WRITERLY NEWS ON A COLD, BLUSTERY NIGHT

Today, inside my nice, warm home it was a very busy, writerly kind of day and I accomplished many things. 

Outside, though, it was COLD and windy and I didn't stay out a second longer than I had to. I urged Vern to please hurry and do his thing, which he totally ignored. When we came back inside, even though I'd been bundled up really well, I was frozen. 

This called for two very important things. The first was to make a cup of Maxwell House International Latte, Pumpkin Spice! I normally drink plain ol' black coffee, but when I'm chilled to the bone, I want something special. (I'm not a huge fan of hot chocolate.) I bought this container sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I love the flavor.  

The second very important thing was a pair of gloves that I could wear and still type on my laptop keyboard! I just snipped off the fingertips of these Dollar Tree terry cloth gloves and voila...warm hands with fast-flying-fingers! 

~~~

I have so many writerly things to share and talk about, but this post is already getting a bit long. SO, I'll mention a couple of things, and continue with more in the next day or so. How does that sound?

I've been working diligently on a guest blog post which should be available to read sometime soon. I also have two interviews coming up in the next few days, as part of my Book-Blog-Tour. More info on both shortly.

~~~

St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre Writing Series

NEW! The Poet and Writer’s Pen

Jan. 23, Feb. 20, March 13, Sep. 18, Oct. 16 & Nov. 20
6:30-8:30 p.m. • $3 per session (in advance or at the door)

Attention all poets and writers! Come join us for a creative, literary and musical evening in our galleries. You don’t have to be a seasoned writer to join us. In fact, you may just want to come to listen. Each writer will be given eight minutes in which to share their original written or musical work. A sign-up will be available at the door. Since time is limited, performances will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to register, please contact the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre at 636.397.6903, ext.1624.

~~~

The above notice is for people in the St. Louis & St. Charles County, Missouri area. A couple of weeks ago when I was at the Arts Centre, I picked up a paper flyer about this event. I searched and searched online for more information, but could not find a thing. Long story short: It was the last thing listed on a web page for "Art Classes." 

There's also this from the same page:

Time for Tea and Creativity: Write it Down!
Feb. 12, 1-3 p.m.

$7 (includes cake, cookies, tea and coffee) 

Spend an enjoyable afternoon among friends learning about far away places and self-expression.

Register in advance at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre or by calling 636.397.6903, ext. 1624. 

Do you wish you could express yourself through poems, short stories, photos or essays? Or, perhaps you already do. Come to this program with an open mind and the willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with others. There will be several fun, interactive games to spark your creative genius. Please bring a photocopied photograph of a loved one (it could be you) to the tea no larger than a 5X7.

~~~

So, to all writers/bloggers in this area, here are a couple of fun and unique events that cost very little! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more Writerly News! Thank you!

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

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

It's another busy weekend at home. I'm still going through a ton of boxes, baskets, and stacks of writerly/office kind of stuff. So much paper! Before we moved, I know I went through some of the very same boxes and baskets and got rid of a lot. Now that I'm trying to make everything "fit" into the guest room/home office, I'm throwing out even more. Thank goodness I recycle!

What does that have to do with nostalgia? Some old photos are included in some of those boxes. I finally told myself I will never get this room finished if I stop and look at every one. So I skim through them and toss them all into one big box. There will be time for them later.

~~~

More instances of nostalgia.

These S&P shakers belonged to my paternal grandma. She had quite a large collection by the time she passed away many years ago. She allowed us granddaughters and other relatives to choose some at the last reunion we had in 1986. (Because of that, I began to start my own collection. I think I have about 10 or 15 pair. Nothing like my grandma had! They really are great to collect, too, because they're usually very inexpensive and don't take up a lot of space.) One of my cousins recently moved across the country and downsized considerably. She generously asked if I'd like to have the pair above of Nipper, the RCA dog and I said SURE!

Remember Nipper? I mentioned him in a blog I wrote about Vern on 10/15/2011. http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/search?q=RCA&max-results=20&by-date=true

Most of you know how much I love tea cups and tea pots. These are adorable S&P shakers! I received them yesterday from a very good and OLD friend of mine...(since grade school!) She gave them to me as a house warming gift. Wasn't that sweet? I just love them! 

And as I'm decluttering this room today, I'm also listening to the Oldies radio station. Ahhhh....memories...nostalgia...

I have other things to share but I'll wait until the next Nostalgic Sunday.

