War Eagle Women

Interview in East Texas’s “County Line” Magazine

/ Tina Bausinger

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See the interview here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=121315

Just Ask! 5 Ways to Dreaming Big and Setting Goals

/ Tina Bausinger / 2 Comments

NEWS

In the past couple of years, I’ve had quite a few adventures. Many of these events in my life would not have happened had I listened to that voice in my head that says, “You can’t do that! Who do you think you are?” I hate that guy.

Here are some of the things I’ve been able to do by simply ASKING: writing a humor column for a college newspaper, speaking at a major writers’ conference in Dallas–twice. Writing book reviews for a magazine (where I get paid to read fabulous books, and get the books for free), and getting my novel published. A couple of times I’ve been on a talk show to promote my book.

If you’re wondering: I’m not great-looking, super smart or even well-spoken. I’m just bold and kind of tenacious and maybe a tad obsessive. But I also battle laziness and a dislike for rejection. But let me tell you: every time someone says “yes,” it feels like a million bucks.

Don’t get me wrong. Many times people say “No, you can’t do (fill in the blank).” Plenty of times I get ignored. When I decided to get serious about publishing my novel, War Eagle Women, I approached over 100 agents and publishers. 99 said “No.” But you know what? I only need the one to say “Yes!”

Here are 5 ways to encourage you to dream big.

1. List your craziest dreams. What have you always wanted to do?

2. Think about you as a kid. What were your dreams then? Did you love playing nurse and putting band aids on your stuffed animals? Did you tell your dolls stories every night before bed? Did you wish you had a treehouse?

3. Translate your kid wishes to adult. It’s not too late to go to nursing school. Why don’t you call around and inquire about some of the best programs right here in Tyler? Love to tell stories? Write one, or two, or a novel. Build a treehouse for your son or daughter–and you–to hang out in.

4. Up the ante. What is your crazy dream that you’ve never told anyone? Always wanted to be a stand-up comedian? So do it! Find an open-mike night at a local restaurant or club. Use your computer or phone to record yourself telling jokes to practice. Want to be a writer? Join a writers group and find accountability and friendship.

5. Don’t put it off. Set a date for the first step towards your goal and keep it. On Friday, I will apply to the nursing program. By next Tuesday, I will have finished this short story or poem and begin writing a new one. Find that writer’s group. This weekend, go to the hardware store and buy the materials for a treehouse. Take the first step!

I dare you to make your dreams come true!

War Eagle Women is on East Texas News Networks

/ Tina Bausinger

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It’s always helpful when you’re publishing a book to get assistance promoting it…and free help from the local news is always appreciated. Since War Eagle Women was mentioned on USA Today a press release was written and sent out and several East Texas news stations have picked it up.

USA TODAY LINK: http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/04/17/recommended-book-video-cooper-richardson-bausinger/7801479/

One thing I love about living here is that the media is quick to help out its citizens.

Thanks very much to UT Tyler, East Texas News 4 and KYTX CBS 19 for their help.

CBS19 LINK: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/25497497/ut-tyler-alumnas-novel-war-eagle-women-published-featured-in-national-media 

War Eagle Women link:http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Women-Tina-Coleman-Bausinger-ebook/dp/B00GXP1T1K

Woo hoo! My book War Eagle Women is mentioned on University of Texas at Tyler’s Website!

/ Tina Bausinger / 3 Comments

I’m so excited to see this press release on UT Tyler’s website!  See the link below for details.

http://www.uttyler.edu/news/pressrelease/2014/05122014a.php

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War Eagle Women Mentioned on USA Today: “Must-See Book Trailers”!

/ Tina Bausinger

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My Southern gothic novel, War Eagle Women, is mentioned on the USA Today’s website under “Must-See Book Trailers” by Robin Covington.

Must-reads: 'Best Kept Secrets,' 'Baby Love'; interview with Tina Coleman Bausinger

She writes:

There is something compelling about gripping stories told simply, and the trailer to War Eagle Women by Tina Coleman Bausinger is a perfect example of this. The story revolves around the stories of generations of women — their good and poor choices in life and love — as told to a young woman who hovers between life and death. The video is pared down to a haunting piano melody, stark imagery and an intriguing script.

Here’s the link to the article and the trailer.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/04/17/recommended-book-video-cooper-richardson-bausinger/7801479/

Nothing in writing is done in isolation. The book trailer, entitled “Sam’s Story,” was written and directed by Konner Hudson, a fellow student at the school where I attended and now teach for. We met last summer on a China Immersion Trip sponsored by the school.

The piano music that’s featured is composed and performed by Jay Williams, a very talented composition major at UT Tyler as well. My daughters, Sarah and Jordanne Bausinger, also music education majors at UT Tyler,  recommended Jay for this and hooked us up.

