* 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!

* THE FUSSY LIBRARIAN *

Earlier today I wrote about a new site I found a few months ago: Carrie Ann Lahain. Whether you're an author and/or reader, you'll find many interesting book reviews and other articles. Please check it out.

~~~

Another site I stumbled across not too long ago is The Fussy Librarian. Again whether you're an author and/or reader, this site is for you! It's free to join, I highly recommend it, and will write more about it on a later post.

If you click on the link above on Saturday the 25th after about 12:00 noon CDT, my memoir should be the first or second one appearing on the page! Newsletters are e-mailed to members, and those who indicated they enjoyed reading memoirs, will be notified about mine, along with others. Only so many are highlighted per day, so it's not too overwhelming. Please take a moment to check it out!

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." - William Wordsworth

* CARRIE ANN LAHAIN - AUTHOR, READER, REVIEWER *

Looking for a good book to read? Or maybe to add to your already huge stack of "to be read" books? Keep reading and you'll find out where to read tons of reviews that might help you decide.

I don't remember how I found Carrie Ann Lahain (you know, the usual web searching, blog hopping, etc. and then I have no idea how I got there?) I love her statement at the top of her site: Because Good Writers Read!

Carrie is both a writer, a voracious reader, and sometimes gives book reviews. I'm very grateful that she agreed to read my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More. Her review is posted on Amazon, other websites, and it's highlighted today on her website here:

One of the things I really enjoyed about her review was how she "got it", how she grasped what I wrote about my relationships with my mother and my oldest sister.

Carrie stated she's slowing down on review request acceptances because she has SO many already, but you can check out her website and read the requirements.

Thank you again, Carrie, for sharing your thoughts about my memoir.

"Keep in mind that the person to write for is yourself. Tell the story that you most desperately want to read." -
Susan Isaacs

 

* WELCOME NEW FRIENDS *

I'd like to welcome three new followers! Their tastes seem quite diverse and yet they all found something about my blog they liked. That's one of the things I love about blogging.....meeting new people, making new friends. It's kind of like a game of hopscotch and sometimes I can't even remember how I landed on a particular site!

First, we have Sandi of Dandelion Tea. She just began blogging in 2014 and her "About Me" says she is: a mom, an educator, a writer, and an ice skater.

Second, we have William Snyder #167 Dad. I love what he says about himself: "I'm just a regular guy trying to feed a bunch of kids."

And third, we have Lisa from Scherer Beautiful Living. She describes herself: "I'm a mom, nature and junk enthusiast who loves her family, arts, crafts, decorating, writing, and animals." Oh, and remember when so many of us had a Play List on our blogs? Lisa has a Wikplayer, which I'd not heard of yet. Hmm, I may have to look into that because I do love my music!

I plan to get back to all three blogs tomorrow so I can learn more about them. Uh, actually, that would be later today sometime. I just realized it's after midnight in my part of the world.

~~~

 

 

I'll be highlighting another author on my blog soon. If not by the end of this week, definitely next week. Until then, please remember to read my previous post about Camille Faye. http://www.camillefaye.com/ 

 

 

 

 

Message seen on business sign:

 

"Do not read the next line of this sentence.

 

 You rebel, you!"



 

I'VE BEEN TAGGED....... BY THREE FRIENDS!

Thanks to three of my blog buddies, (two of which I know in person) I have been tagged in the Writerly Blog Chain that's been hopping around the blogosphere. Thank you so much to Pat Wahler of Critter Alley, Debora Rorvig of Whatsoever Things Are Lovely, and Sheree Nielsen of Sheree's Warm Fuzzies.

Please take a minute to stop by these three lovely ladies' blogs, because they've already answered the questions that I must now answer. They are wonderful writers: sometimes funny, sometimes thoughtful and serious-minded, and always the "real deal." I'm grateful for their friendship.  

Okay, I've been asked to answer four questions about my writing process, then tag two other writers to do the same, which I'll do at the end of this post. I'll make this as short and sweet as possible.

1) What am I working on?
     I'd love to say that I'm furiously writing the sequel to my memoir, but that's not true. I almost typed the words "because I haven't had time," but that wouldn't be true, either. What I need to say is, "I can't seem to manage my time properly!" As I've mentioned before, marketing has taken up a huge chunk of time. I've been unorganized and running in all directions. But, yesterday I seem to have gotten over a hurdle and I am focused on my direction. Marketing AND Writing.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
     I'm not sure how to answer this. I write memoir and personal essays. Readers have told me that reading my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More, makes them feel like we're friends, enjoying a cup of coffee together and discussing life. I can't think of a nicer compliment than that.

