Word Wrap: A book review by C. Hope Clark

Chilled Run
by Joan Bramsch
Publisher: Joan Bramsch & JB Information Station
ISBN 0-934334-04-8
Copyright © Joan Bramsch
E-Book Copyright © June 2000

What an imagination! Joan Bramsch takes It's a Small World and develops it into an adult sci-fi story.

A small diverse group of highly intelligent and gifted individuals unite in a pilot program in a daring attempt to prove that nationalities can come together successfully for the common good. Adult and youths from several dozen ethnic backgrounds participate in establishing Mystic, a self-contained community intent on developing individual skills and talents to convince the world there is a better way than the status quo of nation against nation.

Miracles take place in Mystic. The inhabitants focus intently on the strengths of the individual using inherit talents. As a result over the years, medicine, telepathy, agriculture, engineering, ecology and other fields are expanded, mastered and applied for the great betterment of mankind.

Gradually, the community secretly plants its young gifted ambassadors throughout the world to gradually work their success in the weave of mankind to educate and improve globally as has been done already in Mystic. But as can be expected, adversaries exist in spite of the weighted advantages of Mystic's teachings. Such enemy still clings to personal wealth and power with little regard to the impact on brother man and mother earth. Thus, Chilled Run evolves as the prison of sorts for such deviants. And herein lies the conflict of the tale - basic good against evil.

The reader becomes caught up in the purity of Mystic and its leaders in aiding mankind. While almost too perfect, Joan Bramsch provides a realm where one can see the future and the enhanced possibilities of an almost Utopian existence. The reader can dare in this environment to hope for a future in which people are cherished for themselves and their talents, with everyone seeking a peaceful, fruitful and meaningful co-existence.

CHILLED RUN flows peacefully taking on a Camelot aurora. The tale is quite unique and easily absorbed. Download a copy of this e-read and wrap yourself in Joan Bramsch's Mystic world of beauty and strength.

An Interview with Joan Bramsch

by C. Hope Clark

HC: Joan, thank you for offering some of your precious time to WordWeaving for an interview. You are a busy lady! In reviewing your site and talking with you, I get the feeling you are a writer second to your role as a 'parent cheerleader.' Can you explain to our readers your motivation behind your online publication - The EMPOWERED PARENTING Ezine?

JB: Thanks, Hope, for inviting me for a visit. You've just said magic words about which I can talk for quite awhile.

The Empowered Parenting Ezine (EP) will soon be two years old and now serves 1000 Parents and other guardians of children worldwide. I expect the number to increase dramatically in the next six months and beyond, because I'm going to be doing big promotions.

When I first started this publication I thought I'd be sharing lessons on how to raise a child. I do have some 25 years' experience. Although I do continue to give tips and opinions, I soon discovered the real reason I felt driven to write EP - I am Parents' Cheerleader! In addition to encouraging Parents to be their best, I make sure they know I appreciate their effort and that I value them, right here, right now.

HC: Explain the International Parental Network to us.

The JB International Parenting Network is the culmination of a dream. It's my new web site -- http://www.joanbramsch.com -- and a natural extension of EP. Here, a visitor will find free Family-oriented articles about travel, party plans, collectibles, recipes for holidays and everydays, and Riddles for the Kiddles (my pet name for young children :)

There is also a collection of Joan's Positive Parenting Letters, the EP archive and fun contests for cash and prizes. The Halloween contest is up now -- http://www.joanbramsch.com/parties/halloween.shtml -- and First Prize is $75!

HC: You have not always been a writer. I see remnants of a teacher, toy designer, salesperson, mentor, and fundraiser. What is your greatest strength?

Joan: My greatest strength is the ability to dream a dream, an abstract, and create concrete results even though it may not be easy and might take a very long time. How do I do that? Keeping all the above in mind, there is really only one rule: Never, never, never, ever give up!

I think every successful entrepreneur, and now 'netrepreneur' follows that rule.

HC: What is your greatest product thus far? Is it writing or one of your other endeavors?

Joan: My most important achievement by today's or any day's standard is this: I've been married all my adult life to the same man - my first and only true love, my Bill. A man of few words, he says that only one word defines the way to a successful marriage or any lasting relationship - Respect. I agree.

Together we raised five children - a son and four daughters, all brave, good and self-supporting adults now. That's achievement Number Two. They have given us seven brilliant grandchildren who are our pleasure.

After those Life achievements I would say writing TEACH ME, I'M YOURS: IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE SMART, YOU BE THE FIRST TEACHER! (TMIY) took more dedication and more determination than any other writing project to date. I recently revised, updated and enlarged this book, and it now contains 300 pages and over 200 tested exercises, games, songs and lessons. In January, 2001 I'll begin TMIY classes using streaming audio on my web site. To be able to use my teaching skills to share information with Parents is an honor and a privilege.

