Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It’s been quite a year for all of us. As for me, I’ve shuffled from a few stores before landing on my feet in one of the best places I can be. That’s pretty satisfying to know I’ve a career which can support my family.

I took a family vacation to the Grand Canyon (my third time) and hiked to the bottom and back (my second time doing that!). My wife retired after forty-one years (a great achievement for anyone). And I’m nearing completion of my third book (to be published in late 2015 if all goes according to plan).

I certainly hope all of you are well this holiday season. Some good news to share is how independent bookstore sales have increased in 2014. To all of you who have supported these stores, you have our many thanks. Remember, reading takes you to places you dream of visiting, but have yet to do so.

May you be blessed to spend this time with family and have an equally successful New Year!

All the best to you!

David

https://www.facebook.com/WhosMindingTheStore?ref=hl

https://www.twitter.com/DavidLucero

Everyone Needs To Hike The Grand Canyon!

Our Grand Canyon Adventure

by David Lucero

July 2014 marked my third visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, and my second time to the bottom and back. This was more special for a number of reasons, far too many to name.

It started with my wife, Martha, and brother in-law Albert, who did a large part of the planning and prep work. My wife’s family in Mexico wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, their first time, and Albert wanted to hike to the bottom of the canyon with his son, Jesse, who had never been there.

Ten years earlier we hiked to the bottom with a different group. Let’s see…There was Albert, his daughter (and my niece Daniza), Martha (my wife), our son Carlo, his then-girlfriend Winter, and me!

When we arrived we immediately went to the Back Country Information Office to see about hiking permits to the bottom. Whenever you hike the trails you must have a hiking permit. These take months, sometimes years in advance for reservations. Well, much to our initial disappointment, the office was not issuing hiking permits due to the water lines down the Bright Angel Trail having broken down. We did manage to get on a waiting list though.

Midway in our vacation we received notice the water lines were fixed and were issued hiking permits to the bottom. We had much to learn. Firstly, we didn’t have the right gear. Nor did we make reservations for meals at the Phantom Ranch Restaurant at the bottom of the canyon. We had to rent backpacks and sleeping pads because we thought we would need the equipment. Turns out we were way wrong!

My brother in-law used hiking poles, which I thought looked silly. My father bought us wooden hiking staffs, which I thought was more appropriate. Another mistake! That journey taught us a lot.

The reason this year’s hiking adventure was more special was due to how well prepared we were. All of us utilized hiking poles. We had the right trail hikers, clothing, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, back packs, fleece blankets, and sleeping pads. We even had small pillows. And we made reservations for a camping spot in the Bright Angel Campground at the bottom, along with reserving meals for dinner and breakfast     a must!

Before I jump ahead of myself to the good stuff let me tell you what we had to do in order to make this one of the more memorable trips I’ve enjoyed.

The Planning

Martha and I began prepping our equipment six weeks in advance. Albert and her made the reservations about three months in advance for the Mather Campground sites located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We were lucky! You really should plan your reservations at least a year in advance.

Our group was 28 persons. Albert, Jesse, Justin, Carlo and me would leave Saturday morning at 4:30 AM, while Martha and the family would leave San Diego on Monday to Sedona, and meet us at the Grand Canyon on Tuesday the following week.

Martha and I have a small trailer and most of the equipment. Tents, kitchenette sink, tables, screen tent for the picnic table. We lacked nothing. We opened all the tents and cleaned them up. Made sure we had enough tarps for the tent floor prints. We even had to borrow some tents from our good friends Debbie and Tim. Good thing because we needed them!

We stacked chairs, tables, inflatable mattresses, cots, hammocks, camp stoves, plates, food, you name it, and we had it. We lacked nothing in the way of camping comfort. Martha even had to repair a tear in our screen tent made by a black bear during our visit to Yosemite National Park in August 2012.

