A Extraordinary Day

Yesterday I attended the All Write Conference in Cape Girardeau, Missouri with several members of my critique group, Donna, Sarah, Jane, Marcia, Doyle, Les, and Janet. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this talented group.

My absence gave Winston the chance for his first road trip. Son and DIL took him with them to Perryville, where he assisted by barking at any people who came to view the house they are trying to sell. Winston is great at unwanted snoopervision.

I'm king of everybody's castle!

Attending the conference was well worth the two hour drive. The speakers were excellent, hearing comments from panelists about "the slush pile" made me rethink some things, and the food was scrumptious.

Talking to fellow writers is always a special treat. My friend, Sioux, won a prize for best elevator pitch. I won't repeat it here (this blog is G-rated), but it sure caught the eye of the agent who heard it. Fellow critique members Jane, Marcia, and Janet all won prizes in writing contests. I got lucky and won first place in the essay contest. What a thrill!

Meanwhile several of my buddies and I pitched novels to agents and/or publishing companies. Each writer got five minutes to "sell" their novel. I pitched to an agent and a publisher, and must admit my hands were sweating both times. What a relief when they each said they liked the idea and wanted me to send the manuscript for them to read. Of course, that's not a guarantee of anything, but at least I did it. Now I want a T-shirt that says: I Survived My First Pitch Session.

All in all, an extraordinary day.

Even my sweet little grand-baby had fun on Saturday. He went with mommy and daddy on his first boat ride.

Little Chubs has quite a beach body, doesn't he?

Surveying the lake with Daddy.

What a great day we had! Hope your Saturday turned out to be just as special.

Hello NaNo, Good-bye Sanity

It's almost here. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) happens every November. It's basically a writing challenge with the goal of producing a novel in 30 days. You can't start writing until November 1, and you don't stop until one of the following things happens:

• at least 50,000 words have been completed
• the clock announces midnight on November 30
• you toss your computer out the window and give up

Last year I opted out of NaNo and felt guilty as a teenager caught cheating on their final exam. So this year, I'm back in and have been working on a rough outline and my main characters. Planning in advance is okay, and for me quite necessary. I'm not a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of writer.

Part of the fun of NaNo is sharing the agony with other writers. My own writer's group is doing a NaNo kickoff party tonight where there will be much gnashing of teeth and discussion of strategy. Some writers will get together to work throughout the month in a true example of the many ways misery loves company. Marathon writing is a requirement. Editing is impossible. Achieving 50,000 words is priceless.

This will be my fourth NaNo project and will give me my fourth "novel". Don't I sound prolific?

To keep me on track, I'm going on blog break. I hope to post a few updates. After all, somebody has to hold me accountable, right?

If you're interested in jumping on the NaNo bandwagon, check out the NaNo website.

A Seaside Photographic Journey

If you could spend a day at the beach and name it with a dance, what dance would it be? That is a question answered by Sheree and Russell Nielsen in a beautiful coffee table book titled Folly Beach Dances-The Infinite Rhythms of a South Carolina Seashore.

Sheree, an award-winning photographer, was diagnosed with lymphoma is 2012. During her road to remission, she was inspired to create a book that would serve as a "healing" volume for people diagnosed with blood cancers as well as for those with other types of medical problems.

Sheree and her husband, Russell, painstakingly combed through hundreds of photographs taken by the couple at Folly Beach to select the perfect images. And when Sheree decided to include a brief literary reflection for each photograph, she reached out to five award-winning women writers (and friends) who jumped at the chance to collaborate with her on the project. In addition to reflections written by Sheree and Russell, contributors include Mary Horner, Dr. Patt Pickett, Marcia Gaye, and Tina Solomon. I'm proud to say four of my poem/prose pieces are included in the book. Selfishly, I grabbed all the dog-on-beach photos for my inspiration. Thankfully, no one complained.

The book launch party on May 4 was a resounding success. Each contributing writer was invited to sign books, eat, and celebrate with Sheree and Russell.

Yes, I'm the one sipping a diet soda. Thankfully the photographer didn't catch me minutes earlier shoving delicious appetizers in my face. I love delicious appetizers.

I also love the soothing colors on the Folly Beach cover. The cover is so beautiful it's hard for me to stop looking at it. I even bought a book as a Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law. She's house-bound these days, but now can visit the seashore every time she turns the pages of the book.