HC: You have many other educational ideas in the works. Can you explain some of them to us?

Joan: Regarding those other educational ideas? Do you have a couple days, Hope? ;) I'm so grateful for the Internet and its growing technology. This technological revolution enables me to communicate with Parents worldwide. It seems a miracle when I note EP goes to subscribers on every continent, to places I have only read about, to Parents who trust me and have become my friends. Because the web tools improve daily, I have new ways to reach out to families. I can read Positive stories to the children, sing Positive songs, provide pep talks for the Parents -- all by clicking on a little "PLAY" button. Amazing!

There will be a section on the Parenting Network to share positive essays, too. I also want to contact schools through their parent organizations.

HC: I just finished reading CHILLED RUN. It was quite a unique story - futuristic, sci-fi, a little romance, with an educational message on world peace and diversity. Tell us how this tale came to be and how will this book be available?

CHILLED RUN was a Gift of Hope. The entire story came to me in a dream. Starting that very morning, I wrote nonstop for 3 ˝ weeks. (One does not ask the Muse to wait! :) The entire experience seemed meant to be; an important work to benefit Children.

Even the title is a conscious play on the word: CHILLED RUN is the name of the prison in a frozen desolate wasteland. After the manuscript was complete I knew the story should have music. A book published electronically - an Ebook - may contain music, graphics, even streaming video. But I had no love song. That night as I fell asleep I "requested" my melody. When I awoke the following morning, I promise you, I was humming the Mystic Lovesong. Lyrics were an unexpected plus.

Because I feel so strongly about CHILLED RUN fifty percent of my earnings on sales will go to the Crisis Nursery, a wondrous organization where out-of-control parents can bring their children until they can safely care for them again. Only God knows how many young lives have been saved with their help.

CHILLED RUN can be purchased in several formats for US $7.95 at my web site: http://www.joanbramsch.com

HC: You have aspirations to be a radio talk show host, a thought that would frighten many of us. Tell us your plans.

Joan: Yes, I'll have a radio talk show, but it will be a show with a twist - I'll broadcast on the Internet! It's true, Hope, I'll have my own radio station. A few years ago this was beyond belief. Amazing 21st Century technology. In the meantime, for the next six months at least, I'll be doing traditional radio talk shows across the nation, entertaining listeners with true stories about raising a large family from my ebook - YOU KIDS JUST WAIT TILL I GET OVER BEING PREGNANT... AM I GOING TO STRAIGHTEN YOU OUT!

HC: Back to writing, what are your immediate writing goals? And long term goals?

Joan: My immediate writing plan is to continue expanding my web site, The International Parenting Network, to better serve Parents. In addition I have a contemporary romance and a mainstream novel in the final editing stage.

Long term? For Families, I have six file drawers filled with completed work, partials and new ideas, stories and research. For adult readers there are four completed manuscripts and at least two dozen partials waiting for me. I figure ten years of steady work might put a dent in the inventory.

HC: Give us a typical writing day in the life of Joan Bramsch.

Joan: I awaken at 6 a.m., have an energy drink, then enjoy my 5-mile run. After showering and a cool down I meditate and do tai chi for one hour. Munching on fresh fruit and a whole grain muffin I begin outlining my day's writing which will last for at least four hours, but never more than twelve.

POP!!! Oops, there's that recurring dream again. Sorry. ;)

In actuality, family comes first and it is my honor to provide full-time care for my Bill, who has been dealing with serious health challenges for many years. Therefore, I write when I'm able - an hour, sometimes two hours at a time. Much of my serious writing is done late at night when the house is quiet and all my other jobs are complete for another day.

HC: And finally, give some advice to the struggling writers out there trying to earn a living at their passion.

A writer has to know where to find the work. Your newsletter informs writers about opportunities in the field. There are other newsletters that provide publishing needs. Then I can list three suggestions.

#1 - Be fearless. Send out your work. A thick skin is an absolute necessity if you would be a working writer because every word you submit is judged subjectively by another person.

#2 - Expect to be paid for your best work. Unless you gain something in a win-win barter, don't give your work away just to see your name in print. Neither sell it for two cents a click. Do you know how many clicks it takes to equal $25 and your first check? A lot!

#3 - If writing truly is your passion, you can repeat after me: I will never, never, never, ever give up!

