Saturday, December 14, 2013

Betelnut Radio-The BBQ Show Interview

"If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don't write, because our culture has no use for it." Anais Nin


Support from Betelnut Radio's The BBQ Show meant so much to me. I was interviewed this past Thursday on air by Q and Joe Sav. It was a fun discussion about my books, and a great promotion for my efforts as a Pacific Islander author.

I was able to video tape it off my lap top, I'm not so tech savvy and the fliers the radio show created made me feel extra 'legit'.

Thank you again, Q and Joe Sav for featuring this Chamorrita author from Guam. I appreciate any support I can get.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

NaNoWriMo 2013 Complete!

In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance.--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe



Just a quick note about how relieved I am that my YA novel, "Little Drummer Boy" is complete. That is the messy, disjointed, ugly baby that it is. The first draft is laid down at 50,034 words in 27 days. My biggest push was getting it done before Thanksgiving. And, I did it.

Thanks to my patient family.
Whew! Let's celebrate. I'm dancing like George Takei!




Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Happy to be the GUEST Blogger at Shannon A. Thompson's Website

I find inspiration by disconnecting for a moment from Facebook, Twitter, email, TV, etc. and just observing. It could be something as simple as an exchange between a mother and child, a glance between lovers or a flash of anger on a stranger’s face. The world around me without the filter of the internet is a great source of inspiration.-Tanya Taimanglo
The focus of my guest blog post is INSPIRATION. Click here to read more at Shannon's website.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Interview with an Artist--Stephen Tenorio Jr.

By Tanya Taimanglo
To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour.—William Blake

Today, my blog focuses on author and artist, Stephen Tenorio Jr. I’ve known “Steve” for decades, being schoolmates on Guam. But, it wasn’t until a cherished aunt shared a book with me, Stephen’s debut novel, An Ocean in a Cup did I make contact with him again. I was excited to see another Chamorro author, and with the common goal of bringing our literature to the forefront, Steve and I have corresponded on our chosen art forms from time to time.

Stephen’s oil painting graces the cover of his novel. I remember thinking, wow, he’s got a great eye for color and form (that’s the extent of my art critique skills). But, I was glad he was so multitalented.

When Stephen started posting photos of his new works and his current art show on Guam. I, being the cheerleader and support system I am, began sharing his information on Facebook and Twitter, then offered a spot on my blog to go more in depth about the artist behind the art. So, please enjoy this snapshot of Stephen Tenorio Jr. and if you’re on Guam, enjoy his show!

*Stephen and his granddaughter enjoying a day at the beach (Guam).


Stephen’s Day Job: Artist/Attorney/JAG/PBS Board Member

Home: Tamuning, Guam

Title/Location/Date of your ART SHOW: CAHA Gallery, Hagatna, Guam, November 2013


1. When did you start painting?

I dabbled – painting five to six canvases over the last sixteen years, but only in June of this year did I start making an effort to paint. With the exception of one painting, I started painting the seven of eight paintings from this collection in June. I was going to do my Exhibit in April of 2014 but CAHA needed someone to fill a gap in their schedule, and the gallery coordinator knew I had finished several pieces already, so they asked me to fill the gap ---- and I did.

2. What is your favorite medium?

Just oil. Ironically, my first three oil paintings I painted over a decade ago were done with watercolor brushes. I didn’t know the difference between an oil and watercolor brush then. I thought to myself, “I don’t think I should paint, I really can’t control these brushes.” A decade later while living in Seattle, I realized I was using the wrong brushes. That's when I started the painting “Faith and Earthquakes,” still, it would take me nine years before I finished it because I was caught up in law school and had put the painting away.
3. Describe your show in one sentence? (or more)

It’s my first true effort to paint so you will see more vibrancy and strong application than I intended. To the audience in general, they will see a dark burst of colors trying to portray Guam in the early 1900s (not Spanish era which most people think).

4. You are also an author; I think ART is writing, painting, theater, dance and more, as long as it is a creative outlet… But, do you think it is harder to paint a picture with words or with your brush?

Good question, my next collection I hope to emulate some poems I wrote a decade ago. The poems have strong imagery. One poem took me a year to write, I guess when I start painting I’ll hit the clock and see which gets done faster and with less challenges.
5. Do you have a favorite piece? Which one and why?

I don’t. They are like kids, even the ugliest one is just as beautiful as the rest of the children.

6. Are your works up for sale?

I don’t think I could let them go, but I am looking towards keeping them with the local museum or public gallery. I guess I have to practice law for awhile to make ends meet.

7. Where do you get your inspiration?

Like my novel, I have a passion for the Romantic period and in Guam’s case it would be Spanish era and early 1900s before World War 2. I grew up studying this period while in school, so I always thought there was something always poetic about this period that I want to be a part.

8. What time of day are you most creative?

I don’t have a set time.

*Stephen enjoys painting with his granddaughter.


9. Who are your favorite artists?

Chagall is at the top only because he has the most amounts of paintings of one artist that I appreciate. And, now with the recent “find” of lost classic works found in Germany (which contains works not catalogued by Chagall), I am excited. I like William Blake but likely only because he was a Poet and Painter, it’s no insult to say his poems were more prized than his paintings. In some ways, I can understand the essence of his creativity.

10. Any advice for aspiring artists?

You have to believe in the sacrifice you are making because like me all your efforts no matter how genuine and admirable may still have you struggling for your next meal or rent, and the only thing that gets you by is knowing that you know you are doing what you were meant to do.

You can contact Stephen via Facebook (Stephen Tenorio Jr.)






Friday, November 1, 2013

NaNoWriMo Take 2.

Excited to start my second year with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I consider this the kick in the pants I need to get a novel first draft done. 50,000 words in 30 days. Not too late to start! Check them out too. Link HERE.

My working title is, Flies in the Vasoline. First POV of a teenage boy. Young Adult.


Writing music. Lots of Ed Sheeran, Hannah Trigwell, Boyce Avenue, covers and 90s rock.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Secret Shopper is FREE! eBOOK PROMO!

My romantic comedy, Secret Shopper is FREE! Yes. I make no coffee money from October 24-28 Pacific Standard Time, ends at midnight.

