A few weeks ago, my mother fell and hit her head on her oxygen tank. My sister took her to the hospital and they said she was bleeding on the brain. Supposedly they gave her some medicine that would help dissolve the blood. She stayed in the hospital for a while, each day she become more confused. The doctors claim it didn’t have anything to do with the injury.
She came home last Monday, but she wasn’t herself. She was still confused and unknown to us having headaches everyday. She went to her dialysis on Saturday and they called an ambulance to take her back to the hospital, they say she was talking crazy.
It’s been an uphill battle every since. The doctors insist the confusion had nothing to do with the injury. Yesterday they had to drill a hole in her head to drain the area that had started to bleed again.
My sister spent the night with her because our mother likes to get up in the middle of the night. My poor sister had a rough night with her mother. She refused to rest and she kept talking about being pregnant and hurting the baby. My sister has never seen her mother like this, so I’m sure it was pretty scary for her.
I know I’ve been stressed out for months now. It’s hard seeing your parent go through pain and suffering. My mother is only 58 and I assumed, we wouldn’t have days like this until she was much older.
Being a caregiver I believe is harder job than being a parent, because you become the parent to your parent, which is hard.
I find myself calling Jesus. Just saying his name some days gives me peace. I know I can’t do this alone. I feel helpless on the days she’s confused. The past few weeks I ask myself and my sister what are we going to do if she doesn’t stop being confused?
I’m a book reader and I normally can find a book on any subject when I’m having a problem. I haven’t found one on how to cope with a sick parent.
I call out to Jesus. Help me Lord because I don’t have a clue.
Are you a caregiver? What do you do when your parent is confused, how do you cope?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Sunday, April 02, 2006
AUTHOR INTRO - Keri Wyatt Kent
See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Keri Wyatt Kent: I'm a mom of two great kids: Melanie, 12, and Aaron, 10. I've been married to Scot for 15 years. I am a working mom, I do freelance writing for magazines and businesses, and write my books. I also do quite a bit of speaking. Fortunately, I can work from home so I can be around for the kids. As a writer, my background is journalism--I was a newspaper reporter for about 10 years before having kids and going into freelancing. Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life is my fourth book. I also have a couple of books where I was an editor or co-writer. You can check them out on amazon.com, or on my website, www.keriwyattkent.com
SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?
KENT: It's called Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life. It's a book on how we can really pay attention to God's voice. The book has three parts: the first is about how God speaks to us through our lives, through the struggles and joys. The second part is about how God speaks to us through others, and how we can grow spiritually by offering the gift of listening to others. The final part looks at spiritual practices that are transformed by listening, such as prayer or mediation on Scripture. For example, you can just pray and throw words at the ceiling and hope God hears you, or you can incorporate listening into your prayer life (by being silent, waiting on God, listening to his word in Scripture) and then, it moves from being just talking to conversation. Listening transforms the practice, which in turn, transforms you.
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
KENT: I learned that I've often limited the ways that I'm able to hear from God. Writing this book opened me up to noticing how God has spoken, not just through "leadings" or bringing ideas or people to mind, but through the circumstances of my life. My life--its joys, its struggles--has been a way for God to communicate with me. He also speaks through other people--and not just preachers. He speaks through you children, through people you don't expect to provide wisdom. God got bigger for me as I wrote this book--I realized he is always speaking. I learned this about myself--that I need to tune into his voice and pay attention.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
KENT: I hope readers' spiritual lives will be transformed. That may seem like a pretty grand expectation, but really, learning to listen to God is transformational. So many of us just go through the motions, or feel like we are living life disconnected from God. But when we begin to pay attention to what God wants to say through our circumstances (even the difficult ones) and other people (again, even the difficult ones)--we'll discover that God desires communication and communion with us--and that means our relationship must be one where we both speak and listen--two way communication. I hope readers will realize that is indeed possible--and that can be a transforming truth. If you could live your life in on-going conversation with God, that would be transforming, right? I hope so.
SYOTN: How do you feel about critique groups?
KENT: I've been in one before, and just recently joined an on-line one, but we're a bit slow getting started. I find them helpful if people are willing to be honest. But sometimes they're not. I find that having a group of two works better, if you can find someone who's willing to be brutally honest. I'm lucky--I have a friend who reads my stuff and is willing to actually help me improve it.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
KENT: Well, if you want to write, you have to be willing to re-write. I do several drafts of everything I write. You will not get it right the first time through. So good writing depends on re-writing. I think the willingness to revise, edit, improve--that's what separates good writers from wanna-be's.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
KENT: That writing is a job. I often go and speak, and have my four books spread out on the book table, and have just given a well-prepared presentation, and people will come up to me and say, "So, Keri, do you work?" Other author friends say they've experienced the same thing. Um, my writing/speaking/teaching is a JOB. I may not make a lot of money, I may do it from the spare bedroom (typically in my pajamas) but it is my job, it is work.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
KENT: Write about what you love, because it's a lot easier to get excited about promoting something you are passionate about. If you write a book you don't really care about, you're not going to do the marketing. And marketing is part of an author's WORK. (see above)
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
KENT: I'm a working mom--very few books keep me up, because by the end of the day I am tired! I read all the time. Most recently, I enjoyed "A Year by the Sea--Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman" by Joan Anderson. I also love Donald Miller's work--Blue Like Jazz was amazing, and I also really enjoyed his Searching for God Knows What.
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
KENT: I don't fully utilize the net as much as I should. My kids are much more computer savvy than I am. I Google anything I am trying to learn more about. I am in just one writers group on-line--it's helpful but also takes a lot of time away from actually writing. biblegateway.com is a great way to look up Bible verses or other bible info --you can search all versions of the bible, in different languages. I also am always checking amazon--I love bookstores and that's a way I can sort of spend a few minutes in a bookstore without leaving the house!
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
KENT: My website, www.keriwyattkent.com, has a place to contact me, get info about having me come and speak, and also a way to sign up for my monthly e-zine, which is called Connecting with Keri Wyatt Kent.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Staying Calm
Two incidences this week, showed me staying calm helps defray a possible problem.
The first one happens at a gas station. As I reached for the pump a man walked up to the pump, he asked if he could pump my gas for a few dollars. I told him I didn’t have a few dollars to offer him but thank you any way. Instead of moving on, he decides to have conversation telling me he didn’t believe I didn’t have any money. I’m just like the rest of the people. They think he’s crazy and they don’t want to help a brother down on his luck.
My inner self wanted to yell, get away from me, however I remembered my kids were in the car, so I remained calm and pumped the gas, while listening to him jabber on. As I finished pumping, he said you look like a good Christian woman, you’re sure you don’t have some change, so I can help you out. I told him, I wish I did, but I don’t carry money on me. I assumed he finally accepted my refusal. I went inside the gas station because I wanted to get a car wash and the pump wasn’t acting right.
As I’m standing line, this woman comes in carrying an ax, yelling at the attendant, “call the police, I’m about to hurt somebody.” The man who was asking me for money comes in, yelling.” You going cut me B****” She told the attendant, “I asked him to get away from my car window and he wouldn’t. Then he started threatening me, call the police.”
The attendants asked the man to go, but he was too hyped up to think about leaving. For a few minutes I thought I was going to witness someone’s death, or maybe be chopped up in the process.
The lady’s friend came in and they were able to go back to their car. I paid for my car wash and exited.
As I sat in the car I thanked God, I’d remained calm with the man. No telling what would have happen if I hadn’t. I definitely didn’t want my children to witness something like that.
The second incident happens at the pharmacy. I was looking at some magazines when this man walks up and says, “You’re beautiful,” I look at him and say thank you. I return to the magazines, hoping Mr. Man will go on his way. Of course not. (For some reason, old men especially the one like him, with not one tooth in his head think I would be interested in them)
He decides to hold a conversation. I so want to yell, get away from me. However I remember the ding bat at the gas station and remain calm. I listen to him babble on until he finally realizes, I’m not interested. He goes on down the aisle and, I say Thank you Jesus.
I know it’s my nature to go off when I don’t want to be bothered, but I’m learning sometimes its best to remain calm.
The first one happens at a gas station. As I reached for the pump a man walked up to the pump, he asked if he could pump my gas for a few dollars. I told him I didn’t have a few dollars to offer him but thank you any way. Instead of moving on, he decides to have conversation telling me he didn’t believe I didn’t have any money. I’m just like the rest of the people. They think he’s crazy and they don’t want to help a brother down on his luck.
My inner self wanted to yell, get away from me, however I remembered my kids were in the car, so I remained calm and pumped the gas, while listening to him jabber on. As I finished pumping, he said you look like a good Christian woman, you’re sure you don’t have some change, so I can help you out. I told him, I wish I did, but I don’t carry money on me. I assumed he finally accepted my refusal. I went inside the gas station because I wanted to get a car wash and the pump wasn’t acting right.
As I’m standing line, this woman comes in carrying an ax, yelling at the attendant, “call the police, I’m about to hurt somebody.” The man who was asking me for money comes in, yelling.” You going cut me B****” She told the attendant, “I asked him to get away from my car window and he wouldn’t. Then he started threatening me, call the police.”
The attendants asked the man to go, but he was too hyped up to think about leaving. For a few minutes I thought I was going to witness someone’s death, or maybe be chopped up in the process.
The lady’s friend came in and they were able to go back to their car. I paid for my car wash and exited.
As I sat in the car I thanked God, I’d remained calm with the man. No telling what would have happen if I hadn’t. I definitely didn’t want my children to witness something like that.
The second incident happens at the pharmacy. I was looking at some magazines when this man walks up and says, “You’re beautiful,” I look at him and say thank you. I return to the magazines, hoping Mr. Man will go on his way. Of course not. (For some reason, old men especially the one like him, with not one tooth in his head think I would be interested in them)
He decides to hold a conversation. I so want to yell, get away from me. However I remember the ding bat at the gas station and remain calm. I listen to him babble on until he finally realizes, I’m not interested. He goes on down the aisle and, I say Thank you Jesus.
I know it’s my nature to go off when I don’t want to be bothered, but I’m learning sometimes its best to remain calm.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Are You A House Fan
I’m a House fan. I just love that arrogant doctor. When I first watched the show I kept trying to figure out where I saw Hugh from. Last month I found out he was the daddy from the Stuart Little movies and he was in Sense and Sensibilities, one of my favorite movies.
He definitely didn’t fit the mold for House.
Tuesday night I watched and it was the first time I saw him ride his motorcycle. They named him one of the sexiest men on t.v. and I was wondering why. However after seeing him on the motorcycle, I could see a little sexy.
He kills me because he says what’s on his mind. Doesn’t worry about how it will affect others. I wonder what the world would be like if we all did that. CRAZY!
He definitely didn’t fit the mold for House.
Tuesday night I watched and it was the first time I saw him ride his motorcycle. They named him one of the sexiest men on t.v. and I was wondering why. However after seeing him on the motorcycle, I could see a little sexy.
He kills me because he says what’s on his mind. Doesn’t worry about how it will affect others. I wonder what the world would be like if we all did that. CRAZY!
SPRING BREAK
I had this bright idea to take a few days off to spend time with my children while they were on Spring Break. A friend of the family offered a hotel room for two days and we were off.
For a week my children asked, is today the day we go to the hotel. We packed the night before and my daughter said she was too excited. “Are you too excited Mama?” I said I was looking forward to it, I didn’t know about excited.
My husband drives us to the hotel, which is Earth City about thirty five minutes away from our home. We feel like we’re in another city. We arrive at the hotel, but the room isn’t ready and we have to wait for about fifteen minutes. Which means, we hear, “what’s taking so long?”
We did have a little entertainment from the many robins, talking to themselves beside the car. There were also men cleaning the hotel windows. The kids wanted to know why they didn’t go fast instead of slow as they pulled themselves up on the outside of the hotel.
Finally our room was ready. We went up and decided to take a tour after we put up our suitcases. To our horror, there was no swimming pool, Jacuzzi or game room. What kind of hotel was this? My kids wanted to know. “What are we going to do? This is boring.”
My husband and I tried to get them excited about ordering room services and watching King Kong. I think we had their attention until the movie was over.
“What are we going to do now?” Sleep I said, considering it was after 12.
