This weekend is the Heather Graham's Writers Conference in New Orleans.
This is the second conference Heather has had so for. But, this out of all of the conferences I've ever attended is my favorite one.
The first year is was small and cozy. I was honored to meet Heather, Christine Feehan, and Kate Duffy, editor, along with many other great authors. "Kathleen Pickering was a sweetheart, she made me and my sister feel very welcome, thanks Kathleen." And I got to meet a great friend Veronika... She flew down last night and I picked her up from the airport, I showed them a little of the Katrina damaged area, stuff you don't truly see on TV. Then brought them to the hotel. I can't wait for it to get started today...I here they have about 50 more registered than last year, but thats fine. The city needs the tourist spending their dollars.......
I'll report at the end of the weekend how it went.
p.s. I have (3) editors appts. to pitch my voodoo story. I'll also let you know about that too.
Dawn
www.dawnchartier.com
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Remembering Katrina Part III
You know people who don't live here in New Orleans, want to know what the heck is going on?
Why is there so many houses still left as it was after the flood? Why is the government still paying people to help them get on there feet? Why are they still electing idiots into office? What about the mental health of people who lived to tell the story? I'll try and answer the best to my knowledge as I see it.
1.) What's going on? A lot of rebuilding, and at the same time a lot of people still moving out other parishes near New Orleans.
2.) Houses still the same? Yes, there are many reasons for this. 1.) Corps of Engineers created crappy levees, didn't keep them up like they were supposed to. They blame higher government for not paying them to do this. ~ Also many people didn't have insurance, some are elderly and can't rebuild. ~ Then you have some who have insurance, but they won't pay up. ~ Then you have those that are afraid to come back, and afraid to sell hoping they can get the nerve to come back. ~ Then theres those that just can careless anymore.
3.) Why is government still paying some people? Well, I guess they feel responsible for the levee's that weren't built and maintained properly?? I don't know why. I do know sometimes it makes me mad seeing some people take advantage of it, those who can work, those who can take care of themselves, but won't. That pisses me off. Just like it does everyone else. But, most of these people were living off the government before Katrina, so that's that.
4.) Electing idiots? God only knows this answer. I didn't elect them. Most of my friends and family members didn't elect them either. I have no clue how it could have happened? Maybe it was because the mayor bussed in thousands from Houston and where ever, maybe he made the deal sweet for them, I have no clue... It smells is all I can say.....
5.) The mental minds of the victims? This varies greatly. One example, last week I was getting my haircut, and my hair stylist tells me his neighbor died after she dropped her kids off of school. No one knows how she died? She was 39-40? Her home flooded, her husband lost his job, but was in school learning a new trade, school just started for her two little boys, dropped them off and never picked them back up. -- Katrina Stress? Could be. I can believe it.
Then you have people living in there cars, or living in there gutted houses, or fema trailers. People so tired of working on their homes. It's hard work. If only these people can hold out for the reward, they'll be okay.
We need mental treatment clinics/hospitals..there is no help for those depressed, stressed or anything. I can't figure that one out!! Everyday someone commits suicide here along the gulf coast. (still) Though thats not reported...
But then everyday, someone moves back home. You've got the good and the bad. The hurricane didn't destroy New Orleans like it did Biloxi and other Louisiana areas, the levees broke.
No matter what, I'm still glad to call New Orleans my home... I love it!!!
Dawn
Why is there so many houses still left as it was after the flood? Why is the government still paying people to help them get on there feet? Why are they still electing idiots into office? What about the mental health of people who lived to tell the story? I'll try and answer the best to my knowledge as I see it.
1.) What's going on? A lot of rebuilding, and at the same time a lot of people still moving out other parishes near New Orleans.
2.) Houses still the same? Yes, there are many reasons for this. 1.) Corps of Engineers created crappy levees, didn't keep them up like they were supposed to. They blame higher government for not paying them to do this. ~ Also many people didn't have insurance, some are elderly and can't rebuild. ~ Then you have some who have insurance, but they won't pay up. ~ Then you have those that are afraid to come back, and afraid to sell hoping they can get the nerve to come back. ~ Then theres those that just can careless anymore.
3.) Why is government still paying some people? Well, I guess they feel responsible for the levee's that weren't built and maintained properly?? I don't know why. I do know sometimes it makes me mad seeing some people take advantage of it, those who can work, those who can take care of themselves, but won't. That pisses me off. Just like it does everyone else. But, most of these people were living off the government before Katrina, so that's that.
4.) Electing idiots? God only knows this answer. I didn't elect them. Most of my friends and family members didn't elect them either. I have no clue how it could have happened? Maybe it was because the mayor bussed in thousands from Houston and where ever, maybe he made the deal sweet for them, I have no clue... It smells is all I can say.....
