Chained

My dear friend, Tammy at Message in a Bloggle tagged me in this blog chain, and then I found out that Val at Unbagging the Cats did too! It started with Margo Dill and this thing has been going around like wild fire. So much so, I think everyone has been tagged. Oh wait, there might be a few peeps I know...

But first let me tell you that Tammy, who is part of the critique group that I'm in (who was tagged by Sioux who is another member of our critique group). Tammy has jaw-dropping prose that on some occasions makes me want to quit writing. At least quit writing the way I do and make it better. And Val is so funny with her writing, that I will have to give up on humor writing. Period. Each style is different, but oh, so good.

I’m to answer the following four questions:

1) What am I working on?  I will keep this simple. Nothing at the moment. I’ve been on a little hiatus from writing... other than the 'occasional' letter.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? I have no idea how to answer that other than, my work is epistolary and most epistolary types are a back and forth type. Mine is just one-sided, like a diary, but it’s not a diary.

3) Why do I write what I do? Because I love epistolary. What’s more fun than writing letters? And then using that form to create stories. I can thank my niece for that idea. (Maybe it was just a way to stop me from writing her so many letters.)

4) How does my writing process work? It’s different each time. Depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m structured and have a routine. Other times, I jump in when I’m feeling the flow. And when I'm not feeling the flow... I write a letter.

Now to drag this chain to the next authors… Claudia at Claudia's Page was the brains behind Storm Country, and how I became to know Claudia. Not only does she write wonderful prose, but she's a poet too. She's always reading some interesting books (that I have to add to my long list of reads). Claudia has a big heart.   

Estrella at Life's a Stage is a creative gal and a writer. She just recently posted Five Great Reasons to be a Writer, and what's not to love about being a writer? I find out about all kinds of cool things from Estrella in the way of creativity. When I was participating in the Month of Letters, she asked if I'd be willing to write to someone and told me about More Love Letters. Estrella has a big heart too!

And very soon I will share a way cool art/journal workshop I had the pleasure of being in... stay tuned!

Elaine Viets Mystery Book Signing Helps Lupus

For all you readers and writers out there, or those looking to help support a good cause, I thought you might be interested in this book signing event with Elaine Viets -- native of St. Louis, Missouri where the event takes place. A portion of the proceeds goes to The Lupus Foundation of America. My brother went to high school with Elaine. (This is a St. Louis thing--"Where'd you go to high school?") I had the pleasure of listening to her at the Missouri Writers' Guild where she was the guest speaker and caused the audience to laugh silly. I'm honored to be in the same anthology with her, Storm Country, where Elaine was kind enough to help support that project for the Joplin Tornado victims. I was at another event Elaine did helping yet another cause. And those are the ones I know about! My cousin has Lupus, so I would love to be there, but I will be out of town. I will be purchasing a copy of her book. After all, it's signed and it helps a great cause. This is a win-win if you ask me.

An Award

Gotcha! It's a blogger award - The Versatile Blogger Award bestowed upon me by Marilyn from Things I Want to Tell My Mother. She writes letters to her (deceased) mother, just like I do. I was surprised to get the award since I've only recently met her/her blog and vice-a-versa. But I'm honored just the same.

As part of winning this award I'm to tell you seven things about myself that are not included in my blog. I've done this before, however, I'm taking Marilyn's lead and writing something similar that she did as I found her seven things to be very interesting since I didn't know much about her.

So here goes:

1) I grew up in Florissant, Missouri. I'm not sure if I'll have the facts correct, but back in the day this town was divided between the French and German. I asked one of my aunts why all the kids in the family went to Sacred Heart School (when she was telling me how they walked to school nearly every day) since St. Ferdinand School was closer. She said that St. Ferdinand was for French people and Sacred Heart was for German people. I was puzzled because they both were Catholic schools. I too went to Sacred Heart from 1st through 8th grade. I think by then the whole French and German thing didn't exist, however, when I was growing up there was a distinction between Catholic and "public" - if you didn't go to Catholic school, I didn't think you were Catholic. You were Public. DUR.

2) I stayed in the Florissant area until I married, then moved to Akron, Ohio and lived there for a year. We then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and I was there for a year. When my marriage didn't work out, I came back to Missouri to live - not far from where I grew up. I'm now living in Manchester, Missouri (south of Florissant). Both Florissant and Manchester are suburbs of the big city, St. Louis. There are a lot of suburbs of St. Louis.

3) Like Marilyn, because of my blog, I have met a lot of wonderful people from all over the world. That is amazing.