So get your EBOOK copy now and savor the funny, spicy, love story that is Phoenix and Thomas.

LINK here.

Hoping my gamble brings good things to this Indie Author and I hope you enjoy. Thanks, everyone!

Monday, October 21, 2013

Happy Birthday, Dad.

62 would have been a grand celebration.


My father remains in my heart,
Taken six years ago, too soon
I regret that he did not meet his
granddaughter, spunky and tough like him
or watch his grandson evolve,
smart and kind like him
He did not see my mother
flourish in his absence, despite her heavy heart
He did not witness
his daughter find her true calling
or his son carry on his passions
For these reasons I miss him so,
I urge those who have their fathers
To cherish the time you have
Six years later, and I’m still reeling
Regretting, remembering….all the things my father was
and all the things my father did not see

Tedy Gamboa Chargualaf, my latte stone

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

411Junkie Blog Interviews Me & Offers a Great Novel Review of Secret Shopper!

The 411 on me is that I was recently hosted by 411Junkie's Blog! Check out my author interview (she had riveting questions) and also the lovely book review of my romantic comedy, Secret Shopper.
An Indie Author is always grateful for anyone who shares their spotlight.

Read the Interview HERE.

Read the Book Review HERE. (Warning: Spoilers).

Don't forget to join my Rafflecopter giveaway of a signed copy of Secret Shopper! Just 4 days left. Click Here!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

My First Rafflecopter Giveaway! Your Chance to Win an Autographed Copy of Secret Shopper!

I'm joining in on the Rafflecopter fun, hoping to bolster LIKES on my Facebook page, Twitter and Blog! So, knock yourself out with this Rafflecopter giveaway of an autographed paperback copy of my romantic comedy, Secret Shopper!

If you've read the novel, tell me about it in the comments and/or Amazon's rate and review option. If you haven't, I hope you do and thank you all!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 10, 2013

One Year...

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.
~Albert Einstein

This time last year, I was driving back to Vancouver, WA from watching The Smashing Pumpkins in concert in Everett. I had been in Washington State for just over 24 hours and was already recovering from my solo adventure to see Billy Corgan live.

With my bestie in tow, we checked out a local favorite for breakfast and drove around the city that would shortly be my home.

A year in the Pacific Northwest has been a whirlwind of fun, adventure and adjustment. Thus is the life of a Navy family.

The weather is turning cold again, and the leaves on the trees separating our home from the house behind us are beginning to change hues and are starting to thin. This means about six months of seeing into the lives of the neighbors I have yet to meet and vice versa. Although, we've met the lovely neighbors on our own street. Not to mention that we've met nearly all the Chamorros there are to meet in a 50 mile radius.

I’ve attended four concerts in the last year, one Comic Con and have traversed up and down this coast from Portland to Canada.

There’s something lovely about our new state. It’s green. It’s fresh and the notable change in seasons keeps us interested.

I self published Secret Shopper. Joined NaNoWriMo last November and wrote a draft of Wonder Summer, the YA adventure I am editing and shining up for, hopefully traditional publication. I’m joining again next month, ideas brewing in my writer brain.

My children have made friends. My husband has embraced hunting and fishing. And I continue to be a Goddess in Training.

All in all, I give our first year in Washington State 5 stars. It has helped our family evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Cover Reveal! Jackson Paul Baer's The Earth Bleeds Red

Guam Goddess in Training is happy to help fellow author, Jackson Paul Baer reveal the cover of his upcoming novel, The Earth Bleeds Red (Pandamoon Publishing-October 2013).

Jackson graciously interviewed me in July 2013. Click here to check it out. So, helping him with his cover reveal is an honor.


Read the book summary here.
Scott and Jessie are a couple in love. Ashley, their only daughter, is 17-years old and has vanished; leaving behind nothing but a pool of blood. Her strange disappearance is quickly thought to be a homicide. Her cozy, northwest town is stunned when police find the body of another girl at the bottom of the Willamette River. The eerie signature found on the girl links to a monster dubbed the Hail Mary Killer. While Scott searches for Ashley, the FBI feels convinced that she is the killer’s latest victim.

In spite of three other bodies with the same distinct marking, no one prepared themselves for the discovery in southern Oregon. Local hikers stumble upon a car in the mountain brush and a tattooing needle with an evil history surfaces inside. A cabin appears nearby with another gruesome discovery. Scott finds some solace in his friendship with Father Henry as he and Jessie try to salvage their marriage and move on beyond the loss of Ashley. The FBI finally catches a break when they unearth the dark past of the Hail Mary Killer’s family. What emerged in his basement is more terrifying than anyone could have possibly imagined. What happens to the Miller family and Father Henry will shake your soul and keep you reading till the last page.




LIKE Jackson on Facebook.

Check out his website.

Thanks!

Friday, September 6, 2013

With 2.5 Hours of 'Free Time', Comes Great Responsibility.

Two and a half hours alone…kids are in school(s).

What I feel like doing…



What might happen…




What I SHOULD do…


What my family THINKS I do…


What I really want to do

1) Read this *I hit the Library day one to pick up this hold.


2) Enjoy that *The lovely rain and greenery, the view from my home office.



3) Edit like a beast


But, I've dwindled a third of my time on Pinterest and with this Blog....okay, dirty dishes and unfinished novels, I'll be right there!

First world problems, wish me luck!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Nerd Girl Gives Secret Shopper 5 Stars and a Glowing Review!

"The romance is chivalrous and fairly chaste which is a refreshing change from the current trend."--Julie


The 5 Star review by Julie of Nerd Girl has been posted on their website, Goodreads, Library Things (which I have to join now), Facebook, and Twitter; and she also took the time to support my indie efforts by adding the review and rating on Amazon.

The Nerd Girl Facebook page is followed by nearly 4,500 folks. I hope this boosts my story's reach.

I love the cool chicks at NERD GIRL! Click here to read.



Friday, August 23, 2013

Just Saying Friday....

I may have to start a Just Saying weekly blog post...I tend to notice trends, patterns, but not at a genius level...just a mere mortal level.