They also were instrumental in acquiring one of the locations. In fact, part of the trailer was filmed in Braithwaite Hall, a small concert hall on campus. We received special permission from Dr. Thrasher, the head of the music program at UT Tyler.

And I can’t forget Kalloway Hudson, the lovely actress who plays Samantha. Such outstanding acting.

Sometimes, writing and promoting a novel can be harrowing, heart-attack-inducing, and stressful.

But other times, it can be what’s it’s meant to be: so much fun.

Don’t have your own copy? Here’s the link.

http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Women-Tina-Coleman-Bausinger-ebook/dp/B00GXP1T1K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397834751&sr=8-1&keywords=war+eagle+women

Transitions!

/ Tina Bausinger / 3 Comments

picmonkey_image-2 (1)It’s been a while since my last post. January to be exact. I realize I’m supposed to be more on top of it than that, but I do have a few good excuses, the first of which is I SOLD MY BOOK!!!! I have included a prototype of the book cover (it’s still being designed, but this is my vision).

War Eagle Women is (in the process of) being published by SoulMate publishing. I don’t have an exact date yet, but when I do I will post it here. Everything has been totally nuts since I signed the contract and I have been super busy with other writing projects (hello graduate school) and have let my blog sort of simmer on the back burner.

On another note–I’m going to  Shanghai in just a few weeks!!!!

I know. That is a bit random. But since I decided to title this blog “Transitions”…I’m going to cheat a bit and not use any.

Dr. Ann Beebe, who taught me (almost) everything I know about academic writing, might be annoyed by my approach to this sentence because I didn’t use a transition. I still remember getting a paper back from her that said in the margins, “Tina–how can I get you to use transitions?” So whenever I don’t use one…I hear the Voice of Professors Past. Or at least Dr. Beebe’s voice (this is my way of saying “thanks”, just in case I’m not being clear). But right now I am just too excited to use transitions.

When we talk about transitions, it’s interesting because the word has so many different connotations. In writing, transitions help move the topic from point to point without jarring the reader. In life, transitions are sometimes classified under what we call “The Hard Stuff.” For example, divorce, death, dismemberment…these all can be classified as “life transitions.”

Although I am not MOVING to Shanghai, I do have to make certain “transitions” about how I think as a Southern woman…at least for the time period that I will be Southern Woman Tourist in Shanghai.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.

About Shanghai…I’m going to be an exchange student of sorts for 3 weeks! I get to go to a university in Shanghai during the week and do touristy things during the weekend. I am beyond excited, and a little afraid. The Mandatory Trip meeting we had which was meant to reassure us really only reassured me that I was more nervous.

Have I mentioned that I have never traveled outside of the country? Well, except for that one trip to Cancun years ago, which I kind of don’t count (since Mexico is connected and lots of margaritas were involved). This Shanghai trip is sort of this dream that’s becoming a reality and I have not really allowed myself to think about it, except for busywork such as getting my passport and applying for a Visa and all that good stuff. Overall, I’ve been feeling pretty good about the whole thing.

Then…the meeting happened. OY the meeting.

Our instructor who is organizing the whole thing gave us lots of advice meant to make our trip smoother. Everything she said was useful and necessary. However, there was a bit of Southern (or as Dr. Wu would say East/West) cultural shock happening during the meeting. There was a bit of…disconnect…between what she was saying and what I actually heard.

1. She said, “Every day, when you get up, just boil some water…make it a habit. Don’t even think about it: get up, shower, boil water.”(Tina’s translation: the water is nasty and probably contains ebola.)

2. “When you take a taxi, or bus, or train, bring this list of phrases with you so you can communicate in case you get lost.” (My translation: WHEN, not IF I get lost…I’m not feeling too confident seeing as I couldn’t find my car in the parking lot earlier. Note to self: Don’t take a taxi/bus/train. Just stay in the dorm room with the ebola water. Much safer).

3. “You probably won’t be able to use your cell phone…or Facebook…or Twitter…or the internet” (My translation: HOLY CRAP.)

4. “There’s no crime in Shanghai, per se…but keep your purse in front of you because there are some issues with pickpockets, so find a way to keep your passport/money on your person.” (My translation: WHEN I GET ROBBED my plan is ROLL OVER INTO A FETAL POSITION. Or, get a bigger bra (one with a special Passport Pocket) and extra sweat pads). Sick.

I know…I know. I am totally freaking out just a bit. I know this trip is going to be AWESOME and I am going to share all of it with you all. When I get back. After I get back. Because of the internet thing. Everything is going to be fine.

I just have to remember my transitions.