Holiday Fun! If I can do it, You can too

 

Lining up the red balls ... I can do it!

It takes a steady hand ... I can do it!

                                                          

I've got this ... YES!

KEEP WRITING, KEEP SUBMITTING, AND KEEP SMILING!

Learning the Craft of Writing without a Budget

 Hello Fellow Writers,

I've been attending ProWritingAid's Romance Writers' Week. It is a week of live webinars beginning in the morning and ending in the evening. There are hour breaks in between sessions. The amazing thing is that all of these sessions are FREE. The presenters have a wealth of knowledge and they are generous in sharing.

Now you may say, "I don't write romance, so this doesn't apply to me."  I'd like to challenge that. The authors and professionals talk about so much more. They discuss topics that apply to writers of all genres and at any level in their/your careers. 

Yes, there are published romance authors speaking about the romance genre, but they also share their journey to publication, writing schedules, and how they stay motivated. They discuss whether they outline or pansters and so much more.

I just finished a session on marketing your romance novel. Everything discussed applies to marketing any book. This evening we'll hear the Indie Author's guide to Indie Editors. I'm confident this will apply to all genres.

Many of the free webinars do add in a sales pitch for a product or an author's book, etc. Why shouldn't they since they're offering free education? There is no shame in not being able to buy at the time of the webinar. Maybe one day you may buy the product, and if not, pay-it-forward one day by offering your knowledge to other writers.

There are also endless Youtube videos on the craft of writing. Libraries loan books relevant to learning the craft of writing. Some public libraries host writing critique groups that are open to the public for free.

 There are many ways to continue to educate yourself with little or no budget. The next time you're in-between novels or are feeling stuck with your work in progress, consider looking into some of these options. You may find that the

stimulation will spark your creativity and help you get back on track.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL - MY CLEVER, CURIOUS, CARING CAT - Official Launch date is September 14, 2021

 My short story Learning to Be Sassy appears in this book! 

I'm very excited to have my story chosen by the Chicken Soup for the Soul team. All stories selected for books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies are true. This book sends profits to the American Humane  

The 250+ Chicken Soup for the Soul books cover a multitude of subjects. The submitting process is easy and I recommend all my writer friends to go to the website  https://www.chickensoup.com and take a look at the various topics currently open to submissions. I look forward to seeing your work there!

This book is full of wonderful cat stories. The two cats starring in my story are shown below. Although they are both now romping around in Cat Heaven, they are always in our hearts.

 Sassy is the star and Pumpkin her loyal co-star who practically steals the show.

 Pumpkin was forever crushing on Sassy and Sassy did her best to live up to her name. Deep down, I know she loved him.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

A New Book! Imagine Your Story Flash Fiction 2020

 Last Year, before Covid19 hit the U.S.A. our local library system advertised their annual Flash Fiction contest. The guidelines said to take something ordinary and reimagine it.

I was looking through some pictures of my late fiance'. I'd taken a picture of the Survivor Bell during a tour of MUSC hospital after an appointment with the amazing Organ Transplant Team. That was our goal; Randy would one day, ring that bell.

Seeing this picture again, brought back memories of conversations we'd had late at night while Randy waited and contemplated all that receiving an organ transplant meant.  

 I wrote a short piece titled, Ring That Bell, in his memory. I entered it into this contest and it was selected to be in the book.

This book is not for sale. It is a Lending Library Book Only. I love the idea of writing a story for my community. The book is available for lending from the Land O Lakes Library. I also donated money so two copies would be put in the Centennial Library as well. These are libraries in the Pasco County Library System. 

I am also excited to announce that another story I submitted was chosen as well. The title of that story is The Tip. This is a story that came straight out of my vivid imagination and does not relate to anyone or anything in my life. I enjoyed writing it.

As you can see in these pictures, the book cover says "2020". With all that has occurred over the past year and a half with Covid19, and people leaving jobs, etc. It has taken much longer than originally thought for this book to come to fruition. It is finally here! 