Rachel McAdams has met her quota on romantic movies involving time travel (Time Traveler's Wife and the upcoming, About Time). I get it, men will risk their molecular structure to travel time to be with her, again and again....she may as well be in a Dr. Who episode or two--give her a tardis (or this sexy dress), stat!
*Just saying.

I will say this red headed actor is intriguing.



Monday, August 19, 2013

The Perks of Being a 'Chamorro' Wallflower

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

In the span of 24 hours, I rented and watched (twice) The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And, aside from waiting to hear the lovely Emma Watson (aka Hermione Granger) slip in her American accent, I was totally engrossed in this movie. Logan Lerman plays the main character, Charlie, a flawed, hurt, nervous and shy car wreck, who despite all his history is determined to feel normal. He fortunately finds friendship with an older crowd and later realizes that his dark secret of abuse is shared by the one he loves. “I feel infinite.” Is a great mantra in this movie.

I’m a bit late in this review and revelation, but that happens, I’m a mom busy with other things in my reality. Don't let me go off on a tangent about the movie's awesome soundtrack either.

The movie I fall in love with always leads me to the author and book I want to sink my teeth into and sometimes, vice versa.

Stephen Chbosky was hands on with this project from day one. Writing the novel, penning the screenplay and ultimately directing the movie. I love when that happens and I’m happy for his literary and film success.

I’ve always loved teenage angst movies, from being a preteen and devouring flicks such as Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. I always rooted for the shy girl/boy who was the wallflower. One who comes out of the shadows when he or she finds the strength. In many ways, I’ve been that late blooming wallflower.

I’ve found inspiration in Perks and I’m edging towards the final first draft edits of my Young Adult novel, Wonder Summer. I have my very own wallflower and she is finding her strength to bloom.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Author Erin Albert interviews me...check out 12 Random Facts!

I've found a great circle of author friends who share their spotlight with a generous heart. Erin Albert is one of them. She is a YA writer. Albert's debut novel, The Prophecy is due November 2013! Please support her by liking her Facebook page.


CLICK HERE to check out the fun interview I did with her. Find out why I freaked her out...read random fact #8! And, discover why I'm excited to have this guest blogpost come out today, July 24...Lynda Carter/Wonder Woman's 62nd birthday...random fact #4.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Bruno Mars Packs So Much YUM!


Date night with the hubby ended up being a Chamorro group fieldtrip to Seattle's Key Arena to watch Ellie Goulding open for the tiny and terrific, BRUNO MARS.


He was charismatic, sexy, musical (playing electric guitar and drums), and entertaining. He had my husband dancing and me and my girls hooting and hollering.

Just blogging for posterity. We sat as usual in our nosebleeds seats (still a whopping $50.00 each/parking another $10.00), section 206, row 13 (my special number), seats 1-7. Thank goodness for the large screens.

Footage from YOUTUBE, by fans with more expensive seats.
LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN (Encore)



GORILLA



WHAT A MAN!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Jackson Baer Interviews, Tanya Taimanglo

"I’d say Scotland. I’d like to learn more about kilts and sip tea in J.K. Rowling’s castle, talk shop with her perhaps and dance to some Celtic jams." Tanya Taimanglo


Thank you to author, Jackson Baer for taking the time to interview me for his blog. Authors supporting other authors is so important. Check out the interview by clicking on the link below his picture. Be sure to follow his Facebook page too! His upcoming novel, The Earth Bleeds Red comes out September 2013.


Tanya Taimanglo INTERVIEW-Click Here!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I ♥ Boy Bands 4-Eva!

A 1980s/1990s teenage dream fulfilled with my bestie since the 10th grade this past Tuesday. We attended The Package Tour at the Tacoma Dome featuring Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees and The New Kids on the Block aka NKOTB. It was packed with women (and some men mercilessly attending with their chicks) who share the same rabid boy band obsession as me.

One thing about these now nearly middle aged men. They have all aged well, like wine, maybe a few like cheese--but I like both. And, they were punctual! Show started at 7:32 which was great. And, more impressive, no one in the audience (at least in my area) sparked it up....if you attend concerts, you know what I mean.

Boyz II Men sang gloriously and I was reminded of how much I love "Water Runs Dry."

98 Degrees were still hot. Nick Lachey, what can I say (my bestie's fave) and Jeff Timmons (my fave) still have the biceps and singing chops. Not such a fan of "Una Noche" but I was ecstatic that they ended with my favorite song, "Because of You."

The last two hours of the concert were reserved for the main attraction, NKOTB. Men in their 40s, they still have it in all senses of the phrase. Donnie was still the bad boy, six pack to match. At one point, he knelt and sang to a fan off stage. Cameras zoomed in and this bold lady beckoned him. They engaged in a twenty second french kiss which had the dome raving. He even looked at the camera and mouthed, "What the F*ck?!"-but went right back to kissing her. Shocking. Jordan Knight (my bestie's fave) moved very much like Michael Jackson, and sang falsetto flawlessly. He gave us some skin too and obviously, this father still works out. Danny did some athletic break dancing moves and Joey, the baby of the group was a raunchy dancer, much to my surprise. My fave of the five is and always will be, Jonathan Knight (yes, he likes boys) but, I've always liked his face and personality. He and Danny remained clothed through the whole show. While the rest of the boys did crazy pelvic thrusts to the audience, he was lukewarm and mainly stomped his feet a lot. Call me crazy, but I don't like overt. Oh, Jon--in another life, I'll be a dude.



It was nice to experience this concert with my bestie and my 17 year old god-daughter & Co. She laughed a lot, mostly at us, but had fun too. Donnie invited a surprise guest, Seattle's own Sir MixALot-whom up until that night I didn't know he was a Seattle-lite. He brought about 10 brave women on stage to shake their healthy butts, singing "Baby Got Back!" We were all dancing in our nosebleeds seats.



During Jordan's falsetto a story line was conceived in my writer brain and it's been festering and growing non stop since Tuesday night. It's shaping up to be a YA, sci-fi, comedy thing. I'll keep you posted.



Overall, seeing this wonderful grouping of boy bands is now off my bucket list--a great night.

Here are some YOUTUBE clips of the concert I found.



















Monday, July 8, 2013

Hey, Taimanglo! Can we go thrift shopping?

