my weakness for yarn. Word of warning don't shop on ebay while taking pain medication, one easily forgets how much junk one ordered!
On a high note, the holidays also got my mind reeling with more ideas for character background on Hopefully. The second edition will have chapters on Helen and Gertie's earlier lives, pre Hope and even pre 'Two Old Ladies with a lot of Yarn' yarn shop. There is also additional info about Philip and a little more heat between Hope and her accidental love.
This is turning out to be a fun re-creation.
Wishing you all a wonderful New Year full of love and laughter.
Charity Maness

Happy Reading!

Combining my books

2009-11-30T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this will not deter any of you avid (cough, cough) fans, but I am combining Hopefully and Faithfully into one book. I have added more chapters, particularily dealing with the lives of Helen, Gertie, and Philip. Did I peak your interest a bit? Seems I may have the slightest possibility of enticing an agent to look at my work if it exceeds 80,000 words. Whew! Gotta run, time to put my nose to the grindstone.
As always, happy reading!

I'm baaaccckkk!

2009-11-17T21:53:00.000-08:00

Its so hard to say things with the Governators accent when writing, but I'm sure you get the picture.
I am finally back from my oh so short vacation to Cabo and itchin' to write. Though I know some of you are looking forward to more enlightening information regarding my research on the decomposition rate of the human body, unfortunately for y'all, I actually came back from my vacation with romance on the brain. So I will be temporarily putting aside my murder and mayhem work for a bit to concentrate on love, or at least writing about it:) Awww.
I will keep you posted.

Research is hard work

2009-11-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, well not this research. I am off to Cabo for a week to research the proper blending of tequila, lime juice and triple sec. I promise to put a few hours into sinister thoughts, evil plots, and twisted schemes for my murder mystery. Adios...til next week.
Happy reading!

P.S. Don't forget to thank a vet on veteran's day. The freedom we so enjoy was made possible through their service.

United States Marine Corps...Hoorah!

2009-11-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

My oldest son was promoted to Sgt today in the United States Marine Corps! I am so very proud of him. He is on his way home to visit. I can't wait to hug him and hear his wonderful laugh!
Thank you to all military personnel retired and active. Thank you for the life my family and I are so lucky to be living, a life of freedom.

Researching decomposition...yuck

2009-10-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

While working...diligently...on my new murder mystery it became evident that I would have to look into the aspects of decomposition of the human body. Enter my husband with his cape billowing in the breeze. Thank goodness he will do this particular research. Honestly folks...I really do not want to research that.
Now, I will tantilize you with one little tidbit.... it is a double homicide with clues and suspects traversing the US.
Keep posted to see what I am up to for I will continue to think sinister thoughts and twisted schemes for this, my first murder mystery.
As always...HAPPY READING!

Rain, where are you?

2009-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish it would rain. Maybe a littlenthunder, some lightening. Something to get my mind wrapped around sinister plots and devious minds.
You guessed it, I'm working on my murder mystery today. It is taking a slight turn, but we will have to see where that leads.
In the mean time, as always, happy reading.

Work, work, work

2009-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have so many stories running through my head!
A murder mystery "Til Death do we Part" involving a double homicide in the sleepy town of Half Moon Bay reaching across the country to a Kentucky Horse Baron, packed with lies, deceit and betrayal.
A romance following a woman's journey through loss and the thought of "A Second Chance."
And finally, a heart wrenching story of an "Unwanted Teen" and the trials that she deals with coming from a broken home.
They have all become so close to my heart, it is difficult to decide which one I should be working on.
I will keep you posted as each one develops and finally nears completion.
Happy reading!!!
Charity

"Faithfully" is available today

2009-10-19T16:33:00.001-07:00

Faithfully is available today directly from the publisher. It will be a week or two before it is available at Amazon.com. You can get your copy at https://www.createspace.com/3395676
Happy reading!!!!

Oh what a twisted web

2009-10-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Working on "Til Death do us Part" and adding more characters with a penchant for murder. Who is the killer? Hmmmm.....you'll just have to wait.

Finally done!!!