If you love the ocean, if you want to feel good, or if you need a great gift, consider buying a copy of Folly Beach-The Infinite Rhythms of a South Carolina Seashore. Click here for ordering information or to read more about Sheree and Russell's labor of love.

The couple is donating 10% of all book sales to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Meanwhile, we hope you have something swell planned for Sunday. Here's wishing all Moms (whether of two-leggers, four-leggers, or both) a glorious Mother's Day.

Questions, Questions

A wonderful writer pal, Lynn, at Present Letters tagged me last week with a series of questions related to NaNoWriMo. Since so many people expressed interest in the entire NaNo concept, here are my answers. I hope this will encourage (rather than frighten away) others who are thinking about giving NaNo a try next year.

Part of this process is for me to "tag" another NaNo writer to answer these same questions on her blog next Tuesday. I hope Judy at The Word Place will give it a go!

What is your working title of your book?

My 2012 NaNo project is titled "Under An Assumed Name".

Where did the idea come from for the book?

A few years ago I did a substantial amount of research with intent on doing a novel about Zee James, the wife of famed Missouri bandit, Jesse James. It went on the back burner for some time, to be resurrected this year as my NaNo project.

What genre does your book fall under?

Historical fiction, though it may morph into the historical romance genre before all is said and done.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Good question! I'd need a charismatic bad boy for Jesse...perhaps Johnny Depp?
Zee is strong in her own way, but vulnerable. Hmmmm...maybe Ann Hathaway? (I'm picking her because of the trailers I've seen recently. She plays Fantine in the new Les Miserables movie opening this month.)

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Not sure I can yet answer that. I'm still trying to connect the dots by exploring the reasons that an upright, devout woman would remain so staunchly attached to someone who made a living robbing banks and trains...not to mention more than one cold-blooded murder.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Wow. I'm too busy figuring out where to begin with rewrites/edits to even think about that. Publishing this book is not even a gleam in my eye yet.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took me approximately two weeks. Of course, that was two weeks of non-stop writing that included taking days off from my real job to work on it. It helped me to have already accumulated a lot of research, have a good knowledge of the characters, and a decent outline.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Any historical fiction novel. An example is one that I read a couple of years ago, "Mary", a novel about Mary Todd Lincoln. It was fascinating.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My first NaNo manuscript was a contemporary romance. The second was a sequel to the first. Originally I planned to do a third romance and have a trilogy, but couldn't get enthusiastic about it. Trust me, if you plan to write 50,000 plus words, it helps immensely to be enthusiastic. Then I remembered the research I did on Zee James and realized that's what I wanted to do. As alluded to earlier, I had questions about her. There's tons of information to be found on Jesse James. Not so much on Zee. What kind of person was she and why?
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I hope anyone with curiosity about Jesse James, Missouri history, and/or what molds a relationship into one that endures despite overwhelming obstacles and hardships, might find something of interest in this project.

Okay, that's it! Questions over! For those of you who are still with me, here's a critter update. Indy and Bogey are doing fine. They have provided invaluable assistance to me in writing out the responses to these questions.

Well, actually, Bogey keeps lying on the keyboard (blame any typos on him) and Indy has developed an annoying habit of going under the desk and getting tangled up in the computer wires. I must say, nothing comes easy at our house.

Good News x 2

Doing the Happy Dance! I just received official confirmation that my story, "From Rags to Riches" will be in the NYMB On Dogs. What makes this even more fun for me is that the story includes a couple of photos of my dog, Rags. He was special to me in many ways and seeing those decades-old pictures sure put a lump in my throat.

The book will soon go to print and is expected to be released nationwide on December 11. Sounds like the perfect Christmas gift to me.

But wait! There's more! Here's another piece of good news. Today I finished my NaNoWriMo challenge. That means 50,000-plus words, baby, and I've got the calloused fingertips to prove it. Okay, maybe those words are rougher than a piece of broken concrete, but that's okay. Someday, when I've recovered from this whole experience, I'll take out that manuscript and turn it into something a human being might actually be able to make some sense of.

Woo-hoo! I think it's time to pour a glass of wine and relax. Cheers!

Things We Love

You just have to love Spring. The sun shines, the grass grows and the flowers are bursting into bloom.

Mother Nature's annual fertility dance promotes highly enjoyable window watching for Bogey. The birds, butterflies, and bugs flutter around in a most tantalizing way. Completely amped up on the addictive drug of "I wanna get me one of those", he lurks by the door hoping to zip outside when we're not looking.