Albert helped me grease the ball-bearings to my trailer, I had the 4Runner checked and tuned up, put the Yakima rack on it. We even did training hikes in the nearby Mission Trails Park in San Diego and other areas. During this time we still had no reservations for meals at the Phantom Ranch Restaurant. We planned on making up for this by taking hydrated food packs bought at REI. Expensive, but good. I had a small hiking stove should the need arise.

We left San Diego at 4:30 AM, most of the gear packed and ready to go. Five of us stuffed in the 4Runner. We took the 805N Freeway to the 163N Freeway, to the 15 N Freeway and drove through to Temecula, and took the 79 Freeway to Palm Desert. At 6:30 AM we stopped for a breakfast-to-go at Del Taco. Don’t laugh! We wanted to save time by not going to a fancy restaurant. The breakfast burrito never tasted better.

By 7:00 AM we were on the 10 East heading to Prescott, AZ. It wasn’t as comfortable due to the heat. It reached 100 degrees and I didn’t turn on the air conditioner due to the extra weight I carried in the trailer and on the top rack of the 4Runner. I’m sure Carlo, Jesse, and Justin won’t forgive me for that!

It was smooth driving for much of the way. I was surprised how inexpensive gas was. Only $3.59 a gallon! We reached Prescott, AZ at 1:30 PM. The drive through the desert was uneventful, but impressive. Nice views of the desolate territory which I hadn’t seen for some time.

In Prescott we enjoyed a hearty lunch at the Prescott Brewery. You’ve gotta stop here. They make a mean Jalapeno Burger with Potato Wings. The beer is good, too! Unfortunately, we needed to make a stop at the grocery store for some quick food. You see, Martha was taking most of the food with her group so it wouldn’t spoil. This meant we needed to eat on the basics. Beer, peanut butter sandwiches, and hydrated food packs. They never tasted better!

We didn’t leave Prescott until 3:30 PM, a bit longer than we wanted. We arrived at the park entrance around 5:30 PM, via the Williams City route. You can avoid this by continuing on the 10 East and taking the Grand Canyon exit, but still have 60 miles to travel to the park entrance. Check in was simple, and by 6:30 PM we had our tents and hammocks up.

Mather Campground by far has the best outdoor facilities I’ve enjoyed. After serving in the Army I want to be sure to take a shower every night and use a decent bathroom. Go ahead and laugh! But I want my comfort even in the outdoors.

We enjoyed beers, peanut butter sandwiches this first night. Our campsite was simple and we didn’t need to break out all of the gear because the main party wouldn’t arrive until Tuesday. I slept under the stars in my hammock for the first time. Got a bit cold so I used my hammock, otherwise it was very comfortable. Be sure and use hammock straps versus nylon ropes to protect the trees!

The next day we had to move camp to our permanent site, but it was close and we were able to carry our tents to the new site without having to tear them down and put them up again. We enjoyed a breakfast at the nearby general market in the Yavasupai Café. No sense roughing it yet. We needed the carbs and a good meal for our upcoming hike.

Spent the day relaxing in camp and saving on energy. The plan was to get up at 3:30 AM and be at the Back Country Office at 4:00 AM so we could get the shuttle at 4:05 AM to take us to the South Kaibab Trail. You can leave you vehicle parked in the Back Country Office Lot D overnight so long as your campsite tag is on the window. This lot is not too far from the Bright Angel Lodge. You can’t park and leave your car in the South Kaibab Trail, so you really have no choice here.

The Hike

By 4:45 AM we were marching down the South Kaibab Trail. It’s dark this time of morning, so be sure and invest in reliable head lamps. These have a strap which goes around your head with a light to your front. This allows you to keep your hands free and use your hiking poles while shining the path in front of you.

If you want to enjoy the scenery, be sure and stop walking before looking at the vast canyon views. One misstep can send you tumbling to the bottom. The first thing you realize is how the canyon changes the further you descend. The views are magnificent beyond description (an ironic thing for a writer to state, but so true).