Yes. Readers you can pop some tags and get your copy of SECRET SHOPPER for just 99 cents!
Amazon, Kindle eBook only. Less than a buck for a digital copy of my novel. Good until the end of JULY!
Thanks in advance and enjoy! Don't forget to rate and review on Amazon.


*Don't forget you don't actually need a KINDLE to download. If you have a smart phone or droid, Google Play has a free Kindle app and you can buy your digital copy through that.

Monday, July 1, 2013

72, Seventy Two

72, that’s the number of books I’ve sold in 7 weeks.

For an INDIE AUTHOR, that’s satisfactory. 72 is average, right? I can’t have my husband retire from the Navy next year (and he technically can, reaching 20 years), but it’s a start. Mathematically, speaking in averages, that’s 10 books a week, every week for the last seven weeks. 72 books makes an Indie Author about $3.00 per print book and 60 cents or so per eBook, so I’ve made a little over a hundred bucks.

As a perfectionist, control freak over-achiever that I am, it’s not quite enough. Profit wise, it pays for a week of groceries, wait, my teenage nephew is visiting, it pays for three days of groceries.

A few things I want to clear up.
1. I’m defined as an INDIE Author because I am SELF-PUBLISHED. In the literary world, indie authors being self-published and all was looked down upon. We do things our way in regards to our books and promotion of it. This is a plus. The negative side, we don’t have a large powerhouse publishing machine to help promote our books. I’m an introvert with social tendencies, so I have to shine and do the sales-lady bit. I’m happy to do it, but it can be intimidating and exhausting. I secretly hope celebrities with clout, like Zooey Deschanel will read my novel, laugh her ass off and give it to her agent to make into a series or movie. Anyone out there know Zooey? I’d like to send her my book. Anyone?

2. My novel Secret Shopper doesn’t compare to other books in the same genre as far as the BOOK COVER. I’ve recently joined numerous Facebook Romance Writers/Readers groups, friended and LIKED fellow Indie Authors. Many have a distinct book cover choice, NAKEDNESS, sultry, sexy Nakedness…hot people in embrace, locked lips, panty lines, ab muscles, lots of male ab muscles, you get the picture. I do not have that. I have a pair of cheap sunglasses, an orchid and a shell lei on a woven basket. Do I want the sleek covers? Yes and No. There are several sex scenes in Secret Shopper, but like my cover, they are let’s say, understated, subdued, suggestive rather than expletive. My book is Sexy, but she doesn’t know it…yet.

3. I have an author page, and hope to reach 500 LIKES by the end of the year. I’ve slowed down in promoting it ad nauseam on Facebook and hope that via word of mouth or one’s search for all things Tanya and Secret Shopper, people will find me and LIKE me by their own free will. But, I do envy the other indie authors who somehow by a wave of support have reached their 1,000 likes, 2,000, 3,000. Kick me now…I did UNLIKE a successful Indie author who had over 1,500 likes after she posted that she doesn’t give a sh*t how many likes she gets because she wants someone to like her because they want to and that when another person asks her to LIKE ‘em back, she gets pissed. LIKE away y’all and I will LIKE you back if you kindly request it.

4. I will write forever, whether it pays the bills or not. WHY? Because it pays the bill in my creative soul.

So, maybe I’ll see my name in lights (at a library). Maybe a book I write will be bastardized into a movie that I can have a cameo in, where I will sniff (secretly) the hot, but legal, male lead. One thing I do know, I will promote my book the way I want to and write books I enjoy.

Thank you for your support always. Hope you find the time to read SECRET SHOPPER. Amazon.com paperback or Kindle eBook.

Whispers, “Zooey? Call me. I have a free book for you.”
Look for my upcoming article feature in Marianas Variety and my upcoming interview with author, Jackson Baer on July 18th. Big THANK YOU to Denise Mendiola Hertslet and Pacific Island Coffee Co. for taking a chance on this Indie Author and selling copies of my book on Guam. Click, LIKE and tell 'em Tanya sent ya'.

7, Seven 5 Star Book Reviews on Amazon.

81, Eighty One views on Youtube for my book trailer.


Book trailer #2

Esta Later!

Friday, June 21, 2013

It's a Book Trailer! I ♥ Animoto!

So, I just fervently created my own BOOK TRAILER for my novel, Secret Shopper. It was fun and FREE for 30 seconds or less on ANIMOTO... The music by Mike Schmid "To Show You My Love" is fitting....oh, the yearning.

I hope you will join my character's journey! Go, PHOENIX!



Mike Schmid's full song below! ♥ the LYRICS!


Follow my author page on FB...thanks!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Indie Bookshelf REVIEW of SECRET SHOPPER, 4.5 STARS!

So, I'm really happy that my first official book review is completed and the results weren't as terrifying as I thought. I was hoping for 3 stars and a small blurb, praying they would put my Createspace created book cover up at the very least.
But, Erin Roth one of the fabulous reviewers who support INDIE authors did so much more. She gave me a perspective from someone other than a Chamorro. She helped me realize that my novel, Secret Shopper and my beloved character, Phoenix Lizama Farmer could survive outside the bubble of Guam or Chamorro life.

Erin gave Secret Shopper 4.5 STARS out of 5. Be warned, there are many SPOILERS--so if you don't want to know yet (until you've read the book), check her review out later. You can read her full review by clicking here.
Secret Shopper was a fun, interesting book. I loved being immersed in the culture of Guam, a place I know little about--I'm a super dork, I had to wiki, and then spent at least an hour clicking around. Taimanglo did an amazing job of incorporating the language, food, and customs of "a good Chamorro girl" into the story without it reading like a guidebook, even blending in a little of Phoenix's Korean heritage via her mother (I want some Phoenix rice, STAT!).

I was fascinated by what I learned, and I think that the comedic voice really made the culture accessible to the reader; every time Phoenix said "like a good Chamorro," I heard my mother-in-law telling a story about her childhood, always including "like a good Polish girl."

Secret Shopper was funny, sweet, and romantic. I was rooting for Phoenix and Thomas all the way and I think I'll continue to root for them in spirit. I hope to see Taimanglo grow and thrive in the romantic comedy genre--she was definitely spot on with this one!
--Erin Roth, The Indie Bookshelf

Thank you, Erin! I'll be doing my Carlton Happy Dance now.