~~~

** Monday, August 12th: I've been playing around with my blog template, background, etc. After spending way too much time on it, I've "kind of" decided this ampersand one is okay...at least for now. I would like to know others' opinions. Honest ones! You can leave them in the comment section or e-mail me. (the address is on my profile page)

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

* Calls for Submissions *

Calls for Submissions to Share

Publishing Syndicate is looking for more Pets stories: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/pets.html

Also for: My First Time http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/my_first_time.html

(What the website says about this title: This book probably isn't what you think it is! There’s a first time for everything, from a first date to a first car to a first job. Embarrassing, silly, entertaining and funny stories will fill this book about everything “first.” What’s your first? Please, no sexually-explicit stories, even though first kiss stories are welcomed!)

Also for: On Family

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/family.html

Also for: On Being a Mom

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/moms.html

Also: On Dieting

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/dieting.html


It's almost midnight and I'm about to fall asleep at my laptop......

To Be Continued!

P.S. I'll be having a Give-Away next week, so please be sure and drop in!

* Procrastination & Postponement *

Due to countless things going on in my life right now, my next blog post has been postponed...until further notice! 

I really do have so much writerly information to share, but just can't find the time right now. 

Hopefully, I'll "find" the time this evening...

“I am definitely going to take a course on time management… just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” – Louis E. Boone

Writerly Advice & Calls for Submission

Two weeks ago, I met online a most amazing, writerly woman. She is very talented, funny and supportive...and I'm extremely grateful for some advice she gave me concerning my memoir. More on that at a later date.......

~~~

*Calls for Submissions for NINE books:

From Chicken Soup for the Soul

Click on the link above for complete information on each book. Surely at least one of these book titles has your name all over it! ☺

Miracles 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is July 31, 2013

Multitasking Mom's Survival Guide 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is July 31, 2013

O Canada The Wonders of Winter 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is June 15, 2013

Overcoming Challenges 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is October 31, 2013

Reboot Your Life 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is November 30, 2013

Stories about Cats 
The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013

Stories about Dogs 

The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013

The Dating Game! 

The deadline for story and poem submissions is July 15, 2013

Think Positive for Kids (Stories to be written by adults about their own childhood, or about a child they know now.)

The deadline for story and poem submissions is June 30, 2013

*Give it a try! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! If your story (or stories) are chosen, you receive a check for $200, plus 10 free books! (for each story that is accepted)

~~~

Another busy week has flown by and there's always something that still needs to be accomplished.....Hopefully, I'll have photos to share soon.




"The only way to learn to write is to write." -- Peggy Teeters 

* A Leap of Faith, Again *

I went through some of  my older blog posts yesterday, searching for just the right information to share...once again.  When I came upon this one, I decided to post it again. (It was an "I Wonder" post on March 9, 2012.) It was very meaningful to me then, as were all the wonderful comments I received, and it's very meaningful to me now as well, for very different and new reasons. (If anyone would like to read the comments on that original post, just click here)

Lately I've been thinking and wondering about Leaps of Faith. Don't you just love that phrase? Such thoughts and images come to my mind. But there is a group of images that is unsurpassed...

 

(all images courtesy Google)

I'll never forget the first time I watched Indiana Jones in The Lost Crusade take that "Leap of Faith." I held my breath, and then when I saw the "bridge" he walked across, my stomach got weak and I almost passed out because of my fear of heights! And no matter how many times I watch that scene, it effects me the same way -- -- emotionally and physically. My heart palpitates, I don't breath, my stomach does flips, and then BOOM...Indy accomplished the impossible. He believed. He HAD TO believe...and I cheer, usually out loud!

Anyone trying to achieve something of importance in their life has opportunities to take that "leap of faith," but how many of us actually do it?? Looking back, I know I've made a few of them, but they were more like "small steps of faith." (Every step in the right direction counts, though, right?) 

I'm working on the sequel to my memoir now, and will most likely need a few "leaps" along the way! 😀

 “Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.” -Margaret Shepherd

Busting Through Writer's Block

I don't remember exactly when I finally busted through my writer's block. 

