Updates, updates, updates!

Why the heck haven't I updated this blog in forever?

Well, I've been busy writing a bunch of books. *smile*

First things first: The Great Red Horse is now THREE books. Yup. My work tripled in the blink of an eye. How did that happen, you ask?

You see, I made bacon cheeseburgers for my creative team, sat 'em down, and recited the WHOLE first draft of The Great Red Horse to them.

After I was done, Bruce looked at Steve. Steve looked at Bruce. Silent.

Then, they looked at me.

"What?" I implored.

"You wrote too much for one book," Bruce replied.

"I agree," Steve added.

"I...what?"

Bruce continued. "It's easily three books. Make it a three-part series. One book is too long."

"You can have part one be his youth, part two his show career, part three his legacy," Steve said. Brilliant. Can you see why these two are on my creative team?

At first I thought: aw man, I thought I was almost done with this book! But, that thought was soon replaced with: WOW, this is going to be FUN.

So, that's where I've been--writing THREE books. Wait, hold up--FOUR books. I am also working on a book on the UConn Polo program.

Sure, it's a lot of work--but if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

The Great Red Horse: A Colt is Born is the first book, and I am shooting for a spring 2015 publication. WATCH THIS SPACE!

Even more updates, read on:

So, yesterday--the sun was out, the sky was a brilliant cerulean, and there was a hay-scented autumn chill in the air--a perfect day for an author photo shoot with The Great Red Mare!

Here I am with UC Serendipity, a Reserve World Champion daughter of The Great Red Horse himself, UC Ringmaster. Many thanks to Megan Thompson of Depot View Farm for lending your beautiful farm and your beautiful mare. 'Dippy' is thirty, and is full of spark and spunk. She still owns that Champion energy and grace!

My husband Steve took A LOT of photos, and if you have ever tried to take photos of a horse in a field of grass, you will know how challenging it is to get that horse to 1) lift her head up and 2) stop munching for two whole seconds and 3) perk the ears just so. A lot to accomplish, and Steve did brilliantly!

We were able to get a couple of really nice shots. Dippy was a doll and lifted her head and perked her ears just so--but didn't quite get the whole "stop munching for two whole seconds" part down. And you know what? It's totally wonderful because I LOVE THIS PHOTO for so many reasons:

1. We look like we are having a lot of fun, because we are.
2. I love a chestnut mare that is not shy about expressing her love of green, succulent grass. Yummy nummy!
3. Her expression says JOY, pure and simple. Joy of life, of friends, of home, of fun, of laughter, of good eats.
4. My expression also says JOY. I love this horse. She is my kind and generous friend. She is my wise and patient teacher.
5. It's a great photo for a children's book--because it's cute, it's funny and it says so much about the nature of horses: They delight us and make our lives whole.

Steve also captured this lovely shot:

At the end of the shoot, I gave Dippy her head and let her put her face in the deliciousness all around her.

This photo shows us relaxed and simply enjoying our time together.

Horses remind us to be in the moment; to appreciate that sometimes the simplest things are the most profound and bring us the most happiness: sunshine on our faces, time with friends, a beautiful day, and---yummy snacks.

Thank you for cheering me on, everyone! What an amazing  journey this has been so far!

Enjoy some sun on your face today.

Helen

First draft FINISHED

...now I move on to the editing phase.

No one creates in a vacuum. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, share your vision, cheer you on, and enrich your soul....

How true.

I am grateful to know so many incredible people: artists, writers, musicians, thinkers, doers. You inspire me, friends!

Thank you for your honesty. You don't just tell me what I want to hear--how boring. Nope, you tell me what I need to hear. It helps me grow as a writer, as an artist, as a person. He helps me to break out of old habits and replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.

It's essential for the creative journey, and life itself. 

Time to finish this book, and get it out there!

My creative team

Last night, I had a wonderful and inspiring meeting with my creative team: Poet and lover of literature, Bruce Carver, and my incredible graphic designer husband, Steve.

