Care Giving and the Writer's Life

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TIME is precious. Days pass in the blink of an eye and suddenly you realize the days have turned into months.

Finding time to write becomes last on your list of priorities. However, if writing brings you joy, and if you're reading this blogpost, I suspect it does, then we must write.

I have been in this place. I'd missed my critique group meetings. When I did manage to attend, I had nothing to share. My wonderfully supportive members understood, but encouraged me to write. They know how much writing means to me.

Some caregivers may find that writing down their feelings is cathartic. If this helps to relieve stress or heartache, please do it. 

For me, writing is a wonderful form of escapism. Losing myself in a world of silly, simple, and happy stories helps me to let go of the feelings that tug on my heart throughout the day. As I get lost in my make believe world, I feel my mood lift and my shoulders relax.

Now, I'm getting back into the groove. I take a little time at night, when the day is done to write. I print out my short stories and do some edits while sitting in the doctor's waiting room. Any time I can sneak in a bit of writing or spend time mentally creating, I take it. And it's happening! I've submitted a short story to Chicken Soup for the Soul and I've made the short list. I'm hoping to get the final notice any day now.

I'm finishing the final edits on a little children's story and a YA entry for a contest. Wish me Luck! 🤞

As an added bonus, I'm sharing my stories with my ill Dad and he's loving it!

Big Hugs to all of the caregivers out there 😍

Keep Writing, Keep Smiling, and Keep Submitting

 

 

Hung in there and found NANOWRIMO SUCCESS!

 

National Novel Writing Month is held every November. Participants do their best to write a 50,000 word novel draft in 30 days, throughout the month of November.

People from all over the world participate. I marvel at the thought of thousands and thousands of creatives writing at the same time. Published and unpublished authors creating and hopefully one day sharing their stories with the world. It's amazing.

Once registered, you have the opportunity to connect with other writers to make friends and cheer each other on to the finish. This event includes a Young Writers Program. These are only a few of the fun opportunities offered, but the encouragement throughout the journey including earning colorful badges as you reach milestones, online and in person write-ins, helpful and informational craft articles, etc. keep writers engaged. However, I was busy trying to stay on track and didn't take advantage of many of these opportunities. I did however make two lovely writing friends.

I must admit that if you miss even one day of writing or hit a writers block, it is very difficult to make the time up. But it can be done! Regardless of whether a participant reaches the 50,000 word count by November 30th, participation is a huge accomplishment. You may think it is easy for me to make that comment because I "made" the word count. Yes, this year I did. However, this is my third attempt. I was successful reaching the goal in my first try. I did not meet the goal in my second attempt. I didn't participate for a few years, but 2023, I met the goal. My 50,000 words are a rough, rough, and did I say, rough Draft? The trick to making the word count in 30 days, is to do absolutely no editing. It's imperative to turn off your inner editor during the 30 day challenge. If you are typing and you know you just made a spelling error, don't correct it, just keep typing. If you type a paragraph and feel it's not good and you will absolutely be chopping it, do not go back and delete it or try to correct it. Just keep going. If a scene idea pops into your head but it belongs in the middle of your story and you're only a quarter of the way in, type it anyway. Type it now. (I put asterisks in front of those scene ideas to alert me after the deadline to put that scene where it belongs.) It's important to get it on the page while the idea is fresh in your mind.) There will be plenty of time after November 30th to edit the good and the bad. Anything and everything that pops into your creative mind is worthy of the page. It's all about the word count. The point is to get that story idea out of your head and onto the page.

The holidays 🎅🎉💖🍀 have kept me busy and I did very little editing of my nanowrimo first draft. It's still a mess. I've recently begun sharing first draft chapters with my critique group.

Until next time, Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!   

Halloween Fun has ended and it's time to get back to work - IT'S NANOWRIMO TIME!

 

It's NANOWRIMO time!

I hope you've decided to sign up for the annual November self-challenge. Write 50,000 words in a month.

It's not easy, but writers all over the world will be writing their hearts out all month long. 

Even if we don't manage to write 50,000 words before the last day of November, we will have more written than maybe we wouldn't otherwise. So why not give it a try. The challenge begins today!

This is my 3rd time. On my first try many years ago, I was successful.

                                  On my second try, I wasn't.

                                  We'll see how this year goes. I have high hopes.