Remind me next time I get my bright ideas to have a suite instead of a room with two beds. Those two blessings of mine were like little ants jumping on everything. I was thankful it was only two instead of the four I thought I would have when I was dreaming of having children.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but being shut up in a one room with them can drive anyone crazy. Thank God for David and Busters. We had a blast burning off a little of their never ending energy. I’ve never been to D&B. It was fun, like a chucky cheese for grown ups.
I will say I’m looking forward to Spring Break next year. I think we’ve started a new family tradition. Next year I will be getting a suite.
For a week my children asked, is today the day we go to the hotel. We packed the night before and my daughter said she was too excited. “Are you too excited Mama?” I said I was looking forward to it, I didn’t know about excited.
My husband drives us to the hotel, which is Earth City about thirty five minutes away from our home. We feel like we’re in another city. We arrive at the hotel, but the room isn’t ready and we have to wait for about fifteen minutes. Which means, we hear, “what’s taking so long?”
We did have a little entertainment from the many robins, talking to themselves beside the car. There were also men cleaning the hotel windows. The kids wanted to know why they didn’t go fast instead of slow as they pulled themselves up on the outside of the hotel.
Finally our room was ready. We went up and decided to take a tour after we put up our suitcases. To our horror, there was no swimming pool, Jacuzzi or game room. What kind of hotel was this? My kids wanted to know. “What are we going to do? This is boring.”
My husband and I tried to get them excited about ordering room services and watching King Kong. I think we had their attention until the movie was over.
“What are we going to do now?” Sleep I said, considering it was after 12.
Remind me next time I get my bright ideas to have a suite instead of a room with two beds. Those two blessings of mine were like little ants jumping on everything. I was thankful it was only two instead of the four I thought I would have when I was dreaming of having children.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but being shut up in a one room with them can drive anyone crazy. Thank God for David and Busters. We had a blast burning off a little of their never ending energy. I’ve never been to D&B. It was fun, like a chucky cheese for grown ups.
I will say I’m looking forward to Spring Break next year. I think we’ve started a new family tradition. Next year I will be getting a suite.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Author Intro - Deborah Piccurelli
Each Monday See Ya On The Net will introduce you to some of the hottest authors in Christian fiction and non fiction. Our guest today is Deborah Piccurelli.
SYOTN: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Deborah Piccurelli: I'm married with two grown sons. In my spare time, I like to read (of course), and spend time with my family. I belong to a nondenominational church where I love to attend our ladies Bible Study.
As a writer, I am a first-time novelist, and now working on a new series that I'm very excited about. I've also had an article published in my local newspaper on the uncertainties of embryonic stem cell research.
My goal through my books is to impact readers' lives for Christ.
SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?
PICCURELLI: In In the Midst of Deceit, following a near-fatal skydiving disaster, a driven financial expert enlists the aid of a spiritually grounded woman to determine who wants him dead. It was released by Jireh Publishing Company in March 2004.
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
PICCURELLI: What I learned about myself, I guess, was that writing novels is an integral part of who I am. Also, I learned that I could really do it - finish a book and have it published.
What I learned about God is that He is working through me in my writing. I'm really just an instrument, and he equips me with whatever I need to get his message across.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
PICCURELLI: That he loves all of us, no matter who we are, or our position in life. That we all have a chance to enter His kingdom. That without Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. And that no matter what our circumstances, we can live the abundant life He intends for us.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
PICCURELLI: Well, of course I originally got numerous rejections, just as all writers do. But after a few years, I finally got that call two weeks after submitting my manuscript. After that, it seemed like forever before the book was actually released, with lots of work in between. Of course, you have new projects to keep your mind off of it, though. But when you actually hold that book in your hands, it all seems worth it. Then the hard part comes: marketing. The amount an author has to do varies depending on which publisher you've contracted with. Some of us have more to do than others.
But I love all of it, and don't see myself quitting for a long, long time. Maybe never.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: Well, I'm a newer writer myself, so I don't know if I'm in a position to answer that. I guess I could say that there may be some beginning writers out there who need to understand that they should study the market and pay attention to what publishers want. Some writers think they can still write the manuscript and send the entire thing out to about twenty publishers and assume they'll get an offer.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: How long and slow the process is from beginning a story until it gets published.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
PICCURELLI: One would be to get interviewed on blogs like this one. LOL! Another would be to get reviews from websites that receive a lot of hits, or publications with a large circulation. There is really so much more, and lots of stuff I haven't even thought of myself. It would be a good idea to purchase books on marketing by experts. There are lots of them out there. I've just gotten one myself called You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
PICCURELLI: Actually, I 'm reading one now by Brandilyn Collins called Web of Lies. It's a real ride!
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
PICCURELLI: I belong to several writer's groups, which are always a great resource. They always offer members a plethora of benefits, services, and information.
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
PICCURELLI: They can contact me at debwrites@netcarrier.com . If they'd like to know about me or my book they can go to http://www.roadtoromance.ca/first_timers/deborahpiccurelli.htm .
I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, LaShaunda. It's been a real pleasure!
SYOTN: Deborah, thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and your book. I wish you many blessings with your new career.
SYOTN: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Deborah Piccurelli: I'm married with two grown sons. In my spare time, I like to read (of course), and spend time with my family. I belong to a nondenominational church where I love to attend our ladies Bible Study.
As a writer, I am a first-time novelist, and now working on a new series that I'm very excited about. I've also had an article published in my local newspaper on the uncertainties of embryonic stem cell research.
My goal through my books is to impact readers' lives for Christ.
SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?
PICCURELLI: In In the Midst of Deceit, following a near-fatal skydiving disaster, a driven financial expert enlists the aid of a spiritually grounded woman to determine who wants him dead. It was released by Jireh Publishing Company in March 2004.
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
PICCURELLI: What I learned about myself, I guess, was that writing novels is an integral part of who I am. Also, I learned that I could really do it - finish a book and have it published.
What I learned about God is that He is working through me in my writing. I'm really just an instrument, and he equips me with whatever I need to get his message across.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
PICCURELLI: That he loves all of us, no matter who we are, or our position in life. That we all have a chance to enter His kingdom. That without Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. And that no matter what our circumstances, we can live the abundant life He intends for us.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
PICCURELLI: Well, of course I originally got numerous rejections, just as all writers do. But after a few years, I finally got that call two weeks after submitting my manuscript. After that, it seemed like forever before the book was actually released, with lots of work in between. Of course, you have new projects to keep your mind off of it, though. But when you actually hold that book in your hands, it all seems worth it. Then the hard part comes: marketing. The amount an author has to do varies depending on which publisher you've contracted with. Some of us have more to do than others.
But I love all of it, and don't see myself quitting for a long, long time. Maybe never.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: Well, I'm a newer writer myself, so I don't know if I'm in a position to answer that. I guess I could say that there may be some beginning writers out there who need to understand that they should study the market and pay attention to what publishers want. Some writers think they can still write the manuscript and send the entire thing out to about twenty publishers and assume they'll get an offer.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: How long and slow the process is from beginning a story until it gets published.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
PICCURELLI: One would be to get interviewed on blogs like this one. LOL! Another would be to get reviews from websites that receive a lot of hits, or publications with a large circulation. There is really so much more, and lots of stuff I haven't even thought of myself. It would be a good idea to purchase books on marketing by experts. There are lots of them out there. I've just gotten one myself called You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
PICCURELLI: Actually, I 'm reading one now by Brandilyn Collins called Web of Lies. It's a real ride!
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
PICCURELLI: I belong to several writer's groups, which are always a great resource. They always offer members a plethora of benefits, services, and information.
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
PICCURELLI: They can contact me at debwrites@netcarrier.com . If they'd like to know about me or my book they can go to http://www.roadtoromance.ca/first_timers/deborahpiccurelli.htm .
I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, LaShaunda. It's been a real pleasure!
SYOTN: Deborah, thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and your book. I wish you many blessings with your new career.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Author Intro - Pamela J. Hudson
Each Monday See Ya On The Net will introduce you to some of the hottest authors in Christian fiction and non fiction. Our first guest is Pamela J. Hudson.
See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?
Pamela J. Hudson: HELP! for Your Leadership
(Healing, Encouragement and Loving Perspective for Overwhelmed Leaders) with accompanying Leader’s Self-Care Workbook
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
HUDSON: I learned I could write best when I allowed the Spirit of God to lead me. I found that the presence of the Spirit makes the difference, it was not me.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
HUDSON: He is a God who wants you to be effective, efficient and empowered in all that you do. You can be a leader with characteristics liken to Jesus and make a difference in others.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
HUDSON: It was so new to me and sometimes stressful as you know it involves more than money, it’s your time, emotions and energy.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
HUDSON: Writers write, it is their passion and you need to discipline yourself to make this a natural habit and extension to who you are.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
HUDSON: Although, laborious it is a part of your personality and represents the essence of your soul.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
HUDSON: Consider joining associations and organizations that promote writing and books along with enthusiasm when talking about your work.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
HUDSON: Mary Higgins Clark, any of her books will keep me reading all night. Lori Wick is another author who is exciting, The Mill Pond was one I read while in Africa.
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
HUDSON: Because I am a researcher, I use multiple resources and locate so many more. My bookmark is so full!
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
HUDSON: Email: wrapword02@yahoo.com or www.advancewithpam.org or
19785 W. 12 Mile Rd., Suite 242, Southfield, MI 48076
See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?
Pamela J. Hudson: HELP! for Your Leadership
(Healing, Encouragement and Loving Perspective for Overwhelmed Leaders) with accompanying Leader’s Self-Care Workbook
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
HUDSON: I learned I could write best when I allowed the Spirit of God to lead me. I found that the presence of the Spirit makes the difference, it was not me.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
HUDSON: He is a God who wants you to be effective, efficient and empowered in all that you do. You can be a leader with characteristics liken to Jesus and make a difference in others.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
HUDSON: It was so new to me and sometimes stressful as you know it involves more than money, it’s your time, emotions and energy.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
HUDSON: Writers write, it is their passion and you need to discipline yourself to make this a natural habit and extension to who you are.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
HUDSON: Although, laborious it is a part of your personality and represents the essence of your soul.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
HUDSON: Consider joining associations and organizations that promote writing and books along with enthusiasm when talking about your work.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
HUDSON: Mary Higgins Clark, any of her books will keep me reading all night. Lori Wick is another author who is exciting, The Mill Pond was one I read while in Africa.
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
HUDSON: Because I am a researcher, I use multiple resources and locate so many more. My bookmark is so full!
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
HUDSON: Email: wrapword02@yahoo.com or www.advancewithpam.org or
19785 W. 12 Mile Rd., Suite 242, Southfield, MI 48076
Friday, March 03, 2006
Are you being a blessing to others?
Last night at bible study, my Pastor asked “are you being a blessing to others?”
My daily prayer is how I can be a blessing to someone else. I know it’s hard to bless someone else, but I know I have a better life when I do. I also know that my life on this earth means something, than a person who goes to work everyday.
I thought about a message I received from someone saying how much they appreciated my ministry. I never thought of what I did as a ministry. However as I looked over what I do for other writers, I realized that I in my own small way, I am blessing others.
I know I feel blessed meeting all these writers who share my love of writing. It gives me joy being able to tell others about their books. I know what books means to me and how they have touched my life. I want to give someone else that warm fuzzy feeling I get when I read a good book.
In the coming months, I will be introducing you to these writers I’ve met and hope their books are a blessing to you. Stop by on Mondays and meet the authors who are spreading the word of our Lord.
My daily prayer is how I can be a blessing to someone else. I know it’s hard to bless someone else, but I know I have a better life when I do. I also know that my life on this earth means something, than a person who goes to work everyday.
I thought about a message I received from someone saying how much they appreciated my ministry. I never thought of what I did as a ministry. However as I looked over what I do for other writers, I realized that I in my own small way, I am blessing others.
I know I feel blessed meeting all these writers who share my love of writing. It gives me joy being able to tell others about their books. I know what books means to me and how they have touched my life. I want to give someone else that warm fuzzy feeling I get when I read a good book.
In the coming months, I will be introducing you to these writers I’ve met and hope their books are a blessing to you. Stop by on Mondays and meet the authors who are spreading the word of our Lord.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
2006 Goals
MARCH
100 pages to finish manuscript (4 pages a day)
Make sure 3 chapters are ready for submission
Revise query letter
Write two articles - Wrote article on Online Presence
Submit two articles - Submitted article (OP) to MORWA Newsletter
FEB
I would like to reach 300 pages at the end of the month. I currently have 176. - Reached 210
I'm also working on a query letter to submit in March. - Did not do.