You can see the sunrise over the canyon and it’s something to behold. When you go down a third of the way you come to a rest stop with a better-than-average outhouse and more views of the canyon. Remember, when taking the South Kaibab Trail you must be completely self-sufficient. There are no water lines here. Take a minimum 3 liter water bag and two liter bottle. Fill the bottle with electrolytes to give you the extra energy needed and be sure and eat energy bars filled with carbohydrates. Beef jerky is also good along with orange slices. Take plastic bags for trash because there are no places to leave it and you aren’t permitted to bury trash either.

When we neared the Tonto Trail we came across a lone hiker, a Navajo who called himself the Crazy Navajo. We asked why they called him that and he said, “The rangers say I must be crazy because I never leave this place.” Turns out he hiked the canyon 70 times, including 28 times rim-to-rim. He was 70 years old, but if he’d said he was 50 I would’ve believed him.

After a second bathroom break at the Tonto Trail we started the 4.5 mile trek heading east toward Bright Angel Trail. It surprised me to learn less than 1% of visitors hike to the bottom, and even fewer hike the Tonto Trail. This part of the canyon is quite barren and flat, skirting the rim halfway down. The views here are one of a kind, but you must watch your footing carefully. The trail is loose in some areas and it’s a long way down should you have a misstep.

The orange slices came in handy along with the Tanko Beef Jerky. We even saw the condors flying overhead. When we reached the Bright Angel Trail be sure and head left so you can refill your water bladders. Take a break, enjoy the scenery, but don’t get too comfortable. You still have 6 miles to hike down to Bright Angel Campground.

We lucked out because of the rains. The creeks were full and crystal clear. Along the way we were able to remove our shirts and wash ourselves in the ice cold water. The weather never got above 90 degrees, but it was still warm. We came across deer drinking in the creek, and a lot of squirrels while hiking down the switchbacks.

Your knees will begin to ache at this point, but that’s normal. This is where you appreciate having hiking poles. They saved me from losing my footing on more than one occasion, and relieved the pressure on my knees.

I recommend having hiking gloves, a handkerchief, a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt (it’s okay to roll up the sleeves), and the best pair of trail hikers you can buy. I bought the North Face Trail Hikers and they were fine. You’re not forging a new trail, so no need to have ankle-high boots. And make sure your socks are thick and comfortable. Take an extra pair, too!

We reached the river about 1:00 PM. From here you have a mile hike to the Bright Angle Campground. It’s slow-moving in loose sand, but you have no choice. The campsites are first-come, first-serve. No place to put up hammocks, so be sure and have a 3” thick full body inflatable sleeping pad. Have an inflatable pillow, too. You have to keep your hiking and camp permit attached to your back pack for the rangers (they do check).

You can strip down to your shorts and cool off in the creek once you choose your campsite. It feels good! Dinner at the Phantom Ranch Restaurant is at 5:30 PM and you MUST have reservations! Make the reservations months in advance for dinner and breakfast. You’ll need the energy and the food is great! We had beef stew, corn bread, salad, beer, water, and cake, all you can eat, but don’t eat too much. You don’t want to risk getting sick. Keep it to a serving and a half.

You also have to have reservations for breakfast. All of the food is brought down on mules each day, so make these reservations at the same time you reserve a hiking and campsite permit. Be diligent! They don’t respond quickly to emails and calls. It is what it is.

I suggest getting as much rest as you can. I slept in camp from two to four PM. Stripped down to my shorts and soaked in the creek before joining everyone for dinner. Take a spare set of shorts and shirt, and be sure and bring sandals for the creek. I forgot mine and regretted not having them.

There are no showers here, but there are bathrooms. If you want a shower you have to rent the dorms or cabins. We roughed it by staying in the campground. More fun this way.

Wake up at 4:30 AM, breakfast at 5:00 AM. The breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee. Don’t eat too much. One serving will do. By 6:15 AM we were on the trail back up.

It’s much warmer at the bottom of the canyon. Be sure and drink regularly whether you are thirsty or not. You can refill your bladders at the Bright Angel Campground, so be sure to do so because you won’t be able to refill until you reach Indian Garden which is a good 6 miles up the canyon floor.