Hip Hop Blog Wants to Interview Me? Time to Pump My Chest!

My friend, blogger, writer and mutual Guam Geek Nerd Herd Member, Michael Powell recently interviewed me for his BloodIsOne blog. It's a great blog that receives five times more views than mine, but its primary focus is Hip Hop music. I love me some Macklemore, but I'm known as a rock and roll enthusiasts among other genres. So, when Michael offered to interview me, I had to put on my big girl Wonder Woman underoos and dive in.

Here's a snippet. "I’m proud to be a geek, nerd, fangirl-- because, I appreciate the need to escape, the need to believe in a hero/heroine who can move mountains, because then it makes us believe that we can do the same. That belief is what fuels my writing. I love creating alternate worlds. I like creating my own heroes. Secret Shopper’s main character is Phoenix Lizama Farmer. Her first name is testament to my geekhood."

Here is the result. Click here.


Thanks for the support everyone! Hope you check out Secret Shopper on Amazon.com, my romantic comedy novel needs some friends.
Tanya

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Secret Shopper, Making Headlines...


Book offers island life references, romance: Chamorro author Tanya Taimanglo's 'Secret Shopper'


My home"town"--island, rather has breaking news on my novel. Thanks to colleague and friend, Sandy Flores Uslander, my writing endeavors and new novel, Secret Shopper has reached the shores of Guam. I've done my best to make some waves from WA State, but it's nice to be in my hometown paper.

The link is here! GUAM PDN.

Sandy Flores Uslander also writes for the blog, GoIsland.net and recently blogged about the article she wrote. So thankful! Read about it here. Click!
Can't wait to receive the hardcopy from my family.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

You're an Author?

I am.
I will be.
I've always been.

To celebrate that, I finally have an 'Official Author Page'...cue in dramatic, sweeping symphony music.

So, if you would like to follow my Author Page and my writing adventures, or misadventures. Feel free to click here, and get ready to be whelmed, or overwhelmed and hopefully not underwhelmed.

And, if you have my novel, Secret Shopper, thanks! Let me know what you think and rate and review if you can...it would be super helpful and greatly appreciated.

Tanya



Monday, June 3, 2013

It's Getting Hot in Here...So, I 'Member Guam.

Whenever it gets warm stateside, I’m flushed with memories of my childhood on Guam.

A few things I miss, and others not so much….

1. Foremost Macadamia Nut Ice Cream—I used to excavate the tiny pieces of macadamia and save them for last. Like a squirrel, it was sometimes futile collecting nuts...one per half gallon just about.


2. Ice Water Out of a Jar—Straight from the tap, we shared one large jar and had to wait for the white cloud to subside. I would watch it sizzle away, never questioning the health of that water. I’m fine today, except for the third eye behind my head.


3. Grease-The Movie, played every year. My parents didn’t care that I was eight and learning about sex and hickeys and working it. Lessons still not learned. “Tell me about it, Stud.”

4. HagÃ¥tña Library-Even though I didn’t own an actual library card because my parents couldn’t be bothered to come in with me, they would occasionally drop me off to spend a few hours. A/C and books, a great combination.

5. Paseo-Walking around Paseo Park for exercise, then having Taco Bell after with my almost ‘nina’ and her son. That lesson of exercise so I can eat, all their fault.

6. Asan + Camel Rock + Low Tide= Aliling or sea snails. It was a family fun day, to have a bucket, mom’s enthusiasm and low tide in the village of Asan. I typically lagged behind my family, trying not to cut my feet on the jagged rocks, deathly afraid of attracting sharks. Once my tiny Korean mother hunted her weight in shells and sea snails, we headed home where only she and I would eat the chewy take out from the sea.

7. Sticking my face in the Family Freezer. Guam folk love their deep freezers. Meat doesn’t expire! Hot summer days, when my parents weren’t looking, my adolescent face was hanging into the freezer to chill out. Days before A/C was normal in the whole house.

8. Foremost Macadamia Nut Ice Cream. Oh, I mentioned that already? Sorry, I’m hungry.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Consumed by Art...When I'm not Writing.


So, I've been having much fun and 'therapy' with using my birthday gift...watercolor pencils. I released my novel about 3 weeks ago and maybe it's because I'm feeling a bit sad that it hasn't reached triple digit sales yet that I'm finding solace in creating art.

Okay, put your mini violins of sympathy away. Just happy to be afforded some time each day to paint/draw.

Carry on and thanks for the support!

If you've read my book (and three lovely women read it in one day or less--which is good, right?), please support potential interest/sales in SECRET SHOPPER by writing a review and rating it on Amazon. I have one great review, posted below. Much appreciated!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome story! May 14, 2013
By Sami

Format:Kindle Edition
I loved the story simply because it's like you can relate to it. I loved how respectful the author was in language. Probably because of her roots. And "Mufasa" had to have been the funniest for me. I laughed my head off for ever.
I would love to read a series on this.
Two thumbs up to Tanya for such an amazing book!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Chamorro Mothers...Does this apply to you?

Sharing the link to Guahan Mommy's blog about a Chamorro custom.


Ã…men – a term used with small children when directing them to kiss the hand of an elder.

I participated in this study and I'm happy to share. Check it out! Click on the title below.

ÑORA 2013 : A NEW GENERATION OF MOTHERS AND THEIR EFFORTS TO KEEP TRADITIONS ALIVE.

In addition is a link to GUAMPEDIA's article on Nginge’. Click here.


Photo By: Tanya Taimanglo

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Being a Loser, Meeting Joe Hill and $15.00 Parking

I’m a loser baby, so why don’t you READ me.Sorry, product of being a hip adult in the 1990s.

So, I’ve wanted to tie in my recent Round 2 loss in a blog and meeting Stephen King’s author son, Joe Hill yesterday in Seattle seemed fitting. So, I received my YOU LOSE notification several days ago from the NYC Midnight Short Story competition. The genre I wrote my entry for was GHOST STORY, Electrician and LOVE. I thought I did a good job, but found out from judges’ feedback that I left too many holes. One thing I was happy about was that the story came across as CREEPY/SCARY. “Moonbeams and Lightning Bolts” will be posted below along with the Judges’ critiques.

