** It's Tuesday & I'm Confused! **

As usual, when a holiday lands on a Monday, I'm really messed up the rest of the week. I'm sure that happens to many people, but I just thought I'd throw that little tidbit in, to begin this evening's post.....which is going to be a short one. (I totally forgot about Tea Cup Tuesday, but at least I remembered Coffee & Critique today!)

I didn't get much sleep last night, but not because of any aches, pains or Tiger issues! No, it was because after reading and commenting on blogs, replying to e-mails, and writing some in my book, my mind wasn't ready to shut down. I kept thinking about some of the things I'd just finished writing in my book and what the next few chapters will be, and what photos I want to include, etc.etc. It's hard to hang that "Be Back Tomorrow" sign when I'm not really ready to quit. The mind was willing, but the body wasn't!

One more thing: I stopped by our local Big Lots today. I hadn't been there in years, but I keep reading about all the wonderful decorating items some of my blog buddies find there....And find things, I did. Cha-ching! But, gosh, how could I pass up such fabulous bargains?! My most exciting "find" was the six hardcover books I bought that were only $3.00 each! I'll list them tomorrow and am considering maybe using one or more of them for my September Contest! Bet'cha thought I forgot about that, huh?!

Nighty Night Y'all. I'm going to bed early tonight, so I can begin to read one of my fabulous finds!

(photo courtesy capitolhillbooks - NOT my bath room, OR Big Lots!)

"Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say." ~ Sharon O'Brien

** Sunday Night Ponderings **

It's been a very restful weekend so far, and that's my favorite kind. The Ronald and I are not big on going out and partying. Our idea of a great time is staying home, watching TV, and/or reading, while we lounge in the family room! Today, we actually did go to Margaret Norton's book signing that I mentioned previously. It was nice to meet her in person and talk for awhile. I bought her book, of course, and can't wait to get into it. (I began to read the PDF file I received last month and it was really good, but I just can't sit and read A BOOK on a computer screen! I want to hold the book in my hands, turn the pages, smell the paper, lie in bed, etc.!)

Which brings me to my philosophical question of the day: How will book signings be handled in the future, when everything is an e-book?????

Speaking of books, have I mentioned that I've really been in THE ZONE lately, in regard to my writing?? I'd been told about THE ZONE by a few writer friends, but never quite "got it" until I "had it"! Wow! All I can say is, it's like having magical fingers, typing fabulous stories and dialogue, while the hours fly by!

Speaking of THE ZONE, I think I've discovered something else that "works" for me. When I'm here in my office, writing in my book, I light a new jar candle I recently bought at Hobby Lobby. It's Harvest Home, Autumn Collection, Cinnamon. I can't even see it, either, because it's behind me, but somehow I believe that candle is helping me. Hey, whatever works, right? 

And, finally....one more note about candles: Yankee Candle is having their Labor Day Sale, which I assume lasts through tomorrow. I stopped by the store at my local mall today, because I had a coupon I'd received in the mail a long time ago. It was save $10.00 on a purchase of $25.00 or more. Now, that's a good coupon! They had various jar candles and other items on sale, plus all the votives and tarts were on sale for $1.00 each. So, I kind of stocked up on those, too. I normally like tea-lights much better....not as much clean-up, but for the price, I decided it was worth it.

I love scented candles. I seem to write well while burning candles. Two wonderful reasons to buy them, especially when they're on sale, and/or I have a coupon!

"My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light!"  -- Edna St. Vincent Millay

** Writing Updates **

Last night my husband Ron (to be known from here on as: The Ronald.....as in "The Donald") and I went to a fellow writer's book signing. It looked like he had a really great time, plus sold quite a few books! That is just one of the benefits of belonging to a great writers group.....We all support each other. We cheer each other on. We buy each others' books. I feel so fortunate to be a part of Saturday Writers. I feel I truly belong there. It's the right fit for me. If you belong to a writers group and you don't feel that way, maybe try a different one, or start your own! Having camaraderie is so important.