3) Why do I write what I do?
     Because it's the only way I know how to write!

4) How does your writing process work?
     I jot down memories and thoughts in notebooks, or whatever is handy, so I won't forget them within the next few minutes. It might only be a couple of words, or an entire sentence, but it will be the basis for one of the chapters in my sequel. And as I admitted in my first answer, I haven't been writing nearly as often as I should. I don't have any particular day or time or schedule. I'm a "when the mood really hits me" kind of writer. It's worked pretty well so far! J

The last step in this process is to invite two other authors to participate in the blog chain. First, I'd like to invite McGuffy Ann Morris. She's an awesome writer, a poet, an avid reader, an animal lover, and a fabulous blog friend! What's not to like?!

Secondly, I'd like to invite Bish Denham. She's another awesome writer...of children's books! Bish and I have a "karma-like, ESP-kind of" bloggy friendship!

Thanks again to my three fabulous gal pals for inviting me.

 

"A good friend is a connection to life...a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." -- Lois Wyse

Books & Writers & Blogs & Friends

Before I let another day go by without acknowledging something important......

There are many of you who have cheered me on during this long road to publication, (and I'm still not there yet!) and have also said you want to buy my memoir when it's "out." I appreciate every one of you! 

And there are many of you who have already published a book, or two, or more, that I have not purchased. I want you to know the only reason I haven't done so is a lack of funds for any "extras." But I've been saving my pennies (just kidding!) I know I'll be able to buy at least one book a month, beginning very soon. 

SO, if you're one of my published writer friends, please leave a comment or e-mail me the title(s) so I can put your book on my list of Books to Buy! 




“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” -- Gloria Steinem

Judy Blume

Less than an hour ago I happened to come across the NBC prime time show, "Rock Center with Brian Williams." Actually, The Ronald left the TV on in the family room when he went upstairs.....to watch TV in the bedroom. Go figure!

I was in the dining room writing, and since it wasn't loud enough to bother me, I didn't get up to turn it off. And I'm so glad I didn't because all of a sudden I heard something about the author Judy Blume. I stopped my writing, saved it, (of course!)...grabbed a glass of water and headed over to the couch. 

Chelsea Clinton did a wonderful job interviewing Ms. Blume. Judy celebrated her 75th birthday last month, lives part-time in Key West, Florida, and rides her bike around the island. Ahhhh, sounds delightful, doesn't it?

It's during television shows like this that I'm so glad to have the DVR with our cable system. Some of Judy's words were almost exactly the same as ones I've uttered. (Believe me, I'm NOT comparing myself to her AT ALL, in any way. I just found it so fascinating.) So...back to the DVR. I was able to listen, jot down her words, pause it, go backward and forward, and try to get the words right. Now....if I can just read my scribbles!

From Judy: "Writing changed my life. It gave me everything. It gave me courage. It made me understand more who I was.......finding my place in the world."

"I didn't know what I was doing, but I wasn't afraid to do it. I wasn't brave in real life, but I was brave in my writing....maybe because I didn't know any better."

Oh, how I can relate to all of that! Thank you, Judy Blume, for inspiring so many writers! And thank you for helping so many "tweens" make it through those awful growing up years!

Authors, Memoirs, Book Signings, Oh My!

Last night I attended a wonderful taping of a local radio program; "The Fontbonne University KMOX Charlie Brennan Book of the Month Club." (Wow, that's a mouthful, isn't it? It can be heard online and as soon as I find out when the shows will air, I'll post it here.)

I don't know how many people were in the audience, but the theater was packed. We had the pleasure of hearing about the lives of two totally different men: Kevin Killeen and John Pizzarelli.

Kevin Killeen is: a very funny guy, also has a program on KMOX 1120 AM radio in St. Louis, and has written a hilarious, charming, nostalgic memoir/novel about growing up Catholic in the 1960's. His publisher is Blank Slate Press, a St. Louis company.

Never Hug a Nun

All of his escapades take place in the idyllic St. Louis suburb, Webster Groves, Missouri.

