The reviews....

I am so happy, so grateful, so utterly delighted that my book is getting such positive feedback and wonderful reviews from readers. I decided to compile some of the reviews and share the words here.

THANK YOU, everyone. 

Dear Helen, I just finished reading the chapter on U.C. High Hopes (Shoe) and I am so filled with emotion. Of course, I know this wonderful horse personally; but you have so captured his tenacity and life spirit that I found myself holding my breath as I neared the end of the chapter. While Shoe is a true inspiration for anyone who feels there is no hope in any circumstance, the unsung hero in this saga is his lovely owner, Arlis Bobb, who together with trainer Megan Brauch made the unbelievably difficult decision to save his life. I do not believe anyone else would have decided likewise. Thank you for this wonderful book. Thank you for the beautiful testament of the bond between human and horse. ~Maureen

Hi Helen! I'm reading your book...My Horse, My Heart! It's so good...your writing is so fun and tender! Caught myself crying numerous times with your gracious appreciation and awe of the horses you've known and their history!! Loving it...only a few chapters in and going to get a copy for my awesome Aunt Jackie who is a horse momma. My love of horses comes from her influence and I know she must have had a Morgan in her stalls. Thanks Helen for writing the book- fabulous job! ~Kristin

I'm already 3/4 of the way through the book - it is fantastic! What a great job you did capturing the importance of UCONN's Morgans to the breed (and brought back lots of memories for me too). :) ~Deb

You are as talented with words as you are with artwork. ~Mary

You have described these horses in a way that makes me feel as though I had known and loved them myself. About to start the chapter on Ringmaster - no doubt I will be quite teary here. Thanks so much for such a wonderful view into the world of UConn Morgan horses. ~Gaye

Horse aficionados will love this book!
By Yellow Texas Rose on August 17, 2013
This book is a treasure for horse lovers and particularly for those who prize Morgan horses. Thoroughly researched, lovingly and skillfully illustrated, this book sheds light on a breed of horses whose history starts with the cavalry and who continue discerning riders today. Scanlon not only provides background and history of the breed, but she also brings to life breeders, trainers and owners, past and present, whose lives were made richer by their experiences with these beautiful horses. I enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing it with my horse-crazy granddaughters.
~Amazon review, 5 stars

Beautiful tribute to the University of Connecticut Morgan Horses
By New Englander on November 24, 2013
I was so excited to discover this book as I am a graduate of the UConn Animal Science Department. Reading the book and perusing the photographs brought back a lot of memories. I especially appreciate the attention given to UC Ringmaster, who was the top stallion at UConn during my time there. The author writes in an informative and heartfelt manner, and some of the stories brought tears to my eyes! She is also a talented artist and her painting was used for the cover and her drawings are sprinkled throughout the book. ~Amazon review, 5 stars

I received your book a couple of days ago and have read it cover to cover.  You did a great job of laying it out like a true research book and layering it with behind the scenes stories, quotes, poems, etc.  Well done! ~Patti

I spent New Year's Day curled up with my brand-spankin'-new copy of your book, which I read cover to cover. I became immersed in a world I know nothing about. While I had to Google a few words, I learned a lot about these magnificent animals and the people who cared for them through triumphs and heartbreaks. What a ride! Thanks for devoting the time to telling such a fine, rich story backed by some excellent research. You are an amazing artist, author, and friend. ~Leslie

The book is pretty darn impressive, Helen. And above all, it took a tremendous amount of patience to write. You had to do so much organizing of data. You preserved history. ~Cathy

One of the things you did extremely well and which I feel adds immeasurable value to the book is to depart at just the right time from the history and lineage to include observations on the horse's mannerisms and personality that bring him to life for the reader and differentiate him from the other horses. Another, was to include several asides referring to horses in general. Things that most people who have been around horses will identify with and those who don't know horses will ponder. An example is on page 77. In the context of Sheba the paragraph that begins "Working with horses can be a sad business..." How true. An experienced horsewoman once told me "Mark, they'll break your heart." As you so accurately point out, something that beautiful, majestic and powerful can at the same time be so fragile. There must be some lesson to be learned, perhaps about the fragility of life in general. Nice job! And I'm glad you are getting lots of positive feedback, it's well deserved. ~Mark

Saying Thanks

Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday, it really is. Not just because it celebrates food and cooking (two things I love!), but, it also contains the wonderful and amazing word: Thanks.

One word for all of you: Thanks.