I wish everyone who registered the best of luck! And a big hug to everyone participating.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime,

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling.

Keep Updating your craft. Like all things change, so do the rules of craft.

Hello Fellow Writers 😎

Studying the craft of writing is an important aspect of being an author.

Writing is the fun part and attending workshops can be too. It's great learning from professionals. In  person or online, I enjoy the different topics and personalities of the presenters.

Last month I attended the August 2023 Writing Romance Mastery Summit, hosted by Paula Judith Johnson. It was amazing! And to make it even more amazing is the fact that this five day Summit was offered free with the option to purchase the event. By the end of day four, my hand was cramping from taking 67 pages of notes and I still had another day of workshops to attend! At this point, I knew I had to purchase the entire summit. So, I did. Here's how it worked:

There were 30+ different workshops offered over a 5 day period. Attendance was free of charge so long as you registered for the Summit. If for any reason attendees missed a day, we had 48 hours to view the recordings free of cost. At any point during the summit, attendees were offered the opportunity to purchase the workshops which included MP3 versions as well. If you purchased the summit at the time of registration, the complete summit cost $67. During the 5 days, you could purchase the complete summit for an additional $30. and after the summit the cost went up a bit more. But of these 3 price tiers, it was still an incredible value. Have you checked out the prices of single classes and workshops being offered out there? Some are very expensive and I know we all don't have unlimited education budgets.

Along with the workshops, many presenters offered free gifts to further help writers. Some gifts were for all attendees and some additional gifts were offered to those who purchased the premium package.

The information shared by the presenters was current and invaluable. You may be asking yourself, why are the presenters doing this for free? There are professionals who believe it is a wonderful thing to give back to the writing community. Also, this is an opportunity for the presenters to offer their professional services such as editing, ghostwriting, coaching, etc. And why wouldn't they? Don't think of this as a negative. After all, if I am in the market for an editor or an agent for instance, wouldn't it be beneficial to have some knowledge of this person rather than searching the internet blindly? 

I'd like to send out a Huge Thanks to everyone involved! Writers Helping Writers is a beautiful gift of their time and expertise. 

Another big tip to writers, If a free workshop or podcast is described as being in a genre that you do not write in, please don't count it out. I have found that there are so many good tips shared in most every podcast that applies to writers of all genres. This was certainly the case with this Romance Summit. There were great workshops on How to Write a Query Letter, How to Market for Amazon, How to tackle Writers Block, and much more.

When you finish a workshop, podcast, or find a blog post that lights a fire in you, "follow" that presenter. Check out their social media pages. More than likely, they'll have more great information to share with you.

I'm sure you can tell how much I enjoyed this workshop and for less than $100. I'll be able to enjoy the information for a lifetime.

Keep Writing, Keep Smiling, and Keep Submitting!   

 

Finding the time to write when life gets busy

 What do you do when unexpected company shows up for a week long visit? Doctors appointments, scheduled car maintenance, and family obligations, are swallowing up your days. You promise yourself that you'll squeeze in a couple of hours of writing when the lights go out and the world is asleep. Unfortunately, while you're waiting for the laptop to fire up, you realize you're just too tired to write. Tomorrow is another day.

Tomorrow, the sun set and you were just as busy as yesterday? 

There are plenty of blog posts and websites with suggestions on how to find a bit of time in your busy day to write. Not all will work for everyone. However, it's well-worth looking at some of the advice. If even one suggestion resonates and opens up a little bit of writing time, it's worth a try.

Vicki Millar from NZ is a multi-talented woman. Vicki shares ways to gain writing time on her Facebook page. Look her up to read many more tips.

Here's a good one from Vicki. Set time limits for tasks. If you give yourself only one hour to clean the house, you'll move faster and finish sooner. What may have taken longer last week, may take much less time to finish when on a time limit. This one works for me. I never thought to use it to free up writing time. I've done it for other reasons. Like when I wanted to get a snack during a commercial. It's funny how quickly we can make up a snack tray during commercials! 😀 Why not speed up for writing time.

Vicki advises staying focused. Don't get side-tracked. I need to be thoughtful on this issue with so many things in my life volleying for attention.