* Found out I needed to use Times New Roman on manuscripts and WORD word count. Which means my manuscript isn't ready for submission.
100 pages to finish manuscript (4 pages a day)
Make sure 3 chapters are ready for submission
Revise query letter
Write two articles - Wrote article on Online Presence
Submit two articles - Submitted article (OP) to MORWA Newsletter
FEB
I would like to reach 300 pages at the end of the month. I currently have 176. - Reached 210
I'm also working on a query letter to submit in March. - Did not do.
* Found out I needed to use Times New Roman on manuscripts and WORD word count. Which means my manuscript isn't ready for submission.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
In Memory of - Don Knotts
We also lost funny man Don Knotts this weekend. I loved the movie he played in where he turned into a fish. I hope to show it to my children one day.
Don Knotts
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends
In Memory Of - Octavia Butler
Octavia Butler
Science Fiction Writer
My deepest sympathy
to Ms. Butler’s family and friends.
Monday, February 27, 2006
My First Speech
This weekend, Ann Clay, a published author invited me to speak in front of an English Lit class at a local college. It was my first time speaking about my experiences as a writer and publisher of an online magazine. I think it went well. The students asked a few questions. I think they wanted to ask more but were shy as we writers can be sometimes.
At this college was a fellow MORWA member, Pricilla. We talked about writing and she shared her experiences with submitting. We both felt as if we had attended a MORWA meeting.
I also met Rose Beavers who is a writer and book publisher. I enjoyed talking with her and Ann about the book publishing business. They have definitely piqued my interest in self publishing.
I shared with a church member that I write. He was surprised, but very encouraging. His words inspired me to continue down the path and to continue letting God.
I’m in the process of getting my book ready for submission. I realized after converting it to Times New Roman that this lowers the page count and if I use the Word word count, my word count is lower. Instead of being frustrated, I’ve decided to give the book one last look over and see if there is something I can do to bump up the word count. Say a prayer for me, because I need some more words.
At this college was a fellow MORWA member, Pricilla. We talked about writing and she shared her experiences with submitting. We both felt as if we had attended a MORWA meeting.
I also met Rose Beavers who is a writer and book publisher. I enjoyed talking with her and Ann about the book publishing business. They have definitely piqued my interest in self publishing.
I shared with a church member that I write. He was surprised, but very encouraging. His words inspired me to continue down the path and to continue letting God.
I’m in the process of getting my book ready for submission. I realized after converting it to Times New Roman that this lowers the page count and if I use the Word word count, my word count is lower. Instead of being frustrated, I’ve decided to give the book one last look over and see if there is something I can do to bump up the word count. Say a prayer for me, because I need some more words.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Are You Lonely?
My daughter asked me this question. I replied, "I have you and CJ I can never be lonely." She then said, "what about when you didn't have us?"
I thought about it and I realized I never felt lonely. When I did, I called out to the Lord. Even when I wasn't a Christian, I talked to him. I knew he was there listening when no one else was.
Isn't that a wonderful feeling to know that you are never alone. God is with you always.
Are you lonely? Call to him, he'll listen.
I thought about it and I realized I never felt lonely. When I did, I called out to the Lord. Even when I wasn't a Christian, I talked to him. I knew he was there listening when no one else was.
Isn't that a wonderful feeling to know that you are never alone. God is with you always.
Are you lonely? Call to him, he'll listen.
Monday, February 20, 2006
AUTHOR INTRO - Sabra Robinson
I had the pleasure of meeting Sabra online when she introduced her first book, Micky, Ticky, Boo Says Hello. I interviewed her on SORMAG and I’ve kept in touch with her over the years. She has gone on to do great things with her writing.
See Ya On The Net: Please give a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Sabra Robinson: I'd be glad to!
Me, the person
I'm the 9th child out of ten children and originally from Baltimore, Maryland where I am a proud alumni of Morgan State University.
I currently assist in the youth ministry at my church and enjoy singing on the praise team.
In the Summer of 2006, I will be attending Billy Graham's Seminary school, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary here in Charlotte.
In addition to writing my first multicultural children's picture book, Micky, Ticky, Boo! Says Hello, my vision to animate my characters for film and television allowed me to become recognized as a finalist out of over three hundred applicants for the ABC/Disney New Talent Development program for 2003.
Me, the writer
I am the founding editor of the inspirational anthology, The Lost Sheep: How I Got And Am Still Getting Over the Hump, an annual inspirational anthology which features true stories of God's restoration.
My first published book, Micky, Ticky, Boo! Says Hello, is a multicultural picture book of which I was a finalist for the ABC New Talent/Development program for my proposal to animate the characters for film.
I am also a member of the following professional organizations: The Christian Writers Fellowship International (CWFI), The African American Children's Writers and Illustrators (AACBWI), The Atlanta Urban Mediamakers Association (aUMi) and soon to form a Christian ministry, The Lost Sheep Ministries.
I anticipate writing for all age groups and anticipates featuring my children's book characters on film.
SYOTN: What is your current book and what inspired you to write it?
ROBINSON: Thanks for asking! My current book is "The Lost Sheep: How I Got Over The Hump." I was feeling overwhelmed with emotion because I was actually "lost." The Holy Spirit inspired me and guided me throughout my writing process.
SYOTN: When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
ROBINSON: Go to dinner and a movie with the family...oh, and to Staples (so my daughter can play with the Easy Button!)
SYOTN: What was the most profound lesson you learned while writing this novel?
ROBINSON: Well, there is a lesson I learned before and after. Before writing, I learned that all I had to do was call on the name of the Lord for my needs for the project and He provided. When I needed an illustrator, Jolene Myles came along. When I needed a couple of pair of eyes, He sent me Brian and Tracie. When I needed a graphics person, He sent me Tracie again. It was wonderful in knowing He had my back!
I would also have to include that after writing the novel, one of the contributors strayed away from Christianity. It broke my heart because I knew this person for a couple of years. But the Lord just told me to pray - and I'm still praying. The lesson I learned from this is the power of prayer. Now, my desire is to be an effective intercessory prayer warrior for the body of Christ.
SYOTN: Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?
ROBINSON: Being published is just like any other job to me. I don't see myself any different from anyone else, only that I have the experience and knowledge of self publishing a book.
SYOTN: How are you marketing your book and what are your thoughts about the importance of marketing for authors?
ROBINSON: At the moment, my book is available through Amazon.com and Lulu.com for those interested in purchasing a copy (please look for updated information on my Web site for updated distributors). However, I've spent most of my investments in giving books away to church members, friends and online acquaintances. My main goal was to reach the "sheep."
SYOTN: What advice would you give to a writer trying to get published?
ROBINSON: If employed, take some time off work at various increments. At times, I took a week, then one-to-two days if it was a long weekend. I spaced out my vacations several months in advance according to when the final product was set to be published.
-Join a writers community, whether it be a physical meeting place or online.
-Get your worked reviewed by those individuals in certain areas of your writing that you are not sure of. Because a portion of my book is comparable to a memoir (my personal chapters) I consulted my pastor, my friend who is an Evangelist and family members on certain situations for clarity on dates, people, and scriptures.
- Take chances and be prepared to SPEND MONEY!
-As always, be prayerful.
Thank you Sabra for taking time to introduce yourself to my readers. Many blessings to you and your writing. Stop by Sabra’s site and say hi.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
African American History Month Contest
In honor of African American History Month, See Ya On The Net is hosting a contest.
Each Wednesday for the Month of February I will feature a contest.
The contest, Do You Know What These African American Writers Wrote?
Below are four pictures of African American writers. The first reader to leave in the comment section the correct titles of their works is the winner of one of the prizes donated by Warner books and Baker's Books. (one win per blog)
Want another chance at winning - Check out the contest at SORMAG
FEB 15th
FEB - 8
FEB - 1 - WINNER - Kim W
Gwendolyn Brooks -In the Mecca
Ann Clay - Waving From the Heart
http://www.annclay.com/
Fredrick Douglas - My Bondage and My Freedom
Gwyneth Bolton - I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
http://www.gwynethbolton.com
Each Wednesday for the Month of February I will feature a contest.
The contest, Do You Know What These African American Writers Wrote?
Below are four pictures of African American writers. The first reader to leave in the comment section the correct titles of their works is the winner of one of the prizes donated by Warner books and Baker's Books. (one win per blog)
Want another chance at winning - Check out the contest at SORMAG
FEB 15th
FEB - 8
FEB - 1 - WINNER - Kim W
Gwendolyn Brooks -In the Mecca
Ann Clay - Waving From the Heart
http://www.annclay.com/
Fredrick Douglas - My Bondage and My Freedom
Gwyneth Bolton - I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
http://www.gwynethbolton.com
Friday, February 10, 2006
AUTHOR INTRO - Brenda Coulter
I met Brenda through her blog. She has some interesting opinions that keep me coming back daily. When I asked her to participate in the online conference, she was right there, so that gives her a few points on my book. Brenda writes inspirational romance. I thought an interview would be a nice way to plug her book and introduce you to another writer.
See Ya On The Net: Please give a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Brenda Coulter: I've been married for 30 years and was a contented stay-at-home mom for almost two decades. I baked bread from scratch, volunteered in our public schools, and was heavily involved with church activities. When my "baby" was preparing to enter high school and the mommy years were winding down, I began looking around for some new ways to spend my time. I had never tried writing fiction before, and I'll never know what made me think I could write a novel, but it turned out that I could. When that first manuscript sold (just over a year after I started writing), I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
SYOTN: What is your current book and what inspired you to write it?
COULTER: The hero of A Family Forever is a semi-pro cyclist and is very loosely based on my 23-year-old son, who has been crazy about bikes all his life. His first love was mountain biking, but he now rides and races track bikes. He and I have been watching cycling events on TV for years, so all the "bike stuff" in the book came right off the top of my head and was a blast to write. Oh, I should add that my hero's physical attributes are based on cyclist George Hincapie, Lance Armstrong's faithful workhorse.
SYOTN: When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
COULTER: I'm a blogging maniac. But I occasionally tear myself away from the computer to spend time in the garden. I love my roses! I also enjoy hunting through antique stores for bone-china teacups.
SYOTN: If you could pick one of your books for a movie, which one would you,
choose, and whom would you cast in it?
COULTER: Well, I've published only two books, and I'm not sure either of them would make a good movie without a whole lotta quality screenwriting to make them more visual. And I think I'd rather see my characters played by unknown actors rather than big names.
SYOTN: Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?
COULTER: I got The Call about 14 months after I decided to try writing a novel, so it wasn't as though I'd spent years dreaming about what it would be like. I'm not sure I ever thought about it at all.
SYOTN: What advice would you give to writer trying to get published?
COULTER: Nobody's going to hold your hand and lead you to publication. If you don't have the gumption to figure out what you want and how to get it, you'll probably never be published. So if you really want it, go after it with everything you've got.
SYOTN: In honor of Valentine's what would you consider a perfect valentines gift?
COULTER: Roses, chocolates, and jewelry are always nice, but no gift on earth beats a handwritten love letter.
Read the first chapter of A Family Forever, an inspirational romance coming in March; pick up some romance-writing tips; and browse several "afternoon tea" pages at http://BrendaCoulter.com
Sign up for my quarterly(ish) newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to
Brenda-Coulter-subscribe@googlegroups.com
Read my daily musings on "writing, life, and the writing life" at No rules. Just write.
http://BrendaCoulter.Blogspot.com
See Ya On The Net: Please give a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Brenda Coulter: I've been married for 30 years and was a contented stay-at-home mom for almost two decades. I baked bread from scratch, volunteered in our public schools, and was heavily involved with church activities. When my "baby" was preparing to enter high school and the mommy years were winding down, I began looking around for some new ways to spend my time. I had never tried writing fiction before, and I'll never know what made me think I could write a novel, but it turned out that I could. When that first manuscript sold (just over a year after I started writing), I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.SYOTN: What is your current book and what inspired you to write it?
COULTER: The hero of A Family Forever is a semi-pro cyclist and is very loosely based on my 23-year-old son, who has been crazy about bikes all his life. His first love was mountain biking, but he now rides and races track bikes. He and I have been watching cycling events on TV for years, so all the "bike stuff" in the book came right off the top of my head and was a blast to write. Oh, I should add that my hero's physical attributes are based on cyclist George Hincapie, Lance Armstrong's faithful workhorse.
SYOTN: When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
COULTER: I'm a blogging maniac. But I occasionally tear myself away from the computer to spend time in the garden. I love my roses! I also enjoy hunting through antique stores for bone-china teacups.
SYOTN: If you could pick one of your books for a movie, which one would you,
choose, and whom would you cast in it?
COULTER: Well, I've published only two books, and I'm not sure either of them would make a good movie without a whole lotta quality screenwriting to make them more visual. And I think I'd rather see my characters played by unknown actors rather than big names.
SYOTN: Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?
COULTER: I got The Call about 14 months after I decided to try writing a novel, so it wasn't as though I'd spent years dreaming about what it would be like. I'm not sure I ever thought about it at all.
SYOTN: What advice would you give to writer trying to get published?
COULTER: Nobody's going to hold your hand and lead you to publication. If you don't have the gumption to figure out what you want and how to get it, you'll probably never be published. So if you really want it, go after it with everything you've got.
SYOTN: In honor of Valentine's what would you consider a perfect valentines gift?
COULTER: Roses, chocolates, and jewelry are always nice, but no gift on earth beats a handwritten love letter.
Read the first chapter of A Family Forever, an inspirational romance coming in March; pick up some romance-writing tips; and browse several "afternoon tea" pages at http://BrendaCoulter.com
Sign up for my quarterly(ish) newsletter by sending a blank e-mail to
Brenda-Coulter-subscribe@googlegroups.com
Read my daily musings on "writing, life, and the writing life" at No rules. Just write.
http://BrendaCoulter.Blogspot.com
Are you reading?
I’ve interviewed many authors over the years. One thing that surprises me is how many who say they don’t read anymore. Most say they don’t have time to read.
I remember before I had children, I read three or four books a week. I enjoyed spending the day in bed with a good book. While I was pregnant a co-worker told me to enjoy my reading why I can, because once the children come there won’t be time. She was right; however as a book lover I decided I wouldn’t give up my books. I made it my treat for when I had time to spare or when I completed a project. I try to read at least one book a month.
This year I’m trying to read one book a week. It’s hard sometimes because life gets in the way, but I make it my business to read.
Why?
For enjoyment, I love being transported into a new world or learn about a place I’ve never been. I like meeting new characters and falling in love with them. I know it helps my mind continue to function. With non-fiction I learn how to improve myself. For example, some books help me to see how I can improve my writing, what I’m doing wrong, what I’m doing right.
I think this last reason is why many writers don’t read.
This week I’m reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Rochelle Alers and listen to a book on tape by Carly Phillips. WOW these women are blowing me away with their words. I’m thinking I’ll never get to their level, what was I thinking.
These type of thoughts can destroy your ego and take you away from what you’re doing. This week I understand why others don’t read. It’s hard to read someone and then compare yourself to their work.
I also learned that you can’t compare yourself to others you only can write the way you write. If everyone wrote the same there would be one style of writing and one genre. People probably wouldn’t read.
The books I’m reading continue to inspire me to be the best writer I can be. Yes I still think what was I thinking. Then I turn the page and know my name is LaShaunda, I have my own unique voice. One day, someone is going to read my book and think, I’ll never get to her level. Now that’s wild.
Keep reading! Make time to read. Read outside your genre.
You learn from each book even the bad ones. Each book will help you make your book a better book.
Happy reading,
LaShaunda
I remember before I had children, I read three or four books a week. I enjoyed spending the day in bed with a good book. While I was pregnant a co-worker told me to enjoy my reading why I can, because once the children come there won’t be time. She was right; however as a book lover I decided I wouldn’t give up my books. I made it my treat for when I had time to spare or when I completed a project. I try to read at least one book a month.
This year I’m trying to read one book a week. It’s hard sometimes because life gets in the way, but I make it my business to read.
Why?
For enjoyment, I love being transported into a new world or learn about a place I’ve never been. I like meeting new characters and falling in love with them. I know it helps my mind continue to function. With non-fiction I learn how to improve myself. For example, some books help me to see how I can improve my writing, what I’m doing wrong, what I’m doing right.
I think this last reason is why many writers don’t read.
This week I’m reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Rochelle Alers and listen to a book on tape by Carly Phillips. WOW these women are blowing me away with their words. I’m thinking I’ll never get to their level, what was I thinking.
These type of thoughts can destroy your ego and take you away from what you’re doing. This week I understand why others don’t read. It’s hard to read someone and then compare yourself to their work.
I also learned that you can’t compare yourself to others you only can write the way you write. If everyone wrote the same there would be one style of writing and one genre. People probably wouldn’t read.
The books I’m reading continue to inspire me to be the best writer I can be. Yes I still think what was I thinking. Then I turn the page and know my name is LaShaunda, I have my own unique voice. One day, someone is going to read my book and think, I’ll never get to her level. Now that’s wild.
Keep reading! Make time to read. Read outside your genre.
You learn from each book even the bad ones. Each book will help you make your book a better book.
Happy reading,
LaShaunda
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
HIV/AIDS does it affect you?
Sunday night I watched a commercial that reminded me of how I use to be. The commercial was about HIV/AIDS. In the commercial the lady said she wasn’t affected by HIV/AIDS because she didn’t have it or know anyone who did. It didn’t exist in her community, so it really didn’t faze her. Then we see her traveling overseas to Africa. She meets all these children with the disease and she realized just because she doesn’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Why do we think this way?
HIV/AIDS didn’t affect my life either. The closest to my community was hearing about Majic Johnson contracting HIV. We were all shocked, how naive an uneducated I was back then.
HIV/AIDS stepped on my doorstep about twenty five years ago with a family friend. Her husband gave her HIV and later died. Again I was shocked, mainly due to miseducation. I had never heard of a husband giving the disease to his wife. However after learning more about the disease I found many women contract the disease from their husbands.
My friend is still living, praise God. She has good medicine and she changed her way of living. She’s probably healthier than some of us who think we are.
She’s one of the happiest people I know. She knows her purpose in life. She’s a caretaker of cats. She takes in sick cats and nurses them back to health. It’s amazing to me because I believe the stray cats communicate to others about her, because they show up on her doorstep. She makes them well and a lucky family adopts them.
Today is national HIV/AIDS day. My prayers of strength and courage go up for those who have this disease.
I say to those who think as I did, open your eyes and see this disease affects you and your community. Just because you don’t personally know someone who has it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect you. Learn about HIV/AIDS, talk about it in your communities, in your churches. It does exist and I pray one day with the help from God it won’t.
Why do we think this way?
HIV/AIDS didn’t affect my life either. The closest to my community was hearing about Majic Johnson contracting HIV. We were all shocked, how naive an uneducated I was back then.
HIV/AIDS stepped on my doorstep about twenty five years ago with a family friend. Her husband gave her HIV and later died. Again I was shocked, mainly due to miseducation. I had never heard of a husband giving the disease to his wife. However after learning more about the disease I found many women contract the disease from their husbands.
My friend is still living, praise God. She has good medicine and she changed her way of living. She’s probably healthier than some of us who think we are.
She’s one of the happiest people I know. She knows her purpose in life. She’s a caretaker of cats. She takes in sick cats and nurses them back to health. It’s amazing to me because I believe the stray cats communicate to others about her, because they show up on her doorstep. She makes them well and a lucky family adopts them.
Today is national HIV/AIDS day. My prayers of strength and courage go up for those who have this disease.
I say to those who think as I did, open your eyes and see this disease affects you and your community. Just because you don’t personally know someone who has it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect you. Learn about HIV/AIDS, talk about it in your communities, in your churches. It does exist and I pray one day with the help from God it won’t.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
In Memory Of - Coretta Scott King
I’m saddened to hear of the death of Coretta Scott King. A woman I highly admired. The wife of Martin Luther King, she stood beside him as he became a great leader. When he was assassinated, instead of going back to a normal life, she took up her husband cause.
She lived an amazing life and I know she will be missed.
Thank you Mrs. King for all your hard work, may we continue to live up to you and your husband’s dream.
There is a guestbook on line for Mrs. King
http://www.legacy.com/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonId=16561044
Obituary For Mrs. King
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Challenger
Where were you Jan 28, 1986?
Would you believe I was in Orlando Florida? I'd just graduated from bootcamp and was going to school there. The Challenger had been schedule earlier for take off and they kept canceling take off because of problems.
I honestly believe the Lord was trying to tell them something but they wouldn't listen.
I was in the commissary shopping when people started rushing to where the t.v. were on display. We didn't know what was happening. Someone said the space shuttle had exploded. We all were in denial until we saw for ourselves.
I'm grateful I didn't witness it first hand as we had planned. I don't think I could have handle seeing it explode. Seeing it on the t.v. sent chills down my spine. It still does because I knew there were people on that shuttle and how much their families lost that day.
My sympathy goes out to the family and everyone who was touched by this tragedy.
I'm glad we are keeping their memories alive and hopefully inspiring others to want to be astronauts. I think they would want that.
Would you believe I was in Orlando Florida? I'd just graduated from bootcamp and was going to school there. The Challenger had been schedule earlier for take off and they kept canceling take off because of problems.
I honestly believe the Lord was trying to tell them something but they wouldn't listen.
I was in the commissary shopping when people started rushing to where the t.v. were on display. We didn't know what was happening. Someone said the space shuttle had exploded. We all were in denial until we saw for ourselves.
I'm grateful I didn't witness it first hand as we had planned. I don't think I could have handle seeing it explode. Seeing it on the t.v. sent chills down my spine. It still does because I knew there were people on that shuttle and how much their families lost that day.
My sympathy goes out to the family and everyone who was touched by this tragedy.
I'm glad we are keeping their memories alive and hopefully inspiring others to want to be astronauts. I think they would want that.
Friday, January 27, 2006
James Frey
As a reader who do we trust?
What the publisher classifies the book as?
What the writer calls the book?
Mr. Frey’s story now makes me wonder about the other non-fiction I’ve read. I guess that’s the sad part about this incident. Who do we trust? When you tell me it’s called non-fiction because it’s the truth, but it’s OK to embellish it a little. Isn’t that a little white lie?
If that’s the case it should be called true-life fiction.
As a writer we want good publicity about our books, however sometimes bad publicity can push a sell too. This publicity will send Mr. Frey book back to the printer press, to me that’s unfair.
I guess I can say that, I didn’t buy the book before and I definitely don’t plan on buying it later. OK maybe if its at the dollar store.
What the publisher classifies the book as?
What the writer calls the book?
Mr. Frey’s story now makes me wonder about the other non-fiction I’ve read. I guess that’s the sad part about this incident. Who do we trust? When you tell me it’s called non-fiction because it’s the truth, but it’s OK to embellish it a little. Isn’t that a little white lie?
If that’s the case it should be called true-life fiction.
As a writer we want good publicity about our books, however sometimes bad publicity can push a sell too. This publicity will send Mr. Frey book back to the printer press, to me that’s unfair.
I guess I can say that, I didn’t buy the book before and I definitely don’t plan on buying it later. OK maybe if its at the dollar store.
ONE DAY LORD
My friend Marilynn Griffith’s book PINK comes out next month. I received a copy of it yesterday in the mail. It was a nice surprise because; I received an advance copy last year. So I wasn’t expected to receive the real book.
I opened it and on the front page were recommendations from authors and book review sites. Right there in black print was a blurb from moi. It was so neat to see my name in a book. Yes, I’ve done blurbs before but for some reason this one, hit home for me.
I ran into the den and told my kids my name was in a book. They saw my name and began to scream and jump and down, like I was a celebrity. Even my husband was impressed.
For a few moments, I had a glimpse of what’s it will feel like when my name is on the cover.
One day Lord
Congrats to Mary on her new book. I give it 4 STARS. It will definitely keep your interest. Go out and by a few for you and your friends.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
What do you know is true?
Today I opened an email from Sharon Foster – Christian Author. She wanted to know what One Thing I know True
Here’s mine:
The One Thing I Know True, There Is A God
For many years when people asked me if I believed in God, I said yes. Thinking over it now, I don’t think I actually believed it. It was easy to say yes than to really think about it.
Now as I look over my life, I know there is a God.
As a youngster I talked to him and told him my fears and dreams. I didn’t know if he was listening. I don’t even know if he talked to me, or at the time I didn’t realize he did when answers came to my heart. I just said it was my instincts, now I know it was God.