*You would think I'd remember the exact day of such a momentous occasion, wouldn't you? And it hasn't really been that long ago. But, as I've mentioned before, my long-term memory is wonderful....and thank goodness, since I'm writing a memoir! But, my short-term memory...Sheesh, I don't even know half the time why I walked into or out of a certain room.*


This morning as I was getting ready for my day, it hit me. And so, you know what I did? I immediately grabbed my handy-dandy pencil and paper, jotted it down, folded it and put it in my pocket. *Yay for those simple writers' tools!* 

And so, in case I haven't already done so, I just had to share my little revelation in hopes it might help someone else:

* I realized I was writing the chapters of my memoir as if they were Chicken Soup for the Soul entries. 

* They weren't quite personal enough. 

* They didn't sound like me. 

* I know all about "Voice" in writing, and I know what mine is.

* But I also think there are various levels of that voice. 

* I needed to write more like I really talk. 

* There I was, sharing events of my life in my writing, and it just didn't sound like "me."

THAT did it. THAT was my answer. THAT was my breakthrough. 

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Yes, in hindsight it is. But that's how it happened to me. And when I finally realized it, 

I began to write! 

The words poured out of me and I felt like I'd been hit with Writer's Lightning! 

Image: Microsoft Word Clip Art

Those of you who've read my posts involving prop planes and my writing, will get a kick out of this! I can't believe there even is a Clip Art like this.

I know this is blurry, but I love this picture. See Vern's paw on his rawhide chew bone?
Awwww, isn't he adorable?? 

When my beloved, pal Vern, and I went on our walk today, I saw prop planes fly over, again, just as they always do...just for me.


"We shouldn't forget that the universe moves with us, is at our back with everything we do." -- Natalie Goldberg

* Nostalgic Sunday *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday!

Today's Nostalgic Sunday is about a writing contest presented by Matilda Butler & Kendra Bonnett at Women's Memoirs. 

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Rosie the Riveter poster, they are looking for true stories about women during WWII. You may not be able to interview any living female relatives, but hopefully you already know some details, or have other family members you can ask.

Rosie the Riveter

(courtesy: Women's Memoirs Blog)

There is no entry fee and if enough quality submissions are received an e-book will be published. Go to: http://womensmemoirs.com/memoir-writing-news/two-memoir-contests-close-new-contest-opens/ for all the details, including word count, and deadline. And please pass along this info to everyone you know who might be interested. 

(My mother's first husband was killed in WWII and I plan to submit a story about her life during that time.)

* P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment HERE for my Two-Book-Give-Away! I will choose the winner tonight at 9:00pm CDT, by random drawing. *

"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." -- Margaret Thatcher

Letters Here, Letters There, and Contests

Sometime in the past year, writer and blog friend C. Hope Clark, posted about some of the letters on her keyboard being totally worn off. If I remember correctly, she also shared photos of them. I got such a kick out of it that I sent her a few alphabet stickers to cover those keys. 


Some of the letters on my laptop keyboard have now disappeared to the point of needing replacements. Although I know what letters belong to those blank and almost-blank keys, I'd still like to be able to look down every once in a while and see them again. So, I'm borrowing Hope's concept and sharing mine....with before and after pictures. 

BEFORE

AFTER

As you can see, I use the E, A, and S keys regularly. And the A has grooves on it, from my left pinky fingernail. Weird, huh? The W and D are getting a little worn, but they're okay for now. On the right side of my keyboard, the O, N, and K are getting pretty worn, too. Interesting.....

What about you? What are the keys you see wearing off the most?? It can give us an insight into how we write. 

~~~~~

And speaking of writing...Please check out Tiny Lights - A Journal of Personal Narrative. I have an answer included in: "As a writer, what are your priorities?" Don't forget....anyone can submit an answer each month! Your award? Getting published in an online journal. Getting your name "out there."

~~~~~

 A couple of writing contests I came across:

WRITER ADVICE ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST-EVER

Scintillating Starts

A new contest from Writer Advice

 PURPOSE: To win recognition for the opening of your unpublished manuscript or to get additional perspective, depending on where you are. If your opening is shared on Writer Advice, you’ll be able to tell prospective agents, publishers, and book buyers that you were one of the winners of Writer Advice’s First Scintillating Starts Contest. 

HOW IT WORKS: Submit the opening chapter or paragraphs. Show us how you grab the reader. Entice us. Make us want to know more.

We’ll send you an insightful, practical evaluation and publish the first paragraphs of the works we believe are strongest. $250 in prize money will be divided among those published.

