History – Page 14 – Noreen Lace

Writing Wishes and Publication Dreams

Published on March 10, 2017March 10, 2017 by Noreen Lace2 Comments

I’ve been working on a new story – not only working – OBSESSED! I don’t think I left the house for most of January and part of February until the first draft was done. I’m currently working through it again and again. I’ve begun to gather my beta readers, and I’m quite excited.

Weekly, I spend time submitting. This is what a working writer does. Writes and submits. Rejections are no fun, and I get plenty of them. I read one statistic that read, “a writer gets an average of 26 rejections for every acceptance.” Not sure how they came up with that… I feel like it’s three times that much; however, things change!

Malcolm Gladwell, estimates it takes 10,000 hours to master any one thing. I feel like I should have reached those hours long ago; but, maybe, it takes some of us a little longer to get it. (That’s the story of my life!)

So – I have to update you.

My poem, “All At Once”, was a finalist in Medusa’s Laugh NanoText Contest. I didn’t win, but it’s still to be published in their anthology and in an e-book version. This should be available soon!

My poem, “I’ve Never Looked So Beautiful” has just been accepted by Mother’s Always Write. Before you start thinking I’m quite full of myself – the poem is about my lovely daughter! This should be available in the next month.

My story, “How to Throw a Psychic a Surprise Party” has been accepted by The Oleander Review. Sometimes, I write something and I think, this is pretty damn good, and I think this story says a lot about our humanity. I’m so happy that it will be published. It will be available mid-April

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, Writer Advice has just notified me that my story, “Memorial Day Death Watch”, has been chosen as a finalist in their Flash Memoir Contest!

We must have a purpose – I’ve always wanted to reach people, tell them they’re not alone. I think I’m just beginning to do that.

Live an Inspired Life!

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Free Audiobook!

Published on February 19, 2017February 24, 2017 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

Hello, Beautiful People!

I want to give away free copies of West End, now on audible.com!

Comment here or on my facebook page with a positive affirmation and the hashtag #hope.

A winner will be chosen at random in the next few days!

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One young women’s struggle against hopelessness and madness.

Reviews:

Miguel R.

A great story about the cards we are dealt with in life and the choices these characters made with their less than desirable hands. Not all choices made are popular, but at least understandable. And our nameless protagonist shows us the consequences of apathy, and letting life make choices for you. There are no heroes in this story, just the author for showing us how a place like West End does not have to be a dead end.

Amazon Customer

Noreen Lace creates such wonderful and beautiful scenery for the reader. It really transports us to that moment and time. The most enjoyable feature of her writing would be the continuous awareness of the beauty and joy found in the simple things in life. This was an easy and enjoyable read.

UPDATE: There has been a winner. Thank you and enjoy!

Life of Clouds

Published on October 23, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

My new novella, Life of Clouds, will be released next month (fingers crossed!)

It’s a story about family, about heartbreak, sisters, and eventually – hope.

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More information to come —–

Audio Book

Published on September 24, 2016October 2, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

I have a tentative release date for West End on Audio – November 4th!

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West End – hard copy available now.

Giggles Galore

Published on August 31, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

“Harvey Levin Can’t Die” is available in print, on the web, and even in podcast format!

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So – what would life be like without reality television? “Harvey Levin Can’t Die” is a fictional and humorous look at one fantastical outcome.

Imagine this:

I woke up on a Thursday morning and there were no more Kardasians on TV. The news didn’t mention Lindsey, Brittany, or any housewives from anywhere. It was as if they’d never existed, and I wondered, momentarily, as I swept through the channels with careless ease, if I’d awakened in an alternate universe…..

Many thanks to the lovely editors at Pilcrow and Dagger for continuing to publish my poetry and short stories and for now podcasting them as well!

Harvey Levin Can’t Die!

Published on August 4, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

I’m happy to say this strange fiction about life without reality television – Can you imagine?! – has been accepted for the Comedy Aug/Sept issue of Pilcrow and Dagger. Don’t you love them madly?!!

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Harvey Levin Can’t Die – Aug/Sept Issue of Pilcrow and Dagger!

Here in the Silence –

Published on June 9, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

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Another ten days to two weeks and – Here in the Silence – my book of short stories will be available.

AND – there will be a chance to win free copies!

Check back for details!

Free book?

Published on May 11, 2016May 11, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

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Ladies and gentlemen,

My book of short stories should be out in another month – I’ll have two advance copies to give away.

There will be a very easy one question contest, and then a drawing (done by a third party) from all of the correct answers.

The official announcement and contest will begin in the next few weeks – keep checking back or sign up to receive updates!

Thanks,

Noreen

Is Mike a Ghost? The Supernatural in West End

Published on February 28, 2016February 28, 2016 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

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I was asked, recently, if Mike, the character from West End who disappeared as a teenager and reappeared to the narrator was a ghost.

According to Dr. McAndrew, in the article “Why Some People See Ghosts and Other Presences,” people may see spirits when they “have become isolated in an extreme or unusual environment, often when high levels of stress are involved. These individuals report a perception or feeling that another person is there to help them cope…”

The main character in West End is isolated and in an unusual environment when Mike arrives. She’s not certain she saw him with the soldiers, just that there were soldiers and she never looks at faces, so she states.

McAndrew further states: “The loneliness and isolation, coupled with high levels of stress and unchanging sensory stimulation, might very well produce the same biological conditions that could trigger a “visit” from the recently departed.”

The narrator in West End claims to find comfort in this non-existence she has found. She left home because of the stress which she was unable to handle; she is now surrounded by, so it seems, an unchanging environment without stimulation. Then, suddenly, Mike is there.

What do you think – is Mike a ghost?

Grandma’s Tour

Published on November 12, 2015December 4, 2015 by Noreen LaceLeave a comment

My Poem, “Grandma’s Tour” will be published in Pilcrow & Dagger’s November/December issue!

This is especially poignant as my grandmother passed in August of this year. She wrote poetry herself and left me her book of touching, handwritten poems. It is one of my treasured texts.

I think she would’ve liked this poem. I’m saddened she didn’t get to read it or see it published in her honor.