Official Pulpwood Queen Newsletter - September 2011

Louisiana Poet Laureate Julie Kane Joining Us in November!

Save the Date!

Louisiana Poet Laureate Julie Kane, special guest

RRPQ November 29 meeting

Ristorante Guiseppe

6:30pm

Recently, Natchitoches poet and English professor Julie Kane, was selected as the 2011-2013 Louisiana Poet Laureate. She is the author of Jazz Funeral; Rhythm & Booze; and Body and Soul, collections of poetry that celebrates all that is New Orleans. She also contributed to the extraordinary new book New Orleans: What Can't Be Lost, where she joins other notable Louisiana authors in remembering the things, good and bad, about the Crescent City. One of her poems from her book Jazz Funeral is currently featured on the Louisiana Poetry Project online.

An Evening With The Belle Of All Things Southern

It's not every day that fine dining and spectacular storytelling come together to create a memorable evening for a handful of book club ladies. In Shreveport last night, however, we Red River Pulpwood Queens were elated to have author and funny lady Shellie Rushing Tomlinson join us for dinner at Ristorante Guiseppe. With plenty of copies of her new book in tow, Shellie not only regaled us with funny southernisms and stories about everything from Paula Deen to Auburn football, she also shared her thoughts regarding her deep faith in God, the Mississippi River flooding, and how very much her readers mean to her.

Shellie will be a featured author at the October 29th Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge promoting her new book Sue Ellen's Girl Aint Fat She Just Weighs Heavy as well as her highly popular webcasts, radio shows, and blogs! Visit All Things Southern or find Shellie on Facebook!

The 2011 Louisiana Book Festival Author Line-Up

The Help on the Big Screen - This Weekend!

It's finally that time! Kathryn Stockett's highly praised novel The Help will be in theaters everywhere this weekend! Whether you see it with a group of great friends or alone with a bucket of popcorn, take a couple of hours of leisure and make it a RRPQ assignment! I want to know what you think of the movie! Let's discuss it during the next meeting!

How well do you know Kathryn Stockett?

• Kathryn Stockett goes by the nickname "Kitty," but she won't mind if you call her Kathryn.
  
  

• Skeeter and Constantine's relationship and Mae Mobley and Aibileen's are inspired by Stockett's relationship with the black woman who cared for her as a child, Demetrie.

• The British cover of The Help features a photo of two black women in white maid's uniforms on either side of a little white girl in a pushchair (a stroller for big-kids). The photo is from The National Congress archives, and was considered too controversial for the US cover. Why do you think that is?

• Actress Octavia Spencer has been cast as Minny. This is a good thing, because Minny was actually inspired by Spencer, who is friends with Stockett.

• Stockett never imagined her book as a bestseller and says she might have written it differently if she had known that gazillions of people would read it!

• The film version of The Help is a collaboration between Stockett and several of her childhood friends, also natives of Mississippi.

• Nearly fifty literary agents rejected The Help. It took Stockett five years to find one to represent her. Bet those rejecters are crying now – every time they look at the bestseller lists.

Save the Date, Ya'll!

Hi Ladies! After having to cancel our July meeting, I just wanted to keep you up to date on what's coming up. Of course, if you watch any kind of tv, you will know that Kathryn Stockett's bestselling novel-turned movie The Help will be in theaters on August 12! If you want to go as a group, just let me know!

Also, hold on to your hats, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, author of Suck Your Stomach In & Put Some Color on and the newest Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy will be joining us for our August meeting! Get ready for some laughs on August 23rd at 6:30pm at Columbia Cafe! I hope you can all make it!

Hurry Less, Worry Less...The Podcast!

What do you get when you type in Judy Christie's name in an iTunes search engine? A Hurry Less, Worry Less for Families Podcast, of course! Free episodes of encouragement and tips that are short enough for the busiest mom. Subscribe and get one episode a week!

Don't forget to pick up her many books at a bookstore near you!

Have I mentioned that she's a Red River Pulpwood Queen?

Sue Ellen's Facebook Party and We're Invited!

To celebrate the release of Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is hosting a Southern style shin-dig! Join her on June 2nd at 5:00 PM PST (6 MST, 7 CST, 8 EST)!