You will see many different type of rock formations, many which date back to prehistoric times, untouched and unchanged for millions of years. At some point you may not appreciate this because you’ll begin to feel exhausted and want to get the hike over with. This is okay, it’s natural. Stay focused, watch your footing, drink water, and talk with one another. This will help you remember why you’re here. And be sure and take photographs! This is the hike of a lifetime and you’ll want more than memories to look back on. Nothing like a photo to share on websites, right?

We reached Indian Garden, refilled our bladders, ate oranges, power bars and beef jerky. Then we began the hike of Jacob’s Ladder. This is a series of switchbacks which will take you to the top. Along the way there are two rest stops with water lines to refill your bladders. Take advantage of it, and take advantage of electrolyte cubes to suck on. They give you the extra boost of energy you need.

The hike is strenuous and you appreciate the hiking poles every switchback you cross. You will see plenty of hikers coming down from the top on their way to Indian Garden, and it’s gratifying to see their stares of admiration when they realize you are the fortunate ones who have hiked to the bottom and back.

When you see mules and their riders coming up or down the trail give them the right of way. You’ll be wishing to take one up the remainder of the trail, but there are no taxis here, so tough it out and finish the hike.

We reached the top of the Bright Angel Trail at 2:00 PM. What an achievement this was! My second time here and most gratifying hike ever. You will feel like you experienced the Grand Canyon in a way it was meant to be. We got back to our vehicle, stopped at the general market for a twelve pack of beers and cracked them open back at camp. Beer never tasted so good!

Justin surprised us by pulling out a bottle of tequila saying, “Because we did this hike, this bottle is for us and us alone!” I think he started a tradition for us.

Some things to remember are listed below for you.

·         Make reservations to hike to the bottom months in advance.

·         Make reservations for meals (breakfast and dinner) at the bottom at Phantom Ranch.

·         Take hiking poles, a 3 inch air mattress, broad brimmed hat, sun tan lotion, hiking gloves and good trail hikers. Keep your pack light and comfortable. Sunglasses too!

·         I also suggest going on hikes in advance of your trip for preparing yourselves for the grueling hike you will endure. It’ll be tough, but something you will cherish for the rest of your life.

See you on the trail!

David Lucero, author

www.LuceroBooks.com

Writing Takes Time, And Is Time Well Spent

Writing takes time. If you haven’t figured this out, that’s okay, you will soon enough. How to make the most of your time depends on your experiences in writing. For me, I have learned to balance my personal life with my desire to write, and although writing is extremely personal for me it’s important I learned not to become so absorbed in my desire to write that I forget about the important things which matter, like family, friends, and work.

I usually make time for writing on my days off from work. I’m an early riser (6:00 AM) and enjoy the quiet in our office or dining room to whip out three to five pages. This takes anywhere from two to three hours (Yes, that long for so little), but that’s how it works when you write a book. Doesn’t happen overnight, but I do this consistently I can have anywhere from 260 to 300 pages in a year (a book!). This time-frame is practical when you consider the amount of research required for your book subject.

My latest work was completed on Thanksgiving morning (before the family arrived) and I shelved it for three months before returning to it for a first-time edit. This helped me look at my book with a fresh set of eyes. I also allowed someone to read my book and review it for feedback, a helpful thing. I knew I had hit home when the reader told me he found himself searching google.com to look up some of the things I wrote about for more information. This means he paid attention and was intrigued.

I’ve been asked time and again how I find time to write. Well, like anything in life one must make the time. It’s no different than making time to go to the grocery store, exercising, going out on a date-night, and doing what needs to be done around the house. Pick a day where you can realistically spend two to three hours writing and in no time you’ll have yourself a book.

So to my fellow writers I say, I look forward to hearing about and reading your next book!

