* The Books are Here. The Books are Here! *

My Chicken Soup for the Soul books arrived yesterday! Ron took some pics of me, and most of them weren't too awful. (I usually hate the way I look in pictures!)

This particular book would be a perfect gift for just about anyone. A belated Mother's Day gift, a birthday, graduation, a gift to yourself, etc. It's available online and in book stores. 

Next week, someone from my local newspaper is going to interview me for an article next month. I'm still waiting to hear from a few other people, too. 

* Something New & Exiting From Chicken Soup for The Soul *

Chicken Soup for the Soul is publishing a special book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Read, Laugh, Repeat" on May 4th as a fundraiser for nonprofits that provide love and laughter to patients in hospitals and hospice, from the very young to the very old.

My story, “A Bittersweet Victory” was chosen to go in the book!

(They have chosen various humorous stories, by various writers that have already been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. My story was included in "The Dog Really Did That?" from 2017)

It will be featured at Walmart (in the US and Canada), Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and many other booksellers.

* I will share more information as I get it! *

And oh my gosh, the cover definitely made me laugh! I love it!

https://www.chickensoup.com/files/book_cover_art/cover_art_236119.jpg

I am so proud to be part of this special publication!

* KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED *

Yesterday afternoon, after a long day at work (thank the Lord for air conditioning!), I received an email from Chicken Soup for the Soul that a story I submitted had made it to the first phase of their selection round! (It's a book about forgiveness.) Wow! I had a story accepted for one of their doggie books in 2017, but this soon for another one is surprising. (It was back in 2007 and 2008 that I had four stories accepted. As I've mentioned many times, I just can't get back into it very much.)

So, anyway, don't know when I'll hear for sure, but for now I'm honestly putting it out of my mind, which isn't difficult because I'm so forgetful anyway. Ha!

Oh, this isn't what I was eluding to in my July 9th post, either! 😃

~~~~

Speaking of books...I finally made it to the library today...BUT I forgot to take my list of books and authors I wanted to find. Duh. (I've been blaming my forgetfulness and other silliness on the effects of anesthesia, but that might be getting too old, so now I'm going with the excessive heat we're having and it's not supposed to end anytime soon.)

I did get three books. One from a familiar author that I like, Elizabeth Berg, and 2 others I haven't heard of: Tara Conklin and Dana Bate. (Oh and I dropped off a copy of my memoir for them to send to their "marketing department" or something like that.)

I finished Good Riddance a couple of days ago. It was typical Elinor Lipman, a fun, not profound, easy read.

~~~~

This photo makes me really happy, for various reasons...

I want to visit Switzerland and/or Austria so much some day, to see sites like this, 

AND it makes me feel I'm in a much cooler temperature! 

Stay cool or warm, depending on your part of the world!!

* I SUBMITTED A STORY TO CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL! *

I'm so happy to announce that yesterday I submitted a story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, for their upcoming book about grandparents. It felt so good to write! 😃

I reworked and edited one of the grandparent chapters in my memoir.

They are looking for quite a few stories right now, so check it out! I know y'all can write about your favorite memories!  Book Topics

It will be months before I hear anything, but I'll certainly keep y'all posted. I'm keeping the faith.

I have to share a cute photo of Charlie. I caught him yawning....

and posted it on my Facebook page saying that writing is hard work, 

and it even makes Charlie tired just watching me! 😋

Have a great rest of the week!

* THE UPS & THE DOWNS...THE ZIGS & THE ZAGS *

As some of you know, the past few months/years have been a bit stressful in many ways, and yet every now and then, there always seems to be something to be completely ecstatic about.

My favorite online dictionary, http://www.dictionary.com/ always has a Word of the Day and yesterday's, June 7th, was one of my all time favorites: Serendipity.

Such an appropriate word! A couple of really great things happened to me this week...in fact, both on the same day: Tuesday, June 6th. My spirit would've been lifted by just one, but the two of them together were simply serendipitous! 😊

1) Tuesday I was interviewed for a part-time job, was hired, and I start next week.