She'll be dishing on Bubba Whispering, debunking the Big Boned Theory, and how to manage going Straight Running Crazy. If you don't know what any of that is, then be sure to pick up a copy of the book (Not necessary to join the fun! Who knows - you might win a copy!) and join her at 5:00 pm on June 2nd at the All Things Southern Facebook page.

And tell your friends - She's giving away copies of her books and some great gift certificates.

Queen Michelle, Here There and Everywhere!

Red River Pulpwood Queen Michelle McCrary is a devoted wife, mom, and then some. But did you know that she is a writer? Yes, Michelle, I said WRITER. She is currently contributing to the local Minute Magazine, covering the newest popular sport, roller derby. She also edited the horror short story anthology Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology along with Joe McKinney. This book just won third place in the Independent Publisher Book Awards in the category of horror!

Her entire family is one to talk about. Veteran dad, 2 smart boys who have won awards in Kung Fu, and of course Michelle, who hosts the Shreveport Zombie Walk each year to bring in food for the area food banks. Active in their church and community, it is no wonder that Family Circle Magazine (read article here) chose to spotlight the McCrarys in the current, June 2011, issue. Find it on newsstands now! Congrats Queen Michelle!

R.W. Norton Gallery Rare Book Library To Open

Shreveport Blog, created by local "man about town" Robert Trudeau has reported that the R.W. Norton Gallery of Art is to open a rare book library this summer, highlight being John James Audubon's "The Birds of America". Read the full article here.

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson - Barnes & Noble Event

Don't miss author and funny lady Shellie Rushing Tomlinson at the Youree Drive Barnes & Noble on May 14 at 6:00pm. She will be signing copies of her newest book, Sue Ellen's Girl Aint Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy. She will also be joining the RRPQs for our August meeting! Stay tuned for more info!

Shakespeare Tragedy (a comedy)

Pulpwood Queens Favorite Does It Again

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, The Belle of All Things Southern, is gracing us with yet another book chock full of funny stories and "advice" for Southern ladies. Praised by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy is a must have! Just check out the trailer!

Literary Events In Shreveport

Authors in April

April 15, 2011

Pioneer Heritage Center (LSUS campus)

1:00-3:00pm

FREE

Features: Charlotte Hays co-author with Gayden Mecalf on "Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral" (Carey's note: this book is great!!)

Luncheon: Sam's Town Casino April 16, $40 per person. Contact Marty Young at 318-797-5339 for tickets or more information.

Book Signing

"My Cloven Feet" by Chris Jay

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Shreve Memorial Library- Broadmoor Branch

1212 Captain Shreve Drive, Shreveport

FREE

Features: Local author Chris Jay will read and sign his short story collection. Books will be available for purchase at $10 each.

Fore more information call 318-272-1696 or email chris-jay318@gmail.com

Book Signing

"Shelby's Secret" by Eydie Comeaux

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Shreve Memorial Library - Broadmoor Branch

1212 Captain Shreve Drive, Shreveport

FREE

Features: Eydie Comeaux will be reading and signing her novel. Books will be available for purchase at $5 each. More information 318-869-0120.

Christian Writer's Conference - This Weekend!

The 2011 Christian Writer's Conference is this Friday and Saturday. RRPQ Connie Cox has worked very hard to pull this event together for those who are interested in writing, regardless of genre. Authors include, but are not limited to: Dave and Neta Jackson of the Yada Yada Prayer Group, Lenora Worth, Shelia Goss, Kathy Patrick, Ken Norton and more.

$25 - Saturday 8:30am-3:30pm

Benton United Methodist Church

Benton, LA

FOX 33 - Article

KTAL 6 - Article

RRPQ April Meeting Scheduled

RRPQ April Meeting

Where: Bistro Byronz, (map)

When: April 28, 2011

Time: 6:30pm

We will be discussing Lisa See's novel Shanghai Girls.

*Special guest will be author and RRPQ member Judie Christie as she talks about her Green series. Goodness Gracious Green is a bonus book for April and can be purchased at the Barnes & Noble on Youree Drive. Judie's schedule is packed to the max, so don't miss this chance to chat with Shreveport's newest big name author!

Arkansas Literary Festival Schedule Released

The 2011 Arkansas Literary Festival schedule has now been released! This year's festival (in Little Rock) features Charlaine Harris, Peter S. Beagle of the classic The Last Unicorn, Kevin Brockmeier, Eleanor Brown of The Weird Sisters, and an evening with David Sedaris.

Print schedule here.

RRPQ February Newsletter

RRPQ Makes the Shreveport Times!

The Red River Pulpwood Queens have been mentioned in the Briefly portion of the Shreveport Times newspaper! We have been noted as being a part of the new Beauty and the Book Show with Kathy Patrick. Read the article HERE.

In Case You Missed It...

Here is the Beauty and the Book Show episode of author Helen Simonson speaking via Skype with the Red River Pulpwood Queens! Straight from my living room! Enjoy.

Can You Believe It?

Beauty and the Book Show now has its own billboard! Check it out on Hwy 59 coming into historic Jefferson, TX!

Special Edition of The Pulp!

The Pulp Special Edition

Watch Beauty and the Book Show Here!

Missed any episodes of Beauty and the Book Show? View each video by clicking on Beauty and the Book Episodes in red on the left side bar! Enjoy!

Announcing: Christian Writers Conference

Benton United Methodist Church

April 1, 6:30pm-8:30pm, FREE

April 2, 8:30am-3:30pm, Cost: $25

Author and fellow Pulpwood Queen Connie Cox is proud to announce the first ever Christian Writers Conference in Benton, La. This conference is for writers of all experience levels! Workshops for both fiction and nonfiction will be held by many published authors and experts in their fields. There will even be workshops for those who have never written but aspire to! Authors will also be autographing their books throughout the day. Bookstore will be available on site and a light lunch will be provided. Free childcare for ages 5 and under with pre-registration. More information and registration can be found at www.BentonUnited.org.

Authors attending:

Neta Jackson - Yada Yada Prayer Group series

Dave Jackson - Yada Yada Brotherhood

Kathy Patrick - Author and creator of the Pulpwood Queens book club

More authors TBA

January Meeting - Recap

The January RRPQ meeting was a complete success! We enjoyed a quiet nook in Abby Singer's Bistro (Robinson Film Center) and had an excellent waitress that took care of our every need. The food was delicious, by the way!

We discussed Pat Conroy's My Reading Life. It was interesting to hear everyone's viewpoints on this book. I thought it was magnificent (I had seen Pat Conroy a couple of weeks earlier, so I may just be biased). A couple of ladies thought that he sounded very full of himself and seemed to drone on and on by the end of the book. Others, being introduced to Pat Conroy for the first time, were interested in finding out more about his other works (aside from Prince of Tides) and to put together the pieces of his life that he captures through his characters. As for Sonny Brewer's Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Jobs they Quit, everyone was very excited and eager to read it in the future.

We will meet again at Abby Singer's Bistro on Feb. 24, 2011 at 6:30pm and the topic will be Fannie Flagg and her new novel I Still Dream About You. This should be an exciting month! Also, let it be noted that we have decided to meet at a new restaurant every 2 months. So if you have any ideas or have a place that you like, make sure you let me know! See you ladies next month!

January RRPQ Newsletter!

January Meeting - REMINDER

January RRPQ Meeting TOMORROW, Jan 27 at 6:30pm at Abby Singer's Bistro (inside the Robinson Film Center). We'll be discussing Pat Conroy's My Reading Life and Sonny Brewer's Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Jobs they Quit.

See you there!

2011 Girlfriends Weekend Audio!

Pat Conroy of My Reading Life and South of Broad

Fannie Flagg of Fried Green Tomatoes and I Still Dream About You



Carolyn Turgeon of Godmother and Mermaid.



Karen White of On Folly Beach



Mark E. Green, MD of A Night With Sadaam

Shelly Rushing Tomlinson

Trailer for 2012 Girlfriend Weekend

Created by Mike Gannon and approved by the Queen herself.

2012 Girlfriend Weekend Theme Announced!

Message from Queen Kathy Patrick in regards to the 2012 Girlfriend Weekend!

Announcing the BOOK THEME for Girlfriend Weekend 2012! It's "THE GREATEST 'BOOK' SHOW ON EARTH!" Think Sara Gruen's "Water for Elephants", Frank Delaney's "Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show", Melanie Benjamin's "The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb"! Girlfriend Weekend is MAGIC and since I juggle 405 book club daily, ON WITH THE SHOW!

