HAVING A WRITERLY KIND OF WEEK

~ Thanks to everyone who stopped by my previous post, and especially to those who left comments, for Karen Lange about her book, Write for Life. ~

* *

 



Welcome to my newest follower, Jessica Haight at DMS

I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!

Thank you!

* *

* Before I forget, I've been having problems with the fonts and text size on my blog lately. Does this happen to anyone else? I keep going back and forth, updating the entire post, or just certain parts, trying to change it to look the way I want. Grrr... *

I've actually been writing quite often lately and it's a great feeling. I've never been able to follow any kind of schedule or deadlines that I've attempted to impose upon myself, so when the muse hits, I take full advantage!

I don't know about other writers, but it sometimes takes me hours, or days to write the first sentence or first paragraph of what I'm working on! (Checking that thesaurus continually, searching for that one, perfect word!) And although I know all the "rules" about not self-editing as I write, I just can't help it. I believe that since my first writing assignment was for a newspaper column, which allowed for only so many words, and had to be perfect when I submitted it, that's why I'm the way I am. And yes, it certainly makes it a slow-go, but it works for me. Why race through it, just to get the words "on paper," when it all has to be corrected and rewritten anyway? I'm definitely not saying this is the best way to write, so please don't think I'm encouraging it. Different methods work for different people.

I'm working on two different submissions right now (which will fit perfectly into my sequel, too. Lucky me!) One is the Listen to Your Mother piece I mentioned a while back. The deadline is February 16, so I really need to kick it into high gear.

* *

 

It's feeling like spring here and what a wonderful feeling that is! I've seen and heard more birds chirping, especially cardinals, even when it's chilly. But today and tomorrow are supposed to be around 60 degrees, with no rain. Let's hope the weather prognosticators are correct! I also work again today which I'm really looking forward to. The great weather brings out more shoppers and that makes it more fun!

 

 

 

 



 



Happy Saturday! Wishing you a beautiful, blissful day!



And don’t get your panties in a bunch!

* A BLOG STOP FOR MY FRIEND, KAREN LANGE *

Happy Friday, everyone! Please welcome another writer friend: Karen Lange. We became blog/writer pals about five years ago and although I haven't met Karen in person yet, I feel as if I know her really well.

Her blog: Write Now always has great articles, suggestions, reviews, and lots of writerly advice! You'll be glad you stopped by to check it out.

Okay, Karen...take it away!

 

Write for Life: Volume One: Writing the Research Paper

This book offers ready to use lessons for grades 7-12 that guide students through the process of writing the research paper. Suitable for homeschool families, co-ops, or other student groups, these eight lessons break down the process from start to finish with helpful instruction, encouragement, and practice.

Lesson topics include: 

• MLA style research paper basics, topics, and sources
• Thesis statements
• Outlines
• Developing content
• Rough and final drafts
• Citing sources

No matter what we do in life, good communication skills are an important ingredient for success.  Strengthening students’ writing enhances verbal and other interpersonal skills and helps prepare them for a lifetime of good communication.

About the Author

Since 2005, Karen Lange has used these lessons to teach homeschool teens at the Homeschool Online Creative Writing Co-op. She believes that everyone can improve their writing skills with a good balance of instruction, encouragement, and practice.   Note from Becky: I believe Karen's book could help all writers, of any age. I plan on getting a copy of it right away!

Karen Lange is a freelance writer, editor, and online writing instructor for teens and adults. Her articles appear in parenting, homeschool, and other publications. Homeschool Co-ops 101, her first book, was released in 2013. She and her husband homeschooled their three children for K-12 in southern New Jersey. They now live in north central Kentucky where Karen enjoys reading, walking, and playing with her grandson. She is a fan of dark chocolate, hockey, and historical fiction.

Karen Lange

Visit Karen: Blog - http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenlange

Purchase Write for Life on Amazon

Interview Questions

What prompted you to write this book?

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by! The lessons in Write for Life Volume One are ones I use with my teen homeschool students in an online writing co-op. I’ve long wanted to convert the lessons into book form for use at home or with student groups. These are lessons I wish I’d had when homeschooling my children. They break writing the research paper down into more manageable, less intimidating steps, offering tips, advice, and insight into the entire process.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

My hope is that readers, students in particular, will come away more confident in their research and writing skills. I believe that with practice and encouragement, every student can write. Certainly not everyone will become a bestselling author, but they can learn to express themselves better through writing. Improving communication skills helps students gain an edge for future pursuits. My philosophy is that everyone has something to share with others, and writing is one way to do that.

Who was Write for Life written for?

The book is designed for group, family, or individual student use.  This includes homeschoolers and public and private school students. It can be used anytime to help students brush up on their research paper writing skills.