Bruce and I have been friends since 1987 when we were radio geeks at UConn's radio station, WHUS. I have always known the man to be an undiscovered genius of sorts. He is an amazing writer, can recite Melville's Moby Dick from memory, is a fan of Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, and has a dry, yet profound, sense of  humor.

Steve is also a writer and a proud owner of an Art History degree. He is my husband, but he is also my best friend. I respect and value his opinion, and not just because he is a talented creative professional. He is smart, funny and true to his word. He taught me the real meaning of trust. Of love. Of gratitude. I am blessed to have such a fine person as a life partner. Plus, he's pretty cute. Bonus!

It is easy to see why I picked these two amazing people to be on my creative team. Steve and Bruce are not afraid to be honest with me, so when they praise my work--I know they mean every word.

As a writer and artist, I can be my own worst critic. However, I can say that I am proud of this work. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

The muse swooped down from the barn rafters and patted me on the head.
Big smiles!

Happy 2014--The Year of the Horse!

I hope to have The Great Red Horse published this year....

The Year of the Great Red Horse!

UC Ringmaster Memorial and Book Signing at UConn

UC Ringmaster Memorial and Book Signing at UConn’s Cornucopia Fest!

The Department of Animal Science UC Ringmaster Memorial Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2013 at 11:30 AM at the UConn Horse Unit I Tent on Horsebarn Hill Road. Will be held rain or shine.  

Opening Remarks:

  -  Mr. John Bennett, UConn Horse Unit Manager

Memories of Ringmaster:

  -  Mr. John Bennett, UConn Horse Unit Manager

  -  Ms. Cheryl Orcutt, Former Owner of UC Ringmaster

  -  Ms. Helen Scanlon, UConn Alumna & Author of “My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut”

Conclusion
Book Signing - Guests are invited to purchase a signed copy of Helen Scanlon’s newly- released book titled “My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut.”

Helen will be joined by author Patti Brooks, who will be signing her new mystery, Blood Hoax. Patti is a member of the American Morgan Horse Association Hall of Fame, and her books have delighted readers time and time again.

Helen Scanlon will also say a few words and sign her book at the UCANRAA silent auction at the WB Young Building Quad. A beautiful canvas print of Helen’s UC Ringmaster illustration will be available for bidding at the event.

The UConn College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association (UCANRAA) is dedicated to supporting the students, faculty and staff of the College, and they have created a permanently endowed scholarship in the UConn Foundation. These scholarships are awarded to CANR students annually.

See you there!

My first book is now published!

Hi everyone!

*wipes brow*

Wow, I can't believe the day has arrived. The book is published and ready for the world! Click the link to get your copy:

My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut

Thank you to everyone for your help and support--so many people worked behind the scenes to get this book FINISHED and in print. I could not have done this without you. Take a bow!

This book journey introduced me to world of Morgan horses and their loving humans. I discovered that the Morgan horse world is incredibly warm, gracious, supportive and helpful. I made friends, and was given opportunities to swing a leg over a couple of amazing UConn-bred Morgan horses. Sheer joy!

Oh my goodness, thank you. I am humbled and honored!

I hope all of you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now, on to the finish The Great Red Horse.

warmest regards from Hampton, Connecticut,
Helen

My Horse, My Heart

Under a tree, my beloved steed

Earth and roots now hold you near.

Twisted branches scrape the painted sky

With sun to soothe and stars to guide.

My old friend, he is there in the nimbus

Wind shapes his hoof and molds his ear.

I see him in the rays through my window

I hear him in the gust through the flue.

My horse, my heart-- he is near.

My horse, my heart--he is here.

-Helen Scanlon, 7/10/11

My first book is DONE

well, folks---My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut is now a publisher-ready PDF.

It should be available for purchase very soon, watch this space.

The Great Red Horse should be done by the fall, as well. Many, many thanks to everyone who helped make My Horse, My Heart a reality!