David Lucero, author

www.LuceroBooks.com

http://www.twitter.com/DavidLucero

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All Must Do What We Enjoy

Don’t hate me because I like writing most of the time. Sometimes I actually get lucky and come up with something good. Sure, I enjoy a ballgame here and then, a barbecue, going out for dinner. But when you see me holed up at the library, a bookstore, or at my dining room table or office punching away at the keyboard of my laptop it isn't necessary to think I'm wasting my time or being a bore. Writing is what I love. It is my passion. It's when I get to be my true self and helps define who I am, what I have become. We all do something for ourselves. Some cook, some go for a walk, some go for a hike alone. I write. And if you take a moment and read what I write, I'm sure you'll agree I come up with something good from time to time.

David Lucero, author

www.LuceroBooks.com

http://www.twitter.com/DavidLucero

https://www.facebook.com/WhosMindingTheStore?ref=hl

What is a Plot?

The basic definition of a plot is a casual sequence of events that make up a story. This does not mean the events need to be in order. In fact, many stories prove successful back-tracking as I have done in my book(s). The most important part of the plot is what drives the story, and how the events connect throughout the chapters, eventually coming to a conclusion which leaves readers satisfied. I've been asked by readers how I come up with stories and make them into a book. The answer is, I make sure my events throughout the story connect with the main plot of the book so that readers understand the resolution at its end. For me this is the most important part of writing, making sure characters and scenes throughout the story connect, sometimes in a large way, sometimes in a small way, but they must connect in order for readers to make sense of the story. This can be easily achieved if the book is 400-plus pages long, however, many readers prefer books 300 pages or less. This is where connecting scenes in a story can be challenging. 300 pages is not long and the writer must be concise, convincing, and the story entertaining. Not an easy task when you consider over a million books are published each year, leaving readers a multitude of topics to choose from. But then, if it weren't challenging, where would the fun in writing be?

If you want to write a book, I suggest outlining your book in 25 words or less. Call it a blurb. This will tell the reader what it's about. Then create character names. Write descriptions of them in your notes, and how they will connect with the main character(s). You should know how the beginning of your book will start, and what you want up to the middle, but be prepared for major changes as you write your story. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you will find yourself making changes as the pages flow. I like to have an ending in mind and written in notes, too, but this almost always changes, especially as you develop your characters and plot in words. Depending on the plot, you may not be able to keep your book under 300 pages, but that's okay too. Certain stories need to be longer due to the plot. This was the case with my second book, 'Who's Minding the Store?' My first book, 'The Sandman' was a modest 309 pages, but this was due in large part to it being an action-thriller. Those type of stories are relatively easy to keep short and entertaining. This is due in part to readers' ability to easily piece together the plot as they read chapter to chapter. In my second book I had characters the reader needed to know more about. This meant diving into characteristics commonly shared by you and me, and this resulted in a much longer book. It's also testament when it comes to writing a book, always expect the unexpected. Nothing ever goes as planned, and you'll find yourself adding characters and scenes and coming up with new endings you never dreamed of creating. But this only makes writing all the more fun. But don't forget the importance of keeping your story confined to a certain number of pages. The last thing you want is a book the size of an encyclopedia. Readers will only move on to the book on the next shelf if you're not careful.

Keep on reading!

David Lucero, author

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The Professional Writer

I have been asked if I wish my books were a best-seller, or made into a movie. It's a silly question because every writer has grandiose fantasies of readers flocking to bookstores for a copy of their books, and then for a movie producer to say, "I want to make your book into a movie!" It may sound childish, but then we all have a little child's play aching for release. To have such fantasies are not necessarily the sign of an amateur writer.

I have learned through the course of years of writing that success comes through hard work and dedication to your writing. And there are many levels of success. To finish a manuscript. That is a success. To have it published. That is a success. To have readers purchase a copy of your book. That is a success. For readers to write reviews of your story. That is a success.

The professional writer does not always achieve best-seller status, and their books may never be made into a movie. The professional writer is satisfied with the work they created and the success which follows in whatever shape or form.

David Lucero, a proud and professional writer.

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The Editor Is Always Right

Stephen King wrote, To write is Human, to Edit is Divine.

As I begin editing my third manuscript I find the editing part not only fun, but highly necessary. Every writer has a vision how their book will be understood by readers, and yet our vision is often far from the mark. I hear editors say, “It’s necessary for writers to step back and let us do our work in order for the book to be ready for publication. Without proper editing things like book flow, punctuation, repetition, in-depth descriptions of characters and story line will be missed.”

I could not agree more. I am as proud of my work as any writer is, but without editors our books would not be half as enjoyable as readers deserve them to be. I take my hat off to those men and women who make our books that much better. Here’s to another good year of books to write and read.

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Keep on reading!

My Blurb For My Sequel to THE SANDMAN

I have yet to begin the manuscript for the sequel to my first published novel, THE SANDMAN, but I write down ideas as they come. Thus far I think this will be the caption header to grab the readers' attention.

'In 2009 the CIA's top saboteur, code name: SANDMAN, accomplished an impossible mission. Today he is about to accomplish another....Only this time he is not under orders.

I have yet to come up with the blurb for the current novel I finished. I'm still working on the editing before sending it to an editor for the real-deal, so to speak. It is set in 1953 Africa during the golden age of safaris. A white hunter faces a mystical beast summoned by a medicine man who seeks vengeance for those who doubt his magic.

THE SANDMAN is available in hard and soft cover, and eKindle.

Who's Minding the Store? is available in paperback and Kindle.

I'd appreciate your reviews on amazon.com. Authors love to hear feedback from readers.

David

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and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DavidLucero

www.LuceroBooks.com

My New Year Resolution

Seems like everyone has a New Year’s resolution, and that’s not a bad thing. New challenges are exciting. They encourage us to make improvements with ourselves in the way we live and treat others.

As I approach the age of 50 (Yes, it still hasn’t quite sunk in) I find myself more focused and appreciative for what I have than at any other time in my life. You might ask why, and my answer is, as I approach the age of 50 I have done what many do. Which is, I look back at where I’ve been and what I’ve done, what I’m doing and what I’m going to do, along with where I’m going to go. I realize now more than ever, anything is possible.

Last year my wife and I went on the trip of a lifetime. You could say it was the highpoint of many wonderful trips we’ve shared with family and friends. I released my second book. The store I ran closed, but I was selected to run the new store replacing it in a different location. My wife is one year closer to retiring, and that means I can come home to dinner on the table each night (Oh, did I forget to mention my wife loves to cook?). My brother is doing well and my son is, too (I’m very proud of him). My father continues to travel in his retirement, leaving me to wonder if any of us will be so lucky, and I seem to have more spare time than ever on my day off. I suppose being organized is paying off.

My New Year’s resolution has been a bit tricky. It’s not that I have everything I want, because no one ever does. But I want my spare time to be occupied with something meaningful, something I can look back on with pride. So, here it goes…

1. Learn a second language. I’ve been studying Spanish because it is helpful at work and having a lot of fun, too. My wife and son are fluent, so I have plenty of help, and I found a terrific website called www.SpanishDict.com. It’s free and full of great lessons. Asegurese de probar. Te divertiras!
2. Pick up skiing again with our friends. Last year was the first year in eight years we passed up our annual trip, but for a good reason. We traveled to Europe!
3. Visit the pyramids in Mexico City. We’re going with the same group of friends we traveled with to Europe. Everyone should make time to travel. It’s an eye-opening experience.
4. Be successful at work. After all, we all have bills to pay.
5. Get my next book published. I finished the manuscript Thanksgiving Day, so late in 2014 I should be able to get my book released if all goes well.
6. Be a better husband to my wife. After all, she’ll be retiring soon and we’ll be sharing more time together than ever. Twenty-three years of marriage have taught me one must be a good listener to be a good husband, but I still have a lot of work to do, as I’m sure my wife will say (I had to beat her to that one).

That’s it for now, but I’m sure I’ll have more challenges throughout the year. How about you? Want to share your challenges with us? Please feel free to add comments.

THE SANDMAN, a novel of suspense

Who’s Minding the Store?, a novel which raises the question, ‘Who says the customer is always right?’