2) And also on Tuesday, I was notified that a story I submitted will be published in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That?

I'm extremely excited about both, and especially the way they both happened....You know, those "meant to be" things?

The job came about because of a friend, in a zig-zaggy kind of way.

And, I haven't had anything published anywhere since 2013, and my most recent Chicken Soup acceptance was 2008!

Now, if I can just lose about 20 lbs. really fast so I can fit into my business casual clothes!

* A CHICKEN SOUP SURPRISE *

Good morning, everyone! While browsing around Amazon just now, I came across something that really caught my eye and gave me a thrill.

Are you familiar with Amazon's Author Page? If you like a certain author and you're checking out his/her books and book reviews, etc. on Amazon, and if they've set up their own info page, you can click on their link and read more about them. Here is mine: http://www.amazon.com/Becky-Lewellen-Povich/e/B00GMWOOES/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

No, reading my page did not give me a thrill...but what did is this...Author Amy Newmark, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame and fortune...her author page includes the following information: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Newmark/e/B005EN4K4K/ref=ntt_aut_sim_2_1

You can reach Amy with any questions or comments through webmaster@chickensoupforthesoul.com and you can follow her on Twitter @amynewmark.

P.execute('ap-bootstrap-favorites', function() { P.load.js("/gp/profile/widgets/assets/pr_favoriCustomers Also Bought Items By

* See that name on the left column...down at the end? Yep, that's me!! I'm listed as one of the authors of "customers also bought items by..."

Jack Canfield	Marty Becker
Jaye Lewis	Karen E. Rigley
Susan M. Heim	Karen R. Kilby
Jeffrey Brown	Theresa Anderson
Pamela D. Will...	Yvonne Desousa
Barbara Simpso...	Elaine Masters
Suzanne Baginskie	Annmarie B. Tait
Becky Lewellen...	Jennifer Quasha

* That is REALLY exciting to me! It may not mean very much to anyone else, but just seeing my name, included on her page...Yippy! *

 

It is cloudy, dreary, and rainy outside...but inside...I'm dancing on air and basking in just plain old happiness!

How is YOUR day going? I hope it's a happy one!

* CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL - CALL OUTS FOR NEW STORIES *

I just received an e-mail from the lovely editors at Chicken Soup for the Soul, asking for stories for a new, upcoming anthology named, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Curvy & Confident - 101 Stories about Loving Yourself and Your Body. 

This sounds like a book that's perfect for us women of a "certain age" and I'm definitely going to begin working on a submission for it. The deadline is June 30, 2016.

After reading the email, I was motivated to check out the Chicken Soup for the Soul website and see if they had other call outs going on...and they sure do! Following are the current ones, with various deadlines. Be sure to check them out!

Angels & Miracles   
Best Mom Ever!       
Blended Families
Dreams and Synchronicities
Parent to Parent
Stories about Cats
Stories about Dogs
Stories about Teachers & Teaching
The Joy of Christmas
        AND
The Spirit of Canada (for Canadian entries only)
College Student Stories (for current students up to age 24)


Here's the link to the Call Out page: http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics. They even give suggestions about what to write about.

As always, I encourage everyone to submit stories, even if you've never done any writing at all. Just take your time and write from your heart. If your story doesn't get chosen, you haven't lost any money, because there is no submission fee...but if your story IS chosen... "If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it or self-publish it." Pretty neat, huh?!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR STORIES!



"The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say but what we are unable to say." - Anaïs Nin (1903-1977) 

* A CONDO, A LAKE, AND WRITING OPPORTUNITIES *

Over the past few months, I've been on a blog dry spell, in fact it's been so dry, it's been more like a desert, or White Sands, New Mexico!

I haven't been posting, replying to comments, or commenting on other blogs the way I used to, while feeling terribly guilty at the same time. I kept telling myself that I didn't have the time, didn't have the energy, etc. But I've come to realize those were not the problems. I just didn't feel motivated.