Thanksgiving is nearly here, and I will be spending it cooking up a multi-course meal for my mom and my mother-in-law. Second year in a row--spoil the moms! My husband and I won't let them wash a dish or even fold a scrap of laundry. Fold laundry? Well, yes. If you knew my mother you would see why that is such a challenge--the minute she is through the door she is searching for that ever-elusive basket full of unfolded clothes, ready to dig in. Bless her heart! I love my mom.

The book journey is now in post-publication. What a great time this has been! So many people have been there for me through the whole dang thing--when it was just a kernel of an idea, to the outline, the first draft, the second draft, the third draft, the fourth draft, (shall I go on?) the first proof, the second proof (and good golly, not this again), the final, the book signings, the events. Some of you let me ride your UConn Morgans (WOW!) Some of you bought me chocolate (Yes!) So many of you gave me smiles, hugs, words of support and best of all, your friendship.  

You told me what I needed to hear, not just what I wanted to hear, and that, my dear friends, is what helps me grow as a writer, an artist and a person.  

And, at least one of you surprised me at my UConn Book signing wearing a custom-made "Helen Rules" t-shirt. But, that's not all--did you happen to catch the public display of dancing prowess to Jessica Simpson's A Public Affair in the middle of the Ag quad? It happened, folks.

Now I am officially a published author, and this makes me giddy--and grateful.

Now, Helen--what did we learn? Hmmm? I learned that I love this quote by Stephen King:

"Don't let the sun go down without saying thank you to someone, and without admitting to yourself that absolutely no one gets this far alone.”

I also learned this stuff, and now, I pass it on to you:

1. Writing a book takes a long time and requires commitment and focus. There's no way I could have accomplished this feat if I told myself "I'll do it tomorrow." Do it TODAY. Right now.
2. No one creates in a vacuum. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, share your vision, cheer you on, and enrich your soul.
3. The first draft of anything is crap. I think Hemingway used a stronger term, but you get the idea.
4. If you write in your voice, it will sound genuine. Write from your heart. Write poems. Write with tears. Write with love.
5. There is such a thing as Debut Author Anxiety. Please, don't worry about it. You have people who believe in you. Believe in yourself.
6. Take a walk on the chilly days. It's motivating.
7. Learn to let go of "just one more thing...." Just get on with it.
8. Lean on a mentor or two. They are there to tell you lovely things like "time will make it better" or, "I've done that, too."
9.  Don't be afraid to ask questions. Gather stories. Listen. Transcribe with open ears and a closed mouth.
10. Independently-published authors: don't skip the editor and the designer because you think you can. You can't.
11. Be grateful, every day.

Thanks, everyone.

Helen

PS get the book here https://www.createspace.com/4071314

PPS the book is also available at the Willimantic Food Co-op, 91 Valley St. Willimantic, CT

PPPS and Amazon. (AND I just discovered another 5-Star review on there this morning! Thank you!)

I was so excited to discover this book as I am a graduate of the UConn Animal Science Department. Reading the book and perusing the photographs brought back a lot of memories. I especially appreciate the attention given to UC Ringmaster, who was the top stallion at UConn during my time there. The author writes in an informative and heartfelt manner, and some of the stories brought tears to my eyes! She is also a talented artist and her painting was used for the cover and her drawings are sprinkled throughout the book.~review from 'New Englander' on Amazon.com

 UC Serendipity and I do some exploring---spooky abandoned buildings! Eeek! FUN!....(photo by Megan Thompson)

 UC Ringmaster, the horse that started it all. (photo by Helen Scanlon)

 First draft is DONE! Now the real work begins. (Photo by Helen Scanlon)

 Oh wow--here it is--the final draft goes to the designer. (photo by Helen Scanlon)

 Me and the lovely UC Ovation. (photo by Steve Scanlon)

 UC Doc Sanchez!

 Me and Agent Space Girl. Her t-shirt says "Helen Rules," but she rules MORE. Then, the dancing in the Ag quad. Oh my, the dancing! We did get some folks to groove, however. It was a perfect day. (At UConn's Cornucopia Fest, photo by Steve Scanlon).

 Giving my speech at UC Ringmaster's memorial. I painted that portrait of him. (Photo by Steve Scanlon.)

Lots of books to sign! At the UC Ringmaster Memorial.

UC Ringmaster speech by Helen Scanlon

 

Sept. 29, 2013
UC Ringmaster memorial speech by Helen Scanlon

It is an honor to be here today with all of you as we remember the life and legacy of the Great Red Horse, UC Ringmaster.