If you know my work, I’m not exactly in the same category as King or Joe Hill, writing fluffier stuff like romantic comedies. But, it’s like a switch turned on this week. I love watching scary movies. Sometimes by myself, in the dark…through my fingers or peering over my Hello Kitty blanket. So, why haven’t I read horror? I own a few Stephen King novels, watched many of his movies…Cujo scaring the crap out of me when I was a kid and The Shining with Jack Nicholson “Here’s Johnny” still as creepy as ever.

My first movie experience was at 1 ½ in Korea. My Army dad took me and mom to the theater to watch The Exorcist. I don’t remember that experience, but I’m sure it screwed me up a bit and perhaps added to my draw to scary flicks. I remember watching it in middle school being freaked out, and dad telling me it was my first movie…”It was so funny how you climbed over me and tried to hide behind my back whenever Linda Blair was on screen.” (Ya’ think? I was one…so much for movie ratings back then).

Well, after my rejection from NYC, I let the loss settle. How? By joining another contest the next day. Carve Magazine’s contest, which will reveal results in July. The Short Story I submitted is called VEIL. I let my husband read it and he looked at me wide eyed, “Wow. This is really dark.”

And, it is. Carve didn’t want genre writing, so romance was out the door. So, I sifted through my idea pile and finished VEIL.

So, that same week, I received a suggested event I might like on Facebook. It was for Joe Hill’s author visit in Seattle. I was like, heck ya! So, I got my copy of Heart Shaped Box, dug in as much as a mom and wife can when she’s not cooking, cleaning, washing, etc., and drove into the busy University of Washington area of Seattle. I drove by the blocked off street the bookstore was on and saw droves of people behind barriers on both sides of the street. I thought, Holy crap, they must all be here to see Joe Hill! I’ll never get to meet him. Memories of being in line for 12 hours at SD Comic Con came to mind.

But, I found a crazy parking garage and paid $15.00. Panicked because they close at 6PM, which meant that I really was not going to see the author.

I raced two blocks to the bookstore and to my relief the crowds were for a street fair and not necessarily Joe, but if you know my stance on authors, they should be treated like rock stars. I found the group of admirers upstairs, seats taken. I immediately chatted up a nice couple who were also craning their necks for seats. I asked a cashier if someone was in charge and she said yes. Seeing no one attending to the standing gawkers, I took the initiative to make our own seating. Caroline and Paul, my new friends joined in and we began creating seating. Then, two book employees stopped us. “Don’t touch the chairs. We can handle it.” We let them, the male waved his employee badge like he was a cop after all. And, to my happy surprise I got a seat right in front of the autograph table. My new friends and I chatted about Guam and our backgrounds. Paul previously asked if I was from the East Coast. He said I was aggressive. I told him I was from Guam and in turn they told the moderator that I arrived all the way from Guam for the event….of course, I corrected him, adding I got here nine years ago, via my canoe, via California.

Anyway, I was in my element. Ready to take in any writing advice Joe Hill would offer. When Joe arrived, he walked right by our seats. I was deep in conversation with Paul and Caroline and looked up to see Joe, the bearded son of Stephen King. He peered at me from behind his glasses and floppy black hair. Like a geek fan, I stopped talking to my new friends and said rather loudly, “Hi!” Joe waved his fingers and smiled then perched himself against the shelf in front of me. The woman to my side started snapping pictures of Joe with her phone. I purposely didn’t look at Joe again because I didn’t want him to feel awkward, or have him think I was a stalker.

So, after an introduction, Joe Hill drops his bag on the table in front of me and walks to the podium, shuffling and head down. I thought, wow, he must be really shy. But, once he hit the podium, he lit up and explained his walk. He said, he always looks down so he doesn’t trip. Joe ended up being a great speaker, giving wonderful writing advice. The biggest lesson, drop unnecessary dialogue, get to the point and don’t set out to write a short story or novel, but just write a great scene. Over time, you’ll have a number of great scenes and you’ll find yourself with a novel.

Joe’s humor was most refreshing. When someone asked about his legacy, being Stephen King’s son. He said, he’s proud of his dad’s career and yes, his dad has a few books out and hopes his dad can be successful. All tongue and cheek and modesty, which was great. Another cool thing, his novel HORNS has already been made into a movie which should come out next year. He added that Daniel Radcliffe (Mr. Harry Potter himself) is the main character, Ig Perrish.

For the book signing, by default and not because I was the first on the scene, the same dude who got mad at me for touching the beloved chairs, stood in front of me with Sharpie and post it. Are you going to be first? He asked. Hell yeah, I thought. He wrote my name and placed it in my book. Joe signed my copy of Heart Shaped Box and I asked official guy if pictures were allowed. Joe said of course and as Joe signed my book, official guy wanted to snap the picture. Joe told him to wait…”I’m going to stand to take pictures, hold on.” Joe signed my book and asked if I ruined the not completely read novel for me since he discussed some aspects of the story. I told him spoilers don’t spoil a thing for me. So with autographed book in hand, I got my picture and went along my merry way…before 6PM.

I made it to my car with only one homeless guy asking me, “How you doin’?” and my purse still on my persons.

Another meet the author mission complete, I left Seattle.

MOONBEAMS AND LIGHTNING BOLT SUMMARY
Jeremiah Clay shelved his songwriting aspirations to become the reluctant apprentice to the family business, Clay and Sons Electrical. With two older brothers who have flown the coop, Jeremiah struggles to balance appeasing his demanding father and his desire to make his music dreams a reality on YouTube, all the while dealing with accusations from viewers that he’s using tricks in his videos to boost his fame.





Jeremiah scrapes on the painted lightning bolt of the Clay and Sons sign on his father’s old van. He taps a steady beat using his guitar pick. The bolt is meant to be the “s” at the end of Sons and the chips of yellow paint scatter to the winds. The sign should read Clay and Son since Jeremiah’s older brothers joined the Navy.