While in the Navy I did some wild and crazy things, and I know now God was there too, because he brought me through things, basic training, heart aches, being away from my family, advancing in rank and surviving stupid decisions.
He was there through the birth of my two children, I called his name and he held on to my hand.
He truly showed up during my mother’s illness. I know it was the time he carried me because there were many days I don’t know how I made it through.
Becoming saved has opened my eyes to see God has been with me since day one. Even on the days I didn’t think he was. He let me make my own decisions. He pulled me through when I asked. He whispered in my ear, you’re not alone, when I thought I was. He wiped away my tears, when I couldn’t cry anymore.
They say God is always on time and I have to agree. I’m glad I know there is a GOD.
What do you know is true?
Here’s mine:
The One Thing I Know True, There Is A God
For many years when people asked me if I believed in God, I said yes. Thinking over it now, I don’t think I actually believed it. It was easy to say yes than to really think about it.
Now as I look over my life, I know there is a God.
As a youngster I talked to him and told him my fears and dreams. I didn’t know if he was listening. I don’t even know if he talked to me, or at the time I didn’t realize he did when answers came to my heart. I just said it was my instincts, now I know it was God.
While in the Navy I did some wild and crazy things, and I know now God was there too, because he brought me through things, basic training, heart aches, being away from my family, advancing in rank and surviving stupid decisions.
He was there through the birth of my two children, I called his name and he held on to my hand.
He truly showed up during my mother’s illness. I know it was the time he carried me because there were many days I don’t know how I made it through.
Becoming saved has opened my eyes to see God has been with me since day one. Even on the days I didn’t think he was. He let me make my own decisions. He pulled me through when I asked. He whispered in my ear, you’re not alone, when I thought I was. He wiped away my tears, when I couldn’t cry anymore.
They say God is always on time and I have to agree. I’m glad I know there is a GOD.
What do you know is true?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The Writing Bug
My sister has caught the writing bug. She called me today to tell me she’s dropping her story off to me.
I’m excited for her because writing is new to her and I can see in her eyes the excitement I use to have when I started a book.
A few Christmas ago I gave her Zane's book. For years I’d given her a books, but nothing caught her attention. Ms. Zane blew her away. She had to have all the books in hard back of course.
As a reader, you’re always trying to hook someone else into the line of reading. This has been hard for me with my sisters, because they didn’t get the excitement of reading a book. I knew if they found the genre they liked they would see what I meant. My middle sister found mainstream books by African-Americans and she can’t get enough.
Toni my younger sister is in love with Zane.
Zane is currently holding a contest for a short story to be featured in her next anthology. I told Toni about and she took up the challenge.
Now I’m an editor, I get to help her make her story better. Who knows she could be the next Zane.
I’m excited for her because writing is new to her and I can see in her eyes the excitement I use to have when I started a book.
A few Christmas ago I gave her Zane's book. For years I’d given her a books, but nothing caught her attention. Ms. Zane blew her away. She had to have all the books in hard back of course.
As a reader, you’re always trying to hook someone else into the line of reading. This has been hard for me with my sisters, because they didn’t get the excitement of reading a book. I knew if they found the genre they liked they would see what I meant. My middle sister found mainstream books by African-Americans and she can’t get enough.
Toni my younger sister is in love with Zane.
Zane is currently holding a contest for a short story to be featured in her next anthology. I told Toni about and she took up the challenge.
Now I’m an editor, I get to help her make her story better. Who knows she could be the next Zane.
Monday, January 09, 2006
LaShaunda at the resort
Today I’m at a resort in Jupiter, Florida. It’s a writing retreat for one whole week.
I’ve taken my paper and pens and lots of sun block lotion. The best part, I haven’t left my home.
Yes I’m doing a virtual retreat with my writing group.
I’ve made a goal of 50 pages for this week. Send up some prayers for me. If you’ll like to keep up with me at the retreat, I will be posting my reports here too.
SUNDAY
I did three pages last night. However I did come up with an idea for the honeymoon, so I had to do a little research for it. Found what I was looking for, so hopefully I’ll get more pages written.
I’m looking for some music to get me in the mood, then I’m heading out to the beach.
Goal : 50 pages – 47 to go
MONDAY
I was on a roll last night. I wrote the wedding scene, the honeymoon and three other scenes.
I was listening to some Christian music and the words just flew from my fingers. It was like watching a movie and I was right there.
15 pages
GOAL: 50 – 35 pages to go
TUESDAY
I’m excited to say I wrote 12 pages yesterday. My story is moving right along. Everything I hoped for. I even came up with a few new ideas for conflict and for another story.
I think the spa treatment put me over the top.
Looking forward to today’s writing.
Hope everyone is having a good time writing.
GOAL: 50 - 23 pages to go
WEDNESDAY
The family swooped down on me saying I couldn’t leave them at home, so for two days I have to hang out with the family. You can never get rid of the family. LOL
I was able to squeeze two pages out.
GOAL: 50 - 21 pages to go
THURSDAY
Hanging out with the family today. Saw Last Holiday. It was a cutemovie, will definitely be adding to my DVD collection.Did get three pages done.
GOAL 50 - 18 pages to go
FRIDAY
We had a great day. Had dinner together, watch the lastest Harry Potter, which we all enjoyed. I put the kids to bed and was able to write 12 pages.
Goal 50: 6 pages to go
SATURDAY
I woke up early this morning, I wanted to reach my goal. I wrote 13 pages. Yes I reached my goal and beyond. Thank you Lord.
I’m all packed and ready to catch my plane. I’m sorry to leave the resort, it’s been a great week and its shown me I can meet deadlines and write when I need to.
Goal 50: 57 pages
See what you can do if you put your mind to it. Now I need 93 pages and I'll be done with the manuscript.
I’ve taken my paper and pens and lots of sun block lotion. The best part, I haven’t left my home.
Yes I’m doing a virtual retreat with my writing group.
I’ve made a goal of 50 pages for this week. Send up some prayers for me. If you’ll like to keep up with me at the retreat, I will be posting my reports here too.
SUNDAY
I did three pages last night. However I did come up with an idea for the honeymoon, so I had to do a little research for it. Found what I was looking for, so hopefully I’ll get more pages written.
I’m looking for some music to get me in the mood, then I’m heading out to the beach.
Goal : 50 pages – 47 to go
MONDAY
I was on a roll last night. I wrote the wedding scene, the honeymoon and three other scenes.
I was listening to some Christian music and the words just flew from my fingers. It was like watching a movie and I was right there.
15 pages
GOAL: 50 – 35 pages to go
TUESDAY
I’m excited to say I wrote 12 pages yesterday. My story is moving right along. Everything I hoped for. I even came up with a few new ideas for conflict and for another story.
I think the spa treatment put me over the top.
Looking forward to today’s writing.
Hope everyone is having a good time writing.
GOAL: 50 - 23 pages to go
WEDNESDAY
The family swooped down on me saying I couldn’t leave them at home, so for two days I have to hang out with the family. You can never get rid of the family. LOL
I was able to squeeze two pages out.
GOAL: 50 - 21 pages to go
THURSDAY
Hanging out with the family today. Saw Last Holiday. It was a cutemovie, will definitely be adding to my DVD collection.Did get three pages done.
GOAL 50 - 18 pages to go
FRIDAY
We had a great day. Had dinner together, watch the lastest Harry Potter, which we all enjoyed. I put the kids to bed and was able to write 12 pages.
Goal 50: 6 pages to go
SATURDAY
I woke up early this morning, I wanted to reach my goal. I wrote 13 pages. Yes I reached my goal and beyond. Thank you Lord.
I’m all packed and ready to catch my plane. I’m sorry to leave the resort, it’s been a great week and its shown me I can meet deadlines and write when I need to.
Goal 50: 57 pages
See what you can do if you put your mind to it. Now I need 93 pages and I'll be done with the manuscript.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
This little LIGHT of mine
Today’s devotion made me think:
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Your life either sheds light or casts a shadow.
I do hope I’m influencing other to love the Lord. I’d hate to think I’m influencing them to give up their faith.
As a single person I use to hear parents say, what they didn’t let their kids watch or hear. I use to think it was strange. It didn’t matter. Oh how my mind has changed once I became a mother.
Yes I’m addicted to t.v. and yes I watch Nip and Tuck but you better believe its after my children are tucked in bed. As sexy as I think Christian is, he is not for those eyes.
I want my kids to stay kids as long as they can. I remember being eager to grow up. I tell them and other kids its no piece of cake being GROWN. I would love for my mother to take care of me and I not have to worry about bills.
Being married to a non-Christian, I pray that my light shines for him. I’m sure he looks at me to see what I will do wrong and will I be Christian like. Yes its easy to turn off the light and not let it shine. I choose the hard path because I know where it will lead.
My light is on and it shining brightly for those who need to come out of the darkness. I pray my light influences others to seek out the Lord.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Your life either sheds light or casts a shadow.
I do hope I’m influencing other to love the Lord. I’d hate to think I’m influencing them to give up their faith.
As a single person I use to hear parents say, what they didn’t let their kids watch or hear. I use to think it was strange. It didn’t matter. Oh how my mind has changed once I became a mother.
Yes I’m addicted to t.v. and yes I watch Nip and Tuck but you better believe its after my children are tucked in bed. As sexy as I think Christian is, he is not for those eyes.
I want my kids to stay kids as long as they can. I remember being eager to grow up. I tell them and other kids its no piece of cake being GROWN. I would love for my mother to take care of me and I not have to worry about bills.
Being married to a non-Christian, I pray that my light shines for him. I’m sure he looks at me to see what I will do wrong and will I be Christian like. Yes its easy to turn off the light and not let it shine. I choose the hard path because I know where it will lead.
My light is on and it shining brightly for those who need to come out of the darkness. I pray my light influences others to seek out the Lord.
What I'm Reading
I decided this year to read one book a week. I have a pile of books that my husbands threatens to pitch out. I always think I’ll have time to read them. This year I’ve decided to make time.
I started the year off with one of my favorite authors – Rochelle Alers. Her books introduced me to romance and I’ve been in love with her writing every since. This book is her second mainstream book.
I plan on updating this page to see how my reading is coming for 2006
1. Secrets Never Told
I started the year off with one of my favorite authors – Rochelle Alers. Her books introduced me to romance and I’ve been in love with her writing every since. This book is her second mainstream book.
I plan on updating this page to see how my reading is coming for 2006
1. Secrets Never Told
SORMAG's Reader's Choice Awards
Voting for the 2005 Reader's Choice Awards is now open.
Please visit:
http://www.sormag.com/05awards.html
To make your nominations.
One vote per person please – only valid emails are eligible.
Voting will close on March 1st
Come out and vote for your favorite authors and books.
Authors don't forget to vote for yourself.
Feel free to pass this on to other readers.
Happy New Year!
LaShaunda
P.S. Are you a fan of SORMAG? Please take a moment to
VOTE - Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/
Please visit:
http://www.sormag.com/05awards.html
To make your nominations.
One vote per person please – only valid emails are eligible.
Voting will close on March 1st
Come out and vote for your favorite authors and books.
Authors don't forget to vote for yourself.
Feel free to pass this on to other readers.
Happy New Year!
LaShaunda
P.S. Are you a fan of SORMAG? Please take a moment to
VOTE - Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
No Call In 2005
Another year and no I didn’t get the call. This time I’m not too upset. I learned a lot this year and for that I’m truly grateful. I believe as a writer you should learn something everyday. I learned a lot about editing and what I’m doing wrong. I need to know this if I plan on improving my work and making it sellable.
I know now my work is not ready for an editor. So I plan on using 2006 to make it more presentable and hopeful fit for an agent.
If you didn’t get the call in 2005, don’t let it stop you from writing. Finish another book. Put it aside and start on the other. Because when you do get the call, you’ll have more than one book to offer.
Happy writing.
I know now my work is not ready for an editor. So I plan on using 2006 to make it more presentable and hopeful fit for an agent.
If you didn’t get the call in 2005, don’t let it stop you from writing. Finish another book. Put it aside and start on the other. Because when you do get the call, you’ll have more than one book to offer.
Happy writing.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Life Sound Track
I’m a music person. I’m probably one of those people who will have a soundtrack about my life. Music is a part of my life. A song can take me back in time. As a Christmas present to myself. I bought seven CDs.
The soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever – Yes I was Travolta fan and loved the music and the movie. This music took me back to the disco era. I so wanted to do disco, but unfortunately I was too young to go to any clubs. LOL
GUY – If you knew me in the Navy 1989, this group was my group. I Like was my theme song. I started my morning off playing this cassette. It was before CDs became popular. I played this cassette to death.
GUY along with New Edition and Backstreet are coming to St. Louis in January. Yes girlfriend has a ticket and yes I will be screaming my head off for Johnny Gill. I’m a huge JG fan.
KEM – This man is too smooth. I think I’m a new fan.
Marah Carey – Always a fan, I love the new CD, good dance music and slow stuff.
Mary Mary – You know I have to get my gospel music on. This is a good CD too.
Charlie Wilson – Yes I was a Gap Band fan, take me back to when I was 13 attended my second concert ever. My first was the Jackson 5. (What a way to start off concerts) I love Charlie’s voice. He even remade a Guy song.
TLC greatest Hits – These were my girls in the 90s. I got my party on to plenty of their music. I had too much fun in the 90s. This is a fun CD.
Yes I’m enjoying the music, wondering which new song will be added to my soundtrack.
Do you have a soundtrack?
The soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever – Yes I was Travolta fan and loved the music and the movie. This music took me back to the disco era. I so wanted to do disco, but unfortunately I was too young to go to any clubs. LOL
GUY – If you knew me in the Navy 1989, this group was my group. I Like was my theme song. I started my morning off playing this cassette. It was before CDs became popular. I played this cassette to death.
GUY along with New Edition and Backstreet are coming to St. Louis in January. Yes girlfriend has a ticket and yes I will be screaming my head off for Johnny Gill. I’m a huge JG fan.
KEM – This man is too smooth. I think I’m a new fan.
Marah Carey – Always a fan, I love the new CD, good dance music and slow stuff.
Mary Mary – You know I have to get my gospel music on. This is a good CD too.
Charlie Wilson – Yes I was a Gap Band fan, take me back to when I was 13 attended my second concert ever. My first was the Jackson 5. (What a way to start off concerts) I love Charlie’s voice. He even remade a Guy song.
TLC greatest Hits – These were my girls in the 90s. I got my party on to plenty of their music. I had too much fun in the 90s. This is a fun CD.
Yes I’m enjoying the music, wondering which new song will be added to my soundtrack.
Do you have a soundtrack?
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
BONEFIRE CONFERENCE
Bonefire! Conference
February 3-4, 2006
Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. "But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV
Whether God calls you to write or not, you have a God-given vision for your life! When God gives you something, it stays with you morning, noon, and night until you do what He says to do, the way He says to do it. It becomes like fire shut up in your bones. It becomes so hot that you have to write it down. It becomes such a powerful force that you can barely move or think.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.drgailhayes.com/index_files/Page1213.htm
February 3-4, 2006
Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. "But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV
Whether God calls you to write or not, you have a God-given vision for your life! When God gives you something, it stays with you morning, noon, and night until you do what He says to do, the way He says to do it. It becomes like fire shut up in your bones. It becomes so hot that you have to write it down. It becomes such a powerful force that you can barely move or think.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.drgailhayes.com/index_files/Page1213.htm
NEW BOOK CLUB FOR CHRISTIAN READERS
CHRISTIAN WRITERS REACH OUT TO READERS
American Christian Fiction Writers Launches Book Club
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization started in 2000. Now boasting almost 1000 members, ACFW reaches out to readers as well as writers with their new ACFW Book Club. Beginning January 2006, the Book Club will offer fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to chat with ACFW authors and discuss monthly reading selections. Readers will also be eligible for monthly free book drawings.
The titles chosen to kick off the club include:
* Black Sands by Colleen Coble. Trouble in paradise. A Hawaiian romantic suspense.
* Leave it to Claire by Tracey Bateman. Single mom tries to fix her family. Chick lit fun!
* Outriders by Kathryn Mackel. A new ark. An ancient enemy. Fantasy adventure.
* Pink by Marilynn Griffith. Four fashion designers collaborate on a million dollar wedding dress. Will they find God in the seams? Multicultural tale.
Information on the Book Club will be posted on the ACFW Website, and on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub, a book discussion e-mail group designed to keep members informed and allow them to discuss the books throughout the month. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW Website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read. Membership is free and open to the public. To join the announcement and discussion e-mail group, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For more information about the ACFW Book Club, please visit: http://www.AmericanChristianFictionWriters.com
American Christian Fiction Writers Launches Book Club
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization started in 2000. Now boasting almost 1000 members, ACFW reaches out to readers as well as writers with their new ACFW Book Club. Beginning January 2006, the Book Club will offer fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to chat with ACFW authors and discuss monthly reading selections. Readers will also be eligible for monthly free book drawings.
The titles chosen to kick off the club include:
* Black Sands by Colleen Coble. Trouble in paradise. A Hawaiian romantic suspense.
* Leave it to Claire by Tracey Bateman. Single mom tries to fix her family. Chick lit fun!
* Outriders by Kathryn Mackel. A new ark. An ancient enemy. Fantasy adventure.
* Pink by Marilynn Griffith. Four fashion designers collaborate on a million dollar wedding dress. Will they find God in the seams? Multicultural tale.
Information on the Book Club will be posted on the ACFW Website, and on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub, a book discussion e-mail group designed to keep members informed and allow them to discuss the books throughout the month. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW Website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read. Membership is free and open to the public. To join the announcement and discussion e-mail group, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For more information about the ACFW Book Club, please visit: http://www.AmericanChristianFictionWriters.com
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Blog Tour 2006
Are you looking for a place to promote your book? I’d be happy to feature you on my blog.
I would like to feature one author each week. So that’s four slots for the month. I will feature an interview and a chapter excerpt.
Guidelines:
Christian Literature Only (fiction and nonfiction)
1 chapter excerpt of your book/include a short blurb (no graphic or sexual content)
Picture of you and book (jpgs)
Two copies of your book. (One for me of course and one for a lucky blog reader)
If this sounds like something you would like to do contact me at sormag@yahoo.com
I’ll send you the date of your tour and address to send books.
I would like to feature one author each week. So that’s four slots for the month. I will feature an interview and a chapter excerpt.
Guidelines:
Christian Literature Only (fiction and nonfiction)
1 chapter excerpt of your book/include a short blurb (no graphic or sexual content)
Picture of you and book (jpgs)
Two copies of your book. (One for me of course and one for a lucky blog reader)
If this sounds like something you would like to do contact me at sormag@yahoo.com
I’ll send you the date of your tour and address to send books.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Food For Thought
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today,
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and
tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making
a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's
mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel."
~~Maya Angelou
life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and
tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making
a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's
mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I
usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
"People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will
forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel."
~~Maya Angelou
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Death Penalty
An eye for an eye. I use to think this way until I watched a movie called Somersby. It changed my opinion about the death penalty.
I was hoping Arnold would give Tookie clemency. Mainly because as a society we say we want those in jail to turn their lives around. To be sorry for their actions and try to be a better person. I think in this situation it happen. I don’t think he should be excused from what he did, but he should have lived the rest of his life in prison.
You go to jail for killing someone. How is killing them making it right?
Maybe one day my opinion will change again, but for now I think we really should rethink the death penalty. Do we need it? Why have it if we’re going to continue asking for clemency. Send the people to jail and be done with it.
Ok I’m off of my soap box.
I was hoping Arnold would give Tookie clemency. Mainly because as a society we say we want those in jail to turn their lives around. To be sorry for their actions and try to be a better person. I think in this situation it happen. I don’t think he should be excused from what he did, but he should have lived the rest of his life in prison.
You go to jail for killing someone. How is killing them making it right?
Maybe one day my opinion will change again, but for now I think we really should rethink the death penalty. Do we need it? Why have it if we’re going to continue asking for clemency. Send the people to jail and be done with it.
Ok I’m off of my soap box.
Rest In Peace
Richard Pryor
Yes I was a fan of Richard Pryor. He was the first comedian I ever saw do a concert. He cracked me up. Yes he had some vugar bits, but the man was funny. I was sadden to hear he died. He open doors for many other comedians and its good to know he’ll go down in history because of that.
Pat Morita
I was also sadden to hear of the death of Mr. Miyagi. In the 80's everybody was a fan of the Karate Kid movies. We all thought if we did the wax on wax off we could kick some butt.
My sympathy to their family, friends and fans. They will be truly missed.
Yes I was a fan of Richard Pryor. He was the first comedian I ever saw do a concert. He cracked me up. Yes he had some vugar bits, but the man was funny. I was sadden to hear he died. He open doors for many other comedians and its good to know he’ll go down in history because of that.
Pat Morita
I was also sadden to hear of the death of Mr. Miyagi. In the 80's everybody was a fan of the Karate Kid movies. We all thought if we did the wax on wax off we could kick some butt.
My sympathy to their family, friends and fans. They will be truly missed.
Friday, December 09, 2005
BOOK WINNER - Made Of Honor
I would like to thank those who stopped by the blog for Marilynn’s tour. I would like send a special thank you to the ladies who left a comment.
I put your names in a hat and the winner is …….Claudia
Claudia send me your mailing address and I’ll send you a copy of Marilynn new book. You’re going to enjoy it.
I put your names in a hat and the winner is …….Claudia
Claudia send me your mailing address and I’ll send you a copy of Marilynn new book. You’re going to enjoy it.
Would you like to be a guest on my blog?
Contact me at sormag@yahoo.com
Friday, December 02, 2005
EXCERPT: Made Of Honor
MADE OF HONOR - MARILYNN GRIFFITH
CHAPTER ONE
I'm turning into a Chia pet.
With legs.
Little children are starting to toss dandelions when they see me. The brides of Leverhill, Illinois have taught the kiddies well. One little darling from church, a cutie with zigzag parts and snaggle teeth, wants to grow up and take my job-big flower girl. The little girl nailed it, especially about the big part, but we're not going there. Not today, with my formerly fat best friend looking like Twiggy goes bridal, while I gasp for breath in a dress fit for a train wreck. My only consolation is not having to worry about Tracey aiming a floral missile (known to some as a bouquet) at my head later on.
She wouldn't do me like that, would she? Nah. At least that's what I tell myself, but then I thought this wedding wouldn't happen either. Still, this bride is one of my closest friends and my roommate for the past three years. Tracey Cox, well, Tracey Blackman now, has picked enough baby's breath out of my teeth to know better.
Just in case though, a pint of Chunky Monkey and a pedicure appointment await me after this reception. Who knows? Tracey just might snap and throw long. Marriage does things to people. One day they're normal and the next they're inviting total strangers to wear ugly dresses in their weddings and then after the ceremony, said brides proceed to cut off all communication with members of the wedding party except for goofy Christmas photos of the newlyweds cradling an ugly dog, signed "from all of us." And don't let them actually get pregnant. Have you ever seen an entire album of birth photos? Not cute.
Do I sound bitter?
I'm not. I have friends. Sistahs even. And trying to keep up with them, keep my job and stay right with God occupies most of my time. Like now. I need to find Rochelle, my other best friend (yes, I have two) and founder of the Sassy Sistahood email list. If I don't catch up to her soon, she might make a fool of herself.
Or me.
Though my girlfriend is a paragon of virtue most days, weddings turn Rochelle into a gelatinous pool of desperation. Remember the birth photo album I mentioned? It's worse. Okay, so nothing's worse than that, but it's bad. Even the sight of me, voluptuous black woman tangled in tulips after a bouquet toss, is easier on the eyes.
Using my emergency x-ray vision (activated by squinting so hard I almost fused my contacts to my eyeballs) I glimpsed a pink satin horror similar to my own, but a set of three-inch shoulder pads blocked my view. Who would wear a power suit to a wedding-my boss. There she was, looking just as angry as when I'd left her at work last night. I ducked before she saw me, recovering from my shock that she'd even shown up. The bride, who left our office to start her own graphic design firm six months ago, insisted on inviting Naomi, her-former and my-current employer and Renee, my assistant, who was probably somewhere taking pictures of me for blackmail. She'd be giggling in my ear about this dress for the next month. At least.