5.) The mental minds of the victims? This varies greatly. One example, last week I was getting my haircut, and my hair stylist tells me his neighbor died after she dropped her kids off of school. No one knows how she died? She was 39-40? Her home flooded, her husband lost his job, but was in school learning a new trade, school just started for her two little boys, dropped them off and never picked them back up. -- Katrina Stress? Could be. I can believe it.
Then you have people living in there cars, or living in there gutted houses, or fema trailers. People so tired of working on their homes. It's hard work. If only these people can hold out for the reward, they'll be okay.
We need mental treatment clinics/hospitals..there is no help for those depressed, stressed or anything. I can't figure that one out!! Everyday someone commits suicide here along the gulf coast. (still) Though thats not reported...
But then everyday, someone moves back home. You've got the good and the bad. The hurricane didn't destroy New Orleans like it did Biloxi and other Louisiana areas, the levees broke.
No matter what, I'm still glad to call New Orleans my home... I love it!!!
Dawn
Remembering Katrina Part II
This morning the news was on and the newscasters were interviewing people, and showing new businesses up and running. It was great to see this. I try really hard to not venture into the devastated areas if I can help it. But, on occasions I have no choice. My husband and I own a construction company. We've helped re-build many, many buildings so hospitals, stores, clinics, and many businesses can put their workers back to work. It's been a really hard time, but to be honest keeping busy kept me going. All contractors around were so busy we didn't have time to think other than work. There were some who just sat back and did nothing, they were too out of it to jump in quickly and get back on the horse... Some of those are going out of business.
Well this morning and all week I've been hearing the 2 yr. anniversary is coming up, and here it is today. "2 years"... for many people it seems like 20 yrs. or 10 yrs. and to some it seems like just yesterday. Everyone's stories are different, like mine, like my family and my friends.
After I dropped off my daughter at school this morning I was on my way to work. I looked in my rear view mirror and what do I see? Flashing blue and red lights. I know, I know, it was my fault I was doing 30 in a 20, and I hadn't even realized it. He pulls me over, and then he proceeds to introduce himself. (I can't remember his name, it was a stressful moment) He said "hello, I'm officer so & so." I look up at him through my sun glasses. "Good morning sir."
Then he proceeds. "Mam', do you know you were doing 10 miles over the speed limit", I glanced at my speedometer as if that would help me out. "Really? No I didn't realize, I was just trying to dodge all the pot holes." He glanced at my dash board too, and then replied. "Yes. There are a lot of them. Can I see your license, registration and insurance papers." I stare at him and it took a second to absorb his words. "Oh. Okay, sure." I get all the stuff he asked for realizing I couldn't find my current insurance papers, now I'm thinking Oh Sh**!! I hand him the expired one. He looks over it and then glances back at me. "Make sure you don't speed down these side streets anymore. Have a good day."
I'm staring at him dumb founded. Duh. What just happened? The toughest city to get a ticket in, the meanest cops on the westbank, and this guy was a sweetheart. "Thank you," I said and then watched him drive away..... Now it hits me.... My heart thumps hard... If I would have gotten this ticket, it would have been my undoing. I felt my eyes swell with tears, my throat burned, I felt my pulse in my temples. I almost let myself crumble a little today, 2 years after Katrina... The cop saved me by doing a nice gesture and letting me off with a warning. "Thank you!" I feel blessed again, something so simple... This is life after Katrina... Still a little stressful, (or a lot depending on who you are) yet you keep telling yourself "I'm blessed." And I am....
And to be truthful, this is why I love to write and read, why I think millions of people write and read, we all want a fantasy world to escape to. Something to make us feel better when your having a bad day. "To be entertained"...I'm glad I found writing after Katrina, truly. I may not be great at it, but the journey it's taking me along the way is amazing. Oh, and the amazing people I've met in the short two years of writing, wow you'd not believe what great people!!!
p.s. RE: Voodoo Style~ I'm on Chapter 15, didn't finish as I hoped, but I'm still going to push myself. Hopefully before next week, the hubby & I are going to the coast to relax and take a break. --- I'm going to do a little blog at Myspace at well, but a different one. If you want to check it out go to http://www.myspace.dawntheauthor
Dawn
www.dawnchartier.com
Well this morning and all week I've been hearing the 2 yr. anniversary is coming up, and here it is today. "2 years"... for many people it seems like 20 yrs. or 10 yrs. and to some it seems like just yesterday. Everyone's stories are different, like mine, like my family and my friends.
After I dropped off my daughter at school this morning I was on my way to work. I looked in my rear view mirror and what do I see? Flashing blue and red lights. I know, I know, it was my fault I was doing 30 in a 20, and I hadn't even realized it. He pulls me over, and then he proceeds to introduce himself. (I can't remember his name, it was a stressful moment) He said "hello, I'm officer so & so." I look up at him through my sun glasses. "Good morning sir."