Thanks, Hope, for this opportunity to visit with you and your readers. Please invite them to come visit me at http://www.joanbramsch.com

I love company! :)

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Chilled Run - Reviewed for Tracy's Book Reviews by Lisa Hurley

Publisher: JB Information Station
Publisher's URL: http://www.joanbramsch.com
Genre: Adult Mainstream Fiction
ISBN: 0934334048
Release Date: June 2000 (serial version)

3 Stars

Disgusted and worried about the state of the world's treatment of its children, several powerful people bond together to form an underground child activist group, hell bent on saving the world, and doing a darn good job of it. Determined to make the world a better place for children around the globe, they put into effect "The Principle of First Call," a plan that addresses not only the children, but the entire world as we know it.

Secluding 131 children, each from different countries and cultures, and an adult mentor from the same background in a hidden community named ‘Mystic’, the world Elders try to instill a sense of morals and justice into the future of mankind. Finding cures for AIDS, cancer, and most other terminal diseases, the group succeeds in cleaning up the moral stucture of humanity.

But when the Old Guard, a group of anti- activists set on the old ways, get tired of playing nice, they infiltrate Mystic, and the hope of the future begins to die, right along with Mystic’s children. Can the Older Children and the Elders figure out who the traitors are in time to save the unborn?

Mrs. Bramsh has written a good book, one that is both heartwarming, and blood chilling, in its altogether too true statements about the state of the world, as we know it. Although not as deep, or detailed as it could have been, Chilled Run is a good book. Someone should send the Leaders of the world a copy, because although it is fiction, it truthfully portrays modern-day treatment of children, and the state of the world we live in. Well edited, Chilled Run is a good book to curl up with.

Reviewed for Tracy's Book Reviews by:

Lisa Hurley
lboone@navarropecan.com

Copyright (c) 2000 by Lisa Hurley

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Review of CHILLED RUN - by Linda Eberharter

When you see the announcement and lead-in information for CHILLED RUN by Joan Bramsch, it is mentioned this story is a "wish it were true" tale. And oh, how that sums it up. Joan has steadfastly stood by her belief that this is an important work and it shows from the opening chapter.

In today's world, we are spinning out of control. Deception, hate, corruption, and turmoil have become the legacy we are leaving to our children and this is a travesty, one of horror for these young ones and those yet to be born. What if there was a way collectively to save the next generation, where atrocities against children are nonexistent, where prejudices no longer exist, where illness no longer snuffs out lives and where addiction to drugs are extinguished? It sounds as if the only way this can evolve is through the ending of this old world as we know it and a new world created. In CHILLED RUN, the apocalypse, which so many believe will happen and anticipate, doesn't happen for there is another answer to be found.

As the story opens the reader learns quickly that the leaders of the world are well aware of the problems that are facing the human race and the children in particular. The United Nations votes overwhelmingly in 1990 to save the world's children by backing the Principle of First Call to protect the children. Sadly, though, five years later very little has been accomplished and the world is still heading on the same horrific course.

We meet the magnificent Victor Running Eagle, who through his influence gathers together many representatives from countries around the world. This meeting is secret and its purpose is to present his plan to save the children. He conveys to the gathering that the world at large had failed at their attempt to change the course of events. His proposal, along with others who had worked with him, was to save some of the children, a sampling from each country. They had 131 countries represented and there would be one child and adult advisor from each chosen for this project. They would live in a secret place together and in one generation there would emerge true equality and opportunity for all without racism and prejudices. No one child would be more important than another.

This secret place had been created and prepared for this project in a hidden plain on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. The community would be called Mystic.

The plan is sound, the participants are eager and their journey begins. Do they find success and will this wondrous plan of Victor and the others bring about the salvation of the human race? Turns and twists, deception and fears enter the equation as the years progress. The characters the reader meets pull at the heartstrings and command respect and admiration. How they deal with the evil and deception will cause the reader to think and nod their heads in agreement. The suspense will mount and the final outcome will be one of amazement.

As the reader becomes involved with these courageous and strong characters it is evident that Joan Bramsch knows these characters intimately. Their hearts and minds are exposed and laid open to the reader so that they may cheer them on and consequently align themselves with their cause. Is there another book which deals with our present world situation as CHILLED RUN? No, not to my knowledge and that is why this book becomes a must read.

To ponder why that is brings us back to the state our world is in now. For many of us, we just hope for an end to it in the next life, figuring we have gone beyond the point which it could possibly be repaired. Yet, we as the human race have been given gifts of immeasurable value. Although squandered, it doesn't mean hope is gone. CHILLED RUN is a book of hope, of what the human race has the potential of doing. Hope does spring eternal and that is what makes CHILLED RUN the important work it truly is. Read this one, it will uplift your heart.