This evening, though, I have the desire to share some writing information, plus some photos. I took the four pictures below just the other day and wrote about them on Facebook. If we're "Friends" on Facebook, I'm sure you can read it there, too, if you'd like.

Custom clay chimes made about 40 years ago

 by my deceased sister, Jo Ann.

 



 

Vern checking out the scenery!

 



 

Vern and I walking on the boardwalk next to the lake.

 



 

I love this photo! We were walking and I called his name so that he might stop and look at me.....which he obviously did! J

 

 

This is where we've moved! It's a beautiful area not far from our previous house, and we just can't get over the fact that we LIVE here! We still feel as if we've been on a working vacation....helping friends move into this condo, and then we remember...WE LIVE HERE! J

~~~

 



Hey, all you writers out there! Here are some great Calls for Submissions and other info.

 

Monkey Star Press http://monkeystarpressbooks.com/call-for-submissions/ is looking for stories for two upcoming "Mom" anthologies. I don't know anything about this press, but I think it looks like a good place to submit your stories.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics is also looking for stories for eight upcoming anthologies. We all know that Chicken Soup for the Soul has a fantastic reputation. Give it a try! What's holding you back?

 

Are you aware of the site Winning Writers? https://winningwriters.com/ It is one of THE best sources for just about everything concerning writing: Good, reliable contests to enter, contests and services to avoid, tons of resources to help you find what you're looking for, etc.etc. I just love this site. Every year they host the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest with a deadline date of April 1st.....which I totally forgot about this year. Hmm, guess I had too much to remember, therefore lots of things were forgotten! J

 

~~~

 

Oh, how true!!

 

 

 

Hmm, if I read this one paragraph one more time

I think I'll scream!

 

 

Isn't it funny that I've mentioned Chicken Soup for the Soul books in my past few posts?? Even if you've NEVER submitted anything before, give it a try! Leave a comment about it, too, please! 







* CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL *

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul is now offering these "Contributor Badges" for anyone who has had a story published in one of their many anthologies. They begin at 1+ and go all the way to 20+ (as in how many books your stories are in!) So, since I have stories in four books, I was able to choose the 3+ badge.

 

I only know a handful of writers who can proudly display the 20+ badge, and I'm happy to say that one of them is my friend, Linda O'Connell. AND Linda and I became friends because of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Linda and I both had stories in the 2007, Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul. When she read the authors' bios in the back of the book, she saw my name and that I too lived in the St. Louis area. She e-mailed me and a wonderful friendship began.....Linda was also my first writing mentor and I know with all certainty that I would not be the writer I am today if Linda had not reached out to me. She introduced me to other writers at St. Louis Writers Guild functions...and the rest is history!

 

Regrettably, I forgot to thank Linda in my memoir's Acknowledgements. Acckkkk! (As you can see, this has obviously bothered me for quite some time!) Linda, please remind me when I begin talking about publishing my next book, ok??

One more thing...if you've ever thought about writing and sending your story to Chicken Soup for the Soul, what is stopping you? Go ahead! Write it. Submit it. They're looking for quite a few stories right now, too. Go here to see the upcoming books.



"When nothing is sure, everything is possible." - Margaret Drabble

* 28 YEARS AGO TODAY AND..... LAUGH WEEK *

Twenty eight years ago on this date, I called all my relatives (no internet then!) and began each conversation with these words: "This is NOT an April Fool's Joke....I am pregnant!"

I was 34 years old, had one son who was 14 years old, and I had not intended on having any more children. But, The Ronald and I received the greatest surprise gift, our son, Mark, in October 1987!

A story I wrote about that experience is in Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul (2007), and also included in my memoir (2013).