Big Joe, his father, owned the business for forty years, hustling for minor electrical jobs in the tiny town of Saintsville. It’s been a sluggish year, which is why Jordan and Jacob Clay made a run for it. Big Joe’s reluctant blessing was enough for the two to set sail.

Big Joe swats his youngest child’s head. “Jeremiah, what the hell are you doing?”
“Nothing.” Jeremiah laughs, running to the other side of the van. “Stop hitting me on the head, I’m not fifteen.”
“You’re twenty five going on fifteen.” Big Joe chuckles. “When we get back, fish out some yellow paint from the shed.” His father cranks the engine.
“Why?” Jeremiah already knows the answer.
“Freshen up the letters and brighten up our lightning bolt.”
“Can I block off the s in Sons?” Jeremiah plays air guitar and hums a tune.
“No. Your brothers might decide they hate the Navy and come home.”
“Or, they’ll love it and keep away.”
“That hurts.” Big Joe laughs. “They’ll be back.”
Jeremiah playfully drums on his father’s rotund belly. “I wouldn’t count on it Big Joe, it’s just you and me.”

Jeremiah was Clay and Sons’ heir apparent, but he would rather be home strumming his guitar, putting words to paper, weaving melodies. He finally perfected his cover of Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah and is ready to debut it on his very own YouTube channel.

“Hello, my name is Jeremiah Clay. This is my cover of Hallelujah.” Warm winds stream into Jeremiah’s room, making his azure curtains dance. His nerves melt as he sings into the red light on his computer.

Jeremiah reviews the video, when he notices the curtains on screen. He hits pause. There is a smudge near his shoulder. He wipes the screen. He drags the video forward and back and no matter what he does, the smoky smear remains.
Irritated, he plays the song again focusing on his fingering and phrasing. Jeremiah uploads the video and lets the music gods work their magic as he rests.

“Damn, wake up, Jeremiah!” Big Joe stands over his son. He flings a cell phone on the bed. “This stupid gadget has been peeping all night. You left it in my coveralls.”
Wiping the sleep out of his eyes, Jeremiah takes hold of his phone as his father stomps away. His phone pings instantly, which means there’s an email. Then it chirps, which means he has a text. He stands by his window and stretches. He reads the first few texts.

-great creepy video, OMG 3.13
-you rock, I’ve got the hee-b-g-bees
-love your singing, but it’s not Halloween

Jeremiah’s blood feels like it’s draining out of his body. He charges up his laptop, eager to find out what the hell everyone’s talking about.
“Damn it!” His laptop boots up too slow for his eager nerves.
Jeremiah forwards the video to 3.13, but he can’t see anything but the smudge. He throws his hands in the air. “Why can’t I see it? Thirty eight comments?” Jeremiah hungrily scrolls down the comments.

*Dude WTF!
*that’s some scary stuff!
*stop it at 3.13 and you see her face.
*man, this is a hoax, good way to get famous Jeremiah.
*What’s with the girl in the dress?

Jeremiah finally calls his father. He cues up the video from the start. Big Joe pulls his boxers over his belly and watches unimpressed. As the singing progresses, he gives his son a thumbs up. Jeremiah watches the scrolling seconds, when it hits 3.13, his father jumps back.
“Dad, what?!”
“You, hey, did you see that?” Big Joe is tense and slowly turns his head to look behind him. Jeremiah follows suit and sees nothing.
“God, dad, I can’t see crap. What did you see?”
“Ah, maybe it’s nothing, great singing.” Big Joe walks out fast for a three hundred pound man.
“Dad!”

Jeremiah pulls the circle on the video counter back to 3.13 and stares at the screen.

He spends the entire morning reading comments, one after the other talking about a little face, a girl, an apparition. A ghost.
“These people are crazy!” Jeremiah says to his computer. Before this goes viral, he removes the video. He keeps his channel active, determined to try again. He watches Big Joe leave to work without him.
Jeremiah cleans his computer and camera. Sustained by coffee, Jeremiah is eager to get another video posted. He tweaks an original song he’s been working on. He sets up in his living room, bookshelves and mom’s old knickknacks in the background. For good measure, he records a few bars and reviews the video. No smudge this time. No ghosts.

Satisfied, he starts recording, “Hello, this is Jeremiah Clay. This is my original song, Moonbeams and Lightning Bolts.”

My mama used to say I had moonbeams in my pocket
My papa used to say I rode lightning bolts just for fun
My brothers and me took adventures in our rockets
And raced mighty Pegasus to the fiery sun….

Jeremiah plays the video multiple times, scrutinizing everything, watching for errant smudges in the background. Big Joe is back. Has the whole day melted away? Jeremiah wonders.

“Hey, dad want to hear my new song?”
“No!” He says harshly. Big Joe stops and looks at his son, weary. “I mean, maybe later son. I had a long day. I need your help tomorrow for a job, so rest up.” Jeremiah watches him retreat upstairs.

“Shoot, I’m doing it.” Jeremiah says to no one. He uploads the song. He checks on his snoring father and takes a shower.

As Jeremiah towels off, his phone pings. He gets dressed and it chirps. He looks at his reflection in the hazy mirror. He needs to trim his blond hair, maybe get a crew cut so he can match his brothers. Ping. His body tenses. He wants to ignore his phone, but after three pings in a row he bolts to his bed. It’s been thirty minutes since he’s uploaded the song. Seven emails notifying that he has comments on his video.
Jeremiah races downstairs. His laptop is still humming. He sits on the couch, his guitar repulses him for the first time. He refreshes his YouTube page. Seven comments cling to the bottom of his video. He takes a breath and reads.

*I love this song! But, why the special effects?
*You’re so hot, but no need to add scary stuff…
*WTF! Tell me you saw that!
*Girl in a blue dress. Around 2.25.