JUDGE(S): TBA.

DEADLINE: October 15, 2012

FEE: $20

QUESTIONS? Write to Lgood67334@comcast.net. Please send your work through Submittable, only.

Questions? Click HERE.

Note from me: I think this sounds like a great contest! What a fabulous name for it! I plan on entering.

~~~~~

1^st Annual WNBA National Writing Contest 

The Women's National Book Association

http://www.wnba-books.org/contest 

Small fees and $250 cash prize plus publication. (This was found on Writer Advice.) Click on link for complete information.

"If writers stopped writing about what happened to them, then there would be a lot of empty pages." - Elaine Liner

Naked, Drunk, and Writing

No, I'm not naked, drunk, and writing! That's the title of a book I bought recently, and I love it. It's written by Adair Lara, and also has the subtitle: Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay. 

I found it while searching on Amazon for "writerly" books on craft, and especially for writing memoir. Somewhere during my scrolling, I came across this gem. After noticing the 63 rave reviews (4-1/2 stars), and taking a peek inside (love that option), I purchased it. Adair writes in terms we can all understand, and does so with my kind of humor.

In the first chapter, she says she called it Naked, Drunk, and Writing because she likes the title and somebody at a party once remarked to her that books with "naked" in the title always sell well. And then says:  "And also because writing about yourself is like stripping down to your Bali bra in a crowd so that others can see the stretch  marks on your belly (and be assured about their own)."

This book is now my favorite in my collection of "writerly" books on craft. Right after it, in no particular order are Old Friend from Far Away by Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. In fact, Ms. Lamott wrote a blurb for the back of Adair's book: "Very savvy and smart and hugely entertaining."

I haven't read all of it yet, and it's not the kind of book someone reads through like fiction. I read a sentence or two, a paragraph or two. I underline things in pencil that I particularly love and want to remember. It has writing exercises, too. I can't say enough about this book. I'm so happy I stumbled across it.  

 *Welcome to my newest followers, Word Nerd and Kelly and Angellica Bollier I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *

"Writing is a kind of word-drunkenness that makes you want to do that -- to take off your clothes and turn your experiences into art, despite who may be watching, despite your embarrassment, despite anything the world and your own self-doubts throw against you." -- Adair Lara

A Rejection: Ouch! But I'm Okay

We interrupt this Blog Break (again!)  ~~~~~~

In December of last year, I received an e-mail stating that one of my stories had made it to the Final Selection Round for a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. I was really excited because I hadn't submitted anything to them in a couple of years. (And why had I not been sending them stories? I guess it was because of my awful writers block, self-sabotage, etc. etc.)

Below is the first paragraph of that December 2011 e-mail:

 Your story “Rocky Loses by a TKO” has made it to the final selection round for Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can't Believe My Dog Did That! Only a small percent of the submitted stories have made it this far. The vast majority of stories in this “last round” will appear in the book, but we do not make the final decisions until about a month before the publication date.

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! I signed that contract and sent it immediately, and obviously being aware I wouldn't know for sure if my story would make it into the book or not, I still had confidence. I thought of so many ways to spend that $200! The other times that I'd made it this far, my story was selected.

Well.....not this time. I received this e-mail today:


I am sorry, I just received the final TOC (Table of Contents) from our editor and unfortunately your story was not selected.

And of course, my initial reaction was WHAT? Huh? How can this be?


But for the first time, my surprise, hurt, and disappointment only lasted mere seconds. And I truly believe it's because I'm doing so well with my memoir! Thank goodness for that, or I may have moped around for too long!  I've had my writing rejected before, several times, but that happens to ALL writers, and I always say it's like that slogan for the state lottery: "You can't win, if you don't play."


So, the reason for this blog post is to advise all writers, artists, photographers, etc. to keep on submitting! Don't let a couple of rejections knock you down. Keep on, keepin' on!

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

"I think that you have to believe in your destiny; that you will succeed, you will meet a lot of rejection and it is not always a straight path, there will be detours – so enjoy the view." – Michael York, actor

* Merry Go Round *

I've been on a self-propelled Merry Go Round for quite some time. Pushing and striving to accomplish all the things that are important to me as I go faster and faster without really getting anywhere.....just going around in circles.

Writing my memoir is THE most important thing in my life right now. Add to that blogging and my blog friends, my family and writer friends, handwriting letters, reading as much as I can, entering writing and photography contests & calls for submissions, attending writerly functions, trying to keep up with e-mails, etc.