 

~~~

 

 

According to http://www.123greetings.com all this week (4/1 - 4/7) is Laugh Week! So, here's one of the many Aunty Acid jokes that I like.

 

 

 



* ANOTHER YEAR OF WEDDED BLISS *

* This blog post consists of some previous anniversary posts! *

The Ronald and I are celebrating a wedding anniversary today: 32 Years! I don't know how this can be possible since I'm only 35 years old! J

Seriously, where have the years gone?? Sure, we've had our ups and downs over the years, but managed to always work things out, and keep loving each other. A story I wrote about our marriage is in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories (2007)

Notice the jagged edge on the left bottom? Our big, ol' puppy at that time, Rocky, decided a few of our wedding pictures were quite tasty. That little bit of information is included in a story I wrote for NYMB...On Dogs (2012)

Two more photos from that special day in 1983.

Have I mentioned The Ronald is a foot taller than I am??!! That comes in handy when I need something from the top shelf! ☺

 

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage." ~ Martin Luther

 

"I couldn't be me, without you being you, allowing me to be me." - Becky Lewellen Povich (said to The Ronald one evening when discussing my writing)



** P.S. I forgot to mention that the two stories I referred to are also in my memoir. **

* WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG BREAK FOR WRITERS EVERYWHERE *

Happy October 1st 2014!

Writerly News

 

Hello Everyone ~ Although I have missed blogging, being away from it this past month has been good for me. One less thing to stress about.

 

I'd like to be able to announce that I've gotten tons of writing accomplished....but I haven't. I HAVE, though, succeeded in doing some really good marketing in my area. My memoir is now being stocked in two more local gift shops, J and I have many more places to call on.

 

More about all that at a later time. Today I want to share contests and calls for submissions I've recently come across. 

* * Note: I will be sending out my 2nd newsletter sometime very soon. If you haven't signed up yet and would like to, please go to my website and fill out the info: http://www.beckypovich.com/contact-me-for-newsletter-comments-and-book-clubs.html 

 

 

 

Publishing Syndicate: This is the Not Your Mother's Book On... _ _ _ _ _ publisher. They always have call outs but the current ones look like these three.

NYMB...On Sex: Immediately!

NYMB...On Military Life: January 1, 2015

NYMB...On Menopause: January 1, 2015

 



 

Page & Spine; a weekly literary magazine, is having their First Annual Christmas Contest!  They will pay $100 for the Best Story, plus another $100 for the Best Poem! There's only a $5.00 entry fee for each item submitted. Their website also says: showcasing emerging writers. I really don't know anything about them, but it's a legitimate site! So, go for it! I'd love to hear from anyone who enters!

 

 

The Copperfield Review; A Journal for Readers and Writers of Historical Fiction, is now accepting historical short fiction, poetry, and history-based nonfiction for Copperfield‘s first anthology. I think this sounds so exciting, because I don't remember ever coming across an anthology for historical fiction writers! (It also says they have changed their guidelines, so be sure to read everything. I didn't look enough to notice if there was an entry fee or not, either.)

 

 

The Furious Gazelle; Halloween Contest. Deadline October 24th. (I'm getting lazier as I type, so look it up for more info!) J

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul FOOD Contest: Yes, Chicken Soup has a food contest! This link takes you to the information which is listed on Facebook. The deadline to enter is December 29th. It sounds like a lot of fun. I keep forgetting about it, but I want to enter, too.

 

 



Chicken Soup for the Soul: Calls for Submissions (Writing!) 

 

Dreams & Premonitions - Deadline 12/31/2014

Hope & Miracles - Deadline 10/30/2014

Inspiration for Nurses - Deadline 11/30/2014

Living a Life of Purpose by Volunteering - Deadline 12/31/2014

Stories about the Christmas Season - Deadline 1/31/2015

Support for Therapists/Mental Health Professionals - Deadline 12/31/2014

Thanks to My Mom - Deadline 10/20/2014 (I think this is a new, extended date.)

Time to Thrive - Deadline 12/31/2014

 

 

 

Okay everyone out there who writes or even thinks about writing - -  there's a little bit of everything right here for you to try!!

 

 

I've noticed I have some new Blog Followers and as always I want to acknowledge them. I'm not sure but I think I have three new wonderful blog friends......

 

 

* Welcome to my newest followers: Beauty Ink, Michael Mixerr, and Sherri Ellis at Mama Diaries. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *

 

 

In honor of it being October 1st, and because of my love of autumn and the stunning colors the leaves become, I'm ending with a quote about....Trees!

 

 

 

 

 "Listen to the trees as they sway in the wind. Their leaves are telling secrets...." -- Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration



* WHAT APRIL 1ST MEANS TO ME *

Every year on this day, April 1st, I remember a few, extremely momentous phone calls I made on that day in 1987.

Twenty seven (27) years ago today, I called long distance family & friends and said, "This is not an April Fool's Joke. I AM PREGNANT!"

Where has the time gone? I miss that baby, that little boy, that young man.....but I'm also so proud of the man he is today!

Below is from the chapter in my memoir, "The Joyous Journey":

"On March 30, 1987 the doctor uttered in his charming British accent those now infamous words, “My dear, you’re pregnant!” What??? How can this be?? How did this happen?? All those ridiculous, rhetorical questions kept repeating themselves in my head."