No chance, Buddy.

Did I forget to mention the squirrels? We have a bumper crop. I don't mind as long as they stay away from the house. Those four-footed menaces can chew through vinyl...and wood...and pretty much anything else they choose. Indy keeps track of our bushy-tailed tree rodents. He'd love to personally remove each one of them from the yard. (Note to readers: Indy could never actually catch a squirrel. We keep him inside to preserve his self-esteem. Squirrels are extremely rude and tend to laugh and point when he reaches the end of his tether)

However, Indy does take a far more gentlemanly approach than Bogey does when it comes to getting out the door.

" Hey, Mom. I gotta go potty!"

Ahh, Spring.

My critters aren't the only ones having an awesome Spring. Yesterday brought word that a story I submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive, made the first cut. I faxed the signed contract back to the CS folks so fast my fax machine went haywire, pulling multiple pieces of paper through, and marking each one with lovely strips of black ink. Nice going, Mr. Fax Machine. Are you going to replace all the paper you ruined?

I didn't think so. Guess I'm off to the store for more paper. Not such a bad thing on a beautiful Spring day!

Congrats to a Very Funny Girl

Just when I thought that I had nothing interesting to post, I got some terrific news from a writer friend. Donna, of Donna's Book Pub, won first place in the Erma Bombeck writing contest! This is an annual competition and Donna just received the call that she won in the humorous essay category. Do pop over to offer your congratulations if you can, because this is a major feat. I've known Donna since I joined Saturday Writers about 4 or 5 years ago. She's a talented writer, and so deserving of this major recognition.

Now doesn't that story motivate you to write and send your work to a contest or publication? You never know. You could be the next one to win big (or even small, I'll take whatever I can get).

But one thing is certain...if you don't submit, you won't win.

So let's all get to work and submit those sublime stories. I want YOU to be the next one to post about your writing success.

Bogey, would you puh-leeze move over so I can create!

A Hollywood Inspiration or Two

Spam belongs in a can and certainly not on my blog, your blog, or anywhere else. However, given that the current word verification on Blogger has become so darn hard to see, I'm taking a chance and removing it. If all goes well, Critter Alley will remain WV free. 

Meanwhile, like many of you, tonight I've been watching the Academy Awards. It's an ultra-glam event and a lot of fun to see even if I haven't viewed most of the movies. I have, however, read many of the books.

That's right, books. It's amazing how many films come into being as a result of a book or short story. This year's nominees from various categories are "picture-perfect" examples...

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs (Short story) by George Moore
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LaCarre

Tales that get noticed by Hollywood may not necessarily be the best example of writing in the technical sense. But they must be compelling. The kind of stories that draw people in and keep them up at night because they can't wait to see what happens next. It's all about being a good storyteller. And that skill, my friends, is truly what makes a writer someone that Hollywood races to snatch up like a flower in spring.

Good stories can bring the world inspiration, thought provoking ideas, and entertainment. If you can't see the movie, do yourself a favor and put the above tales on your reading list. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And whether your story makes it to Hollywood or not, I hope the power of your words will transport readers to another place and another time...giving them a mini-vacation of the mind.

How awesome is that?

Shhhh, Mom. Enough already. I'm trying to read.

Writerly Woes

Sometimes you simply have to take a stand and do what needs to be done. After all, I can't blame lack of production on writer's block forever, can I?

I didn't think so. Like it or not, I'm going to sit down at the computer and do some serious writing. No more excuses, laziness, or distractions. I'll just pick up my pen and jot a few notes to start the ideas flowing...

Okay. Maybe I'll take a stand tomorrow.

Heavenly Messages

What could be more fun than coming home to find a box of books on the front porch? Especially when those books contain one of your own stories. "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven" features true stories about miracles, amazing connections, angels, and answered prayers. My story, "A Little Nudge", is included in the anthology.

I thumbed my way through the book and have already read several stories. Each one gave me a little shiver up my back. But only in a good way, of course.

I can't resist hearing stories that confirm my belief in the hereafter. If you feel the same way, check out Messages from Heaven, either online via pre-order, or in bookstores starting February 28.

Critics-at-large, Indy and Bogey declare: "Messages from Heaven is an awesome read. We give it 8 paws up!"