Beauty and the Book Show Update

Full episodes of the Beauty and the Book Show are now available for viewing on the web. The episode of the Red River Pulpwood Queens speaking with author Helen Simonson (Major Pettigrew's Last Stand) via Skype will be debuting on February 1st! After meeting Helen over the weekend and learning that she was chosen as the Pulpwood Queens book/author of the year, I am so excited to see our episode as it airs for the whole world to see! (I hope my living room was clean enough!)

Invitation: Yada Yada Book Club

Wednesday, January 26 · 6:30pm- 7:30pm
Location	Benton United Methodist Church 615 Palmetto Road Benton, LA
Created By	Connie Cox
More Info	Club meets each Wed at 6:30pm. Free childcare w/ advance notice! Come for supper for the whole family at 5:30pm. Call Rachel for details. (318) 965-2273

2011 Book Club Selections Announced!

January Main Selection: My Reading Life by Pat Conroy
January Bonus Selections: Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit Edited by Sonny Brewer
They Came to Nashville by Marshall Chapman

February Main Selection: I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg
February Bonus Selections: The Miracle of Mercy Land: A Novel by River Jordan
The Perfect Love Song by Patti Callahan Henry
Cheap Cabernet by Cathie Beck

March Main Selection: Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland
March Bonus Selections: Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
The Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White
As the Sycamore Grows by Jennie Helderman

April Main Selection: Shanghai Girls: A Novel by Lisa See
April Bonus Selections: The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz
Goodness Gracious Green by Judy Christie
Redefining Beauty by Texas Poet Laureate Karla K. Morton
Mothers & Other Liars by Amy Bourret

May Main Selection: Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney
May Bonus Selections: Royal Blood (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen
Mink River: A Novel by Brian Doyle
Larkspur’s Cove by Lisa Wingate

June Main Selection: Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress
June Bonus Selections: Gone with a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West
Woof: Women Only Over Fifty by Diana Black and Mary Cunningham
Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd

July Main Selection: The Killing Storm by Kathryn Casey
July Bonus Selections: Heart of Deception: A Novel by M.L. Malcolm
Murder at the Luther by Kathleen Kaska
Thunder Beach by Michael Lister

August Main Selection: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin
August Bonus Selections: Paper Children by Marcia Fine
A Cup of Friendship: A Novel by Debbie Rodriguez
Sue Ellen’s Daughter Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy: The Belle of All Things Southern Dishes on Men, Money, and Not Losing Your Midlife Mind by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Girlfriend Weekend, THIS Week!!!

It's finally here! After an entire year of waiting, Girlfriend Weekend is finally upon us! First of all, I would like to encourage everyone to come out and support our own Red River Pulpwood Queen Judy Christie as she speaks on a panel on Friday at 11:00am. The topic will be Stories That You Will Fall In Love With The Characters. I can't wait to find out first hand what's new in her Goodness Gracious Green books!

I'm sure you've noticed the incredible Victorian house in the photograph. I will be sharing a room with a fellow RRPQ at the Three Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Marshall, TX. Of course, after waiting until the last minute, there are no rooms available in Jefferson proper, therefore I have ventured 15 miles down the road and come upon one of the oldest B&B's in Marshall.

I am currently sewing a portion of my costume for the Great Big Ball of Hair Ball. My husband will be picking up an important piece of it in Longview, Texas tonight after work. As soon as Shreveport thaws, I will be shopping for accessories. Have no doubt that pictures will be forthcoming.

Have I mentioned that I can't wait to meet Fannie Flagg???!!!!

Beauty and the Book Sneak Peek!

Pat Conroy's My Reading Life - January 2011 Book Selection

Pat Conroy, the beloved American storyteller, is also a vora­cious reader. He has for years kept a notebook in which he notes words or phrases, just from a love of language. But read­ing for him is not simply a pleasure to be enjoyed in off-hours or a source of inspiration for his own writing. It would hardly be an exaggeration to claim that reading has saved his life, and if not his life then surely his sanity.

In My Reading Life, Conroy revisits a life of passionate reading. He includes wonderful anecdotes from his school days, mov­ing accounts of how reading pulled him through dark times, and even lists of books that particularly influenced him at vari­ous stages of his life, including grammar school, high school, and college. Readers will be enchanted with his ruminations on reading and books, and want to own and share this perfect gift book for the holidays. And, come graduation time, My Reading Life will establish itself as a perennial favorite, as did Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!