Write for Life includes an instructor guide with information and advice on how to help students through the process. While best used with parent or other adult supervision, self-motivated students can work through the lessons themselves. I've had a writer tell me recently that the lessons would also be suitable for anyone wanting to brush up on research skills.

~~~

Thank you Karen for including me in your blog tour. I've thoroughly enjoyed it!

June is Busting Out All Over!

• It's the first week of June, 2014! Can you believe it??

 

• In yesterday's blog post, I announced that today my interview/book giveaway would be on Karen Lange's blog. Please stop by because Karen asked some great questions, and the giveaway has easy rules. It has a short deadline: Thursday, June 5th, midnight Eastern Time.

 

 

• Also, beginning tomorrow June 3rd, I have a guest post on Melissa Ann Goodwin's blog. Melissa will include her review of my memoir, which I anxiously await!

 

 

• As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I still have lots of additional writerly news to share in the next few days, so please come back for that, too: Contests, Calls for Submissions, Interesting News & Tidbits, etc. I hope to get those posted tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

• Have a beautiful, blissful week!

 

 

 

 

* SO MUCH TO SAY, SO MUCH TO DO *

Hello and Happy Monday!

 

 

Yeah, it's Monday. So, what do I have to be happy about?! My laptop is still working and I can write another new post! I'm trying to catch up with topics I've wanted to mention for quite some time. (AND, it was semi-warm here this afternoon -- like temps above freezing, and even warmer predicted for this week!)

 

Before I forget, please stop here and read my writer/blogger friend Claudia's beautiful poetry. And leave a comment if you can. (I had troubles, but it worked after I left out my blog address.)

 

I have some upcoming blog appearances that either mention my memoir or are longer guest posts.

 

February 18, tomorrow, I'll be at Elizabeth Seckman's blog. Please stop by and say hello. Elizabeth has an awesome blog, is also an author, and knows how it feels to self-promote books!

February 26, I'll be featured on Women's Memoirs, in a Q&A post. Please stop and leave a comment if you can. Matilda worked very hard getting everything set up for me. The title of it is:

My Long and Zig-Zaggy Road to Publication

Or

So, You Think You're Too Old to Write?

 

March 10, I'm doing a guest post on Carol Kilgore's blog, Under the Tiki Hut. My post there will be different from previous ones.


Date still to be specified The lovely Karen Lange has been patiently waiting for me to answer the questions she sent me ages ago, so I can also be a guest on her blog. Thank you, Karen!

Date still to be finalized Another blog stop happening at Juanita Nobles' blog sometime in April. (I apologize for inadvertently leaving this one out when I first posted it on Monday!)

~~~



* I'll also be hosting other writers on my blog very soon. If you would like to be featured here, please send an e-mail to the one listed in my profile. (And if we've already discussed your visit, but I've been a bit forgetful, please remind me!) *

~~~

I'd like to know opinions and/or knowledge about:  Kirkus Reviews

 

I just don't understand this. Writers from all over the world pay lots of money -- anywhere from $425 for "standard service" to $575 for "express service" for a review of their books. And what if the review isn't favorable? Has anyone paid for a Kirkus Review, or something similar? Or know anyone who has?

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." -- Bob Dylan 

(surely he knows that applies to women, too!)



* A Beautiful Day *

Today was such a wonderful day. The temperature fell to a brisk and windy mid-40s, which made it perfect for a day of fall craft fairs, and other holiday shopping. Gal pals Sherry and Crazy Rita and I met at 8:00am at our local Bread Co. By the time Sherry dropped us off, back at where Rita and I had parked our cars, it was almost 4:00pm! All three of us got a few bargains, either for our own decorations, or for Christmas gifts for others. We've known each other since we met at the same workplace in the mid 1980s and became instant friends. We can have serious discussions, but most of all we laugh and have the best of times, just being together.

Speaking of finding bargains today.....Look at my beautiful angel, HOLDING A BOOK! I didn't expect to find any "figures holding books" today, nor was I even looking for any, but this beautiful angel found me, in a huge warehouse of a store. Just about everything in the store was VERY expensive, to the point of being ridiculously expensive. But it was in an expensive neighborhood, and we were there just to browse and gawk, to be perfectly honest....and hoping to find a good sale....which didn't happen! I was the only one who found anything to buy, & I stood in line for a LONG time, to buy this beautiful little 4 inch statue for $9.00! The pictures don't do her justice. She is so lovely, and sparkly and I just love her!! So, I have 3 in my collection now! The angel, Santa and the duck!  Ahhhh, Simple Pleasures!

Welcome & thank you to my two newest followers, numbers 142 & 143: Mya and Faith Hope CherryTea! I really cannot believe that I am nearing 150 followers! It's amazing and I'm so appreciative of each and every one of you! Thank you, thank you!!

I also wanted to mention that two of my blog buddies have contests going on right now. Lisa Ricard Claro's contest ends on Monday, November 15th, so hurry on over! And Karen Lange's contest ends at noon on Wednesday, November 17th, so you need to hurry over there, as well. If anyone else is having a contest that I forgot to blog about, please let me know! I don't want to leave anyone out. And also, don't forget that MY contest ends on Monday, November 15th, too!

Tomorrow, I really must get back into my routine of writing every day, again!! I started out so well on November 1st and it lasted for about 3 whole days. Aacckkk! Hey Joe! I need another shout-out from you about Baby Steps!! Where ya been?

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." -- Martha Washington