This Sunday, I'm going to attend another book signing. It's at Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar in O'Fallon, Missouri (for those of you that live nearby). Margaret Norton will be there to sign her book When Ties Break. Some of you may remember I held a blog interview with Margaret last month. Her book is a heart-wrenching memoir. Here's Margaret's full schedule for this weekend:
Wired Coffee in Sunset Hills is Saturday from 10 to 12 noon
Main Street Books in St. Charles is Saturday from 1 to 3
Rendezvous Cafe in O'Fallon is on Sunday from 11 to 1

My newest essay at Tiny Lights is now online. Look on the left side bar and click on Lights Online, Searchlights & Signal Flares. Then click on Latest Question: When an unexpected memory comes calling, who answers? (8/15/10) Every month, editor (and all around fabulous person) Susan Bono posts a thoughtful question, and any and all of you may submit your answer. Even though, it's not a paying publication, I say.....Hey, it's a publication! And it's online for thousands (millions!) of people to read! You never know where one connection will lead. Sure, I totally agree about not "giving away" your work, but I believe that in some cases, networking and marketing can add up to lots of dollars in your writing future!

Here's a cool contest I found, from Gotham Writers' Workshop. "Hint Fiction: a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story." There is NO ENTRY FEE and a few different prizes, one of which is $100.00. Entry deadline is: October 11, 2010. Put that thinking/writing cap on and enter!

One more contest. This is from Women's Memoirs. There is no entry fee and "The winner of our KitchenScraps Holiday Contest will receive one of these special Thai Silk Writer’s Journals." (click on link to see) This site is one of those I can just get lost in for hours, going from one great link to another....so, beware! ☺

"Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along." -- Hugh Allen

** Contests & Give-Aways **

No, I'm not talking about my upcoming September Contest. (Fooled ya for a minute, though, didn't I?!)

I wanted to share the darling items I won last month from Linda at A La Carte. It was one of those randome drawings and I just happened to be the lucky winner! Linda is a sweetheart and has a beautiful blog! She drove to and participated in The World's Longest Yard Sale, and spent some of her own money to buy me some darling goodies while she was there! I didn't know what I was going to receive until I opened the box. It was like Christmas!! What fun! I hope I took photos of everything....and if I missed something, Linda, please forgive me!

Two of the items are the adorable milk-glass hen, and the pink & green doilie. They look so cute on my mantel!

This angle shows the hen and doilie again, plus another lovely milk-glass bowl at the other end.

I know it's time to change my decor from spring/summer to fall, but I just had to put these out right away and they looked so cute there.

Ahh, and how about this beautiful tea cup?! The picture doesn't really do it justice, either. My camera is just about ready for the recycle bin, I think! But, isn't this pretty?? It'll definitely be highlighted on a Tea Cup Tuesday, if I ever get back to those again!

This picture shows the tea cup, a darling white tea bag holder, with a new package of tea, a burgundy placemat and a green/white/lavendor placemat. (All from Linda!)

This is an adorable "Mini Kirbee". He's about 2 inches tall! He's hanging on my bulletin board over my desk, to help give me inspiration! (To learn more about "Larger Kirbee", go to Linda's blog!)

And last but not least.....here's little Bunny Wabbit, who sits on a decorated box of pens and paper, and watches over me. She also gives me inspiration to write!! (She's a little blurry, because she was so excited about getting her picture taken, she could barely sit still!)

Thank you, Linda A La Carte, once more, for taking the time to shop, and wrap and mail all these lovely things. They are all so special to me!!

** One more NOTE about give-aways. Please take a moment to visit Nancy's Notes. Nancy was my "100th Follower" and so I sent her a little gift. In one of her previous posts, she wrote about loving and collecting cookbooks; how she enjoys going through them and reading them, etc. I AM THE SAME WAY! SO, I thought a unique cookbook would be a nice "prize" for her.

"Plant a seed of friendship, reap a bouquet of happiness." -- Lois L. Kaufman

** CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL **

Chicken Soup for the Soul; New Call Outs 

O Canada ;101 Stories Celebrating The Country and the People

If you are Canadian,*SEE BELOW* we are looking for stories from you! This book, scheduled for publication in the fall of 2011, will be written by and for Canadians. Chicken Soup for the Soul is very popular in Canada and it is once again time for a Chicken Soup for the Soul book by Canadians for Canadians.

Send us your inspirational, humorous, or heartwarming stories. They don't have to specifically be about Canada -- they just have to be Chicken Soup for the Soul stories that take place in Canada or are written by Canadians. If you are not Canadian but you have a great story that took place in Canada (examples would be American college student at McGill, stranded travelers in Newfoundland on 9/11, great vacation stories) that is fine too.

