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!

 

 

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! 

A Change of scenery for The Writer's Circle

                                     Today my writer's group held our meeting at the beach.

         Could there be any better inspiration for a writer than looking out at the beautiful water?

           The pavilion gave us tables, shade, and, a sweet breeze to keep us comfortable. Not to mention we caught a family of dolphins checking out the swimmers. Maybe the next time we'll take advantage of that grill and get our burgers on!  A truly inspiring afternoon.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

  

Congratulations! Beach Fun wins award

Congratulations to Nancy Sakaduski of Cat & Mouse Press for placing 2nd with the anthology Beach Fun, entered in the 2019 Delaware Press Association Communications Contest in the category, Collection of Short Stories Published by Entrant/Multiple Authors

I'm very proud to have my story, Where's Miss Birdie, published in this book.
   Congratulations to all of the authors published in Beach Fun