Jeremiah slams his laptop shut. He paces the living room, stopping to stare on occasion at the backdrop of this last video. “God! Am I in the Twilight Zone?” He opens the computer and it comes to life. He starts Moonbeams and Lightning Bolts. His finger shakes, waiting to pause it at 2.25. Click. Jeremiah brings his face close to the warm screen. He looks at his mouth suspended in mid song, the bookshelves, and the curio cabinet with his late mother’s stuff. He doesn’t see, wait. A milky bubble is near Jeremiah’s ear, small, indistinct. “Why are people seeing a face? What here is a girl in a blue dress?”
Jeremiah wants to respond to the now twelve comments, but doesn’t. Instead, with regret, he removes the video. Seeds of doubt plant in his mind. Maybe music is not for him, maybe he’s destined to just be the lone son in Clay and Sons Electrical.
Jeremiah closes his laptop, the irritating pings on his phone stop. He lifts his guitar like it’s a rare flower. Alone in his room, he mounts it on the wall.

Jeremiah wipes his finger over his guitar. He looks at the fine white dust that has collected in the last three months. He pulls on his blue coveralls, the Clay and Sons lightning bolt logo stitched over his heart. Big Joe waits in the van.

“Where to today?” Jeremiah asks dully.
“Mrs. Jensen. She needs a faulty socket checked out, easy. You could stay home if you like. Play some music, do whatever.” Big Joe watches his son. Jeremiah shrugs and looks out the window.
“It’s okay, let’s go.”
They pull into a nearby housing area. Jeremiah used to ride his bike around these streets. A flash of blue catches his eye and he cranes his neck to a row of trees. Nothing.
The pale yellow home is quaint and a young woman watches from the door. He grabs his toolbox and looks at the two story house. A movement above catches his attention. He sees a little girl just tall enough to peer out the window at him. He waves. She smiles and waves too. She brings a toy panda to the window and makes it wave at Jeremiah as well. He chuckles and follows his father.
“Hello, Mrs. Jensen. I’m Big Joe and this knucklehead is my youngest boy, Jeremiah.”
“Please come in. And please call me Ingrid.”
“Ingrid Hutcherson?” Jeremiah stands at the doorway. She turns, her curly brown hair is just as he remembered. She’s hiding her blue eyes behind square framed glasses, but he knows it’s her.
“Yes. Jeremiah? Hey! I remember you. We were in choir camp, right?” Her eyes alight and she smiles. Jeremiah wants to give her a hug, but he doesn’t want to tramp his dirty boots through her home. He helps his father with his booties and covers his shoes as well. The moment lost, he shakes her hand instead.
“Oh my, I last saw you when we were ten, right?” She says. Her wedding photo catches his eye, perched on a piano.
“Yes. That was the last camp Big Joe ever paid for. He thought I wasted my time with music.” Jeremiah mumbles.
“Not true. You’re talented.”
“Yes, I do recall how great you were.” Ingrid adds.
Big Joe coughs. “Let’s see that burned socket, shall we?”
Jeremiah stops smiling at Ingrid and follows his father.
“It’s upstairs, my daughter’s, um, follow me.” Ingrid rushes up the steps. Jeremiah stays behind his slow moving father as he tackles each step. He peers around his dad and smiles again at Ingrid.
“So, you’re married, I see.” Jeremiah asks finally on the landing.
Ingrid frowns, “No. Not any more.” She wiggles her bare left hand for Jeremiah to see.
“Oh, sorry.” He can’t fight a ray of delight that she’s single.
“This is my, well, this was my daughter’s room.” Was?
The room looks lived in. It’s full of toys, books, pink everywhere. “Do you have another daughter?”
Ingrid looks at Jeremiah, puzzled. She blinks away tears. “No, just one. My daughter, Lanalynn, she died a year ago. It’s silly, but I still light her nightlight every night. Faulty, I guess, burned the socket.” She shows them a smiling moon night light, charred.
“I’m so sorry, about your daughter.” Big Joe glares at Jeremiah. “Let me take a look at the fixture.”
Ingrid stands by the window. Jeremiah is stuck in place. “I’m sorry, Ingrid.”
“Oh, don’t be. She was very sick. I miss her so much. But, after she passed, her dad couldn’t handle it. He’s Navy. We split a few months ago. It’s for the best.” Ingrid fidgets with her phone, then hands it to Jeremiah. “This is Lanalynn. My little Sailor Moonbeam.”

Jeremiah’s mouth goes dry. He stares at the phone screen.

Lanalynn wears a blue sailor dress.
She clutches a toy panda.
Her perfect porcelain face smiles at him.

JUDGES’ CRITIQUES
WHAT THE JUDGE(S) LIKED ABOUT YOUR SCRIPT - ......The discovery at the end, with the description of the sailor dress and the panda, is appropriately creepy; what's also done well here are the various YouTube comments which are left by his friends. While this may seem like a silly thing to laud, it isn't; it's too tempting, many times, to bend comments the way you need them to go for your story without them being realistic, and that's just not the case here. Here, the writer has expressed exactly what one would see on YouTube in a realistic manner while still making his point. Very well done on that.......I'm glad to finally see a creepy ghost! I love the idea of the ghost appearing in the YouTube videos, very creative. And the story is well-paced. The best thing about spooky ghost stories is having a good punchline, and you do.

WHAT THE JUDGES FEEL NEEDS WORK - ......One logistical issue in this that could easily be repaired: he records the issue, sees the smudge, and records it a second time. Wouldn't he have checked the video a second time to see if the same phenomenon had occurred? Perhaps he sees it a second time, records it a third time, and on the third time around he doesn't see it at all -- which then would make the Youtube comments by his friends/followers that much more chilling, for not only can he not see the girl they're talking about, he can't see the smudge either. OR, he sees the smudge, but only after it's up on YouTube (in other words, the ghost tricked him).//At the end of the story, it's revealed that what has been haunting his videos is the ghost of a woman's daughter. While it's true he'd gone to choir camp with the woman, there is no other connection between them that would make the reader understand why this ghost is haunting the young man. Is she coming back into his life to encourage him? There's more to this story; I'd suggest some strengthening of that aspect.......The problem, though, with the punchline, is that it doesn't add up to much. Did Jeremiah have something to do with Lanalynn's death? If not, I don't see why he is the one she's haunting. The story can be made more creepy if you added another layer to it, a reason for the ghost to be there. But I did find it scary.

A Story of a Stolen Mermaid--(and the Infringement of an Artist)

Fact: I wrote Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam in 2010. Fact: My brother, Sonny Chargualaf is the talented artist behind the imagery. ...