Inspiration!

When I saw this comic, it made me laugh! Luckily for me, I have an overload of inspiration when it comes to my writing!

I carry around a leather-bound notebook in my purse that my friend gave me a few years ago for Christmas. Here's what's written on the cover: 

" You  don't write because you want to say something.

You write because you've got something to say."

I've sectioned off three parts of the notebook - Characters, Dialogue, Settings. Then, whenever I am out somewhere and creativity strikes, I can jot it down. 

I've gathered some rich dialogue from a sweet Southern belle of a waitress at my local diner, a clerk in the grocery store, an elderly gentleman sitting on a bench at the park. I have no set organizational methods to my madness other than these three tabs. When I hear great dialogue, I just write it down. If I noticed the way that man was dressed, I transpose it into words, knowing that someday, I'm going to need that "Southern twang" of Sylvia, the waitress in my latest project, or to describe how the gentleman was sitting, slumped over to feed the ducks in his old, crumpled suit...as my friend, Kathleen always tells me after one of our adventures, "You're gonna write about this someday, aren't you?" She knows me too well...that EVERYTHING is fodder for this writer!

One of my favorite children's book authors is Eric Carle. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a book signing in 2004. Such a sweet man!
     As a teacher, I found that children love his catchy phrases and colorful artwork. He is a master in writing and in art as well. Thank you, Mr. Carle!

                                                                

By The Light of the Silvery Moon...

“You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.” 

- Saul Bellow

This quote rings true for me...I am up most mornings between 3 and 5 a.m. to write -- with the moon peaking in through the lace curtains above my desk...it's magical!

B-I-N-G-O!

Dealing with rejection is something writers must deal with. I received my first rejection letter from Harper & Row when I was in the 6th grade. Since then, I have an envelope full of them, which I've labeled, "Not Yet!" 

It's all about attitude, Dahling!

Something to Think About!

A-HA!

I want to know who is backspacing me!!!

Why I Write! Hee-hee!

Baby Talk!

With all of the Royal baby-talk going on, I wanted to share with you one of my most favorite children's books...I like to purchase it for expectant mothers as a shower gift - I make up a "Mommy basket" with herbal teas, gourmet cookies, lotions and other niceties and then include the book.

CLICK:

The Twelve Gifts of Birth

The Conjuring was AWESOME!

Saw The Conjuring last night and it was awesomely boosky! Very authentic and brought back memories of meeting Ed & Lorraine when they investigated my house...I got major goosies several times because I "felt" some of the things the Perron family went through. I was thankful that The House on Pancake Hill did not require an exorcism! HAHAHA! 

Lorraine had a cameo appearance as an audience member in one of the scenes...LOVE her! Director, James Wan did and excellent job of keeping it real. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson portrayed Ed & Lorraine really well. Go see The Conjuring in a theater near you!

My paranormal memoir, The House on Pancake Hill 

is coming soon! 

BEWARE!

The Lost Boys

Here's an excellent article that was written by my friend, Mysia Haight ... I think she touched on some great points. 

It makes me sad to know that not everyone is still not on the same playing field in 2013 and we need lots of prayers and people to continue to work hard to make a change. Thanks, Mysia for such a poignant article...

CLICK:

http://mystifiedmom.com/2013/07/18/the-lost-boys/

JUST WRITE!

“So okay - there you are in your room with the shade down and the door shut and the plug pulled out of the base of the telephone. You've blown up your TV and committed yourself to a thousand words a day, come hell or high water. Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. ” 
- Stephen King

Please Show The Love!

Hi! Since I am an author, this statement is so near and dear to my heart.

I will continue to feature my favorite authors and will also promote my own work. 

Please take a moment to "show the love" by doing some of the things listed above...let us know you care!  XOXO

Nevermore.....

I LOVE Edgar Allan Poe thanks to Mr. Dunn and Mrs. Pennybacker!

A Great Summer Read!

Living in the South has made me appreciate all of the quirky nuances of Southern Belles...Ronda Rich captures her characters perfectly in The Town That Came A-Courtin'! There were times when I was laughing out loud with the dialogue and scenes... I highly recommend that you put this book on your Must-Read list!

CLICK:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Town-That-Came-A-Courtin/dp/0425202585

Meet Author, Ken Overman!

Who is Kennth R. Overman?

He is an adventurer. 

Free Spirit.

 Student of L-I-F-E. 

MBA. 

Evangelist.

How does he personify these traits and also maintain the moniker of a family man?

One only needs to read his books to be taken on journeys beyond your wildest imagination. At the age of seven, Ken's mother switched off the television and placed a National Geographic Atlas in front of him. That day, he knew he would explore the world. He did. He went on to live and work in over forty countries spanning five continents.