I'm not complaining, really I'm not. I love being busy, but I'm not talented enough to successfully do everything, so what I've been doing is lots of things inadequately. I feel badly that I haven't kept up with reading everyone's blogs, and/or leaving comments. And I haven't even kept up with thanking everyone for the comments left for me.

(photo: courtesy Google)

So, I'm taking another Blog Break to concentrate on my book. I plan on posting Nostalgic Sundays as often as I can, because those will fit right in with my memoir. And if I come up with something that I feel is important to mention on my blog....I definitely will.

Thanks for your understanding, and I truly hope everyone won't forget about  me! (I will keep in touch by e-mail, too!)



"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja-vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." Steven Wright

* Lynn Goodwin - Part 2 *

Welcome back to Part 2 of Lynn Goodwin's questions and answers blog post! Yesterday, we had questions 1 through 4. Today we'll finish with questions 5 through 9. Don't forget to leave a comment or ask Lynn a question, either on this post or yesterday's, to be eligible for the book give-away. *And if you leave a comment on both blog posts, you'll be entered twice.*

* I forgot to mention when the drawing will be. I'll take comments until midnight CDT, today, 3/27/12. Winner will be announced tomorrow. *

5)     5) I noticed your Brag Board and Announcements. I’m sure many of my readers would love to have some of their accomplishments listed there.

I agree. Send them to me. The address is on the website, and accomplishments are posted for 90 days. Send your friends in to see them.

6-A) Do you still need some volunteers for your site?

      Absolutely. We need volunteers to write both book and website reviews, to clean up and expand the Resources page, and always, always, we need people to help us publicize the e-zine. Send me a letter of interest that includes a bit about your writing and publicity background and a resume.

  

6-    6-B) Any paid positions available?

There are no paid positions at this time, but sometimes good volunteers work their way into paid positions, if they are reliable, meet deadlines, and have a unique voice that does not require much editing.
 

7)     7) You offer manuscript consultation. Do you prefer reading/editing a certain genre?

I'm happy to read and respond to almost anything including long and short fiction, creative non-fiction, memoir, articles, blog posts, academic papers, college application essays, and even poetry unless it's obscure. To determine whether the writer and I are a match, I read a short sample at no charge. Find out what we offer at: http://www.writeradvice.com/manuscriptconsultation.html. Questions? Please ask. My address is in the middle of the page. 
 

8)    8) It looks like you also accept book reviews. Tell us about that.

I'm always looking for good reviewers. I have lots of books sent from Random House and its subsidiaries. A Random House Book Rep, who gave presentations for Project Second Chance, the Contra Costa County Library's Adult Literacy Program, recommended me as a reviewer and years later I'm still getting and using books, but they send me more than I can ever read, so I'm happy to pass some on to others who want to review for Writer Advice. If a reviewer has recently read a book she likes, and it's not more than three years old, I'm happy to look at that as well.

Reviews run approximately 250 words, are balanced but lean towards positive comments, and should give us a sense of why the reviewer recommends a particular book. Read some samples by clicking on Hooked on Books. Query before submitting.

My address is not in the book reviews themselves, but you can find it in the ads column on the left. If you'd like to advertise your own book or writing service, we offer very reasonable rates. Please ask.

 

9)    9) You were a judge for Tiny Lights – what year, and which contest?

  Lynn: I think I judged for Tiny Lights in 2007. I remember reading some wonderful pieces.

  Becky: I'm curious because I’m one of Susan Bono’s regular Searchlights & Signal Flares contributors.
   
   Lynn: I've probably read something you've written there, though I haven't received anything from Susan for a while. If you think we might like to rerun one of your pieces on the Writing Advice page, please let me know.

  

Thanks so much for asking these questions, Becky.

If you're reading this, I hope you'll check us out at www.writeradvice.com. Enter the contest if it appeals. Consider reviewing either a book or a writing-related website for us. Consider using your public relations skills to bring us a wider audience. You never know where volunteer opportunities will lead, so let's find out if we want to work together.

Thank you again, Lynn, for being such a wonderful guest! I've learned a lot from you and also plan on submitting to your contest and brag boards, etc.

"Keep reading, writing, revising, and sharing. No one has your voice but you." - Lynn Goodwin

* Lynn Goodwin - Writers Advice *

I'm delighted to introduce Lynn Goodwin, author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers. Lynn also runs Writer Advice which is just bursting with information!

Today, I'm posting the first half of my interview with Lynn, and the second will follow tomorrow. I'm sure you'll enjoy everything she has to share with us.