UC Ringmaster touched many lives in many ways. He was a friend, a teacher, an incredible and joyful performer-- and he certainly had a profound effect on me. He won his two World Championship titles when I was a student here at UConn, and I remember reading about him and thinking how proud I was of my school for having such a superbly talented horse. I didn’t officially meet him until 2006.

As he nickered at me through the stall bars, I was overcome by his otherworldly magnificence. I have been around horses most of my life, and no horse before or since has ever had that immediate effect on me. I was in the presence of something almost indescribable—a nobility so rare, yet so warm---he seemed to glow with it.  His coat was unlike any shade of red I had ever seen on a horse—he was  the color of brewed tea, of garnets, of amber. We were friends the instant we met, and from that moment on, he would inspire me in many life-changing ways.  He inspired me to learn more about him—the UConn Morgan, the government bloodlines, the history of his proud breed. Because of him, I finally achieved my lifelong goal of writing a book. A dream I held onto since I was 10 years old, my nose stuck in Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry. He inspired me to paint him. That painting led to a phone call by Dr. Al Cowan, and a conversation that lasted over an hour---Dr. Cowan recalling to me the day UC Ringmaster was born. More calls and letters followed. It led to a phone call to Cheryl Orcutt: “Hi, my name is Helen Scanlon and I am writing a book on the UConn Morgans , and I was wondering if you could tell me all about Ringmaster?” --- and a nearly three-hour conversation followed--the phone cradled in my neck, my pen jotting notes as Cheryl so generously shared memories of her Great Red Horse with me.

I would like to thank Cheryl Orcutt for sharing her best friend with all of us. Thank you to Les Parker for your thrilling show-ring partnership with him. Thank you to John Bennett, Kathy Pelletier, Jim Dinger and the UConn horsebarn for their consummate care of UC Ringmaster—and thank you to all of the people who worked with him, cared for him, knew him, and loved him.

And thank you, UC Ringmaster. I, and many others, will never forget your strength, your exuberance, your animated nickering, your darling little ears pointed to the sky, your love of human company, your heart-stopping performances in the show ring, your lessons, your power, your grace, your beauty. For me, I will always remember how my heart leapt with joy as you fluttered your nostrils wide and trumpeted at me as I called out to you: “Who’s your biggest fan?”

I would like to conclude with a poem that I wrote. This is for you, today, Great Red Horse:

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

(Note: the wind magically picked up as I read the line, "I hear him in the gust through the flue." UC Ringmaster was there, with all of us. ~HS)

UC Ringmaster Memorial and Book Signing at UConn's Cornucopia Fest

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!

The book is PUBLISHED and ready to purchase!

*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.

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

DONE DONE DONE

The day has finally arrived--the book is DONE.

Outline: Done. How did I want the information organized? I tried several formats before deciding on the final one.
Research: Done. This included phone interviews, e-mails, Facebook, Dodd Center for Research, American Morgan Horse Association, National Museum of the Morgan Horse, UConn Horse barn, UConn School of Ag Department of Animal Science, UVM, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc.
Illustrations: Done. About 20 of 'em--loose, freehand pencil sketches to add contrast to the photographs I obtained.
Manuscript: Done. I rewrote the whole dang book about six times.
Final Editing: Done. I met with my editor several times and made even more changes. We also labored over the sources page and the index.
Photo Scanning: Done. A big pile of archives from the Department of Animal Science---all scanned and looking brand new.
Photo Permissions: Done. May I? Thank you.
Final Design, Indexing and Layout: Done. Many, many hours of formatting, moving around, seeing what looks good, changing, tweaking, re-formatting, adding, converting, pagination. Whew.
ISBN: Purchased. That part was pretty easy.

I will never look at a book the same way again! Wow, it's A LOT of work.

Off to the publisher in about two weeks. First, I need to do a little celebrating and exhaling.

THANK YOU!  

Next blog entry will be some purchasing information. I hope you are all as eager to see this book as I am!

Heels down, eyes UP...

 ....We're headed for that final fence!

All that's left is the spine and back cover design and we're set to go.

Welcome to the world of independent publishing! It's all DIY, here! My goodness, I am learning much. Can't wait to get my 'baby' to the publisher.

I would like to take a moment to thank my wonderful graphic designer husband, Steve, for devoting most of his weekends to the book's design. Even when it was sunny and warm--he was in his office, designing away.

THANK YOU, sweetie!

He will now be known as Steve the Index Master. (That index was a BEAR. Took many hours, even with a program).

Onward!

Art Opening--You're Invited!

Hello Friends of Sound the Bugle Studio,

I hope this blog post finds you well.

