'Dream: If not for Katie...': Another review

Anita,

Okay, I left off at chapter 5 the last time we spoke and I picked up the book today and finished it. I couldn't tear myself away. I cried 4 times and, yes, I did laugh and some parts and got...lol! I loved it, Anita, and you should continue to write, my gifted friend! I'm going to purchase another for my Mom. Will you sign it for her?

xxoo Peace

Karleen Hardy
 

Sam Elliott

Sam ELLIOTT is the perfect frontiersman.

Sam Elliott is, hands down, one of my favorite “old west” actors.  He has never disappointed me, no matter the genre, but in my opinion, he especially excels in a western.

Deep voiced and confident, his character shines virtuous, always doing right for his peers.  Straight faced and seriously composed, he is a fearless protector of his people.  Possessing high moral standards, his character is effortlessly heroic.   He is bigger than life and pulls it all off flawlessly, without the slightest hint of corniness.  He is a noble man with a “bad boy” attitude.

His tall frame and dignified posture; his bushy mustache, eye brows, and thick grey hair give him the appeal of his sex-symbol status.  The ability to be tough as nails, yet gentle, protective and loving with women hails with ease.  His mere essence is irresistible.  The young Sam Elliott, as well as the mature man, melts the hearts of women, no matter what age and most men can only envy his image.

Sam Elliott represents the image and persona of the perfect frontiersman.

Another nice review for 'Katie'

I bought your book when I happened to be in Dollar General in Thayer and
got to meet you. I started reading the book and couldn't put it down and
towards the end I started reading slower and putting it down because it
was coming to an end.

It's been a long time since I enjoyed a book this much. I can't wait for
your next book to come out.
 
Congratulations and Best of Luck.
 
Barbara Stary

Why Clint Eastwood should direct "Dream: If not for Katie..."

“Dream: If not for Katie” is a historical fiction novel I wrote about a young woman who travels across American during the gold rush.  Her journey begins in 1849 when the 16 year old girl leaves her home town with her parents bound for Independence, Missouri, the starting point of the Oregon Trail.  During this journey Katie is separated from her parents and barely survives an epic journey across the west. Dream is a heart-wrenching look at the unforgiving circumstances of those who tamed the west.

I recently traveled to Los Angeles for several meetings regarding the conversion of the novel to a screenplay. I spoke with several directors and during one very informative meeting, a director stated, “This story should be directed by Clint Eastwood.”  

I was surprised by his comment.  The thought of Clint Eastwood directing my story instantly humbled me. Dream is my first novel and the first screenplay that I have written.  Clint Eastwood seems so out of reach.  However, there is one thing that I have learned--when one does not ask; one does not get!

Clint Eastwood has starred in, directed and/or produced:  The Outlaw of Josey Wales, Two Mules for Sister Sara, Bronco Billy, Rawhide, Unforgiven, Pale Rider, A Fistful of Dollars just to name a few.  I found a list of 17 movies that link Clint Eastwood to the Old West.  His experience is unparalleled. Clint Eastwood is a household name.  We grew up with him. 

There is no man better for the job!  Clint Eastwood is the very best producer/director for “Dream: If not for Katie.”  Clint Eastwood would see these characters as would no other.

Stephen Mitchell reviews "Dream: If not for Katie..."

"Dream: If not for Katie..." by Anita Massic takes us effortlessly into America's past putting us at ease with the characters, their circumstances and the ways of the Old West with no hint of artifice or jarring shifts of perspective in the back and forth transitions from present to past. The interests and the concerns of the characters underscore the hardships and the joys that came with founding a new country--one where guarantees were neither offered nor expected.

There is, of course, more to the story than the documentation of life in early America. The intriguing link from the present to the past and the connectivity between the then and the now is at the center of this journey which is both rewarding and promising--there will be a sequel.

Old West slang

Please take a look at the following website…

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~poindexterfamily/OldWestSlang.html

This is a very useful and amusing website for any history buff or novelist! The phrases are reminiscent of years past! If you write stories, you can certainly add flavor by knowing these phrases and what they mean. I recognized many that my late Uncle used and some that are still used today. There are many that I did not know. 

It would be great fun to use the slang on all ages and catalog the results. For instance, an older gentleman might remember Arbuckle’s and a younger fellow might say, “Oh, you mean Java!” Someone “to ride the river with” back then, might be a “Mac Daddy” now.  

If re-introduced into the modern world, there might be a new trend in slang. A completion of a circle you might say. One might bring back an old trend in slang like an old trend in fashion.

"Dream: If not for Katie...": A reader's review

Hello Anita,

I met you briefly at the Elks Lodge in West Plains where I purchased your novel “Dream".

I wanted to let you know it took me two evenings to read it and I just loved it. There are very few books that I have read where I felt like I was right there with the characters and could visualize all that was happening. But this novel did that for me, also for my mother-in-law who read it.

I am sure by the ending and what transpired with Katherine that there is a second novel in the works (I hope) and was wondering when you were planning on releasing it. This would also make a fantastic movie or mini-series! Any thought to this?

Thank you for an exceptional “read”. Looking forward to more!

 Sincerely

 Bonnie Davis