2009-10-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well the writing part of Faithfully was a blast, the editing part was NOT! But I am here to say that it is all done! Out of my hands and off into the publishing world. It will be ready at Amazon.com by October 20, 2009.
I am now on to my next book, a murder mystery titled "Til Death do us Part." For a teaser scroll down to the bottom of the site and take a peak. It is in its raw form, but I think you'll get the picture.
Take care and....keep reading!

Finishing touches on Faithfully

2009-10-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

It's 4:30 am in California and I am finally putting the finishing touches on Faithfully. It should be available by October 2o, 2009 on Amazon. Here's a little snippet:
Hope, managing to sleep in, has just woken and shuffles into the bathroom she now shares with her love Ryan;
Turning on the faucet I follow my normal morning routine and gently squeeze a small dab of toothpaste on my toothbrush. I look up in the mirror, toothbrush poised to brush teeth, and scream bloody murder. My toothbrush goes flying and manages to plop right into the open toilet bowl, the one with the seat up. Oh gross! Men!
Ryan looks at me, takes a step over to the toilet and takes a look into the bowl. Being the diplomat he gently picks up his toothbrush out of the holder, hands it to me and says, "I love you babe."

To find out what caused Hope to scream and if Ryan's generous offereing of his own used toothbrush gets him out of hot water you'll simply have to read Faithfully my sequal to Hopefully.

Author Charity Maness

Article in the Stockton Record by Dana Nicols

Added a few new speaking engagements

Veteran interviews

New book in the works...

First Speaking engagement, quickly followed by more...

Added new book signing

Upcoming book signing at the California State Military Museum, Sacramento

Nashville....what an amazing adventure

One more day...Tennessee Here I Come!

Amazing words for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

Book signing at Bristol's Cafe in Arnold!

Photo at radio interview

James Piper - remembered 11-11-11

Radio interveiw to air Sunday 11-13-11 9 am

More good words for my latest release....

Flight is booked!

Tennessee, I hear you calling me

Booksigning at Micki & Larrys an AMAZING event!

Wonderful words from Jim's brother Gary

Wonderful feedback!

Barnes & Noble.com has just listed my book!!!

Interesting observation

Feedback on new book from a Vietnam Vet

Received an amazing note from Jim Piper's youngest brother Tom

The great feedback keeps coming in...

Receiving positive feedback for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

Latest release available on Amazon.com TODAY!

Upcoming book signings for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

It's Lonely Here in Hell, Love Letters from Nam, is NOW available!!!

Sample Query for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

Copyright!!!!

Perusing my site

Book release coming soon

Comment from Editor

Received my first edited proof back!

Look what I found in my archives...interview with Citizen Voice & Times, Estill County Kentucky circa '09

Amazing feedback for "It's Lonely Here in Hell"

Proof four off to editors

Back cover of "It's Lonely Here in Hell" Love Letters from Nam

"It's Lonely Here In Hell" ...progress report

Proofs ... proofs...and more proofs!

Release date

Interview with the Calaveras Enterprise

More Reading....

Pentagon Papers - hmmm

Clearance to use CIA Docs!!!

Interview with the Calaveras Enterprise

April 9, 1967

Preliminary Book Cover for "It's Lonely Here in Hell" love letters from Nam

Final Letter from Nam

Thoughts of love and homecoming pervade each letter

"It's Lonely Here in Hell" love letters from Nam

Interview by the Stockton Record

Welcome to the Country - Kentucky Style

Received new shipment of books

Upcoming book signings

My son Chris is married!

Prince Charming now available!

Writing at the speed of light!

Welcome to the Country

Home

Day six – itchy

Day 5 – hmmm

Day four - the rest

Day four – losing count…vacation does that to you

Day three - continued

Day three - slow start

Day two - no mullet

Day One - travel

Morning UGH

Travel 101

Hotel wins

Time to travel

Publishing contract

Sneak peak

Just when I thought I was done...

My son deployed to Afganistan today. USMC Sgt Chris Maness

New romance done!!! Well sort of...

Education, an ongoing event