June is over

Well, June is drawing to a close and I'm wondering what 'adventures' July will bring.

What do to when there's no paper to jot notes down?

Some times there just doesn't seem to be enough paper when an idea comes, you know? Maybe you're driving down the road, a country road, and you see a beautiful field with wild flowers dancing in the wind and a lovely lake sparkly brightly in the light. Or, maybe you're at a stoplight and you see someone running across the street with two or three people hot on his/her heels. Little scenario like those can often spark an 'idea' moment that might find its way into your next piece. I know that happen with me and if there's no paper anywhere for me to jot it all down, I have to try my best to remember what I saw/heard until paper can be located. There are some people who use little voice recorders and use those as their pen and paper to help them remember what happened and use it at a later time. What do you use to help you in those 'idea' moments and there's no paper handy?

Simple Reminder

Earlier today, I was at the Library and I was on a mission. I had it all mapped out in my mind what I was going to do and how long it was going to take me to do it. As I entered the building, the church bell across the street started chiming the hour. It was a deep, rich sound that made me pause to listen. Even though the doors were shut, I could hear the bells and it caused me to take a moment to reflect on what I was doing. Here I was, in a hurry to get done what needed to be done and I wasn't paying any attention to the beauty around me. Such as the bright, sunny day or the carefully planted rose bushes in front of the Library. I enjoy hearing the sound of the church bells because no matter where I am, or what I'm doing, the bells help remind me to take a moment out of my busy schedule and enjoy the beauty around me.

What are some things that help remind you to take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy life?

My Book's Newest Review

My first novel, The Diamond Caper, has been out for almost two years now. (It'll officially be two years tomorrow) Publicizing it hasn't been easy and I've welcomed a good review of the novel whenever I can get one to help 'boost awareness' of my work. Last night, I received an email saying my book had been reviewed by Reader's Favorite. The review brought tears to my eyes, in a good way. The lady who read my story said it reminded her of the Nancy Drew novels she used to read when she (the reader) was a teen. Nancy Drew's part of the inspiration for my Crystal O'Mally mystery series and I was pleased the 'Nancy Drew thread' was noticeable in my work.

It was a much better review than I expected and it amazed me that after two years, Crystal's story is still generating these kinds of reviews. I wasn't sure if after a certain amount of time your book stopped receiving really good views or not. (I'm still learning) Here's a link to Reader's Favorite where you can read the review. https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/32044 


Also, I received this seal along with the review.

Keep Adding

When you're writing a story and later go back and re-read your work, how often do you go, "Oh, I maybe if I add this, it'll make the story flow better"? I sometimes find myself doing that with stories I've written a while back. There constantly seems to be something I can edit or perhaps make better. It can be either a help, or a hindrance. Depending on whether or not I'm on a deadline. Sometimes, those little 'keep adding' moments actually do end up making the story flow better. But the times I'd trying to read my work without doing any major editing, it's certainly not helping me any. I've learned there are times to keep adding to the story and other times I need to simply let it be. How do you do it? When the urge to constantly critique your work arises, how to push past it?

I can finally make the announcement.

Okay, the results are in and I can finally make the announcement. Do you remember a while back when I mentioned I was trying to find a 'home' for one of my stories? Well, I entered it in a short story/poetry contest and . . . wait for it . . . won first place! My story, The Voice, won first place in the high school division. The Voice is about a teenage girl who wants so desperately to sing, but can't carry a tune in a bucket. Her little sister, who's deaf, teaches the older sister that there's more than one way to sing. Yeah, that's pretty much the synopsis in a nutshell. Here's a link so you can read the story if you want to. http://www.bcplib.org/writingcontest/archives.html

I'd still like to find a permanent home for The Voice. Does anyone know of a middle school or pre-teen magazine company accepting these kinds of stories?

Warm Weather Activities

June's here and there are times we experience heat waves. But at the same time, there's also a chance it'll still feel like . . . well . . . spring. Flowers are still waking up from their winter slumber and showing off their bright, vibrant colors. There's a whole lot more to do. What are some activities you like to do as warmer weather approaches?