Vicki suggests investing a little money to save time. For example: try online grocery shopping and or pay a little money for the groceries to be delivered. Brilliant! I spend at least an hour or two when I shop for the family. Never thought to take those two hours and sit down at my laptop and write. 😃

One way that I have stolen some writing time is taking my laptop with me when I go to doctor appointments. I am transportation for some people who cannot drive. Doctors are getting busier and busier causing wait times to be longer and longer. While I'm sitting in waiting rooms, I now open my laptop and write or do research for a writing project. I'm amazed by how much time I've taken back.

Self-care is no longer a simple pleasure. It's become a necessity. Writing brings me joy. When I'm imagining and creating, I escape the demands of real life. When I close my laptop I feel happy and fulfilled. Writing is my favorite self-care activity. If writing brings you joy too, then carry on and take care of yourself.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!. 

  

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Advice that Changed my Life

 

I am thrilled to announce this book officially went on sale March 2023. 

My contribution is titled Assertive vs Aggressive.

It is wonderful being welcomed into the Chicken Soup for the Soul family. All of the contributors in this book were invited to a ZOOM party. 30+ writers from all across these great United States and Canada had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Amy Newmark, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, D'ette Corona, VP Associate Publisher, Shelby Janner, Chief Publicity Officer Zilker Media, Barbara LoMonaco, book distribution, Maureen Peltier, head of marketing, and the rest of the staff who turn these book ideas into reality.

This was my second invitation to attend a Contributors Zoom party. It is such a treat to put faces to the names we see at the end of each great story. Thank you, Chicken Soup for the Soul!

There are new books in production all year round. I would love to hear that you've decided to write a story for CSS and took the leap and submit. To learn more about CSS and the submission guidelines visit www.chickensoup.com

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are available in retail stores like Books-a-Million, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, etc. They are available online where books are sold. 

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

I Received an email asking me for advice on Protecting our Online Writing ...

 😓  Unfortunately, Plagiarism is all too common when posting our work on the World Wide Web. It's exciting to think people from all over the world may read our words. Yet, there are those who may decide your words are interesting enough or wonderful enough to copy it without asking for your permission.   

Here is a link with great information on this subject. I would advise everyone who reads this post to take a moment to visit the link below, especially if you are concerned about your work being plagiarized. 

From www.wikihow.legal

As of today, the information states it was last updated August 10, 2021. The advice here relevant, easy to understand, and offers a "Print" option at the end. If you don't want the images to print, be sure to click on the text only option.

A personal thought from me, Be cautious and consider only posting articles or blog posts that you've written specifically for it to be shared. If you have work that would hurt your career or your heart if it is illegally copied, don't put it out on the web, especially if you've not registered it with the U.S. Copyright Office. There are instructions in the above link on how to notify a person using your work that you are aware and requesting they remove it. If you get no satisfaction, then consider taking legal action. After all, you have that right.

There is a lot of information on this topic on the World Wide Web. Read as much as you can to educate yourself on this topic.

I hope the fear of Plagiarism will not prevent you from becoming the great author you want to be. 

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling! 

  

Update for Chicken Soup for the Soul Too Funny

😀😁😂😃😄

I'm excited to report that after almost four months on the shelf, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Too Funny - the book continues to land in the top 10 of the Bookscan Adult, Humor, trade paperback Bestsellers list!

How very exciting! Congratulations to Chicken Soup for the Soul and all of the contributors.

If  you'd like to enjoy the funny stories or share them as Christmas presents, they'd make a welcome gift.

And don't forget to look for my contribution, The Name Game.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

 

I Placed in the Florida Writers Association 2022 Collections #14 Contest! Book Title Thrills and Chills

 What GREAT cover art! It absolutely entices lovers of  spooky stories. Won't you support writers helping writers, purchase a book, and experience the thrills and chills.

I'm honored to say my story, The Final Waltz has won a place in this book.

I'm also excited to say another member of my writers group, John Hagen, has won a spot in this book for his amazing poem. Congratulations John!

Running concurrently with the FWA Collections book #14 contest, the FWA hosts the Royal Palm Literary Association contest. I'm thrilled to say two members of our writers group have made the semi-finals! We are wishing authors Nina Ward and John Hagen the best of luck!