Start here, by checking out his blog:

CLICK:

Ken's Blog

Ken's books may be purchased on his website, or through Amazon.com:                                                         

CLICK:  Where Wild Olives Grow

                                                                

CLICK:

 Dawn Passage

 CLICK: Picking Olives and Breaking Bread - Book One 

 CLICK:   Picking Olives and Breaking Bread - Book Two

I hope you will find Ken's work a great escape from your everyday routine and will be enlightened by his adventures and the messages of his deep faith. Ken and his family reside in Florida where he works, sails, and writes.

Who's Ready for a S-P-O-O-K-Y SUMMER?

My book, The House on Pancake Hill will be available on Amazon.com soon...stay tuned! It's based on my adventures of growing up in a haunted house in the 1960's & 70's. Ed & Lorraine Warren conducted an investigation there and meeting them was one of my most memorable childhood experiences.

Also, who is planning on seeing The Conjuring? It premieres on July 19th and chronicles Ed & Lorraine Warren's most terrifying investigation ever! If you've seen the previews, get ready to be scared outta your seat! I CAN'T WAIT!

What Oprah Learned from Elie Wiesel - Super Soul Sunday

Another Fav Author, Jon Katz! Read, "American Dreams..."

One of my all-time favorite authors is, Jon Katz! He is my hero and I dream of living his life. His love for animals and the tales he weaves just make me want to wiggle my nose and be there to see this farm that is nestled in the Catskill Mountains of N.Y.! Sadly, I heard that the farm is for sale now, but I am so thankful for all of the great books that John has put out due to his adventures at Bedlam Farms.

Here's a story that he wrote in honor of Independence Day-ENJOY!

CLICK:

A great American tale from one of my fav authors, Jon Katz!

Fourth of July Flash Mob - Spirit of America Band

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Thanks to all the men and woman who are serving our Country, for our Veterans and for those who gave up their lives for our freedom...God Bless America!

Write it Down!

Not only do you need to write your goals / dreams down, you also should be specific! Don't just say you want to do a book signing - describe picturing yourself at Barnes and Noble with a line wrapped around the building, etc.

Want a man who is romantic? Picture what it would feel like to walk in the door and have your man grab you up in his arms for a soulful kiss, hand you a glass of wine, tell you that your bath is already drawn and that he is cooking dinner....I like dreamin'! Believe me, it's on my list! HAHAHAHA!

WRITE IT DOWN!

Oh, YESSSSS!

HAHAHAHA! It doesn't take much to make ME happy!

Find Your Bliss - A Blast From the Past...

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): Find Your Bliss: What makes you happy? Do you have any hobbies? If not, what could you start doing today that would help you to find your bliss? Wr...

Do What You LOVE!

There have been many times that I've heard others tell me, "I wish I could write a book." My question to them is, "Then why don't you?" This question is followed with, "I don't have the time with work, the kids, ________!" (fill in the blank)

My ANSWER to them is the same....you MUST find the time to do whatever it is that you love. If you keep hearing your inner voice telling you to try something, then DO IT! I used to write in the wee hours before work and anytime that I could fit it in. It was a part of me that I couldn't squelch. So, if the issue is that you have kids to get off to school in the morning, get up an hour earlier and go to a room where you can have some peace and quiet to write or do artwork, or....that's how I got stuck on my early morning writing regimen! I had always been a light sleeper, and then when my 24 year marriage was falling apart, I had a terrible case of Monkey Brain at 2 or 3 a.m., which was NOT conducive to my 40+ hour work schedule. So, I decided that I wasn't going to fight my insomnia - I'd get up, put the tea kettle on, light some candles, sip tea and write for as long as I felt the urge to. Sometimes it was for only for fifteen minutes, but most times I'd write until the alarm clock went off. I'm not going to lie. The first few days, I was dragging by the end of the day, but my body and spirit grew accustomed to the "me time" and then it became a habit, which I follow to this day. I find that I am most creative in the wee hours before dawn, but you will need to find your "me time"...could be during your lunch hour - lower the fluorescent lights in your office, close the door, (put a Do Not Disturb sign on it if you have to!) eat your lunch while you enjoy letting your creative juices flow. Are you a soccer mom or dad? Sit in the stands and jot down any ideas that pop into your head - then transcribe them at another time. One of my friends is on the direct opposite of my schedule...she is energized by the moonlight so when she is in the mood to write her poetry, she gravitates to the porch in her nightgown and lets the words flow into her journals.

Yes, the daily grind can overwhelm us and make us wonder, "Is this all there is to life?" No, it is NOT! Many artists and writers will tell you that the majority of their work was fit into their hectic schedules and they still did it! So, my question to you is, "When are you going to set aside some time for YOU and your dreams and aspirations?" Just DO IT! You are soooo worthy of living your authentic life! The love is there....XOXOXO