~~~

The same chapter was published in Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul, in 2007. My first major publication!




"I didn't know how babies were made until I was pregnant with my fourth child." -- Loretta Lynn

An Anniversary, More Laptop Problems, Free Books, & More

Today is a wedding anniversary for The Ronald & me: 31 Years! I don't know how this can be possible since I'm only 35 years old! J

Seriously, where have the years gone?? Sure, we've had our ups and downs over the years, but managed to always work things out, and keep loving each other. A story I wrote about our marriage is in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Love Stories (2007)

(I think he has something planned because last night he said, "We can exchange our anniversary cards later this week, ok?" And I replied, "Sure!" Good idea since I hadn't gotten anything for him yet...either!)

Notice the jagged edge on the left bottom? Our big, ol' puppy at that time, Rocky, decided a few of our wedding pictures were quite tasty. That little bit of information is included in a story I wrote for NYMB...On Dogs (2012)

~~~

 

My son, Scott, worked on my laptop for a couple of hours last night, figured out what the problem was, and fixed it...

(image from Google)

 

BUT the never-ending-saga of my computer problems continues....Late last night I began having problems sending and receiving e-mails. So, if you are expecting an e-mail from me, please don't fret. I'll get this straightened out as soon as possible.

I'd finally realized, too, I was getting down in the dumps, not because of the frigid temperatures, but because I couldn't use my laptop properly! Yes, it's a large part of my life!

No wonder I feel like this!

And I pretty much look like it, too!

~~~

* To those who are interested in winning a print copy of my memoir, either click on these words: GOODREADS GIVEWAY 

Or, go to the gadget on the right column and click on just these 2 words: giveaway details right above the Enter to win box.

I'm giving away FOUR print copies, so stop on over there! *

~~~

** Welcome to my two newest followers, B.A. Wilson & Carrie at Cottage Cozy. I hope you both will stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you so much! **

~~~

I have so much more to post, but won't do anymore here. I don't want information to get lost due to TMI. I'll just say some topics include: Melissa Goodwin, Jack Zerr, Shirley Showalter, Women's Memoirs, Under the Tiki Hut, Karen Lange, Juanita Nobles, & more!

 ~~~

And now a few humorous quotes.....

"Helpdesk: There is an icon on your computer labeled "My Computer". Double click on it.
User: What's your computer doing on mine?"

 

"See daddy ? All the keys are in alphabetical order now."

"I realized I was officially a professional writer when all my plans began with "drink coffee" and ended with "take a nap." -- Cassandra Duffy

WRITER'S BLOCK PROBLEM SOLVED!

I discovered why I had such debilitating writer's block! I was trying to write a story for the wrong book. Yeah, me! Can you imagine? No wonder I couldn't come up with the right words. 

My story would've fit quite nicely in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven," but not in "Miracles Happen." That deadline and publication date swooshed by ages ago, so I have no idea why or how I got the two mixed up.

