Author - poole-carter.info

* Photo by Bobby Gilbert	"The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there." These words open THE GO-BETWEEN by J. P. Hartley. As I consider my own past and its influence on my writing, I am reminded of Hartley's young protagonist, who saw much that he was not yet ready to understand. Then, retrospectively, he found the meanings that eluded him in youth--rather like a mystery reader closing a just finished novel with the satisfaction of at last knowing the significance of every clue. I grew up in the South and write about it and, with a nod to Hartley, I say: The South is a mysterious country: they hide things differently there . . .
Rosemary Poole-Carter, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, lives in Houston, Texas. Her work includes What Remains, a mystery novel; Juliette Ascending, a young adult novel; Women of Magdalene, an historical suspense novel; Mossy Cape, a play for young audiences based on Southern folklore; and the adult dramas, The Little Death, set in the French Quarter of old New Orleans, and Inconvenient Women, set in a Louisiana asylum. As a child, seeing Tennessee Williams's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, she was impressed by Big Daddy's emphasis on the word "mendacity," a word that continues to resonate for her in her fictional creations. Southern Gothic Writings, Rosemary's blog, is located at: http://southerngothicwritings.blogspot.com
News
Rosemary Poole-Carter’s new play, The Familiar, received workshop readings at Spacetaker in Houston and Odd Duck Studio in Seattle in October, 2010. A full production is scheduled for a four-week run by Eclectic Theater Company, beginning May, 2011. The Familiar — a Summer Ghost Story by Rosemary Poole-Carter (World Premiere) Directed by Rik Deskin. An Eclectic Theater Company production. There’s something unsettling under the bed. Elinor wants it out, Cissie wants it hidden, and Sean would rather concentrate on possibilities on top of the bed. As Elinor pulls old possessions and dusty objects from under the bed, these become props for improvisations among Elinor, Cissie, and Sean as the three of them maneuver around one another—provoking or tantalizing, wary of touch and entanglements—playing ever closer to what haunts them. May 26 - June 18, 2011. Phone: (206) 679 - 3271 email: Info@eclectictheatercompany.org Eclectic Theater Company Odd Duck Studio 1214 10th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 http://eclectictheatercompany.org/
Somebody's Darling - a new recording by Wava Everton and Lesley Modisette In this Civil War era song, J. H. Hewett set to music Marie Revenal de la Coste's poem inspired by her visit to a wartime hospital ward. The song's haunting message is echoed in Women of Magdalene. Use the following link to play or save the mp3 file. Somebody's Darling Wava Everton, vocals Lesley Modisette, guitar
	The women of Magdalene are dying and no one seems to care, least of all the haughty Dr. Kingston, the director of the genteel Ladies’ Lunatic Asylum. Young Dr. Robert Mallory, fresh from four blood-soaked years as a field surgeon on the battlefields of the Civil War, makes his way on foot to the Magdalene Ladies’ Lunatic Asylum to assume his duties as the resident general practitioner. When he recovers the body of a young patient in a nearby river, the callous indifference of the authorities disturbs him. He soon finds that mistreatment of the patients is commonplace and that the doctors who run the asylum have little interest in treating the patients—many of whom have no mental disability but have been abandoned there by their families. Before Dr. Mallory can expose the abuse of patients at the facility, and the misogyny and racism at its core, another patient is found dead. Kingston hastily blames a young "Negress" employed by the asylum and shoots her lover and her on the spot. After she is locked up and charged with the murder of a white woman, she is taken from her cell and lynched. Mallory is determined to expose Kingston and exonerate the girl, but Kingston has other plans. Lushly evocative, written with elegance and beauty, this novel is a richly satisfying story of that long-vanished world of slavery and southern gentility. ForeWord Magazine describes Women of Magdelene as “a brilliant example of the best that historical fiction can do.”
