Got Stories?

Well, woo-hoo and happy day! I received final notification that my story, "The Big Announcement" will appear in NYMB On Family. The story is a tale about what happened when my son invited Hubby and me over to give us some major news. I guess even after they're all grown up, kids can say the darnedest things.

The book is scheduled for release in March, 2014 and here's a tip. I happen to know several of the other contributors, not to mention the book's talented co-creator, Linda O'Connell. There's no doubt this will be a highly entertaining read. You won't want to miss it!

Ah, all those stories. Every family's got 'em!

A Meow-velous Opportunity

Calling all writers with a wild, funny, or crazy story about a cat!

Publishing Syndicate is looking for a few good stories to fill in the gaps for NYMB On Cats. I received an email today advising the deadline for this book has been extended to December 1 for the reason every writer wants to hear:

They. Need. More. Stories. 

Woo-hoo! People, I've read your blogs and giggled at the antics of your critters. You've got what it takes. If you've never been published, here's your chance. If you're already published, well, who doesn't want another credit?

Just remember the most important rules: 

Read the general submission guidelines carefully. 

Also review the specific guidelines for the "Cats" book. 

In a nutshell, don't send sentimental, sweet, tear-jerker-type stories. Instead, make the reader roar like a tiger with laughter.

Please share, share, share this news with others in the critter blogging world. Good luck if you submit and please let me know what happens. I'd be so thrilled to hear you got a "Congratulations" email from Publishing Syndicate!

As for me, I've already sent one story and Mr. Bogey certainly provides enough material for several more.

Who me??

Old Pictures

I've been digging through old photos. My quest began when an editor wanted a picture of my dog, Rags, to go along with a story I wrote about how Rags and I met.

I enjoy looking at old pictures way too much. In no time at all, several hours evaporated like mist when the sun comes out. I don't feel too bad about it, though. I found pictures of Rags to send to the editor. Better yet, I found lots of ideas for new stories.

Here's a picture of me at around the age of 2 with the first dog I ever befriended. I believe she belonged to one of my great-aunts, though I don't remember the dog's name. I recall thinking that little dog was wonderful. I'm not sure, however, exactly how the dog felt about me. Since she's not leaning away, I guess we must have been pals.

Note the t-shirt. Can you see what television show I liked to watch? Oh, yes. I thought Davy Crockett was pretty wonderful, too.

A Little Sasee in the Mailbox

On my way to the mailbox Saturday, I noticed that our asphalt street had actually softened from oven-worthy temperatures. "Balmy" 100-plus degree weather continues. Although there were a few sprinkles this afternoon, we are in desperate need of a cool-down supplemented by a few days of steady rain.

Fortunately, braving the heat turned out to be time well spent. The July issue of Sasee waited for me. I couldn't wait to open it because my true essay, "Fried Chicken and Angel Food Cake" appeared inside. The story is important to me because it's about the most significant event that my mother and I ever experienced together.

Sasee is a truly lovely publication, and one I believe any woman would enjoy reading. You can get a feel for Sasee (and read my story!) on the Sasee website. Sasee sells subscriptions if you'd like to indulge yourself by receiving the hard copy. From what I've seen, it's worth it. If you decide to visit the website, I'd love it if you could read my story and leave a comment under it to let me know what you think.

Meanwhile, Bogey is in my lap with his tail slapping my cheek while Indy gazes at me in a most pitiful way. Translation:

"If food isn't provided immediately, we will both starve before you can type another word."

Do I have two Drama King critters, or what?

Stories, Secrets, Success

Here's a heads up for all our blogger buddies. Chicken Soup for the Soul has a call for submissions. They're looking for stories to publish in two upcoming anthologies that will be of interest to all you wonderful writers who are also critter crazy. If you have an amazing, poignant, or funny story about your dog or cat, "I Can't Believe My Dog Did That" and/or "I Can't Believe My Cat Did That" will be right up your alley. If your story is accepted, Chicken Soup will pay you $200 and provide some complimentary copies of the book.