Your stories or poems need to be true and about your personal experiences or those of someone close to you. We prefer stories written in the first person and no more than 1,200 words. This book will be published in English so please submit stories in English. Stories should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major publications.

Here are some suggested topics, but we know you can think of many more:

Hockey

Growing up in Canada

Living and working in Canada

Moving back and forth between Canada and other countries

Food and culture of Canada

Holidays unique to Canada

Hockey

Parenting in Canada

Being a teenager in Canada

Vacations: Traveling in and around Canada

Olympic Adventures

Curling

Hockey

Any inspirational Chicken Soup story on any topic as long as it is *WRITTEN BY A CANADIAN OR TAKES PLACE IN CANADA*

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 US $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.

SUBMISSIONS GO TO Chicken Soup for the Soul
Select the Submit Your Story link on the left tool bar and follow the directions.

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 30, 2011.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The website also shows other books accepting submissions:

Brides and Weddings

You are engaged! How lucky you are to have found that one person you want to share the rest of your life with. We are looking for stories about this very special experience in your life. From the proposal, to the planning, to actual wedding day events – both touching and hilarious - these stories will capture your heart and your emotions. Stories from the groom or the proud parents would be great too! Please share the memories that were created during this special time in your life. The deadline date for story submissions is April 30, 2011.


Devotional Stories for Times of Trouble
Life has always been filled with trials, including illness, job loss, grief, addictions, and much more. God never promised that our earthly lives would be without difficulties, but he assured us that he will always be with us to share our burdens. If you have a brief true story (up to 500 words) that shows God’s presence during a time of trouble, please share it along with an applicable Bible verse and a 2-3 sentence prayer. You will receive $100 for each published devotion. ($100 due to the shorter word count than our regular books.) The deadline date for submissions is February 28, 2011.


Marriage and Married Life
Whether you are newly married or have been married for years and years, the stories in this book will capture your imagination, inspire you, make you laugh and touch your heart. We are looking for stories that will celebrate the commitment two people make when they say their vows. Tell us about your relationship. What makes it work? How did the comfort of your mate guide you through challenging times? What is the most important thing in your relationship? How did you try to change your mate? Did it work?! The deadline date for story submissions is May 30, 2011.



Mothers and Daughters
Mothers and daughters… they are, at the same time, very similar and also completely unique. Mothers show daughters who they will become. Daughters live out mothers’ dreams. Through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between, this relationship can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2010. This title will not publish until 2012.

Preteens
The preteen years – those years from nine to twelve can be rough from both a physical and emotional perspective. You are not a kid anymore but you are not yet a teen. There are so many issues to deal with and sometimes it feels like you are all alone. You are not! The stories in this book – almost all of them written by preteens just like you – will prove that to you. We are looking for stories that will inspire you, make you laugh, make you think and let you know that life is not as bad as it might seem. The deadline date for story submissions is October 31, 2010.

Teens
A completely new book on one of our most requested topics – TEENS. The stories in this book, written almost entirely by teens, will be stories that you will want to read again and again. They will serve as your guide on topics such as the daily pressures of life, love, school, friendships, parents and much more. We are looking for stories that will encourage you, inspire you, make you laugh, make you cry and show you that, as tough as things can get, you are not alone. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2010.


Young at Heart
So, you’ve crossed that magic age and you are ready to retire or start a second career. But you’re not ready to stop living! You feel energetic and young and there is still so much to see and do and enjoy. We are looking for stories that will share with our readers humorous and fun adventures from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your new careers, your volunteer work, your sports and sports cars, your new love interest, your travels, your families and all of those things you always wanted to do that you are finally doing now that you have the time. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2010.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, all you writers out there!! Here is your biggest and best chance to be published in books that are known world-wide! You get a nice check, plus free books, and you're a published author! Sharpen up those pencils, recharge those batteries....(both in your computers AND yourself!)....and get writing! No Excuses!
Let's keep track and see how many of us will get at least one story submitted! E-mail me or leave a comment on this post, after you've sent one in!

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection."  - Anais Nin

** Another Month Bites the Dust **

It occurred to me today, that I haven't had my August Contest yet!! Hey, Miss Cathy C....where are you when I need you to help remind me??!! I haven't even thought about what kind of contest to have, or my prizes....So...we'll just skip a month and I'll have a September Contest! I'll post about that in a day or two. (IF I can remember!)