My future torture aside, I was proud of Naomi for actually leaving the office (I think she secretly lives there). For her to show up at her own funeral would be the height of etiquette. Some people just don't grasp interaction, you know? And having "interacted" with Naomi daily for the past six years, I could do without her today. Besides, I needed to find Sassy Sistah #1 before she melted down and kissed somebody.
With that thought as fuel, I forced my Baker dyeables (those satin shoes that can be dyed to match your gown? I know. Prom flashbacks.) across the sprinkle of autumn leaves on the ground. Rochelle tiptoed up beside me, fanning her face, despite the growing chill. Man Mania was in full swing.
"Did you see Ryan's brother?" She said breathlessly. "From the looks of things, Tracey should have picked him."
From the reality of things. Anyone seemed a better choice. I mentally squashed the nagging doubt about my friend's hour-old marriage. Thoughts like that were getting me nowhere. It was done. God would have to take it from here. Me worrying myself to an ulcer before I got back to work on Monday was definitely a waste of resources.
I shook my head at Rochelle and considered reaching out and shaking hers. This time she was really in the zone. I spoke right into her ear, hoping it would jar her brain. "I wasn't really paying attention to the brother of the groom." Or any other man around here. What would be the point? The last guy I dated had just married my best friend.
Rochelle made a clucking sound. "You should have been paying attention. His brother is foine." She rolled her neck for effect, but didn't quite pull it off. I just stared. She'd been watching too much UPN again.
"Come on." I tugged at her arm and started back across the smattering of red-gold leaves, away from Mr. Foine. She'd hate me later if I didn't. If a brothah showed up tomorrow in response to Rochelle's flirting, she would run for her life while dictating a restraining order into her recorder.
Usually, her wedding trance would have been long since broken. But this was Tracey's wedding. And whether Rochelle and I were willing to admit it or not, we'd both thought that if anyone got married, it'd be one of the two of us, not the cute, fat, geek of the group. Not that Tracey was fat anymore. The plump-but-cute girl role was currently being played by moi. My midsection pressed against the strangling fabric of my dress as if in agreement.
Rochelle made a shrill sound, almost like a whistle. The weary-in-well-doing sigh. The sound she makes when she just can't take anymore. Not a good sign. Her pink leather t-strap shoes, designed by her own hand and much prettier than my castoffs from last year's spring formal, peeked from underneath her frock, several sizes smaller than my own. Our skirts skimmed the lawn every few steps. This was downright antebellum. If I didn't know better, I'd think a plantation was going to pop out of the ground any minute.
Rochelle's words cut through my thoughts. "I can't help feeling romantic on days like this. Lately, I even wonder if-"
"If what?" My body stiffened. I'd heard this speech before. All my die-hard single friends give this little talk before becoming wife wannabes. Tracey's little rant three months ago was still fresh in my mind. Rochelle? Despite her wedding breakdowns, I never thought I'd hear it from her. Well, not until Jericho graduated from high school anyway. That boy kept us all busy.
"I'm just talking," she said, moving faster. "It's nothing, really."
More like a big something, but I decided to leave it. This day had enough mess going without adding to it. "I hope the punch is good."
Rochelle nodded, gathering her skirt to gain a little speed. Good punch could cover a multitude of sins. Even Tracey marrying Ryan. (Okay, he's not so bad. He's rich, handsome and loves her to pieces. But there's just something creepy about the guy. I don't know. Forget I said anything).
While I pondered the groom's strangeness, Rochelle grabbed my wrist, digging her natural length nails into my flesh. Without looking at her, I knew it was already too late. And we'd almost made it to punchdom.
Tracey would not, could not throw that bouquet at me.
But she did.
A few inches ahead, a group of women floated onto the green in front of us, like a cloud of cotton candy. The bride broke through, holding her weapon of choice, peach hybrid roses from the Leverhill Botanical Gardens.
"Run!" Rochelle screamed with the concern of a fire marshal at a brewing blaze.
Obeying her command was my first mistake. The stop-drop-and-roll technique is always best to achieve my goals: avoiding head trauma, keeping the contacts in and keeping the dress covering my backside.
As previously stated, I deviated from this method.
When nothing tagged the back of my head (seriously, they stopped aiming for my hands two summers ago) I did a dumb thing and turned around. The bouquet slapped against my forehead like a Jackie Chan sound effect. I tripped on my skirt trying to escape (she'd already nailed me, of course, but it was instinct). My dress ballooned around my waist like a giant boat made of Bubble Yum.
Then . . . the pain burned beneath my eye. What was that? I dropped to one knee, jerking the whole pink mess of me back into place, while peeking through my fingers. Something I mistook for tears trickled into my mouth. Blood.
I wobbled to my feet. "What in the world?" I'd been hit with a lot of flowers, a few small shrubs even, but no one had ever drawn blood. This was past wrong.
Rochelle hovered over me, panting and picking greenery from between my braids. Satisfied with her job on that, she peeled back my fingers and surveyed the scratch under my eye. "The thorns. Tracey forgot to have them removed. It was the only thing on her list . . . Sorry."
I took my hand off my eye. Rochelle's tone let me know that she hadn't been in on this but she had been aware of the possibility. Not for the first time, the Sassy Sistahs had made me mad. Tracey approached slowly, waving like she always does after doing something crazy. I felt my anger wash away at the sight of her silly grin. Still, this was a bit much. "Thorns? You've got to be kidding."
"Wish I was." Rochelle dabbed my face with a napkin from her clutch. No doubt there was a first aid kit, needle and thread, makeup bag and two shades of pantyhose crammed in that tiny thing. How she'd even managed to hold on to it while trying to drag me to safety was beyond me, but I'd long given up on trying to figure out Chelle's superwoman capabilities. She just has skills like that. I'm lucky to keep my shoes on. (Although I did manage to keep my contacts in. A new accomplishment).
Just before Tracey reached us, someone from the groom's family intercepted and wheeled her away. The beginning of the end. She was no longer my roommate, my best friend. She was someone's wife. We walked past Tracey, giving us the "be right there" signals.
Rochelle smiled. I sulked. "Knowing Tracey, she probably thought it was more Christ-like to leave the thorns on." Mock disgust sounded in my voice. I was trying to be mad and couldn't.
"Hush you," Rochelle said, using our code phrase for when one started in on another of the three. It was the standard defense, but right now I felt like pushing past it.
Tracey joined us and slipped an arm around-well, almost around-my waist. "Got you, didn't I? Sorry about your eye though."
"You'd better be glad I love y'all," I whispered as people packed in around us. Pain seared my scalp where Rochelle had raked a stem through my hair.
"Maybe if you'd helped with the wedding errands, you could have taken care of those thorns." Rochelle said, reaching back in her purse for her dabbing cloth.
Ouch. That hurt way more than my eye. The truth always does. I pushed away Rochelle's hand, preferring to blink my own way back to health. In a minute, there'd be no skin left on the right side of my face. That girl was dangerous with a Kleenex.
Tracey started to say something, but was called away . . . again. I took a deep breath, watching her walk to behind the punch table with her mother-in-law. Where was the groom? Why was I the one getting jealous instead of him? Like I said, he's a little weird. This whole deal was. But there was no use trying to explain that to Rochelle. She wasn't trying to hear it. So I did what I always do-tried to explain it anyway.
"Look, Rochelle, I already regret not helping out with the wedding. But I just wasn't sure about this. When I dated Ryan-"
She tried the neck thing again, with success this time. "Dated? Is that what you call it? That mess was so boring he just stopped calling and came back to the singles group. So he wasn't for you. No reason he can't be the one for Tracey." In a deft motion, she grabbed a napkin from the table next to us, wadded it quickly and removed several layers of my epidermis. "There's just one last spot . . ."
She reached out again, but I shook my head, thinking I should have thrown in some cookies with the Ben and Jerry's waiting for me at home. Somehow we wandered into the punch line. We both relaxed allowing the tide of people to pull us forward. Only when a gruesome Pepto-pink cake with what looked like the watermelon gel I brushed my teeth with for filling came into view was I totally appalled. I definitely should have helped with the wedding plans. The gold-colored punch in the bowl beside the cake monster looked good though.
It would have to be.
From MADE OF HONOR, by Marilynn Griffith, Steeple Hill
ISBN 0373785542, January 2006, Copyright © 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited. ® and tm are trademarks of the publisher. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
BLOG TOUR - Marilynn Griffith
Welcome to our first blog tour. Our special guest this week is someone I’m proud to call a friend. We met online and our friendship blossom. She always knows when to send me a pick me up email. We talk on the phone for hours never minding we’re in different states.
When she told me her book sold, I probably shouted more than her. I sat up all night reading it, yes its that good. I’m excited the fiction world is getting a chance to know what I’ve know for years, Mary can WRITE.
This is an author you’ll be adding to your I need to get list.
It is my honor to introduce you to my kindred spirit friend, Marilynn Griffith, debut author of Made Of Honor. A Christian Chick Lit book which will make an excellent Christmas present.
Shades Of Romance Magazine: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Marilynn Griffith: Well, let's see... I'm mom to a tribe of kids, wife to a very handsome deacon and blessed to be friends with some wonderful writers, like you, LaShaunda. I love to read, write, speak and all things communication related. I'm the person at the family gatherings who is always either telling a story or listening to one! Before realizing I was a writer life was a bit confusing. I tried everything from secretary to math tutor (that actually worked out pretty well). These days it's family, friends and church activities when I'm not writing. I like blogging though. That's fun.
SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?
GRIFFITH: Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?
SORMAG: What inspired this story?
GRIFFITH: I used to own a seasonal bath and body business. Steeple Hill rejected my first manuscript but they liked my voice. They asked my agent about me doing a chick lit. I didn't know what that was exactly, but the prospect of writing in first person sounded interesting, so I tried it and loved it. I also have had a lot of wonderful single friends over the years.
SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
GRIFFITH: I'd love for readers of MADE OF HONOR to come away from the book knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God delights in them and loves them in an intimate way, despite whatever mess riddles their pasts. Christ stands waiting to embrace them as His bride.
SORMAG: How do you balance writing with your "every day life?"
GRIFFITH: I don't. LOL Really. I've long since given God that job. He called me to be a wife and mother and a writer. Sometimes (like a deadline week) that doesn't always look like I think it should, but God graced me with the family I was supposed to have. I try to keep the Word first place and keep the lines of communication open so that when things get off balance (too much work, not enough work) we can talk about it. When I try to stop writing to be Super Mom, my kids are like,"Go write something. You're cranky!"
SORMAG: How can readers learn more about your books and get in contact with you?
GRIFFITH: I can be contacted at marilynngriffith@gmail.com or through comments at my website www.MarilynnGriffith.com .
I'm offering an autograph copy of Made Of Honor to a lucky reader. Post a comment, question and your name will be put in a drawing. Winner will be announced Friday.
Marilynn is on tour all month. Check out the rest of the tour - www.marilynnGriffith.com
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
SORMAG's ONLINE BOOK CLUB - DECEMBER
Dec 1 - The Bond - Karen Magill
Dec 5 - Bound By Destiny - Rayka Mennen
Dec 8 - Dancing with Temptation - Barbara Joe-Williams
Dec 12 – Catharsis - Minnie E Miller
Dec 15 – Different Flags - Eugenia Renskoff
Dec 19 - Night To Dawn issue 8 -Published by Barbara Custer
Dec 22 - Made of Honor - Marilynn Griffith
Dec 26 - A Woman Scorn'd - Dorothy Goins
Dec 29 - Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window - Cherlyn Michaels
The online book club introduces you to two authors each week by sending out a chapter excerpt of their books.
To join the book club - sormagforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
If you would like your book featured again in our book club, we are currently scheduling for 2006. All genres are welcome.
Feature your book in our online store - For the low price of 10.00 your book will be featured for DEC
Check it out - http://www.sormag.com/store.html
Would you like to be a FEATURED AUTHOR?
http://www.sormag.com/AUTHOR.html
Please feel free to forward this information on to other book lovers.
Dec 5 - Bound By Destiny - Rayka Mennen
Dec 8 - Dancing with Temptation - Barbara Joe-Williams
Dec 12 – Catharsis - Minnie E Miller
Dec 15 – Different Flags - Eugenia Renskoff
Dec 19 - Night To Dawn issue 8 -Published by Barbara Custer
Dec 22 - Made of Honor - Marilynn Griffith
Dec 26 - A Woman Scorn'd - Dorothy Goins
Dec 29 - Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window - Cherlyn Michaels
The online book club introduces you to two authors each week by sending out a chapter excerpt of their books.