Women of Magdalene available at Amazon.com from Southern Gothic and other booksellers
Upcoming Events
Recent Past Events Creating Characters Who Sell April 06, 13, 20, 27 - 2010 (Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:30 PM) In deciding which manuscripts to buy and publish, many fiction editors say voice and character trump plot. Presenter Rosemary Poole-Carter, author of three published novels and four produced plays, will guide writers through the secrets a novelist can learn from playwrights and actors to captivate agents, editors, and readers. Lone Star College - Kingwood 281-312-1660 Publishing and Marketing Your Writing Saturday, April 24, 2010 (10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon) Navigate the book publishing and marketing maze with the help of novelist and playwright, Rosemary Poole-Carter. In her two-hour long workshop, you will explore your options with traditional publishers, print-on-demand, and self-publishing. Learn valuable tips on how to write compelling query letters to agents and editors. Define and locate your readers with a variety of marketing methods that work. Lone Star College - Kingwood 281-312-1660 Books 'n Authors 'n All That Jazz Saturday, April 25, 2009 A day-long book and music festival and writing workshop at Weatherford College 225 College Park Ave. Weatherford, TX 817-598-6274 Ballard Branch Library Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 2 PM Book talk on WOMEN OF MAGDALENE and presentation of a scene from THE LITTLE DEATH by Eclectic Theater Company members, followed by a drawing for theater tickets 5614 22th Avenue NW Seattle, WA 206-684-4089 Seattle Mystery Bookshop Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 12 Noon Signing of WOMEN OF MAGDALENE and presentation of a scene from THE LITTLE DEATH by Eclectic Theater Company members, followed by a drawing for theater tickets 117 Cherry Street Seattle, WA 98104 206-587-5737 Eclectic Theater Company presents THE LITTLE DEATH by Rosemary Poole-Carter October 11, 2008 through November 1, 2008 THE LITTLE DEATH, an adult drama in two acts Odd Duck Studio 1214 10th Avenue Seattle, WA Tickets available from BrownPaperTickets.com Murder by the Book Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 4:30 PM Discussion of Women and Madness with psychiatric expert Dr. Debra Osterman and author Karen Harrington, whose new novel JANEOLOGY (Kunati Inc., 2008) deals with the aftermath of a mother's murdering of her child. 2342 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77005 713-524-8597 Follett's Intellectual Property Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 2 AM Presentation: Bringing the Stage to the Page for writers of fiction, stageplays, and screenplays; signing of WOMEN OF MAGDALENE 2402 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78705 512-478-0007 Lone Star College - Montgomery Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 11:30 AM - 1 PM Lunch and Learn Presentation: Publishing and Marketing Your Writing 3200 College Park Dr. Conroe, TX 77384 936-273-7000 Dial and Speak WBTC Wednesday, June 3, 2008, at 10 AM EDT Discussion of WOMEN OF MAGDALENE with radio host Dr. Andrea Fanti Uhrichsville, Ohio Barnes & Noble at First Colony Mall 16535 SW Freeway, Ste. 4000, Sugar Land, Texas Saturday, May 10, 2008, 2 - 4 PM WOMEN OF MAGDALENE book signing 281-313-8323 Alvin Community College Writing Workshop 3110 Mustang Rd., Alvin, TX 77511 Saturday, April 19, 2008, beginning at 8 AM Presentation on playwriting as part of ACC's day-long writing workshop Hastings Books, Music & Video 791 Hwy. 77 North, Ste. 101, Waxahachie, TX 75165 Saturday, March 15, 2008, at 2 PM WOMEN OF MAGDALENE book signing 972-923-1143 Metroplex Today Time Warner Cable Productions Friday, March 14, 2008 Interview to be aired in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area CCTV Books in Review Fort Worth, Texas Friday, March 14, 2008, at 3 PM Interview on regional television to be aired in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area The Bookworm Bookstore 3245 Main St., Suite 225, Frisco, TX 75034 Thursday, March 13, 2008, from 4 - 6 PM WOMEN OF MAGDALENE book signing 972-712-1455 Lone Star College - Kingwood 20000 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339 Thursday, February 21, 2008, starting at 9 AM Two presentations, one on dramatic writing and one on publishing, for Lone Star College Conference Day Dallas Book Diva interview Thursday, February 14, 2008, at 9 AM Discussion of WOMEN OF MAGDALENE with Cheryl Nason, the Dallas Book Diva; interview available online. Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Book Signing Barnes & Noble at First Colony Mall Saturday, February 02, 2008 02:00PM Book Store 16535 SW Freeway, Ste. 4000 Sugar Land, TX 281-313-8323 Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Book Signing Katy Books Saturday, January 26, 2008 11 AM - 1 PM Book Store 2450 Fry Road Houston, TX 77084 281-578-7700 Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Radio Interview Morning Show WTBQ Thursday, January 24, 20087:15 AM EST/6:15 AM CST Radio interview - Frank Truatt Warwick, New York Girlfriend Weekend Saturday, January 19, 2008 09:00AM The Girlfriend Weekend (Jan. 17 -19) is literary and musical celebration sponsored by Beauty and the Book in Jefferson, Texas. I'll be signing Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending and participating on a panel. Bulldog Drive Jefferson, TX 903-665-7520 Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Radio Interview AM 1290 KZSB Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8.35 AM PDT/10.35 AM CDT Satellite/Regional radio interview - Baron Ron Herron 1317 Santa Barbara St. Santa Barbara CA 805-568-1444 studio line 805-564-1290 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Barnes & Noble #2897 Wednesday, December 05, 2007 07:00PM Book Store 3105 E. Main St. Mohegan Lake, NY 914-528-6275 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Barnes & Noble #2215 Monday, December 03, 2007 06:00PM Book Store 1245 Rte. 300 Newburgh, NY 845-567-0782 Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Book Signing, Reading, and Discussion Borders in Milford, CT Monday, December 03, 2007 10:00AM Book Store 1499 Post Road Milford, CT 203-256-1619 Women of Magdalene and Juliette Ascending: Book Signing Barnes & Noble in Pasadena, TX Saturday, December 1, 2007 02:00PM Book Store 5656 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, Texas 281-991-8011 Speaking engagement and book signing Tuesday, November 27, 2007 noon En Amie Book Club Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Barnes & Noble at West Oaks Village Saturday, November 24, 2007 12:00 noon Book Store 2450 State Hwy. 6 Houston, Texas 77077 281-293-8699 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Midsummer Books Saturday, November 10, 2007 5:00 pm Book Store 2309 Mechanic Galveston, Texas 77550 yes 409-765-5930 Panelist and participant in book signing - Louisiana Book Festival Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tuesday, November 3, 2007 Book Festival 20131 Hwy 59 North At Capitol, downtown Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Barnes & Noble Copperfield Sunday, October 28, 2007 2:00 pm Book Store 7026 Highway 6 North Houston, Texas 77095 281-861-6842 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Murder By The Book Saturday, October 27, 2007 4:30 pm Book Store 2342 Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77005 713-524-8597 Radio Interview Borders Monday, October 15, 2007 2:00 pm Pacific time Radio Station AM 560 in Central Washington State Wenatchee, WA Ken Johannessen, Host Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Borders Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:00 pm Book Store 9595 Six Pines Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 832-585-0051 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Windows: A Bookshop Thursday, October 11, 2007 5:00 pm Book Store 609 Park Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 windowsabookshop@aol.com 318-361-9004 Women of Magdalene: Book Signing Kingwood College Bookstore Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Book Store 20000 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, Texas 77339 Jack Higgins, Store Manager 0361mgr@fheg.follett.com 281-312-1499 Book signing Barnes & Noble Deerbrook Saturday, September 22, 2007 3:00 pm Book Store 20131 Hwy 59 North Humble, Texas 77338 281-540-2047 Book signing (group signing with members of The Final Twist) Katy Budget Books Thursday, September 6, 2007 7:00 - 9:00 pm Book Store 2450 Fry Rd. Houston, Texas 77084 sponsored by The Final Twist, a chapter of Sisters in Crime 281-578-7770 Art – Chocolate – Mystery: Art Exhibit and Book Signing, with Godiva Chocolates Wade Wilson Gallery Friday, August 24, 2007 6:00 pm Art Gallery 4411 Montrose, Suite 200 Houston, Texas sponsored by The Final Twist, a chapter of Sisters in Crime Sensuous Writing for the Stage: Creating Experiences for your Audience Scriptwriters/Houston Meeting Monday, July 2, 2007 7:30 pm Museum of Printing History 1324 W. Clay Houston, Texas 77019 713-522-4652 How to Put a Twist in Your Tale: Plotting for Fiction Writers Tomball College and Community Library Saturday, June 30, 2007 11:00 AM Presentation for library patrons 30555 Tomball Parkway Tomball, Texas 77375 832-559-4200 Historical Novel Society Conference Desmond Hotel Friday - Sunday, June 8 - 10, 2007 Panelist - From Adams to McKinley: Fiction About 19th Century America 660 Albany-Shaker Road Albany, New York 800-448-3500 Dramatic Elements in Novel, Play, and Screen Writing Barnes and Noble in the Woodlands Mall Monday, May 21, 2007 7:00 PM Presentation for The Write Ingredients 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 281-465-8744 Juliette Ascending - Book Signing Barnes & Noble Booksellers N Richland Hills Saturday, April 28, 2007 22248 Aldine Westfield Road North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817-281-7042 Poetry Workshop for Teens and Adults Baldwin Boettcher Library @ Mercer Park Saturday, April 21, 2007 2:00 - 4:00 pm 22248 Aldine Westfield Road Humble, TX 77338 281-821-1320 Death Behind the Tabloids Odd Duck Studio Oct. 12 - 21, 2006 A murder mystery comedy set in a college town in the 1970s - an Eclectic Theater Production directed by Rik Deskin Seattle, Washington