I cannot wait to begin reading this book! Kevin was so kind and encouraging when I told him I'd just finished writing my memoir. What a neat guy! 

~~~

John Pizzarelli is: another very funny guy, has traveled the world over playing guitar for the best of the best singers and musicians. Just to name a few: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, James Taylor, and Paul McCartney. John is also a fabulous singer as is his wife, Jessica Molaskey. 

World on a String; a Musical Memoir

This, too, is another memoir I can't wait to read.

Please support your local independent book store, and if you don't have one near you, you can order from indie stores online. 

Welcome to my newest followers Knuckled 54, farawayeyes, and Encourage One Another. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see!  

"You can go other places, all right - you can live on the other side of the world, but you can't ever leave home." -- Sue Monk Kidd, The Mermaid Chair

T.K. Richardson's Blog Tour

Hello Everyone! I'm happy to host my writer friend, T.K. Richardson today. Please read all about her fabulous books and enter for her give-away!

 

Chamberton Publishing Proudly Presents

A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection!

Thank you so much for hosting me on A Golden Light Anthology's Blog Tour! I'm so glad to be here and present to all of you our brand new releases! A Golden Light Anthology 5 Book Collection has been such a special project and I'm thrilled to be able to introduce the books to all of you.

A 5 book collections means that there is a book for just about every taste, too - from science fiction and fantasy to historical fiction, a young adult anthology, a children's anthology, and our Christian anthology. All are filled with some of the most talented authors around.  I'm sure you'll agree that A Golden Light Anthology series is something special.

Without further ado - the books!

*Don't miss the giveaway at the end of this post!*

A little about the books -

Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology~

From the very first story by award winning author J.S. Dunn, to the last story in the anthology, readers will be swept away to various time periods with an array of characters - from ancient seafaring towns to the Ottoman Empire and everywhere in between. You'll find stories about World War I, The Civil War, and even a fantastic steampunk story - all wrapped up in Gaslight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Gaslight is an eclectic array of historical short stories that includes historical, historical romance, historical fantasy, and so much more!

I have to add that the authors contributing to this anthology are without a doubt some of the best writers of historical fiction out there. Yes, I may be biased, but I believe it's true. I think you'll agree, though, and once you read their stories in Gaslight I'd like to encourage you to check out their other books. You won't be disappointed.

Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology features tales of new worlds and old worlds and worlds yet to be. These stories twist and turn with adventure, intrigue, and wonder. This anthology of short stories brings science fiction and fantasy out of the shadows and into the limelight.

Authors Edward W. Robertson, John Grover, James S. Dorr, Ela Lond, Sergio Palumbo, Larissa Hinton, Jessica B. Zeidler, Katy Huth Jones, Alexandra Baker, Catriel Ceballos, Domyelle Rhyse, and Bill Blume spin tales of old and new, of fantasy or alternate realities. These stories wrap around the future, the unknown, and the fantastic. You may be surprised at where they’ll lead…

Take my hand and step into the light with Limelight: A Golden Light Anthology.

Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology features young adult stories of hope. Themes of rejection and forgiveness, of loss and triumph, of loneliness and friendships, of struggles and determination, of betrayal and overcoming, lace each story.

Authors Deborah Prum, Sarah Meira Rosenberg, T.K. Richardson, Alexandra Singer, Tucker Cummings, Lynda Lee Schab, Jason Hinz, Carmen Tudor, and Lisa Marie Lopez offer stories grounded in reality or sprinkled with fantasy, but feature main characters that face real issues – issues that are often hidden in the darkness.

Step out of the shadows and into the light with Spotlight: A Golden Light Anthology.


  

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology 

Do you remember those nights when you switched on your nightlight or flashlight and read books under the covers?

How about those memories of your mom, dad, or grandma reading your favorite story over and over again?

Yes, the sweet events of childhood that stay with us forever...

Nightlight: A Golden Light Anthology wishes to create these memories for the children of today. Filled with colorful images and stories that are both exciting and sweet, this anthology of children's bedtime stories is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Stories of fairies and wizards, of summer camp and family vacations, and stories of family and friends fill this children's book. Imagine spending that extra few minutes reading to your child right before they drift off to sleep. Or letting them read Nightlight themselves while you listen to them.

The memories you share together will last a lifetime, encourage literacy, a love of reading, and most importantly you'll set aside that special time at the end of the day - when work and play are done - to just be together.

That's how I envision children reading Nightlight and that was the intention compiling this children's anthology. The stories, and the authors contributing to this ebook, are hands down some of the very best.

I hope you'll get a copy, switch on the nightlight, and read it with your child.

Lamplight: A Golden Light Anthology is filled with stories and poems of faith. From the very first selection by author Seth D. Clarke to the final poem titled Benediction by David Andrews, this Christian anthology reaches in and touches the heart, inspires faith, and is filled with hope.

  We live in a tumultuous world. The evening news is filled with more bad than good. War, hunger, and loss seem to be the headlines and sometimes (or daily) we need that little bit of something that is good, that sees the darkness around us and shines a heavenly light on life.

And that's exactly what Lamplight does - it shines a light of faith and hope. The stories and poems in this anthology are real, are touching, are beautifully written, and fill that darkness with a ray of sunshine. They're not fluffy or preachy, but rather these stories and poems are uplifting.

The scripture that really inspired this anthology - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path."

***

We hope you'll check them out!


Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iPad, Copia,
Sony Reader, Kobo, and everywhere ebooks are sold. 

 

About Chamberton Publishing - 

Committed to excellence in book publishing, Chamberton believes the pillars of a society are founded on great literature and that each book leaves an indelible stepping stone for the future. We are currently focusing on publishing anthologies in a wide array of genres. Find our titles on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books and ebooks are sold. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of new releases!

Get to know the authors - 

For a complete list of authors in A Golden Light Anthology we invite you to visit our website. You may find even more of their books that are just right for you! 




 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reader Appreciation Award

Thank you, Margo Dill, for giving me this Reader Appreciation Award! 

The Reader Appreciation Award is given to writers who have supported other writers’ blogs. How cool is that?