4) I don't have as varied writing accomplishments as Marilyn, but I'll continue to work on the craft of writing. Most recently I've been accepted in two anthologies: Storm Country (and all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries due to the tornado that devastated Joplin - only $10 and you can still order them! My story is about my friend Geoffrey) and St. Louis Reflections (celebrating St. Louis Writers Guild's 100th Anniversary - my story is about Hendel's - a little market that used to be in Florissant - actually the original building is still there, but now it's a restaurant. You can purchase this book at StLBooks.com for $9.99. Okay didn't mean to turn this into a promo thingy.

5) I had to laugh at Marilyn's - "I have a short attention span..." Well, I too have a short attention span, but I always want to write in epistolary form. My goal for 2012 is to write a hand-written letter to someone once a week (or more). And did I mention that I put together three family newsletters (one for my mom's side of the family, one for my dad's side of the family and one for my husband's family). I do them quarterly but without information from the family, I've had to drop one to bi-annually and it's going to happen to another one soon!

6) I belong to the St. Louis Writers Guild and the Saturday Writers group, both of which are chapters of the Missouri Writers' Guild. (MWG is having their annual writing conference this April which I plan to attend.) I also belong to a wonderful critique group that one gal named the five of us: WWWP (Wild Women Wielding Pens).

7) Marilyn talked about her other "favorite" name. I have two other names that I'm called and I'm not so sure that either are my favorite! Ha. But my adult children - when they were younger - used to introduce me to their friends as Lynnard. They call me that now and then. My hubby calls me Lester. I have no idea where that came from, but it probably beats what I call him! He he he. Oh what do I call him? Willis. Really, that's his middle name. But Lester is not my middle name. Honest. It's Marie. And my nephew Josh named me LLL (Little Looney Lynn). Hmmm, wonder why that is? It might have something to do with the fact that I sang in the car for nearly eight hours when on a road trip. I made up words. I sang off key. Josh was in the back seat. Probably ruined him for life.

Okay, there it is. I'm now supposed to present this award to other great blogs. How can you do that? To me they're all great blogs, so I'll award four (like Marilyn did) and hopefully there's someone new out there reading this who will wonder who those WWWPs are... and since there are four besides me, here they are in alphabetical order by the name of their blog:

I Digress
Message in a Bloggle: The Art of Being Broken
Sioux's Page
Write from the Heart

Storm Country: The Anthology Book Launch in Joplin!

Dear Mom,

The launch party, reading and signing of the book, Storm Country: The Anthology held in Joplin on Sunday was a huge success. I’m not sure where to start.

It was held at the at the Spiva Center for the Arts. Slowly but surely people trickled in and before I knew it, it was a packed room.

Deb Marshall, President of the Missouri Writers Guild started things off by introducing the youth that were part of the book. She presented each one with a certificate.

They had also received a copy of the book and they had been busy signing their names to everyone’s copy.

Deb then presented the librarians with a check for $3,000! (Money raised from the sale of Storm Country—and there’s more to come.)

The youth then read their poems. After that, other contributors could read their story or poem.

Rosalie Carol Linda Bonnie (I forgot to snap her picture while she read)

Here’s the President of the Joplin Writers Guild, Clauida, who came up with the idea to create the book. Yay Claudia!



I read part of my story—starting from the part when I had finally heard Geoffrey was alive because Gwen had seen him and called her sister, who posted it on Facebook. Both Geoffrey and Gwen were at the event! Here we are (Gwen to the left):

After the event was over we went out to eat and that's when I had the honor of meeting the family that had picked up Geoffrey and took him in after the tornado hit. After dinner, Geoffrey showed us some of the devastation and holy cow, it’s really hard to wrap my head around what I was viewing. Unbelievable—and I’m sure what I saw wasn’t anything like it was when it first hit.

It was a long day, but worth every minute.

Again, I can’t thank everyone enough for all their efforts in making this possible. And Susan and Rita, thank you for riding with me and helping at the event.

Storm Country: The Anthology

Dear Mom,

I leave tomorrow for Joplin for another launch party, reading and signing of the book, Storm Country: The Anthology which has a story of mine in it about Geoffrey. I'm so excited because I will get to see Geoffrey too!

The details? Oh, well, it's Sunday, December 4 from 1-4 pm. It's at the Spiva Center for the Arts located at 222 West 3rd Street in Joplin of course! The books sell for $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin school libraries. There are more details too.

I'm truly honored to be a part of this anthology and am so grateful for all the people involved that made it happen; starting with the idea to the actual (beautiful) book.

When it was announced that you could pre-order books, I ordered 50 and am happy to say that I've sold all 50 of them. I'm grateful too for all those who have shown their support to me as a writer and to Joplin--where the real support is needed.

I have some other good news too but I'll have to save that for later. Watch over me, as I'll surely need it.

Storm Country: The Anthology

A Launch Party in Joplin!
Sunday, December 4, 2011, 1-4 p.m.
For more details check out the Storm Country blogsite.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a book and unable to head to Joplin, please let me know as I will be happy to get one when I go! They're $10 and all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries!