If you happen to be perusing the library, I hope you'll read them and enjoy. The photographs in this book are gorgeous. 

Putting your work out there for others to read is rewarding, whether the readership is huge or available to only a community. So, Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

Just when you thought it was over . . . SURPRISE ! !

 Hi Fellow Writers, 

So, back in June 2020, our local public library system ran a flash fiction contest. Selected winners would have their stories published in an anthology, Imagine Your Story: Flash Fiction. This book would not be sold, but instead be a lending book only.

I found the idea of writing something for the local community to be appealing. How fun to have your story printed in a library book for your neighbors to borrow and read!

Writers were welcome to enter more than one story. I wrote two flash fiction pieces. One titled, The Tip and one titled, A Nod to the Bell. I was very excited when both flash fiction pieces were chosen to be in the 2020 flash fiction anthology.

Over the next few months, we received no word on how or when the book would be printed and available for loan. Things with the Covid19 pandemic worsened and eventually, the library closed. One month led to the next and the next until eventually, we received an apology email from the library for the delays and they hoped to have more news in December 2020. Still, months went by with no more word. After we passed the one year mark in June 2021, I assumed the project was never going to reach fruition. I decided to rework the flash fiction pieces and send them out to other contests.

Out of the blue in early July 2021, I received an email from the library. The public libraries had endured much during the last year, including remodeling. I'm sure they look wonderful. But, more good news,  the now 2021 book has finally gone to the printer. The book will finally be on the library shelf and I cannot be happier. I'm looking forward to seeing it and when I do, I'll post a picture of the cover. It'll be a lovely surprise to see.

I'll keep you posted on when and where the book will be available. 

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

Something Wonderful Will Happen!

 I am a proud member of the Florida Writers Association. FWA

Each year the organization offers two writing contests. The Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) is a prestigious writing competition for adults members and provides written assessments to all entrants. I entered the 2021 contest. The contestants won't know the results for a while yet.

The other contest is Florida Writers Association Collection. For the 2021 contest adult and youth entrants wrote to the theme Footprints. The winning submissions are published in an anthology. I entered this contest too and my entry, One legged Seagull-My Story, is a winner! My entry will appear  in the book! Here is a sneak peak at the cover. The release date is in October 2021. 

To add to that bit of wonderful news, I was then asked to be a judge for the 2021 RPLA contest. I began judging after completing the application process.

I'm enjoying the process very much. I won't be judging the category I am entered in.

So you never know what opportunities will come to you from submitting. So finish up those stories and take the leap.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

What is Your Definition of Writing Success?

Hello Fellow Writers

I read an article this week asking the above question. Today, I received a Facebook post that warmed my heart and answered that question for me. 

In 2007, I wrote a children's story, Meet Sandy Gull and opened an ice-cream and candy shop called, Sandy Gull's Sweets. The book was the theme for the decor of my business. Along with the "sweets" I sold books and Sandy Gull tee-shirts for children and adults. Fast forward to May 2021 and the Facebook post which included this photo.

.

The post explained, this spunky little boy, Jacob, was the last of four cousins, (a set of brothers and a set of sisters), who get to wear this Sandy Gull tee. They wanted me to know before the tee-shirt is retired.

I know this family, the little boy is my great-nephew. They live very far away and I haven't seen them in years. They are my family and they've treasured the book. Through the years, I've received an occasional picture of one of the children sitting on the couch reading the book or a note saying one of the kids took the book to school for show-and-tell and told the class that it was their aunt who wrote it. I am touched deep down inside my heart that the children would share that with the class.

I am amazed and proud the children have taken such great care of the book and imagine my surprise to see they still have one of the shirts. I had no idea the parents had been handing it down to each child in the family. I can't tell you how special that is to me.

