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!

 

 

Encouragement for Writers at the Five Below Stores

Hello Writers,

 Yesterday, while visiting the Five Below Store, I was surprised to find a large selection of books for writers. They have books on writing prompts, journals, and a game. My curiosity was peaked. I bought the game. It included a book with very good writing information for the new author and a deck of cards with suggestions to encourage and stretch the imagination. I find this to be a testament to the ever-increasing popularity of writing.
I've always considered the Five Below stores to be a young person's shop. (In case you've never been to a Five Below store, everything inside cost five dollars or less. Games, toys, sports equipment, a small selection of clothes, phone accessories, novelty tee-shirts, room decor, books, candy, etc.)

It's a joy to learn more and more young people are interested in the arts and stretching their imaginations through storytelling. I shouldn't be surprised as my teen niece wrote her first short story and submitted it into a contest through school. She "placed" in the contest, winning an award and an interview for the newspaper.
My twelve-year-old granddaughter has also shown a new interest in writing. She's shared with me her opening paragraph of a work in progress for school last week. We also brain-stormed an idea she has for a fiction piece. I'm very proud and excited.

I'm sending a big SHOUT OUT to Five Below for adding books and games to encourage writing, to your stock sitting along-side books on music, painting, crafts, etc.
                           
I can't wait to read what's in the imaginations of our young people!

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!
 

Update for the Serendipty Literary Agency, YA Discovery Contest - My Entry

Simply put ... I didn't place in this one.

Today I googled the website  www.serendipitylit.com

I read a blog entry dated Wednesday, 16, January 2019. The blog entry announced the top 10 author picks, along with their titles.
My name was not there.

Congratulations to the top 10, and I wish each author the very best of luck!

Keep Smiling, Keep Writing, and Keep Submitting!

What happens after you "place" in a short story writing contest for publication in an anthology

Hi My Fellow Writers

After I "placed" in the Rehoboth Beach Reads 2018 Contest this is how things went ...

First you get that wonderful call telling you your story has been accepted for publication in the book. In my case I heard from Nancy of Cat & Mouse Press. I was told I received a "Judge's Award" which is not a cash prize but the story receives a special judge's comment. You are then instructed that the story will receive edits. The edits are then sent to you for your review.
**We must always remember that the edits are meant to improve, tighten and make your story the best it can be. I'd like to mention though, if you don't agree with something that has been deleted or changed, don't be shy about sending the editor your comments. The editor will explain why they felt the change should happen and you may explain your thoughts on the change. Maybe with some compromise you will both be happy. Keep in mind your Editor is a professional and gives serious thought to any objections. Your story will be edited for grammar, punctuation as well as spacing for their book, POV mistakes, etc.
This process may or may not make you happy, but remember what I mentioned above, and keep an open mind. Read the edits, then sleep on it and with a fresh eye, read them again. Try not to become defensive.
 Once you and the Editor agree to the edits, your story is then given to a Copy editor. In my case I was told I would get one review of those edits before publication. There may be more punctuation edits and spacing changes to get your story ready for the book. This process went very quickly.
Then you wait until your book launch. Beach Fun will Launch on November 10, 2018.
The book Beach Fun came back from the printer much sooner than was expected and soon I was holding my author copy!

Beach Fun is available at www.catandmousepress.com/shop/  as well as on Amazon.
My story begins on page 81 Where's Miss Birdie?
I hope you'll enjoy it as well as the 24 other stories.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!

The Daunting Agent Face to Face Pitch

    Hi Fellow Writers!
    All week I've been reading, watching how-to videos and sweating over my pitch for an upcoming workshop and Agent Pitch session.  As difficult as we all may think this is, it is well worth the effort when an Agent hands you a business card and says the words, "I want to know more."

    I'd like to share with you the main points you must get across in those precious moments you have with the agent.

    *Dress comfortably yet professional. (Business casual)
    *Smile and relax. The Agents DO want to hear your story.
    *Don't talk too much. Give the agent a chance to ask questions.
    *Be prepared to answer those questions.
         Sample questions from Agents:
             Who is your audience?
             What is your platform?
             Why you? Why now?
             Why would YOU buy your book?
    *If you have ten minutes and you pitch in three, don't leave.
      Ask questions.
    *Do not use vague terms. Be specific.
    *Do cover setting, protagonist and problem.
    *Make sure you have a good hook.
    *Practice in front of a mirror. Practice to an audience.

There is so much information on the Internet. Take advantage of that and read up.

Remember to always keep smiling and submitting!
                                                 

5 Star Review of Meet Sandy Gull

I was fortunate to receive a 5 star review from Emily-Jane Hills Oxford this week for my children's book MEET SANDY GULL

My reviewer is also an author of more than 25 books and resides in Canada. Please check out her website!


KEEP WRITING AND SUBMITTED
and always keep smiling!