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

 

 

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!

Update for Chicken Soup for the Soul Too Funny

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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!

 

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!