When I had my shop, I received little cards and notes from children and parents not only here in the USA, but from other countries, telling me how their children enjoyed the book and the visit to the ice-cream shop. Each and every time, I was honored to receive the cards and notes.

This pictures I've been sent of children enjoying Sandy Gull, always warm my heart. But today, my little nephew reminded me that I'll always be a success in their eyes.

Big Hugs and Kisses to you Jacob for wearing your Sandy Gull tee shirt and making me feel special. 

I hope you all find your own measures of success.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

 

Waiting to hear about a submission is like waiting for the fisherman to return!

Sometimes news of the catch is good and sometimes not so much, but always worth the anticipation.

Comparing the wait for news of a submission's status with pelicans waiting for fishing boats to come in is a stretch; but isn't it fun!

I mentioned in an earlier post, that two of my contest flash fiction stories were chosen for publication in a local authors 2020 anthology, sponsored by our public library system. Unfortunately, the latest news from the library reported delays, (I'm guessing Pandemic delays), and the book publication date is on hold. I checked in a second time, and the news was possible publication in December 2020. It didn't happen at that time. As of this post, it's been a year. I decided to submit the work in two other flash fiction contests with WOW-Women on Writing. I was excited when both pieces made it through first phase judging. They didn't win prizes, but I received great feedback from an editor/judge. Although I didn't catch the big fish prize, I do feel like I received the smaller bait fish, just as nourishing from encouraging feedback.

Another story I submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul has made it through the first phase of consideration and I was sent a contract to read, sign, and return. I was told the story has to go through one more person before it's a sure thing. I was told most pieces that make it this far do make it into the book. I was as happy as the pelican who is tossed an even bigger fish. I'll keep you posted when I receive the final update. 

I have two more stories submitted for consideration to Chicken Soup for the Soul future books. No word yet. Submission periods are still open.

I've submitted two short story pieces for the 2021 contest through the FWA, (Florida Writers Association), the prestigious RPLA awards, and a poem for the annual FWA themed anthology contest. The guidelines for these two contests are strict and I was thrilled to receive an email saying the submissions qualified and moved on to judging. Although I've been a member for three years, I've never entered due to being intimidated by the many rules. Fortunately, this year, the guidelines were reviewed and cut by 50%. Qualifying for this particular contest may seem to be a small fish to some, but to me it was a wonderful accomplishment.

Please note: Always, Always, Always, read the guidelines for every contest and submission. Follow the guidelines or risk being disqualified. You've worked hard on your piece and you want it read. Many guidelines will state, if you get disqualified, you lose your contest submission fee.

The RPLA contest will send feedback either way. Always appreciate professional feedback. It's important to accept the feedback graciously and to give it serious consideration. 

I had a few pieces that didn't toss me any fish at all. Like fisherman, we have to take the bad days with the good. But every new day brings a new opportunity to put yourself out there, submit, and work hard for the great catch of your life!

I'd love to read how your submissions are going. Leave me a comment.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!   

Show off your love of writing!

 Have a look at the new tees I ordered using a Christmas gift card from Etsy. Thank you to my generous nephew Patrick. 

                                                                        I love them!

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

We're nearing the end of March 2021 ALREADY! I hope your writing has helped you during isolation.

 Hi Fellow Writers and Readers!

I've been looking forward to our lives getting back to normal after the sadness of Covid19 and all of the pain it caused the world.

I feel very fortunate to be a writer with a vivid imagination. Writing allows us to vent or to escape the real world and lose ourselves in a happier world of our creation.

I'm excited to see more and more authors arise during the Pandemic. Not only is it simply an awesome thing to do ... writing stories, but it is cathartic. I hope writing has allowed you to release your feelings and experiences into journals. These journal entries are a part of history. Future generations will want to know what it was like to live and survive a pandemic.

I want to send my deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost loved ones. I continue to send prayers of healing for those whose health has been damaged long-term by this terrible illness.

Finding our way back to normalcy is a long journey. We will get through this.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling