Generous bloggers

I've been in a creative funk where procrastination is Queen. I spent some time reading other blogs and am relieved to see that it's not just me. Phew! Apparently the collective consensus is that February is to blame. I can't force my creativity, so when these funks happen I have to find a way around them, just like everybody else.

I haven't lost my spark all together.

One of my goals in the near future is to make a book trailer. Do you need to do that too? I am so thankful for the generous bloggers who share their knowledge.  Rachelle Gardner posted guest blogger Julie Cantrell's tips on making a book trailer. Click on the high lighted words if this is information you could use as well. I love Julie's trailer for her book "Into the Free", very impressive. I hope you enjoy it too.

Feeling thankful and honored

What a nice surprise to find that Marcie Colleen from The Write Routine nominated little ol me for this award.

Check out her blog. She has an awesome new post reminding us writers to save 

our work. 

Maybe you are wondering what this award is all about. 

The word Liebster is German, in English it means beloved, dear, dearest, or love. Awww, to be loved and appreciated, isn't that what we all want? 

Today I am a winner. Marcie loved my blog and passed the crown to me. 

The Liebster Award is given to lovable blogs with less than 200 followers to recognize worthiness and drive more readers to them.... and hopefully generate higher Follower numbers. I am thankful for all the followers I have and for future followers as well.

As a recipient I am supposed to list 5 tidbits about myself that others may not know. I adjust my crown and begin...

1. I love excuses to be happy and childlike (not childish).

2. I prefer small groups to large crowds.

3. My favorite song is "American Pie"

4. I prefer the commercials over the football game.

5. I am not competing with anyone, just trying to be who I want to be.

I am most excited about choosing the next 5 recipients of this award. I met all these wonderful bloggers through the recent comment challenge I participated in. A huge THANKS to SCBWI , Lee Wind, and MotherReader for bringing this to my attention when I was REALLY REALLY ready to hear it.

And my nominees are:

1. Helena Juhasz  an awesome illustrator who brought many smiles to my face.

2. Bill Kirk a fellow grandparent who like myself loves writing and empowering children.

3. HardyGirl aka Sarah Frances Hardy and not just because she has a cool last name like I do. Just check out her blog and her recently published book. She is amazing.

4. Madigan McGillicuddy because this woman can READ, and I'm  thankful that she shares her wonderful insights.

5. Last, but certainly not least is Annie who shares a wealth of information to any and all writers out there. 

I hope everyone finds some way to feel loved today AND notices how lovable those around you are!

choices

I am so happy and grateful for all the choices I have.

Like everyone, I've had to overcome adversity before, and I will probably have to overcome it again.

I am so thankful for the comment challenge because it helps me see other views.  Some times brighter ones than I was having.

Throw a coin in the wishing well with me.....I'm wishing that everyone has a wonderful view of life on this cold, but gorgeous Monday.

Lazy Library day learning new things

On Wednesdays I volunteer at the Lebanon, Ct. elementary school library. I love volunteering, it helps me know which books the kids enjoy.  I usually have a few minutes in the library, all by my lonesome, before the librarian returns from her lunch, and before the kids arrive. This is when I feel like... well...  like me in a candy store.While putting books away many catch my eye. Today it was the book "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett.

Maybe you've read it?!

Maybe you've seen the movie?!

It is really a very imaginative story. What really caught my eye was that it was published in 1978. I was so surprised. I did not know this before today. The movie didn't come out until 2009. I did the math - that's 31 years! 

Doesn't that seem like a long time for a book to become a movie? I'm sure it doesn't always happen this way.

 I was a little worried that the original author might be out of the picture - so to speak. We've overcome many obstacles in 2010 so please forgive my knee jerk paranoia in thinking that someone waited for her to die so that they wouldn't have to pay her. 

 I looked Judi up and I am happy to report back to you that according to my sources (Google) she is alive and well, living in NY and possibly teaching art to students in Elementary school. I say possibly because some schools are still losing art programs because of budget cuts. A Judi Barrett who sells real estate also came up when I googled so I don't want to mislead anyone.

 I'm kidding around here because the story the substitute librarian read to the kids was about a lie o meter...to teach the children the difference between exaggerations and the truth. 

One little boy spoke up and admitted that he lies every day...we chuckled that at least he was honest about that. It reminded me of Mark Twain.

weekend plots

Sisters know each other in ways that nobody else can. We shared not only parents, siblings, and relatives, but secrets, desires, feelings, and fears. We harassed and then supported one another. Protected one another and then put ourselves in dangerous situations. My  sister is just 13 months older than I am. She is light haired and dark eyed. I am light eyed and dark haired. We are opposites who are similar. I love a good paradox. We love and accept one another.

We got together this weekend, not only to share memories but also to plot out a YA novel to work on together. It's still in the planning stages so I can't share too much. It will definitely be spooky, sexy and controversial. All names will be changed to protect the guilty, of course. 

Oh shoot, I already mentioned us.

Imagination and choices

I woke up the other morning and had to grab my camera. I wish I could have done a better job capturing the Alfred Hitchcock style, bird's eye view, I was getting.

That wasn't it. It was more like this....

I know this picture doesn't do justice to what I was seeing. I'm not a professional photographer so you will just have to believe me when I tell you that these little black birds were so plentiful that it made me think of Alfred's story "The Birds".

Alfred Hitchcock is not to be confused with the makers of Hitchcock furniture. I overheard a young woman comment "Didn't he make spooky movies?!" when a Chair went up for bid at an auction once. I smiled. I try not to get upset with people for not knowing what they don't know, especially if they are young. It's why education is so important.  I know I'm still learning many things.

The grandchildren were visiting a few days ago. My granddaughter said "hey, look it's a heart" when she bit into the apple. What a nice message from the universe. Fruit AND candy are available in my house. I'm not a fanatic about being healthy just because my picture book "Picky Eater that Peter" is about making healthy choices. I think it's great to have both as long as you don't over do it.  Think I'm kidding? Go ahead and eat too much fruit and see what happens.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...and I think chocolate every day keeps the head doctor away but that is just my opinion.  

I love the imagination of a happy little four year old.  When intentions are good, imagination is a wonderful thing, it's where great ideas come from. They have to start somewhere.

Blessings

I blessed someone who sneezed today and I quickly made a disclaimer that I wasn't sure how much good my blessing was worth since I am a sinner. It's not like I TRY to sin every day or anything, but temptation has a reputation for a reason. I write fiction, so I am telling lies pretty much every day. It could be worse. I could be a politician, big corporation, or food processing plant telling lies with bad intent. Am I just minimizing?!

I am so thankful for Lee Wind and the awesome job he is doing with the SCBWI blog.
His happy and informative posts brighten my life more than he will ever know, unless of course he stumbles upon this post then he will figure it out. He looks very bright.

Please go comment on the teaching authors blog to help put books into the hands of children who need them.

Have a very merry holiday and a happy new year. I'm going off line to read some books now.

Roses in December

Is it some kind of miracle that here in Lebanon, Ct. I have roses in December?

I also have chickens on my porch but I guess that doesn't actually fall into the anything is possible category either.

I have some really great news for everyone. 

My picture book is available and can be ordered in time to give as a holiday gift. 

It's more important than ever for children to keep reading, and learning. It's not just all about having the books so you can show off that you have the latest and greatest one. You actually get more enjoyment if you open it up and read it too. The reason I mention this is because I've noticed both kinds of children lately. I have more hope for the child who reads the books but that is just my opinion.

Looking for some sad news?

I've been accused of sharing only my "wins" and happy news, so for all the people who would prefer to hear that I don't always win - this story is for you.

I was very excited about reading my children's book Picky Eater that Peter at the Lebanon town library. Every thing was scheduled in advance. Ads were place in Lebanon Life and posters in the library itself for all patrons to view. I am very thankful to the librarians for all their hard work. Oh, sorry about still being thankful, it's a habit.

I had cookies, raisins, colored pencils and bookmarks.

Not a single child showed up to hear my story.

The town librarian said that it was not the first time this has happened to an author. I guess I can be thankful that I didn't have far to travel. Sorry, about that, there I go again, boy the Grinch would really be pissed at me right about now wouldn't he?

I don't know why this happened, but we joked that Jesus had to leave his hometown to be heard too (I'm not implying that I'm Jesus, please don't lock me up). Stuff happens, what are you gonna do?

I decided to blog about it, not to share my misery or look for sympathy but just to spread joy to those who love other people's misery. I know a few of those people. I'm so happy I can add a little something to make their day too.

It kind of sucked for my grandson Damien.  He was my model for the picture book and part of the inspiration. When he saw the posters last week he said "I guess I'm going to have to get used to being a local celebrity."  Oh well, we may have to wait a bit on that I guess.

We have time. I still have a lot to be thankful for.

Writer's network

Monday night I attended an amazing writer's network at the Wethersfield public library. I love writers. I love libraries, and I need help with the networking part. I was going to post this Tuesday morning but my husband said the word "auction" and I got distracted. Wednesday was filled with running around and volunteering at the school library. Better late than never, right?

 What an amazing group of speakers. So much information and opportunities.
I took notes, business cards were handed out and I even got this cool promotional item, pen.

I hope it's not too creepy that I put the pen on top of my book so that I could do a little promotion of my own is it? Oh well, too late, it's done. Could you also look at this picture repeatedly until you feel compelled to buy my book? I could really use the sales and this was one of those "I don't have any money right now", ideas. Thanks

Karen M. Rider, a metaphysical fiction author, was the first speaker. She spoke a little about herself. You can go to her blogspot if you click on her name. She reminded me that research is very important. I loved what she said about approaching everything with an inquiring mind and an open heart. What great advice for any endeavor. I am looking forward to reading some of the blogs she suggested including hers.

Karen's talk was about writing interviews. I have no desire to do this but I have to admit I do fantasize about what I would say in an interview (and I fantasize about the day when someone will actually care to hear what I have to say - is that too honest?).

For those of you who, like Karen, have a desire to write interviews you will be happy to know that instead of hoarding this knowledge Karen shared some great tips. I will share her number one beginning question when making your request or Pitch to do an interview because I really, really love this advice.

#1 tip - Ask yourself what is your purpose for wanting the interview.

Karen also explained how she wants to be a fantastic role model for her two little girls. She chose to leave the meeting early so that she could go home to her daughters for their bedtime routine. Her priorities look like they are in the right order to me. I think she deserves to have it all. She came and gave us the advice she had and she is able to be there for her girls too. What a smart lady. I really enjoyed listening to her. I think I will enjoy following her blog as well.

Raymond Bechard introduced his book "The Berlin Turnpike" next. He spoke about his experience in writing his first novel and also what the editing process was like for him.  If you want to see what his book is all about please click on the title and you can read all about it. It's fascinating to get together with other authors and hear about their experiences. Everyone has their own way of getting it done and depending on what phase of the game you are in there is advice to be given or taken. Suggestions and opinions are so bountiful with all the choices given authors and writers in today's market.

Speaking of markets, our next speaker was Robin Lindemann with advice and examples of promotional products for authors in the marketing phase of the game. She gave us each a pen. She has lots of great ideas. I loved hearing her story about the flash drive promotional item she provided for a customer. She does a lot for non-profits and was such a pleasure to sit next to. I didn't tell her because I didn't want her to think I was creepy, but I loved the way she smelled. I probably could have found a noncreepy way to find out what her perfume is but I've been a happy little hermit so long I've been lacking in my social skills. Which brings us to our last, but certainly not least speaker of the night (that sounds creepier than it was, sorry) - Eileen Albrizio.

Eileen spoke to us about the dangers of writing alone, never getting feed back from others can prolong your success. There are many ways, again, depending on where you are in the writing process to seek feed back, advice, and suggestions. You don't have to take ALL the advice of course, that would be confusing, but if you are listening to people who are more experienced and more successful than you are, at something you are just beginning to do, it makes sense that their advice will help you. Eileen offers her services as a creative writing teacher, proofreader, and editor. She also owns and operates a comic book store called Heroes & Hitters on Silas Deane Hwy in Rocky Hill, Ct. How cool is that?