Mark your calendars!

You are invited to help me welcome the warmth and beauty of May at my art opening at the Lily Pad gallery, 34 North St., Willimantic CT., on Thursday, May 9 from 5-7pm.

Lots of my equine art will be there—charcoal drawings and big, vibrant paintings—including my portrait of the UConn-bred Morgan stallion, UC Doc Daniels. This painting will be featured on the cover of my soon-to-be-published book, My Horse, My Heart: The Morgan Horses of the University of Connecticut.

Come on out and enjoy the art! I would love to see you!

Very best wishes,

Helen

THE BOOK COVER!

Above is very probably the FINAL DESIGN for the book cover.

Many thanks to my designer husband for being so awesome. Love!

UC Ringmaster print and updates!

YES!

Final photo permission came through, just need to draft a letter. Easy!

The text and illustrations are all formatted and looking pretty.

My editor meets with me on April 9 to get those dang chapter notes in. Oh, and the index.

Still on track for May for a publication-ready PDF!

In the meantime, work on my second book is nearly done. Here is my blog post on my UC Ringmaster print--I am offering it ahead of the book's publication. A portion of the proceeds will go to UConn's Morgan horse breeding program. It's my way of saying 'thank you' to my alma mater, in the memory of its greatest son, UC Ringmaster.

Go here to find out more:
UC Ringmaster print!

And as always, thank YOU.

Galloping along....

The book design moves forward.

My designer fired the afterburners this past weekend and got in ALL of the photos and ilustrations. He's also prettying it up and adding page embellishments and graphics.

This book looks GOOD.

Almost time to start my third book! YAY! (Watch for a big announcement--and new book blog!)

I think I am addicted to this whole 'book writing' thing.

Thanks for following along and cheering me on. Still shooting for May for a publication-ready PDF.

Here's my designer husband hard at work. Yes, that is Godzilla on his desk:

moving forward....

....My Horse, My Heart is coming to life....

Look at this--it makes my heart skip a beat or two.

It's a BOOK.

How blessed am I to be married to a graphic designer?

Yes, good book design takes time--and it takes even more time when life happens all around you and book design is limited to weekends.

Only laundry is on the 'to-do' list this weekend, so yesterday my husband spent about seven hours doing wonderful design stuff to my book. Today, he will easily spend another seven or eight hours clicking on that mouse, moving stuff around, cropping, sizing and just simply being brilliant. The photos and illustrations could be in the book today. All of them.

That's really kind of awesome. *smile*

Wow!

Check this out:

Do you know what that is? Yup, it's my little book on my husband's computer.

Text is formatted! This is HUGE.

Did I mention THE BEST part of independent publishing? I get to work with the people I love the most...

My husband, Steve, Indesign Wizard, put in many, many hours this weekend working on My Horse, My Heart. He worked with a smile and told me he truly loved my words.

Steve is an honest, good man---so this compliment was sincere. He's not the kind of person who would say it 'just because' I am his wife--he doesn't work that way.

He also gave me some good ol' constructive criticism.

"The placement of your poems gets a little confusing," he told me. " You should think about a better flow."

Honesty. Gotta have it, gotta love it. 

I looked back on the manuscript, and by gaw, he's right.

See? This whole book design thing takes time. And, good book design looks effortless, like dressage. You see the rider just sitting there, seemingly not doing anything. Oh, but the rider is actually working up quite a sweat with every muscle getting in on the action.

Every book had its humble beginnings and a designer that made it breathe.



Thank you, sweetie.

Guess who...

young UC Ringmaster in a field of dandelions, copyright 2013 by Helen Scanlon.

Illustration for The Great Red Horse, go here to follow my second book journey:
http://greatredhorse.blogspot.com/

Onward we go!

I've been quiet on this blog lately. My apologies! But, I do have some pretty good excuses...

My Horse, My Heart is done and is totally immersed in final design. And, I am working away on my second book, The Great Red Horse. (Go here! : http://greatredhorse.blogspot.com/)

Here is an illustration from The Great Red Horse to make up for my silence. I hope you like it.

Now, when should My Horse, My Heart be ready for purchase? Soon, I promise. Not that I want to set a deadline, but I am shooting for spring/summer. Hopefully by May.

Design takes a loooooooong time---there is so much to consider. Pagination, layout, fonts, chapters, spine, front and back covers, photos, illustrations--etc etc etc. But, the book is in VERY capable hands right now, so I am not stressing at all. A worry-free mind is necessary for creativity--so---

I am off to fire up the paintbrushes, thanks for following along!