~~~

Along with that discovery came another light-bulb-moment. In this case, the wrong book isn't just about anthologies. What I really want to do is to continue on with the sequel to my memoir! 

~~~

So in a winding, cosmic kind of way, I've gotten back onto the right path. I should know better. In fact, I do, but I have a tendency to believe I should also be submitting stories to contests, anthologies, and magazines. That is just putting way too much pressure on myself. Sometimes it takes the proverbial whack on the head to wake me up. And I can honestly say, "I have been awakened!" The sequel is my only priority. 

Thank you again to all the kind souls who took the time to offer advise and suggestions about my writer's block. 

~~~

* A side note: I received an e-mail from my contact at the literary agency. She said I... "will hear back in the next several weeks, depending on the schedule of those in the office." I'm grateful for that because although I don't know how many is considered "several," I do know I can relax, put it out of my mind for a month or more, and continue on. 

~~~

My quote for this evening is one I saw at my chiropractor's office last week. I liked it so much, I jotted it down because I knew I'd never remember it by the time I got home!



"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -- Harold Kushner

* I'M DRIVING MYSELF NUTS *

I'm driving myself nuts. And yes, I know it's a short trip... Buh dum, dum.

Google source

It happens fairly often, and this particular case of nuttiness has been brought on by.....what else? Writer's block. 

Google source 

I've been attempting to write a story to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul, for the upcoming anthology, "Miracles Happen." 

Google source

I have a story that is perfect for this book. I'm not trying to make myself write it. I really do want to write it, submit it, and I hope it gets accepted. The deadline is August 15th: that's NINE days from now. 

And the biggest part of the "driving myself nuts" has to do with the magnificent Oscar Wilde quote below. It has taken me DAYS to write the first paragraph - three sentences. Only I wasn't arguing with myself over a comma. I was trying to figure out what the word was that I'd been searching for, and as I scanned through various thesauruses, a word finally stood out. Ahhh, victory! At least for today. I now have 79 words (the first paragraph). 

I'd love to get some suggestions from other writers. What do you do for writer's block that usually works? Or what doesn't. I could use some laughs! 



"This morning I took out a comma and this afternoon I put it back again." -- Oscar Wilde

** "BOOKS & MORE" WINNER **

The winner of my newest Give Away....from July 13th
(http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2013/07/give-away-books-more.html)  is.....

Susan from writing straight from the heart!
Congratulations, Susan! I will get your goodies mailed as soon as I can. It may take a while, though....as one of my Bestest-Blog-Friends can testify to :(

And yes, I will be adding a few more little items, as I wrote on July 18th, although I never got around to posting photos of them. 

I hope you enjoy all the books and more!

~~~

"Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul." -- Joyce Carol Oates

* A GIVE-AWAY - BOOKS & MORE *

Welcome to my newest Give-Away! It's been way too long since I had one, so I decided now is the time!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay at Home Moms

(I did not submit to this one, but I won it somewhere.)

A Slob in the Kitchen

by Karen Duffy

is a really fun cookbook! It's full of easy recipes, anecdotes, and quotes. I even bought two of these: one for myself and one for a give-away! 

A favorite quote from my childhood listed on page 125:

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." -- Wimpy (from Popeye)

Not Your Mother's Book...On Dogs

(Some of my writer friends have stories included, and I have one, too.)

Two great booklets for your home:

Taste of Home Freezer Meals

&

101 Ways to Decorate with Candles

Two tiny plaques approx. 3" x 2"

with wire hangers. 

(Would be adorable as gift tag add-ons, or hanging in a small area.)

The "rules" are simple. Just leave a comment here and be one of my followers. I'll allow comments until midnight Sunday, July 21st. Thanks in advance to everyone who will join in the fun!

Oh, one more thing! I will also add a couple of surprise items to the winner. Ooooh, what could they be? 

AND, finally....this Give-Away is open to my followers in ANY country!


"A disaster or unexpected event is an open invitation to let your imagination shine through." -- Karen Duffy