Bylines Calendar 2012

My order of Bylines desk calendars arrived on Saturday. I opened up one of those spiral bound beauties, and immediately fell in love. It's an organized (or wanna be organized) person's dream.

Are you a writer who'd like to set goals for 2012? This handy planner provides a section for choosing overall yearly goals in writing areas such as the book you always wanted to do, articles, poetry, personal enrichment, publicity/marketing, and the website. You can use the goals and tasks which are suggested, create your own, or do a combination of both.

Another fun feature is the list of 2012 Literary Holidays. Did you know that August 18 is "Bad Poetry Day" (not that any of us ever writes bad poetry). How about December 10, which is "Dewey Decimal System Day", a real milestone. We'd never find a book again without it, so why not celebrate? Then there's the tracker for submissions, mileage, and purchases. A list of literary festivals. A section for notes. Favorite books and writer resources. Well, the list simply goes on and on.

But Bylines is more than a calendar/planner. Each week also includes an essay where a writer shares an insight or inspiration sure to ignite your writing fire. I'm honored to be among them, but don't laugh when you see my picture. After all, Sylvia Forbes, Bylines creator and editor, did suggest we send a non-formal, non-posed picture that shows our personality. For good or for ill, I listened. You be the judge.

If you're a writer, or just dream about writing someday, you'll love the Bylines calendar. For more information or to place an order click here.

More good news. Bylines is seeking submissions for the 2013 desk calendar. Check out this link for submission guidelines. And if you're wondering what Sylvia likes in an essay, one of the best ways to find out is to get a copy of the calendar and read.

Now you must excuse me. I'm off to set some goals in my new calendar!

Stories on Stories

It's always a thrill when your work is chosen for publication. It's even better when the book is created for a great cause.

A few months ago a call went out for writers to submit their work for a proposed anthology to benefit the schools and libraries of Joplin, Missouri after a tornado of epic proportions leveled the town. Any piece submitted had to be related in some way to a storm.  Writers are generous people, and many reached out to support the project.  My poem, "Aftermath" appears in the volume.  Fellow writers and friends Linda O'Connell, Lynn Obermoeller, and Donna Volkennant also have pieces in the book.  And if that's not good enough to convince you, Walter Bargen (first poet laureate of Missouri) and Elaine Viets (former newspaper columnist) are in the book, too.  

If you're interested in supporting a great cause, check out Storm Country.

Meanwhile, there were a few other writerly delights to hit my inbox recently.  One of my essays will be in Echoes of the Ozarks, Volume VII, an anthology published yearly by the Ozarks Writers League. The volume is scheduled for publication in early November.

Today I received notification from the Chicken Soup folks that one of my stories made it through the preliminary selection process for the book, "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages From Heaven". I'm pleased but still keeping fingers crossed, as you never know until the 11th hour whether they'll keep your story or (gulp) cut it. So I'm faxing in my contract and hoping for the best.

Of course we're also hoping that all our two legged and four legged readers will have a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Stay safe, and go St. Louis Cardinals!!

More Tap, Tap, Tapping

Nothing feels better than having a successful writers retreat! 

Okay, so maybe I didn't produce quite as much as the above image indicates, but I did rough in a couple of stories, polish a few poems, and generate some fresh possibilities for my files.

But don't think my nose never left the computer.  The trip to Louisville wasn't all work.  I did get the chance to visit a rather cool place that I've always wanted to see.  More about that on another day.

Deadline for several of the pieces that kept me busy last week is looming.  I'm determined to finish edits ASAP and send my babies away to (hopefully) find happy new homes before the stroke of midnight on August 31.  So it's good-bye internet and hello Word Program for more tap, tap, tapping.  I'm on a roll and nothing, I repeat nothing, is going to stop me now!

"Er, Mom. I gotta go to the bathroom..."

Tap Tap Tap

 Hubby is heading to a work-related training in Louisville and I'm tagging along. No office work, no housework, no errand running. Armed with a laptop and no plans, I figure there will be nothing else for me to do while he's busy except write.

In other words I'm conducting my own personal writer's retreat this week.

I suspect my plan will work out great, if I can only get rid of my other great distraction...an internet connection.

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?

Motivating Moments

I hate refueling my car. The price of gas is soaring higher than Sputnik, and it's depressing to think about just how much more we may be paying in the future. But I realize gasoline cost is one of those things that can't be changed by me, no matter how much I fret and grumble.