Then he proceeds. "Mam', do you know you were doing 10 miles over the speed limit", I glanced at my speedometer as if that would help me out. "Really? No I didn't realize, I was just trying to dodge all the pot holes." He glanced at my dash board too, and then replied. "Yes. There are a lot of them. Can I see your license, registration and insurance papers." I stare at him and it took a second to absorb his words. "Oh. Okay, sure." I get all the stuff he asked for realizing I couldn't find my current insurance papers, now I'm thinking Oh Sh**!! I hand him the expired one. He looks over it and then glances back at me. "Make sure you don't speed down these side streets anymore. Have a good day."
I'm staring at him dumb founded. Duh. What just happened? The toughest city to get a ticket in, the meanest cops on the westbank, and this guy was a sweetheart. "Thank you," I said and then watched him drive away..... Now it hits me.... My heart thumps hard... If I would have gotten this ticket, it would have been my undoing. I felt my eyes swell with tears, my throat burned, I felt my pulse in my temples. I almost let myself crumble a little today, 2 years after Katrina... The cop saved me by doing a nice gesture and letting me off with a warning. "Thank you!" I feel blessed again, something so simple... This is life after Katrina... Still a little stressful, (or a lot depending on who you are) yet you keep telling yourself "I'm blessed." And I am....
And to be truthful, this is why I love to write and read, why I think millions of people write and read, we all want a fantasy world to escape to. Something to make us feel better when your having a bad day. "To be entertained"...I'm glad I found writing after Katrina, truly. I may not be great at it, but the journey it's taking me along the way is amazing. Oh, and the amazing people I've met in the short two years of writing, wow you'd not believe what great people!!!
p.s. RE: Voodoo Style~ I'm on Chapter 15, didn't finish as I hoped, but I'm still going to push myself. Hopefully before next week, the hubby & I are going to the coast to relax and take a break. --- I'm going to do a little blog at Myspace at well, but a different one. If you want to check it out go to http://www.myspace.dawntheauthor
Dawn
www.dawnchartier.com
Remembering Katrina
I will do a couple post today regarding Katrina because New Orleans is my home. Always will be.
Here is a link of some really poetic pictures for the aftermath. Check them out. This news station will have coverage I believe all day and tonight are several special gatherings. The city is coming back, a little slow, but it's still alive.
http://www.wwltv.com
Hope this works.
Dawn Chartier
www.dawnchartier.com
Here is a link of some really poetic pictures for the aftermath. Check them out. This news station will have coverage I believe all day and tonight are several special gatherings. The city is coming back, a little slow, but it's still alive.
http://www.wwltv.com
Hope this works.
Dawn Chartier
www.dawnchartier.com
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Finished 13!!!!
I finished writing Chapter 13, and the story is becoming spookier, and more romantic at the same time... Nothing like a good spook for the heroine to get closer to the hero, right?
Kelly is determined to stay in the haunted house, if she leaves, she's afraid Trey will board it up and lock her out, and she has no where else to go. Other than to his place and get her heart broke once again...No thank you, she'd rather deal with a ghost.
Trey is afraid for Kelly staying there alone, the ghost has already hurt her friend, him and he's sure she'll be next. He wants her to go to his place, but she's too hard headed to leave...Women!
On to Chapter 14...........
dawnchartier.com
Kelly is determined to stay in the haunted house, if she leaves, she's afraid Trey will board it up and lock her out, and she has no where else to go. Other than to his place and get her heart broke once again...No thank you, she'd rather deal with a ghost.
Trey is afraid for Kelly staying there alone, the ghost has already hurt her friend, him and he's sure she'll be next. He wants her to go to his place, but she's too hard headed to leave...Women!
On to Chapter 14...........
dawnchartier.com
Friday, August 24, 2007
No writing but watch the Saints kick butt!
Last night I was bad, I didn't write. But, it was worth it. I watched the awesome Saints kick some Chiefs butt.... (I have to make a correction on my last post, I thought they were playing against the Colts, but my hubby tells me NOT!! that will be on a Monday night, but not this monday) Well, what do I know... I have to say all the Saints Players looked great. I have to put a shout out to my favorite Saint "Scott Fujita" #55, Emmm... I love him!!! I'm mean look at that picture, he hit the guy so hard his helmet flew off...Emmm...Yeah, my husband knows, everytime I see him on the screen I sigh, and get that funny look from the man sitting next to me...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
FINISHED CHAPTER 12 - YEE DOGGIE...
I feel good, da na na na..I knew that I would..da na na na....(james brown)....yep thats the song in my head...
cause its true I do feel good. I finished chapter 12. I'll start 13 tomorrow...
I need to figure out how many pages I've written total, that will be next.
Tomorrow night is the Saints game (GEAUX SAINTS), I think we are playing the Superbowl Champs "Colts"...love those Colts too, but not this year Colts, it's our turn to be champs for once...
Anywho, just wanted to share my happiness...
Dawn
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