There are so few paying markets these days for freelance writers, I really appreciate the opportunities provided by the Chicken Soup folks. It's a quality publication with appeal, world-wide recognition, and a great reputation. However, if you don't have a critter story to submit, fear not. There are other submission possibilities, too. Read all the details here.

I'm hoping Chicken Soup can help me get on track. My pants are too snug. I'm eating too much of my favorite things, and the only time I seem to spend walking is when I'm pushing a grocery cart. And then there's all the "research"...a major excuse for not writing.

It's time for a better routine. I need all the motivation I can get to eat healthy, exercise, and write every day.

Blogger buddies, help! What are your secrets for success?

The Storyteller-Edition 16

These days it's tough for a publisher to stay afloat.  Between electronic books, web books, and other publishing venues, more and more printers of the written word are disappearing...a sad effect of the computer age. For me, this supplies plenty of incentive to support books and magazines in print.

A prime example is The Storyteller. If you've never seen it before, you're in for a treat. It's comes out quarterly, and is devoted to providing publication for writers and quality entertainment for readers.  Short stories, essays, and poems are all acceptable genres for submission. While there is no payment currently offered for submissions, sometimes it's worth a million bucks just to see your name in print.  The cost of a subscription is modest, so do check it out. 

I'm fortunate to have my short story, "The Tip", published in the most recent edition of The Storyteller. The magazine arrived on Saturday, and I've been thumbing through it ever since. With feature columns, twenty-nine short stories, four non-fiction pieces, four essays, and fifty poems, it's definitely worth the price.

If you have a story or poem that you love, and one that you think others would enjoy reading, too, check out The Storyteller. Submission guidelines appear on their website.

A Small Christmas "Tail"-2

It was suggested that I modify the title slightly, lest someone determine Santa needs to bring me a dictionary!
Thanks for your comments...here comes Part 2.


A Small Christmas "Tail"

Sasha the cat had lived with the Man and the Lady for years. Due to her senior status, she considered herself the Queen of the house, and ruler over all less important beings. A mistress of slyness, the big calico liked to pester Casey by pouncing on his back while he napped. She also loved to swat him unmercifully until he finally chased her. Casey always tried to resist the chase, because whenever he gave in to temptation and ran after her, she'd swiftly jump on the countertop out of his reach and laugh. Though exceptionally annoying, Casey knew Sasha was also very smart.

He pattered over to where she slept on top of a thickly pillowed rocking chair, and growled a little to clear his throat. 

"Sasha, I have a question for you. Can you tell me what Christmas means?"

Sasha's tail twitched back and forth and she lazily opened one eye.

"Tsk, tsk. Pups don't know anything. Christmas is specifically created for cats. We get all sorts of special treats and catnip surprises. But best of all is the entertainment. That tree in the living room the Man and the Lady just put up belongs to me. I get to climb it, play with the hanging toys, and tunnel under the tree skirt. Oh, every year it's a complete delight.  And that, young man, is what Christmas is all about. It's about having fun."

Sasha closed the one eye she'd opened and promptly went back to sleep. Casey thought about what she said. His people certainly did seem to enjoy putting up the tree. Maybe Sasha was right. Maybe Christmas meant having fun. He glanced at the deceptively peaceful looking cat and then remembered how his face stung yesterday when she batted him with her front claws.

Perhaps it would be wise to get another opinion.

All Creatures Website

The All Creatures website seeks peace and understanding for all

A website called All Creatures and sponsored by the Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation is a virtual plethora of information related to all things animal.

A few of the many pages on the site include action alerts, stories, poetry, art, photos, campaigns, quotations, anti-cruelty messages....well you get the picture. The list goes on and on. You'd be hard pressed to find an animal topic that isn't covered.

So if you're looking for something to read this weekend, you may want to stop in and browse.

Enjoy and see you on Monday!

Folk Tales

Don't you just love a tall tale? Or an old folk story about why things happen the way they do?

B'rer Rabbit adventures, how the 'possum lost the hair from his tail, and why dogs chase cats are only a few of the animal folk tales you can read at the American Folklore website.

It'll take you back to the days when a terrific imagination and a knack for storytelling pleased people more than...a dog with a bone!