So rather than complaining about the dent in my pocketbook, I've decided to focus on another kind of refueling. It's the type of fuel that charges internal batteries and provides the energy that's necessary to reach a goal.

I'm talking about motivation.

For dieters, that energy might come from seeing a lower number on the scale. At work, it could be a compliment on a project well done. At home, perhaps a loved one articulates unexpected thanks for an everyday task. Any one of those things can serve to rev up an engine and get things rolling.

Writers need fuel, too. Crafting a story, essay, or article, is gas-guzzling work. And sending that labor of love out into the world for probable rejection is like having an ice pick shoved through the fuel line...or the heart. Sometimes you have to wonder, why am I doing this?

The reality is that rejection is a big part of any writer's life. But experiencing all those lows can make it all the sweeter when someone finally says "yes". Sort of like the way it feels to drive a cherry-red convertible on a brilliant spring day. Though the driver may believe her convertible to be sleek, fast, and a testament to good taste, how fabulous it is when that belief is confirmed by someone else.

Lately it's been way too easy for me to find other things to do than write. And not writing means not submitting...a sure fire way to avoid rejection. Yep, it's been a long time since my little red convertible has gotten much in the way compliments.

But rather than sputtering and coasting to a roadside halt, some good news has finally come my way. It's made the past week a definite refueler for me.

One of my short stories appeared in "The Storyteller".
I've been notified that another short story has been accepted for the Columbia Writer's guild anthology, "Well Versed-Literary Works 2011".
Of the two pieces I submitted to Missouri Writer's Guild contests, one took third place in the flash fiction category and the other was named third honorable mention in the humorous essay category.

Talk about some high octane fuel!

In my current state of delight (and shock), sitting down to write doesn't seem quite as tedious as it did two weeks ago. I'm feeling pretty good. My empty tank is full again and the road ahead is clear.

I suppose you could say that motivation is my green light. Now it's time to step on the gas pedal and see where we go.

What is it that energizes you?

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.

The Award of Untruth

Many thanks to Lisa over at Writing in the Buff. She has been kind enough to send me this prestigious award designed specifically for writers of all things fictional...better known as the Liars Club.

My task is to tell four truths and one lie about myself. You, dear readers, are given the job of deciding which statements are truth, and which one is the fib. Here goes:

1. One of my dogs appeared on television four times, once while held in the arms of a well known local weather forecaster. The weatherman's efforts to report on upcoming conditions were utterly foiled due to losing the ensuing wrestling match with my squirming, uncooperative pooch.

2. My parents bought me a horse for my tenth birthday. He and I logged more than 1,000 miles of trail riding together before I went away to college and had to sell him.

3. And speaking of horses, I once got to ride with the Cow Town Posse in Texas, running a barrel race on a rodeo horse valued at over $10,000.

4. My very first dog was imaginary. He lived under the kitchen table and was partial to scraps sneakily delivered to him straight from my plate.

5. I had two goldfish who died during a thunderstorm. Having the bowl close to a window during a highly charged electrical event is apparently fatal to goldfish health.

There you are! My four truths and a lie, all critter-related, of course. So let's see how good I am at writing fiction. Do you know which statement is a fib and which are the truth? All will be revealed in a few days.

Now I must pass along this task to four other blogs. Since that job is even more difficult than the original challenge, I have chosen to select the first four blogs on my Blog Roll List for this honor. However, that will be tricky to determine since the order of the list literally changes from minute to minute.

Hey, fiction is all about surprises, isn't it?

Another Book Blurb Friday

It's book blurb Friday over at Writing in the Buff. Blurbs must be 150 words or less, excluding the title. Here's my contribution (at only 59 words).

Title: Prudent Passage

A tree filled park is every dog's dream...and could become every owner's nightmare.

Know the hazards you and your canine friend can encounter before venturing along another tree-lined path. From insect pests to muggers, author Jack T. Ripper covers it all.

This book has been endorsed by leading animal welfare organizations and the National Victim Advocate Association.

Canine Memories

One of my very talented writer friends is Linda O'Connell. She's been published in more venues than I can count, and her work is always a joy to read.

I particularly like her essays. They often evoke a tear, a smile, or both. Recently Linda did a blog post recalling the dogs in her life. It seemed like perfect subject matter for Critter Alley readers.

So if you'd like to take a walk down memory lane, check out her post called "Doggone It".

It just might bring back the image of a four-footed friend of your own whose memory now rests gently within your heart.