My name is Dawna Rand. A former English teacher and sales/technical trainer, I was one of the folks who lost their jobs in the Global Hooha of 2008 (or whatever scientific name we’ll end up calling it). I took a writing class under published author Patricia Lewin in January of 2009. Until then, I would have told you:
- I designed and delivered training courses for Fortune 500 companies
- I wanted to write but “never had the time”
- Any corporate bone thrown my way would have been fine
Since then I would tell you:
- I got another job. But it’s not the life that I consider real!
- At writing conferences, my bar tabs somehow end up higher than my registration fees.
- I’m having a blast! (which might be due to my bar tabs)
So don’t hate – participate! In my blog, that is. It focuses on:
- my own personal writing saga (sagas are so Viking!)
- sales tips, publishing info, writing tips
- interviews with published authors
- all things medieval
- even more things that are Viking (especially hot ones – like Richard Bremmer in 13th Warrior)
I live with my three cats and Siberian Husky puppy in Dallas, Texas. And they’re normal – all things being relative.
8 comments
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June 21, 2009 at 11:02 am
Fairlee Winfield
Wow! Dawna–I love your energy and spunk. Have read all your posts. Hey, you are a Viking. So am I. Trying to connect with Norwegian groups about my historical novel and found you. I’ve got you on feed. Let’s hear more.
June 28, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Pat Lewin
Wow, Dawn!! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get over here. What a grea blog!!
Pat
June 28, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Dawna Rand
Glad you like! Dying to see yours soon!
February 22, 2010 at 1:10 am
Erling Asserson
Vikings in the Loire valley!
We spent three weeks there on a canal boat 10 years ago, and we will repeat that from april, 19 thru april 30 this year.
First time we were there we visited a small town which had been haressed by vikings several times between years 700 ang 1000, and had consequently built a new town on a nearby hilltop where they could flee to and lock the vikings out. Alas, we have lost the name of this town and are looking around for it. It is somewhere on the canal system in the Loire Valley.
Do you or one of your readers know about this town? If we find it we will reward you with a message including pictures and the story around it.
With anticipation we patienty await answers to this inquiry, and remain
Britt Hildeng (britthildeng@hotmail.no tel 47 930 63673) and
Erling Asserson (erling@asserson.no tel 47 924 68428)
February 22, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Dawna Rand
Hei Britt and Erling,
I am forwarding you on to my friends at the Norsefolk 2 group (wonderful people), and I am also going to send you to Pierre also. They are FAR more knowledgeable than I (in almost everything:)) and let’s see what they come back with.
I am hoping we can help you – I want the message and pictures
Dawna
February 23, 2010 at 2:45 am
Erling Asserson
My website is something I worked on in 2007 & 8. I then tried out an audience, but found no interest – so I froze it but maybe I´ll take it up later.
Its now only in norwegian, but the main thought is that many knowledges, craftmanships competencies (I dont know a common name for these things) but I know it is important to at lease be aware of this development.
Later on, may be after the trip to the french canal I will give your blog a translation of a couple of things that the vikings did and we cannot do today, like the viking ships, the navigation they performed, etc., etc..
Your help and whatever we find in the place we are looking for will be described on my site on return from France. Which means I shall revive the site.
Erling
February 23, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Dawna Rand
Oh, we would love the translation! Seriously, on Yahoo there are some Viking reenactment groups and they would really love such information. They are forever learning about “how things were really done” and they welcome new expertise.
So if ever you have the time, look up Norsefolk 2 Yahoo group. They must approve membership but that is no problem
Let me see what we can find to help you!
Dawna
December 8, 2010 at 5:17 am
Marnie de Vanssay
There are countless romanesque chapels throughout the little Loir Valley, especially from Vendôme to Le Lude. This entire region is off the beaten track, untouched, buccolic. The XIth century Chapel de St Giles in Montoire has frescoes of Christ pancreator which are byzantine in their execution, as well as a frescoe which reminds one completely of the Bayeux tapestry knights. Same period…
The fortress of Lavardin and Montmirail played a major part in the Hundred Years war.
Back to Montoire, it also has a splendid farmers market on Saturday morning, with one of the best cheese makers in France present, Rodolphe Le Meunier.
And of course, you saw the farmers market on Sunday, at the foot of the St Julien cathedral in Le Mans. I defy the worst anorexic to walk by those stalls and remain skinny!!
Thanks for your blog, Dawn, this region is made for passionate writers and artists like you, who are trend setters, not followers
Marnie