~~~~~~~~

There are just a few guidelines for accepting this award:

l) Acknowledge the giver of the award and provide a link to his or her blog. √

2) Copy and paste the award to your blog. √

3) Pass the award on to up to ten bloggers. √

4) And notify the selected bloggers of their nominations. √

~~~~~~~

I haven't participated in blog awards for quite some time, only because they can be very time consuming, but I happily and graciously accept this award!

Margo is such a neat gal and I'm grateful to know her personally. It's largely because of her that I'm where I am today as a writer. She was the Conference Chair at the Missouri Writers Guild conference in 2007, my very first writers conference. It was held at the Embassy Suites in St. Charles, Missouri. Her knowledge, guidance, and fun personality immediately put me at ease, even though I felt way over my head among the large crowd. 

I'm also happy to be currently working with Margo on my memoir.☺

~~~~~~~

And now for my nominees. (Please do not feel obligated to accept and/or pass this award on to others, due to whatever reasons.)

1) Judie (Rogue Artists) Here is how Judie describes herself in her blog profile: I paint, draw, carve, throw, write, and when I am not feeling creative, I read or play golf. I also run with scissors. (*I love her sense of humor!*)

2) Val (Unbagging the Cats) Here's a little something from her profile: Interests - writing and reading funny stuff. (*which she definitely can write!*)

3) Sue (Sue's News, Views 'n Muse) Something from Sue's profile: I'm a grandma that loves to write...and a writer that loves to grandma. (*I love it that Sue and I like many of the same movies, and a few of the same writers.*)

4) Pearl (Pearl, Why You Little...) Pearl's occupation, per her profile: Cat Wrangler, Pot-Stirrer, Domestic Drudge and One Snappy Dresser. (*Pearl's writing is hilarious. I think she and "Val" should team up for a Prize Winning Comedy Writing Team.*)

5) Claudia (Claudia's Page) Claudia is a beautiful writer and a beautiful person. (*I hope to meet her in person one of these days!*)

6) Peggy (Peggy Eddleman: Will Writer for Cookies) From Peggy's info: I love happy kids even more than I love cookies, I make lists as often as I eat lunch, and I love having every light in the house on almost as much as I love writing. (*She's my kind of gal. And many times, she posts a photo of a mouth-watering cookie on her blog post!*)

~~~~~~~

I'm stopping right here, with six wonderful writer/reader/bloggers! The more I looked at the list of blogs I follow, the more I began to fret over who to choose, etc. I can pretty much guarantee that whichever blog you might decide to peek at on the Writer Blogs I follow, you'll find lovely, interesting people! (and the same goes for my other set: Other Favorite Blogs)

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." -- Sylvia Plath