* Well, I Guess I CAN Write Fiction *

Thank you to blog friend, real-life-in-person friend, writer, and humorist: Sioux...for bestowing this award upon me. I must tell 4 truths and 1 lie about myself and you, dear readers, can guess which one is the lie. I've been fretting over this ever since I received this prestigious honor, for several reasons. One is the fact that I've shared so many things about my life, I'm having a difficult time coming up with things that aren't already known. The other problem is that I always say I can't write fiction, although I have been able to do fairly well on micro and flash fiction stories. So, here goes. Four Truths and One Lie:      
                                                       

1)  When I was 12 years old, I rode a Greyhound bus by myself from St. Louis to Columbus, Ohio for a vacation with relatives. On the trip back home, I was so busy browsing in a stop-over gift shop that I missed my bus. When I finally realized what happened, I cried and cried. I had to wait for the next bus going my way, and got home four hours later than scheduled.

2)  When I was 5 or 6, I was molested by a pediatric dentist. * I feel the need to say I didn't mean a sexual molestation....It was more of a physical abuse. Sorry if I mislead anyone.* (added at 9:06pm & 10:30pm)

3)  When I was 10, an old neighbor lady accused me of stealing something from her stove.

4)  I was on various bowling leagues for many years, and I bowled a perfect game (300) once.

5)  I caught a 5 foot long barracuda, when fishing in the Florida Keys.

I'm also supposed to pass this award along to other blog friends, but you know what? I really can't do that! I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and/or award it to someone who doesn't care to participate. SO, if anyone else wants to join in.....please do! Just leave a comment here, so we'll know where you find you.

I'm also supposed to post a photo of myself blogging....that will appear later.....!

"What is a friend? I will tell you...it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself." -- Frank Cane

All Things Writerly

On Sunday's post, I mentioned attending a writers workshop the day before. One of the best tips I came home with was to find a Writing Buddy, someone who would help me stay motivated, on track and keep me accountable. I asked my good friend Sioux if she would do that for me and fortunately she said yes. I won't go into all the particulars yet, because we just started, but I can tell you that it has already helped my immensely! (And no, despite rumors you may have heard, she didn't threaten to take away all my diet soda, hand lotion or chapstick if I didn't reach my daily goals!) Another bonus of that afternoon was meeting three new writers, which reminds me, I need to e-mail those lovely women.

(photo courtesy: google)

A few days ago, I asked one of my male writer buddies to critique one of my memoir chapters. All I can say is "Wow." Having other people....who you trust, and who aren't your family members....read your work and then say what they liked and didn't like, plus offer suggestions and ideas....It's THE BEST!

Monday night, our writing group Saturday Writers, hosted its first "Meet & Greet." Usually we members only get together once a month, which is at our meeting and is more of a class room atmosphere. It was great to just talk with other members and find out what's going on with them, etc.

Which brings me to a post I want to share with everyone, written by blog buddy Paul Joseph. This is SO true and funny and insightful and semi-sad and, did I say "SO TRUE"? This is why I LOVE to hang out with writer friends, and realizing that it doesn't matter what age we are, whether we're male or female, what genre we write...."we are writers"....and we "get each other"!! Happy, happy. Joy, joy! You keep on keepin' on, Paul Joseph! You are one cool guy!

** Oops. I forgot to say Hello & Welcome my newest follower: Thisisme! Thank for your wonderful comment. I'm happy to hear you love the quotes...as you can tell, I LOVE quotes! I hope you always enjoy your visits! ** (added at 11:25pm)


"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day that your life really begins." -- Bob Moawad

** Saturday Writers - Part Two **

Steve explained his reasons for writing Megan's story the way he did. He didn't want it to be the typical "Who, What, Where, When, Why & How" kind of newspaper article. He began it with the happy words Megan said to her mom about a new boy who was nice to her on My Space. His title did not include any words about suicide the way the online version does. I apologize for not remembering the title in the print version Steve brought with him. I should've written it down. He also spoke about his decision to not print the name of the neighbor who was involved in this horrible tragedy. She had a daughter Megan's age, who was once Megan's good friend, and he didn't want his article to possibly cause her to end her life, too.

There are several reasons why I enjoyed Steve's presentation. One, I haven't heard a newspaper journalist speak since I attended my first Missouri Writers Guild Conference in April of 2007. I find it so interesting to hear the ins and outs of writing columns for a paper, which is obviously much different than writing a book.
I enjoyed learning of his integrity, especially in today's world of Junk Journalism and the sick delight some people feel when they read about others' troubles. Thank you, Steve. It was a pleasure meeting you.

My buddy Sioux Roslawski agreed to be VP of Saturday Writers.

Yay, and thank you! (By the way, I'm the short one!)

(Boy, do I look like my mother in this picture! Scary!)

I won this awesome basket of chocolate goodies at the raffle.

I squealed and ran up to receive my prize as if I was on The Price is Right.

I didn't think to photograph it before I ripped off the pretty cellophane wrap!

Uh...I think there's a couple of things missing, too.

It was donated by the amazing Barb Hodges complete with one of Barb's poems!

Speaking of amazing Barb, she presented me with a little gift bag yesterday, which held these two adorable tea cups sets and Afternoon Tea book! What a sweet woman! I asked her why she was giving me a gift, and she said, "Just because". She went on to say how much she enjoys seeing the tea cups I post on my blog from time to time. Whenever I see her, she is a joyful, blissful woman. Thank you, Barb!

One more thing...Lou Turner of High Hill Press, worked night and day to get some brand new Cuivre River Anthology, Volume V books to our meeting. Isn't the cover beautiful? And look how nicely it blends in with my blue and white table lamp and blue mouse! Pat Wahler, Sioux Roslawski, Donna Volkenannt, Lou Turner and I all have a story or poem in it. I'd be happy to get their signatures, if anyone would like to buy a book or two. They'd make nice Christmas gifts! hint...hint

There are many other writers's stories, obviously, but these are the ones who have blogs or a website that you may be familiar with. The books are $16.95 and I will ship them anywhere in the US at no charge, to anyone who buys them from me. What a deal! A book with many autographs, and shipped free!

And I'll be happy to get as many signatures as I can, if someone would prefer that.

If you are interested, contact me at: Writergal53@aol.com.


P.S. I'll post my terrible poem at a later date. I don't want THAT to be what sticks in your mind, when you think about buying a book which contains a story of mine!

“To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.” -- Andre Gide