I'm a judge in the 2022 RPLA contest, and I've had the honor of reading many entries. (Of course not in the categories entered by Nina or John.) This is my second year judging RPLA contest entries and I enjoy the process so much! Good luck to all of the entrants. I can't wait to hear the results.

To all writers keep writing, keep submitting, and keep smiling!

Announcing the release of Chicken Soup for the Soul Too Funny! and I'm one of the contributors!

 Everyday should include laughter! Laugh with me (and at me) as I share my story The Name Game in   Chicken Soup for the Soul's new release, Too Funny!

                                        Check it out Chicken Soup for the Soul Too Funny!

My story is an early childhood memory of how nicknames confused me. My own nickname caused me to panic on my first day of school. A heart to heart chat with my mother and a comparison to someone very special, helped me to finally understand!

There are 101 stories in this book to brighten your day. This Chicken Soup for the Soul book released in retail stores and online April 19, 2022.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

   

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!

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.

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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!   

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
  

Have you been writing your heart out? It's time to submit those stories!

People are spending more time in the house during this pandemic and looking for ways to be entertained.  More people have taken up writing. Some write for publication, some as stress relief, some to document this historic time around the world. Whatever your reasons are, I hope you will consider submitting your work. There are more opportunities to enter contests than I've ever seen.

I put down my novel in progress and took a break to write for contests. Not only was I ready for a break and needing to put some distance between my novel characters and myself, I was ready for some fun. Everyone needs some fun during these rough times. 

I loved the flash fiction and flash nonfiction contests as well as short story opportunities. There are so many online right now. Some have themes or prompts and some are open to most genres.

So I brushed the dust from some old pieces of writing to edit/update and wrote a few new pieces. (In case you didn't know, I love the challenge of a word count as well as finding short story writing to be fun.) I guess I entered four flash fiction contests and a short story contest. I also wrote and submitted a short story for consideration of an upcoming 2021 Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It'll be awhile before I know if it is selected or not.

One contest, WOW-Women on Writing, offered a written critique of the entry pieces for an additional nominal fee of $10. How amazing to have a professional editor critique your piece for $10?!  I took advantage of that with two

of my pieces.  I'm happy to report, the critiques were worth every penny. They not only told me where the pieces went wrong, but also where the pieces went right, which is just as important.

At the time of this writing, two of my pieces were selected to be published in an anthology, which should be out locally some time this month. I also have a flash nonfiction piece that has made it as a Finalist with the winners being announced by December 21st. I will keep you posted. I had 2 pieces that did not place but one received such an encouraging critique, I felt like I'd won.

All in all, I'm doing pretty well and it feels really good. I wish for all writers to feel really good.

So put your writing out there and I wish you smashing success in 2021. 

Drop me a comment and let me know how it goes.

Have a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed Holiday Season 💖

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling! 

       

A Time of Virtual Communities

   Hello to Nancy of Cat & Mouse Press and all of the authors who participated in the Zoom chat, (image above), on May 30, 2020. If you're looking for an escape into the world of a wonderful story, pick up any of the Rehoboth Beach Reads offered through Cat & Mouse Books. These books are collections of short stories written by numerous authors. Each book has an overall theme, but vary in plot, offering all readers the variety we crave.

In these times of social distancing, I am grateful for the technology we have today. We all miss the ability to gather and socialize. Through technology we're enjoying the gifts of seeing and speaking to one another in real time. What a BIG DEAL!

This week authors, contest winners and contributors from various Cat & Mouse beach reads gathered virtually to say hello and enjoy a chat. It was a pleasure to meet everyone. I'm in the upper left corner and Nancy is in the upper right corner. Thank you to everyone for the opportunity.

Earlier in the week, I had great fun virtually attending my great nephew's first birthday, with the help of laptops. The party was in California. It was amazing to see Conor doing so well after a recent battle with the Kawasaki disease. Happy Birthday Conor!

I've also attended a virtual doctor appointment, allowing me to see my doctor, while staying safe in my home.

Yesterday, my writer's group, The Florida Gulf Coast Writers Circle met for our 5th virtual read and critique session. Meeting this way is working out fine for us.

I hope as many of you as possible are taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with others in professional and social virtual ways until we can be together in person.

                How great will that first hug be when we are safe to meet again?!

Life would be more worrisome and lonely without the gift of technology. I'd love to hear how you've been taking advantage of this gift. 
Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!