~~~~

1) Welcome Lynn! First and foremost, because of the April 18th deadline, please tell us about your current Flash Prose Contest.

Thanks for asking, Becky. This is the seventh year Writer Advice is running a Flash Prose Contest. I decided to call it Flash Prose after realizing that there are many compelling memoirs that read like fiction, and their authors have as much chance of winning as those who send compelling prose. 

We're searching for flash fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction that grabs, surprises, and mesmerizes readers in 750 words or less. If you have a story or memoir with a strong theme, sharp images, a solid structure, and an unexpected discovery, please submit it to the WriterAdvice Flash Prose Contest. Complete details are at www.writeradvice.com. The judges will be former winners, and you can read their winning stories by clicking on Archives. 

If you have any questions before submitting, please e-mail me. My address is in the last paragraph of the announcement about the contest at www.writeradvice.com. Can't find it? Write directly at Lgood67334@comcast.net. 

       2) What are some of your favorite “writerly” websites, besides your own, of course! (I noticed you have some listed on your website.)

As you noted, we have lots of resources listed on the website. It's been a couple of years since I've checked all the sites to make sure they work. In addition, I've reviewed many I like on Website Reviews, http://www.writeradvice.com/websitereviews.html.

Truthfully, my favorites vary depending on my needs. I like the interaction available at Story Circle Network, http://www.storycircle.org/index.php, and WOW! Women on Writing, http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/. Both cater to women telling their stories, and so does The National Association of Memoir Writers, www.namw.org/. 

Obviously I'm interested in memoir, personal writing, and life stories. I like the outreach at Red Room, www.redroom.com. 

I wrote about Book Slut, http://www.bookslut.com/, quite a while ago, and I'm delighted to see they're still in operation. I used to be a huge fan of Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/ , but lately I haven't had time to visit much even though I greatly respect all the reviewing they encourage. I also like IndieBound, http://www.indiebound.org/, though we have not reviewed it yet. 

More faves, for varying reasons: HARO, www.helpareporter.com/, Media Bistro, http://www.mediabistro.com/, and The Writer's Almanac, http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/. So many websites, so little time. No wonder I don't get more writing done.

3) What are some of your favorite books on craft? Favorite memoirs?

I love Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, because she helps writers find their voice. Pat Schneider also helps both writers and writing teachers find and enhance their voices in Writing Alone and With Others. Annie Lamott's Bird by Bird is a classic that crosses the lines between writing and memoir. Ditto for Natalie Goldberg's Wild Mind. There are more, of course, but I'm sticking to "some."

Caroline Kraus's Borderlines is a memoir that I can't forget along with Kelly Corrigan's The Middle Place. For a treat read Rachel Sarah's Single Mom Seeking, Veronica Chater's Waiting for the Apocalypse, Sybil Lockhart's Mother in the Middle, and Kathy Briccetti's Blood Strangers. Whenever I interview an author, I feel like I get inside information and I care more about the book because of it.

      4-A) How long have you been writing?

I've written intermittently since Mr. Stewart had us write a story a week in sixth grade. I became obsessed with journaling when my mother was in the last years of her life and needed my help. Journaling saved my sanity then. I decided to share the process with others in a book called You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers. It's a valuable resource. Copies available on Amazon.  

 

      4-B) Did you grow up loving books?

I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, Mickey Mouse Club magazines, Stranger than Science, Nancy Drew (a forbidden pleasure), and anything in our 19-volume 1957 World Book Encyclopedia.

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Thank you so much, Lynn! You've provided so many wonderful sites and other important information. We'll all look forward to Part 2 of the Q&A tomorrow, which will be questions 5 through 9.  

* There's also a book give-away! To enter all you have to do is leave a comment about this interview, or ask Lynn a question. You can do that here, or in tomorrow's Part 2 comments, or both. Two Comments DO give you Two chances. No other rules! * So, please come back tomorrow. *

A quote from Lynn, regarding her manuscript consultations:

"I tell you WHAT I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT. This often opens doors for writers. I plant seeds, you nurture them, and your writing blossoms." - Lynn Goodwin