INTERVIEW

I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Joan Bramsch on the phone in lieu of us doing an email interview. A fascinating, funny and insightful lady, Joan was a joy to talk to. I want to share with you the high points of our conversation, which centered around her new release CHILLED RUN. Our conversation was casual and so I will in turn relate it to you in the same casual manner.

When I asked Joan what prompted her to write CHILLED RUN her immediate answer back was, "It was a gift." Over time she had done a lot of research in regards to her interest in the Native American culture, medicine, and herbs. It was as if all the knowledge she had gleaned was for a purpose. The gift of this story came out and she wrote the book in 3 1/2 weeks she told me. "Of course I had to check for correct dates such as when the tragedy at Chernobyl occurred. When writing fiction, it's imperative the author is factual. If she/he misses something, the credibility is ruined and the reader won't want to travel on through the novel with the author," Joan commented. She goes on to say, "In speaking of Chernobyl, as I wrote the scene where Mikhail is told his family had all perished in the tragedy, I felt it all, wept for him in true agony. You see, writers have a big imagination and record what they see and what they feel." Joan is convinced not only is this book a gift, but an important work. Centering around saving the children, all children of the world, from child abuse of all manner, hits a sensitive spot in Joan's heart. "I go a little nuts if I hear about a child being abused. It's stealing their innocence and I can't abide it. So strongly do I feel this, I would place myself between a child in this situation and the other who was afflicting the abuse. Currently, 50% of the profits from CHILLED RUN will be going to the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. This center is open 24 hours a day. If a parent feels he/she is loosing control, they can bring the children into the center, leave them and then go away, hopefully to seek help before they return." Joan continued by saying, "Typically, the highest occurrences of child abuse occurs in blue collar neighborhoods. It's an ongoing story. Dad is pushed to his limits at work, under pressure to provide for his family at a job, which demands so much of him. He comes home, yells at his wife and passes it on down to the kids - just to get rid of the stress. A typical pecking order exists." Joan told me for the life of CHILLED RUN, this percentage of profit will continue going to organizations like the Crisis Nursery.

Joan serialized CHILLED RUN, offering it in segments of 4000 - 5500 words per week. It was a wonderful way to introduce the story and the Internet is a great tool for doing so. I asked Joan how she felt the serialization turned out over all. "It was a great first experience. Most of the 400+ subscribers stayed - just a few left when some of the sensual parts came up, even though I had billed it as an adult novel. Overall, though, the response was great. A student who had been in the middle of finals missed part seven and asked me to please send it again as she didn't want to miss it! There were a good number of responses which came in and I am hoping quite a few of them write a bit about it for reviews." The serialization of Joan's book was great but the entire book, which is now available has something extra and exciting included. That something is musical pieces incorporated into various places of the story. The music, too, has a story.

"Jim Farris,(http://com.to/xaa), who is on the e-author list I frequent stepped in and lent his composing experience. I told him I wanted a Mozart piece with a big thud a the end and he obliged - it was great. But, I needed a love song for the couple after they were married. Jim, tried twice but it wasn't quite right. I went to sleep that night asking for the melody and woke up humming it to the words the next morning. I picked out the notes and sent it on to Jim. This wedding is between a Native American medicine man and an Oriental woman. I wanted to hear the beat of drums yet feel the rest. Jim added the drum and wind chimes and the result was perfect. I wept. The beauty was there in the music and just so right!" Joan and I continued talking about CHILLED RUN and the subject got around to her book cover. "David Eppestine, my genius engineering assistant, sees my visions. I can communicate to him and he simply takes it from there. I told him I saw snowcapped mountains and boy, how neat it would be if the letters of the title could SOMEHOW also be snowcapped. He did it! I then told him I saw children by the lake shore and he did this too, even making them appear like they are racing out of the frame toward the reader. He is just fantastic," Joan said. I certainly agreed with her as the cover is all she could have hoped for.

As Joan and I wound up our conversation, she reflected, "CHILLED RUN would never have been available to readers had I relied on traditional publishers because if ever there was a book that crossed many genres, it is this one! How would they put a label on it? Upon which shelf would it be placed? The genres I've spotted are these: sci-fi, mystery, murder, adventure, fantasy, paranormal, romance." I heartily agreed with her and told her how truly wonderful it is that we now have the avenue of e-publishing and the Internet, for without it, this most important work would never have had the chance to be heard or read.

Linda Eberharter

Atlantic Bridge Publishing
"Exploring the World of Epublishing" http://www.atlanticbridge.net
Editor - Ebook Junction

Copyright (c) 2000 by Atlantic Bridge Publishing

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