To join the book club - sormagforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
If you would like your book featured again in our book club, we are currently scheduling for 2006. All genres are welcome.
Feature your book in our online store - For the low price of 10.00 your book will be featured for DEC
Check it out - http://www.sormag.com/store.html
Would you like to be a FEATURED AUTHOR?
http://www.sormag.com/AUTHOR.html
Please feel free to forward this information on to other book lovers.
Best of Christian Romance Contest
Christian Fiction Blog is sponsoring a contest.
Best Christian Romance Novel Award
From now until Dec. 10 they will be taking nominations for this award. All participants will automatically register to win a free copy of Mary Griffith's Made to Honor. The url for more details is:
http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/2005/11/nominate-your-fav-christian-romance.html
Best Christian Romance Novel Award
From now until Dec. 10 they will be taking nominations for this award. All participants will automatically register to win a free copy of Mary Griffith's Made to Honor. The url for more details is:
http://christianfiction.blogspot.com/2005/11/nominate-your-fav-christian-romance.html
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
In Memory Of Tony C. Williams
Losing a friend is a hard thing to do. Even though we never met in face to face, I considered Tony a friend.
We sent emails to each other and we talked on the phone. He even called me one time when he was in the hospital. I was like man what are you doing on the phone, you need to be resting. As usual he laughed and said he stuff to tell me. That was what I liked about him. He didn’t let being in the hospital get him down. He was a true fighter. He said he had a lot to do and he’d sleep later.
I admired his spunky attitude and his willingness to share his wisdom. I learned a lot from him and I'm thankful the Lord sent him into my life when he did.
Tony you will be missed thanks for sharing your kindred spirit.
I admired his spunky attitude and his willingness to share his wisdom. I learned a lot from him and I'm thankful the Lord sent him into my life when he did.
Tony you will be missed thanks for sharing your kindred spirit.
TONY C. WILLIAMS
A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN AND HIS LEGACY
Village Baptist Church
100 S. Hilton Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Thursday, December 1, 20056pm – 8pm
“He lost the battle to illness, but he won a place into the hearts of many”
For more information:443-423-9232 – Renee Jones
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Prayer Request
My computer has died.
Yes I'm in mourning. This is the wrong time of year for a computer to die. My funds do not see a new one in the near future.
Which is why I'm asking for your prayers. I know the Lord will make a way.
As a writer we are lost without our computers.
I'm taking donations, love offerings even new computers. :)
Thanks for your prayers.
Yes I'm in mourning. This is the wrong time of year for a computer to die. My funds do not see a new one in the near future.
Which is why I'm asking for your prayers. I know the Lord will make a way.
As a writer we are lost without our computers.
I'm taking donations, love offerings even new computers. :)
Thanks for your prayers.
Friday, November 18, 2005
You're the one that I love
November 16, 1996 - LaShaunda & Clyde Forever
Nine years with my hero. Where did the time go?
I met my sweetie in high school. We didn’t date. If you ask him, he’ll tell you I was mean to him, but he liked me. I liked him as a friend, brother figure.
We graduated and didn’t see each other until our 10 year high school reunion. I tried to hook him up with my friend, but they could never get their time together right. Everyone thought we were dating, so we decided why not. To our surprise we fell in love.
Against my mother’s wishes, we moved in together. It was one of the best year of my life. My feeling for him grew and one day I popped the question. OK I didn’t drop to my knee and ask him to marry me. I told him November 16th and he said OK.
We didn’t want a wedding just a reception. However I wanted to walk down the aisle at my church. My step-father was suppose to escort me but he didn’t show so my father had the honor. My walking down the aisle turned into a beautiful wedding which I will forever cherish.
As with any couple we’ve had our ups and downs, but we always come out together. He has been my rock when I thought I was sinking. He has kept my writing dream alive by never letting me forget why I write. He’s the best father in the world. I wished my own father was more like him when I was younger.
I’m glad I asked my best friend to marry me. I would do it all over again, but this time I would drop to my knees.
Thank you Lord for blessing me with my friend, lover, father of my children and best of all my husband. May we be blessed with many more anniversaries.
Nine years with my hero. Where did the time go?
I met my sweetie in high school. We didn’t date. If you ask him, he’ll tell you I was mean to him, but he liked me. I liked him as a friend, brother figure.
We graduated and didn’t see each other until our 10 year high school reunion. I tried to hook him up with my friend, but they could never get their time together right. Everyone thought we were dating, so we decided why not. To our surprise we fell in love.
Against my mother’s wishes, we moved in together. It was one of the best year of my life. My feeling for him grew and one day I popped the question. OK I didn’t drop to my knee and ask him to marry me. I told him November 16th and he said OK.
We didn’t want a wedding just a reception. However I wanted to walk down the aisle at my church. My step-father was suppose to escort me but he didn’t show so my father had the honor. My walking down the aisle turned into a beautiful wedding which I will forever cherish.
As with any couple we’ve had our ups and downs, but we always come out together. He has been my rock when I thought I was sinking. He has kept my writing dream alive by never letting me forget why I write. He’s the best father in the world. I wished my own father was more like him when I was younger.
I’m glad I asked my best friend to marry me. I would do it all over again, but this time I would drop to my knees.
Thank you Lord for blessing me with my friend, lover, father of my children and best of all my husband. May we be blessed with many more anniversaries.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Quote Of The Week
Chapters "The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book." --Mickey Spillane
The Written Word (http://www.topica.com/lists/TheWrittenWordEZine) is a daily source of inspiration for writers, editors and publishers. If you would like to submit a publishing-related quote, please e-mail the quotation with the accurate source to Maidenfate@aol.com. Use the subject heading "The WrittenWord." We do not accept anonymous quotes.Feel free to forward these quotes on to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe from this list, simply e-mail TheWrittenWordEZine-unsubscribe@topica.com.
The Written Word (http://www.topica.com/lists/TheWrittenWordEZine) is a daily source of inspiration for writers, editors and publishers. If you would like to submit a publishing-related quote, please e-mail the quotation with the accurate source to Maidenfate@aol.com. Use the subject heading "The WrittenWord." We do not accept anonymous quotes.Feel free to forward these quotes on to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe from this list, simply e-mail TheWrittenWordEZine-unsubscribe@topica.com.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Encouragement
As a writer we need encouragement too. I know I have those days, when I wonder what in the world am I doing.
Last night I received a call from a fellow writer whose books are about to hit the shelves in January. Yes you read right, books. She has two books coming out in January. Made of Honor and Pink.
Marylynn Griffith is about to make her next mark in the literary world. Many online readers know of her because her online newsletter Word Praize or they’re fans of her wonderful blog, Rhythm of Grace.
Mary as I call her probably doesn’t have a clue her call was very encouraging to me. You see, Mary understands how it feels to be where I am now. Wanting to be published and praying for the Lord to help me find the right publisher for my books.
She called for my advice on promotion and marketing, but her words lifted my spirit. They let me know not to give up on the dream because she is a living testimony that the Lord hears those I want to be published prayers.
I’m too excited about Mary’s book. They are the kind of books, I wish existed when I became a Christian. There’s nothing like looking for a book to encourage your spirit, and not being able to find them. Her books make you laugh, scream and praise the Lord. She calls them serious fun and they are.
I’m looking forward to promoting her book on SORMAG’s blog and introducing our readers to these wonderful books. I know they will be encouragement to other readers.
Thanks Mary for your encouragement.
Last night I received a call from a fellow writer whose books are about to hit the shelves in January. Yes you read right, books. She has two books coming out in January. Made of Honor and Pink.
Marylynn Griffith is about to make her next mark in the literary world. Many online readers know of her because her online newsletter Word Praize or they’re fans of her wonderful blog, Rhythm of Grace.
Mary as I call her probably doesn’t have a clue her call was very encouraging to me. You see, Mary understands how it feels to be where I am now. Wanting to be published and praying for the Lord to help me find the right publisher for my books.
She called for my advice on promotion and marketing, but her words lifted my spirit. They let me know not to give up on the dream because she is a living testimony that the Lord hears those I want to be published prayers.
I’m too excited about Mary’s book. They are the kind of books, I wish existed when I became a Christian. There’s nothing like looking for a book to encourage your spirit, and not being able to find them. Her books make you laugh, scream and praise the Lord. She calls them serious fun and they are.
I’m looking forward to promoting her book on SORMAG’s blog and introducing our readers to these wonderful books. I know they will be encouragement to other readers.
Thanks Mary for your encouragement.
Contest
One of my favorite bloggers – Brandilynn Collins is sponsoring a contest to win an Advance copy of her book.
I highly recommend signing up for the Sneak Pique newsletter if you a fan of Christian fiction. She has some excellent information in it. Also if you’re interested in writing suspense fiction, her blog is the place to be. Start from the beginning and read how she got published. Its very helpful for the new writer.
Win An
Advanced Reading Copy
of Web of Lies!
Just urge your friends to sign up for Sneak Pique, my e-mail newsletter on Christian fiction sent six times a year. Each time a friend of yours signs up for Sneak Pique, your name will be "put into the hat" for the drawing. So the more friends you send along, the more chances you'll have to win.
Steps to enter contest (please follow all steps in order to qualify):
Forward this e-mail to friends/family not currently receiving Sneak Pique, urging them to sign up. (They can read the latest issue on my Web site).
Friends receiving this forwarded e-mail must:
~ Sign up for the newsletter through this link.
~ Send an e-mail to gayle@brandilyncollins.com, stating (a) the name of the person who referred them to Sneak Pique, and (b) that person's e-mail address. Use the subject heading: Web of Lies Contest.
I highly recommend signing up for the Sneak Pique newsletter if you a fan of Christian fiction. She has some excellent information in it. Also if you’re interested in writing suspense fiction, her blog is the place to be. Start from the beginning and read how she got published. Its very helpful for the new writer.
Win An
Advanced Reading Copy
of Web of Lies!
Just urge your friends to sign up for Sneak Pique, my e-mail newsletter on Christian fiction sent six times a year. Each time a friend of yours signs up for Sneak Pique, your name will be "put into the hat" for the drawing. So the more friends you send along, the more chances you'll have to win.
Steps to enter contest (please follow all steps in order to qualify):
Forward this e-mail to friends/family not currently receiving Sneak Pique, urging them to sign up. (They can read the latest issue on my Web site).
Friends receiving this forwarded e-mail must:
~ Sign up for the newsletter through this link.
~ Send an e-mail to gayle@brandilyncollins.com, stating (a) the name of the person who referred them to Sneak Pique, and (b) that person's e-mail address. Use the subject heading: Web of Lies Contest.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
A wild week
We lost a great shero, Rosa Parks. Rosa decision to stay seated, change our world.
I survived the online conference. It was crazy. My computer decided to crash and there was no saving it. Thank God for my sister and mother having a computer. Just as I was back online, I was hit with a sinus infection. It tried to take me down, but the prayers went up and the Lord held on.
The conference was as my daughter says THE BOMB. We had some excellent panels, I felt like I was in the room with them. They shared their wisdom and I gained so much new knowledge about the crazy writing business.
No I haven’t given up on the dream. I do believe it will happen, in God’s time and not LaShaunda’s time.
The other day I was discussing this with my writing partner, my mother. I told her I’ve learned what patience is. With writing you have to learn patience. Just because you want to become published doesn’t mean it will happen. You have to wait and see. Its not easy, but its worth the wait.
I know there are a lot of you out there waiting too. STAND and know the Lord is on your side. When he makes a way it will happen.
I survived the online conference. It was crazy. My computer decided to crash and there was no saving it. Thank God for my sister and mother having a computer. Just as I was back online, I was hit with a sinus infection. It tried to take me down, but the prayers went up and the Lord held on.
The conference was as my daughter says THE BOMB. We had some excellent panels, I felt like I was in the room with them. They shared their wisdom and I gained so much new knowledge about the crazy writing business.
No I haven’t given up on the dream. I do believe it will happen, in God’s time and not LaShaunda’s time.
The other day I was discussing this with my writing partner, my mother. I told her I’ve learned what patience is. With writing you have to learn patience. Just because you want to become published doesn’t mean it will happen. You have to wait and see. Its not easy, but its worth the wait.
I know there are a lot of you out there waiting too. STAND and know the Lord is on your side. When he makes a way it will happen.
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