NaNoWriMo Day 21 and Storm Country

How are all you Be Creative creatures doing? It's hard to believe it's the 21st of November. Do we seriously only have nine days left before December arrives? When it's put that way, it's kind of scary. But have no fear... whatever you don't finish in November, you can bring along with you in December, and January, and... you get the idea. You have a start and that's what counts!

My word count today is 1,953 and that leaves me with 7,399 words to go.

And just when you thought the launch of Storm Country was over... there will be another in December, but this time in Joplin! Check out this site for details. And yes, I plan on being there!

Since I sold all of my pre-ordered copies (thank you everyone!), if you'd still like a copy, I'll be happy to pick up one for you while in Joplin. Just let me know. They're only $10 and all the moolah goes to the Joplin School District libraries!

NaNoWriMo Day 14, Another Birthday, Storm Country Success

Another birthday - Happy Birthday to my older sister, Suzanne! I sang Happy Birthday to her first thing this morning. I'm sure that just made her day. She did giggle though so maybe I didn't sound too bad. The giggle sounded like a sincere sweet giggle, not a oh-my-god-you-really-can't-sing-giggle. Because, really, I can't sing.

Storm Country's release and launch party that I've been advertising on this blog happened last night. I felt it was a huge success. (Thank you Linda for keeping me calm.) I didn't fumble and get all tongue-tied while reading my piece or so I was told. I'm pretty sure I was out of my body during the entire-however-many-minutes I stood up there because I can only recall one word, "Geoffrey!" when I screeched in a fairly high voice as I read the part when I did exactly that when Geoffrey phoned me (after the tornado and he finally contacted me).

So I would like to give my sincere thanks for everyone's support who either purchased a book, came to the event, helped me in some way with a pat on the back--it all means a lot, and like Geoffrey said, "I'm so blessed."

Truly, I am.

And if you're interested in purchasing a book for $10 (all proceeds go to Joplin School District libraries), they're still available.

And now the dreaded news Sioux, my daily word count for NaNoWriMo: 2,118. That brings my total to 30,758 and if my math is any good, that leaves me with 19,242 words. Really? I think I might make it. I have to laugh because when I thought about a new part to write, I couldn't remember if I had written that already. Good grief, my entire story could be nothing but me repeating myself... see Sioux, menopause has its benefits.

NaNoWriMo Day 13, Birthday, Storm Country

First I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN! Grandma and Grandpa love you and miss you!

You can see a picture of her here, with her cousin Lily. Or you can see Logan here on this post, where she's collecting money for Joplin.

And speaking of Joplin, tonight is the release/launch party for Storm Country.


And as far as NaNoWriMo goes, this will make Sioux happy that my word count for today is at an all time low: 967. Unless you want to count the notes of 200 words I jotted down for the story because I was afraid I'd forget.

Every little bit helps--you hear me Sioux? You can do it! You too Beth! And Lisa! And Kim! And the other Kim aka June! And for all you other's who are "unofficially" doing NaNo or some creative thing! Woot! Woot! for us all!

Total for me: 28,640

Storm Country and NaNoWriMo Day 12

Just another gentle reminder that this event takes place TOMORROW!

You can purchase a book for only $10 and ALL proceeds benefit the Joplin School District libraries to restore what they lost in the devastating EF5 tornado.

And for the lesser news of the day, my NaNoWriMo word count for today is 2,411.

Had to get my writing in as I want to head to Firecracker Press for a poetry reading... and they print live (on a letterpress) a piece of the poetry that the poet is reading. Totally worth the price of admission - $5. Starts at 2:00! Oh, and if you're into pastries, there's this awesome bakery right across the street!

My grand total for NaNo is 27,673. Don't be discouraged. A participant who has been doing this every year since NaNo started, some 12 or 13 years is always behind at this point, but keeps on writing. Says the end is easier (that's for you Sioux).

Keep on writing, it'll be more than you had the day before.

NaNoWriMo Day 9

Today's word count a bit short of my daily goal: 1,816 and that brings my total to: 20,084

Sold four more Storm Country books - thank you! And if you're looking for something to do on Sunday, November 13, head on over to the Regional Art Commission to hear some of the contributors read their piece in Storm Country. Books are $10 and all proceeds benefit the Joplin School District libraries!

NaNoWriMo Day 8

Total for the day: 2,408 and that makes my grand total: 18,268

Sold three more books of Storm Country today. Thank you everyone.

NaNoWriMo Day 7

As you know from my previous post, I had to skip NaNoWriMo Day 5 and 6 for an out-of-town conference. But here I am, dragging a bit I might add. I had some things to take care of first thing this morning, so I wrote this afternoon. I made good progress, but I like writing in the morning much better.