(courtesy: irvinehousingblog)

I, for one, am thrilled to welcome the month of September! Fall is my favorite season and I cannot wait for cool, crisp days and nights....leaves turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. Of course, here in the St. Louis area, we can still have hot and humid days right into October, with cooler temps tossed in for a tease. However it happens, I'm ready for it.

“My favorite poem is the one that starts 'Thirty days hath September' because it actually tells you something.” -- Groucho Marx                                               

* Sunday Night News *

I've had a really great weekend, and hope all of you have, too! (I have other topics I also wanted to write about tonight, but I'll save those for another time. One is about my daughters-in-law. One is about the lovely treasures I received from Linda at Ala Carte, and another is about the little gift I sent to Nancy of Nancy's Notes, for being my 100th Follower!)


Yesterday was another fun and interesting Saturday Writers meeting. Our speaker was Sylvia Forbes, who besides being an award winning freelance writer (of over 600 publications!), is also the publisher of Snowflake Press, which publishes the wonderful Bylines Calendar every year. If you're not familiar with it: Bylines Writer’s Desk Calendar includes essays on writing and a variety of helpful tools for writers, too many to mention!

(courtesy Bylines website. The 2010 cover is a replica of Will Rogers' desk.)

I know a couple of my blog writer friends have been highlighted in past issues! Check out the Bylines website, because Sylvia said she is now accepting essays for the 2012 calendar. She will be announcing sometime very soon, the writers who've been chosen for the 2011 calendar.....I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one! ☺
During her presentation, Sylvia gave great advice and tips on how to get into the various freelance markets. There are thousands of magazines, for one thing, that most of us would not even think of. I took a large page full of notes and hope to venture into that....someday!

I am SO happy and proud to announce that today I wrote almost 2000 words in my book!! And, the night is not over, so the number I end up with, will most likely be over 2000! I have to say that most of it has to do with everyone's supportive comments from today, and most especially from Sioux, who said "We're all cheering you on. Remember one of the most important pieces of writing advice: BIC (Butt in Chair). Park your rump at your desk and get writing!"  Well Sioux, I took your advice, and by golly it worked!

Thanks again to all of you. I couldn't do it without the support and camaraderie of my friends and family. Thank you Sylvia for your kindness and encouragement. Thank you Lou Turner, from High Hill Press, my publisher and awesome cheerleader. I'm going to make it, because of all of you!

And to borrow a quote by the late, great Mr. Will Rogers (taken directly from Bylines Calendar!).....I thought this was THE perfect quote to end this post:

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." -- Will Rogers

I'M READY TO MARKET MY BOOK....NOW I JUST NEED TO FINISH IT!

I'm so pumped up about marketing my book, and I'm not even finished writing it yet! I have all kinds of things "semi" lined up for when the books are stacked up and ready to sell. Of course, I've talked to various local places about book signings, and will be contacting out of town and out of state venues next. I also have other ideas up my sleeve that I'll share at a later date!

Recently I received an e-mail from Vista Prints stating they had numerous FREE products. A few months ago I ordered return address labels from them that are very nice, so I checked out their website again. I couldn't wait to share all these fantastic personalized items I bought for practically nothing!

Okay, this baseball cap was not free, but I just had to have it!

I ordered it personalized with my first & last name, the name of my book, and the image of a stack of books. I plan on wearing it at my book signings, and maybe even in my car as I drive cross country!

I also ordered these new business cards. They have one image on the front and a coordinating one on the back. They were FREE for 250 cards!

I also ordered the (72)  personalized round stickers which I'll put on the outside of any book I sign.

And lastly my order also included 140 return address labels with a similar book image.

I got all of the above: personalized baseball cap, address labels, business cards and autograph stickers, for $33.72. The business cards and shipping were FREE! Every item is very nice quality. I was really impressed with the baseball cap.

As I've mentioned before when I "promote" a website, or writer, or any product, I am not getting paid one cent for this. It's just my opinion and I want to share good things with all my blog buddies!

Also, they have hundreds of images to choose from or you can upload your own. Oh, one more thing. I ordered this online on August 25th. I received everything today, August 28th. How's that for service?

Okay, it's back to my book. Otherwise none of this stuff is going to do me any good, is it?!

"You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want." --Margaret Young