Word count for today: 2,677 and that brings my total to: 15,860. Only 34,140 to go.

Hope everyone else is doing well with their Be Creative adventures. I hope to get around soon and see what's happening.

PS - I don't have many Storm Country books left that I pre-ordered, so if you haven't asked me for one, you're not on the list. If you want one, let me know... otherwise try and make the event and pick up one there or let me know and I'll pick up one for you! The books are only $10 and all proceeds from the sale of the book are for Joplin School District libraries to restore what was lost from the devastating tornado. And thank you again for all who have supported this endeavor!

NaNoWriMo Day 3

I got a late start today because I went to bed so late last night--after the critique group meeting, I stayed up. Remember the last time I told myself if I was all buzzed with energy, I wasn't going to waste it. I didn't get any additional writing done, but I did catch up on a few other things.

There were several interruptions while doing my NaNo writing this morning, but all in all it was productive with a word count of: 2,786. For those of you out there that think, WOW impressive. I wouldn't be that impressed. After all, I can ramble like no one's business. Besides, I think my Aunt Rose's hat must have some magic ju-ju in it.

Don't be discouraged. Keep at it. Even if it's 50 words a day. That's more than zero, right?

Oh and my pre-order of books, Storm Country came in yesterday. My daughter Rita took my picture. Out of 33 shots, here's 3 that are okay. I'm not photogenic and don't care for pictures of myself, but... well..., it's all for Joplin and my friend Geoffrey!

I've sold 38 of the 50 books that I ordered which makes me unbelievably happy and touched to have such supportive folks helping me with this cause. Remember, all proceeds go to the Joplin School District libraries to restore what they lost in the EF5 tornado. And the books are only $10. Thank you everyone! Don't forget about the event.

And 39,120 words to go! Woot! Woot!

NaNoWriMo Here I Come! Storm Country Here I Come!

Tomorrow starts NaNoWriMo and I'm so excited. As you know from my previous blogpost, Be Creative, I've been trying to entice others to join me on this adventure.

My niece, Victoria created a blog: creative academic pursuits. Take a look. And while you're at it, take a look at Victoria's partner, Kate's new blog: A Curious Endeavor. Their creativity is inspiring! Yippee!

Who else out there has started something they'd like to share? Bring it on!

I also want to share the news about my story being published in the Storm Country anthology and the event for the release of the book:

Kind of a Confession

Dear Mom,

Last night I went to Chesterfield Arts to listen to the winners of a writing contest that I had entered. I didn’t make the cut. After submitting, I had used an attitude of being positive, but I’m thinking my ego was so inflated that it ruptured something in my brain. Not only was I sure I was going to win first place, but I had submitted two pieces, and figured I would win second place as well. Just ask any of my friends and family, they’ll tell you. My stomach churns thinking about it.

The folks that read and won deserved to win. No doubt about it. I left humbled. I also left with that silly critic in my head that tells me (most of the time) to give it up—writing.

I know this voice, and struggle constantly to shoo it away. I tell myself, no, you have to keep trying, keep working at it, keep moving forward. I have to remind myself that on the day I was notified that I didn’t place in the contest, I was also notified that my piece, “Geoffrey” was accepted for publication in Storm Country Anthology. I tell myself, it’s okay.

I write because (as all writers know) I can’t NOT write.

The nonsense that rolls around in my head can cause me to cease showing anyone any writing.

After losing you 40 years ago, a piece of me fell off the planet. That missing piece keeps me grounded in a weird sort of way. For whatever reason I know it’s to help me—to always move forward, never give up, know that something good is around the corner no matter what kind of situation I’m in that causes me to change or my situation to change. Just like my friend Peat. Just like the ton of other people I read about. People I know, some I just know of. People I’m inspired by.

What would the world be like if every one gave up?

I’ll win some and I’ll lose some. I’ll struggle and it’ll flow. I'll think it's good and I'll think it stinks. But give up? Never. I'll die trying.

Writing News

Dear Mom,

For some reason, I wouldn’t allow myself to jump up and down when I received the news. Perhaps I was in shock—that and the fact I have a bum foot right now. No worries though, when the reality of it sets in, I’m sure you’ll hear me shouting all the way to heaven.

My story “Geoffrey” was accepted for publication in the Storm Country Anthology. You probably remember my worry over Geoffrey when that massive tornado hit Joplin.

I'm extremely grateful and honored to have my story included in this worthy cause (all proceeds from the anthology go toward buying books for the Joplin School District libraries to replace books lost by the tornado) and to be among top notch writers; friends and those I know of—Donna being one. You can check Donna’s blog that gives more details about this project and the other writers.

Just like Donna stated: special thanks to everyone involved in this awesome project!